The Philippine Headlines

The Philippine Headlines - November 14, 2007

2007-11-14T08:35:00.000+08:00

Rampaging Giants seek 7th win in a row

MANILA, Philippines -- Purefoods seeks to extend a franchise-best start to seven games Wednesday when the sizzling Tender Juicy Giants battle Air21 in the eliminations of the Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Youths in Mindanao cash in on call center boom

DAVAO CITY -- Jade Suaybaguio wants to send his sick mother to the hospital, but this is just wishful thinking for a 19-year-old son of a laborer.

Lipa, Norwood boost RP quintet’s SEAG chances

MANILA, Philippines -- Key figures returning to national duty aim to provide a boost for the Harbour-Philippine Team vying for the men’s basketball gold in the Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December.

La Salle stude posts lone RP swim victory in Taipei

TAIPEI -- Tana Verzo, an eight-year-old second-grader from De La Salle Zobel, ruled the 50-meter breaststroke for the Philippines’ lone gold in the five-nation CITI Invitational Swim Meet 2007 at the Taipei American School here.

Gov. Panlilio: Lone star witness in bribe probe

MANILA, Philippines -- On the eve of a Senate inquiry into the distribution of cash gifts in Malacañang as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo faced a new impeachment complaint, Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga said he was unfazed because he would simply tell the truth.

(UPDATE) Bhutto to Musharraf: it's time to quit

LAHORE, Pakistan -- Former premier Benazir Bhutto urged Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf to quit as president Tuesday as she sought to form a united front with other opposition leaders against the military ruler.

Impeachment complaint lies in state in House

MANILA, Philippines -- On Monday, the House committee on justice moved to kill the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by declaring it sufficient in form. The committee deliberations were to resume Wednesday and a declaration that it lacked substance was expected.

Slain solon’s remains transported to Basilan

MANILA, Philippines -- The remains of slain Representative Wahab Akbar were transported to Basilan province early Wednesday, a radio report said.

Escaped detainee tags Palparan

MANILA, Philippines -- The younger of two farmer-brothers who claimed to have been detained and tortured by the military testified Tuesday at the Court of Appeals that then Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan had warned him during his detention to keep his family from joining human rights groups and protest rallies.

Pacquiao-Marquez rematch looking good, says GBP executive

MANILA, Philippines -- Golden Boy vice-president and international matchmaker Eric Gomez, who arrived Tuesday to attend the 45th WBC Convention here, has indicated that the ongoing negotiations for the Pacquiao-Marquez rematch are looking good as both camps try to iron out the details for the planned super bout.

Old Estrada foe tapped to go after his luxury cars

MANILA, Philippines -- The moral of the story seems to be what goes around comes around.

Chicken falls prey to ‘palengke’ mechanics

MANILA, Philippines--CONSUMERS MAY EXPECT AN ample supply of chicken for the holidays, but the local broiler industry has said that it cannot control unwarranted price increases in the wet and retail markets.

Bombers pound Mustangs, gain Last 8

MANILA, Philippines -- The Jose Rizal University Bombers coasted to the Round of Eight, hammering out an 83-61 decision over the West Negros College Mustangs Tuesday in the Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Glorietta incident won’t cripple ALI

MANILA, Philippines--PROPERTY GIANT AYALA LAND INC. does not expect the considerable damage to a section of the Glorietta mall in Makati City to have a significant impact on its future earnings.

Bribery whistle-blowers charged

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Trial Lawyers Association Tuesday slapped charges of direct bribery and violation of the code of conduct and ethical standards and the anti-graft law against nine local government officials and lawmakers who admitted that they received “cash gifts” in Malacañang on Oct. 11.

RP five shows resolve at last

SINGAPORE -- Junel Baculi finally got a glimpse of what he wanted to see from the Harbour Centre-Philippine Team Monday night.

First Gen to join Pagbilao project

MANILA, Philippines--TEAM ENERGY CORP., the consortium of Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Marubeni Corp., has partnered with the Lopez-owned First Gen Corp. for the expansion of the 735-megawatt (MW) Pagbilao coal-fired power facility in Quezon by another 385-400 MW.

Negros trader loses P3M to car thieves in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Car thieves broke into the parked van of a Lions Club district governor Monday afternoon, taking with them items worth close to P3 million.

Customs exec in Batangas won’t yield juicy post

BATANGAS CITY—Hundreds of employees of the Batangas port and businessmen have found themselves in a quandary after the district collector, who was supposed to retire on Oct. 25, refused to yield her position to a designated successor.

Governments urged to strengthen IP rights systems

MANILA, Philippines--IN A LITTLE OVER A DECADE, Intellectual property rights as a tool may come to dominate big businesses, in terms of technological dominance, and even hold sway over geopolitical concerns.

(UPDATE) Metro Manila placed on full alert

MANILA, Philippines -- Except for Metro Manila, the entire country continues to be on heightened alert, according to police officials, following an explosion that rocked the House of Representatives Tuesday night, killing a congressman and two civilians and wounding eight others.

Senate goes on red alert

MANILA, Philippines -- Following the explosion at the House of Representatives Tuesday night, the Senate security immediately went on red alert.

Bomb rocks Congress; solon among 3 killed

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 19) A bomb exploded at the House of Representatives in Quezon City Tuesday evening killing Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar, the driver of another lawmaker and a member of the staff of yet another solon.

List of dead and injured in Congress blast

MANILA, Philippines--What follows is the list of fatalities and those injured in an explosion at the south wing of the House of Representatives building in Quezon City Tuesday night.

House to hold regular sessions, pass bills -- De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives will have its regular sessions Wednesday, Speaker Jose de Venecia announced Tuesday night, after a bomb exploded at the lower chamber and killed a congressman and two civilians.

From apathy to active participation

MANILA, Philippines – In the eyes of youth leader Gerald Paragas, candidates and voters are more vigilant now.

Senators condemn House bombing

MANILA, Philippines -- Senators have condemned the bombing at the House of Representatives Tuesday night and called for a swift and thorough investigation of the incident.

Armored van heist could be work of robbery gang, say police

MANILA, Philippines – Police are looking into the possibility that the Ampang Colangco group could be behind Monday’s robbery of an armored van in Las Piñas City.

(UPDATE 2) Akbar could have been target--police

MANILA, Philippines -- Police are eyeing the possibility that Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar was the target of the explosion that rocked the House of Representatives Tuesday evening, police commander for Metro Manila said.

(UPDATE) Yahoo settles jailed Chinese journalist case

SAN FRANCISCO--Yahoo Inc. has settled a lawsuit filed by two Chinese journalists who were jailed after the Internet giant provided information to Beijing security authorities, lawyers for the men said Tuesday.

Arroyo orders police to investigate House blast

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered authorities to hunt down the perpetrators of the deadly explosion at the House of Representatives as she appealed to people to avoid making speculations that would create further chaos following the incident.

From oil to biomass: RP turns to cleaner power

MANILA, Philippines--THE COUNTRY CAN TAP AROUND 200 megawatts (MW) of new power capacity from biomass sources, and enable it to veer away from coal and oil to generate power.

PNP checking ‘Abu’ claims of House blast

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is verifying reports that the extremist Abu Sayyaf has claimed responsibility for the bomb explosion at the House of Representatives.

Import of meat products seen to rise in 2008

MANILA, Philippines--THE IMPORTATION OF MEAT AND MEAT products may slightly increase in 2008 due to the appreciation of the peso against the dollar.

The youth want to be involved in local dev’t, says study

MANILA, Philippines – John Castañeda, director of the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, says the Philippines pioneered youth and children’s participation in local governance.

(UPDATE) EU confirms in-depth Google/DoubleClick probe

BRUSSELS--The European Commission opened a four-month, in-depth review on Tuesday of Google Inc's plans to buy rival DoubleClick for $3.1 billion.

Ayala posts 41.6% jump in 9-month net profit

MANILA, Philippines--AYALA CORP. announced that its net income from January to September surged 41.6 percent to a record P13.6 billion from P9.6 billion in the same period last year, surpassing the full year 2006 net income of P12.2 billion.

Policewoman freed pending probe

MANILA, Philippines – The policewoman who accidentally shot her husband following an argument was released from detention on Monday after the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office ordered a further investigation of the case.

Lady Stags score, tie UST tossers for lead

MANILA, Philippines -- San Sebastian College pounded Letran College, 25-17, 25-10, 25-11, Tuesday to gain a share of the lead at the close of the elimination phase of the 2007 Shakey’s V-League women’s volleyball second conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Arroyo says gov’t willing to reopen talks with NDF

TACLOBAN CITY—President Macapagal-Arroyo said she is amenable to the government having peace talks with communists.

Amalia Fuentes accused of robbery by husband

MANILA, Philippines – The husband of actress Amalia Fuentes yesterday accused her of robbery, a charge which she denied because according to her, the alleged stolen items are part of their conjugal property.

PAL adds flights in time for Christmas rush

MANILA, Philippines--ANTICIPATING THE SURGE in air travel for the Christmas travel season, flag carrier Philippine Airlines is increasing capacity to the US West Coast, Australia, Bangkok and Singapore.

Alcano & Co. overpowers World Team

CALAPAN CITY -- Team Philippines walloped the World Team, 31-19, Tuesday to win the Kabayan San Miguel Beer World 9-Ball Challenge at the Filipiniana Hotel here.

World's patent system needs reform, experts say

MANILA, Philippines--The world's patent system must be reformed to keep pace with rapid technological, corporate and social changes that are pressuring intellectual property rights, experts said Tuesday.

India's Tata group, HP build Asia's largest supercomputer

BANGALORE, India--India's Tata group and Hewlett-Packard said Tuesday they had built the Asia-Pacific region's most powerful supercomputer in a major boost to scientific research in India.

Gov’t debt rose 2.8% to P3.87T in end-August

MANILA, Philippines--THE OUTSTANDING DEBT OF THE National government stood at P3.87 trillion as of end-August, up by 2.8 percent from the previous month’s P3.77 trillion, the Bureau of the Treasury reported Tuesday.

Borboran 3-mendous as Hapee pulls thru

MANILA, Philippines -- Hapee Toothpaste hung tough in the final minute to hold off Harbour Centre, 77-76, and claim the solo lead in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

7-year T-bond rate stays at 6.5%

MANILA, Philippines--THE YIELD OF THE 7-year treasury bonds remained at 6.5 percent during Tuesday’s auction as the government partially rejected bids for the long-term securities.

Oil prices slide as IEA lowers demand forecasts

LONDON--World oil prices dived for the second day running Tuesday as the International Energy Agency lowered its global demand forecast for crude, analysts said.

BOP surplus seen topping $7-B mark

MANILA, Philippines--THE PHILIPPINES’ BALANCE-OF-PAYMENTS SURPLUS LIKELY breached the $7-billion mark as of end-October given the favorable foreign investment climate and stronger overseas Filipino remittances, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas estimated.

Market soars on tech, banks, Wal-Mart and oil

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks snapped a four-day losing streak on Tuesday with Nasdaq notching its biggest gain in more than four years after news that Apple Inc was in talks to offer iPhones in China sent investors bargain hunting among battered technology stocks.

Metro on red alert after Akbar murder

Police and military forces in Metro Manila have been placed on red alert following Tuesday night's bomb attack at the Batasan Pambansa that killed Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and two others.

Driver in Saguisag accident out on bail

The driver of the dump truck that rammed the Toyota Grandia van carrying former senator Rene Saguisag and his wife Dulce was released from detention on Monday after posting bail of P51,000.

'Danger was specific to Akbar'

Intelligence reports prior to the fatal blast Tuesday night indicated that a threat was specific to Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, Secretary Ronaldo Puno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government said.

Batasan blast kills Rep. Akbar, 2 others

Three persons, including Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, died after a fatal blast shook the Batasan Pambasa complex in Quezon City Tuesday night.

Caguioa returns to prop up Kings

Two-time defending league scoring champion Mark Caguioa is arriving from the United States Wednesday and is likely to give Ginebra an added boost as it plays back-to-back games against Air21 Friday and Magnolia Sunday in the Smart PBA Philippine Cup.

RP quintet reaching top form

SINGAPORE - The Harbour Centre-Philippine team finally showed its true potential even without its star player, blasting the US Navy Selection, 105-58, Monday in a victory that augured well for the Filipino cagers' keenly awaited campaign in next month's SEA Games in Thailand.

Bombers storm into Final Eight

Jose Rizal became the second NCAA squad to make the quarterfinals and West Negros College the next provincial team to be booted out in the opening round of the 2007 Fil-Oil/Flying-V National Collegiate Champions League.

Hapee extends run, nips Harbour

Mark Borboran hit a clutch three-pointer then Hapee Toothpaste held on to snatch a 77-76 cliffhanger over defending champion Harbour Centre to grab the solo lead in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup Tuesday.

Planning, succession and success

There's the story of the employee that rose to the top so fast that everyone was wondering how he did it. "Easy " he said " all I did was submit my manager's resume to a really good head hunter!"

(GMA7) Rep. Wahab Akbar, 2 others killed in Batasan bomb blast

A bomb explosion at an entrance of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Tuesday evening killed three people,...

Supreme Court Foundation Gets Special Treatment from BIR

It has no legal personality—but it’s exempt from taxes.

Investigate Palparan, says Melo Commission in New Report to GMA

The disbanded Melo Commission has recommended in its final report the investigation of retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan for...

SC Twice Ruled Against New Comelec Exec

Moslemen Macarambon has a poor track record as a judge in Mindanao—although he insists that it is his court experience...

Glorietta Blast: Blaming the Basement

If wastewater that was not even stored in a septic tank could cause an explosion, as what the police are...

Philippine officials, Muslim rebels leave for Malaysia for talks

Philippine and Muslim rebel peace negotiators left for Malaysia Tuesday for crucial talks that could result in the resolution of a contentious issue stalling their negotiations, a senior government official said.

Policewoman freed pending probe

MANILA, Philippines - The policewoman who accidentally shot her husband following an argument was released from detention on Monday after the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office ordered a further investig...

Gov't mulls resuming peace talks with MILF

PRESIDENTIAL peace adviser Jesus Dureza said the government is looking at a possible resumption of formal talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) by early next year, highlighted by the sig...

US favors RP claim on Marcos wealth in New York

THE US Department of Justice (DOJ) endorsed the claim of the Philippine government on the US$35 million Arelma Corporation account allegedly kept by the Marcoses in New York since the 1970s, acting Ju...

Explosion at Philippine House of Representatives injures several people

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - An explosion has rocked 1 of the entrances to the Philippine House of Representatives, killing one person and injuring at least seven. A police official says a lawmaker's d...

Akbar could have been target--police

Wahab Akbar and two civilians were killed in the blast that also injured eight others, including Congressman Henry Teves and Congresswoman Luzviminda Ilagan. Akbar was declared dead at 10:25 p.m. by ...

Negros trader loses P3M to car thieves in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Car thieves broke into the parked van of a Lions Club district governor Monday afternoon, taking with them items worth close to P3 million. Victim Em Ang, 42, of Mansulingan, Ba...

Legislator urges stiffer penalties for reckless driving

FOLLOWING the vehicular accident that injured former senator and opposition lawyer Rene Saguisag and claimed the life of his wife, former social welfare secretary Dulce Saguisag, Senate Majority Leade...

House to hold regular sessions, pass bills -- De Venecia

House of Representatives will have its regular sessions Wednesday, Speaker Jose de Venecia announced Tuesday night, after a bomb exploded at the lower chamber and killed a congressman and two civilian...

Marcos' $35M belongs to RP govt

The US Hawaii court said since the deposit of $2 million in Arelma's Merrill Lynch account in November 1972 coincided with Marcos' declaration of martial law and the human-rights abuses for whic...

3 Dead in Bombing at Philippine Congress

(AP Photo/Perfecto Camero)Investigators surevey the damaged after an explosion at an entrance to the Philippine House of Representatives in suburban Quezon City, north of Manila, late Tuesday Nov. 13,...

Assassination suspected in Philippine blast

A BOMB rocked the Philippine Congress last night in a suspected assassination of a Muslim member that also killed two others, injured several more and unnerved the country's capital. Wahab Akbar, who...

Metro Manila placed on full alert

House of Representatives Tuesday night, killing a congressman and two civilians and wounding eight others. Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar, Marcial Tando, driver of one of the lawmakers who was also ...

Erap 'ready to die' if court seizes assets

Sandiganbayan Clerk of Court Renato Bocar said "for as long the account is under the name of Joseph Estrada," such assets are covered by the forfeiture order of the antigraft court. He added tha...

Pakistan's Bhutto in house arrest

LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was under siege behind barbed wire and barricades Tuesday, encircled by more than 1,000 police to stop her from leading a rally against...

Armored van heist could be work of robbery gang, say police

MANILA, Philippines - Police are looking into the possibility that the Ampang Colangco group could be behind Monday's robbery of an armored van in Las Pi as City. The group's modus operandi is to str...

Arroyo blames death of Amper, Dalaig on selfish politicians

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said selfish and ambitious politicians killed 12-year-old Mariannet Amper and chief government elections lawyer Alioden Dalaig.Arroyo, in her opening statement at the...

Neri could be arrested, says Sen. Cayetano

Cayetano said he would issue a subpoena to Neri to compel him to attend next week's hearing on the $330-million broadband deal that was eventually canceled by President Gloria Arroyo. Neri had g...

More cops on streets as Christmas draws near "NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines - With Christmas just a few weeks away, police visibility in key shopping areas in Metro Manila will be stepped up with the deployment of an additional 2,000 law enforcers. Nation...

Police all but certain of gas-blast theory

The police reinforced its theory that an "accidental gas explosion" was to blame by showing a video footage contradicting the previous claim of Ayala Land Inc., the mall owner, that methane coul...

Bomb blast kills congressman and his driver in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - An explosion outside an entrance to the Philippine House of Representatives has killed a Philippine congressman and his driver. The lawmaker's chief of staff says the congr...

Philippine blast targeted at Muslim lawmaker

MANILA – A lawmaker from the Philippines' restive Muslim region, Wahab Akbar, was the likely target of a fatal explosion at Congress on Tuesday night, Manila's police chief said. 'From what w...

Court denies woman a protection order

An urban-poor leader filed a petition for the writ of amparo at the Court of Appeals, asking for a temporary protection order and for authorities to produce documents that led to her allegedly i...

Senators condemn House bombing

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Senators have condemned the bombing at the House of Representatives Tuesday night and called for a swift and thorough investigation of the incident. "Kinuku...

Forgotten Filipino Vets Still Waiting for Equity

Asian Journal , News Report, Joseph Pimentel, Posted: Nov 12, 2007 Los Angeles - US Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) affirmed his commitment to bring the F...

Blast kills Philippine Muslim MP

A powerful bomb has hit part of the Philippine House of Representatives killing two people, among them an MP, and injuring 10 others, police say. Congressman Wahab Akbar was killed alongside his dr...

Fraport to dispute World Bank dismissal of Manila case--CEO

Close this FRANKFURT -- Fraport AG has decided to challenge the World Bank's dismissal of its move to seek compensation from the Philippine government for expropriating a terminal project at ...

Senate goes on red alert

House of Representatives Tuesday night, the Senate security immediately went on red alert. Retired general Jose Balajadia, Senate sergeant at arms, said that as soon as he heard what happened at the ...

Panlilio, 8 more charged with bribery over Palace handouts

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- They spilled the beans and now they are being haled to the Office of the Ombudsman to face criminal complaints. The Philippine Trial Lawyers Association (PT...

One dead, six hurt in bomb blast at Philippine Congress

MANILA (AFP) - A powerful bomb ripped through a section of the Philippine House of Representatives on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring at least six others including three lawmakers, officials ...

House majority rebuffs minority boycott of impeach hearings

MANILA, Philippines -- Saying that the impeachment proceedings against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were a "foregone conclusion," the majority bloc in the House of Representatives has shrugged of...

Blasts rips through Philippines Congress building

Philippine legislator Wahab Akbar was killed in a bomb attack at the House of Representatives, raising the death toll to two with at least 10 injured, hospital staff and radio reports said. Three of ...

WHO issues measles warning in Philippines

Manila - Measles could kill up to 6 000 children every year in the Philippines unless the government steps up a campaign to vaccinate most kids in the country, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warn...

Estrada to fight forfeiture of other properties

MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Joseph Estrada on Tuesday vowed to fight attempts to seize his assets other than those specified by the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court's decision convicting him...

House exec seeks legal advice over second Arroyo impeach rap

MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives has sought the advice of its legal department on whether it should return the second impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Macapagal-...

Only Pampanga governor to attend Senate probe on 'cash gift'

MANILA, Philippines -- Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio might be the only resource person at Wednesday's Senate investigation on the alleged distribution of "cash gifts" to congressmen and governors in M...

'Family feud,' not troops, behind brothers' abduction

MANILA, Philippines -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) told the Court of Appeals that the disappearance of brothers Raymund and Reynaldo Manalo, who say they were abducted by soldiers, was p...

'Prove intel funds are accounted for'

MANILA, Philippines -- Reacting to dares for him to present proof of his claims that police intelligence funds were given out to lawmakers and governors in Malaca ang last month, Senator Panfilo Lacso...

Senate to subpoena Neri on ZTE probe

investigations (the blue ribbon) is set to subpoena former economic planning secretary Romulo Neri as it continues investigating the now cancelled $329-million national broadband network (NBN) contrac...

House probe on cash gift stalled

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the insistence of the opposition, the House of Representatives has not been able to start its own investigation on the alleged cash distribution in Malaca ang last Octob...

Arroyo shifts focus from economic to political reforms

MANILA, Philippines -- Claiming to have fixed the economy, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said it was now time to push for political reforms, choosing to focus on fighting corruption, curbing viole...

Govt, MILF to start informal talks in Malaysia Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines -- After months of impasse, the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will engage in informal talks in Malaysia on Wednesday as a step to resuming formal peace negoti...

Philippines goes after Estrada's personal assets

MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippines president Joseph Estrada could lose his cars, homes and bank accounts after an anti-graft court said on Tuesday it would go after them to recover around $17 m...

Majority of Filipino families feel no benefit of peso appreciation

About 57 percent Filipino families said their well-being had not changed much with a stronger local currency, which appreciated from nearly 50 pesos against one dollar at the beginning of this year to...

Philippine anti-graft court moves to forfeit ex-president assets

The Philippine anti-graft court, the Sandiganbayan, will soon freeze the bank accounts of former President Joseph Estrada, who was pardoned two weeks ago for plunder, a court official said Tuesday. &q...

5 enlisted Rangers still in Tanay finally questioned

MANILA, Philippines -- Military investigators finally questioned five enlisted Scout Rangers detained at an Army camp in Rizal province for over a year without formal charges for their alleged roles i...

Protection of media sources increasingly undermined--study

MANILA, Philippines -- A private watchdog organization has warned that protections against the disclosure of media sources were increasingly being undermined by governments worldwide, including those ...

WHO warns measles threatens to kill 6,000 kids in Philippines

Manila - Measles could kill up to 6,000 children every year in the Philippines unless the government steps up a campaign to vaccinate most kids in the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) warn...

Puno willing to attend Senate probe over cash gift row

MANILA, Philippines -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno bewailed allegations by Senator Panfilo Lacson linking the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the source of funds of the ca...

Sandigan to freeze Estrada accounts

Close this MANILA, Philippines --The Sandiganbayan will proceed to garnish four bank accounts of former president Joseph Estrada, an official of the anti-graft court said. Sheriff Ed Urieta ...

Supreme Court Foundation Gets Special Treatment from BIR

he Society for Judicial Excellence (SJE), an organization that works closely with the Supreme Court and gives annual awards to the judiciary, has no legal personality—it is not registered with t...

No. 1 violators of human rights

Some Commission on Election officials are asking for police bodyguards after receiving death threats. If these Comelec officials were fair in counting the votes, why would losing candidates want to h...

Husband killed in fight with wife over gun

MANILA, Philippines - A policewoman accidentally shot and killed her husband as they were grappling for possession of her service firearm inside their house in Novaliches, Quezon City last Sunday. PO...

Baby boy with meningitis needs financial help

MANILA, Philippines - One-year-old Zane Adrian Panergo was born with meningitis, an inflammation of the brain membrane. Panergo's condition, characterized by the presence of water in his head, led to...

Businessman in Pasig road rage incident nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested a businessman after he allegedly shot a tow truck driver following a traffic altercation in Pasig City yesterday morning. Pasig City police chief, Senior Supt. F...

Raps filed vs driver who rammed vehicle into funeral march

MANILA, Philippines - The Marikina City police yesterday filed criminal charges before the prosecutor's office against the driver of a vehicle which plowed into a funeral procession on Sunday, killing...

Robbers strike in Las Pi as, snatch P.8M from armored van

MANILA, Philippines - Seven armed men took P800,000 in cash from a Banco de Oro armored van parked near the convenience store of a gas station on J. Aguilar Avenue, Barangay CAA, Las Pi as City yester...

Pasay City barangay polls winners sworn in

MANILA, Philippines - After winning in the Oct. 29 barangay elections, 198 newly elected barangay chairs were sworn in by Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad yesterday morning. However, the city gove...

Death threats on Makati mayor's breakfast menu

MANILA, Philippines - On his 65th birthday last Sunday, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay woke up to death threats, instead of birthday greetings. He received the threats which were sent through text messag...

CA confirms double murder conviction

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has affirmed the double murder conviction of two alleged members of the Alex Boncayao Brigade for the killing of a Chinese-Filipino businessman and his drive...

Esperon bent on filing case vs. Sen. Trillanes

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., on Monday weighed what proper legal action to take against former coup plotter and now Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th.

2 witnesses surface in poll official murder

Razon said investigators are looking into death threats that Dalaig had received before the murder and into his responsibilities as legal-division head of the poll body.

House passes '08 proposed budget

Voting 174-8, the House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the Malaca ang-proposed P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008.

Provee Rap Owns Boracay mansion

The Quezon City government seems to be arguing on the side of Joseph Estrada, as it challenged the Sandiganbayan to prove that the former president owns the so-called Boracay mansion.

Health chief bats for slow removal of firecrackers

AS CASES of firecracker related injuries continue to go up, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is pushing for the gradual phase-out of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices for residential use....

P200 million released for mobile clinic, rice supply

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to release P100 million to set up mobile clinics and another P100 million to ensure that affordab...

CA upholds death v. 2 ABB rebels

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the murder sentence against two suspected members of the Alex Boncayao Brigade (ABB) for the killing of an 81-year-old businessman and his driver in Quezon City ...

Fisher folk could lose P16 millionin fishing ban

A nongovernment organization wants government to compensate fishermen affected by a fishing ban in Ta on Strait off Cebu, where a Japanese firm is exploring for oil.

Makati mayor gets threat

MAKATI mayor and United Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar Binay received death threats via text messages last Sunday, his 65th birthday, from a man who identified himself as "Ka Bobot," the mayor's s...

Petron loses fake tax-credit case, ordered to pay P580M

Petron Corp. was told to pay more than P580 million in excise taxes by the Court of Tax Appeals, according to a disclosure issued Monday by the oil firm.

Cops get killer's description in Comelec exec's murder

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Witnesses have provided police with a description of the possible assassin in the killing of election official Alioden Dalaig as Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ord...

Comelec wards off paranoia after murders of poll execs

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not yet convinced that political groups with vested interests have declared an open season on election officials, even after the murders...

Lawyer warns about loopholes in writ of amparo

MANILA, Philippines -- The head of a lawyers' group has warned that several provisions under the rules on the writ of amparo could be used against the legitimate victims of human rights abuses who are...

Car slams into funeral procession in Manila

Manila - Three people were killed when a drunken driver lost control of his car and rammed into a funeral procession in the Philippine capital, police said on Monday. Police officer Rodel Estevez s...

LLDA gets a break

MANILA, Philippines -- Environment Secretary Lito Atienza has backtracked from his call for the abolition of the Laguna Lake Development Authority and has agreed to work with the agency to dismantle i...

Solon moves for expulsion of party mate over cash gift

IROSIN, Sorsogon, Philippines -- Representative Amelita Villrosa (Kampi-Mindoro) might be kicked out of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino for her statements that dragged the party into the controvers...

Transport group threatens strike over gas price hike

CALAMBA CITY, Philippines -- A militant transport group is preparing to stage a nationwide transport strike to pressure the government and oil companies to bring down the prices of gasoline and other ...

Filipino writer a finalist in literary tilt won by Sino

Close this HONG KONG -- The Philippines' Jose Dalisay Jr. was one of five short-listed authors for the 2007 Man Asian Literary Prize that on Saturday was won by Chinese author Jiang Rong for ...

'Boracay mansion' has 2 titles

MANILA, Philippines -- Sandiganbayan Sheriff Ed Urieta on Monday began preparations for the public auction of the controversial "Boracay mansion" despite a motion by lawyers of deposed president Josep...

Ateneo official rallies support for embattled Panlilio

MANILA, Philippines -- A youth leader at the Ateneo de Manila University is rallying support for Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio who has come under fire from local officials over his expos of alleged b...

Strong peso has no positive impact on 10M families--survey

Social Weather Stations showed. Also, about one in every three (30 percent), or around 5 million families, said they were better off before the peso gained strength and averaged to about 45 against t...

Groups oppose 'ocean fertilization' in Sulu Sea

MANILA, Philippines -- Environmental groups condemned on Monday an Australian company's plan to dump hundreds of tons of fertilizer into Philippine waters as part of an experiment to combat climate ch...

Palace not bothering with 'political noise'

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang on Monday said those behind fresh attempts to impeach President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should just wait until her term ends in 2010. "There is no sense being preocc...

Arroyo faces new impeachment effort in Philippines

MANILA : Opponents of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo filed a new impeachment complaint against her Monday, alleging corruption and illegal policies that have resulted in the deaths, torture and dis...

Philippines urged to stop experimental urea dumping in waters

Manila - Environmental and civil society groups on Monday urged the Philippine government to stop the experimental dumping of urea in Philippine waters by an Australian company as part of efforts to f...

Honoraria of teachers who served in October polls increased

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered an increase from P1,500 to P2,500 in the honoraria of teachers who served in the October 29 elections. Arroyo said she has ordered...

House OKs P1.2-Tr budget for 2008 on third reading

MANILA, Philippines -- Voting 174-8, with no abstentions, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed P1.227 trillion national budget for 2008. The approved budg...

PNP denies funds used for Palace cash gift

MANILA, Philippines -- Saying it only had meager funds, the Philippine National Police (PNP) denied Monday that its money was being diverted for other purposes as claimed by its former chief and now S...

Senators want possible link to poll execs' slays probed

MANILA , Philippines -- Two senators on Monday urged authorities to establish if there is any link between the murders of two Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials over the weekend -- Comelec le...

Santiago seeks supplemental agreement to JPEPA

MANILA, Philippines -- The controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement should be accompanied by a supplemental agreement because the treaty in its current form "fails to make a rese...

RP paying China P17M monthly in loan interest for NorthRail

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines -- The North Luzon Railways Corp. has been paying an average of $400,000 (P17.118 million) monthly in interest payments since January 2005 for the NorthRail, a modern...

Accused 'coup plotters' salute 'warrior-lawyer'

MANILA, Philippines -- The 28 officers linked to the alleged February 2006 coup plot saluted a military counsel for being a "warrior" and standing up for them during a tension-filled court martial hea...

Sandigan looking for Estrada assets to seize

MANILA, Philippines -- The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has begun looking at personal and real properties of former president Joseph Estrada that it can seize if declared ill-gotten funds in two acc...

Arroyo renews call to lawmakers to stop politicking

MANILA, Philippines -- As the justice committee at the House of Representatives deliberates on the impeachment complaint filed against her, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sounded the call anew to "...

Coup suspects in walkout face breach of discipline--Esperon

MANILA, Philippines -- Army Scout Ranger and Marine officers who walked out of their hearing before a military court last week could be held liable for "breach of discipline," Armed Forces Chief Hermo...

Philippine stocks drop 2.3 per cent

Manila - Shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange plunged 2.3 per cent on Monday, dragged down by continuing concerns over the US credit crisis and high oil prices. The 30-share composite index lost 85...

Opposition files impeachment complaint against Philippine president

Opposition and Leftist group, led by a former vice president, on Monday lodged before the Philippine Congress a fresh impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. According to loca...

House deliberates on Pulido complaint

MANILA, Philippines -- Voting 29-7, the committee on justice at the House of Representatives affirmed the chairman's authority to reject a supplemental impeachment complaint to the one filed by lawyer...

Philippine shares close lower on Wall St's slide, key index at 6-wk low - UPDATE

MANILA (Thomson Financial) - Philippine shares slid Monday, with the benchmark index recording its second big drop in less than a week and its worst finish in six weeks, following Friday's selloff on ...

Poll officer gunned down in Manila

MANILA The chief legal officer of the Philippines' elections commission has been shot and killed outside a hotel in Manila, a report said yesterday.

Features: Microchips to end the madness?

AUTHORITIES WILL BEGIN installing microchips on buses in an effort to
improve Metro Manila's chronic traffic congestion, an official yesterday
said.

Survey points to BPO gains

THE PHILIPPINES should improve on its image, English proficiency, and
political stability if it wants to sustain growth in the business
process outsourcing (BPO) industry, a survey of industry executives
showed.

SEC approves creation of new BPO companies

THE SECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved
the creation of new business process outsourcing (BPO) firms and
information technology (IT)-enabled services in the country.

Philippine Silicon Valley: The other side of the coin and Google's Android

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) recently held a press
conference for the National Innovation Summit scheduled on Nov. 26.
Foremost on the agenda was the intention to encourage more local
innovations.

Test Drive: Olympus E-510: Compact, feature-packed

OLYMPUS INTRODUCED the E-Volt E-330, the world's first
interchangeable lens digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera to offer a
really usable live view image on the LCD (liquid crystal display) screen
in January last year.

Higher-level outsourcing services post slow growth in 2004-2005

HIGHER-LEVEL outsourcing services, particularly software
development and animation which require design skills, experienced
slower growth in terms of revenues, revenue share and average monthly
compensation per agent than the more established contact center sector
and the related medical transcription services between 2004 and 2005,
the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) said in a recent
statement on the findings of its 2005 Benchmark Survey of IT-Enabled
Services that was conducted in April last year.

Eton constructs BPO facilities

LUCIO TAN-led Eton Properties Philippines, Inc. will foray
into business process outsourcing (BPO) market in line with its
expansion plans.

Outlook for top telcos stable but event risks rising -- Fitch

THE OUTLOOK for the country's top telecommunications firms remains
"broadly stable" but recent moves have placed "event risks" into greater
focus, Fitch Ratings yesterday said.

Intel Corp. launches new chips with smaller circuits

SAN FRANCISCO -- Intel Corp., the world's biggest
microchip maker, unveiled fast new processors yesterday made with new
techniques that can etch circuitry nearly 200 times smaller than a red
blood cell.

Smart targets 40 wind-powered cell sites by yearend

SMART COMMUNICATIONS INC. is adopting eco-technology with
wind-powered cellular sites, of which 40 could be up and running by the
end of the year.

European regulator set sights on telcos sector with shake-up

BRUSSELS -- After taking aim at Europe's energy giants,
the European Commission is training its sights on the telecoms sector
with sweeping plans that could see some of the biggest operators split
up.

Walt Disney Japanese unit to launch cell phone carrier services

TOKYO -- US media and entertainment giant Disney will
launch cell phone carrier services in Japan early next year by leasing
local telecommunications networks, a press report said yesterday.

Headline: Exporters giving up on growth

LOCAL EXPORTERS ARE LOOKING to further slash this year's growth targets given the continued weakening of the dollar against the peso, the country's leading export group yesterday said.

Corporate News: Tax agency maintains Pall Mall's premium brand classification

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue will stick to its classification of Pall Mall as a premium brand, putting itself in direct collision with the Finance department that classified the cigarette as a mid-priced brand subject to a lower tax rate.

Banking & Finance: BSP to refute claim OFWs hurt by peso

THE BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is looking at the country's major remittance sources in a bid to disprove claims that more Filipino families are hurting from the peso's appreciation against the dollar.

Stock Market: Stocks dip as investors remain unsettled

SHARE PRICES CLOSED lower yesterday as expectations of a further fallout from the ongoing credit crisis in the US continued to unsettle global investors.

The Economy: High court keeps ban on used car imports

THE SUPREME COURT has affirmed an earlier decision prohibiting the importation of used motor vehicles, boosting the industry's fight against entry of illegal cars in the country.

The Nation: Government, MNLF to review 1996 final peace pact

DAVAO CITY — The government, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) have agreed on Monday to review the implementation of the 1996 final peace agreement.

Motoring: Microchips to end the madness?

AUTHORITIES WILL BEGIN installing microchips on buses in an effort to improve Metro Manila's chronic traffic congestion, an official yesterday said.

IT Matters: Survey points to BPO gains

THE PHILIPPINES should improve on its image, English proficiency, and political stability if it wants to sustain growth in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, a survey of industry executives showed.

Philippines politician killed in bomb attack

A bomb attack at the Philippines House of Representatives, which killed two people, was probably only meant for legislator Wahab Akbar.

Philippine officials, Muslim rebels leave for Malaysia for talks

Explosion at Philippine House of Representatives injures several people

Pacquiao-Marquez rematch looking good, says GBP executive

Bomb blast kills congressman and his driver in the Philippines

Is St. Benilde the same as DLSU

e’re asking because, in the course of our research for a story on Chief Justice Reynato Puno, we checked on his sons and what their businesses may be. In Puno’s curriculum vitae, he lists ...

Senators condemn House bombing

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Senators have condemned the bombing at the House of Representatives Tuesday night and called for a swift and thorough investigation of the incident. "Kinuku...

Akbar could have been target--police

Assassination suspected in Philippine Congress blast

MANILA – An explosion rocked the Philippine Congress on Tuesday in a suspected assassination of a Muslim lawmaker that also killed one other person, injured several more and unnerved the country...

PNP checking 'Abu' claims of House blast

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is verifying reports that the extremist Abu Sayyaf has claimed responsibility for the bomb explosion at the House of Rep...

List of dead and injured in Congress blast

Close this MANILA, Philippines--What follows is the list of fatalities and those injured in an explosion at the south wing of the House of Representatives building in Quezon City Tuesday nigh...

Arroyo orders police to investigate House blast

House of Representatives as she appealed to people to avoid making speculations that would create further chaos following the incident. Arroyo also directed government doctors to help all the victims...

House to hold regular sessions, pass bills -- De Venecia

Metro Manila placed on full alert

Senate goes on red alert

Bomb kills Muslim rebel-turned-congressman in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — A bomb exploded outside the House of Representatives late Tuesday, killing a former Muslim rebel-turned-congressman who had backed a U.S.-Philippine offensive against Islam...

Philippines blast targeted Muslim legislator, police say

A legislator from the Philippines' restive Muslim region, Wahab Akbar, was the likely target of a bomb attack at the House of Representatives which killed two people, Manila's police chief said. "Fro...

From apathy to active participation

MANILA, Philippines - In the eyes of youth leader Gerald Paragas, candidates and voters are more vigilant now. In the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, many of the youth volunte...

Batasan security personnel relieved, PNP-SAF takes over

Security personnel guarding the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City were relieved from their post hours after a powerful blast rocked the south wing entrance of the building in Quezon City, Interi...

Japanese trader slain in Cebu

CEBU CITY-Unidentified suspects ambushed and killed a Japanese businessman while he was in a van in Mandaue City at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Senior Supt. Rodel Calungsod, chief of the Mandaue City Police O...

Rep. Wahab Akbar, 2 others killed in Batasan bomb blast

A bomb explosion at an entrance of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Tuesday evening killed three people, including Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, and injured at least seven others. The Nat...

Terrorism as cause of Batasan blast still speculation - PNP chief

Terrorism as the cause of the Batasan complex blast on Tuesday evening is at the moment mere speculation, National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon told newsman Arnold Clavio in a live inte...

Solon's staff member dies in hospital; blast toll rises to 3

A staff member of Negros Oriental Pryde Henry Teves died at the Capitol Medical Center four hours after she was injured in a powerful blast that rocked the south wing entrance of the Batasan Pambansa ...

Arroyo goes to FEU hospital after blast - report

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrived at the Far Eastern University Hospital in Fairview, Quezon City about 1 a.m., Wednesday, radio dzBB reported. Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar died at the said hos...

Customs exec in Batangas won't yield juicy post

BATANGAS CITY-Hundreds of employees of the Batangas port and businessmen have found themselves in a quandary after the district collector, who was supposed to retire on Oct. 25, refused to yield her p...

Philippine Gov. Building Rocked By Bomb

MANILA, Philippines -- An explosion rocked an entrance to the Philippine House of Representatives late Tuesday, killing a driver and injuring at least nine people, including lawmakers, officials said....

Security tightened at Senate after Batasan blast

Security was tightened at the Senate hours after a powerful blast rocked the south wing entrance of the Batasan Pambansa building in Quezon City, past 8 p.m., Tuesday. Radio dzBB said Senate Presid...

Arroyo says gov't willing to reopen talks with NDF

TACLOBAN CITY-President Macapagal-Arroyo said she is amenable to the government having peace talks with communists. During an informal interaction with the media on Friday, Ms Arroyo said she learned...

Lady Stags score, tie UST tossers for lead

3 Dead in Bombing at Philippine Congress

The youth want to be involved in local dev't, says study

MANILA, Philippines - John Casta eda, director of the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, says the Philippines pioneered youth and childr...

Batasan blast not related to impeachment vs Arroyo - De Venecia

"It has absolutely nothing to do with the impeachment case," House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. told reporters at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, shortly after an explosion ripped through the south...

US firms, crash victims' kin near deal

Class suit Shortly after investigations on the crash were completed, the families of the victims worked with the US-based Nolan law group and filed a class suit before a Chicago court against EAR Cor...

Bombers pound Mustangs, gain Last 8

GAMES WEDNESDAY (Blue Eagle Gym) 4 p.m. -- Ateneo vs San Sebastian MANILA, Philippines -- The Jose Rizal University Bombers coasted to the Round of Eight, hammering out an 83-61 decision over the Wes...

Forgotten Filipino Vets Still Waiting for Equity

Two dead, at least 10 hurt in bomb blast at Philippine Congress

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine legislator Wahab Akbar was killed in a bomb attack at the House of Representatives Tuesday, raising the death toll to two with at least 10 injured, hospital staff and ...

Blast occured a minute after House session

The explosion that rocked the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City could be meant to hurt congressmen as the blast occurred barely a minute after the adjournment of a session at the House of Repres...

The Candidates, Miss ZaNorte-Illinois 2007

Second Canvassing Update 11.13.7: The winner will be crowned by the reigning Miss ZAMNAI 2003 Mayumi Gassman, daughter of Karl and Lee Ancheta Gassman.

House, Senate leaders condemn blast, say solons won't be cowed

Lawmakers on Tuesday condemned the blast that rocked the Batasan complex, adding that this would not cow them into submission. House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr said that it will be business as usua...

PNP placed on heightened alert in Central, Southern Luzon

Police units in Central and Southern Luzon were placed under heightened alert following Tuesday night's bomb blast at the Batasan complex. The order was issued by Philippine National Police chi...

JDV says House to continue impeachment proceedings on Wednesday

It will be a regular working day at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, even after the explosion at Batasan Pambansa that killed one and hurt at least seven others including three lawmakers, Sp...

House majority rebuffs minority boycott of impeach hearings

55 rescued as boat sinks off Camotes, Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- A motorized passenger boat bound for Poro Island, Camotes, sank after a huge wave punctured the vessel's hull Tuesday afternoon, but all 55 people onboard were rescued after ...

Probers look for leads from a motorcycle believed used in the blast

Authorities are investigating a motorcycle, which they believed was used for carrying explosives that rocked the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City Tuesday night, killing one, and hurting at leas...

Panlilio, 8 more charged with bribery over Palace handouts

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- They spilled the beans and now they are being haled to the Office of the Ombudsman to face criminal complaints. The Philippine Trial Lawyers Association (PT...

It's a bomb, says Speaker De Venecia

The explosion that killed at least one person and injured about a dozen others at the House of Representatives on Tuesday was caused by a bomb, said Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. A radio report quote...

Blasts rips through Philippines Congress building

WHO issues measles warning in Philippines

Kin of 131 dead in Davao plane crash to get compensation

DAVAO CITY -- The families of the 131 people killed during the crash of an Air Philippines Boeing 737-200 plane in Island Garden City of Samal on April 19, 2000, can receive up to $1.2 million each, s...

Estrada to fight forfeiture of other properties

Senate to subpoena Neri on ZTE probe

House probe on cash gift stalled

House exec seeks legal advice over second Arroyo impeach rap

Davao City to become Cebu Pacific's 3rd hub

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- Cebu Pacific Air is making the city its third hub for domestic and international routes. "This third hub is in preparation for more expansive inter-island connectivity, as ...

'Family feud,' not troops, behind brothers' abduction

Sen. Arroyo urges President Arroyo to stop PNOC-EDC sale

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Joker Arroyo on Tuesday urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to stop the scheduled bidding of the "money-making" Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Co...

'Prove intel funds are accounted for'

Only Pampanga governor to attend Senate probe on 'cash gift'

Arroyo shifts focus from economic to political reforms

Govt, MILF to start informal talks in Malaysia Wednesday

Okinawans show way to long life

MANILA, Philippines -- The average Filipino has a life expectancy of 70 years. For the 740 or so centenarians in Okinawa prefecture in Japan, that's just too short. Okinawa, which has a population of...

Beyond the Call of Duty

If you look at how these volunteer programs began, it would even seem that they were instituted primarily for the employees, and not for the benefit of the company. The 10-year old Intel Involved pro...

Majority of Filipino families feel no benefit of peso appreciation

DPWH sets repair work on Tullahan bridge on weekend

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday said it is scheduling this weekend repair works to remove "alligator cracks" on the Tullahan Bridge which links the cities of Valenzuela a...

Palace housekeeping costs taxpayers P2.3-B a year

The Office of the President, seat and fount of power in the land, requires piles of money to maintain. Keeping house for Malacañang under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo cost taxpayers a c...

PNP ready to secure Comelec officials - Razon

With the likelihood that the killing of Commission on Elections (Comelec) law department head Alioden Dalaig was job-related, the National Police is willing to provide security to other poll officials...

Razon dares Lacson to prove claims of PNP funds in 'cash gift' mess

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Avelino Razon Jr on Tuesday dared opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson to prove his claim that the "cash gifts" distributed to congressmen and local governme...

Philippine anti-graft court moves to forfeit ex-president assets

2 Iranians banned from entering RP over human trafficking

The Bureau of Immigration has banned two Iranian men from entering the Philippines in connection with the attempted human trafficking incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) over the...

Comelec commissioner gets death threats

Even as police continue its investigation into Saturday's killing of the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) top lawyer, the poll body on Tuesday bared death threats received by one of its commissioner...

US DOJ says RP has right over Marcos" $35-M Arelma account

The Philippine government could soon benefit from a portion of the Marcos ill-gotten wealth after the US Department of Justice reportedly issued an opinion on the right of the Philippines over the sai...

5 enlisted Rangers still in Tanay finally questioned

Protection of media sources increasingly undermined--study

Inspections start on malls for fireworks, Xmas lights - report

The Manila city government and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) started Tuesday inspections of malls and business establishments in the city for firecrackers and substandard Christmas lights. Ra...

Respect impeachment rules, Apostol tells minority solons

Fending off efforts of the opposition to mount multiple impeachment complaints against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a senior Malacañang official on Tuesday told opposition congressmen to ...

WHO warns measles threatens to kill 6,000 kids in Philippines

Comelec wants more cops to protect top poll officials

Following the murder of its legal department chief last weekend, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide additional men to protect top poll offi...

Filipino participants bag 20 medals in Asian Choir Games

Ten Filipino choirs bagged 20 medals and won top awards in the recently-concluded 1st Asian Choir Games held at Jakarta, Indonesia. Competition results posted at the

Cops secure video of casino where Dalaig last played

The Manila Police District now have in its possession the closed circuit television (CCTV) footage of Hyatt Hotel, where former Commission on Elections law department head, Alioden Dalaig, stayed befo...

Sandigan to begin seizure of Erap assets despite opposition

The Sandiganbayan will implement starting on Tuesday the writ of execution it issued for the forfeiture of former President Joseph Estrada's assets in favor of the government. In its report, GMA Fl...

Opposition told to stop politicking ahead of Senate 'cash gift' probe

A day before the Senate opens its investigation into the "cash gift" controversy, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday renewed calls for the opposition to stop political bickering and foc...

Puno willing to attend Senate probe over cash gift row

Sandigan to freeze Estrada accounts

Close this MANILA, Philippines --The Sandiganbayan will proceed to garnish four bank accounts of former president Joseph Estrada, an official of the anti-graft court said. Sheriff Ed Urieta ...

TV Education Boosts Public School's Performance

hat are planets? Why and how do they revolve around the sun? How is matter transformed from solid to liquid to gas? How do plants produce oxygen out of carbon dioxide? How exactly does a baby grow in ...

Parts of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas to experience 12-hr water cutoff

Some areas in Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas will have no water for 12 hours this weekend, service provider Maynilad Water said Tuesday. In a statement, Maynilad said the service disruption will sta...

Get set to welcome New Year with a toot

MANILA, Philippines -- The time may be coming when Filipinos will have to welcome the New Year not with a bang but with only the toot of trumpets and horns. The Department of Health (DoH) Monday said...

Zack Grobler creates artistic magic for ‘Lost’

MANILA, Philippines―In the hit series “Lost,” plane crash survivors start a society from scratch on a seemingly deserted island, and it’s revealed that almost every castaway harbors potentially explosive secrets that may affect everyone’s survival.

The bravery and burdens of Beowulf

Lifelike visuals and ferocious action merge in the fantasy epic “Beowulf,” director Robert Zemeckis’ latest foray into digital animation.

Rousing talk in a tight-lipped place

MANILA, Philippines―Imagine a place where you couldn’t wear short skirts, tank tops or your beloved Havaianas. A place where you had to be highly disciplined and keep your voice down, wake up early and not wander around.

My Beyonc� experience

MANILA, Philippines―When I found out that Beyonc� was confirmed to come to Manila for a concert, I couldn’t help but be giddy with excitement. Who would have thought another big name in music would agree to perform in our shores, so soon after Christina Aguilera and Josh Groban?

Action and adventure in the mall

MANILA, Philippines―Leading international channel AXN once again proved that action and adventure are truly in the veins of Filipinos as it attracted a big crowd to its recent The Amazing Race Asia Season 2 Promotional Event in TriNoma mall.

Don’t send in the clown

MANILA, Philippines―I would often struggle wildly for the dangled pop-cap guns and packs of jack stones. But then my eagerness was usually met by the swift elbow of someone’s yaya swinging at me like a sledgehammer sleeved in white.

A story of loss

The art of losing isn’t hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster.—excerpt from “One Art,” Elizabeth Bishop

Ready to kill for Kiehl’s

MANILA, Philippines―The brand is not a new name in the Philippines; for several years, people have been reading about Kiehl’s Since 1851 in various magazines and broadsheets.

Lovin’ the Big Blue

MANILA, Philippines―Have you ever wondered what creatures lurk beneath the surface of the ocean?

Mobile filmmaking growing!

MANILA, Philippines―Nokia continues to be a leader in the mobile imaging revolution by encouraging mobile phone users to go to the next level: video.

Wellness begins today

MANILA, Philippines―Repeat after me: “Beginning today, I will pay more attention to my well-being.”

Flawlessly successful product launch

MANILA, Philippines―It was one of those really enjoyable afternoons filled with “beauty and romance.” Pond’s, the fabulous brand for facial care all over the world, unveiled its latest, groundbreaking product for flawless and beautiful-looking skin.

The Philippine Headlines - November 12, 2007

2007-11-12T08:39:00.000+08:00

Henin ends her dream on the perfect note

MADRID -- Justine Henin's inspired season reached a suitable climax when she successfully defended her title at the tour-ending event, the WTA Championships, her victory over Maria Sharapova completing a quartet of other notable achievements.

UN chief heads to Brazil for climate change talks

SAO PAULO -- UN chief Ban Ki-moon will fly into tropical Brazil Sunday to further push his campaign for world action on climate change, after making a trip to chilly Antarctica.

Oceans could absorb far more CO2, says study

PARIS -- The ocean's plankton can suck up far more airborne carbon dioxide (CO2) than previously realized, although the marine ecoystem may suffer damage if this happens, a new study into global warming says.

Finnish police arrest youth after YouTube massacre threat

HELSINKI -- Finnish police have detained a teenager who allegedly posted a video on YouTube threatening a massacre similar to the one that occurred last week at a high school in Finland, police said Sunday.

Norman Mailer, towering literary figure, dies at 84

NEW YORK -- Norman Mailer, the pugnacious prince of American letters who for decades reigned as the country’s literary conscience and provocateur with such books as “The Naked and the Dead” and “The Executioner’s Song,” has died at the age of 84.

Filipino writer a finalist in literary tilt won by Sino

HONG KONG -- The Philippines’ Jose Dalisay Jr. was one of five short-listed authors for the 2007 Man Asian Literary Prize that on Saturday was won by Chinese author Jiang Rong for his best-selling novel “The Wolf Totem.”

Cheer, dance contests kick off war on drugs

MANILA, Philippines -- The fight against drugs need not be all about slogans. For Makati students, it can be fun, too.

Makati IX trips Cebu; Dumaguete prevails

MANILA, Philippines -- Makati scored in all but four innings to hack out a vengeful 7-3 victory over Cebu, even as Dumaguete scored its third straight win Sunday in the Baseball Philippines Series 2 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

Miñoza ends up way back in the end

SHANGHAI -- Frankie Miñoza dropped six strokes in a six-hole stretch on the back nine and finished well back of the pack even as American star Phil Mickelson lifted the HSBC Champions title after beating the English duo of Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood at the second playoff hole on Sunday.

Coach Baculi now spurns major revamp for cagers

SINGAPORE -- Harbour Centre-Philippines coach June Baculi heaved a sigh of relief after watching his wards huff and puff in practice Sunday.

Community is torn between 2 villages

OZAMIZ CITY -- Gathered in a small clearing beside the road, several residents of Manabay, a suburban community here, discussed prospects for them after the just concluded village polls. From where they stood is a half-paved hundred-meter road that leads into the coastal area.

CA backs GSIS claim of teacher with brain disorder

MANILA, Philippines -- An overworked public schoolteacher who traveled long distances every day for three decades to teach her students is entitled to receive compensation for a rare brain disorder she contracted while working, according to the Court of Appeals

Fire wipes out Sulu commercial center, says disaster exec

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Two more bodies were recovered from the ashes and other debris from a fire that swept a commercial district in Siasi town in Sulu province on Nov. 3, raising the death toll to five people.

Journalists file raps vs Compostela Valley dad

DAVAO CITY -- Davao journalists trooped to the Office of the Mindanao Ombudsman on Nov. 8 to support the filing of criminal and administrative case against a Compostela Valley provincial board member, who mauled a broadcaster inside the announcer’s booth of Radyo Natin in Compostela Valley last month.

(UPDATE 2) Musharraf eyes elections by January 9

ISLAMABAD -- President Pervez Musharraf promised Sunday that Pakistan would hold general elections by January 9 but indicated the state of emergency he imposed a week ago would stay in place until then.

Russian oil tanker sinks in Black Sea storm

MOSCOW -- Five-meter (16-feet) high waves smashed apart a Russian tanker on Sunday, spilling 1,300 tons of fuel oil into the Black Sea in what environmentalists called an "ecological catastrophe."

QC food firm ordered to pay P1-M fine for polluting drains

The Court of Appeals has ordered a Quezon City food processing company to pay more than P1 million in fines for discharging polluted wastewater into the public drainage system for over three years.

Last-gasp V-League bid for FEU tossers

MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University sets out to force a playoff for the fifth and last semifinal seat in the 2007 Shakey’s V-League women’s volleyball second conference when it battles Ateneo de Manila University Monday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Autistic man at college graduation details hopes

MANILA, Philippines--David Michael Lopez, 22, graduated on April 12 from the Lyceum Institute of Technology in Calamba City in Laguna, earning a degree in communications.

24-yr-old Fil-Am soldier gets second chance at life

MANILA, Philippines--At 24, Jian Kelly Sibug is an Iraq war veteran who has already received a Purple Heart. The Filipino-American has first-hand knowledge of war, the value of life and second chances.

Alaska holds off Baguio, Red Bull

For six minutes in the third quarter, the Alaska Aces were clueless on what to do with a problem named Cyrus Baguio. Then, at the start of the fourth, the problem solved itself.

Arcilla, Arevalo breeze to victory

MANILA, Philippines -- Johnny Arcilla and Czarina Mae Arevalo fashioned out similar easy victories Sunday and sustained their domination of the men’s and women’s singles of the Philippine Columbian Association Open at the PCA shell courts.

Canada wins Miss Earth 2007 crown

Jessica Nicole Trisko of Canada is the newly-crowned Miss Earth for 2007. Trisko bested 89 other contestants for the title at the climax of the awards ceremony Sunday night at the University of the Philippines Theater.

Eton to launch Laguna township projec

Eton Properties Phils. Inc. will launch in January next year its multi-billion peso integrated township in Sta. Rosa Laguna which will feature a 17-hectare manmade lake.

Week-long rest from impeach case ends for Arroyo

President Arroyo may be in for another "impeachment ride" as critics and activists bared Sunday their plan to file a new case against her before the House of Representatives on Monday.

(2nd UPDATE) Family tags Bedol in Dalaig slay

The family of slain election official Alioden Dalaig said that former Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol may be involved in the murder in Malate, Manila on Saturday night.

Englishman in Manila wins World Pool battle

After nine days of intense competition, England's Daryl Peach lifted the trophy and was hailed as this year's World Pool champion by beating Filipino Roberto Gomez, 17-15, during a thrilling race-to-17 finals match in the sport's biggest tourney at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Finnish police arrest youth after YouTube massacre threat

HELSINKI - Finnish police have detained a teenager who allegedly posted a video on YouTube threatening a massacre similar to the one that occurred last week at a high school in Finland, police said Sunday.

Laguna cops now disabled-friendly

Laguna policemen are now disabled-friendly. This, after 39 members of police units from Laguna's 27 towns and three cities underwent a five-day sign language seminar to help them deal with crime victims and witnesses who are speech and hearing-impaired.

DOF to review excise tax regime

The Department of Finance (DOF) will review the country's excise tax regime following requests from the World Health Organization (WHO), a ranking Finance official said over the weekend.

BSP takes over P152-M Cash Mgm't Center

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will take over the P152-million Cash Management Center (CMC) that was supposed to be privately operated by the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP).

Parañaque creates sp'l investment district

In an effort to encourage the business sector to invest in Parañaque City, Mayor Florencio Bernabe and the Sangguniang Panlungsod have created a special investment district (SID) in the locality.

Investigate Palparan, says Melo Commission in New Report to GMA

The disbanded Melo Commission has recommended in its final report the investigation of retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan for...

SC Twice Ruled Against New Comelec Exec

Moslemen Macarambon has a poor track record as a judge in Mindanao—although he insists that it is his court experience...

Glorietta Blast: Blaming the Basement

If wastewater that was not even stored in a septic tank could cause an explosion, as what the police are...

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won�t Join Resign-GMA Calls

Those hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for...

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

Two legal questions are being raised: the President’s power to grant pardon to an impeached leader and the “procedural errors”...

Cheer, dance contests kick off war on drugs

MANILA, Philippines -- The fight against drugs need not be all about slogans. For Makati students, it can be fun, too. This week, students of the city's 42 public and private schools will hold a vari...

Choir pays tribute to Tondo's working class hero

MANILA, Philippines -- It's almost the yuletide season but Jerry Dadap and the choir he founded, the Andres Bonifacio Concert Choir, are not about to change their repertoire. After all, for more than...

Mentally disturbed man confesses to 6 stabbings

MANILA, Philippines -- The Marikina City Police Sunday arrested a man accused of attacking at least six people over the past year. According to city police chief Supt. Sotero Ramos, Rodelio Condes Jr...

Rizal shabu lab busted

MANILA, Philippines -- Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Rizal provincial police busted Friday a suspected shabu laboratory in the province. Derreck Carreon, PDEA spokesperson, sai...

3 dead, 11 hurt as drunk driver plows into funeral march

MANILA, Philippines -- It was a funeral procession that led to more grief. Three people were confirmed killed and 11 more hurt when a vehicle plowed into a funeral procession in Marikina City Sunday ...

Saguisag finally told his wife died in accident

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Sen. Rene Saguisag was finally told of his wife Dulce's demise Sunday morning but he kept a strong face upon hearing the bad news, his son Rebo said Sunday. He did not s...

Police to finish Glorietta mall blast next month

A POLICE official said the investigation on the explosion at the Glorietta mall in Makati City may be completed next month and possible charges may be pursued a week later."Hopefully we can finish it ...

Task Force Usig lists 239 suspects in unexplained killings

A TASK force formed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate cases of unexplained killings has so far pinpointed 239 suspects in 141 validated incidents of unexplained killings, with cas...

Life v. vote padding, shaving doers proposed

AN OPPOSITION lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to categorize vote shaving/vote padding (dagdag-bawas) as a major electoral offense punishable by life imprisonment. In filing House Bill (HB) 2526, Cag...

4 Napocor officials charged

CONSUMER groups led by the People Opposed to Warrantless Electricity Rates (Power) filed over the weekend graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the National Power Corpo...

Autistic man at college graduation details hopes

MANILA, Philippines--David Michael Lopez, 22, graduated on April 12 from the Lyceum Institute of Technology in Calamba City in Laguna, earning a degree in communications. "I wanted to communicate," L...

Filipino a runner-up at transsexual beauty tilt

In a nation obsessed with beauty pageants and famous for its sexual tolerance, this elaborate contest is taken every bit as seriously as the more traditional competitions.

Erap's joint assets included

THE antigraft court may go after the assets of Joseph Estrada's mistresses and children if they are under the former President's name, an official said Sunday.

Slain poll official often seen at casino

The Commission of Elections (Comelec) official who was killed Saturday was a regular at the casino at Hyatt Hotel, police said Sunday, adding that the actual motive is still unknown.

Tripartite meeting to go on even without Misuari

The tripartite meeting between the Philippine government, the Moro National Liberation Front and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) will proceed despite the absence of Nur Misuari, Mal...

House to hear impeachment case

Members of the leftist party-list bloc in the House of Representatives are expected to file another impeachment complaint against President Gloria Arroyo today.

Villar cites conquerors of red tape

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter Senate President Manuel Villar cited Sunday government agencies that have been adopting "out-of-the-box" thinking to reduce red tape, which is choking the co...

Arroyo taps Chinese-Filipino traders vs 'political noise'

MANILA, Philippines--As the Senate this week resumes investigating corruption allegations against her administration, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has sought to still the "relentless political no...

