BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Thousands of people flocked to Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Christmas Eve as families there and at other sites across the Holy Land heralded a much-needed boost of holiday spirit, after two years of subdued celebrations because of the war in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. In his homily, he marveled at the “wisdom” of the Christmas story — an infant Jesus born to save mankind. “In the face of the suffering of the poor, [God] sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again,” the first US pope told a packed basilica. Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus was born, had canceled Christmas celebrations during the war. But on Wednesday, the giant Christmas tree returned to Manger Square, temporarily replacing the wartime nativity scene of baby Jesus surrounded by rubble and barbed wire in a homage to Gaza’s suffering. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land, kicked off this year’s celebrations during the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, calling for “a Christmas full of light.” Pizzaballa said he came bearing greetings from Gaza’s tiny Christian community, where he held a pre-Christmas Mass on Sunday. In the devastation, he saw a desire to rebuild. “We, all together, we decide to be the light, and the light of Bethlehem is the light of the world,” he told thousands of people, Christian and Muslim. Despite the holiday cheer, the impact of the war in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is acute, especially in Bethlehem, where around 80 percent of the Muslim-majority city’s residents depend upon tourism-related businesses, according to the local government. There were only a handful of foreigners but some residents said they are starting to see signs of change as tourism slowly returns.“Today is a day of joy, a day of hope, the beginning of the return of normal life here,” said Bethlehem resident Georgette Jackaman, a tour guide. She and her husband, Michael Jackaman, another guide, are from Christian Bethlehem families that stretch back generations. This is the first real Christmas celebration for their two children, aged 2 1/2 and 10 months. During the war, the Jackamans pivoted to create a website selling Palestinian handicrafts to support others who lost their livelihoods. The unemployment rate in the city jumped from 14 percent to 65 percent, Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati said earlier this month. A visitor from France, Mona Riewer, said being in Bethlehem helped her appreciate the meaning of the holiday. “Christmas is like hope in very dark situations,” she said. Despite the Gaza ceasefire that began in October, tensions remain high in the West Bank, with Israeli military raids in what it describes as a crackdown on militants. Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have reached their highest level since the United Nations humanitarian office started collecting data in 2006. In the past two years, the heads of churches in Jerusalem urged congregations to forgo “any unnecessarily festive activities.” They encouraged priests and the faithful to focus on Christmas’ spiritual meaning and called for “fervent prayers for a just and lasting peace for our beloved Holy Land.”

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 20 saat, 54 dakika

(UPDATE) MALACAÑANG dismissed as “hearsay” claims that some Cabinet secretaries were among the proponents of the multibillion-peso budget insertions for infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Palace Press Officer Claire Castro issued the statement after Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste alleged that the late DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral had given him documents on Sept. 4 containing the names of high-ranking officials, including Cabinet secretaries, who were in the list of proponents involved in the agency’s budget insertions. “The Palace will only respond to documents authenticated by the DPWH,” Castro said in a statement. “Other than these, they will all be considered hearsay or tsismis, which have no probative value.” Leviste made the claim following the death of Cabral, who was implicated in the insertions controversy and reportedly fell from a cliff along Kennon Road on Dec. 19. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Leviste said the files were shown to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Nov. 18 and 19, and to the Office of the Ombudsman on Nov. 26. He said a summary file contains the “allocable” or the budget allocated to DPWH projects in certain districts, totaling to P401.3 billion. This supposedly increased to P1.041 trillion because of the “outside allocable,” he said. “The release of the files would have wide-ranging consequences,” Leviste said. “They list proponents of flood control and other DPWH projects from the whole government.” To avoid compromising his legislative work, “I would prefer that DPWH be the one to decide on releasing these files to the public,” he said.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 20 saat, 55 dakika

