Last call for entriesThe deadline for entries to our annual holiday contest Pasko Sa Enero, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, is just a few days away and this is the final call to join the fun. All entries must contain the name of sender, age, occupation (if student, what school, year, course), home address and contact details (cell phone/email address). Please avoid sending multiple entries. Second prize will be P20,000 cash and gifts, third prize P10,000 cash and gifts, fourth to 10th prize P5,000 cash and gifts and 11th to 20th prize P3,000 cash and gifts. Our gift donors are POC president Bambol Tolentino, Sen. Bong Go, PBA, SBP, San Miguel Corp., Sonak Corp., Magnolia PBA team, Rommie Chan, Joyride, Ever Bilena/Blackwater, Meralco PBA team, Rain or Shine PBA team, NLEX PBA team and Lamoiyan Corp./Hapee Toothpaste.

Brawner: AFP’s resilience tested in 2025MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. offered a snappy salute to each other soldier yesterday in recognition of the unity, professionalism and resilience they have shown during the year. Throughout the year, the military was also challenged in professionally handling issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea and China’s continuing incursions and harassment of Philippine vessels in the region. “Our service is not measured solely by operational successes, but by the discipline, integrity and commitment that define each of us in our daily duties,” Brawner said. “True strength comes from unity, unwavering purpose and the steady effort to improve ourselves and our organization every day,” he added. “In the year ahead, let us renew our commitment to the ideals that guide our service: unity within our ranks and with our partners across the nation, professionalism in every action we take, resilience in the face of adversity and an unwavering focus on serving the Filipino people,” Brawner declared.

DTI sets trade mission to Gulf countriesMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to conduct an outbound business mission early next year to promote Philippine food and personal care products in Gulf countries. “We have invited exporters from the food and personal care sectors to join the mission,” DTI - Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) director Bianca Sykimte said in a Viber message. The DTI-EMB is organizing the business mission with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai and Riyadh. In addition, the DTI expects the business mission to help strengthen Philippine exporters’ market access and readiness to meet Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ requirements. The business mission is part of the government’s efforts to promote exports’ growth.

Leviste asked to keep silent on P2 million ‘bonus’Catholic devotees join the thanksgiving procession around the Quiapo Church in Manila on Tuesday ahead of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9. MANILA, Philippines — Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste said he was asked by fellow lawmakers not to publicly disclose the P2 million “Christmas bonus” given to them. Leviste said he has photos of checks issued to House members during the voting on the national budget, stressing that he returned his to the House committee on accounts. “What is more important here is the reported claim (of Leviste) that he has the authority to obtain the files. “It is very alarming to hear from DPWH personnel saying the files have been taken forcibly by Leviste from Cabral.

SEC revokes registration of Seek ExploreThe SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) has cancelled the corporate registration of Seek Explore for violating Section 44 of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (RCC), in relation to Sections 8.1, 26, and 28.1 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC). MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revoked the certificate of incorporation of Seek Explore Sports Association Inc. for offering securities to the public without the necessary approvals from the commission. The SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) has cancelled the corporate registration of Seek Explore for violating Section 44 of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (RCC), in relation to Sections 8.1, 26, and 28.1 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC). The commission has also directed Seek Explore to pay an administrative fine amounting to P1 million. However, upon investigation, the EIPD found that Seek Explore had offered unregistered securities worth P500 to P140,000, with earnings ranging from P30 after three days to P1.79 million after 150 days, depending on the chosen plan.

Government awards 13 PPP projects in 2025In a statement, the PPP Center said that the 13 projects cover 11 local and two national projects. MANILA, Philippines — The government awarded a total of 13 public-private partnership (PPP) projects last year as part of its efforts to address the country’s infrastructure gaps. In a statement, the PPP Center said that the 13 projects cover 11 local and two national projects. The PPP Center supports project implementation by tracking project performance, identifying risks and bottlenecks and facilitating coordination. Of these projects, 166 are national projects, while 85 are local.

P1.4 million illegal firecrackers seized in Metro ManilaPolice officers conduct a surprise inspection of firecracker stalls and business permits in Divisoria, Manila on December 27, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Illegal firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices worth over P1.4 million have been seized across Metro Manila. Of the number, the Southern Police District seized 19,310, followed by the Quezon City Police District (2,594), Eastern Police District (2,252), Northern Police District (1,694) and Manila Police District (250). Metro Manila police’s civil security unit seized 506 firecrackers. Eleven people have been arrested so far in Metro Manila for selling illegal firecrackers, Aberin said.

2 soldiers, 7 others nabbed for transport of mineral oreMISAMIS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Nine people including two members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were arrested for allegedly transporting mineral ore in Opol, Misamis Oriental at dawn on Monday. Police said the suspects were arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Limonda at around 2:30 a.m.Police officers manning the checkpoint pulled over two pick-up trucks after receiving reports that the vehicles were transporting mineral ore. Norman Sedrome, 47, and Ernesto Warain Jr., 46. Probers said the trucks were loaded with 60 sacks of unprocessed mineral resources valued at P300,000. Charges for violating Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 will be filed against the suspects, police said.

