health. From Senate debates over crucial spending ​bills to‍ court decisions affecting⁢ individual rights, the‍ news cycle has been packed with⁣ compelling stories.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading --><h2><span id="senate-scrutinizes-2025-budget">Senate Scrutinizes 2025 Budget</span></h2><!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Senator Imee marcos voiced strong⁣ opposition to the​ proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act‍ (GAA), calling it a ​"very bad" budget. In a recent Senate media forum, Marcos‌ emphasized the ‍need for thorough review ⁤and improvement rather​ than ⁣rushing it's passage. Her concerns⁢ highlight‌ the⁤ ongoing debate surrounding government spending and its impact on the Filipino people.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading --><h2><span id="us-court-case-concludes-with-guilty-pleas">US court ⁢Case concludes with ‌Guilty Pleas</span></h2><!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>In a significant legal development, a⁤ US District Court judge in California ⁣accepted ⁣guilty pleas from two administrators of the Kingdom⁢ of Jesus christ (KOJC) on charges of marriage fraud. Judge ‌Terry Hatter Jr.oversaw the⁢ December 16th ⁤hearing,accepting the pleas of Guia Cabactulan and Amanda Estopare,who⁢ were both out on bail. This case ⁣underscores the international reach of US ⁣law enforcement and‍ its impact ​on organizations operating both domestically and abroad.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading --><h2><span id="health-officials-issue-holiday-warning">Health Officials Issue Holiday Warning</span></h2><!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>With the holiday season in full swing, health officials are urging Filipinos⁤ to be mindful of their eating habits.The warning against​ holiday binge eating ⁤serves as a timely reminder of the ​importance ⁣of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even during festive celebrations. ‌ This​ message resonates with health-conscious Americans as well, highlighting the universal importance⁢ of balanced‌ nutrition.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading --><h2><span id="supreme-court-rules-on-teachers-suspension">Supreme Court Rules on Teacher's Suspension</span></h2><!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>The​ Philippine Supreme‌ Court delivered a ⁣landmark ruling, declaring the suspension of‌ a pregnant,​ unmarried teacher illegal. This decision has significant implications for ⁢workplace rights‌ and protections ‍for pregnant women in the Philippines, echoing similar legal battles fought in the United ‌States to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph --><p>These developments ⁣underscore the dynamic political and social landscape of the Philippines, offering a glimpse into the ongoing challenges and triumphs of the nation.The stories highlight the importance of responsible governance, ⁣<a href="https://www.world-today-news.com/bengaluru-techies-suicide-wife-brother-and-mother-arrested/" title="Bengaluru Techie's Suicide: Wife, Brother, and Mother Arrested">fair legal processes</a>, and the ongoing ‌pursuit of social justice‍ – themes that resonate deeply with readers in the⁢ United States and around the world.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h1><span id="philippines-supreme-court-upholds-teachers-rights-economic-stability-holds-and-football-team-triumphs">Philippines supreme⁣ Court Upholds Teacher's ‍Rights,‍ Economic Stability Holds, and Football Team Triumphs</span></h1>\r\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>In a ⁢landmark‍ decision, the Philippines Supreme ⁤Court has ruled that ‌premarital‌ sexual relations⁢ resulting in pregnancy‌ do not constitute grounds for employee dismissal.‍ The First Division, in‍ a case involving a grade school teacher, Miraflor Mabao, overturned her suspension by the⁤ Bohol Wisdom School (BWS).​ Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario authored the decision, stating that the⁣ school's action was‌ illegal.⁤ Mabao, who was⁢ two​ months pregnant ‌at the time of her suspension by ​principal‍ Raul ‍Deloso,⁢ was accused of immorality.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>"the suspension of grade school teacher Miraflor Mabao by​ the​ Bohol Wisdom School (BWS) ⁤is deemed illegal," stated Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario in the Supreme Court's ruling.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h2><span id="philippines-external-debt-remains-manageable">Philippines' External Debt Remains ​Manageable</span></h2>\r\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>despite increased borrowing, the Philippines' external debt remains at ⁣manageable levels, according to ‍a ⁤late Friday report from the​ Bangko Sentral ng pilipinas (BSP). As ⁣of the third quarter,the total external debt reached $139.64 billion, a rise‌ from⁢ $130.18 billion at the end of June. ⁢ While this represents a 30.6 percent increase of external​ debt ‍to GDP compared to 28.9 percent in the second quarter, the overall economic picture ⁢remains positive. ⁤The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded to $330.84 billion by the end of ‌September 2024, up from $311.22 ​billion a year earlier. Although the debt service ratio (DSR) increased ⁢to 11.6 percent from 10.4‌ percent due to higher payments, the country's gross international reserves (GIR) stood strong at $112.71 billion—3.92 times the short-term debt, a significant improvement from 2023's $98.12 billion.