Bayan to file impeach case vs Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines--The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the human rights group Karapatan are set to file on Monday a new and a "more comprehensive" impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macap...

Philippine central bank's forex buying tops $800M

MANILA, Philippines -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (the Philippine central bank) net buying of dollars to slow down the peso's appreciation intensified in October following a steep interest rate ...

Philippines seeks help in battling coco pest

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines has sought the help of the world's top coconut producers in winning the war against the pest that has threatened the future of coconut trade and production. At ...

Philippine politician killed by unknown gunman

The legal affairs chief of the Philippine Commission on Elections, Lawyer Alioden Dalaig, was gunned down Saturday night in downtown Metro Manila, the local TV network ABS-CBN reported Sunday. Quoting...

Election chief gunned down in Philippines

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - The chief legal officer of the Philippines' elections commission has been shot and killed outside a hotel in Manila, a report said Sunday. Alioden Dalaig, 64, was found ...

Former PLO member arrested in Philippines

manila Authorities arrested a former Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) member in the southern Philippines, a report said yesterday, amid suspicions he was involved with local Islamic militan...

Young Filipino Suicide Victim Gets Wish Too Late

Al Jacinto, Arab News ZAMBOANGA CITY - A poor girl who committed suicide because of extreme poverty in the southern Philippines was buried yesterday.Mariennet Amper, 12, hanged herself on Nov. 2 insid...

Saudi Investors Urged to Tap Philippine Prospects

RIYADH, 11 November 2007 - Pointing out that some major Saudi businessmen, including Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal, have invested in the Philippines, a senior Philippine diplomat has called on prospective...

No new poll chief until February

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Cerge Remonde said anyone appointed earlier than February 2008 will only serve the...

Palace ensures stable prices of 'Christmas goods'

AMID rising prices of oil products, Malaca ang ordered the agriculture and trade departments Saturday to ensure stable prices of "Christmas goods" as the Christmas season nears.

3 dead, 3 injured in bus mishap in Tarlac

THREE persons died while three others were injured when the tricycle they were riding in collided with a passenger bus in Tarlac City, police reported Saturday.Tarlac Provincial Police Director Nicano...

RP not doing anything to improve

WHILE its Asian peers and even the region's economic giants China and India seek reforms to become business friendly, the Philippines "does not do anything" to improve and to help new small and ...

Large influx of direct investments signals success of reform efforts

Despite the World Bank-IFC's poor assessment of the Philippines as a place for doing business, Bangko Sentral figures released last month show that the influx of net foreign direct investment (FDI...

Govt-private sector partnership activities push reform momentum

Government and the private sector have been working together, launching and running continuing projects to improve Philippine business friendliness and global competitiveness.

Arroyo orders medical supplies to diarrhea-hit Samar town

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered sending the medical supplies "at first daybreak" after learning the plight of the ...

Biggest commerce and industry chamber's reforms wish-list

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country's largest convergence of private businessmen and industrialists, held its 33rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Octo...

BOI's tax credits one-stop shops cut processing from 5 to 2 years

The tax credits are given for the exporters' tax payments for any imported materials they use to manufacture their export products. They also cover the exporters' exemption from the E-VAT (12 pe...

WWF opposes dumping of urea in Sulu Sea

MANILA, Philippines -- The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) added its voice Saturday to the growing number of environmental groups opposing the dumping of urea in Sulu Sea. "The potential environ...

Militant group warns senators against voting for JPEPA

MANILA, Philippines -- Senators with presidential ambitions in the 2010 national elections will face rejection by the Filipino people if they vote for the ratification of the controversial Japan-Phili...

Group slams Comelec search panel

MANILA, Philippines -- An anti-graft watchdog is urging Malaca ang to create a search panel that is beyond reproach if it wants to appoint a Commission on Elections (Comelec) head who is also beyond r...

Angono artists invited to exhibit mural in London

MANILA, Philippines -- After a tumultuous week comes an invitation for the Angono artists to exhibit in London the original design of the mural they painted for the National Press Club but which the p...

Saguisag communicating better with family, says doctor

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Senator Rene Saguisag and his driver will spend the weekend in the intensive care unit of the Makati Medical Center as doctors expressed optimism over their improving con...

Oil firms raise gas prices, LPG prices again

MANILA, Philippines -- Oil companies jacked up gasoline and kerosene prices by P1 a liter and diesel prices by 50 centavos a liter on Saturday. First to raise prices was new player Flying V at 12:01 ...

Government, MILF to resume formal talks next week

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines -- The Philippine government and Muslim separatists will resume formal peace talks in Malaysia next week, in the hope of settling a territorial dispute, a presidential aide said...

Philippines to resume talks with rebel group

manila The Philippines will resume official talks with the country's largest Muslim rebel group next week after agreeing to compromise on the size and wealth of a proposed homeland, the government s...

Filipino Farmers' Co-op Hit Jackpot With Hybrid Rice

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 10 November 2007 - Who says planting rice is never fun? Not the farmer-members of the Bagong Buhay Multi-Purpose Cooperative Planting in Nueva Ecija provinc...

Man causes disturbance at MRT

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Rail Transit commuters at the Quezon Avenue station in Quezon City were caught in a commotion at rush hour yesterday morning when a man began shouting at the top of his voi...

Navotas confiscates 2,000 kilos of illegally caught fish

MANILA, Philippines - Some 2,000 kilos or 103 boxes of illegally caught fish were confiscated yesterday at the Navotas City Fish Port. Mayor Toby Tiangco said two consignees or fish broker stores fou...

Dynamite found near Manila dorm

MANILA, Philippines - Manila policemen found at around 7:30 a.m. yesterday explosives capable of destroying a 20-story building. Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales, Manila Police District director, said his...

Estrada seeks to quash forfeiture of assets

MANILA, Philippines -- Pardoned former president Joseph Estrada on Friday sought to quash orders by the Sandiganbayan for him to hand over more than P700 million and a real estate property he previous...

Erap asks anti-graft court to quash forfeiture order

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Through his battery of lawyers, Estrada also asked the anti-graft court to issue a status quo order or a temporary restraini...

Pakistan's Bhutto under house arrest

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan locked former Premier Benazir Bhutto under house arrest on Friday, blocking her from a planned rally to protest President Pervez Musharraf's imposition of a state of emergenc...

Times' School of Journalism hosts roundtable on Cyber-Ed

The group met on Friday at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, and analyzed the project during a roundtable and project briefing organized by The Manila Times School of Jo...

Lawmaker faces raps over Glorietta incident

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Esperon, in an interview in Borongan in Eastern Samar province, said he has yet to decide whether he would file libel charge...

Arroyo assures affordable rice this Christmas

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said despite the threat of rising prices of oil and other basic commodities, rice supply would continue to be affordable and available even beyond the nearing holiday...

Arroyo hails counterinsurgency gains in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday lauded the efforts in Eastern Visayas to contain communist insurgency even as she acknowledged the pressing need to address th...

Waste market goes to Sucat today

MANILA, Philippines - The movable waste market that lets people trade in trash for new, usable and earth-friendly items will be open today at the SM Sucat mall Building A open parking lot in Para aque...

2 injured in 10-car pileup in Pasig City

MANILA, Philippines - A ten-car pileup caused by a 14-wheeler truck with faulty brakes left two people injured yesterday afternoon on Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. SPO3 Alex Galang of the Pasig City pol...

Arroyo forms body to select new election chief

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday created a screening committee that would select the new chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Peso reaches 7-year high vs. US dollar

The peso closed to new seven-year high of P42 level due to investment flows, remittances from overseas Filipinos, and the weakening of the US dollar.

Pinoys consider civic duty a burden

The road mishap early Thursday at the intersection of Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) and Osme a Highway (formerly South Superhighway) would just have been a common occurrence if not for the victi...

Cops want Trillanes witness

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police advised Senator Antonio Trillanes on Friday to turn over to the police his alleged witness to the explosion which ripped throu...

Joey de Venecia not keeping mum on NBN deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- National broadband network (NBN) deal whistleblower Jose de Venecia III said Friday he would still participate in Senate hearings on the scrapped project, as...

Top 10 criminologist licensure examinees

MANILA, Philippines -- Below are the successful examinees who garnered the 10 highest places in the Criminologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Criminology: 1. Jeffrey Buenconsejo Bajit...

2,887 pass criminologist board exam

MANILA, Philippines -- The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that 2,887 out of 9,424 examinees passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Criminology.

Girl's suicide reminder to speed up anti-poverty measures

MANILA, Philippines -- Officials of the UN Millennium Campaign said Friday that the suicide of a poor 12-year-old girl in Davao City was a reminder to the group to double its efforts in rooting out po...

Graphic pictures on cigarette packs pushed

MANILA, Philippines -- Graphic and disturbing images on the effects of tobacco on people such as neck cancer, gangrene, and rotting teeth should be put on cigarette packs to discourage smoking, Senato...

Filipinos want graphic warnings on cigarette packs--survey

MANILA, Philippines -- It is not only the cry of anti-smoking groups. Now, a local survey shows that even majority of the smokers in the Philippines want picture-based health warnings in the packaging...

Civil society mails Palace 'Big Briber evicted' postcards

'EVICTED.' Members of the Black and White Movement and other civil society groups troop to the Makati Central Post Office to mail postcards telling Pres Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who they call 'Pinoy B...

Arroyo vows to lead with 'a steady hand' until 2010

MANILA, Philippines -- Beset by fresh scandals over alleged corruption, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed to continue leading with "a steady hand" and finish her term in 2010 with a more politic...

Dengue cases slightly rise -- DoH

MANILA, Philippines -- Dengue cases in the country increased slightly in October totaling 31,887 in the 10-month period, or a 1.5 percent increase from last year. Data from the Department of Health (D...

Marine officer sacked for Basilan carnage gets new post

MANILA, Philippines -- One of three Marine officers relieved earlier this year over heavy casualties in the battlefield against the Abu Sayyaf has been given a new post, the Marine commandant said. M...

UNO files motion to allow supplemental impeachment raps

MANILA, Philippines -- The United Opposition (UNO) filed on Friday a motion for reconsideration asking the justice committee of the House of Representatives to accept a supplemental impeachment compla...

Manila Ocean Park to open to public on 15 December

MANILA: The Philippines has the richest concentration of marine life in the world and its diverse marine species will soon be showcased in the country's first and largest oceanarium. The Philippines' ...

Filipino Professor Alleges Bamboo Ceiling

Posted: Nov 09, 2007 BURLINGAME, Calif. -- A Chinese-Filipino former assistant professor at Georgia State University is now suing the university for discrimination, reports Philippine News. Dr. Eme...

SC asked to settle question on impeach raps vs Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has been asked to finally settle the issue on the impeachment cases that have been filed at the House of Representatives against President Gloria Macapagal-Arr...

NDF turns to lawmakers, churches to press talks' resumption

MANILA, Philippines -- Communist rebels have turned to legislators and church leaders to help press for the resumption of stalled peace talks with government. "The issue of peace is...an invitation to ...

RP should be prepared for effects of climate change--expert

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines should prepare for the massive effects of global climate change, especially on the country's natural resources, a former official of the Philippine Atmospheric, ...

Accused 'plotters' walk out on 'sham' court martial

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal -- (UPDATE 2) The Scout Ranger and Marine officers accused of an alleged coup plot in February 2006 walked out of their court martial hearing on Friday, after military pros...

Three Philippine soldiers wounded in clashes with communist rebels

Koronadal City, Philippines - Three soldiers were wounded Friday in clashes with communist rebels in the southern Philippines, a regional military spokesman said. Major Rodrigo Sosmena said the first ...

Philippines to probe suicide after protests

manila The Philippines promised yesterday to investigate an apparent suicide by an 11-year-old girl due to poverty after the incident generated angry public reactions and street protests.

Gov't asks SC to dismiss petitions vs NBN deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Government lawyers have asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petitions filed by several groups questioning the legality of the $330-million broadband infrastructure contract b...

Malaca ang urged to cooperate with Senate 'cash gift' probe

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang should cooperate with the Senate's scheduled investigation of last October's distribution of "cash gifts" to congressmen and governors because refusal would indicate ...

LP cash gift bolsters suspicions of bribery -- solon

Liberal Party's disclosure that some of its members were also given money in Malaca ang last October 11 has bolstered suspicions that the cash was a bribe to protect President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ...

Philippines sets up one-stop shop for foreign film, TV producers

Manila - The Philippines has set up a one-stop shop to encourage foreign movie and television producers to shoot in the country, the government said Friday. The Philippine Film Export Services Office ...

Bishops back Senate probe on cash gifts

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has expressed support to the impending investigation to be conducted by the Senate on the alleged cash gifts distributed in Malaca ang to loca...

US official to testify vs. Gen. Garcia

A top official from the US Department of Homeland Security will testify in the plunder case against Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, the former comptroller of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Lucio Tan petitions court to end PCGG case

Businessman Lucio Tan on Thursday asked the Sandiganbayan to order the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to resolve a civil case against him.

Innovation summit to help RP's competitiveness

A "national innovation strategy" is being developed to help the Philippines become globally competitive, as the proponents announced they are convening the first National Innovation Summit on Nove...

Muntinlupa mulls liability insurance

MANILA, Philippines - Businesses in Muntinlupa City may soon have to get public liability insurance before they are issued a license to operate. Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said this type of insurance wou...

Taguig City marks 3rd anniversary with food fest

MANILA, Philippines - Taguig celebrates its third year as a city with a food festival that aims to help raise funds for housing projects for the poor. About 20 of the city's top restaurants are expec...

Arroyo advised on how to pick Comelec men

MANILA, Philippines -- With the vacancies at the Commission on Elections, and because of its low credibility with the public, some sectors have been pitching unsolicited advice to the appointing autho...

QC court acquits man facing slay raps

MANILA, Philippines - A man facing murder and frustrated murder charges was acquitted by a Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC-RTC) for being mentally ill. Eliseo Ignacio was charged with murder on ...

First successful amparo case emboldens rights advocates

In Tuesday's plenary voting, some so-called de Venecia loyalists sided with the opposition on the impeachment case filed against President Gloria Arroyo.

DepEd modifying CyberEd project

MANILA, Philippines -- The education department is modifying the P26.4-billion Cyber Education Project (CEP) to ensure it does not suffer the fate of the controversial $329-million national broadband ...

Arroyo vows to go after corrupt cops, illegal vehicles

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has vowed to crack down on "colorum" or vehicles illegally plying routes of franchised jeepneys, buses and taxis and extortionist traffic enfor...

Lim reshuffles 11 Manila police station chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered yesterday a reshuffle of the city's 11 station commanders following the recent involvement of an officer and his men in an alleged extortion oper...

Lawmaker presses stricter inspection of malls

SENATOR Richard Gordon said owners of commercial establishments like shopping malls should undertake concerted efforts with government public safety offices to avert a repeat of the Glorietta mall exp...

GMA, Erap, senators mourn Dulce's death

President Gloria Arroyo joined former President Joseph Estrada, senators and national sports officials in mourning the death of Dulce Saguisag, formerly secretary of the Department of Social Wel...

Arroyo rues Mariannet's suicide

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo went to a Quezon City village and raised the plight of 12-year-old girl Mariannet Amper who killed herself out of despair for her family's impo...

International press body condemns mural alteration

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has joined groups and individuals that have condemned the alterations on the press freedom mural commissioned by the Natio...

Liturgical mass to officially welcome papal envoy set

MANILA, Philippines -- The local Church hierarchy will formally welcome the new papal envoy to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams through a liturgical celebration on November 13. In a sta...

Smart targets 40 wind-powered cell sites by yearend

SMART COMMUNICATIONS INC. is adopting eco-technology with
wind-powered cellular sites, of which 40 could be up and running by the
end of the year.

European regulator set sights on telcos sector with shake-up

Walt Disney Japanese unit to launch cell phone carrier services

TOKYO -- US media and entertainment giant Disney will
launch cell phone carrier services in Japan early next year by leasing
local telecommunications networks, a press report said yesterday.

Search engine optimization considered alternative to traditional marketing

OPTIMIZING WEB SITES to make them more visible on the Internet is
seen as one of latest trends that businesses can tap to make money on the Web.

Outsourcing boom driving computer sales

THE LOCAL computer hardware industry expects to keep growing at 10%
this year, with the rate rising to 15-20% in 2008, on the back of
improved consumer spending as well as the business process outsourcing
(BPO) boom.

Telcos defy gloomy growth predictions

THE COUNTRY'S two largest telecom companies added more mobile phone
customers in the first nine months of this year than in all of 2006,
defying industry projections for a slowdown in new subscribers.

Sony may quit advanced chips project for PS3

TOKYO -- Sony Corp. may withdraw from joint research on
next-generation computer chips after agreeing to sell its production
operations for the brains inside the PlayStation 3, a spokesman said
yesterday.

SingTel rings up higher profit

SINGAPORE -- Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) said
yesterday net profit in the second quarter to September rose 3.3%,
driven by its regional mobile business.

Headline: Net effect of peso rise negative

MAJORITY OF FILIPINO FAMILIES say their well-being has not changed much in terms of a stronger peso but the net effect of the currency's gains is negative in all areas and classes, a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

Corporate News: San Miguel Brewery allots P1.3B for capital spending

SAN MIGUEL Brewery, Inc., the country's largest beer producer, expects to spend a total of P1.3 billion in 2007 and 2008 for capital expenditures.

Banking & Finance: Peso may extend rally to new peak

THE PESO will likely extend its rally and hit new multi-year highs at levels near the P42 per dollar this week, as expectations of further monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve continue to hurt the greenback, traders said.

Stock Market: Bearish mood may weigh on stock market

SHARE PRICES are expected to be dominated by bearish trade this week as turmoil on Wall Street and disappointing corporate results at home affect sentiment.

The Economy: Hurdles await cheaper medicines bill

THE PROPOSED "Cheaper Medicines Act" — passed on third and final reading by the Senate as Senate Bill 1658 last Nov. 5 but still awaiting approval on second reading as House Bill 2844 in the House of Representatives — faces a few key hurdles when representatives from both legislative chambers meet in a bicameral conference committee to hammer out a harmonized, consolidated version for ratification by their respective houses, and eventual signing into law by Malaca�ang.

The Nation: Peach outsteadies Gomez in world pool finale

Not even "The Man of Steel" could escape the bedazzlement in the end as Englishman Daryl "The Dazzler" Peach beat out hometown bet Roberto "Superman" Gomez, 17-15, for the World Pool Championship (WPC) title in the finale yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

IT Matters: Smart targets 40 wind-powered cell sites by yearend

SMART COMMUNICATIONS INC. is adopting eco-technology with wind-powered cellular sites, of which 40 could be up and running by the end of the year.

Bibat makes move with 71

MANILA, Philippines -- Mike Bibat atoned for a disastrous 78 in the first round with a one-under-par 71 Saturday but remained eight strokes off the pace halfway through the Sanlam Cape Province Open 2...

Markers to enlighten Andaya Highway critics

TAGKAWAYAN, QUEZON -- To evade the stigma attached to Andaya Highway here known for its potholes and cracks, the Department of Public Works and Highways in Quezon province has put up markers on both e...

Lions get going vs Tacloban champs

GAMES MONDAY (San Beda Gym) 2 p.m. -- UST vs Mapua 4 p.m. -- San Beda vs Sacred Heart MANILA, Philippines -- San Beda College sets out as heavy favorite despite the absence of its top gun when it hos...

Most Western Visayas water refilling stations have no permit

ILOILO CITY -- If you're buying water from refilling stations anywhere in Western Visayas, think again. Only 154 of the 504 water stations in the region are accredited by the Department of Health and...

Cavite blast site yields sixth fatality

CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA -- The death toll in the explosion that leveled several houses in a Bacoor, Cavite, subdivision has risen to six after policemen found another body under the rubble at noon on...

Makati IX trips Cebu; Dumaguete prevails

Mi oza ends up way back in the end

SHANGHAI -- Frankie Mi oza dropped six strokes in a six-hole stretch on the back nine and finished well back of the pack even as American star Phil Mickelson lifted the HSBC Champions title after beat...

Resign-snap poll bid has no critical mass

Need to assess prospects But outraged citizens cannot ignore the need to assess the prospects of success of their new project. There is nothing more fatal to the movement than to have unrealistic exp...

Bulacan governor to use cash gift for park garden

CITY OF MALOLOS -- Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza says he plans to buy flowering plants to beautify a park with the P500,000 given to him in Malaca ang in a controversial gift-giving to politicians tha...

Enrile turns up word war with De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- The word war between Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Speaker Jose de Venecia escalated further Sunday with the former calling the latter a "hypocrite" and a "pretender" for "having t...

Last-gasp V-League bid for FEU tossers

GAMES MONDAY (The Arena) 3 p.m. -- Ateneo vs FEU 5 p.m. -- UST vs SSC MANILA, Philippines -- Far Eastern University sets out to force a playoff for the fifth and last semifinal seat in the 2007 Shake...

CBCP head pushes rejection of coal-fired power plant

ILOILO CITY -- Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said Ilonggos should reject the proposed coal-fired power plant here warning of h...

PPCRV calls for impartial probe of Dalaig murder

An outraged Church-backed poll watchdog group demanded Sunday night a thorough, impartial investigation into Saturday's murder of Commission on Elections legal chief Alioden Dalaig. Parish Pastoral...

Autistic man at college graduation details hopes

Comelec security beefed up

MANILA, Philippines -- The government Sunday pledged to bolster security for officials of the Commission on Elections under death threats, even as police expressed hope video footage would yield clues...

Palace aide fears De Venecia-Enrile word war to derail NorthRail

A senior Malacañang executive is apprehensive the word war between Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile could derail the controversial NorthRail project. Presidential Mana...

Filipino a runner-up at transsexual beauty tilt

In a nation obsessed with beauty pageants and famous for its sexual tolerance, this elaborate contest is taken every bit as seriously as the more traditional competitions.

Arroyo taps Chinese-Filipino traders vs 'political noise'

Bayan to file impeach case vs Arroyo

Saguisag"s blood pressure shoots up when told of Dulce"s death

Former senator Rene Saguisag's blood pressure went up Sunday afternoon after learning the death of his wife, Dulce, GMA's Flash Report said. The television report said the family finally decided to...

3 killed, at least 11 hurt in Marikina road mishap

Three died, and at least 11 others were hurt in vehicular accident along Marcos Highway near A. Bonifacio Avenue, in Barangka village in Marikina City on Sunday, Supt. Sotero Ramos, city chief of poli...

CA denies ex-EIIB workers"s bid for retirement pay

The Court of Appeals has ruled that dismissed government employees who have received their separation pays are no longer entitled to retirement benefits. In a 10-page decision penned by Associate J...

Philippine central bank's forex buying tops $800M

Philippines seeks help in battling coco pest

Dalaig murder "scary" for new Comelec commissioner"s kin

The murder of Commission on Elections (Comelec) legal department head Alioden Dalaig was "scary" news for relatives of new Comelec commissioner Moslemen Macarambon. Macarambon's son Moslemen J...

"A great loss to Comelec," Abalos says of slain Dalaig

ILIGAN CITY - The death of Aliodin Dalaig was a great loss to the Commission on Elections, former Comelec chief Benjamin Abalos said Sunday. Abalos said Dalaig had an extensive knowledgeable on ele...

3rd impeach complaint will nail Arroyo - militant groups

Militant groups are set to file their own "new and comprehensive" impeachment complaint with the House of Representatives on Monday. Militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) ...

Senate-Palace showdown looms over "cash gift" probe

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr on Sunday urged Malacañang to allow Cabinet members, Palace aides as well as congressmen and governors allied or not with the administration to testi...

MILF hopeful on ancestral domain agenda with gov"t

The secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Sunday said it was optimistic that the ancestral domain agenda could push through in the MILF's latest round of peace negotiations with the government...

Cebu Pacific eyeing 'Airport City'--DoTC

MANILA, Philipines -- Cebu Pacific is lining up to invest in the commercial complex or "airport city" being planned for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Department of Transportation and Communi...

Philippine politician killed by unknown gunman

Defense chief urges ratification of SOFA with Australia

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Sunday appealed to the Senate to immediately ratify the Philippines' Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Australia. "Well, as soon as possible. We (defense ...

Cops to get leads in Dalaig slay from hotel"s video footage

Police will be getting leads from a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of a hotel where Alioden Dalaig stayed before he died. Dalaig, head of the legal department of the Commission on Elections,...

Comelec exec Dalaig to be buried in Marawi Sunday afternoon

Alioden Dalaig, head of the legal department of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to be laid to rest at 3 p.m., Sunday, in Marawi City. GMA Flash Report said Dalaig's remains were fl...

Dipolog's Jacqueline Te is Miss Charity

, Dipolog City USA (DAUSA) bet for Miss Zanorte-Illinois 2007 was declared Miss Charity after today’s last canvassing held at the residence of Dr. Claude and Suzy Adriatico in Oak Brook, IL. She...

Election chief gunned down in Philippines

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - The chief legal officer of the Philippines' elections commission has been shot and killed outside a hotel in Manila, a report said Sunday. Alioden Dalaig, 64, was found ...

Former PLO member arrested in Philippines

Junk shop helper found hanging in Tondo house

A junk shop helper was found hanging inside his employer's house in Manila's Tondo district before dawn Sunday. Radio dzBB reported that the victim, initially identified as Jun Rey Perez, 22, was f...

Boracay mansion to be auctioned off by court

While it tries to clean bank accounts containing allegedly ill-gotten wealth of former President Joseph Estrada, the anti-graft court will literally clean up Estrada's Boracay mansion in Quezon City. ...

Let's debate on North Rail project mess

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile on on Sunday again assailed Speaker Joe de Venecia Jr, challenging the latter to a debate on the alleged overpricing of the North Rail project. "I'm ready to face him ...

Comelec urges witnesses to give clues on killing of Dalaig

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday appealed to witnesses to come forward and provide clues on the killing of Alioden Dalaig, the head of the poll body's legal department. Comelec s...

Comelec law dep 't director killed in ambush in Manila

The Commission on Elections law department director died Saturday night after unidentified gunmen shot him while walking on a busy sidewalk in Manila’s Ermita district, police said. Lawyer Al...

Young Filipino Suicide Victim Gets Wish Too Late

Saudi Investors Urged to Tap Philippine Prospects

Transport groups to launch protest vs oil price hike

Militant transport groups have started "recruiting" drivers and operators to take part in a nationwide transport holiday to protest government's inaction on oil price hikes. Pinagkaisang Samahan ng...

Provide us clue on Dalaig's death

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday appealed to witnesses to come forward and provide clues on the killing of Alioden Dalagaig, the head of the poll body's legal department. Comelec...

Slain Cavite poll exec likely knew his killers

A Commission on Elections (Comelec) officer shot dead in Cavite province on Saturday likely knew his killers, according to police investigators. Senior Supt. Fidel Posadas, Cavite provincial police...

Landbank union execs told to answer raps

MANILA, Philippines -- The office of the Ombudsman has ordered the Land Bank of the Philippines Employees Association national executive board (LBPEA-NEB) to answer within 10 days charges it violated ...

Eagles square golf series vs Archers

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo evened up matters with La Salle by taking the second leg of the National Intercollegiate Golf 2007 recently at the Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas. ...

Sonia Roco adds drama to Inquirer reading session

MANILA, Philippines -- There was drama during the 15th session of the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Read-Along program held Saturday. Former senatorial candidate and teacher Sonia Roco read a story to ...

Negros pumps bring water up to Afghan hilly farms

BACOLOD CITY -- An ingenious and inexpensive device that brought potable water to mountainous farming villages in Negros Occidental is expected to produce a similar wonder in hilly farms in war-torn A...

Writ of amparo subject surfaces but is still held

DAVAO CITY -- A suspected communist rebel who went missing after he was arrested at a checkpoint by militiamen in Barangay Malabog here two weeks ago surfaced after the Regional Trial Court served the...

Brightest POF stars collide

MANILA, Philippines -- The brightest stars from the different legs of the Philippine Olympic Festival talent search assemble at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for a best-of-the-best tournament dubb...

RP choirs harvest medals in int'l chorale tilts

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino groups brought home a harvest of international trophies in choral singing this month, cementing the Philippines' reputation as a nation of natural-born singers. On Nov...

Pang upsets Dy, seals duel vs Arevalo

MANILA, Philippines -- Denise Dy, the top seed and defending champion, didn't make it to the PCA Open women's singles finals as expected. Fifth-seed and heavy underdog Michelle Pang took advantage of...

Saguisag, driver doing better, say doctors

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Sen. Rene Saguisag and his driver will remain in the intensive care unit of the Makati Medical Center although doctors are optimistic their condition is improving. In a ...

Tribes fear extinction under Ipra

HIMPAD MANGUMALAS COULD NOT HELP but compare what was happening to an indigenous plant that his Higaonon tribe calls "bahi" to his own people's predicament. "Bahi," a palm species that once grew in a...

Hapee, Harbour stay unscathed

GAMES TUESDAY (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) 2 p.m. -- Harbour Centre vs Hapee 4 p.m. -- Mail and More vs Pharex MANILA, Philippines -- Fil-Am star Gabe Norwood gave the national team more reasons to take hi...

Groups seek juvenile law review amid rising crime

BAGUIO CITY -- Criminal syndicates have been emboldened to use children for their nefarious activities because they believe a newly enacted law frees teenagers aged below 18 years from any liability, ...

Tams rout Stallions; La Salle, UE withdraw

GAMES MONDAY (San Beda College Gym) 2 p.m.-UST vs Mapua 4 p.m.-San Beda vs Sacred Heart MANILA, Philippines -- The Far Eastern U Tamaraws rolled past the Manuel L. Quezon Stallions, 91-80, to advance...

Enrile not our puppet

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang Yesterday denied it was behind Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile's expos on the alleged involvement of Speaker Jose de Venecia in the North Luzon Railways Corp. (NorthRail) pro...

Horse race adds new twist to world boxing convention

MANILA, Philippines -- To celebrate the country's hosting of the 45th World Boxing Council convention, the Manila Jockey Club hosts a benefit race dubbed the Mabuhay WBC Cup at the San Lazaro Leisure ...

Kings snap 4-game slide, trip Realtors

GAMES SUNDAY (Cuneta Astrodome) 4:05 p.m.-Alaska vs Red Bull 6:30 p.m.-Welcoat vs Talk N Text MANILA, Philippines -- Mark Macapagal waxed hot just in time as Barangay Ginebra escaped with a 103-90 vi...

Young suicide laid to rest after Church gives blessing

DAVAO CITY -- More than a hundred children, most of them friends and classmates, cried as 12-year-old suicide Mariannet Amper was laid to rest at the Ma-a public cemetery at 3 p.m. Saturday. The Cath...

Chris sees more in life than just hoops

MANILA, Philippines -- It really should be a no-brainer. When a basketball varsity hotshot looks beyond his amateur career, he should have visions of strutting his stuff in the professional league. C...

Cebu nine seeks repeat over Makati

MANILA, Philippines -- Fancied Cebu tries to make it back-to-back over defending champion Makati as action in Baseball Philippines' Series 2 heats up today with the staging of the second round of elim...

Once 'ugly' Filipino is top fund raiser for 'Smile'

MANILA, Philippines -- When Jose Caparas talks, even US senators listen. As head of the speakers' bureau of Operation Smile, a global network dedicated to repairing childhood facial deformities, Capa...

Village losing sunken ship to profiteers

TACLOBAN CITY -- RESIDENTS of the fishing village of San Pedro in MacArthur, Leyte are losing the sunken warship near their village that has served as an artificial reef for over 60 years. With the v...

Now, NPC hides 'hideous' mural

MANILA, Philippines -- It could be the true state of press freedom or it's life simply imitating art. First, the controversial mural on press freedom was "censored" by the National Press Club which h...

Things could turn out peachy for Daryl Peach in WPC

MANILA, Philippines--PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN AROUND LONG enough swear that the best asset of Daryl Peach's game is his concentration. That will be put to the test once again today, when he goes up again...

Quarry tax exceeds 3-year Lapid take

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- THE administration of Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio has collected in 95 days what the administrations of Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid and his son, Mark, had collected in their stint...

New pool magic from ex-newsman

MANILA, Philippines--THEY HAD TO WONDER WHY, OF ALL things, he is called Superman. Unknowing experts would stop asking only after Roberto Gomez, a former newsman from Zamboanga, blotted out a Europea...

Gomez seals WPC title showdown with Peach

MANILA, Philippines--SUPERMAN IS STILL FLYING HIGH, and he has the Philippine flag as his cape. Robert Gomez annihilated Englishman Karl Boyes, 11-4, in the semifinals, keeping Philippine hopes of a ...

"Wish Ko Lang" paves new path for Mariannet"s family

Never lose hope. That was the message GMA Network's program "Wish Ko Lang" wants to impart to its viewers as host Vicky Morales granted the wishes of Mariannet Amper, a 12-year-old girl from D...

Fever prevents Erap-Arroyo "showdown" at El Shaddai

Fever prevented a "showdown" between former president Joseph Estrada and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the gathering of the El Shaddai religious group in Parañaque City Saturday nig...

WWF opposes dumping of urea in Sulu Sea

Militant group warns senators against voting for JPEPA

Happy ending for mutiny of Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines--IT WAS MUTINY ON THE HIGH SEAS -- WITH A HAPPY ENDING. The nine Filipino mutineers returned to their motherland at around 11:20 p.m. on Friday, grateful that they had come home i...

Mariannet deserves to be with God for waking us up - bishop

If only for waking up Filipinos to rediscover their values of selflessness and helping one another, 12-year-old Mariannet Amper of Davao City deserves to be with God. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Os...

Bishops divided on giving funeral blessing to Mariannet

Don't lose hope and don't commit suicide. That was the admonition Saturday of a member of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines as the nation tries to recover from the nightmare of th...

Group slams Comelec search panel

Angono artists invited to exhibit mural in London

Saguisag keeps getting better, could be out of ICU soon - doc

Former senator Rene Saguisag's health condition is getting better, two days after he, his wife, and two others figured in a car crash along Osmeña Highway in Makati City, QTV's Balitang...

Estrada definitely giving up politics

Former president Joseph Estrada said on Saturday that he would not run in 2010 presidential elections despite the claim of former senator Ernesto Maceda that the people should return the presidency to...

Bacoor poll officer killed

An election officer of Bacoor, Cavite, on Saturday died after two unidentified gunmen shot him outside his house in General Trias, radio DZBB reported. Superintendent Gregorio Evangelista, General ...

Saguisag communicating better with family, says doctor

Oil firms raise gas prices, LPG prices again

Government, MILF to resume formal talks next week

Erap continues medical mission in Tondo area

Former President Joseph Estrada on Saturday morning arrived in Parola compound in Tondo district in Manila for another medical mission, radio dzBB reported. The report said Estrada was with Manila ...

19 OFWs from Malaysia file charges vs recruiters

At least 19 Filipino workers filed illegal recruitment charges against a couple who allegedly promised them jobs in Malaysia. The workers arrived in the Philippines last Friday from the said Southeast...

4.9 magnitude quake jolts Laoag City

MANILA, Philippines -- A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck 60 kilometers northeast of Laoag City before dawn on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck at a depth of 12.9 kilometers. ...

Philippines to resume talks with rebel group

Filipino Farmers' Co-op Hit Jackpot With Hybrid Rice

Los Angeles City Council Bans N-Word

LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a resolution Friday that symbolically bans the n-word in Los Angeles, in the latest effort to stop people from using the epithet in any...

'Ate Vicky' delivers on Mariannet's wishes

"Wish Ko Lang" host of GMA 7's reality show, Vicky Morales, finally gets to read the letter 12-year-old Mariannet Amper wrote her but never sent when she flew to Davao City on Thursday. The letter lis...

Mariannet burial Saturday; Church in dilemma

DAVAO CITY--The death of 12-year-old Mariannet Amper has not only shaken the government, it appears to have placed the Catholic Church in a dilemma. Mariannet, who committed suicide because of her fa...

Arroyo critics send 'Pinoy Big Briber" eviction notice

MANILA, Philippines -- "Dear Ate Glo, I am sorry. You are evicted na (already)." So read the curt message on the back of a postcard sent by a civil society group to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. ...

You own mural, we have copyright

Some of the 20 Angono artists pose in front of an unaltered copy of the National Press Club mural before a forum held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Q.C., Friday. PHILIPPINE DAILY IN...

ARMM cops return Bedol arrest warrant unserved

MANILA, Philippines -- Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao seems to be wishing that wanted men would not go into hiding so that the life of a policeman would, somehow, be easier. Goltiao said the police in the ...

Loss forces Wu to contemplate his future

MANILA, Philippines--WU CHIA-CHING might give one the impression that he is a spoiled, teen sports superstar. But the guy talks a lot of sense, belying a maturity uncommon among those his age, especi...

Int'l heritage experts to hold meeting in the Cordilleras

MANILA, Philippines - The International COUNcil for Monuments and Sites (Icomos) is a Paris-based NGO whose members are heritage practitioners recognized and respected around the world as leaders in their field.

Wilfredo Offemaria’s ‘Font’

MANILA, Philippines - Abstractionists are known to depict the world as how we live it. Wilfredo “Offe” Offemaria is no stranger to this as he presents our collective experience in “Font,” at Blanc Art Space, 2E Crown Tower, 107 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati.

Odd mixture of the popular and the academic

MANILA, Philippines - High culture doesn't have to be an unreachable star. (Culture isn’t just for the culturati.) In an art exhibit, one only has to focus on important issues and significant features of the subject and make these digestible for the common audience.

Spectacular, spectacular!

MANILA, Philippines - It's Act 2 and the children in tonight’s crowd are showing their displeasure at the nastiest character in the musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” ongoing until Dec. 9 at Esplanade Theatre in Singapore.

Shelley’s visual poetry

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila chapter of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators had a day-long workshop on illustrating for children under noted British illustrator John Shelley at the British Council in Pasig.

Paradise on earth, and then some

MANILA, Philippines - Discovering the blissful state of “happily ever after” is a wondrous thing! Except “ever after” is a long time, so for most of us a long weekend celebration or even a short but deep meditation can be enough to get us to a state of nirvana.

Tuguegarao celebrates archbishop’s 75th birthday

MANILA, Philippines - I never saw anything like it. Ten bishops and 70 priests concelebrated High Mass last month for the 75th birthday of Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Tuguegarao.

Husband keeps her on a tight budget

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I have been married for five years now. I had a job when we were still in the Philippines.

Cebu’s lovely seven

MANILA, Philippines - The Marco Polo Plaza Hotel held its first Cebu Grand Debutantes Ball for the benefit of the charities of the Fashion Council of Cebu (FCC). Some members of the FCC made the gowns worn by seven lovely girls from Cebu’s prominent families.

UP Diliman national computing champ

MANILA, Philippines—Fifty teams from 24 schools competed for the top spot in the Association for Computing Machinery-First Philippine National Inter-Collegiate Programming Competition (ACM ICPC Philippines 2007) held last Oct. 20 at the De La Salle University Canlubang Campus in Laguna.

QRIO and the children

MANILA, Philippines—Robots are supposed to make human life easier, if you believe the claims of couples who say self-propelled vacuums like the Roomba saved their marriages.

Beware of the early morning BP surge

MANILA, Philippines—Hypertensive patients frequently ask their doctors when is the best time to take their antihypertensive medications.

The Philippine Headlines - November 09, 2007

2007-11-09T09:40:00.001+08:00

Shares seen lower on profit-taking after Wall Street's fall

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares may open lower Friday on further profit-taking following Wall Street's extended overnight losses on comments by Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke that a string of economic troubles could impair US growth.

Powerful rays hitting Earth emitted from nearby galaxies

WASHINGTON -- The sources of the most powerful rays of cosmic energy bombarding our universe likely are huge black holes at the heart of nearby galaxies, astrophysics researchers said in a report out Thursday.

Brazil discovers huge new oil reserves

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil has discovered huge new petroleum reserves in its south that could turn the country into one of the biggest oil producers in the world, the government and its state-controlled oil company announced Thursday.

NASA pressed to avert catastrophic Deep Impact

WASHINGTON -- NASA penny-pinching risks exposing humankind to a planetary catastrophe if a big enough asteroid evades detection and slams into Earth, US lawmakers warned Thursday.

Lepanto, Zijin ink deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. has signed an agreement with China’s Zijin Mining Group on the latter’s proposed acquisition of a 20-percent interest in a Benguet gold-copper deposit for $70 million.

Otto to acquire stake in Galoc

MANILA, Philippines -- Australian firm Otto Energy Ltd. said it would acquire an 18.28-percent interest in the Galoc offshore production field covered by Service Contract 14C the northwest Palawan area, in a bid to expand further its portfolio in Philippine petroleum exploration.

North Sea storm closes oil platforms, Europe's largest port

OSLO -- A brewing storm Thursday in the North Sea forced the closure of oil platforms off the Norwegian coast as well as Europe's largest port as British forecasters warned of the worst swells in 20 years.

In 20-year-old case, tycoon invokes right to speedy trial

MANILA, Philippines -- Lawyers of the tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan on Thursday invoked his right to speedy trial and urged the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to compel the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to end its presentation of evidence in the ill-gotten wealth case against him within the month.

IMF: World weathering oil price impact

WASHINGTON -- The International Monetary Fund said Thursday the world economy is weathering a recent surge in oil prices because it is driven by increased demand rather than supply constraints.

Under-pressure Musharraf says elections by Feb 15

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan will hold elections by February 15, military ruler Pervez Musharraf said Thursday, hours after US President George W. Bush urged him to hold the polls on time and end a state of emergency.

Suu Kyi ready to cooperate with Myanmar junta -- UN envoy

SINGAPORE -- Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi said she is "ready to cooperate" with the ruling junta, according to a statement read by UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari here early Friday.

Wall Street lower, with tech stocks hammered

NEW YORK -- US technology stocks were clobbered Thursday as a weak forecast from Cisco Systems prompted heavy selling, while the broad market on Wall Street recovered from early weakness to end with modest losses.

Crude oil prices rally toward record highs

LONDON -- World crude prices rebounded toward record high points and within striking distance of $100 a barrel on Thursday amid supply concerns in the North Sea and unrest in oil-rich Yemen.

First Holdings, partners win interim SCTEx deal

MANILA, Philippines -- The Bases Conversion Development Authority said Thursday it had awarded to a group that included First Philippine Holdings Corp. an interim contract to operate and maintain the P21-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Pacquiao to pick next foe

MANILA, Philippines -- It will be Manny Pacquiao’s call as far as his next fight is concerned.

Death of gymnastics’ Saguisag stuns RP sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine sports is in mourning following the tragic death of RP gymnastics’ “work force” Thursday.

BSP cautious on ’08 oil price outlook

MANILA, Philippines -- The central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), expects oil prices to remain manageable this year but is cautious on the outlook for next year.

‘Other’ Bustamante nips Taiwanese ace

MANILA, Philippines -- Unheralded Joven Bustamante booted out former champion Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan Thursday to keep Philippine title hopes soaring again in the $400,000 World Pool Championship at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Gov’t expects good year for agriculture despite drought

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the dry spell that hit some provinces early this year, Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said Thursday that the country could expect a “positive” agriculture performance.

RP quintet spills San Mig Coffee

MANILA, Philippines -- Coach Junel Baculi finally acknowledged the importance of Gabe Norwood to the Harbour-Philippine team as it prepares to leave for Singapore Saturday, even as the PBA and the PBL scheduled separate meetings to discuss ways of helping the embattled national squad.

7 dead, several others hurt as Dubai bridge collapses

DUBAI -- A bridge under construction in an upmarket district of Dubai collapsed late on Thursday, killing "at least seven people" and injuring several more, a witness said.

Henin exacts revenge in WTA Championship

MADRID - Justine Henin signaled her determination to finish her career-best season with her eighth title and a successful defense of the WTA Championship as she exacted a terrible revenge on Marion Bartoli.

Google expanding ad empire to computer games

SAN FRANCISCO - Google said Thursday it is testing ways to deliver ads in computer games but declined to comment on the Internet buzz that it will be in the market by year's end.

Market falls again, led by Cisco

NEW YORK - Stocks fell for a second straight day on Thursday, led by declines in the Nasdaq after tech bellwether Cisco Systems Inc signaled the credit crisis was hurting demand from key customers, including banks.

Friends and relatives flock to Rene Saguisag's bedside

Friends and relatives of Atty. Rene Saguisag continue to arrive at the Makati Medical Center where he has been in the intensive care unit after a pre-dawn accident Thursday which claimed the life of his wife of 38 years, Dulce.

Recovered submersible pumps aid probe in G2 blast

Authorities on Thursday reported that two of the four submersible pumps have been retrieved from the basement of the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City.

5 Filipinos survive World Pool's Round of 32

Only five Filipino cue artists survived the knock out round 2007 World Pool Championship as some of the local billiard greats were eliminated at the tournament in Araneta coliseum.

Philippines closes gap on gender inequality

The Philippines continues to bridge the gap in gender inequality, ranking sixth in the world in providing equal opportunities for women according to the latest World Economic Forum gender gap index.

Battle with history

I had imagined that if there were to be any sign of protest, it would be from those who oppose the war and the shrine that glorifies it. But protests are staged by those who feel strongly about things. In this instance, they may be fewer but the believers in Imperial Japan are the hard core. Since the war ended, they continue to fight the battle with history.

Multiply, ABSi ink advertising deal

Social networking and media-sharing site Multiply (http://multiply.com) and ABS-CBN Interactive (ABSi), a unit of television giant ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., have entered into a multi-year advertising agreement.

TKC Steel sets final price of follow-on offer at P9.68/shr

TKC Steel Corp. has set Thursday the final price of its follow-on offering at P9.68 per share.

SC Twice Ruled Against New Comelec Exec

Moslemen Macarambon has a poor track record as a judge in Mindanao—although he insists that it is his court experience...

Glorietta Blast: Blaming the Basement

If wastewater that was not even stored in a septic tank could cause an explosion, as what the police are...

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won�t Join Resign-GMA Calls

Those hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for...

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

Two legal questions are being raised: the President’s power to grant pardon to an impeached leader and the “procedural errors”...

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

President Arroyo today granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last...

Muntinlupa mulls liability insurance

Taguig City marks 3rd anniversary with food fest

Lawmaker presses stricter inspection of malls

Innovation summit to help RP's competitiveness

A "national innovation strategy" is being developed to help the Philippines become globally competitive, as the proponents announced they are convening the first National Innovation Summit on Nove...

Arroyo forms anti-kotong, anti-kolorum body

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said President Arroyo met Thursday afternoon with Energy Secretary Ayuyungelo Reyes, Interior ...

DepEd modifying CyberEd project

Saguisag in critical condition, wife dead

Former Sen. Rene Saguisag remained in stable but critical condition at Makati Medical Center after a car accident that killed his wife Dulce.

Arroyo advised on how to pick Comelec men

Lucio Tan petitions court to end PCGG case

Businessman Lucio Tan on Thursday asked the Sandiganbayan to order the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to resolve a civil case against him.

Arroyo vows to go after corrupt cops, illegal vehicles

Bishops back Senate probe on cash gifts

US official to testify vs. Gen. Garcia

A top official from the US Department of Homeland Security will testify in the plunder case against Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, the former comptroller of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

QC court acquits man facing slay raps

3 killed in Cavite blast

THREE persons were killed while several others were injured when a powerful explosion rocked a village in Bacoor town in Cavite province on Thursday afternoon, police said. Initial reports sent to the...

First successful amparo case emboldens rights advocates

In Tuesday's plenary voting, some so-called de Venecia loyalists sided with the opposition on the impeachment case filed against President Gloria Arroyo.

Lim reshuffles 11 Manila police station chiefs

GMA, Erap, senators mourn Dulce's death

President Gloria Arroyo joined former President Joseph Estrada, senators and national sports officials in mourning the death of Dulce Saguisag, formerly secretary of the Department of Social Wel...

Arroyo rues Mariannet's suicide

International press body condemns mural alteration

Liturgical mass to officially welcome papal envoy set

Night of dancing ends tragically for Saguisag couple

MANILA, Philippines -- They were on their way home from a merry night of ballroom dancing -- one of the ways former senator Rene Saguisag and his wife Dulce kept the storm and stress out of their live...

Philippine Airlines girds for future market growth

MANILA, Philippines -- Strong consumer spending and a positive global outlook are expected to boost the aviation industry, especially in the Asian region. This should give Philippine Airlines (PAL) t...

NPC offers 'bastardized' mural to Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Press Club is selling the "bastardized" mural on press freedom with the alterations that have given it "undeserved notoriety," NPC secretary Louie Logarta said Thur...

Gov't takes responsibility for girl's suicide

MANILA, Philippines -- The government is taking responsibility for a 12-year-old girl who took her life because of extreme poverty but assured that steps are being taken to ease hunger and poverty, of...

US to back Philippine healthcare program

MANILA, Philippines -- The United States is to sponsor a major healthcare program in 500 Philippine companies, the two governments said Thursday. Backed by a $3-million loan from the US Agency for In...

Villarosa admission raises more suspicion, says CBCP head

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- The admission by administration allies that cash handouts to legislators and governors at Malaca ang Palace last month had come from them has raised "more suspicions" rathe...

EU legislators help in fight for family planning

MANILA, Philippines -- A delegation of parliamentarians from six European countries has beefed up the Philippine government's case against the local Catholic hierarchy over the highly contentious issu...

Governors' league starts own probe of Palace 'cash gifts'

OZAMIZ CITY, Philippines -- The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) has started its own investigation on the controversial distribution of money to local executives, who attended a meeting wi...

Senators urged to hear out peasants on JPEPA

MANILA, Philippines -- The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines) led militant groups in a protest at the Senate Thursday during the body's ongoing hearin...

Gordon proposes side agreement to JPEPA

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines and Japan should have a side accord to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) to ensure Tokyo would abide by Manila's constitutional prohib...

Manila orders inquiry after anger over suicide

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines promised on Thursday to investigate an apparent suicide by a 11-year-old girl due to poverty after the incident generated angry public reactions and street protests.

Blast in Philippine village kills four people

MANILA (Reuters) - A powerful explosion ripped through a residential village south of the Philippine capital Manila on Thursday, killing four people and wounding two, police said. Fidel Posadas, po...

US helps Philippines implement family planning programmes

Manila - The United States will provide a 3-million-dollar grant to the Philippines to help promote family planning in the workplace, officials said Thursday. The grant will fund a joint project of th...

Manila Ocean Park eyes to become marine research facility

MANILA, Philippines -- While the main attractions of the soon-to-be opened Manila Ocean Park in Manila are commercial aquatic fauna, it also hopes to eventually become a research facility for marine b...

2 LP officials confirm partymates received cash gift

Liberal Party finally came out Thursday to confirm that some of their partymates in the House of Representatives were also given money in Malaca ang last October 11. Quezon Representative Lorenzo Ta ...

Task force formed vs illegal vehicles, extortionist cops

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang has formed a task force that will wage war against "colorum" (unregistered) vehicles and extortionist (kotong) cops as part of initiatives to ease the burden of drive...

Enrile revives gripes on North Rail but no longer acting

MANILA, Philippines -- Two years after his privileged speech on the North Rail project, Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile on Thursday again revived the issue and said Speaker Jose De Venecia had "pleaded" wit...

Gov't signals new openness to talks with communists

MANILA, Philippines -- The government has indicated anew its willingness to resume peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) as part of its peace initiatives to solve the country's insurgen...

Archers out to beat Manila haul

The goal, if achieved, will surpass the three-gold haul at the 2005 Manila edition.The Malaysian archers are considered favourites as they rank eighth in the world, thanks to South Korean coach Lee Ja...

Philippines' San Miguel sells Australian assets to diversify

Manila - San Miguel Corp, South-East Asia's largest food and beverage company, said Thursday that it sold its assets in Australia for 2.6 billion dollars to fund plans to diversify into new businesses...

US offers Manila carrot for probing rights abuse

MANILA The United States is proposing to give the Philippines an additional $2m in military funding if Manila tackles alleged troop involvement in the murder and disappearance of leftist activists, ...

Alleged coup plotter finds ally in former vice president

MANILA, Philippines -- Colonel Ariel Querubin, one of the alleged leaders of the botched February 2006 coup, found an ally in former vice president Teofisto Guingona, who attended the officer's habeas...

Philippine shares slide 2.53 per cent on Wall Street woes

Manila - Philippine share prices dropped 2.5 per cent on Thursday, dragged down by Wall Street's overnight losses. The 30-share Philippine Stock Exchange composite index lost 96.16 points to close at ...

Philippine defence chief seeks review of military's rules

Manila - The Philippines' defence chief on Thursday called for a review of the military's rules of engagement as part of efforts to rehabilitate the negative image of the armed forces as a human right...

9 RP fishermen in ship takeover in Manila Friday--DFA

MANILA, Philippines -- The nine Filipino fishermen who took over a Taiwanese fishing vessel after being abused by its ship captain are set to arrive in Manila Friday night, the Department of Foreign A...

Marines set policies to prevent another Basilan carnage

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Marines will issue policy directives to prevent a repeat of the heavy losses incurred in two major encounters against the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf in Basilan ear...

Engineer, Student Go Missing in S. Philippines

Al Jacinto, Arab News ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 8 November 2007 - Police and the military have launched a massive search for a missing engineer involved in a Saudi-funded scholarship project for po...

Manila hotel has new owner

Close this MANILA, Philippines - The Manila City government finally pushed through yesterday with the sale of the Grand Boulevard Hotel on Roxas Boulevard which was placed on the auction bloc...

Doble faces wiretapping raps

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. The directive to the NBI came following a report submitted by NBI Deputy Director for Intelligence Ruel Lasala.The investiga...

Arroyo releases P1 billion for anti-poverty drive

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P1 billion to accelerate the government's hunger-mitigation and anti-poverty program.Arroyo, during t...

Ex-Tarlac town mayor convicted for unliquidated cash advances

THE Sandiganbayan has convicted a former municipal mayor in Tarlac province for his failure to account for P8.15 million in cash advances drawn by him from 2001 to 2004. In a decision, the court sente...

Napolcom lawyer nabbed for 'extortion'

CRIMINAL Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) policemen arrested on Wednesday a lawyer from the National Police Commission (Napolcom) who allegedly tried to extort money from a wife of a slain pol...

Top 10 electronic engineering examinees

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Below are the top 10 successful examinees of the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Electronics Engineering this November: 1. ...

SSS sues 412 erring employers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Social Security System has filed criminal charges against more than 400 employers for various offenses related to their workers' SSS contributions. SSS ...

DoH demands share in 'sin taxes'

MANILA, Philippines -- Health officials are taking the Bureau of Internal Revenue to task for failing to release some P52 million representing the Department of Health's share of the "sin taxes" colle...

Military turns over incomplete Burgos report

MANILA, Philippines -- After hedging for more than three months, the military's Provost Marshall on Wednesday presented to the Court of Appeals a report which the family of Jonas Burgos believes is cr...

Teachers still not paid for poll duty, says alliance

MANILA, Philippines -- More than a week after the October 29 elections, many teachers nationwide have yet to receive their P1,000 honorarium and P500 transportation allowance, according to the Allianc...

Investigate claims and Protect Manalo Brothers

On 8 November, Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo, two farmers suspected of being sympathetic to a local insurgency and detained for 18 months, will testify at their hearing at the Supreme Court that they we...

1,257 now new electronics engineers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that 1,257 out of 4,182 passed the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Elec...

Philippines bank ordered to turn over ex-leader's millions

A Philippine court on Wednesday ordered a bank to hand over millions of dollars in kickbacks former president Joseph Estrada collected from illegal gaming rackets. The special anti-graft court's sher...

New Coast Guard chief vows to curb oil smuggling

MANILA, Philippines -- Newly-appointed Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Danilo Abinoja Wednesday vowed to curb the rampant oil smuggling in the seas. At the same time, he said he would implement pro...

Nida kin fear truth now more out of reach

MANILA, Philippines - Six years after the brutal murder of her mother, actress Nida Blanca, Kaye Torres yesterday urged anyone who has information regarding her death to come forward and reveal the tr...

4 face obstruction raps in Mendez case

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday filed obstruction of justice charges against a Muntinlupa City village official and three security guards for allegedly refusing to...

Leviste defense witnesses take stand

MANILA, Philippines - The camp of former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste yesterday presented as a witness an American businessman who claimed to have seen the "pugnacious, aggressive and violent" s...

Impeachment case filed vs. Borra, Brawner

In a 15-page complaint, Rodante Marcoleta of Alagad Party-list charged Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioners Resurreccion Borra and Romeo Brawner of betrayal of public trust for allege...

Critics step up resign calls

The Senate minority leader, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., and Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th joined the Gloria-Noli Resign Coalition of groups that made the calls on Wednesday.

Oil price closes in on $100

"The flood of speculative cash pouring into oil has resulted in a breach of $100 a barrel very much on the cards for today," said Bank of Ireland analyst Paul Harris.

Junta junks meeting with UN, Suu Kyi

YANGON: Myanmar's junta has rejected a three-way meeting with United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari and detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and refuses to bow to external pressure...

Rights groups claim credit for US decision on aid

A local group of rights advocates found "encouraging" the US Senate's recent move to withhold an additional $2-million military aid to the Philippine government owing to supposedly unresolved po...

All-Filipino crew to man European tankers

Close this MANILA--Two newly-commissioned tankers owned by a European shipping company will be manned by an all-Filipino crew, a proof of the Filipino seamen's supremacy and skills at sea. T...

President's son sees nothing wrong with cash gift

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo son, Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo, sees nothing wrong with the distribution of money in Malaca ang by the Kabalikat ng Malayang P...

11 million Filipinos among world's absolutely poor--group

MANILA, Philippines -- About one billion people, including 11 million Filipinos, are absolutely poor, living on less than US1$ a day, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFP...

Sandigan orders Banco de Oro to turn over Estrada millions

WRIT OF EXECUTION. Court Sheriff Ed Urieta (L) checks the "writ of execution" after serving the document to Banco de Oro officials in Manila's financial district of Makati. The writ instructs the bank...

Chief justice dismayed US has to prod RP on human rights

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- Chief Justice Reynato Puno is dismayed the US Senate has had to use the release of an additional $2 million in military aid to prod the Philippine government into improving ...

eBay upgrades Philippine portal

MANILA, Philippines -- Three years after putting up eBay.ph, the online retailer promises tighter integration with its main eBay community in the US. The online retailer is relaunching eBay.ph, migra...

Palace thumbs down calls for resignation, snap elections

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang thumbed down calls from opposition politicians and civil society groups for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro, saying they have a ma...

WB to grant up to P1M for viable ideas

MANILA, Philippines -- The World Bank (WB), in partnership with several local and international organizations, will be holding the nationwide "Panibagong Paraan" (New Ways) program that aims to provid...

Impeach raps filed vs 2 Comelec commissioners

MANILA, Philippines -- An impeachment complaint against two election commissioners has been filed by a former lawmaker at the House of Representatives for allegedly favoring his rival nominee in a par...

'Case of more talk, more mistake'

MANILA, Philippines -- The controversy triggered by the handing out of hundreds of thousands of pesos in cash to congressmen and local government officials in Malaca ang is a case of "more talk, more ...

9 Marine officers in foiled coup urged to be 'true Marines'

MANILA, Philippines -- Marine Commandant Major General Ben Dolorfino has reached out anew to the nine Marine officers linked to the alleged February 2006 coup plot, urging them to be "true Marines" an...

Marines pay tribute to fallen comrades on 57th 'birthday'

MANILA, Philippines -- On their 57th anniversary, the Philippine Marines paid tribute to their comrades who were killed in battle, particularly the 29 who perished in two major encounters against the ...

8 soldiers hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines -- Eight Army soldiers were wounded following an encounter with the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf in the southern island province of Sulu, a spokesman for the Philippine Army said Wed...

Leftists call on donors to review military aid to Philippines

Manila - Leftist activists on Wednesday urged major donors such as the United States, the European Union and Australia to review their military aid to the Philippines amid continuing allegations of hu...

Filipino crew seize ship in mutiny

manila Filipino crewmen who seized a fishing vessel in a mutiny over alleged maltreatment by their Taiwanese captain returned yesterday to the Indian Ocean nation they sailed from last week, a Phili...

Prosecution told to brace for tough fight on Estrada wealth

MANILA, Philippines -- Given former president Joseph Estrada's defiant stance, government prosecutors should brace for a tough battle when they try to recover his illegal wealth, President Gloria Maca...

Arroyo, De Castro resign campaign launched

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro should resign and a snap election be called in 60 days, incumbent political, former milit...

Eight soldiers wounded in clash in southern Philippines

Zamboanga City, Philippines - Eight soldiers were wounded in a clash with Islamic militants on a southern Philippine island, an army spokesman said Wednesday. Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Torres said th...

Manila Court Allows Jailed Muslim Leader to Attend Jeddah Meeting

Julie Javellana-Santos, Arab News MANILA, 7 November 2007 - A court yesterday ruled that Muslim leader Nur Misuari and his spiritual adviser may travel to Saudi Arabia to attend talks reviewing the pe...

Filipino defending titlist, former champions lead in World Pool Championship

Defending titlist Ronnie Alcano of host Philippines and six former champions lead 48 players who have barged into the round 64 Wednesday of the 2007 World Pool Championship in Araneta Coliseum in Quez...

Will De Venecia son show up when Senate resumes NBN probe

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate will resume its probe next week on the alleged bribery attempts in the $329-million National Broadband Network deal with ZTE Corp. of China, but senators are not sure...

Greenpeace warns public on dangers of GMO rice

MANILA, Philippines--The environment group Greenpeace on Tuesday warned the public of an impending "economic and ecological disaster" if genetically modified rice became available commercially. In a ...

EPD cops to seek new ruling on Boratong case

MANILA, Philippines - The police will use all legal means to pursue the murder case filed against the Boratong couple, whom they accused of operating a compound of shabu dens in Pasig City which was r...

Former houseboy says employer made him sex slave for 6 years

Close this MANILA, Philippines - A 33-year-old man has sued his former employer, whom he claimed made him a sex slave for six years. Charged with rape and acts of lasciviousness before the Q...

Mutinying Filipino sailors held after docking in Mauritius

Close this NAIROBI -- Mauritius authorities on Tuesday detained nine Filipino sailors who staged a mutiny and seized control of a vessel off the island's coast, a maritime official said. "Th...

US envoy backs 'accidental gas explosion' theory

BAGUIO CITY -- The Philippine National Police's "accidental gas explosion" theory has found another backer in US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who said American experts had also concluded that the Oct. 1...

Ingrates, NPC execs call Angono artists

MANILA, Philippines -- Accused of censoring, bastardizing and ruining the press freedom mural it commissioned from a group of artists, the National Press Club (NPC) Tuesday turned the tables on the pa...

Government to lose if Comelec chief is named now

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang's possible appointment of a new Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman to serve the un-expired term of its former chair Benjamin Abalos is see...

Gordon Steals the Scene

s Red Cross chairman, Senator Richard Gordon seemed to have a lot of opportunities to be in the limelight during the Glorietta 2 blast. Some of his scene-stealers, however, proved too much for comfort...