Debris warning up as China launches rocket anewMANILA, Philippines — Officials and residents of coastal villages in four areas in Northern Luzon have been advised to watch out for debris from a rocket launched by China on Tuesday. The Long March 7A took off at 6:40 a.m. from the Wenchang Space Launch site in Wenchang, Hainan. It was the fifth rocket launched by China this month and the second within a one-week period following the launch of the Long March 8A on Dec. 26. PhilSA said that details of the debris drop zones were disclosed through a notice to airmen, warning of an aerospace flight activity. The space agency also disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the rocket launch, as part of standard operating procedure every time China conducts such activities.

‘Over P600 billion in 2026 budget at risk’MANILA, Philippines — A civil society group warned that over P600 billion in the 2026 budget could be at risk, citing increased allocations for aid programs, unprogrammed appropriations and other infrastructure projects. While acknowledging that no budget is perfect, People’s Budget Coalition spokesperson AJ Montesa said lawmakers should be sensitive to the current context, noting that public trust in the budget process has been shaken by the flood control issue. For 2026, the Congress increased the funding for AICS or Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations to P63.89 billion, up from the proposed P26.9 billion. Otherwise, perpetual subsidies, especially those used for political gain, risk exacerbating the budget deficit. Malacañang announced that President Marcos will sign the P6.793-trillion 2026 budget in early January, following Congress’s approval, while the 2025 General Appropriations Act will be automatically reenacted after its expiration yesterday.

Manila posts P10.8 billion revenueIn a year-end report broadcast on Facebook on Tuesday, Moreno recalled the city’s mid-year challenges, including unpaid obligations, garbage backlogs and weakened public trust. MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city government has collected P10.8 billion in revenue from July to December, according to Mayor Isko Moreno. In a year-end report broadcast on Facebook on Tuesday, Moreno recalled the city’s mid-year challenges, including unpaid obligations, garbage backlogs and weakened public trust. The improved fiscal position enabled Manila to settle P4.8 billion in prior-year obligations, pay utilities and loans on time and continue education and social protection programs. “In just six months, we released over P167 million for education and more than P629 million for senior citizens,” Moreno said.

24 million Pinoys illiterate, 5.1 million children unserved – EDCOM 2Students walk across the gutter-deep flood along the corner of Taft and UN Avenues in Manila following a heavy downpour brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon on Monday, July 21, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) yesterday released its top 10 findings for 2025, highlighting widespread functional illiteracy affecting 24 million Filipinos and the continued exclusion of millions of children with disabilities from basic services. The survey showed that more than 24 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 are functionally illiterate, while 5.8 million are basically illiterate. Data showed that only 391,089 learners with disabilities were enrolled in public schools, representing just eight percent of the estimated 5.1 million children with disabilities nationwide. The commission also found that funding confusion has prevented national programs from reaching the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Only ‘small fry’ jailed? Mere propaganda, says PalaceMalacañang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Philippines, as seen from the Pasig River. “Is (arrested contractor Sarah) Discaya a small fry? Is (resigned lawmaker) Zaldy Co, who is now in hiding, a small fry? They are not small fry...

President Marcos renews call for discipline, unity in 2026MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos welcome 2026, President Marcos is renewing his call for discipline, unity and readiness to choose service over self-interest for the nation’s progress. The Chief Executive also emphasized the value of personal discipline and collective effort in shaping the nation’s future. ‘Invitation to unite’For Vice President Sara Duterte, the New Year is “an invitation to unite and start a new vision.”The Vice President said that 2026 marks the beginning of a new chapter, a new clean page filled with hope. Speaker Faustino Dy III said his wish is for the people to have “renewed hope and deeper faith” this 2026. “Once this transition is completed, we will be the first legislative body in Asia to adopt this technology,” Dy added.

Pulse: Inflation, corruption among top concerns of FilipinosShoppers crowd Blumentritt Market on December 31, 2025 as they rush to buy food and other essentials ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations. MANILA, Philippines — With the flood control controversy grabbing the headlines in the second half of 2025, fighting graft and corruption has emerged as one of the urgent national concerns of Filipinos, a recent Pulse Asia survey showed. Results showed that 59 percent of the respondents selected inflation as among their three most urgent concerns, followed by 48 percent who selected fighting graft and corruption in the government. Inflation was the top concern among those in balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as respondents in socio-economic classes D and E.More respondents from Metro Manila and those socio-economic class C identified graft and corruption as their most urgent concern. Compared to the third quarter survey, respondents who identified inflation as their top concern increased by five points (from 54 percent), while those who selected fighting corruption dropped by three points (from 51 percent).