Philippine gov't denies job loss despite end of PUV consolidation deadline

Today on Rappler – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

Gov’t denies job loss, higher fares even as only half of jeepneys in NCR consolidate

The Philippine government maintains that even with only about half of jeepneys in Metro Manila consolidating before the December 31 deadline, the move will not lead to livelihood loss for drivers or higher transport fares.

2 Chinese vessels shadowed PH, US ships – Philippine military

Two Chinese navy vessels shadowed Philippine and US ships conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea. The Philippine military said this on Thursday, January 4 as tensions flared in the region over disputed territorial claims.

Philippines remains open to diplomacy with China – national security adviser

Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Año says the country remains open to diplomatic discussions with China.

Visayas brownouts to continue as NGCP sees -178 MW deficit

The Visayas is bracing for more blackouts as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines projects a deficit of nearly 178 megawatts in power reserves in Central Philippines.

Stray Kids’ Felix now youngest member of UNICEF’s Honors Club

JYP Entertainment announces K-pop boy group Stray Kids member Felix is now the youngest member of UNICEF’s Honors Club.

South Korea to launch Hallyu visa for K-pop and K-drama fans

South Korea is set to launch the Hallyu visa, which will allow foreign Korean culture enthusiasts to reside in the country for up to two years.

MMFF 2023 to surpass P700-M target, as festival offers hope for Philippine film industry

The annual Metro Manila Film Festival reaches its target of P700 million combined for the 10 participating movies on January 2, Tuesday, proving not all is lost for the local cinema industry. — Rappler.com