Sacks found in Taytay yield 4 bodies

MANILA, Philippines - The police are trying to identify two men and two women-one of them pregnant-whose bodies were stuffed separately into sacks and dumped near a bridge in Taytay, Rizal province ye...

Beyonce in town for one-night concert

MANILA, Philippines - International pop superstar Beyonce Knowles flashed a wide smile upon arriving in Manila yesterday afternoon. Here for a concert in Taguig City, Knowles and her 70-member entour...

Search engine optimization considered alternative to traditional marketing

OPTIMIZING WEB SITES to make them more visible on the Internet is
seen as one of latest trends that businesses can tap to make money on the Web.

Outsourcing boom driving computer sales

Telcos defy gloomy growth predictions

Sony may quit advanced chips project for PS3

SingTel rings up higher profit

SINGAPORE -- Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) said
yesterday net profit in the second quarter to September rose 3.3%,
driven by its regional mobile business.

Globe declares dividend as net income hits P9.7B in Jan.-Sept.

AYALA-LED Globe Telecom, Inc. yesterday reported a 4% year-on-year
increase in net income to P9.7 billion, a result officials said was the
outcome of strong sales efforts and targetted marketing initiatives.

Strong peso trims PLDT net income

PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), the country's biggest
telecommunications company, yesterday reported a 3% increase in net
income for the nine-month period ending September.

Software firm plans IPO

GURANGO SOFTWARE Corp. (GSC), a Filipino-owned software
developing firm, announced plans for an initial public offering (IPO) on
the Philippine Stock Exchange in the first quarter of 2008.

Headline: San Miguel exits Australia

FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPANY San Miguel Corp. yesterday disposed of its Australian subsidiaries, the latest in a series of divestments made by the conglomerate this year as it pursues a shift in its business focus.

Corporate News: Lopez group bags toll operations contract&

THE BASES Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), which oversees development of former military lands, on Wednesday named a consortium led by the Lopez group the interim operator for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

Banking & Finance: Visa and American Express in $2.1-billion settlement

NEW YORK — Visa, the world's largest credit card network, has agreed to settle a three-year-old anti-trust lawsuit with rival American Express Co for about $2.1 billion, Visa said on Wednesday.

Stock Market: Stocks close at worst finish in three weeks

SHARE PRICES fell sharply yesterday in its worst finish in almost three weeks due to the sharp plunge on Wall Street and rising oil prices.

The Economy: Tax amnesty rules clarified

THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 69-2007, clarifying issues in the implementation of the Tax Amnesty Program, under Republic Act No. 9480, which runs from last Sept. 6 to March 6 next year, an official statement yesterday read.

The Nation: Coco levy fund barred for land reform use -- DoJ

THE COCONUT Consumer Stabilization Fund, or the so-called coconut levy fund, cannot be used to finance the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), the Department of Justice (DoJ) has said.

Labor & Management: Nearly a third of employees use fake excuses to skip work

NEW YORK — Excuses. Everybody has one to dodge exercise or chores, but a new survey shows nearly a third of US employees use a fake one to miss work — and over a third of bosses don't believe them.

IT Matters: Search engine optimization considered alternative to traditional marketing

OPTIMIZING WEB SITES to make them more visible on the Internet is seen as one of latest trends that businesses can tap to make money on the Web.

Donaire to meet promoter in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- World flyweight king Nonito Donaire Jr. is slated to fly to Manila on Wednesday to meet with his American promoter Gary Shaw, who will be attending the World Boxing Council annu...

Purefoods seeks No. 6 vs Coke

MANILA, Philippines -- Purefoods is not about to rest on its laurels following a record-breaking start. The unbeaten TJ Giants go for a sixth straight win when they take on the Coca-Cola Tigers Frida...

Gorres fights Darchinyan in US March 1

MANILA, Philippines -- A final eliminator for the right to challenge International Boxing Federation super flyweight champ Dmitri Kirilov will take place when Filipino Z "The Dream" Gorres takes on th...

Must-win for 3 Shakey's V-League teams

MANILA, Philippines -- Three squads face must-win situations at the resumption of the 2007 Shakey's V-League women's volleyball second conference Friday at The Arena in San Juan City. Far Eastern Uni...

Pacquiao to pick next foe

MANILA, Philippines -- It will be Manny Pacquiao's call as far as his next fight is concerned. The popular Filipino champion stressed this Thursday as he broke his silence over the issue of his next ...

Death of gymnastics' Saguisag stuns RP sports

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine sports is in mourning following the tragic death of RP gymnastics' "work force" Thursday. In the middle of preparations for the country's title-retention bid in the ...

Arroyo admits suicide girl"s city not included in gov"t anti-hunger program

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday admitted that her hunger mitigation program - which she said is implemented in the poorest provinces in the country- did not include Davao City, where an ...

Mayor's boycott fails to stop Panlilio mobile services

ARAYAT, PAMPANGA-The provincial government delivered services on wheels here on Thursday even as this town's mayor reportedly ordered municipal employees to boycott the mobile services program of Gov....

Boy, 6, swims 10-km channel in under 4 hours

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- After setting a record last year as the youngest boy to swim across the Mactan Channel, six-year-old Justin Junio set another record Thursday by swimming almost nonstop a 10-...

STL divides Aklan provincial, town officials

ILOILO CITY-When it comes to Small Town Lottery (STL), almost all of Aklan's mayors are willing to give it a try, but the provincial board is not. In a special session held on Oct. 30, the board reje...

All banks in San Juan now required to put up CCTV

A new ordinance has been approved by the San Juan City Council requiring all banks in the City to put up video monitoring devices or closed-circuit television (CCTV) in their branches to effectively a...

Indebted to Al Jazeera

hat does the Arroyo government and the terrorist Al Qaeda group have in common? At certain points, they were both indebted to Al Jazeera—a Qatari television network that’s not exactly a fa...

Activists demand stop to urea dumping in RP waters

Environmental groups assailed an Australian company's experimental dumping of urea in Philippine waters to try to fight global warming, saying Thursday the practice endangers marine life. Austr...

Arroyo advised on how to pick Comelec men

Baguio offers health experts to PMA execs

BAGUIO CITY-The city government has offered to send health experts to check the conditions inside and outside Fort del Pilar here, the home of the Philippine Military Academy, following the death of a...

De Luna enters Beauty and Best 9-Ball tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- Jeffrey De Luna tries to sustain his winning ways when he competes in the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Mixed Doubles: Beauty and the Best 9-Ball Championship on Nov. 24 at the S...

DepEd modifying CyberEd project

Arroyo vows to go after corrupt cops, illegal vehicles

10-bout card set for WBC convention

MANILA, Philippines -- A 10-bout card will be presented by MP Promotions on Nov. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City as part of the World Boxing Council's 45th Annual World Convention. The conven...

International press body condemns mural alteration

Liturgical mass to officially welcome papal envoy set

Night of dancing ends tragically for Saguisag couple

Saguisag"s dance tutor leaves hospital

Saguisags when the van they were riding figured in an accident in Makati returned home after undergoing treatment of her injury in hospital. "So far I'm negative for any serious injury," Imelda Obo...

Businessmen should also help solve hunger, poverty - CBCP

Business leaders - not the government alone - should also bear the responsibility of addressing hunger and poverty problems in the country, the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippin...

"JDV asked me to keep quiet on North Rail project" - Enrile

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday said that Speaker Jose de Venecia begged him "not to rock the boat" after he delivered in 2005 a privilege speech at the Senate denouncing the alleged overpr...

Pangasinan mourns Dulce Saguisag's death

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines -- Former social welfare secretary Dulce Saguisag had promised a close friend two days ago to visit Pangasinan in the next few days. She intended to attend to the problems o...

EU legislators help in fight for family planning

NPC offers 'bastardized' mural to Inquirer

Arroyo creates body vs mulcting cops, "colorum" drivers

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday created the Task Force Anti-Kotong and Anti-Colorum, which would address the complaints of transport sector in exchange for not seeking increased fares. ...

Querubin hits AFP for detaining him sans "valid charge"

Lawyers of detained Marine Col. Ariel Querubin on Thursday insisted that he should be released because the Armed Forces of the Philippines has no valid charge against him. At the Court of Appeal's ...

US to back Philippine healthcare program

Senators urged to hear out peasants on JPEPA

Gov't takes responsibility for girl's suicide

Philippine Airlines girds for future market growth

Governors' league starts own probe of Palace 'cash gifts'

Villarosa admission raises more suspicion, says CBCP head

Gordon proposes side agreement to JPEPA

Blast in Philippine village kills four people

US helps Philippines implement family planning programmes

Saguisag condition improves; surgery 'less likely' - doctors

Rene Saguisag may no longer need to undergo surgery because his health condition has continued to improve, doctors said Thursday. Radio dzBB said Dr Eric Nubla of the Makati Medical Center (MMC) an...

DND chief tells AFP to review rules of engagement

National Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to review its doctrines and tactics in conducting operations to ensure that human rights are upheld and protect...

Police sue truck driver in Makati collision on witness's testimony

Police on Thursday afternoon charged a truck driver for the predawn collision in Makati City that injured former Sen. Rene Saguisag and killed his wife former Social Welfare Secretary Dulce Saguisag. ...

Born to be wild premiers Nov 28 at GMA

An all-new late-night TV viewing experience kicks off this November - and it's going to be wild. Born to be Wild is GMA Public Affairs' latest addition to its roster of quality programs. As a progr...

Doble can now tell truth in court - Lacson

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said the court could be a good forum for alleged wiretapper Vidal Doble, a former military intelligence agent, to ferret out the truth on the "Hello, Garci" con...

Corpse found in Tondo creek

The body of a still unidentified person was found floating in a creek in Manila's Tondo district on Thursday morning. Radio dzBB reported that residents of Barangay (village) Bitas discovered t...

Task force formed vs illegal vehicles, extortionist cops

2 LP officials confirm partymates received cash gift

Enrile revives gripes on North Rail but no longer acting

Gov't signals new openness to talks with communists

Philippines orders inquiry into poverty suicide

Docs say Saguisag has "severe" injuries, may need surgery

Rene Saguisag may have to undergo surgery for treatment of "severe trauma" injuries to his head and chest, his doctors disclosed early Thursday afternoon. Radio dzBB said this was contained in the ...

Joey de Venecia back in RP

Businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III is back in the Philippines less than two weeks after slipping out of the country amid the media frenzy on the pardoning of former President Joseph Estrada. De...

Dulce Saguisag's remains now in QC funeral home

The remains of Dulce Maramba Quintans-Saguisag, wife of former Sen. Rene Saguisag, has been moved to the Arlington Funeral Homes in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. GMA News reported that Dulce's b...

Kampi consolidating after differing takes on 'cash gift' mess

In an effort that is seen to address the deteriorating affairs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's political party, the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) leaders are working out a meeting amon...

Philippines' San Miguel sells Australian assets to diversify

PNP's final probe report on Glorietta blast out this month

Philippine National Police (PNP) investigators looking into the deadly explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City last month are expected to come out with a final investigation report before Dec...

Baby attacked by rats readied for skin-graft surgery

After being cleaned up and given antitetanus medicine, the one-year-old baby boy attacked by rats in Pasay City was transferred to a surgical ward to prepare for a skin-grafting operation. Q-11 tel...

Palace junks calls to repeal oil deregulation law

Malacañang shelved anew Thursday calls by militant groups to repeal the oil deregulation law, saying its thrust now was to come up with measures to offset the impact of soaring crude prices in ...

EU mission reiterates need for rights-based family planning in RP

Parliamentarians from the European Union (EU) have engaged Philippine policy-makers to discuss the reproductive health and development situation in the country and explore possible areas of cooperatio...

Alleged coup plotter finds ally in former vice president

Philippine shares slide 2.53 per cent on Wall Street woes

Probe violations, protect victims

International human rights group Amnesty International (AI) reminded the Philippine government Thursday (Manila time) to match its rhetoric on human rights protection by investigating violations and p...

DBM to look into teachers' complaints of delays in poll pay

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr on Thursday said he will look into the public school teachers' complaints of delayed salaries for their poll duty for the village and youth elections last October 29...

'Arroyo resign' groups won't seek Erap support

Groups seeking the resignation of President Arroyo and Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr. will not seek the help of former President Joseph Estrada's help, at least for now. Former amba...

Arroyo saddened over Saguisag's fate

Estrada's defense lawyer in his plunder case, and as an official of Aquino's government. Pulido, who filed the first impeachment complaint against President Arroyo that opposition lawmakers...

Saguisag driver critical, too

The driver of former Sen. Rene Saguisag's ill-fated van remains in critical condition Thursday about nine hours after a dump truck rammed into their vehicle and killed his boss's wife Dulce in...

Marines set policies to prevent another Basilan carnage

Artists' groups bewail altered mural

MANILA, Philippines -- The Angono artists have gotten a swell of support from several artists' groups protesting the way the National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines altered their mural entitled "...

Allies of Arroyo clash over impeach rules

Rookie helps Realtors derail Express

GAMES FRIDAY (Ynares Center, Antipolo City) 4:35 p.m. -- Magnolia vs. Alaska 7:20 p.m. -- Coca-Cola vs. Purefoods MANILA, Philippines -- Fil-Am rookie sensation Ryan Reyes took over from top gun Kell...

Engineer, Student Go Missing in S. Philippines

Saguisag now 'conscious' after car crash

Former Senator Rene Saguisag is now conscious and can already talk, hours after he was seriously hurt in a car accident on Pasay Road, radio dzBB said at 5:20 a.m., Thursday. Saguisag's son, Re...

Truck driver beat the red light, ran too fast - witness

A taxi driver identified as "Jeoffrey" said he witnessed the vehicular accident that claimed the life of the wife of lawyer Rene Saguisag. The accident also seriously injured the former senator and hi...

Not much help for nat'l squad

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Basketball League commissioner Chino Trinidad appeared at the PLDT offices the other night with his arms riddled with an assortment of cuts, scrapes and wounds. Chin...

11M Filipinos among 1B living on less than $1/day

MANILA, Philippines -- Some 11 million Filipinos are among the 1 billion people across the globe living on less than $1 a day, the threshold defined as extreme poverty by the United Nations, according...

POC chief worries over SEAG quintet, too

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Olympic Committee is justifiably worried that the national quintet may not have the best talents for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. "What I don't u...

Saguisag to undergo another CT scan at MMC

Former Senator Rene Saguisag will undergo another CT scan at the Makati Medical Center (MMC) after he was seriously hurt in a car accident on Pasay road past 1 a.m. Thursday, radio dzBB reported at 5:...

US envoy teaches Baguio kids eco-warfare

BAGUIO CITY -- Some of the city's public schoolchildren learned something new about modern warfare while listening to US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney read a story about Filipino "eco-w...

Son says Saguisag's chance of survival is 'good'

Rene Saguisag's "chance of survival is good," radio dzBB reported on Thursday, quoting information from the former senator's son, lawyer Rebo Saguisag. The report quoted the younger Saguisa...

Military presents report but lawyer says it's 'incomplete'

MANILA, Philippines -- After hedging for more than three months, the military's Provost Marshal General Wednesday presented to the Court of Appeals the report believed by the family of missing activis...

Palace admits cash doles from Kampi

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang conceded Wednesday that the money distributed to pro-administration congressmen at the Palace following a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came from her...

US Senate terms on aid dismay RP Chief Justice

DAVAO CITY -- Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno has expressed dismay over the fact that the US Senate was setting rights-related conditions on the release of $2 million in additional military a...

De Luna ousts Corteza; Django, Gomez advance

MANILA, Philippines -- Jeff De Luna has this brashness in his talk that he backed with a big game last night. While most Filipinos remained cautious of their chances, De Luna vowed to overpower the f...

RP five to get needed boost

MANILA, Philippines -- Five more amateur standouts are set to beef up the Harbour-Philippine team with the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hoping to complete the lineup with several PBA players to...

Saguisag, driver now at Makati Medical Center, still critical

Former senator Rene Saguisag is now at the Makati Medical Center (MMC), after he underwent a CT-scan at the Ospital ng Makati in Sampaguita St., radio dzBB reported about 4:30 a.m., Thursday. Makat...

Amateur champ Fernando out of Putra, SEAG squads

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines will be campaigning in two big international golf events without its reigning amateur champion. Anthony Fernando was officially stripped of his amateur status W...

Saguisag on his way to Makati Medical Center after CT scan

Former Senator Rene Saguisag was released from the emergency room of the Ospital ng Makati in Sampaguita St., in Makati City, and was boarded on an ambulance on his way to the Makati Medical Center, r...

Arroyo's critics push snap polls

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro should resign and a snap election be called in 60 days, incumbent political, former military, and media perso...

Senate probes cash gifts

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate will push through with its investigation of the alleged bribes handed out to congressmen and local government officials in Malaca ang to trace the...

SSS sues 412 erring employers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Social Security System has filed criminal charges against more than 400 employers for various offenses related to their workers' SSS contributions. SSS ...

Top 10 electronic engineering examinees

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Below are the top 10 successful examinees of the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Electronics Engineering this November: 1. ...

Senate OKs bill integrating 'green' studies in school programs

The Senate has passed on third and final reading a measure that seeks to integrate environmental studies in school learning programs. Under Senate Bill 1699 or the Environmental Awareness and Educa...

Doble faces raps for wiretapping

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The National Bureau of Investigation has filed a criminal complaint before the Pasay City prosecutor's office against former military agent Vidal Doble as a ...

New Coast Guard chief vows to curb oil smuggling

1,257 now new electronics engineers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that 1,257 out of 4,182 passed the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Elec...

Puno, AMLC top Senate list in bribery probe

Interior Secretary and presidential political adviser Ronaldo Puno and officials of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) will top the list of resource persons the Senate will summon in probing all...

Teachers still not paid for poll duty, says alliance

Palace stands by PNP findings on Glorietta 2 blast

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Wednesday that Malacañang is standing by the findings of the Philippine National Police that the blast at the Glorietta 2 mall last month that killed 11 ...

DoH demands share in 'sin taxes'

Investigate claims and Protect Manalo Brothers

Bespoke beauties

MANILA, Philippines—In a time when conformity is becoming more the rule than the exception, jewelry designer Wyn Wyn Ong has again chosen to buck the trend with her latest collection of jewelry pieces that celebrate individuality.

Mineral madness

MANILA, Philippines—When mineral makeup first entered the cosmetic industry a few years ago, consumers were immediately drawn to its premise: here was makeup that provided good coverage, stayed on for hours, and most importantly, did not ruin the skin.

Huge beauty bargains

MANILA, Philippines—This promo was discovered when Godiva Skincare president Fred Reyes offered me face and body firming treatments from their newest machine as he had always known over the years that sagging facial skin and body cellulite were my biggest fears and concerns.

Star-studded ball honors Manila’s loveliest

MANILA, Philippines—In the year’s most anticipated grand ball, five of Cosmo Manille’s tres accomplished ladies were named “Manila’s 5 Loveliest of 2008.”

Beauty booty for men

MANILA, Philippines—Tom Cruise, Jake Gyllenhaal, Orlando Bloom, Ed Harris, Nick Lachey, Lenny Kravitz, John Mayer. What do all these celebrities and my husband have in common aside from good looks? They all love Kiehl’s!

RTW’s comeback kid

MANILA, Philippines—That was a Super A-list, if I ever saw one. Each row of tiffany chairs in last week’s gala show of Inno Sotto and Bea Valdes at Shangri-La Makati seated the desirable demographic, starting with the guests of honor, Imelda Cojuangco and Isabel Preysler, in the center front rows.

Grab bag of Italian style

MANILA, Philippines—I discovered Furla during a trip to Milan way back in the mid-’90s. As I was walking along Corso Vittorio Emmanuele on my way to the famed Duomo, Furla’s window display featuring chic and obviously well-made handbags caught my eye.

The downlow on high/low

MANILA, Philippines—Though high/low can best describe the mood swings of some of the city’s nocturnal set, this is actually the fashion creed of the day. And it looks like it’s going to stay.

A Christmas wish

MANILA, Philippines—I just arrived from a trip abroad and I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised by seeing metered taxis queuing in front of the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Express yourself in chocolate

MANILA, Philippines—I chanced upon Chocopix Personalized Confectionery store last week. I saw the sign and had to take a peek.

Whipping up a Pinoy meal in Iowa

MANILA, Philippines—So what’s Filipino food like? The question was begging to be answered in Iowa. Not with words but by cooking.

Laxatives for body, mind and spirit

MANILA, Philippines―Do you think you need to release all the junk from within by taking a laxative?

The Philippine Headlines - November 08, 2007

2007-11-08T08:57:00.000+08:00

Artists’ groups bewail altered mural

MANILA, Philippines -- The Angono artists have gotten a swell of support from several artists’ groups protesting the way the National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines altered their mural entitled “Press Freedom.”

(UPDATE 2) Saguisag wife killed in road mishap

MANILA, Philippines -- Dulce Saguisag, wife of former senator Rene Saguisag, was declared dead on arrival after they figured in a vehicular accident at the boundary of Manila and Makati City early Thursday, a radio report said.

Allies of Arroyo clash over impeach rules

MANILA, Philippines -- Three days after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia agreed to a truce, their allies in the House of Representatives clashed over a proposal to amend the impeachment rules, a potentially explosive issue tied up with the pending effort to impeach the President.

Die and you’ll be arrested! Britain’s most stupid laws

LONDON -- Queen Elizabeth II’s speech before Parliament on Tuesday may have been routine but at least nobody got bored to death. That would have been against the law.

De Luna enters Beauty and Best 9-Ball tilt

US envoy teaches Baguio kids eco-warfare

BAGUIO CITY -- Some of the city’s public schoolchildren learned something new about modern warfare while listening to US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney read a story about Filipino “eco-warriors” who fight global warming.

Pakistan's Bhutto issues Musharraf ultimatum

ISLAMABAD -- Former premier Benazir Bhutto Wednesday urged Pakistanis to join mass protests against a state of emergency, setting up a tense showdown with military ruler President Pervez Musharraf.

Film production hub to rise in Subic, Clark

MANILA, Philippines--Funtasia Entertainment Philippines, an all-Filipino joint venture, has chosen the Subic Bay Freeport and Clark Field as its movie production hubs to capitalize on the available film location sites in the two economic zones, a company official said.

10-bout card set for WBC convention

MANILA, Philippines -- A 10-bout card will be presented by MP Promotions on Nov. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City as part of the World Boxing Council’s 45th Annual World Convention.

11M Filipinos among 1B living on less than $1/day

PSE wants changes to listing rules

MANILA, Philippines--The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has proposed key changes to its listing rules to encourage companies, especially those that get tax incentives from the government, to go public.

Google maps to be on fuel pumps to help lost drivers

SAN FRANCISCO--Beginning next month drivers having trouble finding their ways on US roads will be able to consult Google maps on displays built into fuel pumps, pump-maker Gilbarco Veeder-Root announced Wednesday.

World oil prices race towards $100

LONDON -- World crude oil prices closed in on $100 Wednesday after striking fresh record highs on the back of global supply concerns and a weak dollar, traders said.

Rising sales of illegal drugs over Internet alarms Interpol

MARRAKECH, Morocco--Drug traffickers are increasingly using the Internet to sell illegal narcotics ranging from ecstasy to heroin to consumers around the world, a senior Interpol official said Wednesday.

'Desperate Housewives' hit by US writers strike

LOS ANGELES--US television series "Desperate Housewives" has fallen victim to Hollywood's writers' strike, reports said Wednesday, as analysts grimly forecast the feud may rumble on for months.

Law's author explains tax amnesty

MANILA, Philippines--Banks that owe the government billions of pesos in documentary stamp taxes are not qualified for amnesty, the author of the Tax Amnesty Law said.

BDO-EPCI launches tier-2 notes offer worth P5B

MANILA, Philippines--The mall tycoon Henry Sy’s Banco de Oro-EPCI has launched a public offering of at least P5 billion in subordinated debt, or tier-2 notes, in the bank’s first fund-raising activity after the merger of what were Banco de Oro Universal Bank and Equitable PCI Bank.

Coco exports up 56% in July; 7-month total down

MANILA, Philippines--Coconut exports jumped 55.7 percent in July to $95.6 million from $61.38 million a year earlier, thanks largely to improved prices of coconut oil, according to data from the Philippine Coconut Authority.

Florida shuts down 283 schools as police hunt for convict

MIAMI -- Authorities on Wednesday locked down 283 schools in south Florida, as police conducted a massive manhunt for a convict who escaped after he shot and killed an officer.

Jollibee buys Beijing fast-food chain

MANILA, Philippines--Philippine fast food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. said Wednesday it had completed its acquisition of a Beijing congee chain for $50.5 million (roughly P2 billion).

Palace admits cash doles from Kampi

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang conceded Wednesday that the money distributed to pro-administration congressmen at the Palace following a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came from her party, the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).

US Senate terms on aid dismay RP Chief Justice

First Gen eyes eight Napocor plants

MANILA, Philippines--In a bid to double its directly owned generation capacity to 1,968 megawatts by 2011, the publicly listed First Gen Corp. is looking at acquiring eight plants of the government's National Power Corp. (Napocor) from this year to 2009, a First Gen official said.

Arroyo tells BIR: Step up collection or else

MANILA, Philippines -- Taxes collected from the country’s top corporations fell short of the target in the past three quarters, prompting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to order the Large Taxpayers’ Services unit of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to step up efforts and catch up in the last quarter, or else.

US to donate $38,000 for preservation of terraces

BAGUIO CITY—The United States is donating $38,000 to help efforts in preserving the Ifugao rice terraces, which have been classified as endangered among the World Heritage Sites accredited by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

Albay village put in state of calamity after fishkill

LEGAZPI CITY—The municipal government of Rapu-Rapu in Albay placed Barangay Poblacion in a state of calamity on Wednesday after residents demanded immediate relief from the fishkill on Oct. 28.

Nida kin fear truth now more out of reach

MANILA, Philippines – Six years after the brutal murder of her mother, actress Nida Blanca, Kaye Torres yesterday urged anyone who has information regarding her death to come forward and reveal the truth.

Army to probe troops’ role in island gun party

BACOLOD CITY—The Philippine Army will investigate a report that government soldiers escorted a private group that indiscriminately fired M-16 rifles while on an island in Hinoba-an town, 199 km south of Bacolod City.

Manila hotel has new owner

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila City government finally pushed through yesterday with the sale of the Grand Boulevard Hotel on Roxas Boulevard which was placed on the auction block because its owner failed to settle unpaid real property taxes.

Undistributed relief goods found wasting in town warehouse

DARAGA, ALBAY—Undistributed relief goods, possibly donations for last year’s typhoon victims, were discovered inside a municipal warehouse here. Some of the goods were already spoiled or past their expiration dates.

4 face obstruction raps in Mendez case

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday filed obstruction of justice charges against a Muntinlupa City village official and three security guards for allegedly refusing to cooperate in the investigation of the death of suspected hazing victim Cris Anthony Mendez.

Senate probes cash gifts

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate will push through with its investigation of the alleged bribes handed out to congressmen and local government officials in Malacañang to trace the real source of the bundles of cash stuffed in envelopes and brown bags.

SCTEx interchange war declared over

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The “battle of interchanges” that pitted Pampanga politicians and officials of the Bases Conversion Development Authority is over.

Leviste defense witnesses take stand

MANILA, Philippines – The camp of former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste yesterday presented as a witness an American businessman who claimed to have seen the “pugnacious, aggressive and violent” side of Rafael de las Alas, Leviste’s aide whom he shot dead in January.

School shooter in Finland is student and wounded--police

HELSINKI -- A gunman who killed eight people in a shooting rampage at a Finnish school on Wednesday is a student and is in critical condition after attempting to commit suicide, police said.

Georgia declares state of emergency

TBILISI - Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has declared a state of emergency after sending in riot police to battle protesters demanding his resignation.

Fire hits Las Piñas homes

A fire of unknown origin destroyed is raging at a residential area on Tramo Street in Barangay Pulang Lupa in Las Piñas City on Thursday morning.

Fed officials hint at potential for lower rates

MILWAUKEE - Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday said more interest rate cuts could be needed if economic growth proves weaker than expected, just a week after hinting that rates would probably stay steady for now.

Serena suffers another injury blow

MADRID - Serena Williams' up-and-down season may well be over after she suffered yet another in a long list of injuries and was forced to retire from her opening match in the WTA Championships on Wednesday after losing one set to Anna Chakvetadze, the world number seven from Russia.

'Next 24 hours critical for Rene Saguisag'

A doctor said Thursday morning that the next 24 hours will be critical for former senator Rene Saguisag after he and his wife figured in a road crash in Makati City before dawn. Saguisag's wife died in the accident.

Disney ex-CEO Eisner: Hollywood strike "stupid"

NEW YORK - Hollywood writers who walked off the job this week are wasting their time in a "stupid" strike, former Walt Disney Co Chief Executive Michael Eisner said on Wednesday.

Nine die in Finland after YouTube post

TUUSULA, Finland (Reuters) - Seven children and a head teacher were killed when a pupil opened fire at a school in southern Finland on Wednesday, hours after he posted a video on YouTube foreshadowing a massacre there.

Rene Saguisag critical, wife dies in freak road crash

Former senator Rene Saguisag was in critical condition while his wife died before reaching the Ospital ng Makati after a dump truck hit their van in Makati City before dawn Thursday.

Market plunges on heightened credit fears

NEW YORK - Stocks tumbled on Wednesday as a probe of the home loan industry by New York's attorney general drew in the country's biggest mortgage finance companies and Washington Mutual Inc warned the housing downturn would extend well into next year.

First Gen mulls $1-B investment on new, existing power projects

First Gen Corp., the power generation arm of the Lopez group, is looking at the possibility of investing about $1 billion for the expansion of its existing power plants as well as for greenfield projects.

SC Twice Ruled Against New Comelec Exec

Moslemen Macarambon has a poor track record as a judge in Mindanao—although he insists that it is his court experience...

Glorietta Blast: Blaming the Basement

If wastewater that was not even stored in a septic tank could cause an explosion, as what the police are...

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won�t Join Resign-GMA Calls

Those hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for...

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

Two legal questions are being raised: the President’s power to grant pardon to an impeached leader and the “procedural errors”...

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

President Arroyo today granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last...

Doble faces wiretapping raps

Manila hotel has new owner

Close this MANILA, Philippines - The Manila City government finally pushed through yesterday with the sale of the Grand Boulevard Hotel on Roxas Boulevard which was placed on the auction bloc...

Arroyo releases P1 billion for anti-poverty drive

Napolcom lawyer nabbed for 'extortion'

Ex-Tarlac town mayor convicted for unliquidated cash advances

SSS sues 412 erring employers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Social Security System has filed criminal charges against more than 400 employers for various offenses related to their workers' SSS contributions. SSS ...

Doble faces raps for wiretapping

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The National Bureau of Investigation has filed a criminal complaint before the Pasay City prosecutor's office against former military agent Vidal Doble as a ...

Top 10 electronic engineering examinees

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Below are the top 10 successful examinees of the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Electronics Engineering this November: 1. ...

New Coast Guard chief vows to curb oil smuggling

1,257 now new electronics engineers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that 1,257 out of 4,182 passed the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Elec...

Military turns over incomplete Burgos report

Teachers still not paid for poll duty, says alliance

Investigate claims and Protect Manalo Brothers

Philippines bank ordered to turn over ex-leader's millions

DoH demands share in 'sin taxes'

Nida kin fear truth now more out of reach

4 face obstruction raps in Mendez case

Leviste defense witnesses take stand

Critics step up resign calls

The Senate minority leader, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., and Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th joined the Gloria-Noli Resign Coalition of groups that made the calls on Wednesday.

Impeachment case filed vs. Borra, Brawner

In a 15-page complaint, Rodante Marcoleta of Alagad Party-list charged Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioners Resurreccion Borra and Romeo Brawner of betrayal of public trust for allege...

Oil price closes in on $100

"The flood of speculative cash pouring into oil has resulted in a breach of $100 a barrel very much on the cards for today," said Bank of Ireland analyst Paul Harris.

Junta junks meeting with UN, Suu Kyi

YANGON: Myanmar's junta has rejected a three-way meeting with United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari and detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and refuses to bow to external pressure...

Rights groups claim credit for US decision on aid

A local group of rights advocates found "encouraging" the US Senate's recent move to withhold an additional $2-million military aid to the Philippine government owing to supposedly unresolved po...

All-Filipino crew to man European tankers

Close this MANILA--Two newly-commissioned tankers owned by a European shipping company will be manned by an all-Filipino crew, a proof of the Filipino seamen's supremacy and skills at sea. T...

President's son sees nothing wrong with cash gift

11 million Filipinos among world's absolutely poor--group

Sandigan orders Banco de Oro to turn over Estrada millions

Chief justice dismayed US has to prod RP on human rights

Arroyo allies dismiss calls for resignation, snap polls

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's allies in the House of Representatives have played down a call by administration critics for the President and Vice President Noli de Castro ...

Impeach raps filed vs 2 Comelec commissioners

'Case of more talk, more mistake'

WB to grant up to P1M for viable ideas

9 Marine officers in foiled coup urged to be 'true Marines'

eBay upgrades Philippine portal

Marines pay tribute to fallen comrades on 57th 'birthday'

8 soldiers hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Leftists call on donors to review military aid to Philippines

Filipino crew seize ship in mutiny

Prosecution told to brace for tough fight on Estrada wealth

Arroyo, De Castro resign campaign launched

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro should resign and a snap election be called in 60 days, incumbent political, former milit...

Senate offers Manila sweetener for human rights

The U.S. Senate has voted to raise military funding to the Philippines to $30 million from $11 million and the amount would be topped up if Manila probes alleged human rights violations by the army an...

Unidentified man shoots QC law enforcer

MANILA, Philippines - A police officer is in critical condition after he was shot by a still unidentified suspect in Quezon City yesterday morning. PO3 Armolito Rosauro of the Quezon City Police Dist...

Eight soldiers wounded in clash in southern Philippines

Manila Court Allows Jailed Muslim Leader to Attend Jeddah Meeting

Filipino defending titlist, former champions lead in World Pool Championship

Will De Venecia son show up when Senate resumes NBN probe

Greenpeace warns public on dangers of GMO rice

Archers out to beat Manila haul

EPD cops to seek new ruling on Boratong case

Former houseboy says employer made him sex slave for 6 years

Close this MANILA, Philippines - A 33-year-old man has sued his former employer, whom he claimed made him a sex slave for six years. Charged with rape and acts of lasciviousness before the Q...

Mutinying Filipino sailors held after docking in Mauritius

Close this NAIROBI -- Mauritius authorities on Tuesday detained nine Filipino sailors who staged a mutiny and seized control of a vessel off the island's coast, a maritime official said. "Th...

US envoy backs 'accidental gas explosion' theory

Ingrates, NPC execs call Angono artists

Government to lose if Comelec chief is named now

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang's possible appointment of a new Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman to serve the un-expired term of its former chair Benjamin Abalos is see...

Gordon Steals the Scene

Sacks found in Taytay yield 4 bodies

Beyonce in town for one-night concert

Estrada won't allow seizure of assets before presidency

FORMER President Joseph Estrada declared on Tuesday that the Sandiganbayan Special Division is free to take possession of the properties mentioned in the writ of execution it has issued, saying these ...

DENR, DPWH engineers to examine mall blast evidence

A TEAM of experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will study evidence gathered by the inter-agency task force inv...

House rejects supplementary impeachment case of UNO

The House of Representatives on Tuesday insisted that Adel Tamano, spokesman for the United Opposition (UNO), disregarded the normal process when he filed on Monday a "supplemental" impeachment ...

Court rules Misuari can go abroad

A Philippine court on Tuesday ruled that a detained Muslim rebel leader can travel abroad to attend talks reviewing a peace deal that ended fighting by his group in Mindanao.

Kabayan hits Northern Luzon

TROPICAL storm Kabayan has affected over 11,000 persons and has damaged at least P20 million worth of property in two affected regions in Northern Luzon on top of the five deaths it has left, a disast...

Erap blocks seizure order, scolds sheriff

"These properties are mine. I acquired them when I was a movie actor," Estrada, 70, told Sandiganbayan Sheriff Ed Urietta, as he tried to serve the seizure order at his home in San Juan City.

Admit wrong in mall blast, Zobels urged

SEN. Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday urged the Zobel de Ayala family to stop blaming others and instead assume full responsibility for the October 19 explosion that killed 11 people and wounded mor...

'Bribe' money from Kampi-deputy speaker

The Presidential Antigraft Commission had pointed to Rey Roquero, Lakas executive director aligned with House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., as the person who handed the money to the governors dur...

Admin lawmakers vow to kill impeach raps v. Arroyo

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. He also announced that his committee will start hearing the impeachment filed by lawyer Roel Pulido against the President on...

Justice department creates group to tackle federalism

It has ordered the department to form a technical working group for its bid to amend the 1987 Constitution and install federal units in the country's various regions.

Argentines seize smuggled RP coral

BUENOS AIRES -- Argentine customs said Monday it had seized a valuable five-ton shipment of endangered and protected coral and seashells from the Philippines that was destined for the black market in ...

Philippine court serves order to seize bank accounts, property of ousted president

MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine court served ousted President Joseph Estrada with an order Tuesday to seize $16 million worth of his ill-gotten funds and property as part of his historic plun...

NPC exec threatens to declare artists 'persona non grata'

MANILA, Philippines -- Accused of censoring, bastardizing and ruining the press freedom mural it commissioned to a group of artists, the National Press Club (NPC) turned the tables on the artists on T...

Ramos slams Estrada for politicking so soon after pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Fidel V. Ramos yesterday criticized ex-president Joseph Estrada for politicking so soon after his pardon, as well as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for faili...

Kenney says US aid not yet tied to RP rights program

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- US Ambassador Kristie Kenney on Tuesday said that while the US Senate had approved an increase in military assistance to the Philippines, the US House of Representatives wa...

Burgos slams NPC over retouch of mural

MANILA, Philippines -- Edita Burgos, mother of missing activist Jonas Burgos, chided National Press Club on Tuesday for allowing itself to become a tool of the government's practice of "covering" the ...

Philippine Long Distance nine-month net profit up 13 percent

Philippine Long Distance Telephone said Tuesday its net core profit rose 13 percent from a year earlier to 26.2 billion pesos (596.95 million dollars), which it said would lead to a higher than expect...

UNO mulls asking House to allow amended impeach rap

MANILA, Philippines -- The United Opposition (UNO) is considering filing a motion for reconsideration at the House of Representatives to allow an amended impeachment complaint against President Gloria...

Akbayan solon seeks probe of mural censorship

MANILA, Philippines -- Akbayan party-list Representative Risa Hontiveros is seeking an inquiry into the "censorship'' of a mural painting executed by Angono artists for the National Press Club (NPC). ...

'Distressed' opposition leader confronts Kampi exec

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) A "disturbed and distressed" opposition leader at the House of Representatives confronted on Tuesday a colleague who claimed that some opposition members had also sough...

Macarambon, Garcillano fraternity brothers

MANILA, Philippines -- Newly appointed Elections Commissioner Moslemen Macarambon is the fraternity brother of controversial former poll officer Virgilio Garcillano, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Tuesda...

Filipino software firm bares IPO plans

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Gurango Software plans to go public early next year and hopes to raise P300 million to finance its global expansion. The company, founded in 2003 by Filipin...

'US aid won't be used to violate human rights'

MANILA, Philippines -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the United States on Tuesday that the military assistance it is providing will be used to fight terrorism and modernize the mil...

295 policemen penalized for various offenses

MANILA, Philippines -- A total of 295 policemen were penalized in October, including 38 who were dismissed from the service, over cases ranging from grave misconduct, neglect of duty, to involvement i...

Palace unperturbed by US conditions for more aid

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang is unperturbed by the demand of the US Senate for improved human rights in the country before any additional military aid, saying this was just a "very small fraction...

Opposition to go to SC over 'uncertain' impeach raps--solon

MANILA, Philippines -- "Uncertain" about the two amended impeachment complaints filed against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives will ask the Suprem...

Cash gift to solons came from Arroyo party, says lawmaker

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The money that was given to congressmen in Malaca ang last October came from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Partner of t...

Arroyo seeks measures vs surge in oil prices

MANILA, Philippines -- Alarmed by the surge in prices of oil in the world market, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered concerned agencies to put in place a host of measures to ease its impact...

Estrada to support Arroyo impeachment proceedings

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Joseph Estrada will support impeachment proceedings against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Estrada said it was important that the publi...

Philippine team off to Mauritius to placate mutinous sailors

Manila - The Philippines has dispatched a consular team to Mauritius to ensure the safety of Filipino sailors who staged a mutiny and seized control of a fishing vessel, a foreign department official ...

Concern over Philippine mutineers

Philippines officials voiced concern after a Filipino crew seized control of a Taiwanese fishing boat in the Indian Ocean because of alleged mistreatment. The nine Filipinos seized the boat on Sund...

Storm Peipah kills at least 5 in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines -- A tropical storm killed at least five people and flooded towns in the northern Philippines, officials said Monday. In the worst-hit coastal province of Isabela, one man was elec...

Philippine inflation rate steady at 2.7 per cent in October

Manila - The Philippine inflation rate was steady at 2.7 per cent in October compared with the same month a year ago as a strong peso offset hikes in the prices of basic commodities, the government sa...

Filipino crew seizes ship in a mutiny near Mauritius over labor complaints

MANILA, Philippines – Nine Filipino crewmen seized control of their fishing vessel from their Taiwanese captain near the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius in a mutiny over exhausting labor and pa...

Senate sets JPEPA hearing November 8

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate will hold another hearing on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement on Thursday, November 8, said Senator Manuel Roxas II, chairman of the committee on ...

Storm 'Kabayan' kills 7; state of calamity up

State of calamity The PDCC identified another fatality as Alejandra Bose of Quirino town but did not say how she died. Rescue teams were looking for Elpidio Balawag, 47, who was reported missing in ...

A tour of discovery through Palawan in the Philippines

Puerto Princesa, Philippines - Cobalt-blue and black-and- white striped fish swim one or two metres beneath the surface of the water. Slightly deeper, two clown fish swim from a sea anemone. But the P...

Car theft suspects' kin hit 'slow' pace of probe

MANILA, Philippines - The families of two suspected car thieves who were killed in an alleged shootout with policemen nearly two years ago yesterday criticized Ombudsman Mercedita Gutierrez whom they ...

Osme a Highway bridges' rehabilitation starts today

MANILA, Philippines - Two bridges on Pres. Sergio Osme a Highway (formerly South Super Highway) in Manila will undergo rehabilitation beginning today. Josefino Rigor, Department of Public Works and Hi...

Binay in 2010 Too early to tell, says mayor

MANILA, Philippines - Sounding like a man with a plan, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay declared yesterday that he was qualified to run the country even as he remained coy about his political ambitions in 2...

Tight security measures for Beyonce concert in Taguig City

MANILA, Philippines - More than 150 policemen will be keeping a tight watch on the Fort Bonifacio Open Field during the concert of international artist Beyonce Knowles tomorrow night in Taguig City. S...

New and improved service coming soon, says Philpost

MANILA, Philippines - Don't count out snail mail just yet. Apart from a P6 billion modernization project to increase efficiency, the Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost) is mounting efforts to curb mai...

Abalos brother accused of poll fraud in Mandaluyong City

MANILA, Philippines - A defeated candidate for barangay captain yesterday urged the Commission on Elections to declare a failure of elections in Barangay Hagdang Bato Itaas, Mandaluyong City, accusing...

Outsourcing boom driving computer sales

Telcos defy gloomy growth predictions

Sony may quit advanced chips project for PS3

SingTel rings up higher profit

SINGAPORE -- Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) said
yesterday net profit in the second quarter to September rose 3.3%,
driven by its regional mobile business.

Globe declares dividend as net income hits P9.7B in Jan.-Sept.

Strong peso trims PLDT net income

PHILIPPINE Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), the country's biggest
telecommunications company, yesterday reported a 3% increase in net
income for the nine-month period ending September.

Software firm plans IPO

GURANGO SOFTWARE Corp. (GSC), a Filipino-owned software
developing firm, announced plans for an initial public offering (IPO) on
the Philippine Stock Exchange in the first quarter of 2008.

Outsourcing industry undaunted by peso rise

UNFAZED by the peso's continued rise, the Philippine outsourcing
industry is pushing an ambitious plan to corner 10% of the $130-billion
global market in just a little over two years.

Encoding center complaint pressed by party-list group

A PARTY-LIST GROUP intends to pursue its case against present and
former Customs and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
officials responsible for the operation of import entry encoding centers
at the country's major ports, even if these facilities have been ordered
closed.

Texting in Japanese and Chinese now possible with Smart's expanded service

SMART Communications, Inc. (Smart), the mobile phone
network arm of the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT) expanded its
international text-messaging platform to offer Japanese and Chinese
short messaging service (SMS).

Google launches OpenSocial

GOOGLE, INC. yesterday announced the release of
OpenSocial, a set of common application programming interfaces (APIs)
for building social applications across the Web, for developers of
social applications and for Web sites that want to add social features.

Venture capital

Last week I talked about elevator pitches, those two-to three-minute
spiels that can get your foot in the door with a venture capitalist. But
this week, let me take on the other side of the coin and talk about
venture capitalists.

Angling for a piece of the handset pie

IN A WORLD of Apple, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Motorola,
is there really room for the MyPhone? I was left to ponder on this
question the day I saw the newspaper ads announcing the entry of MyPhone
in the market.

Headline: RP gains in competitiveness

THE PHILIPPINES HAS IMPROVED ITS STANDING in a global opinion survey of executives regarding competitiveness in terms of the business environment, landing 63rd in a list of 127 countries.

Corporate News: Philex, partner to spend up to $1B for Boyongan

PHILEX MINING Corp., the Philippines' most valuable listed mining firm, said it may spend up to $1 billion with partner Anglo American Plc. to develop the Boyongan gold-copper mine.

Banking & Finance: Peso leads Asian rally, nearsP42/dollar level

THE PESO led Asian currencies higher yesterday, hitting a seven-year peak as Asian stock markets rose and as the dollar came under broad downward pressure once again.

Stock Market: Main index boosted by PLDT, mining gains

SHARE PRICES closed higher yesterday, mainly boosted by gains in index heavyweight Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and mining shares.

The Economy: P1B more to alleviate hunger

MALACA�ANG yesterday announced that President Gloria M. Arroyo has ordered the Budget department to release P1 billion to fund the government's hunger mitigation programs up to the end of the year.

The Nation: No more changes to impeach complaint vs President Arroyo

THE COMMITTEE on justice of the House of Representatives will start reviewing the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday and will no longer consider additions such as the one filed by the "United Opposition," a key lawmaker said yesterday.

Agribusiness: Specter of global warming haunts Japan's rice farms

MINAMI-UONUMA, JAPAN — It produces the most prized rice in a country that prides itself on its rice.

Property & Infrastracture: Residential project aims to capture glory of Versailles

REAL ESTATE developer State Properties Corp. recently unveiled Versailles, its upscale residential project in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

IT Matters: Outsourcing boom driving computer sales

THE LOCAL computer hardware industry expects to keep growing at 10% this year, with the rate rising to 15-20% in 2008, on the back of improved consumer spending as well as the business process outsourcing (BPO) boom.

RP five to get needed boost

Amateur champ Fernando out of Putra, SEAG squads

De Luna ousts Corteza; Django, Gomez advance

Saguisag, driver now at Makati Medical Center, still critical

Saguisag on his way to Makati Medical Center after CT scan

Wife killed, Saguisag critical after car crash on Pasay road

, died instantly in a vehicular accident on Pasay road before 2 a.m. Thursday. The former senator is in critical condition at the Makati Medical Center. Radio dzBB reported that Saguisag, his wife,...

Arroyo's critics push snap polls

Senate probes cash gifts

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate will push through with its investigation of the alleged bribes handed out to congressmen and local government officials in Malaca ang to trace the...

Palace stands by PNP findings on Glorietta 2 blast

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Wednesday that Malacañang is standing by the findings of the Philippine National Police that the blast at the Glorietta 2 mall last month that killed 11 ...

Doble faces raps for wiretapping

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The National Bureau of Investigation has filed a criminal complaint before the Pasay City prosecutor's office against former military agent Vidal Doble as a ...

SSS sues 412 erring employers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Social Security System has filed criminal charges against more than 400 employers for various offenses related to their workers' SSS contributions. SSS ...

Top 10 electronic engineering examinees

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Below are the top 10 successful examinees of the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Electronics Engineering this November: 1. ...

1,257 now new electronics engineers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that 1,257 out of 4,182 passed the Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Elec...

Puno, AMLC top Senate list in bribery probe

New Coast Guard chief vows to curb oil smuggling

Mass in Manila to formally welcome new papal nuncio

A concelebrated Mass at the Manila Cathedral will be held November 13 to formally welcome new papal nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, the Archdiocese of Manila said Wednesday night. In a state...

Teachers still not paid for poll duty, says alliance

Senate OKs bill integrating 'green' studies in school programs

DoH demands share in 'sin taxes'

Military turns over incomplete Burgos report

Investigate claims and Protect Manalo Brothers

Philippines bank ordered to turn over ex-leader's millions

Poet, pianist and painter

MANILA, Philippines - Angela Caridad Manalang, born on Aug. 2, 1907, in Guagua, Pampanga, has been considered the "matriarch of Filipino women poets" in English. Her father, Felipe Dizon Manalang (18...

Undistributed relief goods found wasting in town warehouse

DARAGA, ALBAY-Undistributed relief goods, possibly donations for last year's typhoon victims, were discovered inside a municipal warehouse here. Some of the goods were already spoiled or past their ex...

Army to probe troops' role in island gun party

BACOLOD CITY-The Philippine Army will investigate a report that government soldiers escorted a private group that indiscriminately fired M-16 rifles while on an island in Hinoba-an town, 199 km south ...

Albay village put in state of calamity after fishkill

LEGAZPI CITY-The municipal government of Rapu-Rapu in Albay placed Barangay Poblacion in a state of calamity on Wednesday after residents demanded immediate relief from the fishkill on Oct. 28. Antim...

US to donate $38,000 for preservation of terraces

BAGUIO CITY-The United States is donating $38,000 to help efforts in preserving the Ifugao rice terraces, which have been classified as endangered among the World Heritage Sites accredited by the Unit...

SCTEx interchange war declared over

Battle over Abaya said he announced that decision, made on the "policy guidance" of Ms Arroyo, during Tuesday's meeting with Pampanga officials. "Everybody is happy. The battle of the interchanges i...

Arroyo releases P1-B fund to speed up fight vs hunger

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the Department of Budget and Management to release P1 billion to speed up the government's hunger-mitigation and anti-poverty programs. Mrs Arroyo said...

Pasay court to handle probe into wiretapping complaint vs Doble

The Department of Justice has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to file criminal charges against former intelligence agent Vidal Doble under Republic Act 4200, also known as the Anti-Wireta...

All-Filipino crew to man European tankers

Close this MANILA--Two newly-commissioned tankers owned by a European shipping company will be manned by an all-Filipino crew, a proof of the Filipino seamen's supremacy and skills at sea. T...

Ex-solon files impeachment case vs 2 Comelec execs

Impeachment complaints were filed on Wednesday at the House of Representatives against two officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Rodante Marcoleta, former Alagad party-list representa...

Arroyo likely knew cash gifts were given - Gordon

An administration senator on Wednesday expressed belief that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was aware that "cash gifts" were distributed among congressmen and local government executives last month...

Provost marshal report yields no info on Jonas whereabouts

After months of badgering the military to produce the investigation report on the disappearance of Jonas Burgos, his family on Wednesday was dismayed after the Provost Marshal finally complied with th...

Senators uncover ZTE-like anomalies in Customs x-ray project

Senators are looking into yet another controversial $150-million deal for "defective" x-ray machines for container vans purchased by the Bureau of Customs under a government-to-government loan ag...

Another Kampi man 'unaware' of 'cash gifts'

Amid "revelations" from his partymate, another stalwart of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) party denied knowledge about the cash gifts distributed in Mal...

Gov"t, MNLF to review peace pact in Jeddah next week

The Philippine government, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Organization of the Islamic Conference are set to review the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF next...

President's son sees nothing wrong with cash gift

11 million Filipinos among world's absolutely poor--group

Sandigan orders Banco de Oro to turn over Estrada millions

Chief justice dismayed US has to prod RP on human rights

Petition launched for snap polls; Palace says Arroyo, Noli won't resign

More than 1,600 individuals led by opposition senators Aquilino Pimentel and Antonio Trillanes IV, two military generals, lawyers, journalists, artists, and representatives of civil society groups hav...

Leftists urge US, other donors to review military aid to RP

MANILA - Left-wing groups urged the US, Australia and other major donors on Wednesday to review their military aid to the Philippines to ensure it would not be used to support human rights violations ...

2 top Kampi officials distance selves from cash gift mess

Two ranking officials of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) on Wednesday distanced themselves from the "cash gift" controversy, even as another party member admitted handing out money to selec...

WB to grant up to P1M for viable ideas

PNP watching southern backdoor as hunt for Bedol continues

Under pressure to arrest former Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified watch along the so-called southern backdoor, as efforts to try to arrest...

NBI charges ex-AFP spy Doble with wiretapping

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed wiretapping charges Wednesday against former military spy Vidal Doble Jr. for baring the contents of wiretapped conversations before the Senate. Rad...

SC asked to junk Imelda plea vs ill-gotten wealth ruling

Lawyer Francisco Chavez has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition filed by former First Lady Imelda Marcos seeking a reversal of the Court of Appeals's ruling enjoining the promulgation ...

'Case of more talk, more mistake'

eBay upgrades Philippine portal

Arroyo allies dismiss calls for resignation, snap polls

Marines pay tribute to fallen comrades on 57th 'birthday'

After "Kabayan," cold front to chill north Luzon

After typhoon "Kabayan" (Peipah) wrought damage to several parts of northern Luzon, the tail end of a cold front will affect the area next. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical S...

9 Marine officers in foiled coup urged to be 'true Marines'

"I was kept in the dark,' Puno says of cash gift mess

Interior Secretary and presidential political adviser Ronaldo Puno said that Wednesday he is ready to face an investigation into the cash gift mess at Malacañang. However, Puno insisted he w...

8 soldiers hurt in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

SC Twice Ruled Against New Comelec Exec

N ewly appointed elections commissioner Moslemen Macarambon Sr. has a poor track record as a judge in the Lanao provinces, and his controversial decisions are likely to be raised once he is put throug...

AFP to double efforts vs Abu Sayyaf to meet 3-month deadline

Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino on Wednesday said government troops will double efforts to pursue the leaders of the Abu Sayyaf, to meet the three-month deadline set by the military leadersh...

Filipino crew seize ship in mutiny

Apostol wants Kampi solon charged

Malacañang's top legal adviser wants Rep. Amelita Villarosa of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) investigated and charged after she admitted giv...

PMA cadet succumbs to illness at AFP hospital

A fourth-year Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet died of suspected upper respiratory tract infection at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC) in Quezon City at 8:40 a.m. Tues...

Man dies after leaping off MRT North Ave station

A still unidentified man was killed Wednesday after reportedly leaping off the North Avenue station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) in Quezon City. Citing initial reports, radio dzMM said shortly b...

Prosecution told to brace for tough fight on Estrada wealth

The NPC's Clubbing of Freedom of Expression

he National Press Club’s defacement and censorship of a commissioned mural in their club restaurant recalls to mind a celebrated incident involving the Mexican artist Diego Rivera and the Rockef...

Beach tossers sure of medal

MANILA, Philippines -- They've pitted their skills against the world's best with some success. Filipino beach volleyball bets Heidi Ilustre and Diane Pascua now believe they are ready to do battle in...

MILF to join hunt for Lintang Bedol

COTABATO CITY-The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday said it was willing to help the police in hunting down controversial Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol, who police said is ...

Bayan exec freed after 4 days with Army

CALBIGA, SAMAR-The military released on Thursday the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) spokesperson in Eastern Visayas, four days after he was "invited for questioning." Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, com...

'Kabayan' maintains strength in exiting RP - Pagasa

Typhoon "Kabayan" (international codename: Peipah) has maintained its strength as it continues to move away from the Philippines, the state weather bureau said before noon Wednesday. The Philippine...

P400-M Jose Velarde account 'discovered'

Lawyers of the Sandiganbayan executing forfeiture proceedings on former President Joseph Estrada may have stumbled upon a new Jose Velarde account they may claim for government. Sandiganbayan sheri...

Eight soldiers wounded in clash in southern Philippines

Filipino defending titlist, former champions lead in World Pool Championship

'Kabayan' at RP 'border;' new low-pressure area spotted

Typhoon "Kabayan" (international code name: Peipah) continued to move away from Philippine territory as it hovered at the border of the Philippine area of responsibility as of Wednesday morning. Th...

Will De Venecia son show up when Senate resumes NBN probe

Finally, a boulevard named after 'Ka Pepe' Diokno

MANILA, Philippines -- Two decades after his death, one of the brightest beacons during the dark days of martial law was finally paid homage. The tribute to former Sen. Jose W. "Pepe" Diokno -- activ...

House junks 2 impeach complaints vs Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines -- As expected, the administration-dominated House of Representatives on Tuesday junked the two supplemental impeachment complaints against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo less t...

11 senior police officials reshuffled, 19 others retired

At least 11 senior police officers were reshuffled following the retirement of 19 senior officials, including five police generals, this November. Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for P...

Summit of 4 living presidents pushed

MANILA, Philippines -- Amid the political uncertainties faced by the Arroyo administration, the stage is being set for a reunion of past and present Presidents to pursue an elusive goal -- unity for t...

PBA to clarify disputed rules

REACTING to brickbats thrown by the league's coaches, the Philippine Basketball Association has decided to clarify the controversial new set of rules that has transformed the action on the court into ...

Greenpeace warns public on dangers of GMO rice

Japan police to step into shooting of Japanese scribe

The Japanese police will step into the investigation of a shooting incident involving a Japanese journalist in Pasig City Tuesday. Radio dzBB reported Wednesday that the Japanese embassy has starte...

Not only can Chadleen smile, she can sing!

MANILA, Philippines -- Her bright eyes and bubbly smile hide the fact that the pretty girl used to be the object of ridicule because of a deformed lip and palate. Growing up in Cebu, Chadleen Lacdo-o...

RP scores, but can't hold off revamp plans

FACED with growing concerns, including a clamor for its revamp, the Harbour-Philippine Team threw a little argument in its favor by hurdling newcomer Pharex, 85-75, and clinched its fourth win in six ...

Tagaytay Highlands ladies sweep 4 matches, lead WGAP Cup

TAGAYTAY Highlands came out spewing fire in its WGAP Cup campaign, sweeping its first-round matches on Monday at the Player course of the Orchard Golf and Country Club. Maripaz Domingo and Rosalie He...

Gomez makes it; Luat crashes out

Close this MAKE way for another Filipino longshot. Robert Gomez, a qualifier from Zamboanga, marched into the Last 64 of the $400,000 World Pool Championship at the Araneta Coliseum last to ...

Fire hits idle WPC table

ACTION IN THE FOURTH DAY OF the 2007 World Pool Championship literally got hot yesterday. A billiard table lighting caught fire as soon as it was turned on. Tournament staff rushed to put out the fir...

Mutinying Filipino sailors held after docking in Mauritius

Close this NAIROBI -- Mauritius authorities on Tuesday detained nine Filipino sailors who staged a mutiny and seized control of a vessel off the island's coast, a maritime official said. "Th...

US envoy backs 'accidental gas explosion' theory

Ingrates, NPC execs call Angono artists

Estrada told to pay gov't P600M in 5 days

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Deposed President Joseph Estrada Tuesday vowed not to relinquish his home in Greenhills and his sprawling estate in Tanay without a fight, as the Sandiganbay...

US envoy says military aid to RP 'still a work in progress'

BAGUIO CITY - (UPDATE 2) US Ambassador Kristie Kenney Tuesday said that while the US Senate had approved an increase in military assistance to the Philippines, the US House of Representatives was stil...

Sans measures, RP could face energy crisis

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes on Tuesday said the country could face an energy crisis if no significant measures are implemented to cushion the impact of the continuous increase in the prices of crude...

Government to lose if Comelec chief is named now

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang's possible appointment of a new Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman to serve the un-expired term of its former chair Benjamin Abalos is see...

RP Cuppers Arcilla, Tierro stamp class on PCA rivals

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion Johnny ARcilla stamped his class on Raffy Santiago, 6-2, 6-0, Monday to reach the round-of-16 in the 26th Philippine Columbian Association Open Tennis Champio...

Cone hits out at PBA officiating, new rules

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- It's getting to be a habit. Every winning coach gives a piece of his mind on officiating at the end of the game in the ongoing Smart-PBA Philippine Cup. But...

Corteza downs Wu for $3,000 side purse

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Reigning National Open Champion Lee Vann Corteza beat 2005 World Pool titlist Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 15-10, in their 10-ball match to pocket $3,000 at the ...

Norwood, 4 others eyed to boost tired RP quint

GAMES TUESDAY (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) 2 p.m. -- Pharex vs Harbour-RP Team 4 p.m. -- San Mig Coffee vs Mail and More MANILA, Philippines -- A troubled national squad batting for the inclusion of at lea...

Andam avenges defeat to Soquet

More World Pool stories on the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championships special site. MANILA, Philippines - Leonardo Andam led another hard Philippine charge on Day 3 of the $400,000 World Pool Cham...

Philippine court serves order to seize bank accounts, property of ousted president

MANILA, Philippines – A Philippine court served ousted President Joseph Estrada with an order Tuesday to seize $16 million worth of his ill-gotten funds and property as part of his historic plun...

"Kabayan" moves northwestward, no longer a threat to RP

Typhoon "Kabayan" (Peipah) has stopped being a threat to any part of the Philippines after it moved northwestward Tuesday night. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service...

US urged to do 'reality' check on RP govt's move vs killings

A human rights group on Tuesday urged the US Senate not just to impose conditions for the release of the additional $2-million military aid to the Philippines, but also do a "reality check" if the Arr...

A Christmas wish

Express yourself in chocolate

MANILA, Philippines—I chanced upon Chocopix Personalized Confectionery store last week. I saw the sign and had to take a peek.

Whipping up a Pinoy meal in Iowa

MANILA, Philippines—So what’s Filipino food like? The question was begging to be answered in Iowa. Not with words but by cooking.

Home sweet (spaghetti) home

MANILA, Philippines—If family makes a home, The Old Spaghetti House should rightfully be called Old Spaghetti Home.

Divine intervention and vintage champagne

MANILA, Philippines—Champagne is classified as sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines can be called champagnes. And while all non-vintage champagnes are manmade, only God can “make” vintage champagne.

Laxatives for body, mind and spirit

MANILA, Philippines―Do you think you need to release all the junk from within by taking a laxative?

