₱500 Noche Buena debate exposes income gap, data scientist says

MANILA, Philippines—As Filipinos welcomed Christmas, social media feeds filled with photos of Noche Buena spreads—lechon, ham, cheese platters, pasta, and desserts laid out on long tables.  Many posts came with jokes or biting sarcasm aimed at a controversial government claim that a ₱500 budget is enough for a family’s Christmas Eve feast. The debate was