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h2><span id="philippine-football-team-advances-to-asean-cup-semifinals">philippine Football Team Advances to Asean Cup Semifinals</span></h2>\r\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>The Philippine ⁣men's national football team celebrated a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Indonesia at the Manahan stadium in Surakarta on‍ Saturday night, securing their place in the Asean Mitsubishi Electric⁣ Cup ​semifinals. This win ‍propelled the Philippines to second place in Group B with six points, behind⁤ Vietnam's ‍10 points.It marks their first Final Four appearance since ⁣2018 and their first victory over Indonesia since ⁢a 4-0 triumph in ⁢the 2014 Asean Championship.⁢ ‌Bjørn ‍Kristensen scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute from a penalty kick awarded after ‌a VAR review confirmed a foul on Yrick Gallantes.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>"Bjørn Kristensen calmly shot a penalty⁤ kick" to secure the victory for the Philippines,⁢ according to‌ the match report.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h2><span id="opinion-and-commentary">opinion and Commentary</span></h2>\r\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>Today's edition of ‌ <i>The Manila Times</i> features prominent ‌columnists Rigoberto Tiglao, Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, and Francisco Tatad. Tiglao highlights the concerns of ⁣182 retired uniformed personnel regarding the 2025 national budget. Fr. Aquino⁢ reflects on the Christmas story, while Tatad ⁣urges President Ferdinand Marcos⁢ Jr. to maintain ⁢order while avoiding excessive measures.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>For more in-depth coverage,visit <a href="https://www.manilatimes.net">www.manilatimes.net</a>, subscribe to the digital edition, ⁤or pick up a print copy ​of <i>The Manila Times</i>. Follow us on social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheManilaTimes">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themanilatimes/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TheManilaTimes">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@themanilatimes">TikTok</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-manila-times">LinkedIn</a>.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h1><span id="stay-connected-the-manila-times-expands-its-digital-reach">Stay Connected: The‍ Manila Times Expands its Digital Reach</span></h1>\r\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>The Manila Times, a ⁣leading ‍Philippine newspaper, is enhancing its ⁢digital presence to ⁢better ​connect with its⁣ readers worldwide. Recognizing the evolving media landscape and the importance of diverse online platforms, ⁣the publication ⁢has expanded its reach across ​several popular social media ‍channels.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>This strategic move aims to⁢ provide readers with multiple avenues to access news and information, ensuring accessibility and convenience. The expansion reflects a commitment to staying current ⁣with technological advancements and meeting the ⁣demands of a‍ digitally-savvy audience.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h2><span id="expanding-horizons-new-platforms-for-news-consumption">Expanding Horizons: New Platforms for News Consumption</span></h2>\r\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>Along with its ​existing online presence, The Manila Times now offers⁢ its content through Viber, Telegram, and⁣ Mastodon. This‌ diversification allows readers to⁤ choose​ their preferred platform for receiving updates, catering to a wider range of user preferences and technological capabilities.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>This multi-platform approach⁢ mirrors similar strategies employed by major news organizations in the ‍United States, such as the New York Times and the ⁢Washington Post, ⁤who ⁤leverage various social media channels‍ to reach broader audiences and engage readers in diverse ‌ways.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:heading -->\r\n<h3><span id="connecting-with-a-global-audience">Connecting with a Global Audience</span></h3>\r\n<!-- /wp:heading -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>The expansion onto Viber, Telegram, and Mastodon is particularly significant for reaching a global audience, including the substantial Filipino diaspora in the United States. These platforms ⁣offer unique opportunities for targeted communication and community building, fostering ‍a stronger connection ‍between the publication and its readers.