A partnership made in heaven

The high-end Philippine Tatler magazine and the country’s largest privately owned real-estate company, Century Properties, mounted an awesome unforgettable gathering of alta society’s power players and hotshot mega namedroppable luminaries from various industries in a double launch event

Hearing, smelling and feeling psychic information

MANILA, Philippines―Clairaudience is the mental ability to hear voices or conversations from afar. This happens rarely and when it does, it is almost always spontaneous or involuntary. One just hears a conversation without the concerned parties anywhere near the individual.

Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Pilar

MANILA, Philippines - Many Cebuanos attended the reception hosted by Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias Romero and his wife Soledad to mark their country’s national day, at the embassy residence in Forbes Park, Makati City.

Looking for Mr. Right

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I am working in California as a nurse. I am pretty stable financially. There is this resident MD that my friend wanted to introduce to me. He is Asian.

Cofradia to hold Triduum of Masses at Manila Cathedral

MANILA, Philippines - For the first time, the Cofradia de la Inmaculala Concepcion will hold its Triduum of Masses to honor Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at the Manila Cathedral on Nov. 27-29, 11:45 a.m.

Hard habits to break

MANILA, Philippines - Why are bad habits so hard to break? Just when I thought my lifestyle had become healthier, sleeping early and avoiding sweets to keep my throat ready for “Celebrity Duets,” I find myself midnight snacking Royce Chocolate and watching 2nd Avenue until 3 a.m.

The Philippine Headlines - November 07, 2007

2007-11-07T08:38:00.000+08:00

Will De Venecia son show up when Senate resumes NBN probe?

Security Bank income up 36%

MANILA, Philippines--Medium-sized commercial bank Security Bank Corp. reported a 36-percent rise in net income in the first three quarters of the year to P1.83 billion from P1.35 billion in the same period last year.

Ousted Pakistan judge urges anti-Musharraf uprising

ISLAMABAD – (UPDATE) Pakistan's deposed chief justice urged people to "rise up" against President Pervez Musharraf's emergency rule Tuesday, as the government ignored a global outcry and cracked down on fresh protests.

Top Yahoo officials apologize to mother of jailed newsman

WASHINGTON – (UPDATE) Top Yahoo officials at a US congressional hearing Tuesday nodded in silent apology to the mother of a Chinese journalist, who was jailed after the Internet giant provided information to Beijing police.

FDC to issue 3.5-B shares

MANILA, Philippines--Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), the publicly listed holding firm of the Gotianun family, has applied with the Securities and Exchange Commission for issuance of up to 3.5 billion new and existing shares.

Finally, a boulevard named after ‘Ka Pepe’ Diokno

MANILA, Philippines -- Two decades after his death, one of the brightest beacons during the dark days of martial law was finally paid homage.

Domestic outsourcing business expected to rise

MANILA, Philippines--The outsourcing trend is expected to take deeper roots among local companies as more Filipinos get the hang of making purchases and transactions by phone or the Internet, an official of Pilipinas Teleserve Inc. said.

Energy conservation measures pushed anew

MANILA, Philippines--With oil prices spiraling across the globe, the Department of Energy has renewed efforts toward energy conservation, calling on the people to cut down on use of lights and air-conditioning, and to observe proper driving habits to save on fuel.

Greenpeace warns public on dangers of GMO rice

MANILA, Philippines--The environment group Greenpeace on Tuesday warned the public of an impending “economic and ecological disaster” if genetically modified rice became available commercially.

Ayala’s IMI, Zesto vying for ASEAN awards

MANILA, Philippines--Two Philippine companies have made the list of 12 finalists vying for four prizes in the first ASEAN Business Awards (ABA), winners of which will be announced during the ASEAN Business Investment Summit on Nov. 18.

Former houseboy says employer made him sex slave for 6 years

MANILA, Philippines – A 33-year-old man has sued his former employer, whom he claimed made him a sex slave for six years.

EPD cops to seek new ruling on Boratong case

MANILA, Philippines – The police will use all legal means to pursue the murder case filed against the Boratong couple, whom they accused of operating a compound of shabu dens in Pasig City which was raided last year, Eastern Police District chief, Senior Supt. Nilo de la Cruz, said yesterday.

Palace backs BIR, BoC exemption from pay standardization

MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will certify as urgent a House bill exempting employees of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BoC) from the Salary Standardization law, the bill’s author said.

Beyonce in town for one-night concert

MANILA, Philippines – International pop superstar Beyonce Knowles flashed a wide smile upon arriving in Manila yesterday afternoon.

40 killed in Afghanistan's deadliest suicide attack

PUL-I-KHUMRI, Afghanistan -- Forty people including six lawmakers were killed in a suicide blast in Afghanistan on Tuesday in the deadliest attack since the 2001 fall of the Taliban, a health official said.

Oil drilling in Visayas to start this month

MANILA, Philippines--Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd. (Japex), operator of Service Contract 46, will drill this month the first exploratory well within its contract area covering the Tañon Strait in Central Visayas, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said.

Sacks found in Taytay yield 4 bodies

MANILA, Philippines – The police are trying to identify two men and two women—one of them pregnant—whose bodies were stuffed separately into sacks and dumped near a bridge in Taytay, Rizal province yesterday morning.

45 illegal African emigrants die of thirst on boat

NOUAKCHOTT – (UPDATE 2) At least 45 African migrants have died of cold and thirst after their boat ran aground in the Atlantic Ocean trying to reach Europe, a Mauritanian security official said on Tuesday.

Oil closes at record $96.70 in New York

NEW YORK -- The price of oil closed at a record high of $96.70 a barrel in New York, after earlier hitting an all-time peak above $97, amid concerns about tight US supplies.

Mutinying Filipino sailors held after docking in Mauritius

NAIROBI -- Mauritius authorities on Tuesday detained nine Filipino sailors who staged a mutiny and seized control of a vessel off the island's coast, a maritime official said.

Teacher shot outside a Miami school, suspects on the loose

MIAMI -- Three Miami schools were shut down Tuesday, after a teacher was shot outside one of the buildings during an apparent robbery attempt, police told local media.

US envoy backs ‘accidental gas explosion’ theory

BAGUIO CITY -- The Philippine National Police’s “accidental gas explosion” theory has found another backer in US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who said American experts had also concluded that the Oct. 19 blast at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City was “a tragic accident.”

Bayan exec freed after 4 days with Army

CALBIGA, SAMAR—The military released on Thursday the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) spokesperson in Eastern Visayas, four days after he was “invited for questioning.”

Ingrates, NPC execs call Angono artists

Gov’t says nuclear power isn’t a priority

MANILA, Philippines--The option to venture into nuclear power generation will serve as the government’s last resort, in case no new additional capacity comes in before a projected 2010-2011 critical period in Luzon, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said.

Archers, Lions head Champs League cast

MANILA, Philippines -- They have proven that they’re the best in their respective leagues. It’s time to test their true worth when ranged against other champions.

Unidentified man shoots QC law enforcer

MANILA, Philippines – A police officer is in critical condition after he was shot by a still unidentified suspect in Quezon City yesterday morning.

BSP moves to help exporters cope with rising peso

MANILA, Philippines--The central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), has lined up new measures to help exporters cope with the adverse impact of a strong peso, including initiatives to boost access to bank loans.

MILF to join hunt for Lintang Bedol

COTABATO CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday said it was willing to help the police in hunting down controversial Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol, who police said is now a fugitive and armed.

Murder raps filed vs Gonzalez, driver

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice the other day filed charges against businessman and grandson of former President Elpidio Quirino, Luis Gonzalez, and his driver Antonio Buenaflor, in connection with the death of Gonzalez’s stepbrother.

SM Prime may fold in China malls

MANILA, Philippines--The family of mall czar Henry Sy may soon transfer its China malls to Manila-listed mall operator SM Prime Holdings Inc. as part of the company’s growth strategy.

Beach tossers sure of medal

MANILA, Philippines -- They’ve pitted their skills against the world’s best with some success. Filipino beach volleyball bets Heidi Ilustre and Diane Pascua now believe they are ready to do battle in next month’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

ICTSI takes over Georgia’s Batumi terminal

MANILA, Philippines--Publicly listed port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) officially took over operations at the Port of Batumi in Georgia through subsidiary Batumi International Container Terminal LLC (BICTL), the parent company said in a statement Tuesday.

San Miguel Brewery eyes P25B from IPO

MANILA, Philippines--San Miguel Brewery Inc., the domestic beer business unit of the beverage and food conglomerate San Miguel Corp., aims to raise as much as P25.2 billion from an initial public offering (IPO) of stock in the first quarter of next year.

Estrada told to pay gov’t P600M in 5 days

MANILA, Philippines -- Deposed President Joseph Estrada Tuesday vowed not to relinquish his home in Greenhills and his sprawling estate in Tanay without a fight, as the Sandiganbayan threatened to seize these assets should he fail to pay the government more than P700 million.

Five groups remain in race for PNOC-EDC stake

MANILA, Philippines--From the 14 pre-qualified, only five groups are vying for the government’s 60-percent stake in the publicly listed geothermal power producer PNOC Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC).

GM to take $39-B charge

LOS ANGELES - General Motors Corp. said on Tuesday it would book a $39 billion non-cash charge in the third quarter related to deferred tax assets in the United States, Canada and Germany.

100 solvent users rounded up in QC

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) apprehended at least 100 alleged solvent users in a "clean-up" operation conducted in several areas in Quezon City starting Tuesday night.

Henin makes winning start at WTA Championships

MADRID - World number one Justine Henin began the defense of her WTA Championships title with a 6-1 7-6 win over Russian Anna Chakvetadze on Tuesday.

Filipino sailors in mutiny jailed in Mauritius

NAIROBI - Mauritius authorities on Tuesday detained nine Filipino sailors who staged a mutiny and seized control of a vessel off the island's coast, a maritime official said.

Bush seeks tougher import and food safety rules

WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush on Tuesday proposed tougher inspection rules meant to keep dangerous food and other products out of the United States and said he wants broader power to recall food that is unsafe for US consumers.

PAGASA eyes LPA as 'Kabayan' exits

Weather forecasters closely monitored a low pressure area (LPA) Wednesday east of the country as typhoon "Kabayan" (international codename: Peipah) slowly moved out of the Philippine area of responsibility.

(UPDATE) DPWH shuts Osmeña bridges to traffic

The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) will close to traffic two bridges along Osmeña Highway in Manila Wednesday (not Tuesday night as reported earlier) for repairs.

Wall Street gains on energy, Cisco

NEW YORK - Stocks rose on Tuesday as oil prices topped $97 a barrel and lifted shares of Exxon Mobil Corp and other energy producers, while optimism a day ahead of Cisco Systems Inc earnings drove another rally in technology shares.

Astronomers find system with five planets

WASHINGTON - NASA scientists said they discovered a fifth planet orbiting a star outside our own solar system and say the discovery suggests there are many solar systems that are, just like our own, packed with planets.

Mayor girds for legal war over sloppy bridge work

The mayor of Valenzuela has threatened to file a lawsuit against certain officials for the alleged crude repair work done on the Tullahan Bridge that divides the city and neighboring Malabon.

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The Philippine Headlines - November 06, 2007

2007-11-06T08:18:00.000+08:00

Shuttle Discovery heads home after ambitious, risky mission

WASHINGTON -- The US shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station on Monday, wrapping up a complex mission marked by a daring spacewalk to repair a torn solar array.

A quarter of adults clinically obese across 63 countries

PARIS -- A quarter of men and women in 63 countries were found to be obese in a massive study of more than 168,000 people, France's top medical research institute said Monday.

Italian police arrest Mafia supremo

ROME -- Sicilian police on Monday arrested Mafia supremo Salvatore Lo Piccolo just a year and a half after nabbing his predecessor as the "boss of bosses," Bernardo Provenzano.

International warnings for Musharraf over emergency decree

PARIS – (UPDATE 2) US President George W. Bush called Monday on Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to end emergency rule, even as European and American officials offered mixed warnings over cutting Pakistani aid.

Storm ‘Kabayan’ kills 7; state of calamity up

MANILA, Philippines -- Tropical Storm “Kabayan” pummeled northern Luzon with winds gusting up to 135 kilometers per hour, plunging towns and villages into darkness and killing seven people -- including a lawyer and his girl friend, who drowned while swimming despite warnings to stay out of the water.

RP Cuppers Arcilla, Tierro stamp class on PCA rivals

Cone hits out at PBA officiating, new rules

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s getting to be a habit. Every winning coach gives a piece of his mind on officiating at the end of the game in the ongoing Smart-PBA Philippine Cup.

Hollywood writers ready for long haul as strike begins

HOLLYWOOD -- With placards raised and fists clenched, defiant Hollywood writers warned Monday that they were ready for a long battle as their first major strike for nearly 20 years got underway.

Storm ‘Kabayan’ moving slowly away from northern Luzon

MANILA, Philippines -- Tropical Storm “Kabayan” (international code name: Peipah) remained almost stationary for the past six hours as it moved slowly away from northern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

(UPDATE) 9 Filipino crew members stage mutiny on ship

MANILA, Philippines -- Nine Filipino crew members of a Taiwanese fishing vessel Monday staged a “mutiny,” taking over their ship while it was sailing off the African nation of Mauritius in the southwest Indian Ocean, to protest alleged maltreatment by their Taiwanese captain.

NFA exceeds rice distribution targets

The National Food Authority (NFA) surpassed its rice distribution targets for May to October by 4.2 million bags due mainly to its lower prices, an NFA official said.

Pakistani police smash protests amid global anger

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani police used tear gas and batons to crush protests by lawyers against President Pervez Musharraf on Monday, despite a torrent of worldwide outrage at the imposition of a state of emergency.

Sevillano shares first with 6 GMs in Nevada

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino International Master Enrico Sevillano emerged tied for first to seventh places with six grandmasters in the just concluded 5th Reno Western States Open Chess Championships in Reno, Nevada.

BIR tells La Suerte: Pay higher excise tax

Pall Mall cigarettes may be released from for market distribution on condition that the producer, La Suerte Cigar and Cigarette Factory, pays a higher excise tax, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said.

World oil prices pull back after record-breaking run

LONDON--World oil prices fell away from recent record peaks on Monday as traders took profits on easing supply concerns owing to the US subprime crisis and the calming of political tensions between Turkey and Iraq.

Corteza downs Wu for $3,000 side purse

MANILA, Philippines -- Reigning National Open Champion Lee Vann Corteza beat 2005 World Pool titlist Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 15-10, in their 10-ball match to pocket $3,000 at the One Side billiard hall in Malate, Manila, late Sunday.

Strong peso hurting Customs

The strengthening of the peso has chopped off more than P10.8 billion from the government’s potential revenue from import duty collection, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said.

Gov’t pushes extension of hybrid rice program

The Department o Agriculture is pushing for continuation of its hybrid rice commercialization program, saying this addresses the gap between production and consumption, and the welfare of rice farmers.

Filinvest-led consortium formed for PNOC-EDC bid

Filinvest Development Corp., the publicly listed holding firm of the Gotianun group, has tied up with International Power PLC and International Power Masinloc Holdings Inc. to strengthen its bid for the government’s remaining 60-percent shareholding in geothermal power producer PNOC Energy Development Corp.

20 bidders eye P6.3-B rail interconnection deal

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) reported a high turnout for its auction of a contract to interconnect Metro Manila’s overhead Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) worth P6.3 billion.

BSP readies next round of forex lib

The central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), is finalizing its next round of foreign exchange liberalization aimed at reducing business costs by relaxing restrictions on overseas investments and over-the-counter purchases of US dollars.

(UPDATE) North Korea starts disabling nuclear facilities

SEOUL -- North Korea on Monday started an unprecedented disabling of its nuclear program under the supervision of a US team of experts, US officials said.

PNP turns to court as final arbiter of Glorietta blast

Let the courts decide. The Philippine National Police has taken this position in response to the claims made by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) that the Glorietta 2 blast on Oct. 19 that killed 11 people and injured more than a hundred was not a gas explosion.

SSC, La Salle tossers score

MANILA, Philippines -- San Sebastian College turned to Thai import Bualee Jaroensri anew to rally past Far Eastern University, 17-25, 25-11, 25-18, 25-9, Monday for its fifth straight triumph in the Shakey’s V-League women’s volleyball second conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Norwood, 4 others eyed to boost tired RP quint

MANILA, Philippines -- A troubled national squad batting for the inclusion of at least five new players hopes to regain its bearings in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup today.

Tight security for Brunei's top player

TALK OF HEAVY SECURITY. Prince Muhtadee Billah, the crown prince of Brunei who happens to be an excellent pool player, is competing in the $400,000 World Pool Championship here for the second straight year.

Andam avenges defeat to Soquet

MANILA, Philippines – Leonardo Andam led another hard Philippine charge on Day 3 of the $400,000 World Pool Championships, ripping German gun Ralf Souquet, 9-5, at the Araneta Coliseum Monday night to put a foot in the Last 64.

US aid tied to RP action on killings

MANILA, Philippines -- The US Senate has served notice it wants the Arroyo administration to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before it approves additional military aid.

Google signs up 30 partners for mobile phone push

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO--Google Inc on Monday lifted the shroud cloaking its long-rumored plans to enter the mobile phone market, saying it was building software to make the Internet run more easily on cellphones.

Bhutto slams Pakistan crackdown, calls for elections

KARACHI--Former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto on Monday condemned a police crackdown on lawyers rallying against a state of emergency and called for elections as planned in January.

NY set for fall art auctions; new Gauguin record expected

NEW YORK--New York's fall art auction season gets under way Tuesday, with major collectors from around the world expected to be bidding record prices in the impressionist, modern and contemporary sales.

(UPDATE) Dell to buy data storage network firm for $1.4B

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK--Dell Inc said on Monday it will buy data storage network company EqualLogic for $1.4 billion, its largest acquisition ever, as it seeks to boost its fastest-growing business segment.

European, Australian police crack child sex ring in Europe

THE HAGUE--A cross-border investigation into a Europe wide child-sex network has led to 92 arrests in eight countries, officials of the European prosecutor's organisation Eurojust told a press conference Monday.

Hollywood writers go on strike over new-media pay

LOS ANGELES--Hollywood writers went on strike Monday in a standoff with the big studios over their share of the profits from DVD sales and online broadcasts, despite last-minute talks to end the dispute.

Wall Street cringes as Citi revives fears

WASHINGTON--Fear and mistrust gripped Wall Street on Monday after Citigroup's CEO quit in the wake of mounting credit losses and an influential money manager called the subprime mortgage market a "$1 trillion problem."

US scolds Musharraf but smothers aid cut talk

WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Monday urged Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf to lift a state of emergency, quit as army chief, and hold elections soon -- but left unclear whether US aid hung in the balance.

McGrady,Granger tabbed NBA players of the week

NEW YORK - National Basketball Association Player of the Week honors went to Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady and Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger on Monday.

'American Gangster' outguns North American box-office

LOS ANGELES - Hard-hitting crime drama "American Gangster" gunned down the opposition in North American theaters over the weekend, netting 43.6 million dollars, final figures showed Monday.

Wall Street falls with Citi

NEW YORK - Stocks fell on Monday after Citigroup's warning of billions more in loan losses compounded fears that the credit crunch could get worse.

Mural on Philippine press freedom gets censored

<a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/11-02-2007/mural-neo-angono.jpg"><IMG src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/11-02-2007/mural.jpg" alt="History of Press Freedom in the Philippines by the Neo-Angono Artists Collective - click to enlarge image" hspace=4 vspace=4 border="0" align=left></a> 

 
 
 
<HR>
By DAVID DIZON 

abs-cbnNEWS.com 
 
A mural on the history of press freedom in the Philippines commissioned by one of the country's oldest press organizations is creating controversy after several portions of the final artwork was altered without the artists' consent before its unveiling last week. 
 
The Neo-Angono Artists Collective said the National Press Club made "slipshod alterations" on the 8x32 foot oil on canvas artwork several days before it was unveiled before President Arroyo on October 26. 
 
NPC defended the move, saying that none of the alterations were permanent. It added that Neo-Angono members failed to appear before the NPC to do the final alterations as stipulated in the contract for the mural. 

 
<a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=97889" class="more">more...</a>

RP continues World Pool romp in Day 3

The Philippines continued its roll in Day 3 of the 2007 World Pool Championship as three local cue masters scored wins over their respective opponents at the Araneta Coliseum on Monday.

China looms as new boxing power

There were only 23 Asians of 80 fighters who qualified for the Beijing Olympics at the just concluded World Championships at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion.

Still a toss-up for Pacquiao's next opponent

Freddie Roach is looking at lightweight champion Juan Diaz and not super-featherweight king Juan Manuel Marquez as Manny Pacquiao's next opponent.

State of calamity declared in Isabela towns

The provincial government of Isabela declared a state of calamity in the towns of Ilagan and San Mateo following the onslaught of tropical storm Kabayan (international codename: Peipah) on Monday.

Kabayan cancels Kenney's appointments in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY - Tropical storm "Kabayan" battering Northern Luzon provinces with rains and strong winds had cancelled engagements of US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney here.

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won�t Join Resign-GMA Calls

Those hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for...

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

Two legal questions are being raised: the President’s power to grant pardon to an impeached leader and the “procedural errors”...

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

President Arroyo today granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last...

Mike Arroyo Promised $70 M in Broadband Deal, Says De Venecia

Whistleblower Joey de Venecia III told a Senate hearing today that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was reportedly promised...

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

World Bank and UN launch initiatives to strengthen states’ capability to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

Tight security measures for Beyonce concert in Taguig City

Car theft suspects' kin hit 'slow' pace of probe

New and improved service coming soon, says Philpost

Osme a Highway bridges' rehabilitation starts today

Binay in 2010 Too early to tell, says mayor

Abalos brother accused of poll fraud in Mandaluyong City

Gov't assures safety of 3T Pinoys in Islamabad

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Cristobal added that Yambao also advised Filipinos in Islamabad to be alert and take the necessary precaution in ensuring th...

Police hit for failure to arrest Bedol

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said the failure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol "reinforces the suspicion that he i...

Sandiganbayan issues writ on Erap's assets

The Special Division of the antigraft court has issued a two-page writ of execution ordering Sheriff Eduardo Urieta to make Estrada turn over to the state all of his assets and pieces of propert...

Police question findings of Ayala Land's foreign experts

The national police on Monday expressed some reservations on the findings of the foreign experts commissioned by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) to investigate the cause of the Glorietta 2 mall explosion.

House rejects new impeach case vs. GMA

A "supplemental" impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Arroyo on Monday before the House of Representatives was quickly rejected while a similar one awaited action from congressmen ...

Filipinos top tipplers in Southeast Asia-survey

Alcohol consumption in the Philippines is on the rise and affluent Filipinos outdrink their Southeast Asian counterparts, according to a new survey released Monday.

Beyonc , 70-man entourage to fly to Manila Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines--International pop superstar Beyoncé Knowles is flying to Manila via a chartered flight Tuesday afternoon, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has confirmed. ...

Storm batters northern Philippines, leaves six dead - Summary

Manila - A tropical storm has left six people dead and displaced thousands more in the northern Philippines, police and civil defence officials said Monday. Five of the fatalities were reported in Isa...

Boxers face brain injury, death in ring

Those who oppose government regulation say the number of boxers who have died from blows received is not accurately known. And it does seem that some sports, like horse racing, register higher d...

Trade chief remains hopeful of JPEPA ratification

MANILA, Philippines--Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said on Monday he remained confident that the Senate would ratify the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). Favila told report...

Shoppers trickle into Glorietta but sales still slow

The sales woman, who requested anonymity, said she observed that the usually large crowd flocking to the malls has dwindled since the October 19 blast that killed 11 and injured more than 100. S...

Arroyo cites economic gains

MANILA, Philippines- Facing more impeachment complaints, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reminded both her allies in Congress and the political opposition that they had a duty to the people to "cont...

I have what it takes to be President

MANILA, Philippines--Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay may be coy about what he exactly wants to run for in 2010 but he's not coy about his qualifications for the highest post in the land. Binay declar...

I'll be an asset

MANILA, Philippines - "I WILL be an asset to the Commission on Elections." Thus declared Moslemen Macarambon Sr. on Monday, his first day on the job as the poll body's newest commissioner. The forme...

Court orders forfeiture of Estrada assets

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan on Monday ordered a sheriff to confiscate more than P700 million in bank accounts and real estate property owned by former president Joseph Estrada in favor of ...

9M families feel poor

MANILA, Philippines--About nine million families (52 percent) consider themselves poor, while about 7.5 million families (43 percent) consider themselves poor in terms of food, according to a recent s...

SC orders first-ever DNA testing in RP rape case

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has ordered a lower court to subject a convicted rapist to DNA testing to determine whether he was guilty beyond reasonable doubt. In a 20-page decision autho...

Filipino sailors stage mutiny in Indian Ocean

NAIROBI -- Nine Filipino sailors staged a mutiny and seized control of a fishing vessel off the Mauriutius coast over alleged mistreatment, a maritime official said Monday. "The sailors took control ...

Senate passes cheap medicines law

MANILA, Philippines--The Senate on Monday passed a long-awaited law that aims to lower the price of medicines. By unanimous vote, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1658 or the Quality Affordable Medicine...

Solon doubts Arroyo-De Venecia reconciliation

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines--"Plastikan lang iyan (It was all for show)." This was how Nueva Ecija Rep. Eduardo Nonato Joson described the caucus Saturday called by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo...

Greenpeace presses passage of renewable energy bill

TIME'S RUNNING OUT. Greenpeace activists don mock clocks in front of the Senate to demand the immediate passage of a renewable energy bill. The group warns little time is left for the Philippines to s...

Sen Estrada to block judges who convicted father from SC

MANILA, Philippines -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada on Monday vowed to block the appointment to the Supreme Court of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court justices who convicted hi...

LP questions denial of CA seat by Speaker before SC

MANILA, Philippines -- The Liberal Party (LP) has gone to the Supreme Court to question the decision of House Speaker Jose de Venecia to deny the party its one-seat representation in the powerful Comm...

Third Arroyo impeach rap set, this time from militant solons

MANILA, Philippines -- Another impeachment complaint, the third, against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is being prepared by militant lawmakers at the House of Representatives, Bayan Muna Represent...

New impeachment raps 'minor distraction'--Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang sees the fresh impeachment complaints lodged against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as "minor distraction" that will not affect her work. Press Secretary Ignacio ...

Arroyo's Macarambon appointment unimpressive--Villar

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has failed to make an impressive appointment at the Commission on Elections with her choice of Iligan City regional trial court judge Moslemen ...

Arroyo Orders Measures To Ensure Safety Of Philippines Community In Pakistan

Manila, Nov. 5 (bna) -- Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-arroyo Has Given Orders To Follow Up On The Situation Of The Philippines Community In Afghanistan After The Recent Emergency Rule Had Bee...

Arroyo might name ex-SC justice to Comelec--Palace spokesman

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo might appoint a former Supreme Court justice to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), her spokesman Ignacio Bunye said. But Bunye said the Pr...

Repentant mutineers 'brainwashing' client-soldiers--lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- Two former rebel officers, who have reaffirmed allegiance to government, have been "brainwashing" nine enlisted Army Scout Rangers linked to an alleged February 2006 coup plot, ...

US Senate ties military aid to better human rights

MANILA, Philippines -- The US Senate wants the Philippines to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before approving additional military aid for the country, a Foreign Secretary Albert...

Gordon calls for younger, more aggressive Comelec nominees

MANILA, Philippines -- Nominees to the Commission on Elections should be "younger, more aggressive," Senator Richard Gordon said Monday. Gordon, who heads the committee on constitutional amendments, ...

'08 budget, JPEPA, Aussie VFA top Senate agenda--Villar

MANILA, Philippines -- The proposed 2008 national budget, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, and the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement with Australia top the agenda at the Sena...

Five teenagers drown at beach party in central Philippines

Manila - Five teenagers drowned, while one went missing during a beach party to celebrate their victory in last month's youth council elections in the central Philippines, police said Monday. Three we...

More impeach raps vs Arroyo to be filed at House

MANILA, Philippines -- A supplemental complaint that includes President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the impeachment case against resigned elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. was filed at the House o...

Tropical storm Peipah rakes across northern Philippines

BAGUIO, Philippines: Tropical storm Peipah raked across a sparsely populated mountain region of the northern Philippines early Monday, toppling power lines and leaving more than 600,000 people without...

Abu Sayyaf commander killed in southern Philippines

Zamboanga City, Philippines - A commander of al-Qaeda-linked Muslim Abu Sayyaf rebels was killed Monday in a clash with government troops in the southern Philippines, a marine battalion commander said...

Philippines' Arroyo ends tiff with speaker - reports

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ended differences with House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia, smoothing the path to completing her term in office, news r...

Philippine Food Mission Seeks Saudi Partners

Ronald Concha, Arab News JEDDAH, 5 November 2007 - A delegation of officials and businessmen is arriving in Jeddah today from Manila to promote Philippine products and joint ventures with Saudi invest...

Fire Leaves 3 Dead, Thousands Homeless in Southern Philippines

Al Jacinto, Arab News JOLO, Philippines, 5 November 2007 - Three people died and thousands were left homeless after a fire swept through several neighborhoods in an island-town off Sulu province in th...

Lim offers free rehab to drug users in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- Drug dependents from Manila's slums can get a new lease on life with the opening of a rehabilitation center in Sta. Cruz today. Mayor Alfredo Lim will inaugurate the new Manila...

Anti-Arroyo forces line up 2 more impeachment complaints

MANILA, Philippines -- Forces seeking to unseat President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have lined up two more impeachment complaints against her. The twin cases being readied by about 10 cause-oriented an...

Cop says Indian's abduction a case of mistaken identity

MANILA, Philippines -- After six days in captivity, an Indian national was freed on Saturday by his abductors after they realized that he was not the businessman they were supposed to kidnap. Police 0...

Manila firm disputes police findings on mall blast

MANILA The company that owns a shopping mall in the Philippines where an explosion killed 11 people last month said yesterday it disagreed with police theories that a build-up of gases in the baseme...

Manila keeps bid date for Transco despite delays

Manila: The state agency overseeing the sale of Philippine power assets has pushed back some key deadlines for pre-qualification processing related to bidding for the national power grid, an official ...

Arroyo sees de Venecia's stay in House speakership

HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will not be ousted on Monday after all. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave this impression after calling a caucus of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (...

25 suspects in extrajudicial slays jailed

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. As of mid-October this year, 25 suspects were already arrested -- 13 in the cases of murdered political activists and 12 in ...

Midterm referendum for President, Vice President proposed

A LAWMAKER has filed a measure providing for the holding of a midterm referendum for the positions of President and Vice President to determine whether they continue to enjoy the trust and confidence ...

Palace eyes Melo to fill Comelec vacancy

Retired Supreme Court justice Jose Melo was recently asked by Malaca ang if he is interested in filling the position left by Benjamin Abalos, a source, who asked not to be named, told The Manila...

Senate resumes session with busy agenda

The Senate resumes today what promises to be its most productive first regular session in a decade with Senate President Manuel Villar identifying the P1.227-trillion proposed national budget fo...

President Arroyo belies split in Lakas, Cabinet

The President said over the weekend that the Lakas coalition remains solid and her administration is strong, adding that the ruling party is making plans for 2010.

Chamber asks Senate to ratify JPEPA

The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) got a boost Sunday when the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked the Senate to ratify it.

Ara sure Manny's new movie won't bomb

Now that he is everybody's hero again, after indisputably proving he is Barrera's master on October 6 in Las Vegas, Pacquiao is giving top priority to his new movie titled, Anak ng Kumander, whi...

Biofuels drive threatening food security--consumer watchdog

MANILA, Philippines--Consumers who are supportive of efforts to cut down the country's oil import bill, as a way of preventing upticks in food prices amid the current long-drawn oil price spike, shoul...

Arroyo calls for law on the development of renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines--With oil prices surging to record highs, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has called on Congress to pass legislation that would help the country deal with the problem by making i...

Palace presents proof of Arroyo, Speaker 'reconciliation'

MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Sunday Lakas leaders had agreed not to allow "small hurts" to wreck party unity, and other Lakas officials sought to finally put down rep...

Better lay your cards on the table now

CAUAYAN CITY, Philippines--Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III, a member of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), said on Sunday that moves to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. would only stop if the Sp...

Ayala Land refutes accidental gas blast theory

NOT AN ACCIDENT. Ayala Land Inc. President Jaime Ayala gives a press conference in Manila, 04 November 2007, urging the police to reconsider their theory that an accident was the real cause of a power...

Government bid to forfeit Lucio Tan's assets dismissed

MANILA, Philippines-The Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division has dismissed the government's petition to forfeit assets of tycoon Lucio Tan. "The government is not entitled to a partial summary judgment as ...

Biofuel Feedstock Farming Expected to Generate 725,000 Jobs in the Philippines

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 4 November 2007- At least 15 local and foreign companies have expressed interest in investing in biofuel crops, an emerging industry that is expected to gen...

After Estrada, Rolito Go seeks presidential reprieve

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Rolito Go, convicted in the death of Eldon Maguan during a traffic altercation in 1991, is also dreaming of being the recipient of presidential largesse like...

New faction in majority said ready to oust De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- A new faction has emerged within the already shaky majority coalition and it is also seeking the ouster of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. according to an independent congressman. ...

Internal problems bug RP

SEATTLE -- One of the largest business groups in the Greater Seattle area considers the Philippines to be a nation of potential, but it is hindered by internal problems. William Stafford, president o...

Macarambon in Comelec a good thing but problems still abound

MANILA, Philippines -- The appointment of a Muslim to The Commission on Elections (Comelec) may help solve some electoral problems in Mindanao but a Comelec official said the bigger brunt for solving ...

Palace shrugs off oust-JDV rumors

MALACA ANG shrugged off Saturday rumors that its allies will oust Jose de Venecia Jr. as Speaker when Congress resumes session this Monday.Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the claim of Represen...

Lawmaker files bill limiting marriage to 'males, females'

A CONGRESSMAN has filed a bill limiting marriage to natural born males and natural born females only. Muntinlupa City Representative Rozzano Rufino Biazon, who authored House Bill 79, inserted Article...

Power rates may go down amid oil price hike

DESPITE the rise in world prices of oil, government claimed Saturday that electricity rates may even go down in the last months of 2007.Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) head Rodolfo Albano said the ...

Congressman questions PCSO's ads spending

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Catanduanes Representative Joseph Santiago raised these questions shortly after learning that the PCSO had subsidized this w...

Rainy season best time to discover gems in Metro's backyard

MANILA, Philippines--The rainy season from June to November can be an opportune time for city dwellers to do "small towning" -- visiting small towns and provincial cities to observe local cultures and...

New golden era launched by Filipino featherweight superstar

The birth of a golden era in a boxing division requires a three- or four-cornered fight, with the triumphant fighter gaining the right to be proclaimed the greatest boxer of the era-even if he is ...

PacMan will face major rivals in 2008

WBC President Jose Sulaiman feels the same way. The WBC head honcho has in fact directed Marquez to defend his WBC tiara against Pacquiao not later than March 1, 2008.

Past Filipino greats in world boxing

Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo was the first to electrify the world in The Great Pinoy Boxing Era. This is the title of a 32-minute documentary video by a young Fil-American, Corky Pasquil. C...

Boxing is our best hope for Olympic medal

On October 31, light flyweight Ta amor became the first boxer to earn an Olympic berth after reaching the quarterfinals in the International Amateur Boxing Association World Boxing Championships...

Other agencies' help sought for Glorietta evidence analysis

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Bureau of Investigation will ask the help of other government agencies in examining the evidence gathered from the basement of the Glorietta mall where an explosion...

Artists decry defilement of commissioned mural at press club

MANILA, Philippines -- A group of artists is outraged by the "bastardization" of its mural on press freedom at the National Press Club, and is accusing the NPC of "censorship." "Isn't it ironic that ...

Police, military deny arresting Bedol -- Goltiao

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao may not know where Commission on Elections official Lintang Bedol is. But it is pretty sure neither th...

Davide didn't recommend Macarambon--report

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Newly appointed election commissioner Moslemen Macarambon is not among those recommended by former chief justice Hilario Davide for the post, according to a re...

Insurgents blow up Philippine phone mast

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Communist guerrillas blew up a mobile phone mast in the central Philippines, possibly as part of an attempt at extortion, a police statement said Saturday. A large group...

Philippine Senate considers Aust troops agreement

An agreement between the Philippines and Australia on the status of visiting forces has been submitted to the Philippine Senate for ratification. President Gloria Arroyo has written the Senate, askin...

Philippines relieved over mall accident

manila Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's top aide said yesterday he was relieved that a deadly explosion in a Manila shopping mall last month was an accident rather than a terrorist attack.

Philippine delegation gets insight into Malaysian education system

THE Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Uda 2 and Sekolah Agama Al Attas Al Arabiah here were recently visited by a 70-man delegation from the Philippines Education Ministry who were here to study the Malaysian...

Pardoned Estrada spearheads medical mission in Philippine capital

Manila - Pardoned former president Joseph Estrada on Saturday spearheaded a medical mission in a slum district in the Philippine capital, cheered by thousands of supporters. The 70-year-old Estrada wa...

A prima donna still

Nov. 1 of every year reminds all of us that death is a great leveler. Everybody-rich or poor, the powerful and the humble-dies. Everything, including the hold on power, comes to an end. When you die...

QC barangays tapped to help in tax collection

MANILA, Philippines - With the barangay elections over, the Quezon City government's newly elected officials are being tapped to work as agents of the city treasurer's office. Quezon City treasurer Vi...

Tougher laws against disappearances sought

MANILA, Philippines - Families of desaparecidos yesterday renewed their call for lawmakers to enact laws that would penalize enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the country as they m...

Weddings, not funerals, at old cemetery site

MANILA, Philippines - What used to be a place for grieving now serves as a venue for beautiful beginnings. Located in the heart of Manila, Paco Park-a 4,000-sq m piece of property along Gen. Luna Str...

A fight against global warming

MANILA, Philippines - In the scheme of things, 4,000 trees may not spell much of a difference in the fight against the worldwide phenomenon called global warming. But for Jocelyn Tan and like-minded ...

Arroyo wants anti-poverty programs monitored

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Press Secretary Bunye said the President wants all departments to coordinate and submit to NAPC their "concrete plan on how ...

Watchdog opposes Macarambon's appointment to poll body

THE Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) is dismayed with the appointment of Mindanao Regional Trial Court Judge Moslemen Macarambon to the Commission on Elections (COmelec) without ...

200 cases of elderly inmates in Bilibid up for review

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Corrections has forwarded around 200 cases of inmates aged 70 and above for review by the Board of Pardons and Parole. BuCor director Ricardo Dapat yesterday expla...

CA junks Rockwell Land bid

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has rejected a bid of Rockwell Land Corp. to dismiss a civil suit for damages filed by a resident of an exclusive Makati village against the realty firm whic...

198 more Pinoy educators to teach in US schools

AT LEAST 198 out of the 300 Filipino teacher-applicants who passed the rigid screening early this year that was conducted by school officials from Maryland, United States will fly out of the country i...

Macarambon competent lawyer, decent person -- GO spokesman

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A son of the late senator Mamintal Tamano, Genuine Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano, on Friday vouched for the "competence" and "decency" of newly-appointed ...

Give fellow some slack, Estrada lawyer appeals to Sandigan

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The lawyer of deposed president Joseph Estrada has appealed to the Sandiganbayan to "give the fellow some slack" following pronouncements it would run after ...

Comelec needs independent people, says election lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- It all boils down to one question: Is he independent? This is the question thrown by some sectors at Malaca ang following its appointment of Iligan City Judge Moslemen Macarambo...

Outsourcing industry undaunted by peso rise

UNFAZED by the peso's continued rise, the Philippine outsourcing
industry is pushing an ambitious plan to corner 10% of the $130-billion
global market in just a little over two years.

Encoding center complaint pressed by party-list group

Texting in Japanese and Chinese now possible with Smart's expanded service

Google launches OpenSocial

Venture capital

Angling for a piece of the handset pie

Small call centers pool ideas

DAVAO CITY -- The Philippine Call Center Alliance, Inc.
will meet this Nov. 9 to chart a clearer strategy for developing its
members, consisting of small- and medium-sized call centers with
capacities of 10-200 seats.

Plea to stop merger of cable firms denied

THE COURT of Appeals has denied media giant GMA Network,
Inc.'s petition to stop the merger of three cable companies, saying the
jurisdiction over the matter rests solely on the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Open House: The Business Realities of Virtual Reality

Noted science fiction writer Issac Asimov once said in describing new inventions, "The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' (I found it!) but 'That's funny ..."

Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

SEEKING TO CORNER a 10% share of the $130-billion worldwide business process outsourcing (BPO) market, the local industry has drawn up a road map detailing measures to be undertaken over the next three years.

Backed by NBC, News Corp., Hulu seeks to deliver TV programs online

NEW YORK - Hulu, a joint venture between News Corp. and
NBC, began testing the delivery of TV shows online yesterday including
some of the most popular programs on American television.

IT stakeholders move to sustain skills pool

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, or IT, stakeholders in the country
are coordinating closely, via a memorandum of understanding (MoU) they
signed yesterday, to ensure that the growing IT industry in the country
will have a sustainable pool of skilled workers it can tap.

Headline: Financial sector tax reforms eyed

CHANGES IN THE WAY THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IS TAXED will stimulate more capital market activity but entail around P6 billion in annual revenue losses for the government — a situation the Finance department wants to avoid as it aims for a balanced budget next year.

Corporate News: Filinvest, International Power team up

GOTIANUN-LED Filinvest Development Corp. has partnered with London-based International Power Plc. in its bid for the government's stake in the geothermal arm of the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC).M

Banking & Finance: Gov't rejects bids for 1-year T-bills; other tenors decline

THE GOVERNMENT yesterday rejected all bids for the one-year Treasury bills after banks asked for a premium.

Stock Market: Stocks rise as investors hunt for bargains

SHARE PRICES closed higher yesterday as investors bought stocks up for bargain. The composite index gained 0.42% or 15.84 points to 3,774.81 after moving between 3,739.22 and 3,778.47.

The Economy: Cheaper drugs bill hurdles Senate with seven other measures

EMERGING from its month-long break, the Senate yesterday passed on third and final reading Senate Bill 1658, or the proposed Quality Affordable Medicines Act of 2007, along with seven other measures.

The Nation: Opposition includes Arroyo in additional ouster charge

THE OPPOSITION yesterday made good its promise and filed two supplemental impeachment complaints at the House of Representatives to include President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in relation to the scrapped broadband network project.

IT Matters: Outsourcing industry undaunted by peso rise

UNFAZED by the peso's continued rise, the Philippine outsourcing industry is pushing an ambitious plan to corner 10% of the $130-billion global market in just a little over two years.

Mushroom farm sends Aeta folk to school

FLORIDABLANCA, PAMPANGA-Sisters Annie and Arlene Mercado, and 12 other Aeta in Sitio Nabuklod in Barangay Camachile here, are in school this year, care of the weekly sales from a mushroom farm that tw...

Group held without charge appeals for release

CALAMBA CITY-Five farmers, who are accused of plotting to overthrow the government and are being held by police here for one year and seven months now, are challenging President Macapagal-Arroyo to re...

Arroyo backers temper rally vs junta

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO-The People's Congress for Unity and Peace that will be convened here today by supporters of President Macapagal-Arroyo has revised its manifesto by not naming the people clamoring...

SSC, La Salle tossers score

Eastern Visayas folk warned of floods, landslides

TACLOBAN CITY-The Office of Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas has again warned people to be alert against floods and landslides as more rains and typhoons are expected in the next few months. Rey Gozo...

2 female rights workers threatened on All Soul"s Day

Two female human rights workers claimed they were threatened hours after they took part in a ceremony commemorating victims of enforced disappearances during All Souls' Day on November 2. Olivia Be...

2 new impeach cases filed against President

MANILA, Philippines -- In a move admittedly more "symbolic" than legal, groups seeking to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday filed two impeachment cases, one of which sought to add muscle t...

US aid tied to RP action on killings

MANILA, Philippines -- The US Senate has served notice it wants the Arroyo administration to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before it approves additional military aid. Foreign ...

Storm batters northern Philippines, leaves six dead - Summary

Police tell skeptics to go to court

Metro Manila police on Monday told skeptics to lodge their complaints before the court if they wanted to question the credibility of the initial findings of government investigators that the October 1...

Filipinos top tipplers in Southeast Asia-survey

Alcohol consumption in the Philippines is on the rise and affluent Filipinos outdrink their Southeast Asian counterparts, according to a new survey released Monday.

New low pressure area unlikely to become a storm

The new low pressure area spotted east of Mindanao would not likely intensify into a tropical storm like "Kabayan," Nathaniel Cruz, weather bureau chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and A...

JDV urged to prove "moral revolution" through Arroyo impeach bid

A youth group on Monday urged Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr to uphold his call for a "moral revolution" by allowing stronger impeachment proceedings against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to push thro...

Trade chief remains hopeful of JPEPA ratification

I have what it takes to be President

Arroyo cites economic gains

KMU protests arrest of Cebu leader

MANILA, Philippines--The Kilusang Mayo Uno has scored the arrest of one of its leaders in Cebu by the police and the military on charges that he is a member of the communist New People's Army and that...

I'll be an asset

Court orders forfeiture of Estrada assets

9M families feel poor

SC orders first-ever DNA testing in RP rape case

Opposition senators hit Arroyo-JDV-FVR pact

Opposition senators on Monday assailed Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr, former President Fidel Ramos, and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's renewed alliance, claiming the three leaders made the pact to c...

Filipino sailors stage mutiny in Indian Ocean

Senate passes cheap medicines law

Solon doubts Arroyo-De Venecia reconciliation

Storm claims 5 lives, destroys P19-M property in Cagayan, CAR

At least five people have died and another one reported missing after tropical storm "Kabayan" battered the Cagayan Valley Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region since Sunday, Glenn Rabonza, ...

Don"t judge Macarambon too soon

Resurreccion Borra, acting chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday appealed to critics not to prematurely judge new Comelec Commissioner Moslemen Macarambon. "Assessment will co...

Greenpeace presses passage of renewable energy bill

Sen Estrada to block judges who convicted father from SC

LP questions denial of CA seat by Speaker before SC

Third Arroyo impeach rap set, this time from militant solons

Spokesman denies rift between UNO, opposition solons

Adel Tamano, spokesman of the United Opposition (UNO) on Monday clarified that there was no rift between the UNO and opposition congressmen. His statement was in relation to his earlier pronouncement ...

Macarambon sworn into office, vows to prove critics wrong

Amid the criticisms surrounding his appointment, newly-named Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Moslemen Macarambon took his oath of office Monday in Malacañang, as he vowed to prov...

Senate OKs bill seeking to lower prices of medicines in RP

The Senate on Monday passed a bill that seeks to ease patent laws and bring in more affordable medicines abroad and help spur competition to bring down prices of medicines in the local market. In a...

More groups to supplement Arroyo impeachment bid

Several groups composed of activist non-government and people's organizations are set to file supplemental complaints to the impeachment case filed against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by lawyer ...

6 die as 'Kabayan' hammers N. Luzon

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (international codename: Peipah) already left the north Luzon landmass, but as many as six people have already been reported killed in its wake on Monday afternoon. Radio d...

Jinggoy vows to block Sandigan justices' appointment to SC

Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada on Monday vowed to block the appointment to the Supreme Court of the Sandiganbayan Justices that convicted his father - former President Joseph Estrada - of plunder...

Cheers, jeers greet Macarambon appointment to Comelec

Cheers - and jeers - met Judge Moslemen Macarambon's recent appointment as a Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner. Various comments have been posted on the

Comelec encourages citizens' arrest vs Bedol

Now that it considers him a fugitive from justice, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) encouraged the public Monday to make citizens' arrest on former Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol. ...

Mother and child drown as heavy rains bring floods to Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- A mother and her child drowned while crops were destroyed as rains, which have been pouring for four days thus far, spawned floods in areas of Cebu. Neil Sanchez, executive ...

New impeachment raps 'minor distraction'--Palace

Arroyo Orders Measures To Ensure Safety Of Philippines Community In Pakistan

Bill to cut amusement tax filed at Lower House

A bill seeking to reduce the rate of amusement tax on gross receipts from admission fees in movie theaters and concerts, among others, was filed in the House of Representatives, a solon said on Monday...

US Senate wants RP to improve rights record for aid approval

MANILA - The US Senate wants the Philippines to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before approving additional military aid for the poor Asian country, a Philippine official said Mo...

Ex-SC justice to be appointed to Comelec - report

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will appoint a former Supreme Court justice to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc, her spokesman said Monday. Radio dzBB quoted Presidential Spokesman I...

Arroyo included in impeach case vs Abalos

(Updated 12:40 p.m.) Civil society personalities are setting their sights on reviving an impeachment complaint against resigned elections chair Benjamin Abalos and drag President Gloria Macapagal Arro...

Arroyo might name ex-SC justice to Comelec--Palace spokesman

UNO boosts impeach bid vs Arroyo, files supplemental complaint

The United Opposition (UNO) on Monday filed a supplemental complaint to give more teeth to the three-page impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo earlier filed by lawyer Roberto Raf...

"Kabayan" exits north Luzon, heads off to South China Sea

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (international codename: Peipah) has exited northern Luzon and is moving toward the South China Sea, the Philippine weather bureau said Monday. However, the Philippine Atmo...

Repentant mutineers 'brainwashing' client-soldiers--lawyer

Gordon calls for younger, more aggressive Comelec nominees

'08 budget, JPEPA, Aussie VFA top Senate agenda--Villar

Five teenagers drown at beach party in central Philippines

Other angles still being probed, cops assure Ayalas

Police investigators on Monday assured Ayala Land Inc, owners of the Glorietta 2 shopping mall, that they are still looking into other angles in the blast that killed 11 people last October 19. Pol...

Five in 10 Filipino families say they are 'poor' - SWS

About five in ten Filipino families regard themselves as poor, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed. This, despite pronouncements by the government pointing to a more robust ...

Metro traffic tight as people troop back to work, school

Traffic in Metro Manila was tight early Monday as people from the provinces return from the provinces, while workers and students return to work and school from the long All Saints' weekend. Ra...

House minority to clarify impeach bid before SC

Admitting that taking part in the impeachment process any further is an exercise in futility, the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives will seek redress before the Supreme Court in their bi...

More impeach raps vs Arroyo to be filed at House

Tropical storm Peipah rakes across northern Philippines

Abu Sayyaf commander killed in southern Philippines

Philippines' Arroyo ends tiff with speaker - reports

Philippine Food Mission Seeks Saudi Partners

Midterm referendum for President, VP proposed

Sun.Star: A lawmaker has filed a measure providing for the holding of a midterm referendum for the positions of President and Vice President to determine whether they continue to enjoy the trust and c...

Classes suspended in parts of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera

(Updated 9:12 a.m.) Power outages, uprooted trees and floods were reported in parts of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley as tropical storm "Kabayan" (international code name: Peipah) made landfall in Nort...

3 Filipinos join "Lucky Seven" at World Pool Championship

Former Filipino World Pool Championship titlist Alex Pagulayan, and two other Filipino players Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil Gallego Sunday scored separate victories to advance in ...

Fire Leaves 3 Dead, Thousands Homeless in Southern Philippines

Storm 'Kabayan' weakens slightly, crosses Northern Luzon

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (Peipah) weakened slightly as it crossed Northern Luzon Monday morning, after making landfall near Palanan town in Isabela province Sunday night. Radio dzBB reported t...

Anti-Arroyo forces line up 2 more impeachment complaints

DoJ lawyers take crash course vs pyramid scams

MANILA, Philippines -- To get complaints about investment scams to progress, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has held writing workshops for its prosecutors to give them the chance to focus on drafting...

Sen. Santiago opens bid for seat on int'l court

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has opened her campaign for a seat in the International Court of Justice. She addressed the United Nations General Assembly in...

Luzon can't see the light

Guy Luzon gets home and looks for the light switch. Everything is dark in his home. He fumbles around but can't find anything. All is quiet in the house. Hello? Avi? Amos? No one answers. It's dark in...

2,000 troops beef up anti-NPA drive in the Visayas

ILOILO CITY -- The Army is deploying around 2,000 troops, including 1,000 militiamen, in the Visayas to beef up its campaign against communist rebels. Maj. Gen. Jovenal Narcise, commander of the Army...

Anti-mining bloc sweeps polls in 6 Palawan villages

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- Anti-mining candidates in last week's barangay (village) elections swept pro-mining rivals in an intensely fought contest in Brooke's Point, Palawan, where two large-scale nick...

Arroyo bats for laws on renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines -- With oil prices surging to record highs, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Sunday called on Congress to pass legislation that would help the country deal with the problem by mak...

Little outrage over pardon can be trouble for Arroyo

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- It's not clear if the poor are happy over the absolute pardon granted to former President Joseph Estrada. It is even less clear if they consider the pardon t...

Artists urged to condemn 'indignity' to NPC mural

MANILA, Philippines -- The "bastardization" of a mural at the National Press Club (NPC) has drawn condemnation from an art critic and a visual artist, and prompted calls for artists to band together t...

Arroyo, De Venecia affirm Lakas unity

SURROUNDED by her legislative allies, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sits between House Speaker Jose de Venecia and former President Fidel V. Ramos during a caucus on Saturday in Malaca ang. MALACA...

Blast not from gas

Gabica seeks 3rd Mixed Doubles crown

MANILA, Philippines -- Antonio "Gaga" Gabica eyes his third local title this year when he competes in the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Mixed Doubles: Beauty and the Best 9-Ball Championship at the Sub...

RP five revamp looms in Wednesday's meeting

MANILA, Philippines -- A revamp may be in the offing for the national basketball team set to see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December. The Harbour-Philippine team absorbed its...

Ta amor bows to Zou, settles for silver medal

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Light flyweight Harry Ta amor succumbed to the all-around show of Zou Shiming of China, who easily won their gold medal match, 16-3, Saturday in the International Amateur Boxing A...

Laylo tangles with Bacrot

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Grandmaster-elect Darwin Laylo will face GM Etienne Bacrot of France in the first round of the 2007 World Cup which gets under way in the Russian city of Khanty-Mansysk...

Boxing wake-up call in Chicago

MANILA, Philippines -- It's easy to say nice things about boxer Harry Ta amor, who dared break away from a sleepy, losing system to make it to his third Olympics. He loomed skeletal, drained when he ...

Roxas' solo homer lifts Manila IX

GAMES SUNDAY (Rizal Field) 7 a.m. -- Makati vs Cebu 10:30 a.m. -- Dumaguete vs Marikina 2 p.m. -- Manila vs Taguig MANILA, Philippines -- Virgilio Roxas broke up the duel between national team pitche...

Tigresses enter semis; Lyceum remains in hunt

GAMES WEDNESDAY (The Arena) 3 p.m. -- FEU vs SSC 5 p.m. -- Ateneo vs La Salle MANILA, Philippines -- University of Santo Tomas claimed the third semifinal seat Sunday, beating stubborn Adamson Univer...

Marquez fails to impress Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines -- It was an impressive title defense for World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez Sunday but it made no impression at all to the man he wanted t...

Aces silence Dragons, win 3rd straight

GAMES WEDNESDAY (Cuneta Astrodome) 4:35 p.m. -- Air21 vs Sta. Lucia 7:20 p.m. -- Red Bull vs Talk N Text MANILA, Philippines -- Nic Belasco must have felt awkward meeting for the first time the team ...

Bustamante, 3 more RP cue artists advance

MANILA, Philippines -- Francisco "Django" Bustamante went through his stint in the "Group of Death" in a virtual waltz. But Antonio Lining stared death in the eye and blinked. Bustamante dismantled t...

Too early for 2010 teamups at this time

Saying it is still too early for political team-ups, Senate president Manuel Villar Jr. is unfazed by the early projected team-up of Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay for...

Lucio Tan fends off gov"t bid for asset takeover

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has junked a government bid for an outright forfeiture of the assets of businessman Lucio Tan based on the lone claim of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos that...

Series 2 gives RP batters a lift

GAMES TODAY (Rizal Ballpark) 7 a.m.-Marikina vs Dumaguete 10:30 a.m.-Taguig vs Manila 2 p.m.-Cebu vs Makati MANILA, Philippines -- They may not have enough foreign stints but Philippine men's basebal...

Higaonon leaders learn to apply paralegalism

ONCE EVERY MONTH, ON A SUNDAY like this one, Higaonon leaders from the different villages around Barangay Poblacion in Impasug-ong, about 50 kilometers from Bukidnon's capital city of Malaybalay, woul...

'Tornado' whips up a storm inside new-look Big Dome

MANILA, Philippines -- If quickness will lead to the World Pool crown, make way for Tony Drago. The ex-snooker player from Malta, tall and hefty, moves so quick around the tables that he has earned t...

Phone Pals, Express whip foes

MANILA, Philippines -- Mac Cardona led a balanced offensive attack along with Harvey Carey and Don Allado as Talk 'N Text ripped Magnolia, 100-94, last night in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mun...

"Kabayan" makes landfall in Isabela, crosses north Luzon

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (Peipah) made landfall near Palanan town in Isabela province and has started crossing northern Luzon as of Sunday night, state weather forecasters said. In its 11 p.m. advi...

President Arroyo belies split in Lakas, Cabinet

The President said over the weekend that the Lakas coalition remains solid and her administration is strong, adding that the ruling party is making plans for 2010.

Biofuels drive threatening food security--consumer watchdog

Arroyo calls for law on the development of renewable energy

Palace presents proof of Arroyo, Speaker 'reconciliation'

VP De Castro ponders on lifting OFW work ban in Nigeria

Vice President Noli de Castro on Sunday said he is now studying the possibility of lifting the deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers to Nigeria as requested by a several groups of OFWs. De Ca...

Dealing with a new childhood epidemic

The following is an expanded version of an address to the Rotary Club of Makati on Oct. 3 at the Ayala Tower in Makati City.

The GF-CF Diet: ‘It can turn lives around’

MANILA, Philippines―Most of the doctors who spoke at the Asian Autism Conference in Hong Kong recommended the Gluten Free-Casein Free (GF-CF) Diet for children with ASD.

Laxatives for body, mind and spirit

MANILA, Philippines―Do you think you need to release all the junk from within by taking a laxative?

A partnership made in heaven

Hearing, smelling and feeling psychic information

Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Pilar

Looking for Mr. Right

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I am working in California as a nurse. I am pretty stable financially. There is this resident MD that my friend wanted to introduce to me. He is Asian.

Cofradia to hold Triduum of Masses at Manila Cathedral

Hard habits to break

A family that thrives in God’s love

MANILA, Philippines—Love is more important than any material thing. It’s what keeps the Pastores family together.

Tips for a fruitful trip

MANILA, Philippines—A sage once advised, “Life is short. With our limited tenure, we should aim for spiritual development. It would be foolish to waste time.” As “travelers,” we must remember these basic truths.

The art of math investigation

MANILA, Philippines—Most readers ask for easy logic puzzles and fun math games, but sometimes, I receive requests that warm my heart.

The Philippine Headlines - November 05, 2007

2007-11-05T08:42:00.000+08:00

US reels as Musharraf stages 'second coup'

WASHINGTON -- The United States said Sunday it was reviewing its generous aid to Pakistan but appeared caught in a dilemma over the emergency rule imposed by the military ruler of its "war on terror" ally.

Anti-Arroyo forces line up 2 more impeachment complaints

MANILA, Philippines -- Forces seeking to unseat President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have lined up two more impeachment complaints against her.

Last-minute bid to avert Hollywood writers' strike

LOS ANGELES -- Last-minute talks were underway Sunday to avert a strike by Hollywood screen writers demanding a share of the cash film and television studios bring in from DVDs and online distribution of shows.

DoJ lawyers take crash course vs pyramid scams

‘Kabayan’ weakens but threat to northern Luzon remains

MANILA, Philippines -- Tropical Storm "Kabayan" weakened slightly after hitting land Sunday but still threatened to bring heavy rains and strong winds over northern Luzon, the weather bureau said Monday.

Lim offers free rehab to drug users in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- Drug dependents from Manila’s slums can get a new lease on life with the opening of a rehabilitation center in Sta. Cruz today.

Sen. Santiago opens bid for seat on int’l court

MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has opened her campaign for a seat in the International Court of Justice.

Anti-mining bloc sweeps polls in 6 Palawan villages

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- Anti-mining candidates in last week’s barangay (village) elections swept pro-mining rivals in an intensely fought contest in Brooke’s Point, Palawan, where two large-scale nickel mining projects are starting out.

Anti-mining bloc sweeps polls in 6 Palawan villages

Starry, starry day at the Planetarium

MANILA, Philippines -- They may not see a night sky filled with stars from their homes in the city, but an amazing simulation of one inside the Planetarium in Manila certainly made kids scream and clap their hands in wonder and perhaps, in appreciation.

6 find hope at Quezon Memorial

MANILA, Philippines -- For six people, the Quezon Memorial Circle is more than a park smack in the middle of busy, exhaust-choked Elliptical Road in Quezon City. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, it is a place of hope and new beginnings.

Kidnap suspect to cops: Hunger made me do it

MANILA, Philippines -- Police took into custody a woman who tried to kidnap a young boy who was with his father inside a stadium in Quezon City Sunday morning.

Laylo tangles with Bacrot

Gabica seeks 3rd Mixed Doubles crown

MANILA, Philippines -- Antonio “Gaga” Gabica eyes his third local title this year when he competes in the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Mixed Doubles: Beauty and the Best 9-Ball Championship at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) in Zambales.

Tigresses enter semis; Lyceum remains in hunt

MANILA, Philippines -- University of Santo Tomas claimed the third semifinal seat Sunday, beating stubborn Adamson University, 25-15, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23, in the 2007 Shakey’s V-League women’s volleyball second conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Aces silence Dragons, win 3rd straight

MANILA, Philippines -- Nic Belasco must have felt awkward meeting for the first time the team he helped nail a championship in the last conference.

Hundreds rounded up in Pakistan, elections under threat

ISLAMABAD -- President Pervez Musharraf tightened a state of emergency in Pakistan on Sunday, as police rounded up hundreds of opponents and the government warned it could delay key elections for a year.

Inflation risks may prompt BSP to cut key rates

MANILA, Philippines--WITH INFLATIONARY risks reported to be "manageable," the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas--the Philippine central bank--may go the way of the US Federal Reserve and reduce its benchmark interest rates during its next monetary setting on Nov. 15.

(UPDATE) Storm ‘Kabayan’ makes landfall in Isabela

MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) Tropical Storm "Kabayan" made landfall at Palanan, Isabela in northern Luzon on Sunday night and was expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds over the area, the weather bureau said late Sunday.

Power supply shortage caused Metro brownout

A brownout hit parts of Metro Manila early Monday due to a shortage of power supply.

