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Welcome to The Manila Times, where we bring you stories that shape our world.
Today is December 29th.
Our top story:
Former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin expressed outrage after being linked to the so-called “Cabral Files.”
He slammed insinuations he was the “ES” mentioned in the files of the late former Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral.
According to the Cabral Files, a certain “ES” was allocated 8.3 billion pesos’ worth of DPWH projects under the 2025 national budget.
Bersamin stressed that he did not request, endorse, approve or authorize any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process.
He also denied instructing anyone to use his name or that of his former office for any such purpose.
Bersamin expressed his willingness to face any inquiry related to the matter.
Read: https://tmt.news/2250217
Congress is set to ratify the 2026 national budget today.
The lawmakers have signed the bicameral conference committee report on the 6.7-trillion-peso 2026 General Appropriations Bill.
They will hold a one-day extended session to pave the way for the submission of the proposed national budget to Malacañang.
President Marcos is expected to sign the budget bill into law in the first week of January 2026.
Read: https://tmt.news/2250287
A 12-year-old boy was killed, while another was injured after a suspected firecracker explosion in Tondo, Manila.
The incident happened last night, according to Manila police.
The fatality was a Grade 5 student from Tondo.
The other victim—also a 12-year-old student—was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Initial investigation revealed that the two boys picked up firecrackers along a street.
They ignited both firecrackers, which exploded simultaneously.
Read: https://tmt.news/2250257
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams have been suspended.
The suspensions came following a brawl between the two during a Phoenix–New Orleans NBA match.
The two exchanged punches following a foul call on Alvarado.
Both players were ejected.
Alvarado was suspended for two games, while Williams got a one-game suspension.
Read: https://tmt.news/2250238
1960s sex symbol Brigitte Bardot (Bri-git Bar-doh) has died.
She was 91 years old.
The French actress died at her home in southern France.
The cause of her death was not disclosed.
Bardot became an international celebrity after the release of the 1956 movie And God Created Woman.
Her tousled blond hair, voluptuous figure and pouty irreverence made her one of France’s best-known stars.
After abandoning the movie world, Bardot had a second career as an animal rights activist.
Read: https://tmt.news/2250095
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Source: WATCH: Bersamin outraged after being linked to Cabral files
