Philippines morning news for December 23

Philippines morning news for December 23
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Philippines morning news

BJMP frees 40 individuals acquitted in Maguindanao massacre case
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) freed 40 individuals who had been acquitted in the Maguindanao massacre case, according to a Saturday report by Ian Cruz on Balitanghali Weekend.
— GMA Network

9-month TRAIN take P14B over estimates
TOTAL revenues from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law have breached nearly 81 percent of full-year targets after nine months, as the government exceeded its estimates from January to September by P14 billion.
— Business Mirror

Government financing surges 47% to P50.3 billion in October
Government financing surged by 47.4 percent to P50.27 billion in October from P34.1 billion a year ago as the country continued to borrow more from domestic and foreign sources to fill in the funding gap, according to the Bureau of Treasury.
— The Philippine Star

Wolbachia delivers a toxin-free death blow to rocketing dengue rates (video)
As the number of confirmed deaths from dengue in the Philippines this year broke through the 1,500 barrier last month, scientists and health officials meeting in Maryland, USA, were being shown compelling evidence that the days of the debilitating disease are numbered.
— AEC News Today

Grenade attack injures soldiers in Cotabato City
A grenade attack near the Notre Dame Cathedral complex in Cotabato City left casualties among soldiers, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Sunday, December 22.
— Rappler

FALSE: ‘Zero’ journalists harassed, ‘sued by govt’ under Duterte admin
Claim: There have been “zero” journalists who “claim to have been harassed by government forces since the start of the Duterte admin,” according to a Facebook status post by Krizette Laureta Chu.
— Rappler

Robredo says she may release her drug war report this December or in January next year
Vice President Leni Robredo may release her drug war report this December. But if calamity-related events are not yet done, she said in her show 9ver radio DZXL, she would release it early January next year.
— Eagle News

Philippine troops rescue 2 abducted Indonesians
Philippine troops rescued two abducted Indonesian sailors in a Sunday (Dec 22) pre-dawn raid on a militant stronghold which left two dead, a military official said.
— CNA

The 2020 Asean Para Games postponement was unfair: Chef de Mission
Malaysia will challenge the decision to postpone the Asean Para Games (APG) 2020 taking into account the losses to be borne and the negative impact on the country’s athletes performance.
— The Sun Daily

Duterte reviews proposed P4.1-T 2020 budget
President Rodrigo Duterte is thoroughly scrutinizing the proposed PHP4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 which was recently ratified by Congress, Malacañang said on Sunday.
— Philippine News Agency

Domestic trade value, volume up in Jul-Sept
THE total value and volume of domestic trade rose in the third quarter of 2019 from figures recorded in the same period last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
— Manila Times

US agriculture exports to Philippines hit record $3 billion
The Philippines continues to increase its dependence on agricultural products from the US as imports are expected to reach a record $3 billion this year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.
— The Philippine Star

Pinoy developed anti-dengue drug can be taken as a supplement – DOST
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Pena said on Saturday that, in his view, the anti-dengue drug being developed by Pinay scientist Dr. Rita Grace Alvero and her team could be taken as a health supplement.
— GMA Network

3.6-magnitude quake hits Davao del Sur
A 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck Davao del Sur on Sunday, Dec. 22.
— Eagle News

Govt finds GMA Network liable in actor’s death; fined P890,000
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has slapped GMA Network Inc. and its contractors with a fine of almost P900,000, saying the public-listed firm violated occupational and safety and health (OSH) violations in the workplace, which killed veteran actor Eduardo “Eddie” Garcia earlier this year.
— Business Mirror

Unemployment rate eases in 2019
Unemployment eased in 2019 as more Filipinos joined the workforce, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.
— The Philippine Star

DA’s P2-B facility to fight smuggling in use by 2020
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it would kick-start next year its P2-billion border improvement project that seeks to curb smuggling of agricultural goods—a potential source of pests and transboundary animal diseases to the country—through the use of modern facilities.
— Business Mirror

Experts warn PHL, Asean of China’s ‘colonialism’
Some security experts have warned Southeast Asian nations of China’s “colonialist strategies” and to be wary of its investments in certain businesses, such as telecommunications, which could expose countries to cyber attacks.
— Business Mirror

OFW households saving more, investing less
More families of overseas Filipino workers are getting into the habit of saving, according to the results of a quarterly survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
— The Philippine Star

16% of companies plan to hire more in Q1
About 16 percent of companies plan to hire more people in the first quarter of 2020, but the number is slightly lower than the previous quarter, according to the results of the latest Business Expectations Survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
— Manilastandard.net

What we know so far: Proposed U.S. sanctions vs PH officials in drug war
Lawmakers in the United States have started taking action to sanction Philippine officials linked to human rights violations under the Duterte administration and the detention of opposition Senator Leila de Lima.
— Rappler

How the Ampatuans commanded the police to carry out massacre
How could the massacre of 58 people be carried out with such brazenness in broad daylight on November 23, 2009?
— Rappler