Vilma's birthday wish: No more illegal gambling in Batangas

How does someone who's celebrity has not dimmed, regardless of time's passing and showbiz trends, who has everthing in life, commemorate her birthday? Actress and Batangas Provincial Governor Vilma Santos actually wanted a small, intimate occasion with only close family and friends.

Jovovich has baby girl in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES - Actress Milla Jovovich has delivered her first child, a baby girl, in Los Angeles, US Weekly magazine reported on Sunday.

Citigroup CEO retires

NEW YORK - Citigroup Inc. on Sunday said Chairman and Chief Executive Charles Prince has retired, and that it expects an additional $5 billion to $7 billion after-tax write-down related to subprime mortgages.

Nalbandian crushes Nadal to win Paris Masters

PARIS - David Nalbandian of Argentina handed out a tennis lesson to world No.2 Rafael Nadal to win his second straight Masters Series title here on Sunday.

Radfcliffe returns in triumph at New York City marathon

NEW YORK - British world record-holder Paul Radcliffe made a triumphant marathon return on Sunday, winning the New York City Marathon 10 months after the birth of her daughter.

US transfers 11 Guantanamo prisoners

WASHINGTON - The United States transferred 11 inmates from its Guantanamo Bay prison camp for suspected terrorists, sending eight to Afghanistan and three to Jordan, the Defense Department said on Sunday.

Davenport bookends short season with another win

QUEBEC CITY, Canada - Lindsay Davenport won the 53rd WTA title of her career here Sunday, defeating third-seeded Julia Vakulenko 6-4, 6-1 in the final of the 175,000-dollar Bell Challenge.

Freed journalists, Sarkozy arrive home from Chad

PARIS - French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived at a military airport near Paris on Sunday with three French journalists freed by Chadian authorities.

Cargill recalls 1 mln pounds ground beef in US

CHICAGO - Agricultural giant Cargill Inc said on Saturday it was recalling more than one million pounds of ground beef distributed in the United States because of possible E. coli contamination.

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won�t Join Resign-GMA Calls

Those hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for...

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

Two legal questions are being raised: the President’s power to grant pardon to an impeached leader and the “procedural errors”...

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

President Arroyo today granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last...

Mike Arroyo Promised $70 M in Broadband Deal, Says De Venecia

Whistleblower Joey de Venecia III told a Senate hearing today that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was reportedly promised...

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

World Bank and UN launch initiatives to strengthen states’ capability to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

Palace revives call for passage of renewable energy bill

MALACA ANG has renewed calls for the passage of the renewable energy bill following the continued increase in the prices of oil in the world market.Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, in his weekly column ...

25 suspects in extrajudicial slays jailed

Senate resumes session with busy agenda

The Senate resumes today what promises to be its most productive first regular session in a decade with Senate President Manuel Villar identifying the P1.227-trillion proposed national budget fo...

Palace eyes Melo to fill Comelec vacancy

Retired Supreme Court justice Jose Melo was recently asked by Malaca ang if he is interested in filling the position left by Benjamin Abalos, a source, who asked not to be named, told The Manila...

Arroyo sees de Venecia's stay in House speakership

President Arroyo belies split in Lakas, Cabinet

The President said over the weekend that the Lakas coalition remains solid and her administration is strong, adding that the ruling party is making plans for 2010.

Chamber asks Senate to ratify JPEPA

The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) got a boost Sunday when the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked the Senate to ratify it.

Midterm referendum for President, Vice President proposed

Ara sure Manny's new movie won't bomb

Now that he is everybody's hero again, after indisputably proving he is Barrera's master on October 6 in Las Vegas, Pacquiao is giving top priority to his new movie titled, Anak ng Kumander, whi...

Biofuels drive threatening food security--consumer watchdog

Arroyo calls for law on the development of renewable energy

Palace presents proof of Arroyo, Speaker 'reconciliation'

Better lay your cards on the table now

Ayala Land refutes accidental gas blast theory

Philippines firm disputes police findings on blast

MANILA (Reuters) - The company that owns a shopping mall in the Philippines where an explosion killed 11 people last month said on Sunday it disagreed with police theories that a build-up of gases in ...

Government bid to forfeit Lucio Tan's assets dismissed

Biofuel Feedstock Farming Expected to Generate 725,000 Jobs in the Philippines

Justices who convicted Estrada in shortlist for SC post

MANILA, Philippines -- As expected, two of the three magistrates of the Sandiganbayan who tried and convicted former President Joseph Estrada of plunder have been included in the shortlist of nominees...

After Estrada, Rolito Go seeks presidential reprieve

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Rolito Go, convicted in the death of Eldon Maguan during a traffic altercation in 1991, is also dreaming of being the recipient of presidential largesse like...

New faction in majority said ready to oust De Venecia

Internal problems bug RP

Macarambon in Comelec a good thing but problems still abound

Palace shrugs off oust-JDV rumors

Power rates may go down amid oil price hike

Lawmaker files bill limiting marriage to 'males, females'

Congressman questions PCSO's ads spending

Rainy season best time to discover gems in Metro's backyard

PacMan will face major rivals in 2008

WBC President Jose Sulaiman feels the same way. The WBC head honcho has in fact directed Marquez to defend his WBC tiara against Pacquiao not later than March 1, 2008.

Past Filipino greats in world boxing

Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo was the first to electrify the world in The Great Pinoy Boxing Era. This is the title of a 32-minute documentary video by a young Fil-American, Corky Pasquil. C...

New golden era launched by Filipino featherweight superstar

The birth of a golden era in a boxing division requires a three- or four-cornered fight, with the triumphant fighter gaining the right to be proclaimed the greatest boxer of the era-even if he is ...

Boxing is our best hope for Olympic medal

On October 31, light flyweight Ta amor became the first boxer to earn an Olympic berth after reaching the quarterfinals in the International Amateur Boxing Association World Boxing Championships...

Other agencies' help sought for Glorietta evidence analysis

Artists decry defilement of commissioned mural at press club

Police, military deny arresting Bedol -- Goltiao

Davide didn't recommend Macarambon--report

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Newly appointed election commissioner Moslemen Macarambon is not among those recommended by former chief justice Hilario Davide for the post, according to a re...

Insurgents blow up Philippine phone mast

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Communist guerrillas blew up a mobile phone mast in the central Philippines, possibly as part of an attempt at extortion, a police statement said Saturday. A large group...

Philippine Senate considers Aust troops agreement

Philippines relieved over mall accident

manila Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's top aide said yesterday he was relieved that a deadly explosion in a Manila shopping mall last month was an accident rather than a terrorist attack.

Philippine delegation gets insight into Malaysian education system

Pardoned Estrada spearheads medical mission in Philippine capital

200 cases of elderly inmates in Bilibid up for review

QC barangays tapped to help in tax collection

Tougher laws against disappearances sought

A prima donna still

CA junks Rockwell Land bid

A fight against global warming

Watchdog opposes Macarambon's appointment to poll body

Weddings, not funerals, at old cemetery site

Arroyo wants anti-poverty programs monitored

198 more Pinoy educators to teach in US schools

Macarambon competent lawyer, decent person -- GO spokesman

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A son of the late senator Mamintal Tamano, Genuine Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano, on Friday vouched for the "competence" and "decency" of newly-appointed ...

Give fellow some slack, Estrada lawyer appeals to Sandigan

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The lawyer of deposed president Joseph Estrada has appealed to the Sandiganbayan to "give the fellow some slack" following pronouncements it would run after ...

Comelec needs independent people, says election lawyer

PMA Class '76 make up new power bloc

THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Magilas" Class of 1976 is now slowly becoming the power bloc in the military and even the national police.

Opposition divided on Macarambon

A further crack within the political opposition in the Senate appeared to have resulted from the recent appointment of a new poll official.

Palace glad terror angle not likely

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said while he is not happy that the blast happened, Malaca ang is glad that findings show it was not the handiwork of terrorists. The blast left 11 dead and mo...

Families of disappeared hold vigil

"Given the uncertainty of the fates of our loved ones, we will continue to seek all avenues to surface our desaparecidos, and to remember them in our every effort to obtain justice," said Mary G...

Bedol continues to elude arrest

Bedol had reportedly left his house in Cotabato City before police arrived to serve him the warrant of arrest that was issued by the Comelec on October 18.

Philippine school linked to scandal in South Korea over fake diplomas

SEOUL: South Korea's fake-degree scandal has spread to the military, with 13 Army officers sacked and prosecuted for faking degrees from a university in the Philippines.

Myanmar sends mixed signals to UN

The abrupt move will likely complicate Gambari's already difficult mission and adds to the mixed signals put out by the junta over recent days.

Two more Abu Sayyaf rebels killed in Basilan clash

This brings to three the number of members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf killed in the battle with Army special forces on the island of Basilan late Wednesday.

Filipino, 7 others picked to carry Olympic torch in China

BEIJING -- A Filipino marketing manager and an American who works with Chinese orphans are among eight foreigners living in China who have been picked to join in the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch run ac...

New coral species discovered in Kalayaan islands, Batangas

MANILA, Philippines -- New coral species have been found in the waters off the Kalayaan group of islands, and Batangas despite a much diminished coral cover, according to a University of the Philippin...

Icophil issues call for research papers

MANILA, Philippines -- The secretariat of the 8th International Conference on Philippine Studies (Icophil) is reminding interested participants to submit their proposals not later than November 15. T...

Activists ask for fuel price controls

MANILA, Philippines -- Militant groups pressed the government on Friday to immediately impose controls on the prices of various petroleum products after the price of oil in the world market hit a reco...

Japanese government asks MILF, MNLF to unite for peace

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- The Japanese government has asked the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front to unite and work together to fast-track the Mindanao peace pro...

Kin mourn desaparecidos at memorial in Baclaran

MANILA, Philippines -- Families of desaparecidos on Friday renewed their call for lawmakers to enact laws punishing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings as they mourned for their missing...

Garcillano denies Macarambon his prot g

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines -- Former election commissioner Virgilio Garcillano on Friday admonished Senator Panfilo Lacson to be circumspect and check his facts before making any claims. Contra...

Militant partylist group to question Macarambon appointment

MANILA, Philippines -- The Akbayan partylist group will also question the appointment of Iligan trial court judge Moslemen Macarambon to the Commission on Elections if only to prove that he did not de...

Lacson to apologize if wrong about Macarambon

MANILA, Philippines -- Even as he reiterated his opinion about newly appointed election commissioner Moslemen Macarambon, Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday said he would apologize if proven wrong about...

Strong economy softening blow of oil price hike--Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- The blow from the recent surge in oil prices would have been worse if not for the "resilient economy" and strong peso, Malaca ang said Friday. Still, despite the natural buffer...

Palace appeals to Macarambon critics

MANILA, Philippines -- Parrying criticisms hurled at its latest appointee to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Malaca ang has appealed to critics to allow Moslemen Macarambon to first prove his w...

Diarrhoea outbreak kills six children in southern Philippines

Davao City, Philippines - A diarrhoea outbreak in a southern Philippine town has killed six children and downed 60 people, local officials said Friday. The children, aged 4 to 6, died since Monday in ...

Palace hoping House leadership remains

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang says the sake of political stability will make the prospect of a shake-up in the leadership of the House of Representatives unlikely when Congress resumes session on ...

P1 discount on sale of oil to farmers, fishermen proposed

MANILA, Philippines -- A bill that seeks to provide a P1 discount for every liter of petroleum products sold to qualified farmers and fishermen in the country has been filed at the House of Representa...

'I will do my job well'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- "Extremely happy" with his appointment to the Commission on Elections, Iligan regional trial court judge Moslemen Macarambon asked Senator Panfilo Lacson to ...

Migration of Filipino Engineers A Factor in Glorietta Blast

Now that the official investigation into the Glorietta blast has concluded it was a gas explosion, a long-time tenant of the mall says Ayala Corp. should make an assessment of the competence of its en...

Ransom demand may come--kin of Filipino on hijacked ship

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The hijackers of a Japanese tanker near Somalia's coast are expected to demand a ransom soon, the sister of a Filipino crew member said Thursday, as Manila i...

Senators clueless over Palace appointee to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- Except for Senator Panfilo Lacson who said he had definitive information about the newly appointed commissioner of the Commission on Elections, other senators were clueless abou...

Manila Cancels Licenses of 43 Recruitment Agencies, Suspends 61 for Violations

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 2 November 2007 - The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has canceled the licenses of 43 recruitment agencies and suspended 61 more for vi...

Mob prevents vote count in QC barangay

MANILA, Philippines - The counting of votes cast for candidates in the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections was halted in a Quezon City school Wednesday night as some 300 supporters of s...

All dogs can go to heaven in style

Unconditional love "It's a way for them to remember their pets and give back what their pets had given them: Unconditional love and loyalty for which they never asked for anything in return," Cabrera...

Repair work on other Valenzuela bridge starts next week

MANILA, Philippines - After reopening the new and improved Tullahan Bridge to traffic recently, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to rebuild another major infrastructure in Val...

9 soldiers facing coup raps transferred to Fort Bonifacio

NINE of the remaining 14 Army soldiers who are detained for alleged involvement in last year's failed plot to overthrow the Arroyo government were taken to the Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in T...

Arroyo raises teachers' cash allowance

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the increase of cash allowance being used by teachers to purchase chalks, erasers, school forms, and other classroom supplies and materials from P300 to P500 ...

Liability of Makati execs, Glorietta owners in mall blast checked

AUTHORITIES are looking into possible negligence committed by officials of the Makati City Government and Ayala Land Incorporated (ALI), the owner of the Glorietta shopping center that was hit by a de...

Fiesta, picnic atmosphere at cemeteries in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Fiesta or carnival time? At cemeteries in the Metro yesterday, it was a mixture of both. No thanks to vendors selling all sorts of merchandise from flowers and candles to dyed c...

Subprime crisis had little impact on Philippines

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine economy hurdled well the recent global financial volatility caused by the US subprime credit crisis that peaked in August, according to an ass...

KMP asks rights victims' souls to hound Arroyo out of office

MANILA, Philippines -- On All Saints' Day, militant groups want the dead and the living to work together in ousting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The farmers group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipin...

Papal nuncio arrives in RP

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, newly appointed papal nuncio of the Holy See to the Philippines, arrived on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airpor...

In "Tribu," real-life Filipino gangs collaborate onscreen

MANILA : When Jim Libiran decided to make a movie about Manila's youth gangs, he was determined to make it as realistic as possible. So he shot it in a neighborhood filled with gangs and cast act...

Palace names Muslim judge to Comelec

Comelec Acting Chairman Resurrecion Borra earlier disclosed that Malaca ang sent the poll body for its comment a list of possible commissioners, which did not include Macarambon. Executive Secre...

JdV ousted before year-end

Jose de Venecia's House Speakership is safe-but for how long is uncertain. Administration ally, Rep. Abraham Mitra of Palawan, on Thursday predicts de Venecia could be ousted before year-end.

Millions Troop To Cemeteries, Honor Dead

At the Manila South Cemetery, about 70,000 people jostled for space to offer prayers, lay flowers and light candles for their dead as street vendors hawked everything from bottled water and snac...

Prosecutor argues for Ong's removal from Sandiganbayan

Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio has insisted before the Supreme Court that Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong must be ousted from the antigraft court because he is not a natural...

Deregulate business to cut red tape - de Castro

Vice-President Noli de Castro has proposed the deregulation of the business environment to cut red tape, which is the bane of business.

LPG prices up as oil surges

In a related development, world crude oil prices on Thursday increased to a record high of more than $96 a barrel, which raises the specter of another round of price increases for diesel and gas...

Top 10 of the world's wackiest scientific experiments

PARIS: Elephants on LSD . . . sexual turn-ons for turkeys . . . attempts to restore corpses to life: all feature on the list of the "craziest scientific experiments of all time," New Scientist r...

Atong Ang needs Cambodia gambling consultancy badly

MANILA, Philippines -- Charlie "Atong" Ang, on probation on plunder charges, has again asked the Sandiganbayan for a seven-day pass to travel to Cambodia where a lottery consultancy awaits him. Befor...

US satisfied with RP efforts vs terrorism, abuses--Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- The increase in Washington's military and economic aid to Manila amounting to $60 million next year is tied to the equally daunting tasks of fighting global terrorism and ending...

Small call centers pool ideas

Plea to stop merger of cable firms denied

Open House: The Business Realities of Virtual Reality

Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

Backed by NBC, News Corp., Hulu seeks to deliver TV programs online

NEW YORK - Hulu, a joint venture between News Corp. and
NBC, began testing the delivery of TV shows online yesterday including
some of the most popular programs on American television.

IT stakeholders move to sustain skills pool

Customs to close encoding centers

IMPORT ENTRY ENCODING CENTERS IN THREE MAJOR PORTS will cease to operate by Monday next week upon order of the Bureau of Customs, in line with a plan to shift to paperless transactions.

Oracle withdraws offer for BEA Systems as deadline expires

BOSTON -- Oracle Corp. withdrew a $6.7-billion bid for business software maker BEA Systems, Inc. on Sunday, setting the stage for a proxy battle between activist investor Carl Icahn and the BEA board.

Toshiba first-half earnings up 18%; full-year forecasts hiked

TOKYO -- Japan�s Toshiba Corp. yesterday sharply raised its profit forecasts after strong sales of computers, memory chips and energy equipment lifted its first-half net earnings up by almost one-fifth.

Headline: Treasury bill rates may dip

MORE Filipino FAMILIEs, about nine million of them, consider themselves �mahirap� or poor, the results of a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

Corporate News: Plea to stop merger of cable firms denied

THE COURT of Appeals has denied media giant GMA Network, Inc.'s petition to stop the merger of three cable companies, saying the jurisdiction over the matter rests solely on the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Banking & Finance: GSIS gives mandate for $1-B foreign fund

AFTER A MONTH of review, state pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has awarded the mandate to manage its $1-billion global investment program to ING Investment Management and Credit Agricole Asset Management (Singapore) Ltd.

Stock Market: Main index may rally following Fed rate cut

SHARE PRICES are expected to go up this week as the local market plays catch-up with regional markets after the four-day holidays.

The Economy: Clark targeting threefold rise in investments

CLARK DEVELOPMENT Corp., or CDC, is targeting investments of about P10 billion next year due to additional big-ticket projects in the business process outsourcing (BPO), tourism, real estate and manufacturing industries.

The Nation: Palace meeting stops scheme to unseat Speaker De Venecia

SHORT OF confirming presidential intervention in preserving the House of Representatives' leadership, Malaca�ang yesterday assured that Speaker Jose C. de Venecia will retain his post; this amid differences with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over a scrapped broadband network project.

IT Matters: Small call centers pool ideas

DAVAO CITY — The Philippine Call Center Alliance, Inc. will meet this Nov. 9 to chart a clearer strategy for developing its members, consisting of small- and medium-sized call centers with capacities of 10-200 seats.

Arroyo bats for laws on renewable energy

2,000 troops beef up anti-NPA drive in the Visayas

Anti-mining bloc sweeps polls in 6 Palawan villages

3 dead, 7,000 families displaced in Sulu fire

DAVAO CITY -- Three persons were killed while several others were injured in a five-hour fire that hit Siasi town in Sulu province at around 4 p.m. on Saturday. Hadja Jainab Abdulmajid, Sulu disaster...

Arroyo allies to hold 'people's congress' vs junta plan

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Supporters of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her home province of Pampanga are convening a "People's Congress for Unity and Peace" Wednesday to counter calls to establish...

Little outrage over pardon can be trouble for Arroyo

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- It's not clear if the poor are happy over the absolute pardon granted to former President Joseph Estrada. It is even less clear if they consider the pardon t...

Artists urged to condemn 'indignity' to NPC mural

Arroyo, De Venecia affirm Lakas unity

Blast not from gas

RP five revamp looms in Wednesday's meeting

Tigresses enter semis; Lyceum remains in hunt

Roxas' solo homer lifts Manila IX

Ta amor bows to Zou, settles for silver medal

Laylo tangles with Bacrot

Boxing wake-up call in Chicago

Gabica seeks 3rd Mixed Doubles crown

Marquez fails to impress Pacquiao

Aces silence Dragons, win 3rd straight

Bustamante, 3 more RP cue artists advance

Too early for 2010 teamups at this time

Saying it is still too early for political team-ups, Senate president Manuel Villar Jr. is unfazed by the early projected team-up of Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay for...

Lucio Tan fends off gov"t bid for asset takeover

Series 2 gives RP batters a lift

Higaonon leaders learn to apply paralegalism

'Tornado' whips up a storm inside new-look Big Dome

"Kabayan" makes landfall in Isabela, crosses north Luzon

Phone Pals, Express whip foes

President Arroyo belies split in Lakas, Cabinet

The President said over the weekend that the Lakas coalition remains solid and her administration is strong, adding that the ruling party is making plans for 2010.

Biofuels drive threatening food security--consumer watchdog

Arroyo calls for law on the development of renewable energy

Palace presents proof of Arroyo, Speaker 'reconciliation'

VP De Castro ponders on lifting OFW work ban in Nigeria

Loren, Chiz wary of JDV"s entry into opposition

At least two senators are wary of the entry of Speaker Jose de Venecia into the opposition block amid threats to his leadership once the congressional sessions open Monday. Senators Loren Legarda a...

Ayala experts contradict PNP findings in Glorietta 2 blast

Experts hired by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), owner and operator of Glorietta 2 mall, contradicted the findings of American and Australian security investigators who said the October 19 explosion in Makati ...

"Kabayan" accelerates, nears Isabela-Aurora area

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (Peipah) accelerated west-southwest and continued on its path toward making a landfall at the Isabela-Aurora area Sunday evening, state weather forecasters said. The Philip...

2,000 troops sent to fight communists in Negros, Bohol, Cebu

ILOILO CITY, Philippines--The Army is deploying around 2,000 troops, including 1,000 militiamen, in the Visayas region to beef up its campaign against communist rebels. Maj. Gen. Jovenal Narcise, com...

Better lay your cards on the table now

Ayala Land refutes accidental gas blast theory

Philippines firm disputes police findings on blast

Let CA decide Macarambon"s fate

Two ranking officials of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday appealed to the public to let the Commission on Appointments decide on the fate of newly designated Elections Commissioner Moslemen Macaram...

"Kabayan" intensifies, storm signal 3 up in Isabela, Quirino, Aurora

State weather forecasters on Sunday afternoon raised public storm signal number 3 in Isabela, Quirino and northern Aurora as tropical storm Kabayan (international name: Peipah) continues to intensify ...

Body found near Quiapo"s Vietnam village

Police on Sunday found another supposed victim of summary execution near Quiapo, Manila's Vietnam village. Radio dzBB said the authorities initially identified the victim as Arupa Jamal, between 30...

Digging on for communist purge victims' remains in Davao Sur

STA CRUZ, Davao del Sur -- The police are trying to locate several mass graves in a village here where victims of the purging in the communist movement were believed buried more than two decades ago. ...

Davao Oriental gov stops mining in two towns

CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental -An environmentalist group and a leader of the Mandaya tribe hailed the decision of Gov. Corazon Malanyaon to impose a mining moratorium in Lupon and Banaybanay towns. "I...

Government bid to forfeit Lucio Tan's assets dismissed

'Kabayan' grows stronger, more areas now under storm signals

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (code name Peipah) continued to intensify on Sunday as it was expected to make landfall in Aurora province in the evening, state weather forecasters said. In its 11 a.m. ad...

Comelec proclaims winners in Payatas after poll mess

The Commission on Elections has proclaimed the winners in the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections from Payatas-A village in Quezon City, four days after a poll-relate...

PPCRV urges transparency in choosing 3 more Comelec execs

A Church-backed poll watchdog on Sunday urged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to ensure transparency in the selection process for three more officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Th...

No move to oust me, I have Arroyo, Lakas support - JDV

Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr on Sunday said the Arroyo administration and the Lakas-CMD party have assured him of full support for his leadership in the House of Representatives during a high-powered po...

Metro cops deny pinning down Ayalas over Glorietta 2 blast

Manila police investigators looking into the Glorietta 2 blast on Sunday dismissed speculations that they were trying to pin down the mall's owner, Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) for the October 19 tragedy, wh...

ARMM cops seek help in catching Lintang Bedol

Police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have asked their counterparts in other regions to help look for former Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol. Radio dzBB on Sunday repo...

UNO plans early for 2010; Jinggoy-Binay slate looms

The presidential elections may be three years away, but for many leaders of the United Opposition (UNO) it is not too early to plan for the 2010 national balloting. On Saturday, UNO said that it is...

Biofuel Feedstock Farming Expected to Generate 725,000 Jobs in the Philippines

'Kabayan' intensifies into storm, moves to north, central Luzon

"Kabayan" (international code name Peipah) intensified into a tropical storm and continued to gain strength as it moved closer to Northern and Central Luzon Sunday morning. At least four provinces ...

Justices who convicted Estrada in shortlist for SC post

After Estrada, Rolito Go seeks presidential reprieve

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Rolito Go, convicted in the death of Eldon Maguan during a traffic altercation in 1991, is also dreaming of being the recipient of presidential largesse like...

Militants to push for radical CARP law

MANILA, Philippines -- The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) peasant group will come up with its own "genuine" agrarian reform bill to replace the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (...

Macarambon in Comelec a good thing but problems still abound

9 of 14 Scout Rangers held in coup try transferred

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Army on Wednesday transferred nine of the 14 detained elite Scout Rangers implicated in the aborted February 2006 coup attempt from Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal,...

RP-UK science partnership a good fit, says ambassador

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine-British Scientific cooperation is now underway under an initiative called "Partners in Science" which started in 2005 when then British Prime Minister Tony Blair kick...

New faction in majority said ready to oust De Venecia

Sanso mural hails 70-year friendship with Henry Sy

MANILA, Philippines -- A grand mural by Philippine-based Spanish painter Juvenal Sanso will be unveiled Monday at the new convention center of the colossal SM Mall of Asia, a testament to the friendsh...

Another Mindanao poll exec ordered arrested

COTABATO CITY -- The failure of the police to find fugitive Maguindanao election officer Lintang Bedol did not deter the Commission on Elections from issuing another arrest order, this time against th...

SC lets case vs Mondragon head proceed

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has paved the way for the criminal prosecution of Jose Antonio Gonzalez, chair of Mondragon Leisure and Resorts Corp. (MLRC), who was charged with estafa by th...

'Bad boy' Zumido turns hero

MACAU -- From bad boy to golden boy. That's the quick transformation light welterweight Ruben Zumido underwent in the Macau 2nd Asian Indoor Games. Zumido, who almost missed his trip here due to a su...

Bill filed vs violent dispersals

MANILA, Philippines -- A militant lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to slap a seven-year prison term on public officials involved in the violent dispersal of protesters. Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo'...

Hapee, Harbour Centre triumph

MANILA, Philippines -- Mark Borboran and Reed Juntilla helped Hapee Toothpaste deflect a Harbour-Philippine Team second-half rally for a 78-73 triumph that kept them on top in the PBL V-Go Extreme Ene...

Bloggers laud 'cool and funny' Samal store owner

ISLAND GARDEN CITY of Samal -- A year has passed and people are still talking about 71-year-old sari-sari store owner Bartolome Malacura and how he was able to collect the money owed him by his custom...

Bataan Catholics' 'Asa' winning war vs 'jueteng'

MANILA, Philippines -- With "Asa" (Hope), Catholics in Bataan are quietly winning the battle against the illegal numbers game "jueteng" and its legal cover, the Small Town Lottery (STL). The campaign...

Internal problems bug RP

UST eyes V-League semis

GAMES TODAY (The Arena) 3 p.m.-Letran vs Lyceum 5 p.m.-UST vs Adamson MANILA, Philippines -- A third semifinalist will be known Sunday when University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University clash toda...

First fleet of 'clean' buses hits Metro streets

MANILA, Philippines -- The first fleet of "Clean" buses is rolling on the roads of Metro Manila. Marked "Hapi Bus," the colorful vehicles have been plying the Manila/Cubao to Laguna/Batangas routes s...

Estrada 'magic' very much alive in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines -- For the first time since he was ousted more than six years ago, former President Joseph Estrada visited Manila's poorest communities yesterday, drawing huge crowds chanting "Era...

Burial space for soldiers running out

MANILA, Philippines -- In 15 years, there may not be enough space to provide a resting place for the country's fallen heroes so the Armed Forces of the Philippines leadership has been making plans to ...

Express lend its stars to Harbour-RP

MANILA, Philippines -- After the woeful disaster in Tokushima last August, there's no way the basketball-crazy Filipino will take another disappointment in the Southeast Asian Games this December. RP...

Bustamante takes it easy this time

MANILA, Philippines -- For someone in the so-called "Group of Death," Francisco "Django" Bustamante of the Philippines doesn't look at all bothered. "I plan to take it easy, not put my mind into it m...

Storytellers reach, touch hearts of kids

WHEN THE PERFORMANCE of more than 2,000 pupils of the South City Central School in Cagayan de Oro City was evaluated last year, at least 10 out of 50 pupils in Grades 1 to 3 did not know how to read o...

These days, players simply 'jump' past venerable Bata

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Aside from Father Time telling him that he's lost some of the touch that made him a Hall of Famer, Efren "Bata" Reyes believes that one very accepted piece o...

Harry stuns US pug, gains semis

Close this CHICAGO, Illinois--Light-flyweight Harry Tañamor whipped up a storm as he stunned American wonder Luis Yanez, 17-7, to barge into the International Amateur Boxing Associatio...

Church dismayed over OK of Bacolod lottery

BACOLOD CITY -- THE CATHOLIC CHURCH here expressed dismay over the passage of the Bacolod City Council resolution endorsing the operation of small town lottery (STL) in the city. The councilors were ...

Acaba leads Negros pool qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines -- Veteran campaigner and Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) founding president Edgar "Malabon" Acaba trounced Florencio Banar, 7-5, to join five others in th...

Hot Hapee battles RP 5 in PBL V-Go Cup

MANILA, Philippines -- Hapee Toothpaste isn't that worried over Fil-Am star Gabe Norwood's current inability to find his offensive groove in the PBL. With a handful of veterans stepping up, the Comple...

2 Arroyo 'kabalens' take Estrada cue, seek pardon

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New golden era launched by Filipino featherweight superstar

The birth of a golden era in a boxing division requires a three- or four-cornered fight, with the triumphant fighter gaining the right to be proclaimed the greatest boxer of the era-even if he is ...

6 provinces placed under storm Signal No. 1

State weather forecasters have placed at least six provinces under storm signal No. 1 Saturday evening as tropical depression "Kabayan" threatened northeast Luzon. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophy...

Past Filipino greats in world boxing

Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo was the first to electrify the world in The Great Pinoy Boxing Era. This is the title of a 32-minute documentary video by a young Fil-American, Corky Pasquil. C...

Other agencies' help sought for Glorietta evidence analysis

Artists decry defilement of commissioned mural at press club

Police, military deny arresting Bedol -- Goltiao

Davide didn't recommend Macarambon--report

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Newly appointed election commissioner Moslemen Macarambon is not among those recommended by former chief justice Hilario Davide for the post, according to a re...

Japan vows to support GRP-MILF talks

The Japan government has assured to pour in more assistance in support to the ongoing peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Makoto Katsura, A...

PNP downgrades nationwide alert level except in Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police on Saturday downgraded its alert after a "peaceful celebration" of the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day nationwide, an official said. Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, ...

Insurgents blow up Philippine phone mast

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Communist guerrillas blew up a mobile phone mast in the central Philippines, possibly as part of an attempt at extortion, a police statement said Saturday. A large group...

Tropical depression enters RP territory

A tropical depression entered the Philippine territory Saturday afternoon, with state weather forecasters code-naming it "Kabayan." The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services ...

Palace pooh-poohs report Erap would back Arroyo impeachment

Malacañang on Saturday downplayed reports that pardoned former president Joseph Estrada would support the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Radio station DZBB ...

Macarambon also a victim of Palace 'secrecy' - poll watchdog

No thanks to the lack of transparency in the selection process, newly appointed elections commissioner Moslemen Macarambon has ended up a "victim" of Malacañang too, Church-backed poll watchdog...

Arroyo orders agencies to cushion impact of oil price hike - report

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has issued a directive to government agencies to draw up measures that would cushion effects of the increase in world oil prices, radio dzBB reported. Quoting info...

Philippine Senate considers Aust troops agreement

Citizen Erap returns to roots, thanks masses for support

He was born in Tondo, one of the poorest areas in Manila, more than 70 years ago, and came back there more than six years after he was pardoned from a 40-year imprisonment due to plunder. On Saturd...

Philippines relieved over mall accident

manila Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's top aide said yesterday he was relieved that a deadly explosion in a Manila shopping mall last month was an accident rather than a terrorist attack.

Fires hit Caloocan, Malabon; 10 houses, warehouse destroyed

At least 10 houses in Caloocan City and a warehouse in Malabon City went up in smoke in separate fires that hit northern Metro Manila Friday night and before dawn Saturday. Radio dzBB reported Satu...

A walk in the clouds

MANILA, Philippines - The semestral break should remind everyone not always to associate schooling with pure readings, tests and the Socratic method of endless question-and-answer. Today’s learning environment can be diverse and exciting, fun-filled and challenging.

Lascano’s dancing waves

MANILA, Philippines - In Leonardo da Vinci’s “Deluge” drawings, we see the hand of the Prime Mover in the great rolling waves of water that churn with magnificent force.

Social realities as seen by three brothers

MANILA, Philippines - Another set of artistic siblings is making a name on the local art scene: Jerson, Julio and Jaypee Samson. (They come in threes, don’t they?)

The poet’s gift to humanity

MANILA, Philippines - What is the place of poetry in a universe beset by violence and terror? Shall poetry lie buried in the rubble? Or shall it call forth like a still small voice out of the whirlwind?

Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Pilar

Looking for Mr. Right

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I am working in California as a nurse. I am pretty stable financially. There is this resident MD that my friend wanted to introduce to me. He is Asian.

Cofradia to hold Triduum of Masses at Manila Cathedral

Hard habits to break

A family that thrives in God’s love

MANILA, Philippines—Love is more important than any material thing. It’s what keeps the Pastores family together.

Tips for a fruitful trip

The art of math investigation

MANILA, Philippines—Most readers ask for easy logic puzzles and fun math games, but sometimes, I receive requests that warm my heart.

Forest wildfires telling man to back off

LOS ANGELES, California—In this city named after them, the angels must be feeling bad at the utter devastation of nearby areas and various sites in California razed by wildfires in what is believed to be among the worst in the state’s history.

The Philippine Headlines - October 31, 2007

2007-10-31T08:31:00.000+08:00

Next Mobile readies links for text messaging

MANILA, Philippines -- Information and communications technology firm Next Mobile Inc. is preparing for text messaging interconnection with Smart Communication, Globe Telecom, and Sun Cellular to expand its menu of offerings for the corporate market, company chief executive Mel Velarde said.

Love bridges divide between living and dead

MANILA, Philippines -- With unrelenting regularity, I lost the person I loved most every 10 years of my adult life. Love, however, is not lost, does not die. Many a bereaved person will attest that love bridges the divide between earth and heaven; it looks for ways to become real for us, earth-bound and sad.

Pierce Brosnan probed for scuffle -- police

LOS ANGELES -- Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan is being investigated for his alleged involvement in a scuffle with a photographer in Malibu, police confirmed Tuesday.

Metrobank hikes tier-2 notes offer to P8.5B

MANILA, Philippines--Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., the country’s biggest bank in assets, increased its tier-2 notes offering to P8.5 billion from P5.0 billion to take advantage of warm investor reception, a bank official said.

Consolidation spells trade success for BIMP-EAGA

DAVAO CITY, Philippines --The main players in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are seeking to eliminate internal trading and competition in favor of consolidation, in a bid to capture larger markets, a senior Mindanao businessman said.

First Gen ties up with Iceland firm

MANILA, Philippines--First Gen Corp. and Iceland-based Reykjavik Energy Invest (REI) have teamed up to bid for the government’s 60-percent shareholding in geothermal power producer PNOC Energy Development Corp.

Arroyo reaching out to Singson, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang is reaching out to Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson who has threatened to break away from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for pardoning convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada.

Empire East signs deal with EDSA lot owner

MANILA, Philippines--Empire East Land Holdings Inc., 46-percent owned by Megaworld Corp., has signed an agreement with the owner of a 13,359-square-meter property along the EDSA highway, at corner of Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City, for a high-rise condominium project.

Aboitiz Transport profit hits P481M

MANILA, Philippines--The sale of three Superferry vessels enabled Aboitiz Transport System Corp. to record a net income of P480.8 million in the first three quarters, compared with a net loss of P353.2 million in the same period last year.

Ermita: No rift, no clue on Malacañang dole

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was kept in the dark about the cash that was dispensed to legislators and governors in Malacañang following a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Oct. 11.

AEV 3-quarter profit jumps 63%

MANILA, Philippines--The conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) reported that its net income in the first three quarters grew 63 percent year-on-year to P3.9 billion from P2.4 billion, boosted by gains from the sale of shares in its power and banking units.

Overwhelming UN support to end US embargo on Cuba

UNITED NATIONS -- The UN on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly for the 16th year in a row to end the crippling US trade embargo against Cuba, despite a pledge from President George W. Bush that it will stay in place.

Wall Street ends lower; Fed announcement awaited

NEW YORK -- Wall Street shares closed lower Tuesday with investors on tenterhooks as the Federal Reserve mulls US borrowing costs amid mounting economic uncertainty.

Fed meets with markets banking on another rate cut

WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve policymakers convened for a two-day meeting Tuesday as bets mounted on Wall Street that the central bank would cut borrowing costs for the second time in as many months.

After arrest, Sison opens door to talks with gov’t

UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS -- The door is open to the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels who have been waging a nearly 40-year insurgency, according to the exiled founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Major Iraqi dam in danger of collapse

WASHINGTON -- Iraq's largest dam is in danger of collapse and hundreds of thousands of people are at risk from a massive inundation in Mosul and Baghdad, according to US documents released Tuesday.

Crude oil price dives $2 on profit-taking

LONDON -- World oil prices slumped Tuesday by about two dollars as traders banked some of their recent record gains, following news that output would restart in Mexico after a stoppage.

Boxing gold medals no longer for sale?

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA -- Now that Anwar Chowdry’s despotic regime as president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is over, are Filipino boxers a step closer to winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal?

SBMA: Tax ruling doesn’t cover Philip Morris project

MANILA, Philippines--The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authory (SBMA) said a $20-million tobacco leaf warehouse project of Philip Morris International in the Subic Bay Freeport, northwest of Manila, would not be covered by a Supreme Court decision allowing collection of tobacco and alcohol taxes in the free port area.

Crippled Kings battle Aces; Bulls vs Express

MANILA, Philippines -- There’s a strong possibility that Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk will recover from their injuries and finally see action for Barangay Ginebra as early as next week.

Solar antenna panel on Int’l Space Station torn

WASHINGTON -- At least one panel on a solar antenna on the International Space Station was damaged on Tuesday as it was repositioned during the shuttle Discovery's mission to the orbiting space lab.

Arroyo-Estrada alliance possible, says Ermita

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Tuesday raised the possibility of a political alliance between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and deposed President Joseph Estrada following her decision to free the convicted plunderer.

Cojuangco appointed OCA adviser

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco was named adviser of the Olympic Council of Asia yesterday.

8 cities cited for being ‘business friendly’

MANILA, Philippines--The National Competitiveness Council (NCC), a group formed jointly by the government and the private sector to promote economic competitiveness, has cited eight cities for being “business-friendly” based on its scorecard.

Kepco eyes more Philippine power plants

SEOUL, South Korea -- Korea Electric Power Corp., through subsidiary Kepco Philippines Corp., is looking at acquiring power plants in the Philippines in preparation for the expiration of its cooperation agreement for the 650-megawatt Malaya thermal power plant in Rizal province, outside Manila.

Malampaya group can’t commit increased gas output

MANILA, Philippines--The consortium than runs the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project is uncertain on whether it can commit to produce gas from the Malampaya field beyond the volume being used to fuel three power plants with a total capacity of 2,700 megawatts, an official said.

BSP sees 3rd-quarter economic growth at 7%

MANILA, Philippines--The Philippine economy likely sustained in the third quarter the robust growth recorded in the first semester despite a slowdown in exports, and will likely register an expansion of seven percent, the central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), said Tuesday.

Olympic swim hopefuls eye SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines -- More than just winning gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, the national swimmers will also be vying for Olympic slots in the December sportsfest in Thailand.

Pacman pool: De Luna trips Orcollo, pockets P1M

MANILA, Philippines -- Rising pool star Jeffrey De Luna pulled the rug from under the favored Dennis Orcollo, 11-9, over the weekend to bag the P1-million champion’s purse in the P2-million Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Biofuel sector draws P34B in investments

MANILA, Philippines--Fifteen companies are interested in investing a total of P34.08 billion in planting crops for biofuel feedstock, the Department of Agriculture disclosed Tuesday.

Chief Justice Puno: An unlikely revolutionary

MANILA, Philippines -- As a young lawyer, Reynato Puno was part of the solicitor general’s panel that defended before the Supreme Court President Ferdinand Marcos’ political moves that put the nation under dictatorial rule.

Judiciary flexes muscles on extrajudicial killings

MANILA, Philippines -- The wounds inflicted by chain whips tipped with barbed wire have healed but bad dreams of the torture chambers where they had been taken during 18 months under military captivity rouse them from sleep most nights.

Poll watchdog: ‘Name people above fray to Comelec’

MANILA, Philippines -- The church-based poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has asked Malacañang not to appoint anyone involved in politics to the vacant posts in the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

3 Filipino pugs underdogs

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- They feel good about their chances, but Violito Payla and Harry Tañamor know that making it to the 2008 Beijing Olympics is easier said than done.

Suicide at MRT station averted

MANILA, Philippines – A garbage scavenger threatened to jump yesterday afternoon from the third floor of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Quezon Avenue Station in Quezon City.

Bondad earns Euro Tour card

MANILA, Philippines -- Frances Bondad, a full-blooded Filipina playing for Australia, on Friday earned a full card in next year’s Ladies European Tour after finishing third in a tough qualifying tournament in Italy.

Abducted militant seeks SC protection

MANILA, Philippines -- An urban poor leader, who was allegedly abducted in Cavite province and later released by the military, on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court for a protection order for her and her two daughters under the newly effective writ of amparo.

Couple nabbed by cops for attempted bribery

MANILA, Philippines – Two Chinese nationals were arrested by operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office yesterday after the suspects allegedly tried to bribe them with almost P.5 million.

Bualee bombs La Salle as SSC gains s’finals

MANILA, Philippines -- Thai import Bualee Jaroensri destroyed the enemy off the net as San Sebastian College overpowered a listless De La Salle University crew, 25-20, 25-22, 25-16, Tuesday night to advance to the semifinal round of the Shakey’s V-League Second Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

UP studes light candles for dead frat neophytes

MANILA, Philippines – Students at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City lit candles over the weekend to remember the “senseless” deaths of fellow students allegedly because of fraternity violence.

Andam boosts RP cast to 14 in World Pool

MANILA, Philippines -- Veteran campaigner Leonardo Andam overwhelmed Jharome Peña, 9-4, in an all-Filipino finals late Monday night at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City and became the first Filipino -- other than his seeded compatriots -- to qualify to the World Pool Championships.

Estrada pardon makes lead prosecutor sick

MANILA, Philippines -- For the lead prosecutor who spent almost six years building a case against deposed President Joseph Estrada, the recent pardon granted to the convicted plunderer was apparently too much for his mind and body to bear.

Southern Police ready for special Pasay City elections

MANILA, Philippines – The Southern Police District assured the public yesterday that it would ensure the safety of the special elections to be held in Barangay 76 in Pasay City.

RP, Harbour squads hold off comebacks

MANILA, Philippines -- Jason Castro came through in the final stretch as the Harbour-Philippine team recovered from a near-catastrophic collapse with a 103-92 victory over Toyota Balintawak in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

PNP firms up accidental gas explosion theory

MANILA, Philippines -- Citing “a preponderance” of evidence, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Tuesday declared that the deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 mall on Oct. 19 was an accidental gas explosion.

Repair teams to SLEX for motorists’ convenience

MANILA, Philippines – In anticipation of the exodus to and from Southern Luzon for All Saints’ Day, the South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) said yesterday that 24-hour maintenance and emergency teams have been sent to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) starting today.

9,000 policemen to secure Metro during holiday break

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is deploying 9,000 policemen to secure Metro Manila’s different cemeteries, seaports and bus terminals during the long holiday break.

QC bets hold poll officers hostage

MANILA, Philippines – Some 200 election officers and public school teachers were held hostage for eight hours Monday by seven barangay candidates and their supporters during the canvassing at a public school in Quezon City.

29 dead but polls peaceful, says PNP

MANILA, Philippines – A reelected barangay chairman in Catarman, Northern Samar, was shot dead by three motorcycle-riding men several hours after he was proclaimed on Monday, police said.

Rise in burglaries expected in the long holidays

MANILA, Philippines -- The Manila police are reminding people who are going out of town to observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days to take the necessary precautions to protect their homes from burglaries.

PNP ARMM task force formed to hunt down Bedol

The police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has formed a task force that will hunt down missing election officer Lintang Bedol, who was accused by the opposition of rigging the senatorial elections in favor of the administration in Maguindanao province.

Consumer confidence, earnings trip up Wall St

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday after a weak outlook from Procter & Gamble, disappointing earnings from U.S. Steel and a report showing consumer confidence at a two-year low fueled worries about the economy, consumer spending and corporate profits.

Parenting coach slams Britney Spears in new custody setback

LOS ANGELES - Troubled pop star Britney Spears has failed in her bid to regain custody of her children following a damning review of her parenting skills, court documents showed Tuesday.

Girardi succeeds Torre as Yankees manager

NEW YORK - Former player Joe Girardi has been appointed manager of the New York Yankees in place of Joe Torre, the Major League Baseball team announced on Tuesday. Reuters

US ship helps North Korea vessel crew overpower Somali pirates

MOGADISHU - The US Navy helped the crew of a North Korean cargo vessel regain control of their freighter in a violent struggle Tuesday after it was captured by pirates off Mogadishu port, it said.

Gas explosion near Paris kills one and hurts dozens

PARIS - One person was killed and 42 injured, 15 seriously, in a gas explosion in a building northeast of Paris, emergency officials said on Tuesday.

RFM, other food producers eye $12-B Arab food market

Concepcion-led RFM Corp. together with other local food producers is set to tap the $12-billion Arab food market as they participate in the Middle East International Food Exhibition (IFEX) next month.

Julia hits back at Keanna

Sexy star Julia Lopez is on the warpath anew. This time, the object of her wrath is another sexy star, Keanna Reeves.

15 foreign firms may invest up to P34B in RP biofuels sector

At least 15 companies are preparing to enter the biofuels industry with investments estimated to reach P34 billion.

NAIA still up to standard as RP's main international airport

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) officials have expressed strong opposition to claims that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is no longer fit to be the country's primary air hub.

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won�t Join Resign-GMA Calls

Those hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for...

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

Two legal questions are being raised: the President’s power to grant pardon to an impeached leader and the “procedural errors”...

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

President Arroyo today granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last...

Mike Arroyo Promised $70 M in Broadband Deal, Says De Venecia

Whistleblower Joey de Venecia III told a Senate hearing today that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was reportedly promised...

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

World Bank and UN launch initiatives to strengthen states’ capability to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

UP studes light candles for dead frat neophytes

MANILA, Philippines - Students at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City lit candles over the weekend to remember the "senseless" deaths of fellow students allegedly because of fraterni...

Couple nabbed by cops for attempted bribery

MANILA, Philippines - Two Chinese nationals were arrested by operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office yesterday after the suspects allegedly tried to bribe them with almost P.5 million....

Repair teams to SLEX for motorists' convenience

MANILA, Philippines - In anticipation of the exodus to and from Southern Luzon for All Saints' Day, the South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) said yesterday that 24-hour maintenance and emergency teams hav...

QC bets hold poll officers hostage

MANILA, Philippines - Some 200 election officers and public school teachers were held hostage for eight hours Monday by seven barangay candidates and their supporters during the canvassing at a public...

Suicide at MRT station averted

MANILA, Philippines - A garbage scavenger threatened to jump yesterday afternoon from the third floor of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Quezon Avenue Station in Quezon City. Herman Okoseba, 27, sat on ...

Estrada camp vows to settle civil liabilities

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Saguisag was reacting to reports that the anti-graft court was out to issue the writ of execution on the forfeiture of the P...

Group warns of another people power revolt

COUNCIL of Philippine Affairs (Copa) leader Pastro Saycon, one of the conveners of the newly created No Pardon for Erap (Nope), on Tuesday gave President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo until the first quarte...

Uno impeachment rap dead

THE House of Representatives will not entertain anymore the impeachment complaint to be filed on Monday against President Gloria Arroyo by the United Opposition (UNO).

Southern Police ready for special Pasay City elections

MANILA, Philippines - The Southern Police District assured the public yesterday that it would ensure the safety of the special elections to be held in Barangay 76 in Pasay City. Over 22 polling preci...

Erap no big loss to govt critics-bishop

Former President Joseph Estrada's sudden change of heart not to support mounting calls for President Gloria Arroyo to step down is no big deal, according to a Catholic bishop.

Admin allies still behind JdV, but 'anything can happen'

ADMINISTRATION allies and supporters of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. have played down a reported ouster move against the House leader and change of leadership when session resumes on November 5.

Environment issues matter of survival

"The environment has become a survival issue," Von Hernandez said Tuesday in an exclusive roundtable with editors and reporters of The Manila Times.

3 foreigners, 4 others nabbed for drugs

COMBINED Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force policemen arrested on Tuesday morning seven suspected drug traffickers, including three foreigne...

Wipro to set up development centre in Philippines

NEW DELHI: IT major Wipro, the third largest software exporter from India, on Tuesday said it would set up a development centre in the Philippines.

9,000 policemen to secure Metro during holiday break

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is deploying 9,000 policemen to secure Metro Manila's different cemeteries, seaports and bus terminals during the long holiday b...

Dogs shoot man on hunting trip

James Harris, 37, was shot in the leg while hunting with a friend and two children on Saturday afternoon, the day pheasant season officially opened in Iowa.

Govt wavers on waste management

One indication that the country's garbage problem has already taken a dramatic turn was the announced resignation of one of the country's foremost environmental health specialists, Dr. Metodio P...

Teachers decry nonpayment of election allowance

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Two days after the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections, many public school teachers have yet to receive their poll duty pay, the Allia...

5 Year Old Girl Travels From the Philippines for "Life Changing Operation" in Buffalo

5 year old Primalyn Elias is undergoing a life changing operation. She arrived in Buffalo from the Philippines for an operation on her cleft palate. The cleft palate has left Primalyn under-nourished ...

Filipino workers are tops with Brits, says envoy

MANILA, Philippines -- British business has reaffirmed its confidence in the Filipino worker by investing in a facility that will train Filipinos for jobs in the energy sector, British Ambassador to t...

9 Filipino seafarers onboard tanker seized off Somalia--DFA

MANILA, Philippines -- Nine Filipino seamen were on board a Japanese chemical tanker hijacked off the coast of northern Somalia over the weekend, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday. T...

'Cheap' illegal recruiter nabbed in Manila

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Not all fake recruiters demand large amounts of money. This was the lesson learned by more than 70 people, some of whom hail from depressed areas in Tondo, ...

Philippine central bank intervenes to cap peso traders

Close this SINGAPORE -- The Philippine central bank has been buying the dollar in the currency market on Tuesday to limit rises in the peso after it hit a seven-year high, traders said. The ...

New York mission 'made a dent in UN on human rights'

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita believes the fielding of a high-level delegation to the United Nations session made a "dent" in the international body's assessment of the hum...

Saguisag rejects nomination to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- Thanks but no thanks. The lawyer of deposed president Joseph Estrada, former Senator Rene Saguisag, is not too keen on accepting a post at the Commission on Elections or any gov...

Proper way to arrest youth offenders explained in primers

MANILA, Philippines -- Children in conflict with the law or are suspects in a crime should not be accosted with a gun, a truncheon or handcuffs. Their offense and arrest must be explained to them in ...

Don't appoint politicians to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the Church-based poll watchdog, has asked Malaca ang not to consider those in active politics in filling up the vacan...

Ermita, Puno dismiss talk of rift

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno doused talk of a rift between them, the subject of reports circulating the past few w...

Pardon sicken Estrada's erstwhile prosecutor

MANILA, Philippines -- For the former lead prosecutor who spent almost six years building up a case against deposed president Joseph Estrada, the recent pardon granted to the convicted plunderer was a...

Malaca ang hoping pardon will win over Estrada forces

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang is hoping the pardon granted former president Joseph Estrada will trigger a realignment of political forces favorable to the Arroyo administration, a senior official ...

Nearly 2,000 teachers have TB -- DepEd health center

MANILA, Philippines -- Nearly 2,000 public school teachers were diagnosed with tuberculosis or TB during the first half of the year, according to the Health and Nutrition Center of the Department of E...

Palace confident Ramos, Singson won't undermine gov't

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite their criticisms against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to pardon convicted former president Joseph Estrada, former president Fidel Ramos and ex-governor L...

De Venecia fate now in Palace hands, says solon

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines -- With Malaca ang clinching the crucial support of opposition lawmakers loyal to pardoned plunderer, former president Joseph Estrada, the ouster of Speaker Jose ...

Teachers score delays in poll pay

MANILA, Philippines -- Many public school teachers nationwide have yet to be paid the honoraria for their service in the just concluded barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elec...

Manila mayor calls on poll winners to help in fight vs crime

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila mayor Alfredo Lim on Tuesday urged all winning candidates in the recent barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections to help him in his anti-crim...

Journalists, ex-SC Employee Appear in Bribery Probe

Two journalists, a former Supreme Court employee, and the spokesperson of the Tribunal today faced a three-person panel that was created to look into reports that Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago took...

Manila city gov't open half day on Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines -- The Manila city government will be open only until noon on Wednesday to give its employees time to prepare for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Rafaelito Garayblas, Mayor Al...

Ateneo de Manila University plans degree in game development

Ateneo de Manila University here hopes to soon offer a full-blown degree program in game development, school officials have said. In the past few years, the university has been offering a variety of ...

3 alleged car thieves in Metro Manila arrested

MANILA, Philippines -- Three suspected car thieves believed to be members of a notorious gang allegedly responsible for at least 70 percent of car thefts in Metro Manila, Region 3, and Northern Luzon ...

Estrada lawyer sees no politics in nomination to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- One of Joseph Estrada's lawyers nominated to be the next Commission on Elections chairman does not see President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's hand behind the recommendation. Cagay...

Ermita denies sending list of nominees to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Tuesday denied sending a list of nominees for vacant positions in the Commission on Election (Comelec) to the poll body.. Ermita said he h...

Opposition still wants Arroyo to resign, says Escudero

MANILA, Philippines -- The refusal of former president Joseph Estrada to participate in the opposition's campaign to demand the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will not change their p...

Filipino woman arrested after 2 Americans found dead in hotel

HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong police arrested a Filipino prostitute who was in the luxury hotel room where two American businessmen were found dead of possible poisoning last week, an investigator s...

Philippine police downgrade alert level after nationwide elections

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Tuesday downgraded its alert level nationwide, except in the country's capital region of Metro Manila, following the conduct of the village and youth council polls...

4. Special Forces sergeant drowns in Philippines

Curreri, who grew up in Maryland but most recently lived in Los Angeles, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis. He was a communications sergeant on a Special Forces...

Estrada asked to prove that he's still with opposition

MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Joseph Estrada must take a "more defined stand and prove that he has not capitulated to the administration," a militant lawmaker at the House of Representatives...

PNP lowers nationwide alert but maintains full status in NCR

MANILA, Philippines -- A day after the village and youth council elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has downgraded its nationwide alert status to heightened, from full, except for the Nat...

'Reveal process in choosing Comelec nominees'

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang should reveal the process by which it drew a list of possible nominees to the four impending vacancies at the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the international gov...

Arroyo son, brother-in-law reiterate support for De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's kin in the House of Representatives have reiterated their support for Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. "so long as he is supporting the President....

New papal nuncio to arrive in Manila Thursday

MANILA, Philippines -- The newly appointed ambassador of the Holy See to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams will arrive in Manila Thursday, November 1, at 1:35 p.m. on board Philippine Air...

2 bishops express support for Arroyo pardon of Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- Two bishops who have rejected the call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign over allegations of bribery of congressmen and local officials, have expressed support ane...

Death toll in election-related violence up to 29 in Philippines

Manila - The death toll in violent incidents related to village and youth council elections in the Philippines has risen to 29, police said Tuesday. Four of the casualties were killed on election day ...

Dance fever sweeps jail in Makati

MANILA, Philippines -- It's Halloween or there must be a dancing virus going around. In the tradition of Cebu's dancing inmates, denizens of the Makati City Jail (MCJ) had their own dance revolution ...

Ermita in danger of losing out to Puno

Whether Gloria M. Arroyo did it to unite a divided nation or to save her own skin, only she knows the true motive in pardoning convicted plunderer Erap. It's difficult to fathom a political animal li...

Bomb materials found near QC shopping center

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities recovered a bag full of ammonium nitrate and 19 improvised blasting caps near a Quezon City shopping center Thursday night. Police said it was left behind by a still ...

Metro polls peaceful, says NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines - National Capital Region Police Office chief, Director Geary Barias, described yesterday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Metro Manila as generally peaceful, altho...

Opposition vows to remain critical of government

"We respect the decision of President Estrada especially his decision to be with his mother. The decision was more of a human aspect rather than political," he said.Binay said the opposition will cont...

Palace keeps hands off ouster move v. House Speaker

MALACA ANG distanced itself from plans in the House of Representatives to oust Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. led by the "younger" lawmakers who are reportedly tired of his leadership.Presidential Manage...

Legislators mull SK abolition

Pimentel said the first objection to the continued existence of the SK is the observation that youth leaders "are too young to participate in serious discussions of the local government." "Many of the...

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

Close this The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia's developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant B...

Rapporteur lauds govt's initiatives

Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, noted that "a significant number of initiatives" to address the issue has been taken by the government sin...

Polls generally peaceful with only 23 dead, authorities say

A total of 23 people were killed in the run-up to Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, which government claims is low compared to the deaths in last May's national elections an...

Lucio Tan wins another court case

Taipan Lucio Tan scored another victory, this time at the Supreme Court after it ruled against a petition by the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Six classrooms razed ahead of elections in Nueva Ecija

Six classrooms were torched at Tanauan Elementary School in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) to hold voting in other classrooms in Monday's barangay and Sa...

Issue of medical-waste disposal at center of policy dilemma

Editor's note: The earlier segments covered the advantages and problems with using incineration in the disposal of hazardous medical wastes. The previous parts also reported that government has ...

Old way of life persists in Smokey Mountain community

The government closed Smokey Mountain dump more than a decade ago, not only because of environmental issues but also to improve the living conditions of residents there. But has life there reall...

Rising up from garbage possible - parish priest

The priest said the construction of this environmental church will help residents learn how to improve their living conditions by teaching them how to protect the environment.

Finally, probe of 'coup' rangers begins

MANILA, Philippines -- The military on Monday tried to begin its investigation of the 14 Scout Ranger personnel it still had in detention on their role in the February 2006 coup attempt, the first tim...

Gov't-MILF talks seen resuming next month

MANILA, Philippines -- The government expects to formally resume peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malaysia by mid-November, Presidential Peace Adviser on the Peace P...

How about releasing other prisoners

MANILA, Philippines -- Militant labor on Monday backed the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in its call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to release other prisoners, particul...

Filipino powerlifters set new RP, Asian records in Austria

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino powerlifters have set new record at the 2007 World Open Powerlifting Championships held in Soelden, Austria from October 15 to 20, according to the Department of Foreig...

Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine information technology managers are among the lowest paid IT executives in the world, ranking second from the bottom rung in Asia Pacific and thir...

Ex-Army chief denies telling Speaker, son of slay plot

MANILA, Philippine -- Retired Army commander Jaime de los Santos has denied informing Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and his son about a supposed murder plot on the Speaker's son, and said he felt "disre...

'Are you still with opposition'

LUCENA CITY, Philippines -- The leftist Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, National Federation of Fisherfolk Organizations) asked former president Joseph Estrada on Mo...

Filipino crew among 23 seized off Somalia -- piracy watchdog

KUALA LUMPUR -- (UPDATE) A Japanese chemical tanker with 23 Filipino, Korean, and Myanmar crew on board has been hijacked off the coast of northern Somalia, a piracy watchdog and officials said Monday...

Lim sets victory parade for Estrada in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- There may have been no parade for the "people's champ" in Manila, but the "champion of the masses" will likely have one in the next two weeks. A motorcade and a hero's welcome ...

Chief Justice shuns caretaker role in proposed junta

MANILA -- Chief Justice Reynato Puno has distanced the judiciary from politics and declined calls for him to head a caretaker government amid mounting criticism against President Gloria Macapagal Arro...

Iglesia ni Cristo, El Shaddai back Estrada pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Two influential religious groups have expressed support for the pardon granted by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to her deposed predecessor Joseph Estrada, a move that has me...

Binay admits uncertainty about Estrada after pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- The United Opposition (UNO) has admitted to feeling uncertain about former president Joseph Estrada's acceptance of the executive clemency extended to him by President Gloria Ma...

23 killed in Philippine villages poll violence

MANILA: Twenty-three people have been killed in the run-up to Monday's elections in the Philippines to choose tens of thousands of village chiefs and their youth representatives, police said. There we...

Estrada pardon could lead to President's fall

Philippines president Joseph Estrada has received a formal pardon after being sentenced to life imprisonment six weeks ago for plunder. But many experts warn that by removing Joseph Estrada from the p...

No statements from detained Rangers without lawyers present

MANILA, Philippines -- Fourteen Army Scout Rangers detained even without formal charges for their alleged participation in a supposed coup plot in February 2006 coup refused on Monday to give their st...

Philippine landslides kill 5

Manila A series of landslides triggered by torrential rains killed at least five people in Catanduanes province in eastern Philippines, the local television network GMA-News reported yesterday.

'No problems so far' in Manila, QC polls -- NCRPO exec

MANILA -- A mix of voters and posters best characterized the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) elections at Hermenegildo Atienza Elementary School in Baseco, Tondo Monday. R...

14 LP solons also received Palace cash gift -- sources

MANILA, Philippines -- Fourteen of 15 members of the Liberal Party (LP) bloc in the House of Representatives that had supported two impeachment complaints against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo als...

Philippine-Chinese venture plans ethanol plant

MANILA, Philippines -- A Filipino oil company and its Chinese partner are planning a $30-million ethanol plant in southern Philippines to cash in on an expected biofuel boom, a company official said. ...

Ombudsman hands off on prosecutor's SC plea vs Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has distanced herself from Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio's decision to question the executive clemency granted to former president Josep...

PNP records 43 poll-related violent incidents so far

MANILA, Philippines -- At least 43 cases of election-related violent incidents were listed by the Philippine National Police, with at least 23 persons killed and 20 others wounded as of 9 a.m. Monday....

