MMFF 2025 awardees set historic milestoneKrystel Go, lead star in ‘I’m Perfect,’ wins best actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival’s Gabi ng Parangal in Makati on Saturday. MANILA, Philippines — History was made at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) awards night as “I’m Perfect” lead star Krystel Go became the first Best Actress awardee with Down syndrome. Vice Ganda emerged as the first openly queer actor to win the Best Actor award for his performance in “Call Me Mother.”Helmed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and produced by Nathan Studios, “I’m Perfect” also took home this year’s Best Picture and Best Ensemble Award. A queer person in gown can be a best actor. “Call Me Mother” also garnered the Gender Sensitivity Award and best child performer for Lucas Andalio.

MANILA, Philippines — As the New Year revelry approaches, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported more than 100 people with fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) nationwide. The current figure, the DOH said, is 26 percent lower than the recorded FWRIs during the same period last year. Males also accounted for 55 of the total FWRIs. “In this regard, the DILG calls on our barangays to take the lead in enforcing ordinances against illegal firecrackers. We urge them to be proactive in safeguarding their constituents, especially against the use of illegal firecrackers and even firearms during New Year celebrations,” Nartatez said.

E-gambling operators must pay minimum guaranteed feeA man plays online gambling on his cellphone in this photo illustration taken on Saturday, July 12, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — State gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) will start collecting a minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) per month on all accredited online gambling operators next year. In a Dec. 15 memorandum, PAGCOR said all of its online gaming system administrators (GSAs) and gaming venue operators (GVOs) operating e-games will be charged the monthly MGF based on their minimum gross gaming revenue (GGR) per month. PAGCOR’s accredited GSAs remit a share of their GGRs as a requirement for their accreditation or authority to operate. “The imposition of the MGF shall take effect on all transactions commencing April 1, 2026, for GSAs with operational status,” Fernandez said in the memo.

Confidence and optimismNo matter how bad a year has been, Filipinos can be expected to ooze with confidence and optimism for the new year. The BSP also conducts quarterly surveys to measure consumer and business confidence, used by the Monetary Board to guide them in formulating monetary policies. Results of the latest survey show that the overall consumer confidence index (CI) turned more negative at -22.2 percent in Q4 2025 from -9.8 percent in Q3 2025. A negative CI means there are more respondents with a negative outlook than a positive outlook on the economy. A plurality 43 percent have little confidence that no government official or private individual will interfere with the ICI investigation.

Recovering global demand to lift Philippine exports into 2026A container ship loads cargo for exports at a port in Manila. Citing signs of a recovery in global demand, the DTI said Philippine exports are likely to continue expanding next year. From January to November, Philippine merchandise exports climbed by 14.5 percent to $77.40 billion from $67.60 billion in the same period last year. The 11-month tally also surpassed 2024’s total merchandise exports valued at $73.27 billion. The remarkable growth in electronics, food products and consumer goods reflects growing global demand and supports jobs, incomes and wider opportunities for our exporters,” Roque said.

Customs implements electronic payment systemThe e-pay system is a platform facilitating the collection of miscellaneous payments, Customs duties and taxes for non-electronic-to mobile transactions and other authorized charges. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has implemented the electronic payment portal system. The e-pay system is a platform facilitating the collection of miscellaneous payments, Customs duties and taxes for non-electronic-to mobile transactions and other authorized charges. The platform is integrated with Landbank’s Link.BizPortal, serving as a centralized payment gateway enabling electronic settlement through authorized payment channels. Importers, exporters, licensed Customs brokers and other stakeholders engaged in applicable transactions are encouraged to utilize the e-pay system, the BOC said.

Stocks end 2025, cross into 2026Last Friday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) finished strongly at 6,065.64, up by 2.54 percent week-on-week. MANILA, Philippines — Momentum could be on the side of the local bourse this week as the stock market will see its last trading day of the year as well as the first trading day of 2026. Last Friday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) finished strongly at 6,065.64, up by 2.54 percent week-on-week. Online broker 2TradeAsia.com said the local bourse rebounded during the shortened trading week, reclaiming the 6,000 level on holiday optimism and bargain hunting. “The PSEi is likely to close the year on a whimper, despite technicals and valuations pointing to a gradual rebound in the first half of 2026,” it said.

PNP tightens road safety for New YearShoppers flock to Carriedo Street in Quiapo, Manila on December 28, 2025 making last-minute purchases just three days before New Year's eve. MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have tightened road safety measures ahead of the expected surge of travelers for the New Year celebration as the Department of Health recorded 263 road crash injuries and two fatalities from Dec. 21 to 26. Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police, said PNP units were ordered to increase visibility along major roads, strictly enforce traffic laws and conduct checkpoints in accident-prone areas. He noted that recent road crashes, including fatal accidents reported during the Christmas break, highlight the dangers of reckless driving. Police have been ordered to intensify visibility at transport hubs, along major roads and other places of convergence.

