Daily News Highlights – December 31, 2015 Edition

Rappler looks back at 2015, a year of tough choices. How did the world fight the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group? What historic climate deal did the world reach in Paris? 

Read about these and more in one of Rappler’s year-end reports.

And how did 2015 go in terms of emotions? Watch “2015 in Moods,” hosted by Rappler’s Maria Ressa.

The Philippines said it is joining a China-led bank seen to rival the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Philippine Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said participating in the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will help boost the Philippine economy. This comes as the Philippines and China remain locked in a dispute over the South China Sea. 

Read the full story on Rappler.

The camp of Senator Grace Poe, one of the top choices for Philippine president, denied that she ordered the exhumation of her possible biological parents. A DNA test could prove that Poe, a foundling, is a natural-born Filipino. Poe’s spokesman, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian, said the relatives of the dead gave permission because they “want to know the truth once and for all.”

Read the full story on Rappler.

US comic Bill Cosby faces a charge of sexual assault in Pennsylvania because of an incident that happened in 2004, a prosecutor said. This would be the first criminal charge filed against him after dozens of women claimed abuse. The assistant district attorney for the state’s Montgomery country, Kevin Steele, told reporters, “This is a felony of the first degree.”

Read the full story on Rappler.

US defense official said an ISIS commander, who is linked to the Paris attacks mastermind, died in Syria. Charaffe al Mouadan was killed in an airstrike on December 24. Officials said Al Mouadan was planning more attacks against the West before the assault.

Read the full story on Rappler.

Government revenue from sin taxes, or taxes from cigarettes and alcohol, continued to rise in 2015. The Bureau of Internal Revenue or BIR said sin taxes rose by almost 26% from January to November 2015. The sin tax was implemented in 2012 to discourage vices and increase potential revenue to help fund the government’s Universal Health Care program.

Read the full story on Rappler.

Twitter said it is taking new steps to curb “abusive behavior and hateful conduct” as the world is facing terror threats. Twitter’s Megan Cristina said they’re updating Twitter’s rules to clarify what they consider abusive behavior and hateful conduct. This comes as social networks face pressure from the US and other governments following attacks in Paris and California linked to ISIS supporters.

Read the full story on Rappler.

A deal has reportedly been reached for Manny Pacquiao to face WBO welterweight titleholder Timothy Bradley for a third time on April 9 in Las Vegas. This information comes from Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, various sources said. Arum told veteran reporter Lance Pugmire, “We’ve worked out the deals, now the paperwork is being sent.”

Read the full story on Rappler

The famous Cebu dancing inmates gear up for one of the biggest events in the Catholic Church. The inmates release a video of them rehearsing a special dance number for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu City. Their city is hosting the IEC from January 24 to 31, 2016.

Read the full story on Rappler.

How can we change the world? What is our hope for the future? Rappler’s Maria Ressa chats with Rear Admiral Jose Renan Suarez of the Armed Forces of the Philippines about change in society. “The enemy is within,” Ressa says after this thought-provoking conversation. 

To welcome 2016, here’s the parable of the ogre that never dies.