THE volume of travelers visiting the Philippines surged during the Christmas season, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Immigration spokesman Dana Sandoval said on Thursday that based on initial report from the BI Port Operations Division, there were more than 61,000 arrivals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major ports on Dec. 23, almost 6,000 higher than the projected 56,000 arrivals. The figure, Sandoval said, was higher by 9,000 than last year’s figure of 52-53,000 for the same period. At the NAIA alone, immigration officers processed 49,176 international arrivals and 61,784 departures on Dec. 23. “Nationwide, total international passenger traffic reached 61,658 arrivals and 66,655 departures,” Sandoval said. While long lines were inevitable, departing and arriving passengers were processed “within the 45 second international standard,” Sandoval said. E-gates were also operational for a much faster processing time of as low as 8 seconds, a huge leap from the 45 seconds per passenger processed manually. A total of 78 e-gates have been installed at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3. At Terminal 1, six e-gates are located at the departure area, and 12 at the arrival area. At Terminal 3, 18 e-gates serve the main departure area, 12 are dedicated for overseas Filipino workers, and another 12 are at the arrival area. Sandoval said the BI is procuring more e-gates for all international airports in the country to ensure the seamless processing of departing and arriving passengers, especially OFWs, while upholding national security. The BI has also deployed 132 additional immigration officers nationwide, augmented by the activation of mobile immigration counters in high-traffic terminals. Immigration personnel assigned to frontline operations were not allowed to go on leave for the duration of the holiday season to maintain adequate manpower. The BI reminded travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for airline, security, and immigration checks. Travelers were also reminded to fill out the eTravel form within 72 hours prior to departure, to speed up immigration processing and minimize delays at the airport. Airport operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) reported that international and local passenger traffic at NAIA reached 675,722 during a four days leading to Christmas Day. The highest single-day passenger volume was on Dec. 20, with 171,306 passengers (85,485 international and 85,821 domestic), a 7.28-percent increase from last year’s 159,676. NAIA Terminal 3 accounted for more than half of the total passenger volume, handling over 90,000 passengers — the largest share among all NAIA terminals. On Dec. 21, there were 170,178 passengers (84,520 international and 85,658 domestic), up by 5.63 percent from 161,108 for the same period in 2024. On Dec. 22, there were 164,858 passengers (81,884 international and 82,974 domestic), higher by 3.75 percent than last year’s 158,897.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 20 saat, 56 dakika

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign the 2026 national budget into law on the first week of January, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Wednesday. Recto said Malacañang needs more time to go over the proposed P6.793-trillion budget. “It will be better for everyone that Malacañang review the budget carefully. It may take a week to go over the budget with a fine-tooth comb,” Recto said. “A reenacted budget for a week will not affect government operations. A careful review of the budget will improve its execution,” he added. Marcos was expected to sign the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Dec. 29, but the bicameral conference committee’s proceedings were delayed as lawmakers asked for more time to scrutinize the budget. On Tuesday, Malacañang said Marcos would work on the immediate review of the national budget during the holidays. Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez said the president mobilized a team for the “immediate review” of the budget. Gomez said the president would not settle for a reenacted budget. A budget is reenacted when Congress fails to pass a new budget before the end of the fiscal year, resulting in the continuation of the previous year’s allocations. Since 2000, the budget has been reenacted five times. The government under former president Rodrigo Duterte was also forced to run on a reenacted budget for the first four months of 2019 due to delays in the approval of the P3.7-trillion GAA, which was signed only on April 15, 2019. Senate Committee on Finance chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said postponing the budget signing was a “prudent course of action.” He said the Executive Branch has to go over the 4,000-page enrolled bill carefully. Gatchalian acknowledged that transmitting the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to Malacañang on Dec. 29, just two days before the end of the year, would leave the Office of the President with limited time to scrutinize the measure. Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that the president is expected to sign the proposed 2026 national budget by Jan. 5. The Constitution grants the president 30 days to sign or veto the national budget upon receipt. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said a careful review of the spending plan should take precedence over speed. “This is exactly what I said earlier, better a reenacted budget in January, or even in the first quarter of 2026, than rushing the passage of a national budget that is not responsive to the call of the times,” Lacson said. He cited disagreements in the bicameral conference committee over funding for farm-to-market roads and various assistance programs, or “ayudas,” such as the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (Maifip) and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), warning that these items are vulnerable to abuse if not properly regulated. While acknowledging imperfections in the final measure, Lacson urged continued vigilance from Congress and the public, emphasizing the importance of transparency, monitoring, and accountability in the use of public funds.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 20 saat, 57 dakika

