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PH to raise ‘Monster’ ship issue during bilateral talks with China Beijing’s deployment of its so-called “monster ship” near Zambales – during the two states’ scheduled bilateral THE Philippine government will raise meeting on Thursday. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique its concerns over recent developments in the West Philippine Sea – including Next page
By Rachelle Tonelada, Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 335 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
Comelec to destroy 6m ballots Garcia says poll body ‘back to zero’ amid SC ruling on DQ of 5 bets By Vito Barcelo
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HE Commission on Elections will shred 6 million ballots for the midterm polls worth over P130 million before printing new ones to include the names of five candidates it previously disqualified. This as the Supreme Court earlier issued temporary restraining orders on the disqualification of the five candidates. Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the ballots would be shredded to ensure they cannot be used in the upcoming polls. The ballots were printed at P22 each, which means the poll body stands to
PNP RECALLS 674 POLICE BODYGUARDS
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NEWS / A2 ‘BACK TO ZERO.’ Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia says the poll body will shred at least 6 mil-
lion ballots that were already printed following a Supreme Court restraining order on the disqualification of five candidates. Ballot verifiers are seen inside the National Printing Office in Quezon City on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Norman Cruz and Manny Palmero
Marcos, Kamala uphold strong PH-US security ties By Charles Dantes ENSURING security and freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea took center stage in the phone call between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US
Vice President Kamala Harris late Tuesday evening [Philippine time], highlighting the crucial role the two nations’ alliances play in maintaining regional stability. Mr. Marcos also expressed optimism about sustaining the dynamic
partnership between the two nations even as the Biden administration bows out, highlighting significant progress made in economic, diplomatic, and defense collaboration Next page
P400m DOT budget reinstated; Vax institute assured of funding By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured enough funding for three government projects aimed at boosting tourism, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and beefing up the country’s
response to future pandemics. He directed the Department of Budget and Management to reinstate the P400-million branding budget for the Department of Tourism to sustain the country’s momentum in promoting its global image. Next page
Rise in Speaker’s trust ratings reflect strong leadership—solons By Maricel V. Cruz LAWMAKERS praised Speaker Martin Romualdez for his latest rise in public approval ratings,
attributing the House of Representatives’ legislative accomplishments to his inclusive and strong leadership. Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Deputy
STRONG ALLIANCE. In a telephone call with US Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, President Ferdinand
‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. expressed optimism in ‘maintaining the strong and dynamic relationship’ between the two allies under the incoming Trump administration. Trump will be sworn in as US president on Monday. PCO
PBBM signs law promoting natural gas development By Charles Dantes and Ram Superable PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12120 aimed at promoting the development of the country’s natural gas industry. The legislation consolidates exist-
ing laws to establish a comprehensive framework for the exploration, development, and utilization of natural gas resources in the country. The new law, which was signed on January 8, seeks to enhance energy security, attract investments, and ensure environmental sustainability by
streamlining regulatory processes and providing incentives for stakeholders in the natural gas sector. It also emphasizes the importance of adhering to international safety and environmental standards in all industry operations. Next page
COURTESY CALL. Zsolt Nemeth, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hungarian National Assembly, pays a courtesy call on Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the House of Representatives. The two discussed bilateral and economic cooperation as well as inter-parliamentary ties during the meeting. Ver Noveno
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