MARCOS TO SIGN P5.76-TRILLION NAT'L BUDGET WEDNESDAY: ROMUALDEZ

TOKYO—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will sign into law the P5.76-trillion national budget on Wednesday, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

“Wednesday na iyong signing po. In fact, 'yung gusto niya, he would have signed it before he left. But I think ano, piniprint-print print pa. May printing mga requirements hindi ba. Madaming kopya ‘yung kailangan. But other than that, it’s ready. It’s ready to go,” Romualdez told reporters in Tokyo, Japan.

He added that they are not anticipating any items or provisions to be vetoed by the president.

“Sumusunod naman kami sa mga parameters. We’ll be working closely naman with Office of the President and all the departments,” Romualdez explained.

The president is expected also to agree with the removal of confidential and intelligence funds of some civilian agencies, the House leader said.

“As he should because both Houses are agreed upon it. In fact the heads of the departments have agreed to it naman. They've voluntarily withdrew it,” Romualdez said.

“The President is of that mind that as much as possible to minimize the CIF [confidential and intelligence funds] of the civilian agencies and rather focus on areas where, you know, where it’s best suited. Mga security issues, iyong defense. Iyan sa [Philippine] Coast Guard, the Philippine Sea,” he added.

Lawmakers who were part of the bicameral conference committee earlier confirmed the removal of P650-million confidential funds under the offices of Vice President Sara Duterte when it ratified the budget bill.

The committee, however, retained the P9.8-billion in confidential and intelligence funds of the Office of the President.

PHILIPPINES, JAPAN START TALKS ON JOINT MILITARY DRILLS

TOKYO – President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida yesterday agreed to cooperate for the early completion of talks for the planned Reciprocal Access Agreement and to strengthen their coast guards in the face of China’s increasingly aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea.

The agreement, which will allow Manila and Tokyo to send military troops to each other’s territory for joint drills and training, was discussed during the two leaders’ bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo.

“The two leaders concurred to continue coordination to reach an early conclusion of the negotiations of the Reciprocal Access Agreement and to enhance cooperation between the coast guards of the two countries,” the Japanese foreign ministry said in a statement.

The two countries agreed to commence negotiations for the Reciprocal Access Agreement during Kishida’s official visit to the Philippines last month.

During their meeting, Marcos called the proposed agreement “extremely significant.”

After the 25-minute meeting, Marcos and Kishida witnessed the exchange of two bilateral cooperation documents – the memorandum of cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard and the memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Meanwhile, Kishida thanked Marcos for visiting Japan and mourned the victims of the recent earthquake and explosion in Mindanao.

MARCOS URGES ASEAN: CRAFT 10-YEAR FOOD SECURITY ROADMAP

President Marcos called for the creation of a 10-year framework on climate action and agricultural technologies between ASEAN and Japan during the third session of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo. Emphasizing the importance of food security, Marcos encouraged the development of new agricultural technologies and the crafting of a climate-resilient ASEAN-Japan Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap.

He urged joint ventures to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and enhance environmental sustainability. Marcos also sought Japan's support for achieving carbon neutrality and highlighted the need for climate action, biodiversity management, green technologies, circular economy, and the blue economy.

He expressed gratitude for Japan's support in various ASEAN initiatives and called for collaboration in enhancing resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Additionally, Marcos advocated for the development of physical and digital infrastructure, emphasizing their role in sustainable economic growth, integration, competitiveness, and resilience. He called for the expansion of digital literacy to foster innovation, inclusivity, and economic transformation. Finally, Marcos expressed interest in partnering with Japan and other countries to increase the Philippines' share in the global creative industries market.

FILIPINO HOSTAGED BY HAMAS BACK IN PH

Gelienor "Jimmy" Pacheco, one of the Filipinos hostaged by the Hamas group in Gaza, is back in the Philippines.

Pacheco was welcomed by his wife, children, government officials, and Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 Monday morrning.

Pacheco, a caregiver, was abducted during the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel on October 7. He was freed after 49 days of captivity.

