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Plunder case filed vs Sara Duterte over P612-M confidential funds

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Civic and church groups filed plunder and graft complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman, alleging misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds through parallel funding schemes involving the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. The complainants asked the Ombudsman to investigate the source, release, and use of the funds, subpoena budget and audit records, and pursue criminal charges if warranted. The Ombudsman docketed the case for evaluation and has yet to announce further investigative actions or a timetable.

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Palace: Marcos’ legislative reforms have substance, not optics

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The Palace said on Friday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order for Congress to prioritize several anti-corruption measures, including an anti-political dynasty bill, is not for optics but for substantive reform. Malacañang officials reported that formal communications were sent to both chambers of Congress, directing attention to proposed laws on transparency, accountability, and good governance, and said they expect lawmakers to act on the measures during the current session.

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Denmark opens doors for Filipino health workers with formal program

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Denmark and the Philippines drafted a bilateral health cooperation pact that will create a structured training and recruitment pathway for Filipino health workers bound for Denmark. The proposed agreement details ethical recruitment rules, training and upskilling programs, credential recognition, and welfare safeguards for Filipino nurses and other medical staff. It also establishes joint monitoring and review mechanisms to balance Denmark’s health workforce needs with the Philippines’ domestic health service requirements.

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Trump to pay tribute to ‘Miracle on Ice’ squad

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President Donald Trump is scheduled to honor members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team, known for the “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union, during a bill-signing ceremony at the White House on Friday. The administration has not yet released details of the legislation tied to the event. Former players and staff from the Lake Placid gold medal team are expected to attend the Washington, D.C. ceremony, which will include formal remarks and the signing of a bill into law.

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Eya Laure targets SEA Games semifinal return for Alas Pilipinas

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Eya Laure on Saturday said she expects medical clearance to return from an abdominal strain and play for Alas Pilipinas in its women’s volleyball semifinal against Vietnam at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok. The Philippines listed Laure on its active roster and prepared lineup adjustments pending final medical updates before Sunday’s match at Indoor Stadium Huamark. Tournament officials confirmed that winners of the semifinals will advance to the gold-medal match, while losing teams will compete for bronze, as the national team seeks a higher regional finish.

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Gorillas return to San Antonio as Congo Falls opens this weekend

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The San Antonio Zoo opens Congo Falls, a new gorilla habitat featuring what officials describe as the world’s tallest gorilla tower, bringing gorillas back to the zoo in San Antonio, Texas. The immersive exhibit offers multi-level viewing areas, naturalistic landscaping, and educational displays on gorilla biology and conservation. Congo Falls aims to support animal welfare through vertical space, enrichment, and flexible habitat design while providing visitors with close viewing opportunities within a controlled and accessible environment.

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CyrusOne proposes $430 million data center in Whitney as Texas buildout accelerates

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CyrusOne has filed plans with Texas regulators to construct a 93,319‑square‑foot, single‑story data center in Whitney, about 35 miles north of Waco, with construction targeted from February 2026 to April 2027. The $430 million project would be the company’s smallest Texas facility and comes amid a broader surge in data center and AI infrastructure investments across the state, including Google’s recently announced $40 billion expansion.

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BTS’ Jimin, Jungkook unveil ‘Are You Sure?!’ Season 2 photobook

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BTS members Jimin and Jungkook released the official “Are You Sure?! Season 2” photobook on Dec. 24, 2024, following pre-orders on Weverse Shop from Dec. 9. The photobook complements their Disney+ reality travel series and includes scenic photos from Switzerland and Vietnam, behind-the-scenes images, collectible photocards, postcards, instant shots and an exclusive unreleased photo. The eight-episode show airs weekly through the Christmas season, and the photobook serves as an official companion merchandise item for fans worldwide.

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S. Korea reports 2 new highly contagious bird flu cases

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South Korea on Wednesday confirmed two new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza at poultry farms in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, raising the total number of farm infections this season to 10. Agricultural authorities implemented quarantine, culling, movement controls, and disinfection measures at and around the affected sites, and launched epidemiological investigations to trace infection routes. The government increased surveillance at high-risk farms, ordered stronger biosecurity measures, and pledged support for affected farm owners under livestock disease control rules.

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