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Cha Eun-woo accused of tax evasion in 20 billion won case tied to mother

PNP nabs ₱143M in illegal cigarettes, 3 arrested for attempted bribe

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The Philippine National Police seized an estimated P143 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and intercepted two unregistered trailer trucks along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City on December 19, 2024. Police said the shipment, reportedly picked up from Bauan, Batangas and bound for Valenzuela City, led to an entrapment operation at Camp Olivas in Pampanga, where three suspects were arrested after allegedly offering P5 million to secure the release of the cargo. Authorities coordinated with the Bureau of Customs and prepared charges for attempted bribery and possible customs and revenue violations.

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New bill aims to establish scam prevention hub

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Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez filed House Bill 6815 to create the Philippine Scam Prevention Center (PSPC) under the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center. The proposed PSPC will serve as the primary government agency for enforcing laws on online and digital fraud, including the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act of 2024 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The bill mandates coordination among regulators, financial institutions, telcos, online marketplaces and fintech firms, and calls for regional scam prevention centers nationwide.

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Vico Sotto calls Sara Discaya’s arrest a positive move for justice

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Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto on Saturday said the arrest of Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya marks a “good start” in efforts to hold alleged Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) corruption figures accountable. In a Facebook video, Sotto detailed how construction firms linked to the Discaya family, including companies named after their children, reportedly secured billions of pesos in DPWH contracts. He cited Anti-Money Laundering Council findings on large fund inflows to bank accounts tied to several Discaya-related firms and urged the public to stay vigilant as investigations proceed.

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Milwaukee judge guilty of obstruction in migrant evasion case

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A Milwaukee County judge has been convicted by a jury on one felony count of obstruction in a case linked to a man living in the U.S. without legal status. Prosecutors said the judge helped the man evade federal immigration authorities, arguing the conduct interfered with a lawful attempt to detain him. The defense denied criminal intent and disputed the state’s evidence. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled, and the conviction carries possible prison time and fines under Wisconsin law.

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Samantha Bernardo, husband expecting baby boy

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Former Binibining Pilipinas Grand International titleholder Samantha Bernardo announced through social media that she and her non-showbiz husband Scott are expecting a baby boy. The couple held a gender reveal celebration attended by family and friends, sharing photos and videos that confirmed they will welcome a son. Bernardo posted images of her prenatal checkups and pledged to continue documenting her pregnancy journey online as she prepares for motherhood.

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Military families seek seasonal help through ‘Adopt-A-Family’ initiative

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More than 50 military and veteran families remain on the waiting list for holiday support through the Soldiers’ Angels Adopt-A-Family program in 2024. The nationwide initiative matches sponsors with eligible households of deployed service members and low-income veterans to provide children’s gifts and grocery gift cards for holiday meals. Organizers report the program is in its final stretch and continue to seek individual, group, and corporate sponsors before seasonal deadlines. Interested sponsors can register online, review guidelines, and adopt one or more families still awaiting assistance.

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President Trump shifts marijuana to lower-risk category

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Austin, Texas, reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug under federal law. The order directs agencies to move cannabis to a lower schedule, easing some research restrictions while stopping short of federal legalization. Supporters expect expanded scientific studies and potential new medical products, while critics warn of enforcement and public health challenges. State regulators, law enforcement, researchers, and businesses are now reviewing the implications of the federal shift and awaiting detailed implementation rules from federal agencies.

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Texas rabbi’s brother wounded in Australia shooting shares message in Austin

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Governor Greg Abbott joined Jewish community members in Austin, Texas, for an annual Hanukkah ceremony that took on new significance after the Bondi Beach mass stabbing attack in Sydney, Australia, which injured the brother of a Texas rabbi. The event featured traditional prayers, menorah lighting, increased security, and remarks from the victim’s brother, as participants emphasized community solidarity, religious observance, and coordination with local authorities. Organizers reported heightened attendance and planned additional Hanukkah events and outreach across Texas in response to the attack.

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