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AKAP guidelines to now include sanctions against fraud, abuses THE Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will come with safety nets to filter and penalize fraudulent claims and ensure that politicians do not use it as a campaign tool for the 2025 midterm elec-
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 325 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025
tions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said in a statement on Sunday. The agency explained that it is developing an improved standardized targeting Next page
China ‘Monster’ ship backs off
But remains inside country’s EEZ—PCG By Rex Espiritu
T
HE China Coast Guard’s (CCG) mammoth patrol vessel, the CCG 5901, also called the “Monster,” withdrew from its position near Capones Island in Zambales province after being challenged by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) over the weekend.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said Saturday evening that the intruder had fallen back to around 85 nautical miles [157.4 kilometers] away from its position when it was first spotted. Next page
X’MAS SEASON’S END. Commuters from Mindoro Oriental (top photo), and Sorsogon (bottom photo) begin their journey back to Manila a day before the start of work and classes in Metro Manila. Center photo shows travellers arriving from the provinces at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Sunday. Mindoro LGU, Sorsogon LGU, ABS-CBN grab
Gov’t sets rent hike cap at 2.3% for under P10k/month residences By Rio N. Araja THE National Human Settlements Board has set a maximum of 2.3 percent increase in rental for residential units with a monthly rate of P10,000 or less — down from last year’s four percent cap.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, NHSB chairperson, said under NHSB Resolution No. 2024-001, the maximum increase in monthly rentals for covered residential units Next page
INTRUSION. A Philippine Coast Guard officer on board BRP Cabra on Saturday calls out Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5901, also known as the Monster, for intruding into the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Inset shows the Chinese vessel which was spotted 54 miles off the coast of Capones Island, Zambales. (PCG)
Security preparations for Traslacion in place—PNP By Vince Lopez THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday it has implemented security preparations to ensure public safety during the traditional Traslacion for
Nazareno 2025. Thousands of police personnel will be deployed to key areas such as the procession route, high-density locations, and designated entry and exit points, the PNP said.
“Traslacion is a profound expression of faith and devotion. The PNP is fully committed to safeguarding every devotee, dedicating all necessary resources to ensure peace and Next page
DOJ to permanently bar POGO illegal aliens THE Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a stern warning to remaining illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers on Sunday, saying that those who fail to
surrender to authorities face severe POGOs, mandating their closure by consequences, including permanent the end of 2024. immigration blacklisting. This decision stems from invesPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tigations linking POGO operations implemented a nationwide ban on Next page
EPIPHANY SUNDAY. Catholic devotees attend the first Sunday mass at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, on Sunday. The first Sunday of every year marks the celebration of Epiphany Sunday in many Christian traditions. It commemorates the visit of the Magi (the Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus and symbolizes the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles. Norman Cruz
‘Wet season’ to last until March By Rio N. Araja
vices Administration. Ana Liza Solis, Climate MonitorLA Niña-like conditions are likely to ing and Prediction Section chief, said be experienced until March, accord- the La Niña episode is already close to ing to the Philippine Atmospheric, the borderline, citing the possible imGeophysical and Astronomical SerNext page