SBS News in Filipino Thursday, 19 December 2024

Here are today's top stories on SBS Filipino.

The federal budget is forecast to worsen by $21.8 billion over four years, according to the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook. Rising spending, driven by an ageing population, and falling tax receipts due to slow economic growth mean a surplus is unlikely before 2034/35. Credit: LightFieldStudios/Envato

Key Points

• Australians face higher taxes and service cuts unless the government addresses its chronic debt problem.
• The United States, with Arab mediators, is working to finalise an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the 14-month conflict in Gaza.
• Mary Jane Veloso returns to the Philippines after 14 years in death row in Indonesia, asks President Marcos Jr for clemancy