32.9 M workers return to work Malacañang junks its plan for unity gov’t Chief Justice Panganiban airs concern over slaying of judge in NAIA 3 case Estrada marks New Year with mother, family Ingestion of watusi firecrackers causes 2 deaths; 582 injured 20-M elementary, HS students return to classrooms Jan. 4 Leaders cite role of Iglesia ni Cristo in Philippine society GMA releases P35 B for economy Former SC Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma passes away at 92 SC mobilizes committee to study crimes vs judiciary Senators, police pay tribute to Barbers today Drilon denies refusing offer to serve as transition leader New Customs chief rallies men to collect P192 B Couple, young son die as motorboat capsizes in Cebu DA to surpass rice production target PSE starts today new industry classification FCDU loans plunge by 16% in Sept. BoI approves P158.7-B worth of investments in 2005, up by 14% BSP sets $20-B GIR target in 2006 Motorcycle assemblers eye 27% sales rise Gov’t slates up to $2 B in new foreign borrowings NEWS IN BRIEF DBP beefing up microfinance operations to support gov’t thrust Stock investors likely to sustain accumulation of blue chips Dollar advances slightly on final 2005 trading BUSINESS and SOCIETY Planned revenue cap dims TransCo sale Foreign bourses outshine NY 91-day treasury bill rate falls to 4.961% from 5.146% Through stock rights offering Project seen reducing corn imports EIB boosts capital to P3 billion with entry of more foreign investors Peso gains further, now in P52/$1 range P/$ rate closed at P52.835 to $1 New Year’s resolutions EO 474 spreads the red carpet for foreign investors The year of the dog Dividing Luisita Shambhala warriorship 1 second added to world’s time 81st Birth Anniversary of Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Executive Minister Eraño G. Manalo South Asia’s free trade pact Calls for peace amid New Year fireworks John the Baptist’s testimony to himself 2006 another year to hope The reawakening 2006, a critical turning-point year Police polluters Time’s pick for Persons of the Year A shared mission on child diversion A New Year’s message Breaking away from our gloom The unhappy years Cha-cha or samba? John the Baptist’s testimony to Jesus It’s Morales over Pacquiao – The Ring James, Cavs cool Pistons’ hot streak Cojuangco guest of honor in PSA rites No regrets for Alvin on ‘early’ retirement PASA starts Asiad build up PBA television rating shoots up France’s Despres wins Dakar Rally first stage Federer builds bridges in Doha title defense Talent search on for Asian Games San Miguel, Coke fight for PBA life GM Paragua takes on the world Senator wants cash rewards for ‘Para’ bets Surprising Air 21 The fountain of Rizal's youth New glories to make Ateneo’s heroism tradition endure Rizal’s challenge to the youth Mother Lily clarifies: Roy Iglesias is sole screenwriter of ‘Ako Legal Wife’ Mark and Jennylyn rekindle romance in ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ The most touching film of the year E-empowered employee to fuel ICT spending in 2006, says IDC Oracle certifies PeopleSoft Enterprise apps with latest Oracle Fusion Middleware CA increases investment in Asia Pacific & Japan 3Com bares SMB networking trends in ’06 A woman’s New Year rituals for good health New Year’s resolution for guys: Get a check-up and do yourself a favor Health benefits of a vegetarian diet The day after holiday cheer: What to do about a hangover 2006 is Discover HK Year Asiana Airlines gets Pinoy consumers’ nod MRT to boost Lanao Norte tourism industry Rich, royal Cotabato City! PACESETTERS ANGEL THOUGHTS Yamato Drummers herald 2006 RP-Japan Friendship Year Pimentel says economy will remain inactive New Tanauan lady mayor airs appeal for calm Psychics, fortune tellers predict better economy Tax amnesty program ends today ‘Senate fulfilled mandate of investigating anomalies’ For ‘bungling’ case of 4 US Marines Nat’l budget, Cha-cha, wage bill among House priority measures in 2006 Bishops to report on nat’l situation in meet NFA ready for rice emergencies Around The Nation Australian ambassador visits Mindanao, expressed interest in sustaining projects Bataan gov proposes weekly bonus for capitol employees Cabanatuan City mayor flayed for failure to construct canals Davao DPWH tops Enercon spot check, is classified as 5-star nat’l gov’t agency World-class hotel boosts Biliran’s tourism trade Is ‘jueteng’ back in Tabuk? ‘Yes’, says clergy; ‘No’, according to police Gov’t moves to stop coco infestation Governor rapped for distributing only P1,000 bonuses Increased investments in PLDT a positive sign for RP — solon Deadline for Datu Bago nominations set 2 passenger buses sandwich, crush L-300 van; 3 killed, 5 injured Indonesia releases 105 detained Pinoy fishers Two female Maranaw traders slain in Cotabato 2005 auto market The year that was from the backseat THE WEDNESDAY AFFAIR