SEN. Bam Aquino has filed a bill seeking to reform the country’s party-list system by ensuring that it remains exclusively for marginalized and underrepresented sectors, amid growing concerns that the mechanism has been exploited by political dynasties and vested interests. Senate Bill (SB) 1559 amends Republic Act (RA) 7941, or the Party-List System Act. Aquino said the original intent of the law has been undermined by groups and nominees who do not genuinely belong to, nor represent, marginalized sectors. He cited a 2025 study by election watchdog group Kontra Daya, which found that 86 of the 156 accredited party-list groups that participated in the May elections had links to vested interests, including political clans and large corporations. The study also showed that several nominees were relatives or close allies of incumbent politicians and business groups, with no clear track record of belonging to the sectors they claimed to represent. The findings were reinforced when Congress proclaimed 63 party-list groups as members of the 20th Congress on May 19, with 40 of those groups previously flagged in Kontra Daya’s report. Aquino said the data points to a systemic problem that disadvantages the very sectors the party-list system was meant to empower. Civil society organizations, including the John J. Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues (ICSI), have repeatedly warned against what they describe as the “elite capture” of the party-list system, calling for reforms to restore its credibility and integrity. Under SB 1559, party-list groups must undergo public hearings to demonstrate that they genuinely represent marginalized sectors. The measure also seeks to ensure that party-list nominees come from the sectors they represent and have a proven track record of advocacy. The bill proposes the disqualification of nominees who belong to political dynasties or who have financial links to corporations that have benefited from government contracts. Aquino stressed that the proposed reforms aim to strengthen democratic participation and public trust in electoral institutions. “This measure ensures that the party-list system truly serves the many, not the few,” he said. If enacted, the bill would introduce stricter safeguards on accreditation and nomination processes, reinforcing the party-list system as a tool for inclusive representation and accountable governance.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 20 saat, 58 dakika

THE Philippine Embassy in Greece hosted a diplomatic reception on Dec. 16 to commemorate the Philippines’ assumption of the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Greece. Philippine Ambassador to Greece Giovanni Palec, together with his wife, Madam Novelyn Palec, led the event, which was attended by Greek government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, embassy partners, and leaders and members of the Filipino community in Greece. Palec was accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Therese Cantada, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Christopher Castillo, along with officials from the Philippine Embassy, Migrant Workers Office, and the On-site Welfare Office. Also present were Philippine Honorary Consuls Nikolaos Margaropoulos in Thessaloniki, Anastasia Manolopoulou in Patra, and Alexandros Fasoulakis in Crete. The guest of honor was Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni. In his remarks, Palec underscored Asean’s growing global significance, noting that the regional bloc is now the world’s sixth-largest economy and plays a vital role in promoting regional cooperation, peace, and stability. He presented the Philippines’ Asean Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future Together,” along with its official logo symbolizing unity, cooperation, shared direction, and the collective journey of Asean member states. He outlined the Philippines’ three main priorities during its Asean Chairship: strengthening peace and security anchors, developing prosperity corridors, and advancing people empowerment initiatives. Palec emphasized the shared values with Greece rooted in peace, democracy, and the rule of law. He cited the enduring collaboration between the two countries in the global maritime industry, noting Greece’s position as home to the world’s largest merchant fleet, and the Philippines’ role as a leading source of skilled and dependable seafarers. He commended the more than 20,000 Filipinos living and working in Greece for their contributions to both societies. Kefalogianni reaffirmed the strong friendship between the Philippines and Greece despite geographical distance. She highlighted the longstanding maritime partnership between the two nations and expressed appreciation for the Filipino community, particularly Filipino seafarers, whose work ethic and values have contributed positively to Greek society.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 20 saat, 59 dakika

