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VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 313 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2024
Merry Christmas to all!
Marcos: Reflect on Xmas values
NATIVITY. A simple belen (Nativity scene) adorns a clubhouse in a
Novaliches City subdivision where Dawn Masses (Simbang Gabi) are held. The 9th and last day of the anticipated Simbang Gabi was held Monday (Dec. 23, 2024). Joan Bondoc
Universal message of love, hope, gratitude
JUBILEE YEAR. This handout photograph taken on December 21, 2024 and released by the Vatican media shows Pope Francis giving Christmas greetings to the Roman Curia in the Vatican. AFP
Pope Francis opens ‘Holy Door’ to pilgrims in Jubilee Year 2025 President Ferdinand Marcos delivers his Christmas message to the nation. He is joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons Sandro, William Vincent and Simon. Screengrab from President’s FB page
By Charles Dantes, Rachelle Tonelada, Ralph Rirao, Ratziel San Juan and Maricel Cruz
P
RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos worldwide to reflect on the deeper significance of Christmas as he emphasized its universal message of hope, gratitude, and love. “I am one with the Filipino people across the globe in celebrating the festive and holy day of Christmas,” Mr. Marcos said in his Christmas message. “This occasion is a crucial part of our deeply held beliefs... [and] makes both the celebration and significance of Christmas transcend the constraints of religion, extending its invitation of joy and thanksgiving to everyone,” he added.
VP Sara urges Filipinos to embrace forgiveness Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to embrace forgiveness and love this Christmas season, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Next page Sara Duterte
Escudero: Remember the less fortunate Senate President Francis Escudero reminded Filipinos to keep their less fortunate countrymen in mind and offer help however they can. Next page Francis Escudero
Romualdez: Compassion, unity, faith bind nation Speaker Martin Romualdez extended his Christmas greetings Tuesday to Filipino families worldwide, emphasizing the spirit of unity, compassion, and faith that binds a resilient nation this holiday season. Next page Martin Romualdez
Signing of 2025 nat’l budget set on Dec. 30
VATICAN City, Holy See—Pope Francis will mark Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a special ceremony launching Jubilee 2025, a year of Catholic celebrations set to draw more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
The 88-year-old, who has been suffering from a cold in recent days, will at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT) open the “Holy Door” of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, in front of 30,000 people and a Next page
STILL NO CLASSES IN KANLAON
By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos is scheduled to sign the 2025 national budget on December 30, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez disclosed on Tuesday.
NEWS / A2
Next page
Typhon purchase not China’s business—Gibo By Rex Espiritu DEFENSE Sec. Gilberto Teodoro on Tuesday rejected Beijing’s opposition to Manila’s plan to acquire a US-built mid-range missile system, telling China’s communist leaders to stop their “saber-rattling” and “interference” in internal affairs. Next page
RESTIVE. Mt. Kanlaon blows steam and ash as of 11:20 am December 24, 2024. Rigine Mission
CHR backs cases vs. Rody, others ‘Absence of rules’ causes The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday supported a recommendation by the House Quad Committee to file crimes against humanity charges on those allegedly involved in extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.
Throughout the 13 Quad Comm hearings, the CHR said it has consistently monitored the testimonies, affidavits and sworn statements of all resource persons to ensure that human rights violations are actively addressed Next page
inaction on NGCP filing
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) admitted the absence of rules following its failure to approve NGCP’s 4th regulatory reset application on time. Next page