December, 2025

• 23 December

  Takeda Healthcare PHL recognized for Corporate Excellence & Sustainability

  

  For the second consecutive year, Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (THPI) was honored at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards, earning recognition in the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia category. The recognition reflects Takeda’s commitment to fostering a people-centered culture that empowers employees to deliver better health for patients in the Philippines. THPI Country Manager Loreann Villanueva said: “Our commitment …

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• 22 December

  Govt aims to uplift PHL to upper-middle income country

  

  Government aims to render economic growth tangible by becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2026. Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick Go said vigorous job generation efforts will enable government to achieve significant economic growth by next year. Go explained that economic growth should translate into more jobs, subsequently improving Filipino workers’ incomes. Go said “Our strategy is to grow …

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• 22 December

  TNCs to charge zero commission from surge pricing

  

  Two of the country’s Transport Network Companies (TNCs) announced they will not deduct any commission from their partner drivers after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) started implementing a reduction in surge pricing during the holiday season. Lalamove announced a zero percent commission on fares charged by its Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers. “In support of the …

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• 22 December

  1-M air passengers projected this 2025 Christmas rush

  

  The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) expects the number of air passengers flying during the Christmas travel rush to breach the one million mark. CAAP said in a statement they project at least 960,000 passengers this year, a seven percent increase from the 895,000 passengers counted last year. To cope with the traditional airport congestion throughout the country, …

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• 22 December

  Heightened security at transport hubs

  

  Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., directed the entire police force to maintain enhanced security measures and increased police visibility at all transport hubs – airports, seaports, bus terminals, etc. – across the country during the traditional Christmas holiday travel exodus. A nationwide deployment of more than 100,000 police officials – higher than last …

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• 22 December

  Airfares steady as fuel surcharge unchanged in Jan ‘26

  

  Local air passengers should expect no increase in airfares at the beginning of 2026 as fuel surcharge remain stable, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). The CAB maintained a Level 4 status on passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights in January 2026. Under Level 4, fuel surcharge ranges from P117 to P342 per passenger on …

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• 22 December

  Leyte SM scholars hone their talent, boost confidence

  

  For many young Filipinos, education is a way to build skills and shape a future that can uplift both themselves and their communities. Students enter college determined to turn their talents into meaningful opportunities, but the path is rarely straightforward. Even with free tuition in public universities, daily expenses make pursuing a degree a challenge. Scholarships from private organizations give …

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• 22 December

  Bribery foiled in P143-M cigarette smuggling

  

  In the early hours of December 17, operatives from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Special Division together with other units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) intercepted two trailer trucks at G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City while about to transport a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱143-million. According to HPG director Brigadier General Hansel Marantan, the …

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• 22 December

  Lawyers challenge findings Digong fit to stand trial

  

  Defense lawyers of former president Rodrigo Duterte want the findings of a team of doctors appointed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to be voided, after determining that Duterte is medically fit to participate in his trial. The lawyers said the medical report is filled with contradictions and failed to address the claim that he is unable to meaningfully interact …

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• 22 December

  300+ victims apply to participate in Duterte’s ICC trial

  

  The International Criminal Court (ICC) Registry has received a total of 303 applications for victim participation in the trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, which the ICC considered way below the number of drug war victims. According to the report submitted to Pre-Trial Chamber I dated December 19, 2025, the low number of applications was largely due to the absence …

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