(UPDATE) A LONE bettor is expected to have a merry Christmas, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced on its evening Christmas Eve broadcast on Wednesday. The bettor is expected to receive a jackpot prize of P13,829,620.60, after getting the combination of 27-24-12-18-42-3 in that evening’s 6/45 Mega Lotto draw. However, nobody won that evening’s Grand Lotto 6/55 draw, which had a combination of 18-13-39-51-19-21 and a jackpot prize of P248,525,475. The winner of the Christmas Eve draw is expected to claim his prize at the PCSO head office along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 21 saat

A LAWMAKER is pushing to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity from 12 percent to six percent, noting that the power tax makes the country's electricity rates the third-highest in Asia. In a statement on Thursday, 1Tahanan Party-list Rep. Nathaniel Oducado said that on Dec. 22, he filed House Bill (HB) 6984, which seeks to amend the National Internal Revenue Code to reduce the VAT on electricity passed by distribution utilities, including Meralco and electric cooperatives, to the consumer. In making his point, Oducado cited an Ateneo de Manila University study that the country has the third-highest electricity rates, next to Singapore and Japan. “These factors not only cause distress among ordinary Filipinos, but they also make starting a business or investing in the Philippines costlier than it has to be,” Oducado added. Under his bill, HB 6984 will amend Sections 108 and 109 of the NIRC and would include provisions requiring mandatory pass-through of the VAT reduction to consumer electricity bills. It would also task the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Finance (DOF), to monitor compliance, issue necessary implementing rules, submit quarterly reports to Congress, and conduct a comprehensive assessment two (2) years after effectivity to determine if the full removal of the VAT is actually feasible. “A complete VAT removal would cost the government an estimated P187 billion annually, whereas a 50-percent reduction to six percent VAT would cost P93.5 billion. But to an average household consuming 200 kWh per month, the 50-percent VAT reduction would already save approximately P130 monthly or P1,560 per year,” Oducado said. Odcuado also called on his fellow lawmakers to consider the revenue that the VAT reduction would bring by making business transactions in the country less costly and more palatable to investors. He noted that business groups such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. have previously expressed support for legislative measures to reduce or exempt VAT on electricity sales. “Stakeholders agree that cheaper electricity would provide immediate relief to consumers, lower operating costs for businesses, attract investments, and support job creation,” Oducado further added.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 1 dakika

(UPDATE) A TOTAL of P624 million out of 14,330 approved accounts of housing beneficiaries has been condoned by the National Housing Authority (NHA) as part of the agency’s latest and biggest condonation program, General Manager Joeben Tai said on Thursday. Tai said the Condonation 7 program, which was set to conclude on Dec. 31, 2025, delivers major relief to housing beneficiaries nationwide. After eight months of implementing the largest condonation initiative in its history, the NHA, as of Nov. 30, 2025, has collected a total of P29,374,466 from those who took advantage of the program. The NHA chief told The Manila Times via Viber that the program was originally scheduled to end on Oct. 31, 2025, in time for its 50th anniversary, but it was extended until the end of the year. “We did this to allow and consider more families, particularly those affected by economic challenges and consecutive calamities, to avail of the discounted housing payments,” Tai said. He said the condonation program granted 100-percent removal of penalties and delinquency interest and condoned 95 percent of unpaid amortization interest, providing financial relief to thousands of housing loan accounts nationwide. For Ciriaco and Lourdes Ondillo, a couple from Kaunlaran Village, Caloocan City, the program enabled them to settle their NHA housing loan. In Barangay Sawata, also in Caloocan, Berbeth Agrava reallocated her condonation savings for home improvement. The program’s financial impact significantly reduced the Agrava family’s payable balance by a third, enabling them to redirect their savings toward their livelihood, the NHA said. Amid personal loss, a widow found new hope in NHA’s condonation program as she was facing mounting penalties from missed housing payments. As the program would formally end, Tai reiterated his agency’s commitment to sustainable and secure housing solutions under the expanded 4PH program and the “Bagong Pilipinas” vision. Tai said the program has effectively addressed long-standing arrears and also enabled beneficiaries to stabilize their finances, strengthen their livelihoods, and secure long-term tenure, reinforcing housing as a foundation for improved quality of life and resilient communities.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 2 dakika

... Keep on reading: Love Knots, December 26, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 3 dakika

