Survey shows 52% favor fully empowered infra body

A Pulse Asia “Ulat ng Bayan” survey conducted from Dec. 12 to 15, 2024, shows that 52 percent of Filipinos want Congress to immediately pass a law creating a fully empowered Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC). The nationwide poll, released Monday, found majority support across key areas and sectors for an independent body focused on investigating and addressing corruption in government infrastructure projects. Lawmakers and infrastructure officials may use the findings as input in ongoing discussions on anti-corruption measures and oversight mechanisms for public works.

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Marcos to Filipinos on Rizal Day: Choose country over personal interest

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged Filipinos to choose the country over personal interests as the nation marked Rizal Day in Manila. In his message, Marcos called on citizens, especially the youth, to use national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s life and martyrdom as a guide for patriotism, truth, and responsible citizenship. He asked the public to embody Rizal’s principles in daily life, pursue just reforms, and stand for integrity and truth to help realize a “Bagong Pilipinas.”

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“Hell to pay”: Trump presses Hamas to disarm after Netanyahu talks

President Donald Trump warned Hamas there would be “hell to pay” if the group does not disarm soon, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump said the next phase of a Gaza peace plan could advance quickly if Hamas gives up its weapons. The two leaders discussed security, Gaza and regional stability. Hamas controls Gaza and maintains an armed wing that has fought multiple conflicts with Israel. Details of the proposed peace plan and any potential U.S. actions remain unclear.

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Cup of Joe reigns as 2025’s top act

Cup of Joe emerged as the top Philippine pop act of 2025, according to music charts, live event organizers and industry observers who cited the band’s strong streaming performance, sold-out concerts, extensive media exposure and multiple award citations across the country. This fact-based report details how chart rankings, touring data, audience turnout, radio rotation and digital platform metrics established Cup of Joe’s status as the leading pop group in the Philippines during 2025.

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Houston Texans eye division title after 3rd straight playoff berth

The Houston Texans clinched their third straight NFL playoff berth and now aim for a third consecutive AFC South title. Houston can secure the division by defeating the Indianapolis Colts in their regular-season finale at NRG Stadium while the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars lose at home to the Tennessee Titans. The outcome of both Sunday games will determine whether the Texans enter the postseason as division champions or a wild-card team, as the NFL locks in the AFC playoff seedings after all Week 18 matchups conclude.

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Angels’ two championships highlight year of changing PVL guards that took place

Petro Gazz Angels won two Premier Volleyball League (PVL) championships in the most recent season, marking a major power shift in Philippine women’s professional volleyball as perennial contender Creamline completed the year without a title. League records, statistics, and match reports showed Petro Gazz’s consistent playoff runs, strong defense, and balanced scoring, which propelled the Angels to multiple crowns across different conferences. PVL officials and data highlighted rising parity in the league, sustained fan interest, and the impact of roster and tactical adjustments among top clubs.

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Stephen Holt steps into the spotlight

Stephen Holt sent Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals with a decisive game-winning shot in a 99-98 overtime victory over Converge in a knockout quarterfinal. The overtime thriller, played on Sunday night, ended Converge’s Philippine Cup campaign and moved Ginebra into the next round of the all-Filipino conference. Holt’s buzzer-beating basket capped a tightly contested game that went beyond regulation after both teams finished the fourth quarter tied, forcing an extra period to decide which club advanced.

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Austin plans $5.2M reduction in social services funding

The City of Austin will cut $5.2 million from social services contracts after voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition Q in the November election, forcing budget adjustments. City officials notified affected providers, revised contract amounts, and coordinated changes to program scopes and service levels. The cuts apply within the current fiscal year and reflect the revenue gap created by the failed ballot measure. Austin’s finance department and city leadership reviewed updated projections and directed reductions to keep the budget balanced while continuing to monitor future funding conditions.

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