Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Friday, January 2, 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: Fireworks injuries lower than last year THE Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported that fireworks-related injuries across the country are 42 percent lower than last year. The latest data showed 235 cases of fireworks-related injuries were reported since Dec. 21, 2025, lower compared to last year’s 403 cases. Of the number, 62 occurred on New Year’s Day. READ: 2025 a historic year for US-Philippine ties, outgoing US envoy says OUTGOING United States Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said 2025 was a “historic year” in US-Philippines relations. Carlson, who assumed her post in 2022, is expected to complete her tour of duty in January 2026. The US Senate has yet to confirm the appointment of Lee Lipton, a former businessman from Florida, as her replacement. Carlson said in a post on social media platform X that “As the sun sets on 2025, we celebrate a historic year in US-Philippines ties — from deepened defense cooperation and maritime activities to expanded health aid and economic partnerships — and eagerly anticipate stronger collaboration ahead.” In a separate post on Dec. 24, Carlson said, “In the same way that no two snowflakes (or snowflake cookies) are alike, serving as ambassador to the Philippines has been a unique privilege — the honor of a lifetime.” She shared fond memories of spending Christmas in the Philippines. READ: CBCP: Trust in God's blessing this 2026 THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) implored the faithful to trust in the Lord’s blessing as the country welcomes the new year. In a video message on Thursday, CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera expressed his optimism for the year ahead, emphasizing the importance of entrusting everything to God and seeking the motherly intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. BUSINESS: Gross borrowings surge in November GROSS borrowings by the national government (NG) ballooned in November as it availed of more local debt, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed. The Treasury’s latest cash operations report showed that gross borrowings surged by 74.5 percent to P113.5 billion from P65.05 billion a year earlier. It was also markedly higher than the P87.81 billion recorded a month earlier. Year-to-date gross borrowings were also higher at P2.6 trillion compared to the P2.5 trillion recorded in January-November last year. SPORTS: Ginebra enters new year with eyes on championship AS people all over the world bid adieu to 2025 with fireworks and welcomed the brand new year with revelry and festivities, Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone and his crew rolled the red carpet for 2026 on a “working holiday” mindset. Cone said they’d rather celebrate the New Year still in contention for a PBA championship than take a long conference break. READ: Opinion and editorial Francisco Tatad and Van Ybiernas are today’s frontpage columnists. Tatad asks “Will the rule of law survive the clash of superpowers?” while Ybiernas talks about the social media posts suggesting a possible tandem between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Vice President Leni Robredo in the next elections. Today’s editorial talks about the abolition of travel taxes. 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, and Mastodon.