Barangay, SK polls smooth so far -- Comelec spokesman

MANILA, Philippines -- The ongoing barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) elections are "going swimmingly," with considerably fewer incidents of poll-related violence and gun-ban ...

Nine killed as tree falls on moving bus in eastern Philippines

Manila - Nine people were killed and 20 injured when a tree fell on a moving passenger bus in the eastern Philippines, a police report said Monday. The accident occurred Sunday in Basud town in Camari...

DMIA Charms Investors to Visit Philippines

Arnel P. San Pedro CLARKFIELD, Philippines, 29 October 2007 - With two 3.2-km parallel runways located in at least 2,500-hectare area, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) could be on i...

Filipino drive for boycott gains ground

By MANDEEP SINGH THERE is a mixed reaction among Bahrain's Filipino community about a proposed regional boycott to remit currency home for two days next week. The call is being made through the In...

1 Million Candidates in Philippine Village Polls

Julie Javellana-Santos, Arab News MANILA, 29 October 2007 - About a million candidates will contest nearly 672,000 village and youth council posts as the Philippines holds elections in the country's 4...

Father of RP Comics

MANILA, Philippines -- Cartoonist Antonio Velasquez was born on Oct. 29, 1910 in Paco, Manila. Considered as the Father of Philippine Comics, Velasquez created Kengkoy, which first came out on Jan. 11...

Group opens spay/neuter clinic for strays

MANILA, Philippines -- A population boom among stray or feral cats and dogs has become one of the biggest problems faced by local governments and animal welfare groups. To solve the problem, these gro...

Lim wants condemned buildings demolished immediately

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has ordered the demolition of condemned buildings in the city. "For the sake of public safety, these condemned buildings must go," Lim said the other d...

Protesting teachers of Navotas to wear black shirts

MANILA, Philippines -- Navotas public school teachers who are serving in Monday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will be wearing black T-shirts as a sign of protest following...

MMDA cracks down on road 'distractions'

MANILA, Philippines -- Posters, streamers and other advertising materials on road right-of-ways in Metro Manila were ordered removed Sunday by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fe...

Metro police to check voting centers

MANILA, Philippines -- Metro Manila police chief Geary Barias Sunday ordered his top officials to inspect some of the schools in their areas which would be used as voting centers for Monday's barangay...

Dumaguete, Manila nines upset foes

MANILA, Philippines -- The underdogs had their day in the park. Dumaguete and Manila bucked the odds and pulled off similar upset wins Sunday in the Baseball Philippines Series 2 at the Rizal Memoria...

Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

Backed by NBC, News Corp., Hulu seeks to deliver TV programs online

NEW YORK - Hulu, a joint venture between News Corp. and
NBC, began testing the delivery of TV shows online yesterday including
some of the most popular programs on American television.

IT stakeholders move to sustain skills pool

Customs to close encoding centers

IMPORT ENTRY ENCODING CENTERS IN THREE MAJOR PORTS will cease to operate by Monday next week upon order of the Bureau of Customs, in line with a plan to shift to paperless transactions.

Oracle withdraws offer for BEA Systems as deadline expires

Toshiba first-half earnings up 18%; full-year forecasts hiked

Outsourcing growth to reach 62%

THE PHILIPPINES is still a "darling" of the worldwide
outsourcing industry, but challenges from a new Asia competitor and
rising costs lie ahead.

Ortigas to complete contact center building in Fontera Verde, Pasig by November

PROPERTY DEVELOPER Ortigas & Co. Ltd. Partnership (OCLP)
is set to turn over a P50-million contact center building to business
process outsourcing (BPO) firm Transcom by November, Chief Operating
Officer Rex C. Drilon II said.

Experts call for baseline study on Davao IT pool

DAVAO CITY -- The city must conduct a baseline study on
its human resources to impress upon business process outsourcing
companies that it can readily supply workers when they decide to invest
here.

Features: Oldsters see video, computer games as exercise for brain

WASHINGTON -- Move over, junior. Grandma and grandpa are joining
the wave in video and computer games as makers step up efforts to promote the software as exercise for the brain.

Headline: RP vulnerable to high oil prices

INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY EFFORTS to deal with rising oil prices may not be enough and it might be time to consider a region-wide buffer fund, especially since the Philippines is viewed as particularly vulnerable.

Corporate News: Bidders form groups for state's 60% stake in geothermal firm

COMPANIES THAT are eyeing the government's 60% stake in geothermal firm Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) are consolidating forces for the auction on Nov. 21.

Banking & Finance: Peso breaks P43 level

THE PESO yesterday climbed above the psychologically important P44 per dollar level for the first time in seven years, forcing the central bank to buy dollars to slow the currency's rise.

Stock Market: Stocks little changed ahead of Fed, holidays

SHARE PRICES barely changed yesterday as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of a shortened trading week and the US Federal Reserve decision on interest rates.

The Economy: Prices of basic goods expected to have risen faster in October

RISING COSTS in global commodity markets are likely to have taken a toll on the country's inflation this month, with the rise in prices of goods consumed by Filipino households expected to have risen at a rate closer to the high end of the central bank's full-year forecast.

The Nation: Mall blast theory supported by foreign probers -- police

THE EXPLOSION at the Glorietta 2 shopping mall that left 11 people dead was an accidental gas explosion and not a bomb as originally feared, the head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Motoring: The future, here and now

SO A TYPHOON was threatening and the course wasn't street, but nobody was backing out of the chance to get behind the wheel of a car that conceivably could form the basis of the future: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.'s FCX Concept.

IT Matters: Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

Crippled Kings battle Aces; Bulls vs Express

MANILA, Philippines -- There's a strong possibility that Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk will recover from their injuries and finally see action for Barangay Ginebra as early as next week. But until that ...

Cojuangco appointed OCA adviser

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco was named adviser of the Olympic Council of Asia yesterday. Council president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahed Al Sabah, in ...

De Luna trips Orcollo, pockets P1M

MANILA, Philippines -- Rising pool star Jeffrey De Luna pulled the rug from under the favored Dennis Orcollo, 11-9, over the weekend to bag the P1-million champion's purse in the P2-million Manny Pacq...

No rift, no clue on Malaca ang dole

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was kept in the dark about the cash that was dispensed to legislators and governors in Malaca ang following a meeting with President Gloria Ma...

After arrest, Sison opens door to talks with gov't

Arroyo-Estrada alliance possible, says Ermita

Boxing gold medals no longer for sale

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA -- Now that Anwar Chowdry's despotic regime as president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is over, are Filipino boxers a step closer to winning the country's first...

Olympic swim hopefuls eye SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines -- More than just winning gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, the national swimmers will also be vying for Olympic slots in the December sportsfest in Thailand. Five more sw...

Judiciary flexes muscles on extrajudicial killings

Affront to rule of law Chief Justice Reynato Puno justifies the unprecedented exercise of powers granted the high tribunal under the new Constitution, which was crafted to protect Filipinos from a re...

'Name people above fray to Comelec'

MANILA, Philippines -- The church-based poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has asked Malaca ang not to appoint anyone involved in politics to the vacant posts in the

Abducted militant seeks SC protection

Estrada pardon makes lead prosecutor sick

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- For the lead prosecutor who spent almost six years building a case against deposed President Joseph Estrada, the recent pardon granted to the convicted plund...

PNP firms up accidental gas explosion theory

MANILA, Philippines -- Citing "a preponderance" of evidence, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Tuesday declared that the deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 mall on Oct. 19 was an ...

Funeral homes taboo for tribes

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - Calls for the establishment of funeral parlors in La Trinidad, Benguet, have provoked discussions pitting traditional beliefs against the pressing need for modern-day approaches...

29 dead but polls peaceful, says PNP

Fewer killings Their attackers fled. At least 14 empty shells were recovered from the scene. Eastern Visayas regional director Adolfo Iba ez said the killing could be "politically motivated." "Anqui...

SSC spikers eye win No. 4 in V-League

STANDINGS (win-loss) -- SSC 3-0, UST 3-1, Ateneo 3-1, Adamson 2-1, FEU 2-2, La Salle 1-1, Lyceum 0-4, Letran 0-4 GAMES TUESDAY (The Arena, San Juan) 3 p.m. -- Adamson vs Letran 5 p.m. -- La Salle vs S...

New York visit improved RP"s image before UN body

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Tuesday said his presence at the United Nations Human Rights Council in New York helped the Philippines improve its image before the said international organizati...

Puno says JDV sending 'confusing signals' on political issues

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who is also presidential political adviser, on Tuesday said Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr had lately been sending confusing signals on political issues faced by the Arroy...

Wipro to set up development centre in Philippines

NEW DELHI: IT major Wipro, the third largest software exporter from India, on Tuesday said it would set up a development centre in the Philippines.

CBCP urges transparency in Comelec appointments

, CBCP President Angel Lagdameo called for a "wide consultation" in the selection process. Lagdameo said a transparent procedure and a wide consultation were necessary to restore the credibility of...

Nominees from OP, but not from Ermita

Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting chairman Ressureccion Borra on Tuesday maintained that the poll body received from Malacañang a list of nominees for vacant posts at the Comelec. He,...

Teachers decry nonpayment of election allowance

5 Year Old Girl Travels From the Philippines for "Life Changing Operation" in Buffalo

Arroyo will not let Singson go - Ermita

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo won't allow her relationship with former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson to turn sour, following the chief executive's decision to grant pardon to her prede...

Filipino workers are tops with Brits, says envoy

Philippine central bank intervenes to cap peso traders

Close this SINGAPORE -- The Philippine central bank has been buying the dollar in the currency market on Tuesday to limit rises in the peso after it hit a seven-year high, traders said. The ...

9 Filipino seafarers onboard tanker seized off Somalia--DFA

New York mission 'made a dent in UN on human rights'

Saguisag rejects nomination to Comelec

Ermita, Puno dismiss talk of rift

Don't appoint politicians to Comelec

Malaca ang hoping pardon will win over Estrada forces

Take these SLEX, NLEX guides

You wouldn't necessarily enjoy your time during holidays especially when you're caught in a traffic jam. Avoid this headache during and after All Saint's Day and All Souls' Day by taking these advisor...

Proper way to arrest youth offenders explained in primers

Nearly 2,000 teachers have TB -- DepEd health center

Palace confident Ramos, Singson won't undermine gov't

De Venecia fate now in Palace hands, says solon

Teachers score delays in poll pay

Borra maintains Comelec got nominees list from Palace

Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting chairman Ressureccion Borra on Tuesday maintained that the poll body received from Malacañang a list of nominees for vacant posts at the Comelec. He,...

Bomb scare hits NAIA ahead of Arroyo visit - report

A bomb scare rattled the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 minutes before a scheduled Tuesday afternoon security inspection by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Radio dzBB repor...

Expect thunderstorms on Nov 1, 2

The heavy rains that hit Metro Manila Tuesday afternoon are just a preview of what people visiting their dearly departed in the cemeteries can expect on Thursday and Friday. State weather forecaste...

Only half-day work on Oct 31 for Manila gov"t employees

The city government of Manila will have offices only until 12 noon on Wednesday, October 31, 2007, to give its employees time to prepare for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, Rafaelito M. Garayblas,...

'Abducted' urban poor leader seeks writ of amparo

An urban poor leader who was abducted last April asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to grant a writ of amparo to prevent the Arroyo administration and the military from threatening her life. In a n...

Opposition to file 'strong' impeach case vs Arroyo

A "strong" impeachment complaint is set to be filed by the opposition against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former senator Ernesto Maceda, one of the leaders of the United Opposition (UNO) told r...

Journalists, ex-SC Employee Appear in Bribery Probe

Comelec getting impatient, wants a deadline for Bedol arrest

The Commission on Elections en banc is getting impatient and is now thinking of giving the Philippine National Police a deadline for the arrest of Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol. Thi...

Estrada lawyer sees no politics in nomination to Comelec

Opposition still wants Arroyo to resign, says Escudero

Foreign experts rule out bomb in Glorietta blast - Razon

(Updated 3:19 p.m.) National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr on Tuesday said foreign explosives experts who conducted their own investigation into the October 19 blast at Glorietta 2 in...

Army to transfer 14 EPs linked to Feb 2006 coup to Ft Boni

The lawyer of the 14 Army enlisted personnel detained for their alleged participation in the February 2006 coup attempt on Tuesday said the foot soldiers will be moved from Tanay, Rizal to a detention...

Opposition leaders, FVR start unity talks vs Estrada pardon

The Genuine Opposition (GO) admitted Tuesday that some "factions" of the opposition are talking with the camp of former President Fidel Ramos, following the granting of pardon to deposed President Jos...

Amid criticisms, bishops justify Estrada pardon grant

Amid criticisms against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's granting of an executive clemency to her predecessor, conservative Catholic bishops on Tuesday justified the pardon grant, saying there are ...

4. Special Forces sergeant drowns in Philippines

Filipino woman arrested after 2 Americans found dead in hotel

HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong police arrested a Filipino prostitute who was in the luxury hotel room where two American businessmen were found dead of possible poisoning last week, an investigator s...

Philippine police downgrade alert level after nationwide elections

Estrada asked to prove that he's still with opposition

PNP lowers nationwide alert but maintains full status in NCR

'Reveal process in choosing Comelec nominees'

Arroyo son, brother-in-law reiterate support for De Venecia

Factions in opposition aligning with FVR - GO spokesman

PNP downgrades alert level except in Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police on Tuesday morning downgraded its alert level nationwide - except in Metro Manila - following the conduct of the village and youth council polls Monday. In a news con...

Poll violence kills 29, injures 24 - PNP count

(Updated 11:20 a.m.) Casualties left in the wake of violent incidents related to the village and youth polls have swelled to 53 as of early Tuesday morning. Of this number, 28 were killed. The Phil...

Bus firms swamped with ticket 'reservations' for Undas

Employees planning to spend the long Undas (All Saints's Day) weekend in the provinces have been busy reserving tickets with bus companies as they are unable to take rides until the work week ends...

Being critical among duties of 'citizen' Erap - GO

Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada cannot escape his "duty" of criticizing wrongdoings in government even if he wishes to be a private "citizen," the spokesman of the Genuine Opposition (GO) sai...

Death toll in election-related violence up to 29 in Philippines

RP firm wins UPS prize for 'binalot' meals

Out of the box United Parcel Service (UPS) has named Binalot the recipient of a $10,000 special prize for a small business exemplifying "end-to-end customer service," the UPS theme for its centennial...

Groups push anew for independent probe on 'cash gifts'

Business and civic groups renewed their call Tuesday for the creation of an independent commission to look into the alleged bribery of lawmakers and local government officials in Malacañang Pal...

Submersible pump stalling PNP 'close' to Glorietta probe

The recovery of a submersible pump at the basement of the Glorietta 2 in Makati City looms as the only obstacle keeping the police from reaching "closure" in their investigation of the October 19 blas...

4 killed on election day - PNP

Sun.Star: MANILA -- Gunmen killed at least three candidates and a follower during the twin elections Monday across the Philippines, officials said. National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr. however s...

Lawmaker backs Panlilio, Mendoza

APALIT, Pampanga -- Senate Majority Leader Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan commended Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio and Bulacan Governor Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza for their "courage to tell the truth...

Leyte Gulf battle shown in miniature

MANILA, Philippines -- For as little as P25, one can catch a glimpse of Philippine history -- at one of its bloodiest points. Arrayed in a corner of Manila's Walled City is a small exhibit of scale-m...

UST belles, St. La Salle nail U-games football titles

BACOLOD CITY -- One title streak came to a dramatic end, while another got an extension on the final day of the 12th Philippine University Games here. Keeper Desiree Saligao provided the flash of ins...

Laguna, Naga finish 1-2 in Bicol-Southern Tagalog meet

Medal tally G S B Laguna 125 89 57 Naga City 87 89 92 Cavite 83 52 37 Batangas 30 36 39 Rizal 16 25 22 Or. Mindoro 14 7 12 Cam. Sur 13 33 25 Lucena City 10 0 0 P. Princesa 3 4 5 Cam. Norte 2 5 4 Masb...

Road Kings to test RP five

GAMES TUESDAY (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) 2 p.m. -- Bacchus vs Harbour Centre 4 p.m. -- Toyota Balintawak vs RP Team MANILA, Philippines -- The Harbour-Philippine Team faces another tough test when it goe...

El Shaddai, INC support pardon for Estrada, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Did the El Shaddai and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) lobby for the grant of an executive clemency to Joseph Estrada? No Cabinet official has come forward to admit that two of the cou...

RP strategy to blame for spate of killings

MANILA, Philippines -- A United Nations official has blamed the Philippine government's counterinsurgency strategy, and a distorted criminal justice system, for the continuing spate of extrajudicial k...

Anti-graft court may confiscate Estrada assets

MANILA, Philippines -- The Sandiganbayan can go after the personal assets of deposed President Joseph Estrada if it fails to find his illegally amassed wealth, estimated at P876 million, that it order...

Over 68% voter turnout in village elections, says Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- At least three people were killed in isolated outbursts of violence and a schoolhouse went up in flames as millions of Filipinos voted in what officials said were largely peacef...

Mining foes blame firm for fish kill

NAGA CITY-Reports of a fish kill have antimining activists pointing their fingers again at a mining operation in Rapu-Rapu Island in Albay, but experts and authorities have yet to determine what cause...

Alcano sees RP-Taiwan duel for World Pool supremacy

MANILA, Philippines -- If a Filipino fails to win the 2007 World Pool Championship, the winner will most likely be a Taiwanese. This was the assessment of defending champion Ronnie Alcano as he stres...

3 RP pugs a win from Olympics berths

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Veteran Harry Ta amor showed no ill-effects of a weeklong layoff as he outclassed Nasir Mohammed of Wales, 24-5, Sunday in the International Amateur Boxing Association World Champ...

Traders corner rice supply in Camarines Sur

PILI, CAMARINES Sur-Traders here have cornered all the rice produced in Camarines Sur, according to the manager of the National Food Authority (NFA) here. Edmundo Enriquez, provincial NFA manager, sa...

Benguet town gets tough on garbage system

The town decided to use an iron hand on those who refuse to segregate their garbage following the completion of its P49 million ecological solid waste management facility in Barangay Alno. The facili...

New Papal Nuncio looks forward to serving in RP

Days before his arrival to his new post, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, the new Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, said he was looking forward to serving in Asia's "showcase of Christianity." Ad...

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

Close this The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia's developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant B...

Young Filipinos exposed to money-for-votes politics

MANILIA: Security was extremely tight in the Philippines on Monday as the country held nation-wide village elections. Nearly a million candidates contested for 772,000 posts in more than 40,000 villag...

No big loss in Erap's hesitance to join Arroyo resign call

A senior Catholic bishop on Monday downplayed former President Joseph Estrada's reluctance to join mounting calls for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resignation. But while Caloocan Bis...

Saguisag says no, Rufus says yes

Two allies of former President Joseph Estrada differed in their positions when asked by GMANews.TV on their nominations to the vacant posts at the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Former senator Ren...

Finally, probe of 'coup' rangers begins

Gov't-MILF talks seen resuming next month

How about releasing other prisoners

Forfeiture proceedings vs Erap wealth start Tuesday

The sheriff's office of the Sandiganbayan will issue a writ of execution Tuesday to formally confiscate the bank accounts and properties of former President Joseph Estrada covered by the forfeitur...

AFP justifies detention of Marine colonel

The Philippine military justified on Monday its continued detention of Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, whom authorities have described as the alleged leader in last year's botched coup attempt against the...

Arroyo vows gov't won't impose new taxes

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday promised that no more new taxes would be enforced, and that the government would just enhance tax administration to generate more revenues for socio-economi...

Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine information technology managers are among the lowest paid IT executives in the world, ranking second from the bottom rung in Asia Pacific and thir...

Win or lose, bets told to report poll expenses

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) candidates to report on their election contributions and expenditures regardless of the outcome o...

Customs bureau bans 'Merry Christmas'

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday issued an order prohibiting its personnel from greeting brokers and importers with "Merry Christmas." Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales's order co...

Iglesia ni Cristo, El Shaddai back Estrada pardon

Ex-Army chief denies telling Speaker, son of slay plot

Chief Justice shuns caretaker role in proposed junta

2bU! goes to CamSur

MANILA, Philippines--The government of Camarines Sur invited 2bU! and LomoManila to see just how much fun their paradise has to offer. CamSur has become the country’s wakeboarding capital ― thanks to Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte’s efforts.

Island fever

MANILA, Philippines―Waking up at 4 a.m. nursing a hangover and being expected to ride a rocky boat isn’t how you normally like to spend your Sundays.

CamSur, Lomo-style

MANILA, Philippines―For several days, CamSur became a playground of sorts for 2bU! and skilled lomographers from LomoManila.

Bicol food trip

Lechon Siram is weeks-old suckling pig flavored with Bicol spices and slow-roasted until the skin is dark crimson and crispy yet the meat remains tender and juicy

Go fish

MANILA, Philippines―It's a different kind of thrill.

Theater of the absurd

MANILA, Philippines―One need not be a chamber to be haunted,” wrote Emily Dickinson. “One need not be a house; the brain has corridors surpassing material place."

What are the orbs in photos?

MANILA, Philippines—In photos you have taken, especially with a digital camera, do you notice globules of light like little moons?

Recognize your need

MANILA, Philippines—The most often asked question these days is “how can I look better and feel better?”

The party of the Sison

MANILA, Philippines—When you receive an invitation from the multitalented, multifaceted George Sison, you are out of your mind if you do not accept, palanggas.

The triumph of one

MANILA, Philippines - In the beginning, we were eight. Eight accomplished individuals, each respected in his/her own field of expertise, each an amateur singer. And each willing to brave singing before millions of TV watchers on GMA’s new reality show, “Celebrity Duets.”

Filipino is 8th adopted child of American couple

MANILA, Philippines - American couple Jeffrey and Nancy Bykerk from Caledonia, Michigan, have adopted their eighth child, this time a Filipino, 3-year-old Alisha from White Cross Orphanage. Alisha has cerebral palsy but it did not stop the couple from adopting her.

Still pining for old love

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I am a gay overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia. I had a boyfriend from 1999 to 2001. He is married with three kids.

The Philippine Headlines - October 30, 2007

2007-10-30T09:00:00.000+08:00

Witnesses pick out Fiat Uno driver at Diana inquest

LONDON -- (UPDATE) Witnesses on Monday pointed out the man they said drove the mysterious white Fiat Uno that conspiracy theorists have long associated with the death of princess Diana.

Victory in sight for firemen battling California blazes

LOS ANGELES – (UPDATE) Firefighters have tamed the handful of wildfires still burning in California but officials on Monday warily stopped short of declaring outright victory in their battle with the blazes.

Obesity study targets hormone that signals hunger

CHICAGO -- The appetite-curbing hormone leptin influences brain circuits that tell us when we are hungry and when we are full, according to a study released Monday that could help in the fight against obesity.

Schwarzenegger regrets US's poor effort on global warming

LISBON -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger told a conference in Lisbon on Monday that he regretted Washington's lack of engagement on global warming but insisted it was not ignoring the issue.

Men feel macho need for speed -- study

GENEVA -- Young men drive fast because speed is perceived as inherently male, a team of Swiss and German researchers claimed in a study released on Monday.

20 headless corpses found as Iraq province handed over

BAGHDAD -- At least 20 decapitated corpses were found and a suicide bomber killed 28 policemen northeast of Baghdad on Monday, as the US military transferred the security control of Karbala to Iraqi forces.

Women in power around the world

PARIS -- Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, 54, was on Monday set to become Argentina's first female president.

Land Bank expands in US

Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines has expanded its operations in the United States with the recent opening of a second remittance unit in San Francisco, California.

Dogs shoot man on hunting trip

CHICAGO -- A pack of hunting dogs shot an Iowa man as he went to retrieve a fallen pheasant, authorities said.

World oil prices above $93

LONDON -- World oil prices jumped to fresh historic highs on Monday, breaching $93 for the first time on mounting concerns about tight energy supplies worldwide, analysts said.

Woman escapes from German detention center in a suitcase

HANOVER, Germany -- A 19-year-old woman appears to have escaped from a juvenile detention center in northwest Germany by hiding in the suitcase of a fellow inmate who was released, police said on Monday.

Backed by NBC, News Corp, Hulu seeks to deliver TV online

NEW YORK -- Hulu, a joint venture between News Corporation and NBC, began testing the delivery of TV shows online Monday including some of the most popular programs on American television.

RP firm wins UPS prize for ‘binalot’ meals

MANILA, Philippines -- In business, it pays to go green, to embrace one’s roots, and to engage small communities.

UN report: RP strategy to blame for spate of killings

MANILA, Philippines -- A United Nations official has blamed the Philippine government’s counterinsurgency strategy, and a distorted criminal justice system, for the continuing spate of extrajudicial killings in the country.

Miñoza, Pagunsan join crack Singapore field

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipinos Juvic Pagunsan and Frankie Miñoza will come into this week’s $4 million Barclays Singapore Open with a spring in their step after weekend successes on the Asian Tour and Japan Tour, respectively.

SSC spikers eye win No. 4 in V-League

MANILA, Philippines -- Topnotch volleyball action resumes Tuesday as streaking San Sebastian College goes for its fourth straight win against a well-rested De La Salle University side in the Shakey’s V-League Second Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Gov’t in no shape to carry out tax relief, Senate told

The Department of Finance (DoF) wants the Senate to go easy on its plan to enact a law that will provide relief to all individual taxpayers.

Alcano sees RP-Taiwan duel for World Pool supremacy

If a Filipino fails to win the 2007 World Pool Championship, the winner will most likely be a Taiwanese. This was the assessment of defending champion Ronnie Alcano as he stressed how much the Taiwanese have caught up with the Filipinos and are even threatening to take over as world powers.

3 RP pugs a win from Olympics berths

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Veteran Harry Tañamor showed no ill-effects of a weeklong layoff as he outclassed Nasir Mohammed of Wales, 24-5, Sunday in the International Amateur Boxing Association World Championships here.

Filipino-American execs bullish, eye local ventures

Executives of Filipino-American companies were in Manila on a six-day mission that wrapped up on Saturday amid an upbeat outlook among American corporations on investment prospects in the Philippines, a group official said.

PAL eyes secondary share offer in 1st qtr

A plan for a secondary stock offering of PAL Holdings Corp. to raise funds for Philippine Airlines (PAL) may push through early next year, PAL president Jaime Bautista said.

Estrada position baffles opposition

MANILA, Philippines -- Deposed President Joseph Estrada Monday sought to placate restive forces baffled by his reluctance to join calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, insisting he remained allied with the opposition.

Megaworld plans P2.5-B BPO hub in Mactan

Property firm Megaworld Corp. plans to build a mixed-use office and leisure hub on Mactan Island in the central Philippines city of Cebu, a company official said.

BDO gets approval to buy Amex local bank

The central bank has approved an application of the mall tycoon Henry Sy’s Banco de Oro-EPCI to buy 100 percent of American Express Savings Bank, the US-based Amex’s Philippine consumer banking operation.

Local firm to invest $110M in CNG plant, refilling stations

Callandra LCNG Fuels Corp., a local company backed by overseas investors, plans to invest $77- $110 million in compressed natural gas (CNG) operations in the next three years, its chief executive said.

DBP gets nod to tap $100M in ODA

The central bank has approved in principle a plan of state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to take out $100 million in official development assistance for healthcare investment projects.

$1B needed to develop Camago oil field

It will take close to $1 billion to develop the Camago oil reserves beneath the Malampaya gas field off Palawan Island, an official said.

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia’s developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant BNP Paribas said.

Cops shift focus to transport terminals

After the "most peaceful" barangay-level elections, the Philippine National Police shifted its focus to passengers who have started flocking to transport terminals for the All Saints' and All Souls' holidays.

Lakers ready to launch season with Bryant

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers launch their NBA campaign by hosting the Houston Rockets on Tuesday with All Star guard Kobe Bryant expected to start despite struggling with a pre-season wrist injury.

Court lets Liz Taylor keep van Gogh painting

WASHINGTON - The US Supreme Court allowed actress Elizabeth Taylor to keep a Vincent van Gogh painting on Monday, rejecting an appeal by descendants of a Jewish woman who said she was forced to sell it before fleeing Nazi Germany in 1939. Reuters

Third O.J. Simpson co-defendant to plead guilty

LOS ANGELES - A third defendant in the O.J. Simpson memorabilia robbery case told a Las Vegas judge on Monday that he would plead guilty and testify against the former football star, a court official said. Reuters

Turkey bombs Kurdish rebels in southeast

SIRNAK, Turkey - Helicopter gunships bombed Kurdish rebel positions in southeast Turkey on Monday and the government flexed its military muscle with big national day parades and flypasts in major cities. Reuters

Israel sees Palestinians too 'exhausted' to rebel

JERUSALEM - Israeli intelligence believes that Palestinians would lack the will for a new popular uprising against occupation should an upcoming peace conference fail to meet their expectations, a senior official said on Monday. Reuters

Diana's driver 'acted like alcoholic,' inquest told

LONDON - Princess Diana's chauffeur taunted paparazzi and showed tell-tale signs of being an alcoholic, an inquest into her death was told on Monday. Reuters

Rate-cut hopes, commodity shares buoy Wall St.

NEW YORK - Stocks rose on Monday as investors bet that the Federal Reserve will cut benchmark lending rates this week and that soaring commodity prices will boost profits of metal and energy producers. Reuters

Laguna completes title romp

NAGA CITY - Batangas' Christine Grace Tan scooped three more gold medals in the pool over the weekend to become the most bemedalled athlete with 12 even as Laguna ran away with the overall championship in the second Philippine Olympic Festival Bicol Southern Tagalog Leg at the Metro Naga Sports Complex here.

2 more RP fighters near Beijing slots

CHICAGO, Illinois - Light-flyweight Harry Tañamor and lightweight Genebert Basadre dominated their respective rivals to advance to the last 16 in the World Boxing Championships Sunday at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion here.

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won�t Join Resign-GMA Calls

Those hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for...

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

Two legal questions are being raised: the President’s power to grant pardon to an impeached leader and the “procedural errors”...

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

President Arroyo today granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last...

Mike Arroyo Promised $70 M in Broadband Deal, Says De Venecia

Whistleblower Joey de Venecia III told a Senate hearing today that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was reportedly promised...

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

World Bank and UN launch initiatives to strengthen states’ capability to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

Proliferation of males in Asia to cause social imbalance

Prenatal son selection in several Asian countries could result in severe social consequences.

23 killed in Philippine election violence

Manila, Oct 29 (Xinhua) At least 23 people were killed and another 20 injured in the past month in local elections-related violence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

Dance fever sweeps jail in Makati

Bomb materials found near QC shopping center

Ermita in danger of losing out to Puno

Tullahan Bridge reopened to motorists

MANILA, Philippines - After undergoing rehabilitation for several months, Valenzuela City's Tullahan Bridge was reopened by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to all types of vehicles ...

Metro polls peaceful, says NCRPO

2 religious groups back Arroyo's pardon of Estrada

TWO of the country's biggest religious groups have joined the voices of support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to grant executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada.In a let...

Opposition vows to remain critical of government

Legislators mull SK abolition

Palace keeps hands off ouster move v. House Speaker

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

Close this The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia's developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant B...

Rapporteur lauds govt's initiatives

Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, noted that "a significant number of initiatives" to address the issue has been taken by the government sin...

Lucio Tan wins another court case

Taipan Lucio Tan scored another victory, this time at the Supreme Court after it ruled against a petition by the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Issue of medical-waste disposal at center of policy dilemma

Editor's note: The earlier segments covered the advantages and problems with using incineration in the disposal of hazardous medical wastes. The previous parts also reported that government has ...

Polls generally peaceful with only 23 dead, authorities say

A total of 23 people were killed in the run-up to Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, which government claims is low compared to the deaths in last May's national elections an...

Old way of life persists in Smokey Mountain community

The government closed Smokey Mountain dump more than a decade ago, not only because of environmental issues but also to improve the living conditions of residents there. But has life there reall...

Six classrooms razed ahead of elections in Nueva Ecija

Six classrooms were torched at Tanauan Elementary School in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) to hold voting in other classrooms in Monday's barangay and Sa...

Rising up from garbage possible - parish priest

The priest said the construction of this environmental church will help residents learn how to improve their living conditions by teaching them how to protect the environment.

Finally, probe of 'coup' rangers begins

Gov't-MILF talks seen resuming next month

How about releasing other prisoners

Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine information technology managers are among the lowest paid IT executives in the world, ranking second from the bottom rung in Asia Pacific and thir...

'Are you still with opposition'

Filipino crew among 23 seized off Somalia -- piracy watchdog

Lim sets victory parade for Estrada in Manila

Ex-Army chief denies telling Speaker, son of slay plot

Filipino powerlifters set new RP, Asian records in Austria

Chief Justice shuns caretaker role in proposed junta

Binay admits uncertainty about Estrada after pardon

Estrada pardon could lead to President's fall

No statements from detained Rangers without lawyers present

2 ex-senators top Palace list of nominees to Comelec

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former senators Wigberto Ta ada and Rene Saguisag top the Malaca ang list of possible appointees to the four vacancies at the Commission on Elections, acting...

'No problems so far' in Manila, QC polls -- NCRPO exec

Philippine landslides kill 5

Manila A series of landslides triggered by torrential rains killed at least five people in Catanduanes province in eastern Philippines, the local television network GMA-News reported yesterday.

14 LP solons also received Palace cash gift -- sources

Philippine-Chinese venture plans ethanol plant

Ombudsman hands off on prosecutor's SC plea vs Estrada

PNP records 43 poll-related violent incidents so far

Barangay, SK polls smooth so far -- Comelec spokesman

Nine killed as tree falls on moving bus in eastern Philippines

DMIA Charms Investors to Visit Philippines

Filipino drive for boycott gains ground

By MANDEEP SINGH THERE is a mixed reaction among Bahrain's Filipino community about a proposed regional boycott to remit currency home for two days next week. The call is being made through the In...

Filipino woman arrested after 'date rape' deaths in Hong Kong hotel

Hong Kong - A 20-year-old Filipino woman has been arrested following the death of two US businessmen allegedly given a "date rape" drug in a luxury Hong Kong hotel, a report said Monday. The woman was...

1 Million Candidates in Philippine Village Polls

Group opens spay/neuter clinic for strays

Lim wants condemned buildings demolished immediately

Father of RP Comics

Protesting teachers of Navotas to wear black shirts

MMDA cracks down on road 'distractions'

Metro police to check voting centers

Dumaguete, Manila nines upset foes

Arroyo to cast vote in Pampanga

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will vote in the barangay elections in Pampanga on Monday as accusations of payoff of local officials by Malaca ang by the provincial governor remain fresh in the pub...

Police on full alert for barangay, SK poll violence

NATIONAL Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr. on Sunday ordered police commanders to be on alert for possible hostile activities and infiltration of polling centers by communist insurgents in the countrysid...

Ad posters at Edsa, other metro major roads to be removed

METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando on Sunday ordered his men to take out posters, banners and other advertising materials on road right-of-ways in the metropolis...

Nation to soon move on from Estrada pardon--interior chief

MANILA, Philippines--A "problematic situation defused," was how President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's political adviser described on Sunday her move to grant presidential pardon to her erstwhile nemesis...

Estrada to respect Sandiganbayan's forfeiture of assets

Close this MANILA, Philippines--"They can have it." Former president Joseph Estrada said on Sunday he was willing to give up seized assets to comply with the conditions of his pardon. In a ...

SC told to junk plea v. 'Hello Garci' probe

The legislators presented the memorandum to the SC, through their lawyer Luis Ma. Gil Gana, in response to the petition filed by retired Court of Appeals (CA) justices Santiago Javier Ranada and Oswal...

Village polls less violent than in 2002--PNP

MANILA, Philippines--The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that 20 people have been killed and 13 others were injured in election-related incidents in its month-long monitoring of the peace and or...

Estrada now cool to calls for Arroyo to resign

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Former president Joseph Estrada distanced himself on Sunday from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, days after she granted h...

Perks, bonuses await winners of village, youth elections

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Benefits -- including bonuses, insurance coverage and a sense of power-come with being an official in the country's smallest political unit. Aside from honara...

Comelec gets complaints about liquor ban violations

MANILA, Philippines--The Commission on Elections is looking forward to a generally peaceful and orderly barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections on Monday, despite reports...

Estrada not interested in govt job

By Francis Earl A. Cueto, Reporter Former President Joseph Estrada will not accept a government job if offered, his wife, ex-Sen. Loi Ejercito, told The Manila Times Sunday.

GMA asks public to ignore political intrigues

By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter President Gloria Arroyo appealed to the public not to be swayed by political intrigues being sowed by her critics, particularly after granting former President...

Clean air - where is it

The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported last year that air in Baguio City is now among the worst in the country. If air pollution has ...

At Hawaii's tsunami center, seconds make all the difference

EWA BEACH, Hawaii "It has been quiet for days in this part of Hawaii. Scientists at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) are on routine watch, monitoring seismograph and tide readings from aroun...

Dumpsites flourishing across RP

In fact, dumpsites could be found all over the country, ranging from small community dumps, which may not even be formally monitored at all, and big dumpsites that may be a little smaller than S...

Problems plague option to incinerate toxic medical waste

ACCORDING to the Environment Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the problem of medical waste disposal is essentially biological: people wish to mini...

Police placed on highest alert ahead of village elections

MANILA, Philippines--Police were placed on the highest security alert Sunday ahead of nationwide village elections, which authorities fear could be disrupted by communist guerrillas backing candidates...

Estrada ponders what to do with a wide-open schedule

MANILA, Philippines--The morning after his release from more than six years of detention, 70-year-old Joseph Estrada found himself wondering what he would do on his very first day of full freedom. Th...

AFP ordered to explain continued detention of Marine colonel

MANILA, Philippines--The Court of Appeals has directed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and three other military officers to bring the former Marine Brigade Comman...

Pardoned Philippine leader not eyeing govt job

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Joseph Estrada's wife Sunday denied suggestions the former Philippine president would take a government job following his controversial pardon, saying he would focus on c...

China and the Philippines sign minutes of meeting on import and export food safety

China and the Philippines on Sunday signed the minutes of meeting on import and export food safety in the southern China city of Nanning. The document was signed between China's General Administration...

Philippine security forces on alert for village, youth council polls

Manila - Philippine security forces went on heightened alert Sunday on the eve of village and youth council elections amid warnings that communist rebels might disrupt the nationwide vote. Some 51.3 m...

Philippine soldier dies of malaria while posted in Sudan

Manila - A Philippine soldier assigned with the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan has died from malaria just three weeks before his one-year tour was to end, officials said Sunday. The body of Lieutena...

Philippine prosecutors, press angered by Estrada pardon

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Philippine lawyers and press Saturday expressed anger at President Gloria Arroyo's decision to pardon her disgraced predecessor Joseph Estrada despite his conviction for ...

Illegal Job Recruiters Set Sights on Filipino Students

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 28 October 2008 - An advocacy group has warned would-be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) against a syndicate offering jobs that are non-existent to caregivi...

Nature girl is Mother Earth's lawyer

MANILA, Philippines-Maria Paz "Ipat" Luna's 5-year-old son, Alon, screams, "Secondhand smoking kills!" whenever he comes across a person puffing on a cigarette. He also gets to eat in a fast food res...

Raps vs QC barangay official

Threat The barangay official allegedly pulled out a pistol from his drawer and threatened those who were against him. He also reportedly challenged Sison and Saret to settle the score immediately. ...

RP is second-best performing economy in Southeast Asian region

MALACA ANG crowed Saturday over reports that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) named the Philippines as the second-best-performing economy in the Southeast Asian region.Presidential spokesman and ...

Palace to study pardon for Ninoy slay convicts

Presidential spokesman and Acting Executive Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Saturday the government will study the possibility of pardon for soldiers convicted in the 1983 assassination of Aquino."It wil...

Malacanang insists no-oust JDV plot

MALACA ANG insisted Saturday there was no plot to oust Jose de Venecia Jr. as House Speaker during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's meeting with neophyte lawmakers last Thursday.Presidential spokes...

US soldier drowns in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The body of an unidentified US soldier on assignment in Panamao, Sulu, was located Saturday morning, some 17 hours he reportedly went for a swim, police said. Sulu polic...

Some bishops want Chief Justice to head transition gov't

MANILA, Philippines--Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona on Saturday joined three Catholic bishops in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to give way to a transition j...

Makati dump search knocks at MMDA door

During an interview, Makati DES Head and Association of Metro Manila Environment Officers (AMMEO) President Danny Villas claimed that they have already sealed an agreement with Mayor Tobby Tiang...

Manage garbage, don't promote landfills, dumps

Government has only worsened the country's waste problem by putting up new landfills and dumps. The solution is really to minimize garbage by reducing, reusing and recycling materials where poss...

Lim orders free admission for children to Manila Zoo

MANILA, Philippines -- For five days until October 31, parents may bring their children to the Manila Zoo and Botanical Gardens free of charge. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim on Saturday ordered city parks...

Trick-or-treaters visit freed Estrada

MANILA, Philippines--Young Halloween trick-or-treaters were rare visitors to the home of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada on Saturday, a day after his triumphant homecoming following six yea...

Admit to plunder raps and repent

MANILA, Philippines -- A proposal for pardon for Joseph Estrada was made as early as March 2002. And it was made not to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who alone has been empowered by the Constituti...

P30-M emergency fund set up for teachers in village polls

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Education has set aside a P30-million emergency fund for the country's 500,000 public school teachers who will serve in Monday's barangay (village) and Sanggun...

Misuari release sought, 'also for reconciliation and unity'

COTABATO CITY -- A leader of the Moro National Liberation Front called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday to order the release from jail of MNLF founding leader Nur Misuari. Hatimil Has...

Malacanang insists law followed in Estrada pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Even as the special prosecutor in the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada is poised to question his pardon before the Supreme Court, Malacanang on Saturday maintaine...

Three suspected Muslim militants arrested in southern Philippines

Manila - Three suspected members of a Muslim militant group in the southern Philippines have been arrested in a military raid, an armed forces spokesman said Saturday. Government troops swooped down o...

In the Philippines, Religion and Nature Collide

October 15, 2007 · This is a story about what happens when the heavens and the earth collide — and who gets blamed. Last November, a typhoon slammed into the Philippines near the city ...

Filipino Mother Seeks Probe Into Daughter's Death in Japan

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 27 October 2007 - The mother of a former Filipino entertainer has President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to help investigate the real cause of her daughter's dea...

Pardoned Philippine ex-President Estrada freed after 6 years, says no return to politics

Estrada's joyous release from house arrest was followed by a speech to thousands of cheering supporters in Manila's San Juan district, where he once served as mayor, then a bedside visit to his ailing...

Philippine anti-graft court approves ex-president's release

The Sandiganbayan, the Philippine anti-graft court, on Friday approved the release of convicted former president Joseph Estrada, who was pardoned by President Arroyo, local media reported. Estrada gai...

Worker dies in fall from platform

MANILA, Philippines - A construction worker died while two others were injured when they fell from the platform of a hospital under construction at the Global City in Taguig City Thursday evening. De...

Former Philippine president released from jail

Former Philippines leader Joseph Estrada released from prison Estrada served six and a half years of life sentence for corruption A spokesman said the pardon would restore Estrada's civil and politica...

Intensive training for Taguig's English tutors

MANILA, Philippines - Forty teachers from public schools in Taguig City enrolled in a five-day intensive training program recently to increase their proficiency in written and spoken English. Mayor F...

Outsourcing growth to reach 62%

THE PHILIPPINES is still a "darling" of the worldwide
outsourcing industry, but challenges from a new Asia competitor and
rising costs lie ahead.

Ortigas to complete contact center building in Fontera Verde, Pasig by November

Experts call for baseline study on Davao IT pool

DAVAO CITY -- The city must conduct a baseline study on
its human resources to impress upon business process outsourcing
companies that it can readily supply workers when they decide to invest
here.

Features: Oldsters see video, computer games as exercise for brain

WASHINGTON -- Move over, junior. Grandma and grandpa are joining
the wave in video and computer games as makers step up efforts to promote the software as exercise for the brain.

Smart told to clarify offense

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission has ordered
Smart Communications, Inc. and three other companies to explain
"infractions" they committed in offering mobile television services to
the Pangilinan-led mobile service provider's customers.

Microsoft to take $240-M stake, widen alliance with Facebook

SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft will take a $240-million stake
in the wildly popular social networking Web site Facebook as part of an
expansion of the two firms' strategic alliance, the companies said
yesterday.

Davao said to be attractive to call center companies

DAVAO CITY -- Business process outsourcing firms continue
to be attracted to the prospects of investing in Davao City, although
companies have yet to make a final decision on whether to set up
operations, a business group said.

De Venecia III links Arroyo to scrapped broadband deal; Neri denies accusations

JOSE DE VENECIA III yesterday linked for the first time
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the scrapped $329-million National
Broadband Network deal between the government and China-based ZTE Corp.

Electronics companies expect rebound in '08

THE LOCAL electronics industry expects a rebound to
double-digit growth in earnings next year, following world market
trends, even as the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the
Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) is keeping its downgraded growth outlook for
2007 due to cost issues.

IBM eyes 20% revenue growth in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY -- IBM Philippines' Mindanao business is eyeing
a 20% increase in revenues by the end of this year.

Headline: Customs to close encoding centers

IMPORT ENTRY ENCODING CENTERS IN THREE MAJOR PORTS will cease to operate by Monday next week upon order of the Bureau of Customs, in line with a plan to shift to paperless transactions.

Corporate News: PAL Holdings released from obligation

THE HOLDING firm of Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) is not obliged to buy the shares of stock of government financial institutions in the flag carrier, the Supreme Court said.

Banking & Finance: Global FX markets tracking fundamentals

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shrugged off the dollar's tumble to record lows against other currencies, saying global foreign exchange markets were tracking economic fundamentals.

Stock Market: Main index may go sideways in quiet trade

SHARE PRICES are likely to consolidate in quiet trading this week as the rest of the country goes on extended holidays.

The Economy: ADB allotting $75M for environment program

DAVAO/KORONADAL — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is setting aside $75 million in the next 10 years for environmental projects within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), starting with an area that encompasses Sulu.

The Nation: 70% voter turnout -- Comelec

23 election-related deaths — national police

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) yesterday estimated a 70% turnout of voters (35.7 million out of 51 million registered voters) in yesterday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

IT Matters: Customs to close encoding centers

IMPORT ENTRY ENCODING CENTERS IN THREE MAJOR PORTS will cease to operate by Monday next week upon order of the Bureau of Customs, in line with a plan to shift to paperless transactions.

Proliferation of males in Asia to cause social imbalance

Prenatal son selection in several Asian countries could result in severe social consequences.

23 killed in Philippine election violence

Manila, Oct 29 (Xinhua) At least 23 people were killed and another 20 injured in the past month in local elections-related violence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

Laguna, Naga finish 1-2 in Bicol-Southern Tagalog meet

UST belles, St. La Salle nail U-games football titles

Road Kings to test RP five

El Shaddai, INC support pardon for Estrada, says Palace

RP strategy to blame for spate of killings

Estrada lawyers on Comelec shortlist

Commission on Elections . Acting Comelec Chair Resurreccion Z. Borra said at a press briefing on Monday the Palace had sought the poll agency's comments on the list of nominees it had drawn up to fill...

Anti-graft court may confiscate Estrada assets

Over 68% voter turnout in village elections, says Comelec

Estrada position baffles opposition

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Deposed President Joseph Estrada Monday sought to placate restive forces baffled by his reluctance to join calls for the resignation of President Gloria Maca...

Mining foes blame firm for fish kill

Alcano sees RP-Taiwan duel for World Pool supremacy

3 RP pugs a win from Olympics berths

Traders corner rice supply in Camarines Sur

Benguet town gets tough on garbage system

New Papal Nuncio looks forward to serving in RP

Days before his arrival to his new post, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, the new Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, said he was looking forward to serving in Asia's "showcase of Christianity." Ad...

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

Close this The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia's developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant B...

Young Filipinos exposed to money-for-votes politics

No big loss in Erap's hesitance to join Arroyo resign call

A senior Catholic bishop on Monday downplayed former President Joseph Estrada's reluctance to join mounting calls for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resignation. But while Caloocan Bis...

Saguisag says no, Rufus says yes

Finally, probe of 'coup' rangers begins

Gov't-MILF talks seen resuming next month

How about releasing other prisoners

Customs bureau bans 'Merry Christmas'

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday issued an order prohibiting its personnel from greeting brokers and importers with "Merry Christmas." Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales's order co...

AFP justifies detention of Marine colonel

Filipino powerlifters set new RP, Asian records in Austria

Filipino crew among 23 seized off Somalia -- piracy watchdog

Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine information technology managers are among the lowest paid IT executives in the world, ranking second from the bottom rung in Asia Pacific and thir...

Ex-Army chief denies telling Speaker, son of slay plot

'Are you still with opposition'

Iglesia ni Cristo, El Shaddai back Estrada pardon

Chief Justice shuns caretaker role in proposed junta

Win or lose, bets told to report poll expenses

Forfeiture proceedings vs Erap wealth start Tuesday

The sheriff's office of the Sandiganbayan will issue a writ of execution Tuesday to formally confiscate the bank accounts and properties of former President Joseph Estrada covered by the forfeitur...

Arroyo vows gov't won't impose new taxes

Binay admits uncertainty about Estrada after pardon

Estrada pardon could lead to President's fall

Metro polls peaceful amid reports of cheating - NCRPO

Hours before the closing of polls for village and youth officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday afternoon said the conduct of elections in Metro Manila went without major security di...

Failure of elections declared in Pasay City village

A failure of elections was declared in a village in Pasay City on Monday due to several disruptions such as snatching of ballots and tearing of election paraphernalia. Evaresto C. Sobremisana, prin...

Estrada mobbed as he casts vote in San Juan

It took former President Joseph Estrada only 10 minutes to cast his vote at a polling precinct in San Juan City for the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections Monday. ...

No statements from detained Rangers without lawyers present

2 ex-senators top Palace list of nominees to Comelec

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former senators Wigberto Ta ada and Rene Saguisag top the Malaca ang list of possible appointees to the four vacancies at the Commission on Elections, acting...

Philippine landslides kill 5

Manila A series of landslides triggered by torrential rains killed at least five people in Catanduanes province in eastern Philippines, the local television network GMA-News reported yesterday.

Village bet held for poking firearm in San Juan

A candidate in the village elections faces disqualification and criminal charges for allegedly poking a firearm Monday at a resident in San Juan City. The alleged gun-toting bet, initially identifi...

Polls progressing well, winners proclaimed in 48 hours - report

Despite pockets of election-related violence in several parts of the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said the the conduct of the village and youth elections are progressing we...

Magnitude 4.7 quake rocks Northern Luzon

A magnitude-4.7 quake rocked Northern Luzon before noon Monday, but there was no immediate report of casualty or damage to property. In a report posted on its website, the

Philippine-Chinese venture plans ethanol plant

14 LP solons also received Palace cash gift -- sources

Poll watcher handcuffed after blowing whistle on 'poll fraud'

(Updated 12:18 p.m.) Instead of being rewarded for fulfilling her duties, a poll watcher was handcuffed after catching a re-electionist village chief's supporter allegedly distributing campaign ma...

Power outage hits Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA -- A power outage hit this city and most of the municipalities further south of the province early Monday before the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) electio...

Ombudsman hands off on prosecutor's SC plea vs Estrada

23 killed, 20 hurt in barangay election violence - PNP tally

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said cases of violence marred the conduct of village and youth polls in several areas in the country. PNP figures show that as of 9 a.m. Monday, 23 pe...

PNP records 43 poll-related violent incidents so far

Barangay, SK polls smooth so far -- Comelec spokesman

Nine killed as tree falls on moving bus in eastern Philippines

Miss Paru-Paru 2007 Crowned

who wowed the audience with a Latin dance medley was crowned “Miss Paru-Paru 2007″ at “WHOIS?”, the Annual Halloween Masquerade and Ball held by the Circulo de Dapitanon-USA. S...

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won 't Join Resign-GMA Calls

hose hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for a big disappointment. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of...

DMIA Charms Investors to Visit Philippines

Predawn fire hits Quezon City community

Several families lost their homes before dawn on Monday after a fire hit a squatters' area in Quezon City. Tension also heightened for fears that the fire could reach a gas station located only a few ...

79 rounded up in Metro for violating liquor ban

At least 79 people were rounded up in Metro Manila on the eve of the village and youth council elections Monday. This developed as some 5,000 police personnel were deployed in the metropolis to ens...

Submersible pump to draw 'evidence' from Glorietta 2

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will use a submersible pump to collect water samples for chemical analysis from the Glorietta 2 blast site, even as it stuck to its initial findings that the explo...

Dolphins to be bred in Davao del Sur

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- A breeding station for dolphins will soon rise on Balut Island in Davao del Sur province. An investor from Iran, Foad Akhavan, has put in an initial P2 million to jumpstart the...

Filipino drive for boycott gains ground

By MANDEEP SINGH THERE is a mixed reaction among Bahrain's Filipino community about a proposed regional boycott to remit currency home for two days next week. The call is being made through the In...

Filipino woman arrested after 'date rape' deaths in Hong Kong hotel

Transco employees angered by private auction of state firm

BAGUIO CITY -- Employees' unions of the state-owned National Transmission Corp. (Transco) accused the government of bad faith in concealing the lease terms of the national power grid that has been sch...

800 state university students in Laguna cry out for funding

SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA -- More than 800 college students here are not sure if they can still continue their schooling next semester. Since June, the municipality has stopped funding the state-run Polytech...

5 dead in Catanduanes landslides; 3 missing

VIRAC, CATANDUANES -- Heavy rains induced by a low pressure area on Saturday caused flooding and numerous landslides, which killed five people in Baras town, disaster officials said Sunday. Gov. Jose...

Revoke pact with PPA, landowners ask gov

BATANGAS CITY -- Landowners and heirs of a 40-hectare property here have asked Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto to revoke a 2003 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the provincial government and the Phil...

Annual climb to Mt. Apo formally opens

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- The city government on Thursday declared the formal opening of the annual climb to the country's highest peak. Marife Pame, chief of the city's tourism investments promotions office...

1 Million Candidates in Philippine Village Polls

Nograles belies Palace loyalty check

MANILA, Philippines -- An administration congressman said over the weekend that there was no need for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to conduct a loyalty check among lawmakers in the wake of the al...

Traditional outpaces Tumbok Cup field

CARMONA, CAVITE -- Traditional, under Ferdinand Raquel, picked up the pace heading into the final quarter Sunday and rallied to win the third edition of the Tumbok Cup at the San Lazaro Leisure Park h...

King prolongs wakeboard rule

PILI, CAMARINES SUR -- Arthur King saved his best for last, humbling five other finalists to keep the centerpiece men's professional category title of the 2nd Philippine Cable Wakeboard Nationals comp...

UST, Ateneo spikers triumph

MANILA, Philippines -- University of Santo Tomas ripped winless Letran College, 25-13, 25-14, 25-13, to solidify its bid in the Shakey's V-League Second Conference at The Arena in San Juan City Sunday...

Tams clip Eagles for Unigames cage crown

BACOLOD CITY -- Far Eastern University silenced Ateneo de Manila University's guns with a crippling half-court defense in the first three quarters and hacked out a 65-59 decision Sunday to wrap up the...

Victory double by Mi oza, Pagunsan

MANILA, Philippines -- Frankie Mi oza ended a six-year victory drought in the rich Japan Tour and Juvic Pagunsan capped a great weekend for Philippine golf by coming up with a spectacular Asian Tour b...

'Rido' worsens conflict in South, says study

MANILA, Philippines -- Clan violence has aggravated the conflict between government forces and Islamic separatists in the southern Philippines, making the decade-long search for peace there even harde...

Body of US soldier recovered in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The body of an American soldier, who had helped train Filipino troops battling al-Qaida-linked militants in Sulu province, was recovered on Saturday, a day after he went swimming at ...

Rebel soldiers offered jobs as VIP bodyguards

Welfare fund "It was part of a humanitarian consideration. The Army has a morale and welfare fund for this purpose," Torres said by phone. Torres added that the Rangers would receive their salaries ...

Estrada backs away from Arroyo-quit call

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former President Joseph Estrada Sunday distanced himself from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sparked by the pardon she ...

51M expected to vote Monday

Liquor ban Its spokesperson, James Jimenez, said the poll body was mostly dealing with reports of people -- perhaps too happy over the long weekend they were enjoying -- having one drink too many. T...

Batangue a swims to seven POF golds

NAGA CITY, Philippines-A Palarong Pambansa veteran created ripples in the pool in the Bicol-Southern Tagalog qualifying games of the Philippine Olympic Festival yesterday at the Metro Naga Sports Comp...

UST, Ateneo eye share of volley lead

GAMES TODAY (The Arena) 3 p.m.-Letran vs UST 5 p.m.-Lyceum vs Ateneo MANILA, Philippines-The path looks easy but none of the preseason favorites are taking things lightly. University of Santo Tomas ...

'Vote wisely and vote for the nation' - PPCRV

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on Sunday called on Filipinos "to vote wisely and vote for the nation" in Monday's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. "The type ...

High alert up for village, SK polls as PNP watches NPAs

2 bakers in deadly rumble charged with liquor ban violation - report (Update) The Philippine National Police was placed on the highest security alert Sunday ahead of nationwide village elections, wh...

Ta amor itching to debut; Payla, Basadre eye last 16

CHICAGO, Illinois-Two-time Olympian Harry Ta amor said that he is ready to compete in the World Boxing Championships despite a schedule which forced him to watch from the sidelines for one week. "I'm...

Arroyo calls on Filipinos to go out and vote

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on Filipinos to exercise their Constitutional right to suffrage by going to the polls to elect their Barangay and Sanggguniang Kabataan leaders on Monday. P...

Nation to soon move on from Estrada pardon--interior chief

Hapee ties for lead; RP 5 wins

GAMES TUESDAY (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) 2 p.m.-Bacchus vs Harbour Centre 4 p.m.-Toyota Balintawak vs RP Team MANILA, Philippines-Hapee Toothpaste survived San Mig Coffee by the slimmest of margins even ...

Estrada to respect Sandiganbayan's forfeiture of assets

Close this MANILA, Philippines--"They can have it." Former president Joseph Estrada said on Sunday he was willing to give up seized assets to comply with the conditions of his pardon. In a ...

Village polls less violent than in 2002--PNP

Estrada now cool to calls for Arroyo to resign

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Former president Joseph Estrada distanced himself on Sunday from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, days after she granted h...

Perks, bonuses await winners of village, youth elections

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Benefits -- including bonuses, insurance coverage and a sense of power-come with being an official in the country's smallest political unit. Aside from honara...

Comelec gets complaints about liquor ban violations

Estrada ponders what to do with a wide-open schedule

At Hawaii's tsunami center, seconds make all the difference

Police placed on highest alert ahead of village elections

Estrada pardon weakens Arroyo's opposition in Philippines

MANILA : For a man who sought and received a presidential pardon less than two months after being sentenced to prison for corruption, Joseph Estrada, the former Philippine president, has displayed a r...

Low-pressure area to bring rains, thunderstorms - Pagasa

A low-pressure area embedded in the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will bring scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms on northern, central and southern Luzon, and on Visayas and Mindanao. T...

What are the orbs in photos?

MANILA, Philippines—In photos you have taken, especially with a digital camera, do you notice globules of light like little moons?

Asia’s Queen of Songs bats for strong bones

MANILA, Philippines—Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales joins other high-profile women in a global fight against osteoporosis.

Overcoming self-defeating thoughts

MANILA, Philippines—Do you find it difficult to push yourself during the first 10 minutes of an exercise routine or feel like quitting the final part of a 20-minute jogging program because you think it is hard?

Recognize your need

MANILA, Philippines—The most often asked question these days is “how can I look better and feel better?”

The party of the Sison

MANILA, Philippines—When you receive an invitation from the multitalented, multifaceted George Sison, you are out of your mind if you do not accept, palanggas.

The triumph of one

Filipino is 8th adopted child of American couple

Still pining for old love

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I am a gay overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia. I had a boyfriend from 1999 to 2001. He is married with three kids.

Outstanding women

MANILA, Philippines—Pay attention to what works, and do more of it! The Towns awards’ 10 women awardees this year understand this principle only too well. But, they also pay attention to what doesn’t work.

Transcending chaos

MANILA, Philippines—Power struggle, terrorism, bombings, election campaign, etc. How can we find peace in an unstable world? Our message.

Are you at risk for diabetes?

MANILA, Philippines—There is an Asian disease, and it is called diabetes. Four out of the top five diabetes-hit countries are in Asia, with almost 90 million people suffering from this disease. To make matters worse, half of all new cases of Type 2 diabetes are now diagnosed in children and adolescents.

Automatically anti-terror

MANILA, Philippines—There are probably hard numbers for this somewhere, but chances are good that at this very moment, at a number of locations around the world, several people are taking a few moments out of their day to realize that death will inevitably come for them.

The Philippine Headlines - October 26, 2007

2007-10-26T08:46:00.000+08:00

Microsoft paying Facebook premium to thwart Google

SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft is paying a premium to keep Facebook from the clutches of rival Google in a deal that puts an inflated 15 billion-dollar price tag on the red-hot startup, analysts said Thursday.

China's economy grew 11.5% in 3rd qtr

BEIJING -- China's economy expanded at a blistering pace in the third quarter, the government said Thursday, even as it declared the immediate overheating risk had receded thanks to a series of control measures.

Bush tours fire-stricken California as death toll rises

SAN DIEGO, California – (UPDATE) US President George W. Bush toured fire-stricken California Thursday as the burned bodies of two more people were found among the smoldering rubble of infernos that have destroyed at least 1,400 homes and displaced 500,000 people.

Pre-need firm reports sales rise

MANILA, Philippines -- Pre-need firm Philam Plans Inc. reported a 37.5-percent rise in its sales in the first three quarters of the year to P3.3 billion from P2.4 billion in the same period last year, largely driven by sales of pension plans.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi meets junta official

YANGON – (UPDATE) Myanmar's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi met for the first time Thursday with a senior junta official appointed to work with the country's main opposition party, state television reported.

RP solar car leads class in Australia

MANILA, Philippines -- SINAG, the Philippines’ first fully functional solar car, has reached the halfway point of the 3,000-kilometer stretch of the World Solar Challenge being held in central Australia.

US new-home home sales up in September

WASHINGTON -- US new-home sales showed an increase in September but only after a steep downward revision of the prior month's data, the Department of Commerce said Thursday.

Suarez bows to Mongolian pug

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Featherweight Charly Suarez bowed to Mongolian Enkhzorig Zorigtbaatar, 10-13, Wednesday as the Philippines remained winless in the International Amateur Boxing Association World Championships at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion here.

