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PUBLIC FUNDS MISUSE FELT IN HIGHER PRICES
‘Corruption hurting economy’ Lacson: Corruption issues drag down PBBM's ratings By Katrina Manubay and Ram Superable
M
AJORITY of Filipinos view corruption as having an impact on the economy, in particular on rising prices and weaker services, think-tank Stratbase Group said. Corruption issues also dragged down the ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who first flagged anomalous flood control projects in his State of the Nation Address last year, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said. A Stratbase-commissioned Pulse Asia survey in December showed at least 38 percent of respondents identified making food prices more affordable as the most urgent action government leaders should take, followed by reducing or eliminating corruption to improve service deliv-
ery (31 percent) and creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities (21 percent), making these the highest-ranked concerns across regions and socio-economic classes. “Filipinos recognize that corruption has direct consequences on their daily lives. When public funds are misused, people feel it through higher prices, weaker public services, and fewer job opportunities,” said Stratbase Group founder and chief executive officer Victor Andres Manhit.
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 322 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026 •
TOP COMMUNITY CONCERNS Have more affordable food prices
38
Lessen or eliminate corruption
31
Create more jobs 21 Provide accessible education & healthcare
10
Source: Pulse Asia survey
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Probe VP Sara’s ‘undeclared’ wealth—Palace By Charles Dantes PRESIDENTIAL Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro urged the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to revisit allegations of undeclared wealth involving Vice President Sara Duterte, saying oversight bodies have the authority to initiate investigations on their own. In her personal vlog "Batas with Atty. Claire Castro," the Palace official discussed earlier accusations made in 2016 regarding purported Next page
PNP, LTFRB readies for postholiday exodus By Vince Lopez and Rio N. Araja
FIRST FRIDAY MASS. Roman Catholic Devotees jammed the Basilica Minore and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila for the
first Friday mass. The mass is part of the religious preparations for the annual Traslacion or the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9. Quiapo Church FB
POLICE security forces across the country are on alert to ensure the safety of millions of Filipinos who are expected to start traveling back to their homes in urban centers after a long Christmas break. For its part, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) alerted all its personnel in anticipation of the travel of millions of Filipino after the long Christmas and New year holidays. Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said police will remain Next page
Solons call out ICI’s work continues despite commissioners' quitting — Palace Leviste on P2m By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG yesterday assured that the work of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will proceed even after two commissioners stepped down last month. Presidential Communications Office Claire Castro said reports that the ICI’s investigation would cease by February are inaccurate, noting that the commission’s mandate remains in force despite the resignations of commissioners, for-
mer DPWH chief Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo. "Let them not think the investigation will no longer proceed; there will be no slowing down. The enthusiasm to hold accountable those who should be held accountable remains," Castro said. She said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. initiated the inquiry into suspected anomalies and remains determined to see the process through to completion.
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bonus claim
By Katrina Manubay SEVERAL solons called out the statements made by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, the latest of which is his claim that congressmen received a P2-million “Christmas bonus” for approving the 2026 national budget. “First and foremost, there is a clear pattern of lies, falsities, and inaccuracies coming from Congressman Leviste, and this is yet another example of that,” Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Next page
Colder weather seen this month, says PAGASA GRAND WELCOME. A crowd of 250,000 people packed the SM Mall of
Asia grounds to witness the spectacular GMA Kapuso Countdown to 2026, where headliners AHOF and international star Bonnie Bailey, alongside various Kapuso Stars, led the nation's biggest New Year celebration. The event culminated in a magnificent, maximum-experience fireworks display, setting a brilliant tone for the year ahead.
THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday predicted temperatures of 7.5 degrees Celsius and below in parts of the Philippines this month. Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section Chief Ana Liza Solis attributed this to a cold surge and the northeast monsoon (Amihan). "So let us expect this January and Next page
HOMEBOUND. Travelers crowd the arrival and departure halls of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 , top photo, and a bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, bottom photo, as the post-holiday travel surge begins, with thousands hauling heavy luggage while returning to work and school following the Christmas and New Year break. Edd Castro
BI warns public vs. foreign-based scams By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned the public against foreign syndicates behind stock marketrelated scams targeting Filipinos into working overseas. The warning was raised following the repatriation of human trafficking
victims who claimed they were forced into fraudulent activities abroad. Eight Filipino victims, in their early 20s to late 30s, were repatriated on Dec. 31 after being rescued from scam operations overseas. They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on an AirAsia flight from Cambodia via Malaysia. Next page