Ex-PNP chief Torre named MMDA general manager
Ex-PNP chief Torre named MMDA general managerMANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III has been named general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed yesterday that President Marcos has appointed Torre to the post. “The MMDA expresses its full support to the decision of President Marcos Jr. in his trust for Gen. Torre, whose extensive experience in public service and law enforcement is expected to further strengthen the MMDA’s mandate in traffic management and public safety, among others, across Metro Manila,” said the agency in a statement. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said Torre’s “welcome addition” to the agency would be a “big help.”The agency also vowed to “remain committed to continuing its mission of ensuring safe, efficient and orderly mobility and development in Metro Manila with the appointment of General Torre.” — Helen Flores
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 20:45 UTC
US suspends green card lottery after Brown, MIT professor shootings
Photo by BING GUAN / AFP A Salem Police Department cruiser is parked outside the storage facility where the suspect behind the mass shooting at Brown University was found dead, in Salem, New Hampshire, on December 19, 2025.
Source:The Standard
December 19, 2025 19:21 UTC
Epstein files due as US confronts long-delayed reckoning
Photo by - / HOUSE OVERSIGHT DEMOCRATS / AFP This undated and unlocated handout image released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on December 18, 2025 shows late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (R) cooking with CEO of DP World Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.
Source:The Standard
December 19, 2025 19:21 UTC
Same old
For most, what has been approved at the bicameral committee is the same old corruption-prone budget. We were promised a cleaner national budget, but those responsible for drafting it did not put in enough work. The national budget is a huge document and it is not easy to run a fine comb through it. One expensive piece of equipment sent out by the mining company upon the request of local officials was a wheel excavator. Employees of the mining company, meanwhile, were subjected to an endless stream of threats, coercion and intimidation.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:40 UTC
ICC medical team finds Duterte fit for proceedings
ICC medical team finds Duterte fit for proceedingsFormer Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seen on a screen with his lawyer Salvador Medialdea (L) in the courtroom during his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charge of crimes against humanity over his deadly crackdown on narcotics, in The Hague on March 14, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The independent panel of medical experts appointed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to examine former president Rodrigo Duterte has found him fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, including the postponed confirmation of charges hearings, court filings showed. He also called for the resumption of the proceedings on the confirmation of charges against the former president. Before rendering a decision on the matter, the Pre-Trial Chamber must seek further clarification,” Kaufman said in his 12-page observation. Kaufman requested for an “evidentiary hearing” to allow parties to clarify the conclusions of the experts.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:35 UTC
IC orders insurers to report DPWH infra bonds
IC orders insurers to report DPWH infra bondsIn a circular, the insurance regulator said that submissions should provide comprehensive information on the infrastructure bonds of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) including their current status and project identifiers. In a circular, the insurance regulator said that submissions should provide comprehensive information on the infrastructure bonds of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) including their current status and project identifiers. Last October, the DPWH and the IC signed an agreement to fast-track claims of performance and surety bonds in relation to anomalous flood control projects. “The report shall include the details of issued bonds required by or in favor of government agencies, instrumentalities, judicial authorities and government-owned and controlled corporations,” the circular read. The commissioner may also enforce sanctions and regulatory actions under existing laws for any non-compliance, including failure to report issued bonds.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:35 UTC
The gift of time
The gift of timeWhat does everyone have in equal portions, whether young or old, rich or poor, male or female? As we approach Christmas which is the time for gift-giving, what is the best gift we can give or receive? Especially for our aging parents or long lost relatives, the gift of time is what everyone wishes to receive. Hide that mobile phone and focus on your gift – you are giving your time to someone special. Good and green has a Christmas episode on the gift of time.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:35 UTC
AMLC freezes 1,193 bank accounts of contractors, congressman
AMLC freezes 1,193 bank accounts of contractors, congressmanOfficials of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the Department of Justice present to the media the P71 million surrendered to the government by individuals linked to alleged ghost flood control projects. MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has widened its financial investigation into the controversial flood control projects, securing a new freeze order covering the bank accounts of major contractors and a member of the House of Representatives allegedly linked to the irregularities. The Court of Appeals on Thursday ordered the freezing of 1,193 bank accounts believed to be associated with the contractors and the lawmaker, whom a source told The STAR is Rep. Edwin Gardiola of the Construction Workers Solidarity party-list. The latest freeze order brings the total tally of restricted assets tied to the flood control probe to 6,538 bank accounts, 367 insurance policies, 255 motor vehicles, 178 real properties, 16 e-wallet accounts and three securities accounts. Zaldy’s assetsWith former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co in hiding, the government is targeting the seizure of his assets.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:25 UTC
