Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:
- Inflation, corruption top Filipinos’ concerns as 2025 ends - China launches live-firing drills around Taiwan simulating blockade - Bondi gunmen acted alone, no evidence they were part of militant cell, Australian police say - Filipino educator gets UK's royal award for community leaders
00:06Inflation and government corruption top Filipinos' concerns in a year-end survey by Pulse Asia.
00:18China launches live-firing drills as it rehearses a blockade of Taiwan.
00:22Australian police say the Bondi gunmen acted alone,
00:25belying speculation they received training from terrorists when they visited Mindanao.
00:30And a Filipino educator in the UK will be honored with an MBE from King Charles.
00:36Inflation and government corruption are Filipinos' top concerns as the year ends.
00:41A Pulse Asia survey conducted from December 12 to 15 shows
00:4459% or almost 6 out of every 10 respondents said controlling the prices of goods and commodities is an urgent national concern.
00:52Next, some 48% or nearly half of respondents mentioned fighting graft and corruption in government as a top priority.
01:00Government corruption scandals filled news headlines for much of the year.
01:03Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached over her alleged misuse of confidential funds,
01:08while many lawmakers and even President Marcos were accused of getting kickbacks from flood control projects.
01:13These have sparked some of the largest protest rallies the country has seen in years.
01:18Previous Pulse Asia surveys also show Filipinos became a lot more worried about government corruption this year.
01:23In 2024, only 26% or over a quarter of respondents said it was a top concern.
01:31China launches live-firing exercises around Taiwan on the second day of its largest ever war games aimed at rehearsing a blockade of the island.
01:38Named Justice Mission 2025, the drills began 11 days after the U.S. announced a record $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan.
01:48It has been Beijing's largest exercise to date by total coverage and proximity to the island nation.
01:53Taiwan's Defense Ministry says 130 Chinese military aircraft and 22 Navy and Coast Guard ships had been operating around the island in the past 24 hours.
02:02China's Eastern Theater Command says the live-firing exercise includes strikes on maritime and aerial targets as well as anti-submarine operations.
02:10Most of Taipei's flight routes have been blocked by the drills.
02:14This has affected more than 100,000 passengers and left only a small corridor to Japan for commercial flights.
02:20Beijing sees Taiwan as a renegade Chinese province.
02:23It has stated an aim to take the self-governing island and has not ruled out doing so by force.
02:29Australian police say the two gunmen behind the Bondi beach mass shooting acted alone, belying speculation they worked with a terrorist group.
02:38The police add, there's no evidence they were part of a militant cell nor that they received training on their trip to the Philippines right before the attack.
02:46Authorities earlier reported that the two were inspired by the Islamic State Terror Group, which has affiliates operating in Mindanao.
02:52The Bureau of Immigration confirmed the alleged gunmen traveled to Davao in November.
02:56Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid, are alleged to have killed 15 people at a Jewish event on December 14.
03:02It was Australia's worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.
03:06Sajid was shot dead by police during the attack.
03:09Naveed survived being shot by police and now faces multiple charges.
03:13Filipino educator Edison David earns a spot on the UK's 2026 honors list for his contributions to British society through education.
03:23David, who hails from Tarlac, receives an MBE or member of the Order of the British Empire, an honor given to people who have worked hard for their community over a long time and made a big difference.
03:33This year's honorees include Hollywood star Cynthia Erivo, who's also receiving an MBE, and Idris Elba, who is receiving knighthood.
03:41David dedicates the award to his fellow Filipino teachers, saying the honor is also for all Filipino educators around the world.
03:47David works as an executive head teacher in London and is also a lead inspector for Ofsted, the UK's regulator for education and social care.
03:55He and the other honorees will personally receive their awards from King Charles at Buckingham Palace.
04:00And that's today's wrap. I'm JC Gutinga. Thank you for watching.
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