13 listed companies changing sectoral classificationMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) is changing the sector and subsector classification of 13 listed companies in line with recent corporate developments. DITO CME, meanwhile, will see a change in its subsector classification under the services sector to telecommunications from information technology at present. PH Resorts Group will likewise have its subsector classification in the services sector changed to hotel and leisure from casinos and gaming. Easycall will remain in the services sector, but its subsector classification will be changed to information technology. The PSE said all changes on the sector and subsector classification of the companies will take effect on Jan. 5, 2026.

10 market snapshots of 2025With just a few days left in 2025, it’s time to revisit the winners, surprises and trends that defined the year. Below are 10 market snapshots of 2025. Best stock market in Asia: South Korea (+72.1 percent)South Korea led Asia, with its market up 72.1 percent. Bull market is broadeningAn important event in 2025 was that the bull market broadened. The market also offers diversification beyond the tech and AI trades that led global stock markets in recent years.

BSP OKs merger, license surrender of rural banksIn separate circular letters signed by BSP Deputy Governor Lyn Javier, the Monetary Board approved the merger of Rural Bank of Rosario (La Union) Inc. (ROSLU) and Rural Bank of Agoo, Inc., with the former emerging as the surviving bank. It also approved the voluntary surrender of the banking license of Rural Bank of Matag-ob (Leyte), Inc.MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved a merger involving two rural banks and the voluntary surrender of another rural bank’s license, underscoring the continued consolidation across the countryside banking sector. It also approved the voluntary surrender of the banking license of Rural Bank of Matag-ob (Leyte), Inc. In June, Agribusiness Banking Corp. emerged from the consolidation of four rural lenders, namely Agribusiness Rural Bank Inc., Banco Alabang, Inc., Rural Bank of Maddela (Quirino) Inc. and Rural Bank of San Jacinto (Masbate) Inc. Meanwhile in February, Zambales Rural Bank Inc. and Bridgeway Rural Banking Corp. merged after the banks obtained the necessary regulatory approvals, with Zambales Rural Bank serving as the surviving entity.

Government cuts spending on infrastructure for 4th monthWorkers on a flood control structure in Barangay Sipat in Plaridel, Bulacan lay concrete and steel amid rainfall. As flood scandal deepensMANILA, Philippines — The national government’s infrastructure spending fell for the fourth consecutive month in October as concerns over reports of corruption in flood control projects continued to weigh on disbursements. The DBM added that adverse weather conditions during the period also had an impact on infrastructure spending. It also reflected a sustained downturn in government expenditures, as infrastructure spending continued to decline since July this year. Aside from the flood control issue, several factors contributed to the lower infrastructure spending, including the Commission on Elections’ 45-day ban on public works spending from March 28 to May 12.

PCCI backs reforms to curb LOA abuseMANILA, Philippines — The country’s largest business group has expressed support for initiatives aimed at addressing the reported abuse and misuse of letters of authority (LOAs) within the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). “Tax enforcement must be firm, but it must also be fair. Any misuse of audit and investigation powers erodes trust, creates uncertainty for businesses and discourages voluntary compliance,” PCCI president Enunina Mangio said. Left unchecked, the PCCI said these practices bring undue pressure to businesses and weaken their confidence in the tax system. While strong enforcement is necessary for revenue generation, the PCCI emphasized the need for balance through clear safeguards to protect and ensure accountability of both the government and businesses.

CBCP to families: Set aside gadgets during mealtimeMANILA, Philippines — Communication must be promoted within families, and setting aside gadgets during mealtime can be a start. Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera suggested this during his homily yesterday, as he celebrated mass marking the Feast of the Holy Family and closing the Jubilee of Hope, at the Parish of the Holy Family in Luyos, Tanauan City, Batangas. Garcera said that families nowadays are facing two obstacles. They would take pictures of their food, send (to their social media accounts) (to get) ‘likes.’ But they do not eat it, the food cooked by their mother,” said Garcera. Other distractions include watching television such as a basketball game, while children play with their computers, send text messages or listen to music on Spotify.

Palace: No talks yet on ICI replacementsMalacañang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Philippines, as seen from the Pasig River. “For now, there have been no discussions on whether there would be replacements because we are looking at a possible law that may be passed with regard to an independent commission,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told radio dzBB yesterday. “There’s no discussion (about new ICI appointees) because we’re waiting for the law creating the independent commission. Magalong later said that Malacañang’s statement that his appointment as ICI special adviser and investigator was under legal review had sent him a “clear message” to stand down. Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said the resignation of Fajardo “can very well be the end of ICI.”