Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Today’s episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer — your Trusted Building Partner. READ: Leviste claims untrue, malicious, Dizon says PUBLIC Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday denied allegations by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste that he authorized budget insertions, or so-called “allocables,” for flood control projects during his tenure as head of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), calling the claims baseless, malicious, and unsupported by evidence. In a statement, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the accusations falsely suggest that discretionary or unofficial funds were used for flood control projects coursed through the BCDA. The DPWH said that the “Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon categorically denies the baseless and malicious allegations made by Rep. Leandro Leviste regarding supposed ‘insertions’ or ‘allocables,’” the DPWH said. READ: Thorough budget review begins, Palace says PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has received the ratified bicameral conference committee report on the 2026 General Appropriations Bill and will now conduct a thorough review to ensure its integrity and effective execution, Malacañang said on Tuesday. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said in a statement that the president and his team are scrutinizing all allocations and provisions to fully account for any changes from the originally submitted National Expenditure Program. He added that they will ensure that the 2026 GAA (General Appropriations Act) will satisfy not only the legal and technical requirements but, more importantly, the needs of the Filipino people. The review is expected to take about a week. While the review of next year’s budget is underway, the government will operate under a reenacted budget for the first few days of 2026. READ: America's Got Talent winner Jessica Sanchez pays courtesy call at Palace PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcomed Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, who paid a courtesy visit to Malacañang ahead of her New Year’s Eve performance in Manila. During their face-to-face, the first couple and Sanchez talked about the latter’s winning run on the latest season of America’s Got Talent as well as the artist’s future projects and her love of Filipino culture. Marcos extended an invitation to Sanchez to be one of the performers in the country’s hosting of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Manila. The chief executive expressed his gratitude to Sanchez for bringing pride and honor to the country on the international stage through her artistry. READ: Choose country over self, Filipinos urged on Rizal Day PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on all Filipinos to always choose the country over personal interests, imbibing the legacy of national hero Jose Rizal. Marcos made the call as he joined the nation in commemorating Rizal Day. In his message, he reminded each citizen to use Rizal’s life and martyrdom as a compass in navigating challenges the Philippines is facing by upholding patriotism, truth and responsible citizenship. BUSINESS: BSP backs tougher AML enforcement, bank secrecy reform to curb corruption EFFORTS to curb corruption and financial crimes in the Philippines should focus on tougher enforcement of anti-money laundering rules and reforms to the country’s strict bank secrecy law, rather than on withdrawing high-denomination banknotes, according to a new discussion paper by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In its December 2025 discussion paper, the central bank argued that demonetization is a “blunt instrument” that imposes high economic and social costs while delivering little benefit in curbing corruption and money laundering. It said that demonetization of high-value denomination currency is not the appropriate policy tool to root out financial crimes and systemic corruption. SPORTS: A bittersweet end to a storied PBA career GABE Norwood’s farewell tour did not end the way he and the rest of his Rain or Shine teammates envisioned it to be in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Meralco put an abrupt end to the 40-year-old Norwood’s final conference in the PBA following the Bolts’ 98-89 win against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their knockout quarterfinal match on Monday. Norwood’s final game saw him contribute three points, two rebounds and three steals in 21 minutes of action. Opinion and editorial Francisco Tatad and Marlen Ronquillo are today’s front page columnists. Tatad asks if the US-Venezuela war can be avoided while Ronquillo talks about the rotten ecosystem that emboldened those who are linked to the flood control scam. Today’s editorial talks about the Independent People’s Commission being the right idea but executed wrong. For more news and information, read The Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn; and be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp and Mastodon.