The Office of the Ombudsman clarified how it handles referrals from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), describing the transmission of cases as part of a “natural flow” of work, after ICI Commissioner Rossana Fajardo submitted her resignation effective Dec. 31.
Houston sneaker and apparel store Eight One in Texas reported two overnight thefts captured on video, showing three unidentified individuals stealing between $7,000 and $10,000 in hats, sneakers and electronics. Police are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing staff and investigating forced entry at the shop. The store remains open while management repairs damage, checks inventory and reassesses security systems. No arrests have been announced and authorities have not identified any suspects.
Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo confirmed she now has a boyfriend as she discussed life after pageantry and how she balances a new relationship with her duties as a national titleholder. Manalo stated that she remains focused on her responsibilities to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization while preparing for international competition. She said she chooses to keep her boyfriend’s identity private but emphasized that her personal life does not conflict with her official role.
Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco on Saturday demanded “non-negotiable” full disclosure of all district and party-list allocations under the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act before the House of Representatives votes on December 29, 2025. He called on the House to post detailed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocations, including specific programs and projects, on the official Congress website. Tiangco cited past transparency issues in party-list funding and said the completion of bicameral deliberations removed any reason to withhold information, stressing that public disclosure is essential for accountability and informed decision-making on the national budget.
Thailand and Cambodia announced an immediate ceasefire on Saturday after three weeks of heavy border clashes that killed at least 47 people and displaced more than one million, according to a joint statement. The agreement halts fighting involving artillery, tanks, drones and jets along disputed frontier areas and commits both sides to stop hostilities, protect civilians and pursue dialogue. Authorities began assessing damage and coordinating humanitarian aid while officials prepared monitoring mechanisms and follow-up talks to stabilize the border.
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 109-102 on Friday night in Chicago, securing their fifth straight win to match a season high. Jalen Smith sparked a decisive game-ending 10-0 run with a driving dunk over Joel Embiid, and Chicago’s defense held Philadelphia scoreless in the final minutes. The result strengthened the Bulls’ position in the Eastern Conference race and highlighted Smith’s late-game impact in a physical matchup at the United Center.
Nikola Jokic set an NBA record by scoring 18 points in overtime, all in the final 2:53, to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Denver on Thursday night. The Denver center surpassed Stephen Curry’s previous mark for points in a single overtime period and finished as the Nuggets’ top scorer. Game officials and the NBA confirmed Jokic’s performance as a new league record, and the outburst in the extra period secured a key Western Conference victory for Denver.
April Boys member Jimmy Regino, who performed in the Filipino vocal group with his brothers, has died, according to statements cited by local media. His family has not publicly disclosed the cause of death, his age, or full funeral details, and they requested privacy while arranging memorial plans. Fans and fellow artists posted condolences and tributes on social media following the reports.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the Philippines’ trade deficit narrowed to $3.51 billion in November 2025, down 28.8 percent from a year earlier, as exports grew 21.3 percent to $6.91 billion and imports slipped 2.0 percent to $10.423 billion. Total external trade reached $17.33 billion for the month, while year-to-date trade from January to November rose to $199.99 billion. Electronics remained the country’s top export and import product, and Hong Kong and China led as the Philippines’ main export market and import source, respectively.
Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis exited a Thursday NBA game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco with a groin injury in the second quarter. The Mavericks announced that Davis suffered groin spasms and would not return to the game. Team medical staff evaluated him before ruling him out, and the organization did not immediately provide a timetable for his recovery or details on further testing. The injury forced adjustments to the Mavericks’ rotations as the game continued at Chase Center.