The Israeli government will provide Pacheco and his family lifetime social security benefits and regular stipends similar to those given to Israelis who are victims of terrorist attacks.

LTO TO GET DONATION OF 4 MILLION PLASTIC LICENSE CARDS

The Land Transportation Office will stop issuing paper-printed driver’s licenses after receiving a donation of 4 million plastic cards worth an estimated P160 million from a private group.

LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the donation from an association of medical clinics is over 50 percent of the annual requirement of 7 million plastic cards and can cover the 2.3 million cards backlog inherited from the previous administration.

He said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista agreed to the donation as long as there are no strings attached.

"Ito ay libre na donasyon para sa gobyerno...Walang condition 'yan. There are no strings attached," he told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

The LTO needs at least 550,000 cards a month, he said.

First delivery of the donated cards will be in 2 weeks' time and then every month thereafter until the 4 million is reached.

The LTO chief said those renewing their driver's licenses starting Wednesday can already have plastic cards.

Delivery of the plastic driver's licenses will start 2nd week of January, he said.

MALACAÑANG OPENED FOR ENTIRE ‘SIMBANG GABI’

Malacañang Palace opened its doors to the Filipino people for the entire nine Simbang Gabi nights, marking a significant gesture for the holiday season. This move, according to Presidential Assistant Cesar Chavez, is the first time in recent memory that the Palace grounds have been accessible to the public for this extended duration. The decision aligns with the Filipino tradition of welcoming guests during Christmas, fostering a sense of inclusivity and celebration.

AIRPORTS, SEAPORTS, TOLLWAYS BRACE FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL RUSH

MANILA — Airports. seaports, and tollways are gearing up for a surge of travelers this Christmas.

In a statement, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) said it was deploying additional manpower for toll collection, traffic management, and emergency response on its tollways.

MPTC is the operator of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

MPTC said it expected a 15 percent to 20 percent surge in traffic for CAVITEX, primarily from motorists in Cavite heading to Manila. This means the average daily traffic may reach 208,000 vehicles, up from the current 181,000.

For CALAX, MPTC sees a 35 percent increase in vehicle traffic from last year's figures, as travelers from Manila head to Tagaytay via the recently opened Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also said more security measures were in place in airports to make travel safe and convenient for vacationers.

CAAP added that Malasakit Help Desks were set up in departure and arrival areas to help travelers with their immediate concerns.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) meanwhile said it placed all ports in the country on heightened alert from December 15 to January 3 to manage the influx of passengers.

It said it deployed some 2,700 personnel in 15 PCG districts.

SOLDIER, 6 NPA REBELS KILLED IN BATANGAS CLASH

MANILA— A soldier and six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter in Balayan, Batangas yesterday.

Three other soldiers were wounded in the clash in Barangay Malalay. They were taken to the Medical Center Western Batangas.

The military said soldiers belonging to the Army’s 59th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force were conducting combat operations in Barangay Malalay when they clashed with an undetermined number of rebels believed to be members of the NPA’s Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee Sub-Regional Military Area 4C.

“We are ensuring that our wounded soldiers will receive the best medical care. We will provide all the necessary assistance to the family of our slain soldier during this difficult time,”  Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said in a statement.

The public affairs office of the 2nd Infantry Division (ID) said two M16 rifles, an M653 rifle, a shotgun and subversive documents were recovered from the fatalities.

It said the families of those killed or wounded on the side of the government have been notified.

”This encounter has incurred a fatality in our ranks, but this will not deter our resolve to continue our sworn duty in ensuring the safety and security of our communities against these terrorist groups, especially this Yuletide season,” Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 2nd ID commander, said.

He urged the NPA rebels to give peace a chance, surrender and embrace the government’s peace programs so that they can be with their families and loved ones this Christmas.

THE REST

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SCAMMERS EXPLOITING ONLINE APPS – PNP

Scammers in the Philippines are adapting to evade detection by using internet-connected applications like WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook instead of traditional phone networks. The Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group highlights the challenge in tracing scammers through these independent platforms. Exploiting SIM card registration loopholes, scammers initiate communication through apps, prompting users to share personal information. Colonel Jay Guillermo advises against confirming bank details and stresses the importance of reporting and not engaging with such requests. He also warns against believing financial assistance pleas and recommends verifying through official channels. Guillermo emphasizes the need for vigilance, especially during online transactions, and encourages regular password changes for crucial accounts. Vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and less tech-savvy, are at higher risk of falling victim to scams.