Wall Street ends lower as oil prices surge

NEW YORK -- US shares ended mixed Thursday as a surge in crude oil prices dented sentiment, offsetting hopes that the Federal Reserve would move to cut interest rates next week.

World oil prices sizzle to new highs

NEW YORK -- Global oil prices soared to bold new highs Thursday amid US supply concerns and geopolitical strains in the Middle East, including Turkey's military threat in Iraq and fresh US sanctions on Iran.

BIR expects heftier growth in tax collection

MANILA, Philippines -- Tax collection by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) us already responding to the increase in economic activity, and as of the third quarter has grown faster than the economy, BIR Commissioner Lilian Hefti said.

RP 5 bounces back; Toyota wins

MANILA, Philippines -- Team Harbour-Philippines blew hot and cold before slipping past Mail and More, 94-84, Thursday for its first win as a guest team in the 2008 Philippine Basketball League V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.

Credit upgrade likely in ’08, says UBS

MANILA, Philippines -- Investment banking giant UBS expects a sovereign credit upgrade for the Philippines next year, citing the drop in the country’s debt stock, the peso’s rise, and successful privatization efforts.

SC allows toll collection on Coastal Road

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court refused to issue a preliminary injunction order against toll collection at the Coastal Road, the thoroughfare linking Metro Manila and Cavite.

35,187 become new teachers

MANILA, Philippines -- The Professional Regulation Commission has announced that 18,376 elementary teachers out of 66,709 examinees and 16,811 secondary teachers out of 57,723 examinees successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers.

8-month imports up 3.8%

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 3) Philippine imports rose 1.8 percent to $4.97 billion in August from a year earlier, slowing down from the double-digit growth in July and bringing the January-August total to $35.32 billion, up 3.8 percent from the same period last year, official data showed Thursday.

Fratman’s lawyer says UP on ‘a fishing expedition’

MANILA, Philippines – Officials of the University of the Philippines and law enforcement agencies were accused yesterday of being on a “fishing expedition” at the expense of members of the Sigma Rho fraternity.

Court stops DPWH from dismantling billboards

MANILA, Philippines -- A Manila court issued on Tuesday a temporary restraining order stopping the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from dismantling billboards in the city and other advertising structures put up by an association of local advertisers.

PCGG chair to blame for agency’s problems -- insiders

MANILA, Philippines -- The Presidential Commission on Good Government, the body tasked to recover the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses, their close relatives and cronies, is "teetering on the brink of destruction," according to some PCGG insiders.

Rants, raves as Estrada gets pardon

Within the hour of the announcement Thursday that former president Joseph Estrada has been granted pardon, administration supporters and critics flooded media networks with statements for and against his freedom.

Joseph Estrada walks a free man

Joseph Estrada, the first Philippine president in history to be convicted of plunder, will finally be set free on Friday, more than six years after his ouster from Malacañang.

COMELEC, others tag provincial poll hotspots

Election, police and military officials have identified election hotspots in the provinces in connection with the October 29 synchronized barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan elections.

NPA backing candidates in 207 Ilocos barangays

CAMP OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union - The New People's Army (NPA) is backing several candidates in the Oct. 29 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in at least 207 remote villages in the Ilocos region, police intelligence reports showed.

2 Digos radiomen escape slay try

DAVAO CITY - Two broadcasters in Digos City, the capital of Davao del Sur, survived an attempt on their lives Thursday when the gunman's weapon conked out, reports said.

PNCC, Chevron to jointly assist motorists on SLEX

In line with the observance of All Saints' Day, the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), in cooperation with energy company Chevron, is launching a project assuring motorists on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) of a safe, reliable, and enjoyable journey during the holidays.

271 plebes to comprise PMA Class of 2010

BAGUIO CITY - The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will formally accept into its fold 271 new cadets to comprise Class 2010 Saturday.

Crisano flexes RP 5 might; Toyota leads

Alex Crisano showed that he's got more than just tattoos when he carried the RP Team past Mail & More, 94-84, Thursday in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup at The Arena.

Tracksters spark Cavite drive in POF

NAGA - Cavite leaned on the efforts of its tracksters Thursday to surge past Laguna in the medal race in the rain-hit Day 2 of the Bicol Southern Tagalog Qualifying Games for the second Philippine Olympic Festival at the Metro Naga Sports Complex.

Aussie holds off Bayron, Aunzo

SINGAPORE - Australian Tim Stewart came through with two lucky putts to churn out a two-under par 69, turn back the charging Rufino Bayron and Ferdie Aunzo and keep a five-stroke lead in the third round of the Singapore Open Amateur Championship here Thursday.

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

President Arroyo today granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, who was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan last...

Mike Arroyo Promised $70 M in Broadband Deal, Says De Venecia

Whistleblower Joey de Venecia III told a Senate hearing today that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was reportedly promised...

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

World Bank and UN launch initiatives to strengthen states’ capability to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

Pardon Opens Door for Erap Presidential Bid in 2010

A grant of unconditional pardon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on former President Joseph Estrada will throw a monkey wrench in...

(GMA7) Death toll in blast rises to 11; probers doubt bomb theory

The death toll from the Glorietta 2 mall explosion in Makati rose to 11 on Sunday as investigators cast doubts...

Former Philippines president Estrada granted pardon

Manilla, Oct 25 (Xinhua) Philippines President Gloria Macapacal-Arroyo Thursday granted pardon to convicted former president Joseph Estrada, who was sentenced to life for plunder, presidential press secretary Ignacio Bunye said here.

Binay seeks independent probe of Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines -- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay Thursday called for an independent investigation of the Oct. 19 explosion at the Glorietta 2 (G2) mall, saying the "conflicting and at times illogical...

Philippine president pardons predecessor

Ousted Philippine President Joseph Estrada waves to the crowd as he leaves the Sandiganbayan Anti-graft Court in Quezon city north of Manila, Philippines in this Sept. 12, 2007 file photo following hi...

Calls for GMA to step down split bishops

Another group of 12 Catholic bishops from Northern Luzon, led by Tuguegarao Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan, also said they do not support calls for President Arroyo's resignation. --With Ange...

Speaker's son drags Arroyo in ZTE deal

NO LESS than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo wanted the controversial $329 million national broadband project approved despite bribery charges made by former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo ...

Joey implicates GMA in National Broadband Network deal

What Romulo Neri refused to disclose about a conversation with President Gloria Arroyo on the controversial broadband deal the businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia 3rd supplied at the Senate heari...

Lucio Tan scores victory vs PCGG

Lucio Tan scored a victory at the Supreme Court when it junked a petition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) for the agency not to produce documents subpoenaed by the Sandi...

Ex-Philippines leader wins full pardon

Manila - Disgraced former Philippines leader Joseph Estrada won a presidential pardon Thursday, President Gloria Arroyo's spokesperson said. Ignacio Bunye said the pardon was granted after Estrada,...

North Luzon bishops want Arroyo to stay

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Another group of Catholic bishops, this time from Northern Luzon, has bucked the call made by three other bishops for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to re...

Fratman's lawyer says UP on 'a fishing expedition'

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of the University of the Philippines and law enforcement agencies were accused yesterday of being on a "fishing expedition" at the expense of members of the Sigma Rho f...

Neri, others deny Joey's allegations

Former socioeconomic planning Secretary Romulo Neri said the testimony of businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia 3rd about his conversation with President Gloria Arroyo regarding an alleged bribe tr...

Ynares lets Metro use dump 'indefinitely'

MANILA, Philippines - Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III has agreed to let Metro Manila use its 19-hectare sanitary landfill "indefinitely" or until the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) fi...

Traders, religious, scholars seek probe of cash gifts

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A group of businessmen, clerics and academics on Thursday tagged the handing out by Malaca ang of cash gifts to government officials as proof of the "endemic...

Govt, MILF agree to resume talks

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Philippine peace negotiators and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended two days of talks in Malaysia, agreeing to resume next month stalled negotiations to end the more ...

Ex-Scout Ranger official fails to appear in Magdalo hearing

DETAINED former Scout Ranger General Danilo Lim failed to testify Thursday before the Makati court on coup charges against the Magdalo group after the late delivery of his subpoena at his detention ce...

Soldiers given bigger poll role

MANILA, Philippines -- More soldiers will be fielded for the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections on October 29. While the Commission on Elections expects a relativel...

Don't discount terrorism angle yet

In a reissued travel advisory, the British Embassy said, "Whilst there are indications that it [blast] was an accident, the possibility of terrorist attack cannot be discounted." There is still ...

Pardon 'saddest moment' in history of RP justice system

Full coverage: The Estrada Trial MANILA, Philippines -- The No Pardon for Estrada Movement (NOPE) scored the granting of executive clemency for former president Joseph Estrada , calling it "the sadde...

Inquirer wins six Catholic Mass Media awards, 2 citations

MANILA, Philippines -- Almost sweeping the categories where it was nominated, the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Thursday night bagged six top honors and two special citations in the 29th Catholic Mass ...

PCGG chair to blame for agency's problems -- insiders

Joker Arroyo trumpets 'vindication' over Inquirer report

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Joker Arroyo said he felt vindicated when none of his colleagues during Thursday's Senate hearing on the controversial National Broadband Network (NB...

Witness ready to prove gov't behind mall blast

DETAINED Senator Antonio Trillanes IV insisted Thursday on the credibility of his witnesses who can prove that government was behind last Friday's deadly blast at a popular shopping mall in Makati tha...

SC allows toll collection on Coastal Road

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court refused to issue a preliminary injunction order against toll collection at the Coastal Road, the thoroughfare linking Metro Manila and Cavite. Instead, the hig...

Cory Aquino welcomes grant of pardon for Estrada

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino welcomed on Thursday the grant of pardon to deposed president Joseph Estrada, expressing hope he has learned...

Movie star, president, jailbird -- and now free man

MANILA, Philippines -- Joseph Estrada rose from an obscure bit player to a major national film star and then blew the biggest role of his life -- president of the Philippines. Despite his meteoric ri...

State prosecutor questions legality of Estrada pardon

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The lead state prosecutor in the plunder case against Joseph Estrada on Thursday questioned the legality of the executive clemency President Gloria ...

The 2007 Chicago Filipino American Film Festival

Fresh from winning the grand jury prize at the recently concluded Cinemanila International Film festival, Squatterpunk tackles the life of youth in urban poor communities living the punk lifestyle. Th...

Premier Receives Philippines President Envoy

Manama, Oct. 25 (bna) -- Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Received Here On Thursday Philippines Presidents Special Envoy To The Gulf States And Board Chairman Of Ama International U...

Estrada supporters prepare homecoming for pardoned hero

MANILA, Philippines -- Supporters of former president Joseph Estrada were preparing a massive homecoming party after he was granted a pardon Thursday by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Thousands o...

Estrada glad 'to be of help' to country as free man

MANILA, Philippines -- Deposed president and now pardoned plunderer Joseph Estrada has everything planned out for his first day as a free man on Friday: a quick meet-and-greet with his supporters, a l...

Estrada wife 'expected' pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Former senator Luisa 'Loi' Ejercito said she had "been expecting" the pardon granted late Thursday afternoon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to her husband, deposed preside...

Estrada allies split over pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition politicians in the Senate and House of Representatives were divided over the pardon granted Thursday by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to her predecessor and convi...

Senator Estrada 'thankful' to Arroyo

"I'm very thankful for the granting of the pardon. I thank Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for granting executive clemency," Senator Estrada told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview from Geneva, Switzerlan...

Burgos kin relieved over CA order to release Abadilla report

MANILA, Philippines -- After being given the runaround by the Armed Forces, the family of missing activist Jonas Burgos is relieved the Court of Appeals has compelled the military Provost Marshall to ...

Former Philippine leader Estrada wins pardon

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada was given a full pardon on Thursday just weeks after he was jailed for life on charges of stealing tens of millions of dollars ...

'Estrada pardon could lead to Arroyo's downfall'

MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Fidel Ramos warned President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday that pardoning convicted plunderer and deposed leader Joseph Estrada was a dangerous move that cou...

Philippines' Estrada given pardon

Disgraced former Philippine President Joseph Estrada has been granted an official pardon by his successor, a government spokesman has confirmed. President Gloria Arroyo's office said the decision w...

Arroyo grants pardon to Estrada

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted president Joseph Estrada is a free man. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted pardon to the 70-year-old deposed leader following a recommendat...

Key dates in case of ex-Philippines leader Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- Chronology of deposed Philippines president Joseph Estrada's landmark corruption trial: June 30, 1998: Movie star-politician Joseph Estrada is sworn in as the 13th president of...

Philippine president pardons Estrada

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardoned her ousted predecessor Thursday, paving the way for Joseph Estrada's release a month after he was sentenced to life in prison for corru...

Arroyo holds series of meetings with neophyte solons

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Amid fresh attempts by her foes to oust her, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been holding a series of meetings with neophyte legislators in Malaca ang, lawmakers ...

Former Philippine president Estrada pardoned

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardoned former president Joseph Estrada on Thursday, setting aside his conviction and life sentence on charges of plunder. Critics ...

Former Philippine leader wins pardon

Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada was given a full pardon, just weeks after he was jailed for life on charges of stealing tens of millions of dollars from the nation's coffers. The announcem...

New law aims to curb extrajudicial killings

Via web stream in New Caledonia Monday - 21:00Tuesday - 00:00Tuesday - 02:00Tuesday - 21:00Wednesday - 00:00Wednesday - 02:00Wednesday - 21:00Thursday - 00:00Thursday - 02:00Thursday - 21:00Friday - 0...

Blood feuds cause of Mindanao deaths: report

Killings in the southern Philippines have for the most part been blamed on the ongoing Muslim separatism and communist insurgency. But a new report released by the Asia Foundation says the major cause...

Philippine peso, yuan rise in twitchy markets

Close this SINGAPORE -- The Philippine peso hit a 7-year peak and the Chinese yuan rose to a post-revaluation high on Thursday, bucking the nervousness in global markets after weak earnings a...

Mike Arroyo Promised $70 M in Broadband Deal, Says De Venecia

histleblower Joey de Venecia III told a Senate hearing today that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was reportedly promised US$70 million by resigned elections commissioner Benjami...

SC grants 1st writ of amparo

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has granted the first ever writ of amparo to the parents of two missing students of the University of the Philippines and their companion. The families of the...

Estrada awaits pardon, makes plans after release--spokesman

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) In anticipation of a pardon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, convicted president Joseph Estrada has scheduled for his first stop a visit to San Juan City Hall where...

Manila solon 'still at a loss' where cash gift came from

MANILA, Philippines -- The only congressman who has so far openly admitted receiving cash after a meeting in Malaca ang two weeks ago said he still does not know where the money came from. "I don't k...

RDX not in Cosmetics and Deodorants

RDX does have civilian applications. These include use in fireworks, demolition blocks, and as a heating fuel for food rations of soldiers. The profile noted though that soldiers who were exposed to a...

Report on '04 'cheating' with 'higher ups'

MANILA, Philippines -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said it was not up to him to release a military fact-finding board's report on alleged cheati...

'Put up or shut up'

MANILA, Philippines -- "Put up or shut up." This was First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo's reply to Jose"Joey" de Venecia III's fresh allegations that he was expecting a $70-million bribe from the con...

Philippine gov't, rebel group break peace talk impasse

The Philippine peace negotiators and representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the separatist rebel group, broke a year-old impasse in the stalled Malaysian-brokered peace talks, as...

26 Philippines soldiers dismissed for alleged plot against Arroyo

MANILA : Twenty-six soldiers have been dismissed from the service and freed from military detention after being investigated for an alleged 2006 plot against Philippines President Gloria Arroyo, an ar...

Manila's Ramos warns Arroyo on scandal damage

MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos warned on Thursday that fresh government kickback scandals were damaging President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's position and hobbling the countr...

Filipino invention patenting in RP low versus foreign firms

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Of over 8,000 inventions granted patents by the Philippine Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHIL) over the last six years, only 96 are by Filipinos. Worse, ...

Makati City Hall gets bomb threat

MANILA, Philippines -- The Makati City Hall received a bomb threat early Thursday afternoon, officials said. Makati chief of police Superintendent Gilbert Cruz said the threat was phoned in at around...

Gulf firms face crackdown on Filipino abuse

Many Filipinos working in the Gulf work outside their government's minimum wage rules. (Getty Images) Gulf businesses may face tougher legislation from the Philippines on the recruitment of Filipin...

Discharge of Rangers a 'rights violation'--lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- A "grave abuse of discretion" and "blatant violation of human rights." This was how the lawyer of 26 Army Scout Rangers allegedly involved in a supposed coup plot in February l...

Arroyo asked Neri why he didn't take bribe--De Venecia III

Close this MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo had allegedly asked former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri why he did not accept the P200-million bri...

Philippine military dismisses 26 soldiers linked to 2006 coup plot

Manila - Twenty-six soldiers linked to a foiled 2006 coup against Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo have been dismissed from the military, an Army spokesman said Thursday. Lieutenant Colone...

First Gentleman to get $70M from NBN deal--De Venecia III

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was supposed to get $70 million from the national broadband network project, the son of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. disclosed to the S...

NBN probe delayed over Senate talk on Neri executive session

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The Senate investigation on the controversial national broadband network project has been delayed as senators debated on whether they held an executive session with for...

No one exempted from valid subpoena

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has ruled that no one is exempted from complying with a valid subpoena and this includes officials from the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). ...

Arroyo a no-show at NBN hearing

MANILA, Philippines -- First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was a no-show this Wednesday at the Senate, which has resumed the hearing on the controversial $329-million national broadband network project...

Overseas Filipino Asked to Help Fight Corruption in Government

Dinan Arana, Arab News ALKHOBAR, 25 October 2007 — A congressman from Manila has urged the Filipino expatriate community to channel their newfound strength to help fight corruption in the Philip...

Clan wars threaten S Philippines truce

MANILA Long-running clan wars in the south of the Philippines could affect a truce between the government and the country's largest Islamic separatist group, a senior rebel leader said yesterday.

Filipino on Time magazine's list of Green heroes

Greenpeace campaign director was cited for his relentless campaign against trading in waste and highly polluting waste incinerators that led the Philippines to ban waste incineration in 1999, the firs...

Filipino Americans Among Southern California Wildfire Evacuees

ABS-CBN , News Report, Staff, Posted: Oct 24, 2007 MANILA, Philippines --- Filipino Americans were among the half a million told to evacuate their homes in light of the wildfires that have been rag...

Security measures in place for November holidays

MANILA, Philippines - Police in some parts of Metro Manila have already put in place security measures for the observance of All Saints' Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls' Day on Nov. 2. Several roads near...

Binay says governors' league in deep trouble

EASTERN Samar governor Ben Evardone and the entire leadership of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LLP) may find themselves in deeper trouble and face possible administrative and criminal ch...

Senate probe on broadband deal to resume Thursday

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate investigation into the recently aborted $329 million national broadband network deal with China's ZTE Corp. is scheduled to resume on Thursday but without most of the...

Gov't makes it easier to own homes

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Some 40,000 foreclosed houses are up for grabs at only six-percent interest payable in 30 years in the second housing fair launched by the Housing and Urban ...

Groups oppose pardon for Estrada

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Lawyers, militants and anti-crime crusaders -- and at least one academic institution -- have found common cause in opposing presidential pardon to ousted pre...

Speaker De Venecia's son calls Mike Arroyo coach in NBN deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia called former Commission on elections chairman Benjamin Abalos the "captain ball" and First Gentleman Jose Miguel "M...

Manila mall owners reject police theory that blast was due to gas leak

MANILA : Philippine police now believe last Friday's explosion at a shopping mall was likely to have been caused by an accidental gas leak, but the owners of the Glorietta 2 mall are rejecting such a ...

Philippines President Envoy Arrives In Manama.

Manama, Oct. 24 (bna) -- Philippines Presidents Special Envoy To The Gulf States And Ama Board Chairman Amable Augelz Arrived In Manama This Evening.

AFP chief 'declassifies' Burgos file

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., on Wednesday "declassified" a military report on the abduction of agriculturist Jonas Burgos for "humanitarian" reaso...

A question of trust

Where in the world do you find a government that begs a convicted grafter to accept pardon? Only in the Philippines! * * * Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, who was responsible for the ...

Estrada won't run for office if pardoned, says son

MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada will never run for public office again even if he is granted pardon and his civil rights fully restored, Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, the oust...

Erap's fate in hands of GMA, survey

Sergio Apostol, the chief presidential legal counsel, said on Wednesday that Mrs. Arroyo has the prerogative to grant Estrada's request for pardon based on recommendation from the Department of ...

MMDA, Ynares hold talks on Metro trash

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando and Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III will discuss today the agency's request for the province to accommodate garbage...

Threats to Joey's life 'for real,'says JdV

House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said on Wednesday that the threats of certain government officials to kill his son, businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia 3rd, "is for real."

Police, Ayala Land clash on blast cause

Police investigating the Glorietta 2 blast are sticking to their theory that the cause is industrial failure, although the mall owners are saying otherwise.

Murder raps to be filed vs Gonzalez

MANILA, Philippines - Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera has reversed the findings of a Manila prosecutor who earlier recommended the dismissal of the charges filed against businessman Luis Gon...

Nobel laureates to establish 'Bridges' in RP

Six Nobel Prize laureates and a former World Bank president will go around the Philippines to talk at universities and establish partnerships with various Filipino organizations.

Manila releases traffic advisory for All Saints' Day

MANILA, Philippines -- Several roads near Manila's cemeteries will be closed to traffic during the observance of All Saints Day on November 1, the Manila Police District Traffic Enforcement Unit said ...

Writ of amparo takes effect, first case filed

The writ of amparo took effect Wednesday and will immediately be put to the test as the Supreme Court received a petition asking the military to release three people who have been missing for mo...

Bishop backs pardon for Estrada to hasten national healing

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines -- A pardon for convicted former president Joseph Estrada "will promote the nation's healing and make way for a meaningful reconciliation among political factions," Mo...

Panlilio skeptical cash handouts came from LPP

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines -- Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio said he was "not convinced" by claims of leaders of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) that the money handed to him ...

Filipino Media Rally to Help Fire Victims

Manila-U.S. Times, Posted: Oct 24, 2007 LOS ANGELES -- Filipino media are encouraging community organizations to contribute in any way they can to help those affected by the fire that has struck se...

SC urged to order military to free 2 missing UP activists

MANILA, Philippines -- The mothers of two missing student activists filed a petition Wednesday urging the Supreme Court to compel the military to release the women, claiming soldiers had abducted them...

Vilma Santos denies receiving Palace 'cash gifts'

BATANGAS CITY, Philippines -- Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto on Wednesday finally broke her silence on the alleged Malaca ang cash doleouts and denied she was among the governors who received P5...

PAGASA gets P1.6B to improve weather forecasting

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is set to receive at least P1.6 billion in budget allocation and grants to upgrade its ...

Palace steers clear of LPP 'admission'

MANILA, Philippines -- After accepting the word of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), which had declared that none of its members had received cash gifts from Malaca ang, the Palace is ...

Philippines hit by two quakes

Manila - Two earthquakes rocked the southern Philippines in the past two days, but no casualties or damage were reported, the government said on Wednesday. A magnitude 5.5 quake struck before dawn ...

School kids send support to frontline troops

MANILA, Philippines -- "Enclosed is P20, to help in your food," third grader Lukina Latequista said in a letter to soldiers in the battlefield. Latequista is one of over 1,000 students from the Assum...

'Magdalo, not me, intended to harm civilians'

MANILA, Philippines -- Armed Forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said it was the Magdalo group of detained Senator Antonio Trillanes that had the "intent to harm" civilians when they booby-tra...

L'Oreal sees more Filipino students joining online biz tilt

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Last year, a team of business students from local university Ateneo de Manila University almost entered the semi-finals of a global competition involving run...

Features: Oldsters see video, computer games as exercise for brain

WASHINGTON -- Move over, junior. Grandma and grandpa are joining
the wave in video and computer games as makers step up efforts to promote the software as exercise for the brain.

Smart told to clarify offense

Microsoft to take $240-M stake, widen alliance with Facebook

Davao said to be attractive to call center companies

De Venecia III links Arroyo to scrapped broadband deal; Neri denies accusations

JOSE DE VENECIA III yesterday linked for the first time
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the scrapped $329-million National
Broadband Network deal between the government and China-based ZTE Corp.

Electronics companies expect rebound in '08

IBM eyes 20% revenue growth in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY -- IBM Philippines' Mindanao business is eyeing
a 20% increase in revenues by the end of this year.

Importers start shifting to paperless transactions

MINOR GLITCHES marred yesterday's start of a shift to
paperless transactions at the Bureau of Customs, as importers and
brokers grappled with the new system.

Apple fourth-quarter profit leaps 67%

SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple announced yesterday that its
fourth-quarter profits leaped 67% as customers snatched up iPhones,
iPods and Macintosh computers.

SK's Samsung claims world's most powerful memory chip

SEOUL -- South Korea's Samsung Electronics said yesterday
it has developed the world's most powerful memory chip, which could help
create a memory card capable of storing 80 DVD movies.

Bills filed to stop another NBN

TWO SENATE bills have been filed to increase transparency
and provide more checks and balances in public infrastructure projects
in the wake of the controversy that saw the cancellation of the
government's broadband network contract with a Chinese firm.

Headline: Competitiveness watch list issued

THE NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS Council (NCC) on Thursday unveiled a watch list of key indicators of competitiveness during the second day of the 33rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel that ends this afternoon.

Corporate News: Court orders PCGG to justify seize order

THE PRESIDENTIAL Commission on Good Government (PCGG) had been ordered to justify the sequestration order on the assets of business tycoon Lucio Tan and his associates in Allied Banking Corp.

Banking & Finance: Peso ends at new 7-year peak

THE PESO closed at a seven-year peak yesterday, bucking the nervousness in global markets after weak earnings and housing data from the US.

Stock Market: Share prices flat in listless trade; PLDT slips

SHARE PRICES closed flat in listless trade yesterday, with investors staying on the sidelines ahead of a possible interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

The Economy: Property firms lead in sales, jobs growth but salaries down

SALES GROWTH in the industrial sector slowed down in the second quarter but remained at double-digit levels, mainly due to tremendous growth in the property industry, government data released yesterday showed.

The Nation: Government, Moro rebels agree to settle ancestral domain

ZAMBOANGA CITY — After an impasse lasting over a year, the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed on settling the ticklish issue of ancestral domain in mid-November prior to holding formal talks before yearend.

Labor & Management: Only one out of five global workers 'engaged,' study shows

BOSTON — Only one out of five employees of major global corporations is engaged in his or her work, and top managers may be to blame, according to a study released by a global professional services firm.

IT Matters: Smart told to clarify offense

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission has ordered Smart Communications, Inc. and three other companies to explain "infractions" they committed in offering mobile television services to the Pangilinan-led mobile service provider's customers.

Former Philippines president Estrada granted pardon

Philippine president pardons predecessor

De Venecia son links Arroyo to ZTE deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Businessman Jose "Joey" De Venecia III Thursday accused President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of being the force behind China's ZTE Corp. bagging the $329-million contract for the N...

Inton snares 7 swim golds

MANILA, Philippines -- Angelica Inton of Miriam College bagged seven gold medals in the swimming competition of the Athletic Association of Private Schools (AAPS) held last Oct. 20 at the Amoranto Spo...

Gov't, MILF panels break talks deadlock

COTABATO CITY-Government and Moro rebel negotiators managed to break the impasse in the peace negotiations following two days of informal talks in Kuala Lumpur, government and rebel sources said yeste...

Ate Vi admits 'jueteng' persists in Batangas

BATANGAS CITY-More than four months after she took over leadership of the province from suspected "jueteng" lord Armand Sanchez, Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto admitted that operations of the illegal numbers...

Trillanes kicks off online petition for Arroyo, Noli resignations; snap polls

A petition is now circulating online for the immediate resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr., with Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV kicking off the s...

Noynoy questions Estrada pardon"s timing

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Thursday questioned what he called the "undue haste" of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's decision in sending former President Joseph Estrada to freedom. "O...

'Z' camp denies Darchinyan bout

MANILA, Philippines -- Z "The Dream" Gorres will not fight Vic Darchinyan in an elimination bout for the No. 1 ranking of the International Boxing Federation on Dec. 1, contrary to what popular boxing...

GMA Network wins six Catholic Mass Media Awards, 1 citation

GMA Network received six awards and a citation in the 29th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) held at the Marie Eugenie theater of the Assumption College in San Lorenzo Village in Makati City on Thursd...

People power launched vs mayors' quarry law

Sharing scheme Under the new ordinance, the tax will be distributed on a 30-30-40 percent sharing among the province, towns and barangays from where the sand is taken. Its provisions require quarry ...

North Luzon bishops want Arroyo to stay

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Another group of Catholic bishops, this time from Northern Luzon, has bucked the call made by three other bishops for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to re...

Soldiers given bigger poll role

Joker Arroyo trumpets 'vindication' over Inquirer report

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Joker Arroyo said he felt vindicated when none of his colleagues during Thursday's Senate hearing on the controversial National Broadband Network (NB...

Erap Pardon A Done Deal with Iglesia

hy the apparent rush of President Arroyo to pardon former President Joseph Estrada?One possible reason, says a former Cabinet member of President Estrada, is that it is a long overdue promise given by...

Arroyo hopes Erap would help ease political tension - Puno

Acting political adviser Ronaldo Puno said Thursday night that the grant of pardon to former president Joseph Estrada was the hardest decision that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ever made. Puno...

Laguna paces Bicol-SL games

NAGA CITY -- Mark Jake Reyes thought it was a mediocre run but he still ended up with the gold medal. Although he failed to improve his personal best in the 5,000 meters, the 17-year-old from San Pab...

Bishop hails pardon of Estrada

A senior official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) welcomed the decision of Malacañang granting the executive clemency requested by former president Joseph Estrada. ...

Teachers complain of low election pay

CABANATUAN CITY -Public school-teachers assigned to election duties on Oct. 29 have complained that their allowances had been reduced yet the amount of work for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan e...

Pardon 'saddest moment' in history of RP justice system

Ex-Philippines leader wins full pardon

PCGG chair to blame for agency's problems -- insiders

Red Bull holds off Welcoat

GAMES FRIDAY (Araneta Coliseum) 4:35 p.m. -- Coca-Cola vs Alaska 7:20 p.m. -- Purefoods vs Magnolia MANILA, Philippines -- Junthy Valenzuela scored 27 points, including 16 in the first seven minutes ...

Traders, religious, scholars seek probe of cash gifts

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A group of businessmen, clerics and academics on Thursday tagged the handing out by Malaca ang of cash gifts to government officials as proof of the "endemic...

RP five battles Mail and More

GAMES THURSDAY (The Arena) 2 p.m. -- Mail and More vs RP Team 4 p.m. -- Pharex vs Toyota Balintawak MANILA, Philippines -- Redemption for the Philippine basketball team and the top spot for Toyota Bal...

Cory Aquino welcomes grant of pardon for Estrada

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino welcomed on Thursday the grant of pardon to deposed president Joseph Estrada, expressing hope he has learned...

Movie star, president, jailbird -- and now free man

State prosecutor questions legality of Estrada pardon

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The lead state prosecutor in the plunder case against Joseph Estrada on Thursday questioned the legality of the executive clemency President Gloria ...

The 2007 Chicago Filipino American Film Festival

Premier Receives Philippines President Envoy

Senators laud Erap pardon as 'unifying' act

Senate President Manuel Villar on Thursday hailed the granting of executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada, saying the country will inevitably benefit the act of "compassion." "The exe...

Key dates in case of ex-Philippines leader Estrada

Burgos kin relieved over CA order to release Abadilla report

Estrada supporters prepare homecoming for pardoned hero

Pardon shows admin's lack of political will vs corruption - prosecutor

Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio on Thursday expressed dismay and disbelief over President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's grant of executive clemency to her predecessor. Villa-Ignacio said he cou...

Gov"t coughed up P12M for Erap"s six-year detention

How much does it take to keep former Joseph Estrada in detention? Sources at the Philippine National Police estimated that the government spent about a total of P12 million of the P15.4 million it ...

A look at key events leading to Estrada's ouster, freedom

A look at key events in the case of ousted President Joseph Estrada, who was pardoned by his successor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, on Thursday following his conviction on plunder charges last month. ...

Estrada wife 'expected' pardon

Put up or shut up

First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo on Thursday challenged Jose 'Joey" de Venecia III to come up with concrete evidence, or keep his mouth shut in linking him and President Gloria Macapagal ...

Arroyo holds series of meetings with neophyte solons

Pardon 'unpopular with allies but right'

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to pardon her predecessor, convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada, did not sit well with her "traditional allies" but was nevertheless t...

Former Philippine leader Estrada wins pardon

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada was given a full pardon on Thursday just weeks after he was jailed for life on charges of stealing tens of millions of dollars ...

Estrada glad 'to be of help' to country as free man

Estrada allies split over pardon

4 robbers, 1 cop killed in Cubao shootout

Four robbers and a policeman were killed in a shootout in Cubao, Quezon City late Thursday afternoon. Radio dzBB reported that the shootout occurred around 5:30 p.m. after a police patrol team chas...

4 Cebu immigration agents face extortion charges

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- Four Immigration agents in Cebu face graft charges before the Visayas Ombudsman after they were caught by the National Bureau of Investigation allegedly extorting P500,000 fr...

Arroyo grants pardon to Estrada

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted president Joseph Estrada is a free man. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted pardon to the 70-year-old deposed leader following a recommendat...

Arroyo pardons former President Joseph Estrada

MANILA : President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines has pardoned former president Joseph Estrada, who was convicted last month of corruption charges, her spokesman said on Thursday. The spo...

Filipinos convicted of murder in Saudi cry torture

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Saying the testimony used against them were acquired through torture, three overseas Filipino workers convicted recently of grisly slayings in Saudi Arabia h...

Philippines' Estrada given pardon

Fiesta on Polk Street for Erap homecoming - Loi

Native delicacies puto and bibingka for merienda and paella for dinner await former resident Joseph Estrada once he arrives home on Polk Street in San Juan, Metro Manila Friday. Estrada's wife form...

'Estrada pardon could lead to Arroyo's downfall'

Philippine president pardons Estrada

Former Philippine president Estrada pardoned

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardoned former president Joseph Estrada on Thursday, setting aside his conviction and life sentence on charges of plunder. Critics ...

Former Philippine leader wins pardon

New law aims to curb extrajudicial killings

Blood feuds cause of Mindanao deaths: report

What Industrial Disaster is All About

The Long Road To Recovery: Community Responses To Industrial Disaster ,” a book written by James Mitchell and published by the United Nations University, an industrial disaster happens when haza...

Village, youth campaign period ends midnight Saturday - Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded candidates in the village and youth council elections on October 29 that they will have until midnight of Saturday to wrap up their campaigns. In a st...

Militants say Erap pardon meant to block ZTE uproar

The umbrella militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Friday accused President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of granting pardon to former President Joseph Estrada to parry political upheaval in ...

Estrada awaits pardon, makes plans after release--spokesman

Manila solon 'still at a loss' where cash gift came from

Binay cries foul on Palace, PNP attempt to politicize Glorietta 2 blast

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay cried foul Thursday on the statements of Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol and Southern Police District (SPD) chief Luizo Ticman over the Glorietta mall 2 blast last...

Philippine gov't, rebel group break peace talk impasse

Report on '04 'cheating' with 'higher ups'

Arroyo recognized people's will

Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada on Thursday expressed elation over the decision of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to grant executive clemency to his father, convicted former President Joseph Estrada...

'Put up or shut up'

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

I t used to be that a corrupt leader and human rights violator could easily stash his ill-gotten wealth in Swiss banks and be welcomed with open arms in a Western country if removed from office. Today...

DOJ to submit recommendation on Erap pardon Friday

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will submit to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Friday its formal recommendation for the granting of pardon to convicted former President Joseph Estrada. Acting Jus...

Philippine peso, yuan rise in twitchy markets

Close this SINGAPORE -- The Philippine peso hit a 7-year peak and the Chinese yuan rose to a post-revaluation high on Thursday, bucking the nervousness in global markets after weak earnings a...

SC grants 1st writ of amparo

Estrada gets pardon despite opposition from prosecutors

(Updated 6:10 p.m.) Malacañang on Thursday granted executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada. This, despite opposition from the prosecution panel that pursued the plunder case ag...

Defective train temporarily disrupts MRT operations

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) operations were temporarily disrupted for almost an hour Thursday afternoon, leaving throngs of passengers stranded. In a telephone interview, Oliver Casili, MRT Transp...

26 Philippines soldiers dismissed for alleged plot against Arroyo

Gulf firms face crackdown on Filipino abuse

Twenty stories, one unforgettable night

This Sunday night, GMA-7 presents a compelling countdown that will take older viewers down memory lane while capturing the imagination of those too young to have seen the stories the first time around...

Neri says JDV III 'imagining things'

Erstwhile socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri claimed Thursday that businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III was concocting details about the former's conversations with President Gloria Ma...

Probe into Glorietta 2 blast not over - NCRPO chief

Saying its investigation on the explosion that rocked the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City last Friday is far from over, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it has not discounted the ...

Senate can have Neri arrested if he won't speak up

Former Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri ought to show up at the Senate to either confirm or deny the revelations of businessman Jose de Venecia III in Thursday's hearing that President Gloria M...

Filipino invention patenting in RP low versus foreign firms

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Of over 8,000 inventions granted patents by the Philippine Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHIL) over the last six years, only 96 are by Filipinos. Worse, ...

Arroyo asked Neri why he didn't take bribe - JDV son

(Updated 1:48 p.m.) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo allegedly asked former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri why he refused to accept bribe money in exchange for the approval of the natio...

Discharge of Rangers a 'rights violation'--lawyer

Philippine military dismisses 26 soldiers linked to 2006 coup plot

$70M earmarked for Mike Arroyo in ZTE deal, JDV III says

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo told businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III to "back off" because of an alleged $70-million bribe that the former stood to gain from the controversial ZTE deal. T...

Army general fails to testify in Magdalo hearing

Detained former Scout Ranger Regiment commander Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim failed to testify on Thursday morning during the hearing on the coup d' etat case against the Magdalo group at the Makati Regional...

Senate eyes subpoenas vs absent Cabinet execs

The Senate is considering to send subpoenas to Cabinet officials who have been snubbing the chamber's investigation into the $329.5-million ZTE deal controversy. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, ch...

Manila vendors swamp city hall for cemetery permits

With just one more week to go before the marking of All Saints's Day and All Souls's Day, vendors in Manila swamped City Hall to get permits to sell their wares near the city's cemeteries....

Makati gov't OKs reopening of Glorietta 1, 3, 4

The Makati City government gave its consent Thursday for the Glorietta shopping complex to open its doors to customers, but kept the Glorietta 2 area shut pending investigations into the explosion tha...

Our hands are tied with Anti-terror Law suspension - PNP

Even as various sectors say that the terrorism angle in the Glorietta explosion cannot be discounted, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday admitted that its hands are tied with the three-m...

First Gentleman to get $70M from NBN deal--De Venecia III

Trillanes insists on credibility of 'witnesses'

Opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday insisted that his witnesses could prove his claim that the government was behind last week's Glorietta 2 blast that killed 11 people and injured over a...

NBN probe delayed over Senate talk on Neri executive session

No one exempted from valid subpoena

Arroyo a no-show at NBN hearing

Overseas Filipino Asked to Help Fight Corruption in Government

Dinan Arana, Arab News ALKHOBAR, 25 October 2007 — A congressman from Manila has urged the Filipino expatriate community to channel their newfound strength to help fight corruption in the Philip...

Honest airport cop 'returns' $1300 cash

An honest policewoman turned over to her superiors $1,300 (P57,564) cash left behind by a passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), radio dzBB reported Thursday. Interviewed on dz...

Terror angle in mall blast can't be discounted

The United Kingdom cautioned Philippine authorities Thursday against junking the angle of terrorism in last week's deadly explosion at the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. In a travel advisory dated Thu...

Bomb technicians getting sick at Glorietta blast site - report

Investigators and technical experts are starting to get sick while scouring the wreckage site for clues on what caused last week's deadly bast at the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. Radio dzBB reported...

ZTE inquiry resumes; Cabinet men not going

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang has barred Cabinet OFficials and government executives from appearing further in the Senate probe of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project, citing President Ma...

Big J coming home soon

MANILA, Philippines -- Manny Victorino's colleague Abe King does not believe there was anything sinister behind the bullets found in the cager's possession at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. ...

Makeup that makes you stay made up

MANILA, Philippines—As a consumer I know how frustrating it is to want something so badly and know it is only available overseas, so that the only option is to have it shipped here at 300 percent the original cost.

Beautiful jubilee of sorts

MANILA, Philippines—They came in droves to one of the biggest beauty events of the year, dahlings. No less than the popular Facial Care Centre and in-demand photographer Raymund Isaac celebrated their respective 25th anniversary in a joint cocktail party.

Passion with a capital P

MANILA, Philippines—Patrice Ramos-Diaz is possibly one of the most in-demand designers in Manila nowadays.

Inno gets his bearings back

MANILA, Philippines—My eyes were on the Nadal-Murray match of the Madrid Masters on TV (if only that Brit had greater killer instinct). My mind was on a coming interview. My ear was pinned to my cell phone, listening to our Laguna itinerary.

Masquerade!

MANILA, Philippines—Boo! Halloween is just a couple of days away and if you haven’t figured out yet what to wear to any of the happening parties around the metro, we’ve come up with some fashionably fabulous suggestions for you.

Love, loyalty and lingerie

MANILA, Philippines—When Sarah Mcintosh first moved to the Philippines, she found it a curious but pleasant surprise to meet Filipinas who reach into their blouse collars to reveal their Avon bra straps upon learning that the Englishwoman worked with the direct-selling firm.

Romance in white

MANILA, Philippines—Their eyes meet. It’s a look of mutual recognition. No words are exchanged, but the silence tells the tale of a love now gone. His gaze follows her as she walks past, catching a glimpse of the pained expression in her eyes, as he is led away by the woman in his arms. A cliffhanger.

Reinventing the Ilocano ‘empanada’

MANILA, Philippines—Taco Ilocano was borne out of Carlo and Antoinette Ocampo’s love for Ilocos empanadas. For them, trips to the north were never complete without visits to the famous plazas for these delicious treats.

More than just pastrami on rye

MANILA, Philippines—My guides Myrna Segismundo and her sister Alice brought me to one of New York’s finest eating places where they said one scene from the movie “When Harry Met Sally” was shot.

When being ‘gaya-gaya’ can be good

MANILA, Philippines—Who let the dogs out? Comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto is unleashing her inner canine on “Marimar,” lending her voice to Fifi, the black poodle of contravida Angelika (played by Katrina Halili).

The vanity checklist

MANILA, Philippines―Contrary to general belief, vanity is good. In the realm of wellness, vanity has a broader, more expansive definition. It means caring enough about yourself to look after your body, mind and spirit better.

Women’s intuition may be fact

MANILA, Philippines―The popular belief that women are more intuitive than men, and children more intuitive than adults, seems to have some biological and anatomical basis.

The Philippine Headlines - October 25, 2007

2007-10-25T08:35:00.000+08:00

Mexican oil rigs crash leave 10 dead

MEXICO CITY -- At least 10 people died after two oil platforms crashed into each other in high winds in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a gas leak that forced the evacuation of all workers in the area, state oil firm Pemex said Wednesday.

Mexican oil rigs crash leave 10 dead

16-year-old girl killed in Las Piñas road mishap

MANILA, Philippines -- A 16-year-old girl was killed in a vehicular accident in Las Piñas City early Thursday, a radio report said.

Bush: World must shape post-Castro Cuba

WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush on Wednesday urged the world to push for change in Cuba, saying Fidel Castro's fading grip on power offered a chance to replace his "tropical Gulag" with democratic rule.

Wall Street claws back most losses in volatile session

NEW YORK -- US stocks ended mostly lower Wednesday, clawing back from steep losses in a volatile session in which housing and credit troubles were highlighted by economic data and a massive writeoff by Merrill Lynch.

Discovery astronauts inspect shuttle wings, nose for damage

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida -- Shuttle Discovery astronauts checked the orbiter's wings and nose for damage on Wednesday using lasers and a camera atop its robotic arm, a day ahead of its rendezvous with the International Space Station.

Shell CNG stations start operations

BIÑAN, Laguna, Philippines -- After years of delay, the Shell Companies in the Philippines started Wednesday the commercial run of its "mother-daughter" refilling stations for compressed natural gas (CNG).

US home sales hit fresh lows

WASHINGTON -- Sales of US homes and apartments tumbled a hefty eight percent in September, extending one of the nation's worst housing slumps in decades, an industry group said Wednesday.

Malibu evacuation orders lifted as wildfires contained

LOS ANGELES -- Celebrities were given the all clear to return to the exclusive Pacific Ocean paradise of Malibu on Wednesday after fires ringing the enclave were snuffed out, officials said.

BIR to pursue cases vs banks on doc stamps tax

MANILA, Philippines--The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it would not drop the cases against banks that it said owed the government several billions of pesos in documentary stamp tax (DST), even if they applied for tax amnesty.

Microsoft to take stake, expand alliance with Facebook

SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft will take a 240-million-dollar stake in the wildly popular social-networking website Facebook as part of an expansion of the strategic alliance of the two firms, the companies said Wednesday.

World oil prices surge as US energy reserves dive

NEW YORK -- World oil prices rallied Wednesday on news that US energy stockpiles fell more than expected last week, fueling supply concerns ahead of the northern hemisphere winter.

Sale of PNOC-EC shares set

MANILA, Philippines--Government-owned PNOC Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) expects privatization of 60 percent of its stock to be done in the first quarter of 2008, company president Rafael del Pilar said Wednesday.

(UPDATE) Strong quake strikes off Indonesia's Sumatra

JAKARTA -- A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 struck off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island on Thursday, briefly triggering panic and a tsunami alert, the Indonesia meteorological agency said.

Airbus superjumbo set for first commercial flight

SINGAPORE -- After long delays and billions of dollars in cost overruns, the Airbus superjumbo -- the biggest airliner ever built -- was set to take to the skies Thursday for its first commercial flight.

Lafayette ships $8.3M worth of copper, zinc

MANILA, Philippines--Australian firm Lafayette Mining Ltd. said Wednesday its Philippine operation, which was previously shut down because of environmental problems, made four shipments of copper and zinc concentrates in the third quarter, valued at about $8.38 million.

GMA Network 3-qtr profit up 17% at P1.8B

MANILA, Philippines-- (UPDATE) Television and radio firm GMA Network Inc. reported an after-tax consolidated net income of P1.788 billion in the first three quarters of 2007, up 17 percent from P1.532 billion in the same period last year.

Ayala Corp. raises size of bond float to P8B

MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) Conglomerate Ayala Corp. said Wednesday it had board approval to increase its bond offer to P8 billion from P7 billion.

6 Customs men suspended over undervalued cars

MANILA, Philippines -- The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday ordered six Bureau of Customs employees suspended for alleged involvement in the smuggling of 14 luxury cars, which were undervalued at about P1 million each, at the Subic Bay Freeport in February 2007.

Filipino on Time magazine’s list of Green heroes

MANILA, Philippines -- In the eyes of fellow environmentalists, Von Hernandez is the kind who walks his talk, and gets the job done.

Where’s our P500,000 cash? governors ask

MANILA, Philippines -- At least seven governors have neither heard of their league’s “capacity-building program” (CBP) nor have they ever received money for such a program supposedly meant for neophyte governors.

‘Z’ camp denies Darchinyan bout

MANILA, Philippines -- Z “The Dream” Gorres will not fight Vic Darchinyan in an elimination bout for the No. 1 ranking of the International Boxing Federation on Dec. 1, contrary to what popular boxing website sportsnut.com reported Wednesday.

SC receives first writ of amparo plea

MANILA, Philippines -- The mothers of two missing students of the University of the Philippines Wednesday sought a writ of amparo (or protection) from the Supreme Court to order the military to free their daughters and the latter’s companion.

Inton snares 7 swim golds

Esperon blinks, orders release of Jonas Burgos report

MANILA, Philippines -- Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, Wednesday announced he was releasing the military report on how the license plate of an impounded vehicle ended up being used by the kidnappers of activist Jonas Burgos.

PLDT expects to hit hiked profit target

MANILA, Philippines--Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) expects to reach its upgraded net income target of P34 billion for this year, company chairman Manuel Pangilinan said Wednesday.

Laguna paces Bicol-SL games

NAGA CITY -- Mark Jake Reyes thought it was a mediocre run but he still ended up with the gold medal.

Citigroup sees P42.50:$1

MANILA, Philippines--US-based financial giant Citigroup expects the peso to head toward 42.50 to the dollar at yearend, given strong foreign exchange inflows from overseas Filipinos' cash remittances and capital-raising activities by local companies in the fourth quarter.

Billion dollars damage from California wildfires

LOS ANGELES -- Fires raged across California for a fourth day Wednesday as officials said property worth 1 billion dollars had been lost and President George W. Bush declared the region a major disaster zone.

ZTE inquiry resumes; Cabinet men not going

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang has barred Cabinet OFficials and government executives from appearing further in the Senate probe of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project, citing President Macapagal-Arroyo’s cancellation of the $329-million contract awarded to ZTE Corp. of China.

RP five battles Mail and More

Humbled in its debut in the 2008 Philippine Basketball League V-Go Extreme Energy Drink, the national quintet honing its skills for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand tries to avoid further loss of face when it plays Mail and More at 2 p.m. Thursday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Businessmen remain upbeat on economy

MANILA, Philippines--The business community remains upbeat about the Philippines’ prospects amid the challenges posed by globalization and the controversies in the political arena, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said Wednesday.

Ayala: 'Nothing extraordinary' about G2 basement conditions

MANILA, Philippines -- “Nothing extraordinary” was how Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), operator of the Glorietta shopping complex in Makati City, Wednesday described the condition of the Glorietta 2 (G2) basement before the Oct. 19 explosion that killed 11 people and injured more than 100.

UAAP bets pace Unigames

BACOLOD CITY -- Freshman Luville Dato-on of University of Santo Tomas has a penchant for churning out golden performances in national meets.

Red Bull holds off Welcoat

MANILA, Philippines -- Junthy Valenzuela scored 27 points, including 16 in the first seven minutes of the fourth period, as Red Bull hacked out an 86-75 decision of Welcoat in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup eliminations Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

RP corals hurting from effects of global warming

ALAMINOS CITY—The country’s coral beds may be underwater but they are not immune from the effects of global warming, a scientist who pioneered the study of corals in the Philippines warned.

Foxy Thai mauls off-form Tipon

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Joan Tipon’s Olympic dream will have to wait for now. The reigning Asian Games bantamweight champion started cold and lost to arch-rival Worapoj Petchkoom of Thailand, 13-5, at the start of the International Amateur Boxing Association World Boxing Championships here Tuesday.

Opposition to Estrada pardon gaining ground

MANILA, Philippines -- Lawyers, militants and anticrime crusaders -- and at least one academic institution -- have found common cause in opposing a presidential pardon for ousted President Joseph Estrada, a convicted plunderer.

Panlilio doubts LPP claim on cash source

MANILA, Philippines -- Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio Wednesday expressed skepticism over claims that the P500,000 he and Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza each received in Malacañang on Oct. 11 had come from the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

Security measures in place for November holidays

MANILA, Philippines – Police in some parts of Metro Manila have already put in place security measures for the observance of All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

Mindanao railway plan revived in talks

DAVAO CITY—Plans to put up a Mindanao railway system were revived anew here with a foreign company expressing interest in helping finance the project.

500 families flee homes as soldiers, NPAs clash

BACOLOD CITY—At least 500 families from a mountain village in Calatrava, Negros Occidental have fled their homes in the wake of clashes between the military and communist rebels.

MMDA, Ynares hold talks on Metro trash

MANILA, Philippines – Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fernando and Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III will discuss today the agency’s request for the province to accommodate garbage from the metropolis for six more months.

Libya offers to host talks with MILF

COTABATO CITY—Libya has offered to host peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Murder raps to be filed vs Gonzalez

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera has reversed the findings of a Manila prosecutor who earlier recommended the dismissal of the charges filed against businessman Luis Gonzalez and his driver, Antonio Buenaflor, in connection with the death of Gonzalez’s stepbrother and the attack on his companion last March.

Maddie parents reject sedative allegations

MADRID -- The parents of British girl Madeleine McCann who disappeared in Portugal rejected Wednesday as "outrageous" allegations they gave their children sedatives, in their first television interview since being named as suspects in the case.

Dow shakes off loss

NEW YORK - Stocks clawed their way back from steep losses on Wednesday that were triggered by Merrill Lynch announcing its first loss in nearly five years, on speculation that the Federal Reserve would cut the discount rate. Reuters

ABS-CBN to broadcast world pool

The biggest pool tournament in the world will now be broadcast live over ABS-CBN network on November.

California fires helped by slowing winds

SAN DIEGO - Firefighters battling 15 fires across Southern California got a break from slowing winds on Wednesday, but major blazes burned unchecked for a fourth day after forcing the largest evacuation in California's modern history.

All malls to be inspected

Police investigators called it an accident waiting to happen while property firm Ayala Land rejected police suggestions that an accidental gas explosion led to last week's deadly blast that killed 11 people at one of its shopping malls.

Senate hearing on ZTE should also be cancelled

Since President Arroyo has ordered the suspension of the ZTE deal for the national broadband network (NBN), Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said all cases involving it and the Senate investigation into it should also be dropped.

Valenzuela gets it done for Red Bull

Red Bull mainstay Junthy Valenzuela continued to take up the slack with their stars gone as he led the Bulls to an 86-75 win over Welcoat in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

79 bets vie in Macau Asian indoor games

Seventy-nine athletes, including trainees for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December, make up a 117-man Philippine delegation which will compete in the Macau second Asian Indoor Games which starts Friday in several venues interspersed within the former Portuguese colony.

PSA draws support for Olympic drive

Support for the Philippine Sportswriters Association's My Olympic Dream Project, in cooperation with Brickroad Fitness and Aspen Spas, the other day snowballed with shoe and sports apparel maker Accel and Informatics International College-Cainta throwing their support to PSA efforts to raise P2 million for the benefit of Filipino athletes competing in next year's Beijing Olympics.

20 hurt in Cam Sur road mishap

Twenty people were hurt when a six-wheeler truck accidentally hit a passenger jeepney Wednesday afternoon in Camarines Sur province.

Clan wars threaten peace talks in south

Deadly clan wars, which feed on unlicensed firearms and weak law enforcement, could disrupt peace talks aimed at settling a Muslim insurgency in the Philippines and should be dealt with more effectively, peace advocates said Wednesday.

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

World Bank and UN launch initiatives to strengthen states’ capability to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

Pardon Opens Door for Erap Presidential Bid in 2010

A grant of unconditional pardon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on former President Joseph Estrada will throw a monkey wrench in...

(GMA7) Death toll in blast rises to 11; probers doubt bomb theory

The death toll from the Glorietta 2 mall explosion in Makati rose to 11 on Sunday as investigators cast doubts...

(GMA7) C-4 bomb component used in Glorietta blast - PNP chemist

Traces of a main component of the powerful C-4 military grade plastic explosive were found at Glorietta mall in...

Cable Operators Up in Arms Against Smart

Even without clear regulatory rules, Smart wants to introduce mobile TV.

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The Philippine Headlines - October 24, 2007

2007-10-24T08:30:00.000+08:00

More than 500,000 flee as California fires rage for 3rd day

LOS ANGELES -- More than half a million people were ordered to evacuate across California on Tuesday as wildfires raged for a third day, razing over 1,000 homes and threatening to overwhelm weary firefighters.

Nat’l jins face tough schedule

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine taekwondo, heavily relied on to end the country’s search for its first Olympic gold medal, embarks on a busy end-of-the-year schedule in the hope of gaining more skills for -- and slots to -- the Beijing Games next year.

‘Cash gifts came from us’--league of governors

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) A group of governors, the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), admitted giving P500,000 each to two governors in Malacañang two weeks ago, claiming the money was intended for the "capacity building" of the first-term local executives.

Kings eye share of lead vs Phone Pals

MANILA, Philippines -- Barangay Ginebra shoots for a share of the Philippine Cup lead Wednesday when the Gin Kings battle a powerhouse Talk ‘N Text side at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

UP professors dispute methane gas angle in Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines -- The damage wrought by the blast at the Glorietta 2 mall on Friday is too huge to be attributed to a methane or diesel explosion, according to two chemical engineering professors of the University of the Philippines.

Norwood sets eyes on NBA, Euro stint

MANILA, Philippines -- Everybody wants a piece of amateur basketball’s hottest property. But Fil-Am Gabe Norwood has his own game plan that he intends to follow. And that involves taking it slow despite the slew of offers coming his way.

Draw the line, PBA coaches tell referees

MANILA, Philippines -- The problem with the new officiating rules being implemented in the Philippine Basketball Association is, ironically, rooted in an old one.

Bulacan Gov. Mendoza’s account of Palace handout

MANILA, Philippines -- Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza gave the following account of how he ended up with two paper bags of money during a meeting in Malacañang two weeks ago.

Trillanes insists Esperon behind Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines -- Detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV is standing pat on his claim that National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. masterminded the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City.

Basadre, Boholst, Lopez kick off RP’s boxing bid

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Doha Asian Games bronze medalist and lightweight Genebert Basadre, light welterweight Delfin Boholst and welterweight Wilfredo Lopez start their campaign Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) in the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) World Boxing Championships here.

Joey de Venecia bares slay plot; Mendoza: It’s a fairy tale

MANILA, Philippines -- Businessman Jose “Joey” de Venecia III, the whistle-blower in the controversial ZTE national broadband deal, Tuesday accused Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza of plotting to kill him.

Paulson calls for fully market-valued yuan

WASHINGTON -- US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urged China Tuesday to make its currency fully market-determined within several years as part of reforms to help the Asian powerhouse achieve sustainable growth.

Puno says Arroyo set to grant pardon to Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- Deal or no deal? Whatever, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno sees a homecoming for plunder convict and former President Joseph Estrada before Christmas.

Manila squads flaunt strength in University Games

BACOLOD CITY -- The onslaught of Manila teams continued Tuesday with Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University recording comprehensive victories in the men’s basketball tournament of the 12th Philippine University Games here.

Shock wins for Vasquez, Magpantay

GEN. TRIAS, CAVITE -- Summit Point’s Lino Magpantay watched his foe miss a putt from an almost “gimme” distance to escape with a 1-up win, the same result Andy Vasquez of Wack Wack obtained in pulling off the day’s biggest shocker Tuesday as the match-play phase of the National Tournament of Champions got going here.

Business travel costs surging on high fuel costs, demand

NEW YORK -- Business travel costs around the world are expected to see a big surge in 2008 with air fares pushed up by rising fuel prices and hotels rates squeezed by growing demands, a survey showed Tuesday.

SSC spikers seize V-League lead; UST scores

MANILA, Philippines -- San Sebastian College needed five sets to turn back Ateneo de Manila University, 18-25, 25-23, 29-27, 20-25, 15-7, and claimed the solo lead Tuesday in the 2007 Shakey’s V-League women’s volleyball second conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

IMF chief warns dollar may suffer 'abrupt fall'

WASHINGTON -- The head of the International Monetary Fund, Rodrigo Rato, has warned of a potential "abrupt fall" in the US dollar that could roil the global economy.

Agriculture dept funds 484 km of farm-to-market roads

MANILA, Philippines--The Department of Agriculture is funding construction this month of another 484 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said.

Smart sells Eastern Telecom stake to ISM

MANILA, Philippines--Smart Communications Inc., the cellular arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), has sold its holding of 2.5 million shares of Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc. to ISM Communications Corp.

Councilor’s house burns down in Binondo fire

MANILA, Philippines – Three persons were hurt in a fire that razed 20 houses, including that of actor and Manila Councilor Yul Servo in Binondo yesterday morning.

IFC disburses $105-M loan to Aboitiz Power

MANILA, Philippines--International Finance Corp., the World Bank arm for investing in the private sector, on Wednesday disbursed a $105-million loan to SN Aboitiz Power Inc., enabling the subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp. to finance part of its $530-million 360-megawatt Magat hydropower plant.

Gov’t defers sale of Sucat power plant

MANILA, Philippines--The privatization agency Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. has put off until 2009 an auction of the decommissioned 850-megawatt Sucat thermal plant of National Power Corp. as the government continues to use repowering the plant a fallback option in case of a supply shortage.

Norwood sparks Hapee; Harbour trips RP 5

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino-American Gabe Norwood’s debut turned out to be a feel-good stint for his teammates as Hapee Toothpaste repulsed Mail and More, 80-74, Tuesday in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.

President sued over NBN deal

Describing the doctrine of presidential immunity as an “archaic” rule that applied to kings of the past, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Tuesday filed the first criminal complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the controversial NBN deal.

Arroyo, De Venecia agree on joint vision, end cold war

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., along with former President Fidel Ramos and Vice President Noli de Castro, Tuesday met behind closed doors in Malacañang and apparently ended a 12-day cold war.

BSP may ease controls on overseas investments

MANILA, Philippines--The central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), may soon ease restrictions on overseas investments of professionally managed collective funds, such as unit investment trust funds (UITFs), mutual funds and pension funds, an official said.

Safety of Manila voters, teachers with poll duties assured

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday assured the safety of the city’s voters and school teachers during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 29.

Arroyo visits Glorietta: See? It’s business as usual

MANILA, Philippines -- Seeking to allay fears that going to the mall was no longer safe, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday visited the Glorietta complex, which was hit by a powerful explosion Friday that left 11 people dead and more than a hundred wounded.

Gov’t noncash revenue P23.8B as of Sept

MANILA, Philippines--The national government’s noncash revenue collection hit P23.8 billion in the first three quarters of the year, more than double the P11.7 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Cleanup of Navotas waterways ongoing

MANILA, Philippines – In anticipation of rains on the days reserved to honor the dead next month, a campaign to clean up the waterways to prevent flooding near the cemeteries has started in Navotas City, according to Mayor Toby Tiangco.

World oil prices slip amid demand concerns

LONDON -- World oil prices extended losses Tuesday amid worries that slower US economic growth could dampen global demand, dealers said.

Myanmar bows to world pressure, sets forward Gambari visit

UNITED NATIONS -- Bowing to international pressure, Myanmar's rulers on Tuesday agreed to bring forward to early November a return visit by UN mediator Ibrahim Gambari a day after clearing the first visit by the UN's top human rights official in four years.

Cops see white slavery gang behind abductions

COTABATO CITY—White slavery in Lanao del Sur has stirred the interest of authorities anew with the recent rescue of a 3-year-old boy, who was snatched in this city two months ago.

Outright exemption from excise tax to be removed

MANILA, Philippines--The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) plans to remove the outright exemption from excise tax enjoyed by manufacturers of oil, tobacco and alcohol products intended for export.