Duterte’s stance on water deals still ‘unchanged’: Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte’s position on the government’s water concession agreements with Manila Water and Maynilad remains “unchanged,” Malacañang said on Sunday.
— Philippine News Agency

Prosecutor unsatisfied as more ‘actual shooters’ in Maguindanao massacre yet to be nabbed
After the guilty verdict was handed down on Thursday on most of the principal suspects in the Maguindanao massacre, the private prosecutor in the case on Sunday said she is not fully satisfied while 80 more suspects remain at large.
— GMA Network

Higher teaching allowance, housing benefits eyed for teachers –solon
Various proposals are currently being considered in the House of Representatives to provide teachers with more benefits to compensate for the relatively small increases in their salaries under the proposed Salary Standardization Law (SSL) V, a lawmaker said Sunday.
— GMA Network

PH firms’ use of legal software improves
Philippines finished second in the region in cleaning up corporate use of illegal software, according to BSA The Software Alliance.
— Manila Bulletin

RCBC, fintechs launch P100 billion fund for MSMEs
Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) has partnered with financial technology firms (fintechs) led by Acudeen Technologies Inc. to launch a P100-billion fund for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
— The Philippine Star

Communist rebels declare 16-day ceasefire
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday, December 22, declared a long holiday ceasefire that will take effect first hour Monday, December 23, and will last until January 7 next year.
— Rappler

Over a dozen injured in southern Philippines bombings
A series of explosions on Sunday (Dec 22) night rocked a southern Philippine city known for Islamic State-linked violence, wounding at least 17 people including soldiers, a military official said.
— CNA

Police search for 80 more massacre suspects
PHILIPPINE police on Sunday sought the public’s help in the manhunt for at least 80 suspects in the massacre of more than 50 people, including 32 journalists in Maguindanao province a decade ago.
— BusinessWorld

Angkas official claims corruption in motorcycle taxi pilot run
A top official of Angkas claimed there was “corruption” in the government’s decision to cut the motorcycle ride-hailing firm’s bikers to 10,000 from 27,000, in favor of new players in the transport sharing scheme.
— Manila Times

Tropical Storm Ursula enters PAR
The tropical storm with the international name Phanfone entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 5 am on Monday, December 23, just a couple of days before Christmas. It has been given the local name Ursula.
— Rappler

Navotas grants P10K bonus to city govt workers
Mayor Toby Tiangco announced that Navotas city government employees will receive P10,000 bonus this Christmas.
— Manila Times

World-class facilities in Clark boost Central Luzon tourism
DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat emphasized the government’s vision towards sustainable tourism by facilitating integrated multi-industry growth areas such as the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ).
— Manila Times

Duterte gives peace another chance, names Medialdea in panel with communists
President Rodrigo Duterte gave peace talks with communist rebels another chance as he reconstituted a peace panel with communist guerrillas and named his trusted executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea, as one of its members.
— Rappler

At least 7 dead after drinking lambanog in Laguna, Quezon
At least 7 people died while over a hundred others were rushed to different hospitals after drinking lambanog in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon on Sunday, December 22.
— Rappler

Decision on ‘truce’ recommendation known on Monday –Panelo
Malacañang said Sunday that President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision on the recommendation for a unilateral and reciprocal cessation of hostilities between government forces and the Reds will be made known on Monday, December 23.
— GMA Network

DENR donates seized lumbers to rebuild quake-hit DavSur areas
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu issued a directive to its Mindanao offices to release confiscated lumber and wood products to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to help earthquake victims rebuild their homes.
— Philippine News Agency

Lacson wants National Building Code updated amid recent quakes
Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed a measure seeking to update the National Building Code in the wake of the recent earthquakes that rocked areas in Mindanao.
— GMA Network

4.3-magnitude quake hits Sarangani
A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck Sarangani on Sunday, Dec. 22.
— Eagle News

Thousands of bikers, supporters demand ‘save Angkas’
Angkas bikers, commuters, transport advocates, and even Senator Imee Marcos came together on Sunday, December 22, to protest the government’s decision to lower the cap on the number of motorcycle taxi service bikers.
— Rappler

MNLF leads new call for Duterte to declare revolutionary government
Hundreds of supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte gathered in separate areas in Manila and Cebu on Saturday, December 21, to urge the Chief Executive to declare a revolutionary government and quickly set up a federalist system.
— Rappler

Pulse Asia: Duterte’s approval, trust ratings surge in December 2019
President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval and trust ratings surged in December 2019, according to a Pulse Asia survey that was conducted during the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.
— Rappler

After Cebu gov’t cancels contract, water consortium denies it breached contract
After the Cebu provincial government cancelled its contract with the Manila Water Consortium Incorporated (MCWI), the company denied they breached the deal.
— Rappler

Ampatuans’ scramble after massacre turns loyal househelp against them
Lakmodin Saliao called himself a loyal househelp of the Ampatuans. He said he had found it difficult to testify against them, especially Datu Anwar Ampatuan Sr who raised him.
— Rappler