DIESEL PRICES UP, KEROSENE DOWN BEFORE CHRISTMAS

MANILA -- Oil prices are moving ahead of Christmas Day.

Petroleum companies announced the following price adjustments effective December 19.

PILIPINAS SHELL, SEAOIL (from 6 a.m.)

Gasoline - no movement

Kerosene - P0.95/L decrease

Diesel - P0.10/L increase

CLEANFUEL (from 4:01 p.m.)

Gasoline - no movement

Diesel - P0.10/L increase

THOUSANDS FLEE AS KABAYAN HITS SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

MANILA — Thousands of people in the Philippines were sheltering in evacuation centers Monday as Tropical Storm Kabayan (Jelawat) smashed across the large southern island of Mindanao, threatening to unleash floods and landslides.

The storm, with modest sustained winds of 65 kilometers an hour, made landfall on Monday morning, the state weather service said.

Rescue agencies in the region said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, but 11,729 residents had been evacuated from Mindanao's east and north coast ahead of landfall as a precaution.

Kabayan was forecast to rake northwest across the south for the rest of the day, with the weather service warning of heavy rain especially in the mountainous interior.

"Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards," its latest storm bulletin said.

Weather forecaster Veronica Torres added "there is a big chance" the storm would weaken into a tropical depression during the day as it traverses over land.

Shipping was disrupted on or near the storm's projected path, with 89 vessels and nearly 1,000 people either seeking shelter or stranded at ports where sailing was banned ahead of the storm, the coast guard said.

However Kabayan was only the 11th this year, so far equaling a record low set in 1998 according to weather service data.

KABAYAN STRANDS PASSENGERS, TOPPLES TREES IN CENTRAL VISAYAS

Hundreds of passengers were stranded Monday at different ports in Central Visayas as sea trips are canceled due to Tropical Storm Kabayan.

Commander Mark Mariano of the Philippine Coastguard Central Visayas said over 300 passengers are stranded in different terminals.

Meanwhile, there are 41 rolling cargoes and 31 vessels that are currently taking shelter.

“We coordinated with the local government unit to take care of them,” said Mariano.

All provinces in Central Visayas are currently placed under storm signal number 1 as of 8am today, December 18.

In Cebu City, the local government transported all stranded passengers to its sports complex where they were given a place to rest.

Meals were also provided for them.

Strong winds toppled a tree, which hit a taxi that was passing by the area in Osmeña Boulevard. The driver sustained minor injuries.

Classes and work are suspended in the provinces of Bohol and Siquijor while there are no classes in all levels for Negros Oriental.

Cebu province, on the other hand, left this discretion to the the different towns and cities.

Some tourist attractions are closed today due to the inclement weather such as the Kawasan Falls in Badian town.

All local disaster risk reduction and management offices are on alert for the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kabayan.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

GLORIA ROMERO CELEBRATES 90TH BIRTHDAY

MANILA — Veteran actress Gloria Romero celebrated her 90th birthday with some of her fellow actors in the industry.

In photos posted Aster Amoyo during her birthday, Romero was joined by Gina de Venecia, Barbara Perez, and Liza Lorena.

Also in attendance are Romero's daughter, Maritess Gutierrez along with along with Pepito Rodriguez, Barbara Perez, Marita Zobel, and Imelda Ilanan.

Romero is one of the well-known actors in the industry, who started her career between the late 40s and early 50s.

She last appeared in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Rainbow's Sunset" in 2018.

Romero won the Best Actress Award for her role as Sylvia during the film fest's awards night.

VETERAN ACTOR RONALDO VALDEZ PASSES AWAY

Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez has passed away.

According to ABS-CBN News, Quezon City Police District confirmed the death of Ronaldo. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.

