Alcantara turns over P71 million as restitution in flood control scam
Alcantara turns over P71 million as restitution in flood control scamFormer DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara returns P71 million in cash to the Department of Justice on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, as part of his restitution. MANILA, Philippines — Henry Alcantara, former Bulacan First District engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways, surrendered P71 million to the Department of Justice on Friday as restitution for his role in the flood control scam. With this second repayment, Alcantara has now returned a total of P181 million to the national coffers. The restitution, tied to kickbacks in Bulacan’s flood control projects, partially satisfies his civil liability and the government's effort to recover stolen funds. He first turned over P110 million in cash to the DOJ on November 28 as partial restitution of the P300 million in kickbacks he admitted to receiving from DPWH projects.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 17:19 UTC
The fixation with the graduation rate in higher education
The fixation with the graduation rate in higher educationPoliticians are increasingly fixated with examining attrition and completion rates (or graduation rates) in higher education and regularly accuse education agencies of neglecting their mandate to ensure the cost-effective delivery of government services. Completion rates in higher education show how well education systems help students finish their studies. • The graduation rate in the Philippines is the second highest in ASEAN, after Singapore (UNESCO). Second, stop fixating on graduation rates and recognize the various factors that influence whether students complete their education. But no member of EDCOM II has fought for and successfully increased the TES and TDP amount through the annual GAA since the passage of the Free Higher Education Law in 2017.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 16:56 UTC
US interest in Asia: Business, not war
US interest in Asia: Business, not warThe Philippines and the US are close allies. The Philippines is the only and oldest defense and treaty ally of the US in Asia. It cited a December 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) published by the White House which seems to undercut sweet “ironclad” talk. Before waging any war, America must first use diplomacy and economic leverage. The US will help, but only if it can do business, but not to buy guns for the use of allies.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 16:56 UTC
Your 2026 horoscope: Here's what your zodiac sign says about the year ahead
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)As a young professional, your greatest asset in 2026 is your inherent adaptability. By August, the focus shifts to your individual identity and personal brand. The second half of the year brings a shift toward your outward calling and career advancement. When the second half of the year arrives, doors in business will swing open with surprising speed. The second half of the year is your "Autumn Metamorphosis," where you are invited to reinvent your entire essence.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 15:30 UTC
GIFT GUIDE: Curated finds for the small gifts exchange trend
Worry no more as we’ve curated a list of gifts that are cute but functional—and won’t break the bank. Available at Watsons stores nationwide or online at watsons.com.ph for P99. Get an Inhaler Pod with a Katinko Inhaler for only P245 when you purchase 2 Sunnies Studios sunglasses. You can also choose the type of inhaler pod that matches the style of your loved ones from sugar plum, chiffon, and butterscotch variations. This inhaler pod is available at the Sunnies Studio official stores.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 15:30 UTC
Family of ex-DPWH Usec. Cathy Cabral declines autopsy; cites accidental death
Nakita naman yung sarili niya na ano, hihiwain mo pa? Ikaw ba, namatay ka na gusto mo pang anuhin? Gusto mo makita pa na, naghirap na nga yung tao, tapos hihiwain mo pa? The family of former DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina "Cathy" Cabral has declined an autopsy, stating they believe her death was accidental. He believes his wife’s death was accidental, noting that she had traveled to Baguio to "unwind" from the pressure of the ongoing flood control controversy—a topic he says they never discussed at home.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 15:30 UTC
When sleep deprivation becomes dangerous: A doctor's story on drowsy driving
Drowsy driving is not simply “feeling tired.” It occurs when sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disruption, or prolonged wakefulness impair brain function. Yet unlike drunk driving, sleep deprivation is often normalized, minimized, or even expected—especially among shift workers, long-distance drivers, and healthcare professionals. One of the most dangerous consequences of drowsy driving is microsleep. The most effective intervention for drowsy driving is also the simplest: 'Pag pagod na, tabi muna. This is why drowsy driving prevention must be treated as more than a matter of personal responsibility.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 15:30 UTC
LIST: Food trays to get for your upcoming holiday potluck
Here are some restaurants offering food trays perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings. This food joint, located at The Grid Food Market at Power Plant Mall, is known for its ribbons and Chinese dishes. They're offering two types of food trays: spicy smashed cucumbers platter (P540) and 20-piece "Mala" crispy fried chicken wings (P1,400). Order via DM on Instagram or visit their stores at The Podium Mall and UP Diliman Gyud Food. This food joint's menu features favorites like sisig, humba, chicken teriyaki, and pork bulgogi, which are ideal for any handaan.
Source:Philippine Star
December 19, 2025 15:30 UTC
Norway crown princess likely to undergo lung transplant
Photo by LISE ÅSERUD / NTB / AFP Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway greets the children's parade during the May 17 celebrations at the Royal residence, Skaugum, west of the Norwegian capital Oslo, on May 17, 2024.
Source:The Standard
December 19, 2025 12:12 UTC
Australia declares day of reflection for Bondi Beach shooting victims
Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP Mourners hug after the funeral of Boris and Sofia Gurman, who were killed in the December 14 Bondi Beach shooting attack, at the Sydney Chevra Kadisha in Sydney on December 19, 2025.
Source:The Standard
December 19, 2025 11:07 UTC
Border casinos caught in Thailand-Cambodia crossfire
Vehicles carrying people who evacuate, amid deadly clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, wait in a long line to get into a refugee camp in Chong Kal, Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia, December 10, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Source:The Standard
December 19, 2025 10:57 UTC
Cyberport 5: Hong Kong’s new Landmark for Innovation & Technology is Ready for the Future
Cyberport 5: Hong Kong’s new Landmark for Innovation & Technology is Ready for the FutureThe Cyberport Expansion Project includes the construction of the Cyberport 5 building and the revitalization of the community-beloved Waterfront Park.
Source:The Standard
December 19, 2025 08:42 UTC
India probes Google Maps after three deaths
NEW DELHI, India — Google said Tuesday it was assisting Indian authorities probing the deaths of three men who reportedly drove off an incomplete bridge while following a route on Google Maps. The group was on their way to a wedding in northern India's Uttar Pradesh state when their car plunged into the Ramganga river from the unfinished bridge early Sunday. The driver followed Google Maps into taking the route, the Hindustan Times newspaper said Tuesday, quoting police officials. We're working closely with the authorities and providing our support to investigate the issue," a Google spokesperson told AFP in an emailed statement. The accident comes a year after two doctors were killed in the southern state of Kerala when their car plunged into the state's Periyar river after they followed the app.
Source:Philippine Star
November 27, 2024 05:48 UTC
Going bonkers
Going bonkersSearching Google AI for what ‘going bonkers’ means: a person suddenly starts acting strange, wild, bizarre…to lose one’s sanity…completely crazy and silly. Every definition describes the behavior of VP Sara last week. The NBI says they are sending VP Sara a subpoena. At no time in our history did we ever have a top official acting as bizarre and as crazy as VP Sara had been in recent weeks. There is nothing that China would love more than to have China-loving VP Sara succeed BBM.
Source:Philippine Star
November 26, 2024 19:27 UTC
India-China rivalry
India-China rivalryIndia and China are in fierce competition to become the second global superpower. These ports constitute a “string of pearls” meant to choke India’s access to the world. The Doklam Plateau is strategic since it is located in the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan. It was granted military access to the Sabang Port in Indonesia, which is within striking distance to the Malacca strait. Still, we will be foolhardy to underestimate China’s military might.
Source:Philippine Star
November 26, 2024 19:27 UTC