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A Merry Christmas to All! MOST PINOYS EXPECT TO HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS — SWS SURVEY PBBM to sign 2026 nat'l budget on Jan. 5—Recto
By Katrina Manubay MAJORITY of Filipino adults expect to have a happy Christmas this year, with 68% expressing optimism, up three points from 65% in 2024 but five points lower than the 73% recorded in both 2023 and 2022, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. In the latest survey, results showed that while the majority (68%) expects a happy Christmas, 7% expecting it to be sad, and 25% expecting it to be neither happy nor sad. Across major areas, those expecting a happy Christmas were more pronounced in Mindanao at 76%, followed by the Visayas at 73%, Balance Luzon at 64%, and Metro Manila at 64%. The SWS noted that compared to 2024, the expectation of a happy Christmas rose by 6 points from 58% in Metro Manila, 5 points from 59% in Balance Luzon, 2 points from 71% in the Visayas, and 3 points from 73% in Mindanao. The survey also revealed that good health remains the most common reason for gratitude among Filipinos as Christmas and the end of the year approach. Next page
By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable and Rio Araja VOL. XXXIX • NO. 313 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025 •
THE government will operate on a reenacted budget, at least for the first five days of 2026, as President Ferdinand Marcos J r. w i l l r e -
Leviste makes public portion of ‘Cabral list’
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Palace: Files not vetted by DPWH 'tsismis' w/out probative value By Ram Superable, Ratziel San Juan and Joel Zurbano
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ATANGAS Rep. Leandro Leviste on Wednesday made a partial disclosure of the so-called "Cabral list," but limited it to a summary of the "allocable" funds that district representatives recommended for the 2025 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways, leaving out details on senators and party-list solons. A separate so-called "DPWH Leaks" reported by Bilyonaryo News Channel claimed Senator Francis Escudero had the highest budget Next page
PINOY X’MAS. A trio of carolers
dressed up in colorful costumes are among the many life-size figures that adorn the main avenues of Makati City in celebration of Christmas and the New Year. Diana Noche
Bring kindness, happiness, and good cheer to all —PBBM President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
Vice President Sara Duterte
'NO other occasion stirs a warmer and more festive spirit in all of us than the Filipino Christmas. Let us bring kindness, happiness, a n d good cheer to everyone we meet, especially to our children for whom these festivities are really for. It is my fervent hope that the deepest desires of our hearts be fulfilled, and that love and goodwill continue to guide our families and communities. Let us become a source of light and goodness to our fellow Filipinos this Christmas and in the years to come.'
'SA kagandahan ng ating loob nagmumula ang pag-asa at katatagan ng loob at pananampalataya. At ito ang gagabay a t magpapalakas sa atin bilang mga indibidwal, bilang mga pamilya, at bilang isang bansa. Hangad ko ang inyong kaligayahan kasama ang inyong mga kapamilya at mahal sa buhay.'
Rep. Martin G. Romualdez 'MGA kababayan ko, this Christmas season, we celebrate the deep faith that unites us as Filipinos – pag-asa, puso, tapang, at pagmamahal sa bawat isa. May the birth of Christ renew our hearts, strengthen our families, and remind us that even in difficult times, light always finds its way through. Maupay na pasko ha iyo na tanan.'
Speaker Bodjie Dy 'THIS Christmas, we pause as a nation to give thanks, reflect, and embrace hope anew. With every shining light and shared smile, let u s remember the true spirit of Christmas: love, caring for others, and the belief that everything becomes more meaningful when we are united. Despite the challenges, we have chosen to prevail with honesty, respect for the law, and calm action. By working together, we are gradually restoring trust and paving the way for a brighter future. This is the stance of the New Philippines—a government with clear direction and accountability to the people. May the magic of Christmas strengthen our unity and inspire our service to others.
PARTIAL LIST. One of the documents purportedly given by the late DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral to Rep. Leandro Leviste which he released during an interview with Bilyonaryo TV. Bilyonaryo TV grab
Pope Leo sad Russia rejects call for global truce POPE Leo XIV on Tuesday called for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing “great sadness” that Russia apparently rejected the request. Here at home, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, in his Christmas message, urged Filipinos to hold on to hope and unity, saying the coming of Christ brings lasting joy and renews the call to pray and work for peace. “I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace—at least on the feast of the birth of our Savior,” Leo told reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, arguing that it would only give a military advantage to Ukraine. Next page
Pope Leo XIV
Cases of X’mas heart attacks down so far—DoH By Ram Superable
EDSA REHAB BEGINS. Traffic cones are placed with a public notice advising motorists to slow down or use alternative routes as road construction along the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Pasay City begins on December 24, 2025. Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare will undergo extensive repairs as announced by the national government. Story on A3. Norman Cruz
THE Department of Health on Wednesday said cases of heart attack, stroke and asthma were 38 percent lower compared to the figures for the same period last year 2024. It said that 18 additional cases of heart attack, stroke and asthma were recorded from Dec. 21 to Dec. 24, based on monitoring from 10 pilot surveilNext page lance sites nationwide.