Ronaldo has been in the showbiz industry for six decades. His last role was "Lolo Sir" in the hit teleserye "2 Good 2 Be True" that stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.

Last September, Ronaldo was spotted attending the premiere night of Kathryn's "A Very Good Girl" film riding an electric scooter.

The actor was known for his movies "Seven Sundays," "Labs Kita Okay Ka Lang," and "The Mistress," among others.

He is survived by his son Janno Gibbs and daughter Melissa Gibbs.

SPORTS

INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL GAMES PUSHED IN SENATE

Senator Bong Go is advocating for the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG) through Senate Bill No. 2514, emphasizing the integral connection between sports, health, and nation-building. He highlights sports as a cornerstone of national health and vitality, linking the promotion of sports to broader social initiatives, including the fight against illegal drugs.

Go refers to Executive Order No. 163, positioning the PNG as a central element of the government's sports development strategy since 1994. The proposed bill addresses the perennial issue of inadequate funding at the grassroots level, envisions a comprehensive national sports program, and emphasizes the pivotal role of local government units in PNG success.

The bill proposes the creation of the PNG Coordinating Committee, chaired by the PSC and co-chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, for strategic planning and effective management of the Games.

PBA DEC 17

Meralco def. Converge, 105-99 (27-18, 55-37, 80-61, 105-99)

San Miguel def. TNT, 98-93 (22-29, 45-52, 69-75, 98-93)

NBA SCORES OF GAMES PLAYED ON DEC 16, 2023

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pistons

2-24

20        36        27        31        114

Bucks

18-7

43        38        33        32        146

Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. Cunningham DET SG

25 PTS , 1 REB , 6 AST

D. Lillard MIL PG

33 PTS , 4 REB , 5 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

76ers

18-7

33        40        27        35        135

Hornets

7-17

17        27        15        23        82

Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Embiid PHI C

42 PTS , 15 REB , 3 AST

B. Miller CHA SF

14 PTS , 4 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Hawks

10-15

28        24        29        38        119

Cavaliers

14-12

41        29        22        35        127

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, OH

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

T. Young ATL PG

35 PTS , 4 REB , 10 AST

J. Allen CLE C

25 PTS , 14 REB , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Bulls

10-17

24        33        23        36        116

Heat

15-11

36        22        33        27        118

Kaseya Center, Miami, FL

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

D. DeRozan CHI SG

27 PTS , 3 REB , 5 AST

J. Butler MIA SF

28 PTS , 4 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Pacers

13-11

20        35        23        31        109

Timberwolves

19-5

23        34        38        32        127

Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

A. Nesmith IND SF

17 PTS , 5 REB

K. Towns MIN C

40 PTS , 12 REB , 4 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Nets

13-12

25        29        35        31        120

Warriors

11-14

32        38        25        29        124

Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. Thomas BKN SG

41 PTS , 5 REB , 2 AST

S. Curry GS PG

37 PTS , 3 REB , 1 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Mavericks

16-9

36        38        36        21        131

Trail Blazers

6-18

39        24        36        21        120

Moda Center at the Rose Quarter, Portland, OR

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

L. Doncic DAL PG

40 PTS , 12 REB , 10 AST

A. Simons POR SG

33 PTS , 8 REB , 6 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Thunder

16-8

27        27        31        33        118

Nuggets

17-10

31        25        31        30        117

Ball Arena, Denver, CO

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

S. Gilgeous-Alexander OKC SG

27 PTS , 6 REB , 8 AST

N. Jokic DEN C

24 PTS , 6 REB , 12 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Jazz

9-17

23        27        26        28        104

Kings

15-9

35        27        44        19        125

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

C. Sexton UTA SG

28 PTS , 3 REB , 1 AST

K. Murray SAC PF

47 PTS , 8 REB , 2 AST

Final

1          2          3          4          T

Knicks

14-11

33        33        32        24        122

Clippers

15-10

35        42        37        30        144

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

J. Brunson NY PG

22 PTS , 7 REB , 6 AST

K. Leonard LAC SF

36 PTS , 7 REB , 4 AST

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven. - John Milton