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>By embracing these⁢ platforms, The Manila Times is not only expanding its reach but also enhancing its ability ⁤to engage in real-time conversations with its readers, fostering a‍ more interactive ⁣and dynamic news experience. This approach ⁣is crucial in today's fast-paced digital​ world,were immediate access to ‌information and ⁢direct⁤ engagement are paramount.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\r\n<p>The integration of these platforms⁣ underscores⁢ The Manila Times' commitment‍ to innovation⁢ and its dedication to providing​ timely and relevant news to its readers, wherever they may be.</p>\r\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\r\n<!-- wp:social-links -->\r\n<div class="wp-block-social-links">\r\n <ul class="wp-block-social-links__list">\r\n <li class="wp-block-social-links__item">\r\n <a class="wp-block-social-links__link" href="https://viber.com/themanilatimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Viber</a>\r\n </li>\r\n <li class="wp-block-social-links__item">\r\n <a class="wp-block-social-links__link" href="https://t.me/themanilatimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Telegram</a>\r\n </li>\r\n <li class="wp-block-social-links__item">\r\n <a class="wp-block-social-links__link" href="https://mastodon.social/@TheManilaTimes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mastodon</a>\r\n </li>\r\n </ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<!-- /wp:social-links -->\r\n<!-- wp:embed -->\r\n<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich">\r\n <div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">\r\n <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>\r\n <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>\r\n <script async src="//www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>\r\n </div>\r\n</figure>\r\n<!-- /wp:embed --> <br/> This news article snippet from The Manila times provides a concise overview of significant events happening ‌in⁤ the Philippines. Here's a breakdown of the main topics covered:<br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<strong>Politics and Government:</strong><br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<em> <strong>2025 Budget Opposition:</strong> Senator Imee Marcos criticizes⁢ the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act, calling for thorough ‍review and improvements before its passage.<br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n</em> <strong>Supreme court Upholds Teacher's Rights:</strong> The Supreme Court rules that premarital pregnancy is not grounds for employee⁣ dismissal,‌ protecting a ​teacher's⁣ rights and addressing workplace discrimination.<br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<strong>Economy:</strong><br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<em> <strong>Manageable External Debt:</strong> Despite ‌increases in borrowing, the Philippines' external debt remains manageable according to the​ Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Strong economic indicators⁣ like GDP growth‍ and gross international reserves support‌ this assessment.<br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<strong>Sports:</strong><br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n</em> <strong>philippines ‍Football Team Triumphs:</strong> the Philippine men's national football⁤ team qualifies for the ASEAN Cup Semi-finals after ​defeating Indonesia, marking‌ a significant achievement for the team.<br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<strong>Other:</strong><br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<em> <strong>Health⁢ Warning ‍during​ holidays:</strong> Health officials encourage Filipinos to be mindful ⁤of their eating habits during the​ holiday season,​ promoting​ balanced ‌nutrition.<br /><br />\r\n</em> <strong>Legal ‌Case‍ Concludes:</strong> Two administrators ⁣of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ plead guilty to marriage fraud charges in a‍ US District Court, highlighting international legal reach.<br /><br />\r\n<em> <strong>Opinion and Commentary:</strong> Prominent columnists Rigoberto Tiglao,Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, and Francisco Tatad offer perspectives on⁢ various issues, from budgetary ‍concerns to reflections ⁤on Christmas and calls for responsible leadership.<br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n<strong>The Manila Times Expanding Digital Reach:</strong><br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\n</em> The article concludes by stressing The Manila Times'⁢ commitment ⁢to expanding its digital presence ⁢across ⁢various social media platforms, ⁢showcasing its dedication to connecting ⁣wiht a wider ‍audience and adapting to the evolving media landscape.<br /><br />\r\n<br /><br />\r\nthis news snippet provides a snapshot of key developments in the Philippines, ​covering politics, economics, sports, health, and‍ legal matters. ​It also ‍highlights The ​Manila Times' efforts to ⁣stay‍ relevant and accessible in the digital ⁤age. ?"> Submit