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has urged the public to be vigilant against individuals falsely claiming to be Transportation officials to solicit money, favors, or other forms of assistance, following reports of fraudulent activities using the agency’s name. In a statement, the DOTr said it had received multiple reports of scam attempts, with officials from Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) identified as among the recipients of the fraudulent messages. Individuals behind the scheme allegedly posed as DOTr officials and used the agency’s name to solicit assistance, prompting the advisory to government employees and the public, the agency said. The DOTr emphasized that its officials and employees do not engage in any form of solicitation and all official transactions with the department are conducted strictly through formal and verified channels. The agency urged the public to exercise caution and immediately report similar incidents to its commuter hotline or through its official social media pages. Moreover, it said that the department continues to coordinate with concerned authorities to address the reported incidents and prevent further misuse of the department’s name. Smooth MRT travel Meanwhile, commuters riding the MRT-3 are enjoying smoother travel today as a 3-car Dalian train set returned to service on Christmas Day.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 3 dakika

... Keep on reading: Tuldok, December 26, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 4 dakika

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) have issued the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) institutionalizing the updated price ceiling for socialized housing projects. DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said on Thursday that he and DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan signed the IRR to give full effect to the adjusted socialized housing price ceiling through a joint memorandum circular and under the expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. “The timely issuance of the IRR will ensure sustained rollout of the flagship Expanded 4PH with policy continuity and regulatory clarity ahead,” Aliling said. Under the IRR, the maximum selling price has been set at P950,000 for socialized subdivisions (horizontal housing projects) and up to P1.8 million for socialized condominium or vertical developments, the DHSUD said. The adjustment responds to prevailing construction and development conditions while ensuring that socialized housing remains affordable and accessible to Filipino families, it explained. The issuance of the IRR reflects the agency’s resolve to keep housing delivery on track under the expanded 4PH program, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the housing czar said. “This IRR keeps housing delivery on track. We aligned policy with the present conditions to remove uncertainty and maintain steady implementation. Both private partners and families deserve clear rules and consistent action,” he added. Aliling emphasized that the DHSUD remains focused on delivering safe, quality, and decent homes through people-centered policies and consistent execution. The DHSUD chief also said that the IRR clearly defined agency responsibilities, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and reinforced compliance and monitoring standards to support effective implementation of 4PH at both the national and regional levels. The revised price ceiling also addressed the rising construction and development costs while sustaining private sector participation in socialized housing, the housing department said. With the issuance of the IRR, DHSUD and DEPDev reaffirmed their shared responsibility to advance affordable housing, strengthen institutional coordination, and uphold dignified living conditions, closing 2025 with firm policy execution and sustained commitment to the housing needs of Filipino families, the two top officials said.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 4 dakika

... Keep on reading: Crazy Jhenny, December 26, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 5 dakika

Aired (December 25, 2025): Nasagot ng madlang player na si Khen ang jackpot question sa 'Laro, Laro, Pick' na nagkakahalaga ng P650,000. Ngunit, mauuwi ba niya ito? #GMANetwork Madlang Kapuso, join the FUNanghalian with #ItsShowtime family. Watch the latest episode of 'It's Showtime' hosted by Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Karylle, Jhong Hilario, Amy Perez, Kim Chui, Jugs & Teddy, MC & Lassy, Ogie Alcasid, Darren, Jackie, Cianne, Ryan Bang, and Ion Perez.

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 42 dakika

MANILA, Philippines—Converge swingman Archie Concepcion became the center of attention late in Barangay Ginebra’s 105-85 win over the FiberXers in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Christmas Day at Araneta Coliseum. In the dying seconds of a game the Gin Kings already had in hand, Concepcion was seen throwing an elbow to RJ Abarrientos’ midsection during an inbound play with 31.2 seconds remaining. Abarrientos immediately doubled over in pain, while Concepcion was assessed a flagrant foul that effectively ended his night. In his defense, Concepcion said there was no intent behind the elbow and that he was […]... Keep on reading: PBA: Archie Concepcion says he didn’t mean hit on RJ Abarrientos

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 21 saat, 42 dakika