Following Duterte, AFP to perform silent drills in public
Following the order of their commander-in-chief, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Saturday, December 21, that they will perform silent drills regularly for the public.
— Rappler

Cebu City passes ‘Bawal Bastos’ ordinance
The Cebu City council passed on Wednesday, December 18, an anti-sexual harassment ordinance, punishing acts of sexual violence and intimidation, including catcalling and flashing of private parts.
— Rappler

Cayetano’s high approval ratings due to ‘successful’ SEA Games – solons
Lawmakers attributed Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano’s high approval and trust ratings in the most recent Pulse Asia survey to the successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
— GMA Network

Go leads aid distribution in quake-hit DavSur town
Senator Christopher Lawrence Go on Sunday led the distribution of cash assistance and relief goods in Padada, Davao del Sur.
— Philippine News Agency

GAMMA takes first step toward IOC approval
The Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) has formally submitted its application for observer status with the Global Association of International Sport Federations (GAISF).
— Philippine News Agency

Make establishments aware of athletes’ discount law, says Agatha Wong
National wushu athlete Agatha Wong reminded the public of the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (Republic Act 10699) after she was initially denied of the benefit at a restaurant on Saturday, December 21.
— Rappler

Imee slams DOTr over one-sided policies on motorcycle taxis
Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday criticized the Department of Transportation for formulating policies on motorcycle taxi service providers “without proper consultation or debate.”
— GMA Network

[OPINION] Even after the Ampatuan verdict, Filipino journalists are still in peril
On December 19, 2019, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 released the verdict on the gruesome Ampatuan Massacre , which killed 58 people, including 32 journalists.
— Rappler

AFP to conduct more Silent Drill competitions
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday announced that it will comply with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directive to have regular Silent Drill performances following the success of the first drill competition last week.
— Philippine News Agency

‘Nakiki-angkas lang’: Imee Marcos’ presence at Angkas rally infuriates netizens
While many Filipinos online expressed support for the Angkas rally on Sunday, December 22, they met with anger and disappointment the presence of Senator Imee Marcos.
— Rappler

Inter-agency TWG stands by inclusion of 2 other players in extended run of motorcycle taxi operations
Denies some motorcycle riders will lose their jobs -The Inter-Agency Technical Working Group has stood by its decision to include two other players apart from Angkas in its extended run of operations.
— Eagle News

A new bayanihan: Filipinos use social media to help people in 2019
Ripples of change begin when communities unite and take action.
— Rappler

Fighting poverty is key to win insurgency, says Leyte Gov. Petilla
The governor of Leyte province has appreciated the creation of a task force that seeks to end local communist armed conflict (TF-ELCAC), because it has a cluster composed of national government agencies dedicated on poverty-reduction, among other clusters.
— Philippine Information Agency

PDEA reiterates warning: Cannabidiol is prohibited substance
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reiterated its warning to the public against buying imported Cannabidiol (CBD) oil being used as pain reliever and helps improve overall health and wellness.
— Philippine Information Agency

Number-coding scheme for private, public utility vehicles lifted on selected days starting Dec. 23
The number-coding scheme for private and public utility vehicles is lifted on selected days during the holidays, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced on Saturday, Dec. 21.
— Eagle News

LOOK: Metro Manila Subway construction enters clearing phase
The construction of the long-awaited Metro Manila Subway project has begun its clearing phase in Valenzuela City on Saturday, December 21.
— Rappler

Daughter of 58th Ampatuan massacre victim continues to fight for justice
Justice was served to the families of 57 of the victims of the Ampatuan massacre, but the daughter of the 58th victim still cannot rest.
— Rappler

‘Tama na please’: How lawyer’s text in last moments convicted Andal Ampatuan
Lawyer Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon sent pleading text messages to a fellow lawyer as the Mangudadatu convoy was being massacred by the Ampatuans on November 23, 2009.
— Rappler

Will PH military be China’s unwitting accessory to data breach?
If the Chinese government-backed Dito Telecommunity meets its targeted market share, 3 out of every 10 smartphone-wielding Filipinos might have China’s ears directly listening in on their conversations.
— Rappler

Woman falls from condominium in Cebu City
The naked body of a 22-year-old woman was found on a road in Cebu City past midnight Saturday, December 21, after allegedly slipping and falling from a ledge off a condominium building.
— Rappler

 

Feature photo Nolisoli

This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo focuses on Christmas Day, December 25.

 

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

 

 

About Philippines morning news.

Philippines morning news roundup is the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of Philippines English language news headlines published. Each weekday we scour hundreds of local and international news sites and websites to find the most recent Philippines English language news today.

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Stella-maris Ewudolu

Journalist at AEC News Today

Stella-maris graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Education from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria in 2005.

Between November 2010 and February 2012 she was a staff writer at Daylight Online, Nigeria writing on health, fashion, and relationships. From 2010 – 2017 she worked as a freelance screen writer for ‘Nollywood’, Nigeria.

She joined AEC News Today in December 2016.

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