President Marcos on West Philippine Sea: What’s ours is ours
President Marcos on West Philippine Sea: What’s ours is oursPresident Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leads the 90th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 19, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday gave assurance of the national government’s sustained commitment to defend the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea amid China’s continuing harassment of Philippine vessels in the region. We stand our ground without purpose and without apology,” he said in a speech during the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo. And in the same vein, we remain firm and clear with our stance,” Marcos said. Today, I acknowledge every soldier, navy, marine and air force personnel who stands watch today,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:25 UTC
TNVS fares might go up, group warns
TNVS fares might go up, group warnsJeepney drivers wait for passengers along LRT-Taft Avenue and Gil Puyat stations in Pasay City during rush hour on March 20, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Fares collected by drivers of transport network vehicle service or TNVS units might go up after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the inclusion of rates for pick-up of passengers in the overall fares, the Commuters 4 Change warned. Giselle Manuel, C4C convenor, said the LTFRB’s decision to add a “fixed pick-up rate” to the overall fare in rides booked through ride-hailing apps could result in an increase in TNVS fares. She said C4C would monitor the increases in fares upon implementation of the fixed pick-up rate and the cap on surge pricing for TNVS from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4. Earlier, the LTFRB issued Memorandum Circulars 2025-56 on slashing the surge pricing rate by half, and 2025-058, which set the fixed pick-up rates from P24 to P289, depending on the type of car booked.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:25 UTC
Market sinks as business sentiment weakens
Market sinks as business sentiment weakensThe bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index nosedived by 1.83 percent or 110.61 points, settling at 5,920.87. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market showed no signs of holiday cheer as it closed the week in negative territory, plummeting below the 6,000 level anew. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index nosedived by 1.83 percent or 110.61 points, settling at 5,920.87. Philstocks Financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said the local market declined as investors took profits amid weak confidence in the local economy’s growth outlook. “This comes as the country’s lingering corruption issues and headwinds offshore continue to cloud the local economy’s prospects,” Tantiangco said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:25 UTC
HPG intercepts P143 million smuggled cigarettes
HPG intercepts P143 million smuggled cigarettesDILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the smuggled cigarettes were in two trailer trucks that were intercepted by HPG personnel along G. Araneta Avenue due to lack of license plates. MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at P143 million were seized by the Highway Patrol Group in Quezon City on Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced yesterday. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the smuggled cigarettes were in two trailer trucks that were intercepted by HPG personnel along G. Araneta Avenue due to lack of license plates. Remulla said the cargo came from Bauan, Batangas and was supposed to be delivered to Valenzuela City. He added that after the seizure, three people were arrested after offering P5 million in exchange for the cargo’s release.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 18:04 UTC
Pag-IBIG, Megawide partner for 7,143 housing units
Pag-IBIG, Megawide partner for 7,143 housing unitsPag-IBIG said the homes are expected to be priced below typical market prices for comparable units, bringing them within the socialized housing range, with amenities more commonly found in higher-priced developments and will be available within two to three years. MANILA, Philippines — Pag-IBIG Fund has entered into a partnership with Megawide Construction Corp. to accelerate the delivery of 7,143 housing units in medium-rise residential developments under the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, or Expanded 4PH. Pag-IBIG said the homes are expected to be priced below typical market prices for comparable units, bringing them within the socialized housing range, with amenities more commonly found in higher-priced developments and will be available within two to three years. The partnership will cover two initial sites in Dasmariñas, Cavite consisting of 4,185 housing units in the Dasmariñas-Salitrán site and 2,958 housing units in the Dasmariñas-Paliparan site. Megawide is a leading Philippine engineering and construction company and a strong government partner in public-private partnerships.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 17:44 UTC
Sotto defends ‘soft pork’ in 2026 national budget
The funds go directly to hospitals for medical assistance,” Sotto added. In budget negotiations, Malacañang proposed P24.2 billion for MAIFIP, which the House increased to P49.2 billion. No holiday breakMeanwhile, Malacañang announced that President Marcos and executive officials will forgo the holiday break to review and sign the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget before year-end. In this case, he will make sure to carefully study and sign the 2026 national budget before the end of the year,” Castro said. The bicameral conference committee is scheduled to approve the 2026 national budget on Dec. 28, with separate ratification by the House and Senate on Dec. 29 before submission to Malacañang.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 17:19 UTC