Mangroves dying in wake of oil spill, says survey

ILOILO CITY—Mangroves continue to die on Semirara Island in Antique, almost two years after a massive oil spill hit the island, survey results showed.

Free computer courses for Manilans

MANILA, Philippines – They may not have computers in their homes, but even Manila’s poor residents will know how to use one after enrolling in a free training program.

Glorietta blast likely an accident -- PNP

MANILA, Philippines -- Senior government officials Tuesday expressed “a high level of certainty” that the Friday explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City was an accident, but said a bomb attack had not been totally ruled out.

San Miguel to buy 34% of Bank of Commerce

MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) Beverage and food group San Miguel Corp., through real estate subsidiary San Miguel Properties Inc. and San Miguel Corporation Retirement Fund, is acquiring a 34-percent stake in Bank of Commerce for P2 billion.

Cavite governor to proceed with landfill amid protests

TRECE MARTIRES CITY—Despite the opposition of residents, local government officials and some members of the Catholic Church, Cavite Gov. Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi is keen on pushing through with a sanitary landfill project in Ternate, Cavite.

A death on the street where I live

MANILA, Philippines – Every day at around 7:30 a.m., a stocky coconut juice vendor plied his trade on Mayaman Street at UP Village in Quezon City.

Gov’t, MILF panels meet in KL to break impasse

COTABATO CITY—Government and Moro rebel negotiators yesterday opened another round of a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur in a bid to break the impasse in their peace talks, rebel sources said.

UP fraternity man seeks stop to hearings on Mendez death

MANILA, Philippines – A student and Sigma Rho fraternity member yesterday asked the court to stop the hearings being conducted by University of the Philippines officials in connection with the charges filed against him and several other students for the death of suspected hazing victim, Cris Anthony Mendez.

Pampanga board, gov quarrel over quarry turning into war

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Pampanga provincial board overrode the veto by Gov. Eddie Panlilio of an ordinance that he said weakened the governor’s regulatory powers over the multimillion-peso sand industry.

MMDA seeks 6-month extension of dump deadline

MANILA, Philippines – Give us six more months, please. An official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos yesterday asked the Rizal provincial government to accommodate trash from the metropolis for six more months, saying they have yet to identify alternative dumps.

Market climbs as Apple, RIM drive tech rally

NEW YORK - Stocks rallied on Tuesday as Apple's strong profit and a Chinese distribution deal for BlackBerry maker Research in Motion suggested the sector is the place to hide from a slowing U.S. economy. Reuters

California fire evacuees top 500,000

SAN DIEGO - At least 16 wind-driven wildfires burned from the Mexican border to areas north of Los Angeles on Tuesday, forcing more than half a million people from their homes and claiming a second life on the third day of fire calamity.

Palace unfazed by Chavit threat on Erap pardon

Malacañang dismissed a supposed threat by former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson that he will leave the administration's fold should President Arroyo decide to pardon his erstwhile friend, former president Joseph Estrada.

League of provinces: 'Cash gifts' came from us

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) finally came out in the open by issuing a statement to claim that the group distributed the "cash gifts" given to some governors who attended a Malacañang meeting on October 11.

PNP lists 10 deaths for village polls

The Philippine National Police has recorded 10 election-related deaths since a nationwide gun ban was imposed ahead of the October 29 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

Wildfires continue to rage in California, more winds expected

SAN DIEGO - Wildfires stoked by fierce winds burned unchecked across Southern California for a third day on Tuesday with 300,000 people in San Diego alone evacuated as flames destroyed or threatened homes from humble forest cabins to luxury villas.

Tang heroics key Harbour win vs SEAG 5

Harbour Centre, and not the RP Team, played like the team that is bound for the SEA Games.
Behind TY Tang's exploits, Harbour Centre Tuesday dealt the RP Team an 83-74 loss and a rude welcome in the PBL V-Go Energy Drink Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.

More oil price hikes coming, says DOE exec

Consumers are likely to bear another P2 to P3 per liter increase in petroleum pump prices in the coming weeks if prices in the international oil market continue on an uptrend, an oil industry official said.

PTT of Thailand may invest $400M in RP

Thailand's PTT Group plans to pour in as much as $400-million investments for the development of the petrochemical industry in the Philippines, a top company official said.

BIR eyes lifting of tax exemption on some exports

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is proposing to lift the outright excise tax exemption privilege on some products for export.

Pardon Opens Door for Erap Presidential Bid in 2010

A grant of unconditional pardon by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on former President Joseph Estrada will throw a monkey wrench in...

(GMA7) Death toll in blast rises to 11; probers doubt bomb theory

The death toll from the Glorietta 2 mall explosion in Makati rose to 11 on Sunday as investigators cast doubts...

(GMA7) C-4 bomb component used in Glorietta blast - PNP chemist

Traces of a main component of the powerful C-4 military grade plastic explosive were found at Glorietta mall in...

Cable Operators Up in Arms Against Smart

Even without clear regulatory rules, Smart wants to introduce mobile TV.

JDV Writes �Dear Gloria� Letter; Is this Divorce or Mere Positioning?

Is Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. divorcing from President Arroyo or merely sending her a message that she should not...

Philippine mall blast may have been an accident

Philippine police Tuesday said the explosion in an upscale mall that killed 11 people and wounded more than 100 was most likely an accident and not caused by a bomb.

Safety of Manila voters, teachers with poll duties assured

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday assured the safety of the city's voters and school teachers during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 29. In a statement,...

Cleanup of Navotas waterways ongoing

MANILA, Philippines - In anticipation of rains on the days reserved to honor the dead next month, a campaign to clean up the waterways to prevent flooding near the cemeteries has started in Navotas Ci...

Councilor's house burns down in Binondo fire

MANILA, Philippines - Three persons were hurt in a fire that razed 20 houses, including that of actor and Manila Councilor Yul Servo in Binondo yesterday morning. Fire officials said that the injured...

Free computer courses for Manilans

MANILA, Philippines - They may not have computers in their homes, but even Manila's poor residents will know how to use one after enrolling in a free training program. Vice Mayor Isko Moreno said the...

A death on the street where I live

MANILA, Philippines - Every day at around 7:30 a.m., a stocky coconut juice vendor plied his trade on Mayaman Street at UP Village in Quezon City. On a normal day, the middle class neighborhood is us...

UP fraternity man seeks stop to hearings on Mendez death

Close this MANILA, Philippines - A student and Sigma Rho fraternity member yesterday asked the court to stop the hearings being conducted by University of the Philippines officials in connect...

Lebanese beauty competing in Manila for Miss Earth 2007

The candidates will vie for five awards: Miss Fashion, Miss Charm, Best in Ao Dai (Vietnam's traditional long dress), Miss Fitness and Miss Beauty for a Cause in the country's central Nha Trang city. ...

Soldier killed, 5 rebels nabbed in military operations

AN ARMY soldier was killed while five communist guerrillas were captured following two separate military operations in Zamboanga del Sur and Quezon provinces, a military spokesman reported Tuesday.Quo...

P2-3 oil price hike looms

"At $100 per barrel, it will have an impact of two- to three-pesos," Martinez said. However, he said they will not immediately impose the P2 to P3 hike saying "we will have to stick to 50-centavos per...

Comelec orders Bedol's arrest

Bedol failed to appear on investigations called by Comelec in relation to alleged poll violations during the recent May 2007 elections.Sarmiento said copies of arrest and commitment order were issued ...

Death brings boom to Philippine town

By Raju Gopalakrishnan Santo Tomas - It could be any other sleepy town in the Philippine countryside, rows of single-storey houses basking under the sun alongside roads with the occasional car or v...

Estrada opted for pardon to be with ailing mom--Loi Ejercito

MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted ex-president Joseph Estrada decided to withdraw his appeal and accept pardon from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to end his detention and be near his ailing mother,...

Gas leak likely caused Manila mall blast

Security personnel patrol inside the upscale Glorietta shopping mall with bomb-sniffing dogs in the financial district of Makati, south of Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday Oct. 23, 2007. Philippine Pre...

Puno seeks Arroyo's action on Estrada's pardon

INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Tuesday President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should immediately act on former President Joseph Estrada's appeal for pardon so as not to cause any...

Arroyo mad over PCGG's sagging public image

MANILA, Philippines -- A "stern-looking" President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has reprimanded the chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government due to reports of alleged corruption at the ag...

Educators review new curriculum

MANILA, Philippines -- Teachers and educators all over the country are in the process of reviewing the new teacher education curriculum at Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang, Davao City. The convention, whi...

17,000 boy scouts start Jamboree in Mt. Makiling

LOS BA OS, Laguna, Philippines -- Despite intermittent rains, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) kicked off its 14th National Jamboree on Tuesday with fun and "learning-by-doing" activities which...

Blast in Philippine mall may have been accident

MANILA : A powerful blast at a Philippine mall that killed 11 people may have been caused by an accidental gas leak, although a bomb is not being totally ruled out, police said on Tuesday. Investigato...

Erap could be home by Christmas, says Puno

On Tuesday, the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said they hope an executive clemency could be extended to Estrada on or before December this year.

Manila takes steps to secure teachers, polling precincts

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim assured on Tuesday the safety of the city's voters and school teachers during the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections ...

Fighting could erupt if new talks fail

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Muslim rebels negotiating peace with Manila on Tuesday resumed talks with their government counterparts, but warned hostilities may erupt in Mindanao should the talks fail.

Joey files complaint on death threats, accuses govt officials

Businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia 3rd on Tuesday accused three high-ranking government officials of plotting to kill him as payback for exposing alleged anomalies in the controversial broadband...

Glorietta 2 mall explosion 'likely accidental'

A chemical engineering professor from the University of the Philippines-Diliman said it is impossible that the explosion that rocked Glorietta 2 was caused by methane and diesel.

Don't talk to media

The Department of Justice has ordered the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to stop talking to the media about its efforts to recover the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcose...

Sandigan approves withdrawal of Estrada motion

MANILA, Philippines -- Seeking pardon from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was simply a "gamble and a leap of faith" on the part of convicted plunderer and former president Joseph Estrada, according...

Global warming destroying coral reefs too, says RP scientist

ALAMINOS CITY, Philippines -- The country's coral beds may be under water but they are not immune to the effects of global warming, a scientist who pioneered the study of corals in the Philippines has...

Eradicate RP poverty by 2015

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine government on Tuesday pledged to eradicate extreme hunger, poverty and inequality by 2015 in support of the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. T...

Mike Arroyo won't attend Senate hearing

MANILA, Philippines -- On the advice of his doctors, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo will not appear in Thursday's resumption of the Senate probe into the scrapped national broadband deal with Chin...

'Cash gifts from us'--league of governors

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) A group of governors, the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), admitted giving P500,000 each to two governors in Malaca ang two weeks ago, claiming the money w...

HSA should protect, not suppress, rights--SC official

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines -- Law enforcers and the judiciary should use the Human Security Act (HSA) as a means to protect basic human rights, not as an instrument of oppression, an official of the Su...

De Venecia asks Arroyo for initial gov't reforms in 100 days

MANILA, Philippines -- Saying that political situation was reaching a "crisis point," Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has given President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo 100 days to "complete initial reforms" tha...

Manila cop faces child abuse raps

MANILA, Philippines -- The chief of the Manila Police District's Anti-Carnapping Unit (MPD-Ancar) is facing child abuse raps before the Manila Regional Trial Court after he reportedly beat up a 13-yea...

'Bomb theory hard to sustain'

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Four days after the deadly explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City, which killed 11 persons and hurt more than 100, post-blast investigators have seen no trace...

BFAD issues new list of tainted Chinese products

Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) issued a new list of food products from China that tested positive for formaldehyde, a cancer-causing substance. A directive to distributors and supermarkets has been ...

Arroyo transfers 'Palace bribe' probe to Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday ordered the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to let the Office of the Ombudsman take over the investigation of the alleged ...

The Philippines' Mobile Phone Revolution

The mobile phone has become the most widely used and diverse piece of technological equipment, surpassing fixed line telephone, radio or television--with 3 billion subscribers worldwide expected by ye...

One soldier killed in clash with communist rebels in Philippines

Manila - One soldier was killed and five communist rebels were captured in separate clashes in the Philippines, the military said Tuesday. The soldier was killed Sunday in a clash in Tigbao town in Za...

Guingona files criminal raps vs Arroyo on NBN deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Former vice president Teofisto Guingona filed on Tuesday a criminal complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before the Office of the Ombudsman to test the presidenti...

Philippine mall operator says blast costs US$2 million

MANILA: Damage from a blast that ripped through a Manila shopping mall, killing 11 people, has been put at over two million dollars, mall owner Ayala Land said on Tuesday. In a statement to the Philip...

Philippine mall operator says blast cost two million dollars

Damage from a blast that ripped through a Manila shopping mall killing 11 people has been put at over two million dollars, mall owner Ayala Land said Tuesday. In a statement to the Philippine Stock E...

Philippine police rule out bomb in mall blast

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine police said on Tuesday it was unlikely a bomb caused last week's explosion that killed 11 people and wounded more than 100 at an upscale shopping mall in Manila's financi...

Supreme Court rules a he cannot become a she in the Philippines

Manila - The Philippine Supreme Court has ruled that Filipinos who undergo sex reassignment surgery cannot have their gender and name changed in their birth certificates, court records showed on Tuesd...

Filipino software firm pursues global expansion

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino software firm Gurango Software Corporation (GSC) has opened sales and marketing offices in Singapore, Australia and South Africa, following its acqu...

Free trade, changing diets to put pressure on rice farming

MANILA, Philippines--Free trade, changing diets, and rapid urbanization is leading to a decline in rice production, one of the world's leading experts on the crop said. "As prosperous rice-growing co...

'High level of certainty' mall blast an accident--probers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) There is a "high level of certainty" that the explosion in a mall in Makati City last week was an accident, authorities said Tuesday, four days af...

Philippine shares close higher on rebound led by PLDT, Ayala Land

MANILA (Thomson Financial) - Philippine shares closed firmer Tuesday led by index leader Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) and property developer Ayala Land Inc, as investors chased bargain...

Most Lakas party members to side with Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines -- Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles on Monday said "most if not all" members of the Lakas-Christian-Muslim-Democrats will choose President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over House Speak...

Terrorism won't stop senators on bribe probe

MANILA, Philippines -- The self-styled "solid eight" opposition senators on Monday said they would not let the Glorietta mall bombing distract them from their probe of anomalies in the Arroyo administ...

Foreign experts help Philippine police probe Manila mall blast

MANILA FBI and Australian investigators were yesterday helping Philippine detectives investigate a bomb attack on a Manila shopping mall which left 11 dead, police said.

Gymnasts give Manila POF crown

tally G S B Manila 65 52 52 Quezon City 60 42 30 Pasig 35 14 8 Muntinlupa 22 15 12 Para aque 20 15 17 Marikina 19 24 30 Taguig 18 17 26 Mandaluyong 17 12 9 Las Pi as 12 28 12 Makati 6 9 5 Valenzuela ...

Arroyo about to pay a karmic debt

For all her faults and what she's capable of doing, it is unlikely that President Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Glorietta 2 explosion just to get the bribery scandal off her back. We still don't know ...

Waterless QC, Manila during weekend

MANILA, Philippines - Parts of Manila and Quezon City will have no water from 1 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, until 9 a.m. the following day. In line with this, Maynilad Water Services Inc. said it will...

Manila Ocean Park seen attracting P1B in investments

Close this A massive aquarium and adjoining commercial establishments being built on the edge of Manila Bay are expected to draw in P1 billion in investments, the operator of the facility sai...

MMDA told to look for new dump

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) might soon end up dealing with a full-blown garbage crisis after Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III yesterday said the agency wou...

Manila tightens security at City Hall

MANILA, Philippines - Security has been tightened at the Manila City Hall following Friday's explosion at the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. Insp. Marcelo Reyes, City Security Force officer in charge, y...

Malls, business areas in south Metro tightly watched

MANILA, Philippines - Two mayors in the southern part of the metropolis have ordered a stricter watch on malls and major business establishments in their areas following the bombing of the Glorietta 2...

Cops warn pranksters about bomb tips

MANILA, Philippines - Pranksters, be warned. Bracing for prank callers after the Glorietta 2 explosion in Makati City on Friday, Eastern Police District chief, Senior Supt. Nilo de la Cruz, yesterday...

Military officer dies in Pasig road accident

MANILA, Philippines - A military officer was killed instantly while his driver was seriously injured when their sports utility vehicle rammed into a concrete island in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City at da...

Suspected illegal recruiter could face estafa charges

MANILA, Philippines - Thirty alleged victims of a suspected illegal recruiter trooped yesterday morning to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to file a complaint against a woman who reportedly gyp...

CPP can't see any peace talks with Arroyo gov't

No training yet for poll duty, teachers' group lament

MANILA, Philippines -- With barely a week to go before the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK, youth council) elections, the Commission on Elections has yet to conduct the necessary train...

Gov't mulls amending anti-terror law

SHORT of admitting that Republic Act (RA) 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA) is flawed, government is now eyeing "major and extensive amendments" to the controversial law even before a powerful blas...

Group calls for boycott of Arroyo cronies' firms

A CIVIL society group on said people should boycott companies owned by close allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the First Family particularly those owned by businessman Enrique "Ricky" Ra...

Erap asks GMA for pardon

By Angelo S. Samonte And Jomar Canlas, Reporters Joseph Estrada is asking President Gloria Arroyo to grant him an unconditional pardon after he withdrew his appeal before the Sandiganbayan, wh...

Owner wants gov't to pay P150M for occupying Arlegui mansion

THE original owner of the so-called Arlegui mansion inside Malaca ang on Monday asked for P150 million in just compensation from the government owing to its illegal occupancy of the property during ma...

Pre-need company loses case SEC

The Court of Appeals conceded that while it is within the exclusive power of the courts to handle the case of CAP, the SEC has the regulatory power to conduct its own investigation.

Glorietta blast could be accidental

WAS it a bomb or gas explosion? That question may finally be answered when the Philippine National Police reveals today its findings on the deadly blast that rocked the Glorietta 2 mall last Fri...

Abortion versus freedom of choice

The abortion issue is a nonending spiral of contention not only in the Philippines but all over the world especially when one speaks of the elusive power of the freedom of choice.

Lakas official gave cash bribes

The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission investigating the alleged cash giving in Malaca ang said in its initial findings that a Lakas party official was the one involved in the distribution of mo...

RP world's top 4 recipient of remittances-UN report

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter The Philippines emerged as the world's fourth-top recipient of overseas remittances, receiving $14.65 billion last year, according to a report by the United Nat...

Ermita to address UN body on killings

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita left for New York over the weekend for a one-week mission to update United Nations officials on efforts to address extrajudicial killings in the country.

Trillanes remark on blast 'irresponsible', says Atienza

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- Environment Secretary Lito Atienza scoffed at claims by opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that Friday's bombing in Makati City was the handiwork of the Arroyo administr...

Group to write execs in alleged Palace payoffs

MANILA, Philippines -- Local government executives who had breakfast with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on October 11 will be sent letters by civil society groups asking them, "Nakatanggap ka ba?"...

Repentance, prayers for country's problems urged

MANILA, Philippines -- It is time to "bombard the gates of heaven" with prayer, the country's religious leaders said. Taking last Friday's explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall -- which came on top of a s...

SC junks transsexual's plea for gender, name change

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- To prevent complications with existing laws, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of a transsexual for his name and gender to be changed in his birth cer...

US, Australian experts help Philippine detectives probe mall blast

MANILA : Forensic experts from the US and Australia are helping detectives in the Philippines investigate last Friday's shopping mall blast. Philippine police have not found bomb fragments and say the...

Philippine metals output up 59% in first half

MANILA, Philippines -- Metallic minerals production in the Philippines surged 59 percent from a year earlier to P39.42 billion ($888.84 million) in the first half, the environment and natural resource...

Microsoft's new Philippine chief cites growth prospects

MANILA, Philippines -- Microsoft Philippines' newly-appointed managing director believes the company is in a "good position" to take advantage of a robust local economy brought on by emerging markets ...

Arroyo names 2 deputy spokespersons

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has designated two deputy spokespersons amid talks that Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye would be promoted as Palace Chief of Staff. Ma. L...

Money not from Arroyo, Palace tells Panlilio, Mendoza

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines -- Malaca ang has officially denied that the P500,000 each received by Governors Eddie Panlilio of Pampanga and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan on October 11 came from th...

Killings down but still no justice

MANILA, Philippines -- A group of human rights advocates from Hong Kong, including a lawmaker, ended a seven-day fact finding mission in the Philippines observing that, while incidents of extrajudicia...

AFP checks C4 stockpile after being linked to mall blast

MANILA, Philippines -- All three major services of the Armed Forces -- the Army, Navy, and Air Force -- have undertaken inventories of their respective stocks of the explosive C4 explosives, a militar...

No components of military explosive found in Metro Manila blast site

Philippine police chief said on Monday investigators had not detected any trace of the main component of C-4 military grade plastic explosive from the ruins in a downtown shopping mall in Metro Manila...

32-hour water cutoffs in Manila, QC on weekend

MANILA -- Areas of Manila and Quezon City will be waterless for 32 hours this weekend as Maynilad Water Services Inc. undertakes work on its supply lines, the utility firm said Monday. To ease the ef...

Philippine investigators say mall blast may have been accident

Manila - Philippine police said Monday a deadly explosion in an upscale shopping mall in the capital last week might have been an accident caused by a mixture of gases and chemicals from the building'...

Lawyers of 'plotters' want court martial in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- Demanding "fair treatment," lawyers of 28 military officers facing court martial over an alleged coup plot in February 2006 will ask the Armed Forces chief of staff to transfer ...

DFA operating normally despite bomb threat

MANILA, Philippines -- Operations and services at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) remain normal despite a bomb threat late Sunday night, an official said Monday. DFA spokesman Claro Cristobal...

DILG exec denies involvement in Palace cash giving

Joselito Mendoza identified him and another local official as being present when the money was given to him. In a statement Monday, Auster Panadero, DILG undersecretary, confirmed that he went to the...

Philippine shares plunge nearly 4 per cent in mall blast aftermath

Manila - Philippine share prices plunged nearly 4 per cent on Monday on security concerns following a deadly explosion at an upscale shopping mall in the capital, which killed 11 people and wounded mo...

Governor says senior official witnessed bribery in Philippines

Manila - A senior official of the Philippines' interior department was present when congressmen and local officials allegedly received bribes to ensure their loyalty for scandal-tainted President Glor...

Philippine health secretary concerned over exodus of domestic medics

Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the country's medical system is in crisis as more than 80 percent of the Filipino health care professionals have gone abroad to find jobs with bett...

P500,000 given with DILG, local execs present--Bulacan gov

CITY OF MALOLOS, Philippines -- Bulacan Governor Joselito Mendoza said it was Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, League of Provinces of the Philippines secretary general, who, through an LPP staff, ...

Ermita in UN to defend gov't vs rights report--Palace exec

MANILA, Philippines -- Parts of the report by United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston could be "damaging" to the image of the Philippines that was why President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent a ...

Philippines must shift farm spending to export crops

Agricultural investments in the Philippines must shift to high-value export commodities to help lift millions of farmers out of poverty, the World Bank said Monday. The bank said 40 percent of the co...

Lawyer wants Justice Gregory Ong out of Sandiganbayan

MANILA, Philippines -- Blocked from joining the Supreme Court because of questions on his being a natural-born Filipino, Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong is now facing a legal challenge to his positi...

Ombudsman taps Filipino-Chinese traders in graft fight

MANILA, Philippines -- The Office of the Ombudsman has tapped Filipino-Chinese businessmen in its fight for a graft-free and business-friendly environment in the country. Under a memorandum of agreem...

Interior designer makes old things new again

MANILA, Philippines -- Whenever she walks into a room that she has designed, Wilhelmina Garcia is never without a story or two to tell about the place -- from the furniture and art pieces to their man...

Man hangs self following fight with wife over drinking

MANILA, Philippines -- Vaneza Mu oz walked out on Jonard, her husband, Sunday morning after a fight with him, hoping to cool down. But when she returned several hours later to their house on Anakbaya...

Fire in bombed Manila mall causes panic, no injuries

A firefighter assisting a woman into a waiting ambulance after a small fire broke out in an upscale shopping mall in Makati City yesterday. (REUTERS)

Importers start shifting to paperless transactions

MINOR GLITCHES marred yesterday's start of a shift to
paperless transactions at the Bureau of Customs, as importers and
brokers grappled with the new system.

Apple fourth-quarter profit leaps 67%

SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple announced yesterday that its
fourth-quarter profits leaped 67% as customers snatched up iPhones,
iPods and Macintosh computers.

SK's Samsung claims world's most powerful memory chip

SEOUL -- South Korea's Samsung Electronics said yesterday
it has developed the world's most powerful memory chip, which could help
create a memory card capable of storing 80 DVD movies.

Bills filed to stop another NBN

New Web entrepreneurs finding a host

SAN FRANCISCO -- From an online travel organizer to a real
estate pricing game, the ideas of the newest Web entrepreneurs are still
finding attentive ears.

Investors discouraged by rampant software piracy, says group

THE PHILIPPINES is responsible for $119 million out of $40
billion in worldwide losses from personal computer software piracy in
2006, a representative of the international lobby group of software
companies said, claiming the country has been losing out on investments
because of rampant intellectual property theft.

Smart taking advantage of lack of digital TV rules — cable group

THE PHILIPPINE Cable Television Association, Inc. (PCTA),
an association of cable service providers, has accused Pangilinan-led
Smart Telecommunications, Inc. of taking advantage of the absence of
rules governing digital television (digital TV) services.

Graffiti, evolution, infection pitched as new video games

LOS ANGELES -- Imagine a video game in which characters
evolve from primordial ooze, acquiring speed, claws, wings or other
traits needed to survive.

RP tech dreams tied to education

THE DREAM of the Philippines hosting another Silicon Valley will
remain far-fetched unless the country focuses on a most basic issue --
education.

Incubator firm sets up shop in Leyte town

TACLOBAN CITY -- A technology business incubator (TBI)
that can accommodate six fledgling technology-related ventures has
opened at the Leyte Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park
in Palo town, Leyte.

Headline: Business to spell out key tasks

Business leaders will discuss with government officials measures to improve the country's competitiveness, as well as legislation that will make it easier to do business in the country, during the 33rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo to be held at the Manila Hotel from today to Friday.

Corporate News: Calaca owner wants to hike plant's output

THE NEW owner of the 600-megawatt (MW) Calaca coal-fired
power plant is eyeing an initial 300-MW expansion on top of an overhaul
of the plant, and has expressed interest in other state power assets as
well.

Banking & Finance: Asian bonds recover in cautious trading

HONG KONG -- Asian bonds recovered yesterday on the back
of a firm Wall Street and strong regional equity markets, but the mood
was cautious amid deepening concerns about a slowdown in the US
economy.

Stock Market: Stocks gain as investors hunt for bargains

SHARE PRICES closed higher yesterday as investors chased bargains
following a steep plunge in the previous session. Wall Street's rebound
overnight had also helped boost sentiment, dealers said.

The Economy: Senate panel wants higher tax breaks

THE SENATE ways and means committee wants to increase
personal exemptions of individual taxpayers to offset the impact of
inflation, but the Finance department has posed reservations given hefty
revenues the government will have to forgo.

The Nation: Blast traced to gas explosion

The Oct. 19 explosion at Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City
was caused by a gas explosion and not by terrorist bombing, the
Philippine National Police (PNP) told the National Security Council
(NSC) in a meeting yesterday.

Motoring: Metal to pedal

NOT SATISFIED with a simple test drive event, Isuzu Philippines
Corporation (IPC) recently staged the "Isuzu Global D-MAX
Metal-to-the-Pedal Challenge" at the Tagaytay Highlands' Midlands Golf
Club.

IT Matters: Importers start shifting to paperless transactions

MINOR GLITCHES marred yesterday's start of a shift to
paperless transactions at the Bureau of Customs, as importers and
brokers grappled with the new system.

Philippine mall blast may have been an accident

Philippine police Tuesday said the explosion in an upscale mall that killed 11 people and wounded more than 100 was most likely an accident and not caused by a bomb.

Signs of a bungled relocation project

SUBIC, Zambales - As the rains poured over the Redondo Peninsula in Subic, Zambales, one afternoon in August, Romeo Altares went up and down the hill, checking for signs of another landslide. Inside ...

Cops see white slavery gang behind abductions

COTABATO CITY-White slavery in Lanao del Sur has stirred the interest of authorities anew with the recent rescue of a 3-year-old boy, who was snatched in this city two months ago. Senior Supt. Willie...

Glorietta blast likely an accident -- PNP

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Senior government officials Tuesday expressed "a high level of certainty" that the Friday explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City was an accident, b...

Mangroves dying in wake of oil spill, says survey

ILOILO CITY-Mangroves continue to die on Semirara Island in Antique, almost two years after a massive oil spill hit the island, survey results showed. The survey, conducted by the Department of Envir...

Fil-Am ace Norwood gets going

GAMES TUESDAY (Emilio Aguinaldo College gym) 2 p.m. -- Harbour Centre vs RP Team 4 p.m. -- Hapee vs Mail and More MANILA, Philippines -- A Filipino-American rookie hotshot debuts Tuesday for a team s...

Cavite governor to proceed with landfill amid protests

TRECE MARTIRES CITY-Despite the opposition of residents, local government officials and some members of the Catholic Church, Cavite Gov. Erineo "Ayong" Maliksi is keen on pushing through with a sanita...

Gov't, MILF panels meet in KL to break impasse

COTABATO CITY-Government and Moro rebel negotiators yesterday opened another round of a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur in a bid to break the impasse in their peace talks, rebel sources said. Governm...

Investigators hope to wrap up Glorietta blast case Thursday

Investigators expect to wrap up their probe into the Glorietta 2 mall blast not later than Thursday now that police have found indicators that the tragic incident in Makati City was due to gas explosi...

Guingona files graft suit against Arroyo over ZTE deal

Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona on Tuesday accused President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, her husband, a former Elections official and a Cabinet official of graft in a suit he and five others file...

SC junks transsexual"s plea to change name

The law does not recognize the changes made by a surgeon to transform a man's body into a woman's. Nor does it allow changing a person's name to suit its newly acquired gender status. Thus, the Sup...

Death brings boom to Philippine town

Estrada opted for pardon to be with ailing mom--Loi Ejercito

Arroyo mad over PCGG's sagging public image

Educators review new curriculum

17,000 boy scouts start Jamboree in Mt. Makiling

Blast in Philippine mall may have been accident

Makati blast likely caused by gas explosion - investigators

An accidental gas explosion most likely caused the blast that killed 11 people and injured more than 100 others at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City, police officials said Tuesday. Investigators ...

Global warming destroying coral reefs too, says RP scientist

Sandigan approves withdrawal of Estrada motion

Writ of amparo takes effect; lawyers' group issues primer

The writ of amparo, a rule that grants relief to families and relatives of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, takes effect on Wednesday. The Supreme Court last month approved the d...

Eradicate RP poverty by 2015

Mike Arroyo won't attend Senate hearing

'Cash gifts from us'--league of governors

Gov't prosecutor opposes early pardon for Erap

MANILA - The chief government prosecutor and lawyers who won a plunder conviction of ousted Philippine President Joseph Estrada opposed moves on Tuesday to grant him an early presidential pardon. E...

Arroyo goes 'malling' in Glorietta

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday inspected the devastation at Glorietta 2 and went shopping at the adjacent Glorietta malls in Makati City four days after a powerful blast hit the area and...

Ex-Army chief denies JDV III 'kill' plot 'tale'

Retired Army chief Jaime de los Santos on Tuesday afternoon denied passing information about an alleged plot to murder businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III amid the controversy over the $329.4-milli...

3 typhoons expected to visit RP in next 2 months - Pagasa

At least three typhoons are expected to visit the Philippine territory in the last two months of the year, the weather bureau said on Tuesday. Nathaniel Cruz, weather branch chief of the Philippine...

Graft case filed vs Arroyo, hubby Mike

Leaders of civil society filed a graft complaint on Tuesday before the Office of the Ombudsman against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel, in connection with their alleged ...

HSA should protect, not suppress, rights--SC official

Relatives of boy who drowned in Pasig appeals for help

Relatives of Kristian Gonzales, a teenager who apparently drowned on Monday in Pasig River are appealing for help for the immediate recovery of his missing body. Gonzales, 14, 5'5" in height w...

De Venecia asks Arroyo for initial gov't reforms in 100 days

BFAD issues new list of tainted Chinese products

Arroyo transfers 'Palace bribe' probe to Ombudsman

The Philippines' Mobile Phone Revolution

One soldier killed in clash with communist rebels in Philippines

Give way to Ombudsman in bribe probe

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday ordered the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to give way to the Ombudsman in investigating alleged the bribery of lawmakers and local officials la...

Comelec issues order for Bedol arrest, detention

Without a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued Tuesday an arrest warrant for former Maguindanao elections supervisor Lintang Bedol. Radio...

Graft complaint on ZTE deal filed vs Arroyos with Ombudsman

Philippine mall operator says blast costs US$2 million

Philippine mall operator says blast cost two million dollars

Philippine police rule out bomb in mall blast

Joey De Venecia links DOTC chief to 'kill plot'

(Updated 12:54 p.m.) Businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III asked the Makati police Tuesday to investigate a "plot" to kill him allegedly masterminded by Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and t...

NCRPO chief rules out bomb, eyes gas leak in Glorietta blast

(Updated 12:31 p.m.) The police on Tuesday ruled out bombing as the cause of last Friday's Glorietta 2 incident saying investigators found no bomb indicators. Director Geary Barias, chief of th...

Palace denies giving P500K to Pampanga governor

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Malacañang has denied disbursing the P500,000 reportedly received by Governor Eddie Panlilio shortly after he attended the meeting of the Union of Local Authorities of t...

Filipino software firm pursues global expansion

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino software firm Gurango Software Corporation (GSC) has opened sales and marketing offices in Singapore, Australia and South Africa, following its acqu...

Pangasinan town councilor shot dead

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines -- A third-term councilor of Alcala, Pangasinan, was shot dead Monday night near his house in Barangay (village) San Pedro Apartado in that town. Councilor Juan Ablao was sh...

Supreme Court rules a he cannot become a she in the Philippines

Free trade, changing diets to put pressure on rice farming

'High level of certainty' mall blast an accident--probers

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) There is a "high level of certainty" that the explosion in a mall in Makati City last week was an accident, authorities said Tuesday, four days af...

Comelec orders arrest of Maguindanao poll chief

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections en banc has promulgated a resolution ordering the arrest of Maguindanao provincial election supervisor Lintang Bedol, according to the poll body's sp...

Philippine shares close higher on rebound led by PLDT, Ayala Land

Gov't, MILF hold 4th clarificatory talks in Malaysia

Government and secessionist peace negotiators started Tuesday their fourth question-and-answer session in Malaysia to iron out kinks on the issue of ancestral domain. The Moro Islamic Liberation Fr...

Governors call for an end to 'Arroyo resign' moves

Governors, some of whom attended a "bribe-tainted" meeting in Malacañang last Oct. 11, on Tuesday placed full-page ads in newspapers calling for an end to calls for the resignation of President...

JDV III asks cops to probe 'death threats'

Businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III requested the Makati police Tuesday to investigate death threats he has been receiving following his statements on alleged anomalies in the $329.4-million ZTE de...

Arroyo convenes NSC amid mall blast, corruption claim

MANILA - The Philippine president convened a top-level meeting Tuesday amid political tensions compounded by last week's deadly blast in a Manila shopping mall, which investigators now suspect was...

'Witness' says Glorietta diesel area poorly ventilated - PNP

The police claimed that a "witness" attested that the diesel storage area in the Glorietta shopping mall lacked proper ventilation, even as lawmen continue to cite more information that allegedly tend...

Erap may be home before Christmas - DILG chief

(Updated 9:01 a.m.) Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno predicted Tuesday that convicted former President Joseph Estrada may be pardoned before Christmas this year. Puno, who concurrently serves as pre...

Most Lakas party members to side with Arroyo

Trillanes to tell all only to independent body

Detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said Tuesday he is willing to tell everything he knows about an alleged Malacañang link to the Glorietta 2 blast, but only to an independent commission. In...

RP has 2,299 new CPAs; UST, PUP, Xavier top schools

The Philippines has a total of 2,299 new certified public accountants (CPAs). They passed the licensure examination for CPAs given by the Board of Accountancy in October 2007 in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, ...

1 killed, 2 hurt in predawn mishaps in QC

A motorcycle rider was killed, while an engineer and a manager were injured in separate predawn road accidents in Quezon City Tuesday. Radio dzBB reported that Joel Nera of Fairview in Quezon City ...

Terrorism won't stop senators on bribe probe

Filipinos keep hopes alive, Indonesians keep losing

THE Philippines Spring Cooking Oil team kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the semifinals of the Penang Chief Minister Cup-Asian Basketball Invitation tournament by defeating Indonesia Satria Mu...

Mayor Peewee Trinidad writes

MANILA, Philippines -- I would like to apologize to the readers for failing to acknowledge their letters on time. It's because I seldom go to the office to pick up my mails. Among the letter-senders ...

Foreign experts help Philippine police probe Manila mall blast

MANILA FBI and Australian investigators were yesterday helping Philippine detectives investigate a bomb attack on a Manila shopping mall which left 11 dead, police said.

Cops nab 4 car thieves in Malate, Manila

The police arrested four suspected car thieves after chancing upon them during a routine patrol in Manila's Malate district before dawn Tuesday. Radio dzBB reported that a team from the Manila Poli...

Take precaution vs dengue, US tells citizens in RP

With the rainy season not yet over, the United States government urged its nationals to take preventive measures against catching dengue. In a warden notice, the US embassy recommended "proactive&q...

Supreme Court rules that a he can't be a she

MANILA, Philippines -- He was born Rommel Silverio but decided to undergo sex reassignment surgery five years ago in Bangkok, Thailand. Today, 45-year-old Silverio, who prefers to be called Mely, loo...

'Witch-hunt' vs Muslim groups feared

MANILA, Philippines -- A Mindanao-based party-list group on Monday expressed fears of a government "witch-hunt" in Muslim communities following reports that the Rajah Solaiman Revolutionary Movement (...

Businessmen jittery over mall blast

MANILA, Philippines -- The Glorietta 2 mall explosion set back Philippine stocks on Monday and caused concern among businessmen that three days after the incident no solid leads have surfaced on its c...

'Kuya' tells Trillanes to put up or shut up

MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV was told by his "kuya" -- Sen. Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan -- to back off from accusations the Arroyo administration was behind the Glorietta mall blast ...

Park, Brodett nail match play top seedings

Men's Division: 7 a.m. -- R. Littaua vs. E. Solon, 7:10 -- L. Tojino vs. M. Ilagan, 7:20 -- J. Tuason vs. C. Raymundo, 7:30 -- M. Rivera vs. A. Avena, 7:40 -- R. Mangulabnan vs. J. Tan, 7:50 -- R. Gar...

Lady Stags, Lady Eagles dispute V-League lead

MANILA, Philippines -- San Sebastian College and Ateneo de Manila University, both with talented Thai imports, clash for the solo lead on Tuesday in the Shakey's V-League women's volleyball second con...

2 men stopped from planting evidence in Glorietta -- source

MANILA, Philippines -- Police thwarted an attempt on Sunday night by two men in Army uniforms to plant a bag of evidence and foul up an investigation into the explosion that wrecked Glorietta 2 shoppi...

That Friday, cell phone seemed to keep ringing forever

MANILA, Philippines -- Businessman Renier Santiago Tan would normally answer calls on his cell phone after two rings. That Friday, his phone seemed to keep on ringing forever. That was when his son, ...

Makati gov't orders safety inspection of Glorietta

MANILA, Philippines -- The Makati City government Monday ordered the temporary shutdown of the Glorietta shopping complex to allow engineers to determine if the building remained safe following Friday...

Bulacan gov links Arroyo ally to bags of money

Close this MALOLOS CITY -- Saying it was time to tell the truth about what happened in Malaca ang, Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza Monday linked an ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to ...

Gymnasts give Manila POF crown

RP jins capture 12 golds in Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines bagged 12 gold medals, including four in the senior division, in the recent 8th ASEAN Taekwondo Federation Championships held in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam. Banta...

GIs back among Aetas for war games

Blessings "Blessings come to us whenever Talon Vision and Balikatan (exercises) are held here," Catacutan said, referring to the yearly war games that resumed in 1999 under the RP-US Visiting Forces ...

Iloilo execs endorse coal plants after trip to Taiwan

ILOILO CITY-Returning from a controversial Taiwan trip sponsored by proponents of a local coal plant project, city officials are now urging residents to be open to such "clean and safe" source of ener...

Guiao sacked for one game

MANILA, Philippines -- The relaxed rules in defense of the PBA have claimed some victims in just a week with at least one player carried out of a game, one ending with a busted lip, a coach getting su...

There's no stopping 'jueteng' in Camarines Sur

NAGA CITY-"Jueteng" continues in Camarines Sur, where three draws are held every day, according to several correadores (bet collectors). Senior Supt. Romeo Tambungui, police provincial director, said...

Fish cages return to Batangas after 5 yrs

SAN NICOLAS, BATANGAS-Illegally-built fish cages are back in the Pansipit River, a protected area, after five years, choking a key passageway of the endemic maliputo fish from Balayan Bay to their bre...

Gov't vets sent to Samar town to probe carabao deaths

TACLOBAN CITY-For the third time, government veterinarians were sent to Las Navas town in Northern Samar on Tuesday to investigate the deaths of 138 carabaos in an outbreak of hemorrhagic septicemia, ...

Acting DoJ chief sees need to amend anti-terror law

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera on Monday said the government might need to amend the controversial anti-terror law or the Human Security Act (HSA). Devanadera, vice chairman of the Anti-...

Robinsons Land to start high-end Cebu leisure estate

Close this Robinsons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei group plans to build its first high-end leisure estate following its purchase of a five-hectare property on Mactan Island in Cebu City, the co...

CPP can't see any peace talks with Arroyo gov't

No training yet for poll duty, teachers' group lament

Darchinyan puts away Catubay

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Federico Catubay put up a gallant stand before Australia-based Armenian Vic Darchinyan put him away with a 12th-round technical knockout Saturday night in their Interna...

Rajah Solaiman group remains in blast suspect list - PNP task force

The Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) may already be "inactive" as far as authorities are concerned, but it remains in the list of groups that investigators eye as being behind the October 19 blast at Glo...

Inspection of Glorietta 2 fails to push through

The scheduled temporary closure of all Glorietta malls in Makati City at 8 p.m., Monday, did not push through, radio dzBB reported Monday night. The report said the Ayala Land Inc, owner of Gloriet...

Cold front nears east Luzon - Pagasa

Cooler days lie ahead for residents in eastern Luzon as the tail end of a cold front is now affecting the area, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa)...

Repentance, prayers for country's problems urged

Trillanes remark on blast 'irresponsible', says Atienza

Group to write execs in alleged Palace payoffs

US, Australian experts help Philippine detectives probe mall blast

Arroyo makes surprise inspection at NAIA

To drive home the need for security following last week's Glorietta 2 blast, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo made a surprise inspection of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Monday af...

Lakas exec passed paper bag to gov, DILG usec says

A senior official of Interior department bemoaned Monday that he has been unfairly dragged into the bribery controversy in Malacañang Palace when it was allegedly an executive of the ruling Lak...

All hail the power pop princes

Just when you thought you’ve outgrown bubblegum pop along with pillow fights and pinup posters, along comes a boy band whose music reminds you how fun and carefree those times were―so much so that it makes you want to skip cramming for finals week and get up close and personal with the boys instead.

My own cup of life

MANILA, Philippines―I was a sheltered kid who didn’t even know how to ride a bike or play patintero, so when I broke the news to my loved ones that I would be playing football, they asked in amazement: “You can actually run?”

Food for the sole

MANILA, Philippines―It is the first of its kind. A shoe store designed to look like a restaurant, ResToeRun in Trinoma carries international cult brands which are laid out like a sumptuous buffet. A board heralding the store’s menu (of shoe brands) greets you upon entrance.

Detectives for a day

MANILA, Philippines―Leading international action and adventure channel AXN recently attracted a horde of crime-cene investigator wannabes when it staged the first-ever “CSI: Miami Investigation Challenge” at SM Mall of Asia.

The vanity checklist

A grand dame’s 90th birthday

MANILA, Philippines―She's a distinguished, low-profile woman of substance who, at the glorious age of 90, remembers the names and birthdays of everyone of her nine children, their better halves, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Women’s intuition may be fact

MANILA, Philippines―The popular belief that women are more intuitive than men, and children more intuitive than adults, seems to have some biological and anatomical basis.

Museo ng Maynila exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - While restoration of the Army and Navy Club is in progress, Museo ng Maynila will open its doors. Its galleries on the ground floor are now open to the public.

And what a ball it was!

MANILA, Philippines – So many events, so little time! October has been a most auspicious month for charity balls, anniversary parties and events of every sort.

She wants out of her marriage

MANILA, Philippines -Dear Emily, My husband and I have been married for 20 years and we have teenage children. He was my boyfriend in high school.

Coffee-table books on Ilocos Norte, La Naval

MANILA, Philippines - It took 14 years, but Kannawidan Foundation, Inc. finally put out a coffee-table book on the people, culture and history of Ilocos Norte.

Specialty shops at LRI

MANILA, Philippines―In 1979, Pynky Magsino was only in her teens when she borrowed money from her dad to buy a collector’s shop located at the Baguio Market. The shop has since evolved into the Pnky Collection, where Magsino markets a fusion of the old and the new.

The Philippine Headlines - October 23, 2007

2007-10-23T08:49:00.000+08:00

Terrorism won’t stop senators on bribe probe

MANILA, Philippines -- The self-styled “solid eight” opposition senators on Monday said they would not let the Glorietta mall bombing distract them from their probe of anomalies in the Arroyo administration.

Positive thinking doesn't stop cancer -- US scientists

WASHINGTON -- Cancer patients' state of mind has no influence on their survival chances, according to a US study released Monday that contradicted a widespread belief in the power of positive thinking.

Shorter height linked to pedophilia -- study

OTTAWA -- Shorter men are more likely to be sexually attracted to children than their taller peers, according to a new Canadian study of the biological roots of pedophilia.

Myanmar agrees to visit by UN rights official

UNITED NATIONS -- Myanmar has given the green light for a visit by the UN special rapporteur on human rights, UN spokeswoman Michele Montas said Monday.

President takes closer look at airport security measures

MANILA, Philippines -- Upon her arrival from Bicol on Monday afternoon, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took advantage of the opportunity to inspect the security measures being implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following the Makati blast.

‘Witch-hunt’ vs Muslim groups feared

MANILA, Philippines -- A Mindanao-based party-list group on Monday expressed fears of a government “witch-hunt” in Muslim communities following reports that the Rajah Solaiman Revolutionary Movement (RSRM) has owned up to the Glorietta 2 blast on Friday.

Bin Laden urges Iraqi insurgents to unite

DOHA -- Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden called on leaders of the insurgency in Iraq to bury their rivalries and unite in a common fight against the US-led coalition, in an audiotape broadcast Monday on Al-Jazeera.

Fil-Am ace Norwood gets going

MANILA, Philippines -- A Filipino-American rookie hotshot debuts Tuesday for a team seeking a major turnaround in the Philippine Basketball League this season.

Hundreds of thousands flee California wildfires

LOS ANGELES -- Wind-whipped wildfires raged unchecked across California on Monday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people and besieging homes from Los Angeles to the Mexican border.

Manila Ocean Park seen attracting P1B in investments

A massive aquarium and adjoining commercial establishments being built on the edge of Manila Bay are expected to draw in P1 billion in investments, the operator of the facility said Monday.

Gymnasts give Manila POF crown

MANILA, Philippines -- A gold medal blitz in gymnastics dramatically swung the race for overall honors in favor of Manila at the close of the Philippine Olympic Festival-National Capital Region qualifying leg Monday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Napocor urged to disclose total debt

The Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) is seeking full disclosure of the debts of government-owned National Power Corp. (Napocor) before the privatization agency Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. goes ahead with prepayment of $1.3 billion of these debts in the next six months.

Lopez group plans IPO for SkyCable, ABS-CBN Global

The Lopez group plans to take public its cable television next year and possibly also its international TV unit in 2009, encouraged by rosy financial forecasts this year, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. chairman Eugenio Lopez III said.

Guiao sacked for one game

Energy regulator to amend ‘open access’ rules

The Energy Regulatory Commission will amend the Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR) to ensure that these will conform to previous ERC issuances and with existing laws and regulations, ERC Chairman Rodolfo Albano Jr. said.

Wall Street steadies as global markets reel

NEW YORK -- Wall Street steadied after a sharply weaker opening Monday with global markets still skittish after last week's dizzying decline and fears of more US economic turmoil ahead.

World oil prices slide from record peaks

LONDON -- World oil prices slumped further from record highs on Monday as a rout on global stock markets ignited worries about a slowdown for crude demand, analysts said.

Gov’t will honor P40-B commitment to BSP -- Teves

The national government has committed to pay its unremitted capital contribution to the central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), amounting to P40 billion, but on a staggered basis to avoid disrupting its fiscal program, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said.

Robinsons Land to start high-end Cebu leisure estate

Robinsons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei group plans to build its first high-end leisure estate following its purchase of a five-hectare property on Mactan Island in Cebu City, the company said.

Yahoo offsets 'carbon footprint' with Brazil, India projects

SAN FRANCISCO--Yahoo revealed plans on Monday to be "carbon neutral" by year's end by backing hydropower in rural Brazil and wind power in India.

CPP can’t see any peace talks with Arroyo gov’t

MANILA, Philippines -- The Communist Party of the Philippines is losing hope about reaching a peace deal with the current government, saying it might be able to resume negotiations with a new leadership after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is ousted from power or after she finishes her term in 2010.

Boeing manufacturing complex a city within a city

MANILA, Philippines -- Some take coffee at the corner shop, several make the long walk to lunch, while others carefully bike and drive golf carts inside the marked lanes and stop at the intersection as pedestrians cross.

Stocks end up, Apple jumps after bell

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks rose on Monday, rebounding from last week's steep sell-off as optimism that Apple would deliver strong earnings drove the Nasdaq to a gain of 1 percent. Reuters

ABC reaches out to Fil-Ams, to hire Pinoy scriptwriters

No quick end seen to California wildfires

LOS ANGELES - Ten wind-driven wildfires raged across Southern California on Monday, keeping thousands of evacuees from returning home for a second day, while authorities forecast two more days of extreme fire conditions.

Dow and S&P drop following Exxon losses

NEW YORK - The Dow industrials and S&P 500 fell on Monday as a drop in oil prices weighed on shares of energy companies including Exxon Mobil Corp.

America to rock Big Dome, other RP venues anew

Legendary folk-rock group America is set to wow Filipino audiences before Christmas during its "All My Life Philippine Tour" on December 4 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Arroyo, mayors beef up local security

Following Friday's explosion in Makati City, President Arroyo led local government officials in inspecting security on the local front by sampling measures being undertaken at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

Ex-gov loses gun to thieves

Former Rizal governor Casimiro Ynares Jr. has added, albeit unintentionally, another loose firearm in the streets after he lost his gun to thieves in Pasig City.

DOLE cites QC as top job generator

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has cited the Quezon City government's Public Employment Service Office as the most outstanding PESO in the country.

China boycott means no action figures

WASHINGTON - Instead of presents, Mary Naden gives her teenaged children skateboard lessons or takes them on outings -- an effort, she says, to avoid buying goods made in China.

Aces owner alarmed over new rule

Alaska Milk team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu has appealed to the PBA board of governors to re-evaluate the league's new policy on officiating this early, wary it may result to career-ending injuries for players or, worse, trigger on-court hooliganism.

(GMA7) Death toll in blast rises to 11; probers doubt bomb theory

The death toll from the Glorietta 2 mall explosion in Makati rose to 11 on Sunday as investigators cast doubts...

(GMA7) C-4 bomb component used in Glorietta blast - PNP chemist

Traces of a main component of the powerful C-4 military grade plastic explosive were found at Glorietta mall in...

Cable Operators Up in Arms Against Smart

Even without clear regulatory rules, Smart wants to introduce mobile TV.

JDV Writes �Dear Gloria� Letter; Is this Divorce or Mere Positioning?

Is Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. divorcing from President Arroyo or merely sending her a message that she should not...

3 Retired Justices Probe Payola Scandal in SC

The Supreme Court has created a committee composed of three retired Supreme Court (SC) justices to look into reports that...

Former Philippines president Estrada drops appeal, seeks pardon

Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada Monday dropped his appeal of his conviction for large-scale corruption and sought an unconditional pardon from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, an official said.

Gymnasts give Manila POF crown

MMDA told to look for new dump

Arroyo about to pay a karmic debt

Waterless QC, Manila during weekend

Manila Ocean Park seen attracting P1B in investments

Close this A massive aquarium and adjoining commercial establishments being built on the edge of Manila Bay are expected to draw in P1 billion in investments, the operator of the facility sai...

Manila tightens security at City Hall

Malls, business areas in south Metro tightly watched

Cops warn pranksters about bomb tips

Military officer dies in Pasig road accident

Suspected illegal recruiter could face estafa charges

CPP can't see any peace talks with Arroyo gov't

No training yet for poll duty, teachers' group lament

Gov't mulls amending anti-terror law

Trillanes snubs police probe on Makati mall blast

OPPOSITION Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of the detained leaders of the short-lived Oakwood mutiny, has refused to cooperate with police investigators who have asked him to shed light on his alleg...

Group calls for boycott of Arroyo cronies' firms

Owner wants gov't to pay P150M for occupying Arlegui mansion

Erap asks GMA for pardon

By Angelo S. Samonte And Jomar Canlas, Reporters Joseph Estrada is asking President Gloria Arroyo to grant him an unconditional pardon after he withdrew his appeal before the Sandiganbayan, wh...

Pre-need company loses case SEC

The Court of Appeals conceded that while it is within the exclusive power of the courts to handle the case of CAP, the SEC has the regulatory power to conduct its own investigation.

Glorietta blast could be accidental

WAS it a bomb or gas explosion? That question may finally be answered when the Philippine National Police reveals today its findings on the deadly blast that rocked the Glorietta 2 mall last Fri...

Abortion versus freedom of choice

The abortion issue is a nonending spiral of contention not only in the Philippines but all over the world especially when one speaks of the elusive power of the freedom of choice.

Lakas official gave cash bribes

The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission investigating the alleged cash giving in Malaca ang said in its initial findings that a Lakas party official was the one involved in the distribution of mo...

RP world's top 4 recipient of remittances-UN report

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter The Philippines emerged as the world's fourth-top recipient of overseas remittances, receiving $14.65 billion last year, according to a report by the United Nat...

Ermita to address UN body on killings

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita left for New York over the weekend for a one-week mission to update United Nations officials on efforts to address extrajudicial killings in the country.

Trillanes remark on blast 'irresponsible', says Atienza

Group to write execs in alleged Palace payoffs

Repentance, prayers for country's problems urged

De Venecia proposes Cabinet revamp to Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines -- Amid corruption allegations hounding government, Speaker Jose de Venecia has proposed a Cabinet revamp and removal of those "perceived" corrupt officials in government-owned and...

Puno happy Estrada seeking pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said he was happy that convicted former president Joseph Estrada is seeking a presidential pardon for his conviction on plunder by the Sandiganba...

SC junks transsexual's plea for gender, name change

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- To prevent complications with existing laws, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of a transsexual for his name and gender to be changed in his birth cer...

Australian experts help Philippines investigate deadly explosion

Two Australian Federal Police ( AFP) post-blast forensic experts have traveled to Manila to provide assistance to Philippine authorities investigating last week's deadly explosion, AFP said Monday. El...

Microsoft's new Philippine chief cites growth prospects

Arroyo names 2 deputy spokespersons

Philippine metals output up 59% in first half

Estrada seeks Arroyo pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted president Joseph Estrada is seeking "full, free, and unconditional pardon" from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said Monda...

Money not from Arroyo, Palace tells Panlilio, Mendoza

Killings down but still no justice

AFP checks C4 stockpile after being linked to mall blast

Philippine investigators say mall blast may have been accident

No components of military explosive found in Metro Manila blast site

32-hour water cutoffs in Manila, QC on weekend

Lawyers of 'plotters' want court martial in Manila

DFA operating normally despite bomb threat

DILG exec denies involvement in Palace cash giving

Philippine shares plunge nearly 4 per cent in mall blast aftermath

Governor says senior official witnessed bribery in Philippines

Philippine health secretary concerned over exodus of domestic medics

P500,000 given with DILG, local execs present--Bulacan gov

Ermita in UN to defend gov't vs rights report--Palace exec

Philippines must shift farm spending to export crops

Lawyer wants Justice Gregory Ong out of Sandiganbayan

Ombudsman taps Filipino-Chinese traders in graft fight

Interior designer makes old things new again

Man hangs self following fight with wife over drinking

Fire in bombed Manila mall causes panic, no injuries

A firefighter assisting a woman into a waiting ambulance after a small fire broke out in an upscale shopping mall in Makati City yesterday. (REUTERS)

Marine officer in coup plot rushed to hospital

MARINE Colonel Ariel Querubin, tagged in last year's alleged power grab, was rushed to the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City Sunday due to chills and high fever.Ma. Flor Querubin, wife of the deta...

RP, US mull holding Balikatan exercises in Sulu

VISITING Forces Agreement (VFA) Commission chairman Edilberto Adan said the Philippine and US forces are eyeing Sulu, a bailiwick of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, as a possible site for next year's ...

Ong's removal as Sandigabayan justice sought anew at SC

AFTER being barred taking up a post at the Supreme Court (SC), another suit was filed seeking the removal of Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong from the anti-graft court for his failure to pr...

Ermita off to NY to discuss RP rights situation with UN

Close this MANILA, Philippines--PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has dispatched a team to New York led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to discuss with United Nations officials the coun...

Mangrove conservation paying off--DENR

MANILA, Philippines--There's new evidence that the country's mangrove cover has slowly grown to nearly 60 percent of its original state in the 1900s. Satellite pictures from the National Mapping and ...

Gov't aims for recovery of Marcos loot in Singapore

GOVERNMENT is eyeing to recover the US$25 million alleged ill-gotten wealth stashed in an escrow account at the Singapore branch of the German bank, West Landesbank AG, acting Justice Secretary Agnes ...

Labor dep't launches new program assisting displaced workers

MANILA, Philippines--The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set up quick reaction teams (QRTs) in its national and regional offices to provide help to displaced workers under an expanded as...

Opposition solon says he's 'more sympathetic' to De Venecia

Close this MANILA, Philippines--In the event of a full-blown confrontation with President Macapagal-Arroyo, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. might find the most unlikely of allies: opposition cong...

'Her life was just starting'--pa of daughter slain in blast

Close this MANILA, Philippines--For a few precious minutes, Julian Marcos stood at the wreckage of the Glorietta 2 mall, in front of a single yellow candle, thinking of his daughter and of wh...

3 friends together in life, death

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Jee Ann de Gracia, 25, normally brought home-cooked food whenever she had lunch at her office near the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. On Fridays, she and two of ...

Death toll rises to 11 in Manila mall blast

The death toll from an explosion at an upscale shopping mall in Manila rose to 11 on Sunday as investigators cast doubt on earlier statements that the blast was caused by a bomb. The Philippine natio...

Death toll from Glorietta 2 mall explosion goes up to 11

The toll from a deadly bomb blast in a Manila shopping mall has risen to 11 after another body was found in rubble at the ravaged building and an injured man died in hospital, officials said Sunda...

Abolish Palace antigraft body

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter The Palace Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), the agency tasked by the President to investigate alleged bribery of government officials who visited Malaca ang, is actually...

Women Consider Abortion An Escape

EDITOR'S NOTE: The first part revealed how abortion is becoming an accepted practice among women with unwanted pregnancies, and the "backdoor" and medical procedures available.

Calls to 'Sheik Omar' diverted to mobiles of oppositionists

MANILA, Philippines--Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino Biazon cried foul on Sunday after being dragged in the bombing of the Glorietta shopping mall that killed 11 people and wounded more than 100 in Makati City...

Filipino-American doctor convicted of murder--reports

Dr. Noel Chua, a Filipino-American doctor, has been convicted of murder and sentenced to "life plus five years," reports have said. The website, firstcoastnews.com,

Calls to Rajah Solaiman diverted to Rep. Biazon's cell phone

Rep. Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa was surprised when he got calls on his cell phone from reporters on Sunday inquiring if they could talk to Sheik Omar of the Rajah Solaiman Revolutionary Movement...

Kin of Glorietta victims ask Arroyo for justice, not cash

MANILA, Philippines--The father of one of those killed in last Friday's blast at the Glorietta mall in Makati City, has blamed the government for the death of his son and said he was not hopeful that ...

List of dead and injured in Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines --(UPDATE 4) The following is an updated list of those who were killed and injured during an exposion 1:30 p.m. Friday at Glorietta Mall in Makati. Authorities have issued a corre...

Group's claim it's behind Glorietta blast not validated--AFP

Close this FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City--Military intelligence has not validated reports that the extremist Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) was behind the bomb attack at a shopping mall in Makat...

Teflon Arroyo to whom nothing sticks

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Within minutes of Friday's deadly bomb blast in a Manila shopping mall the text messages started circulating in this SMS-obsessed Southeast Asian nation. In a...

Resume normal activity, Makati mayor urges

MANILA, Philippines--After Friday's deadly explosion in the Glorietta 2 mall, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay called on all corporations and business establishments to resume their operations on Monda...

Querubin brought to hospital

MANILA, Philippines--Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin, one of 28 officers facing court martial over the alleged coup plot in February 2006, was brought to a military hospital on Sunday morning after suff...

Defense chief urges PMA cadets to respect human rights

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City--Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has asked cadet officers of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to "uphold" human rights as the military establishment continues t...

Sulu eyed for RP-US war games next year

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City--The Philippines and the United States are eyeing the island province of Sulu, a hotbed of the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, and several other areas in Mindanao and Luzon for...

Grenade blast kills three children in southern Philippine city

Manila - Three children were killed in a grenade blast triggered by a quarrel over a cockfight in a southern Philippine city, a police report said Sunday. Six people were also wounded in the explosion...

Philippines shocked by bombing attack, Arroyo orders wider security meeting

The Philippines has been shocked by the deadly bombing attack Friday on a highly popular shopping mall in a showcase financial hub in Metro Manila and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Saturday called...

Glorietta blast toll climbs to 11; victim dies in hospital

MANILA, Philippines--The death toll from Friday's Glorietta 2 mall explosion is now at 11, after one of the victims in critical condition died before dawn Sunday. Makati Councilor Junjun Binay identi...

Angel of the dump walks barefoot to save children

MANILA, Philippines--Jane Walker picks her way barefoot through stinking black mud at Manila's Smokey Mountain dumpsite, an apparition among the myriad garbage collectors she wants to rescue from thei...

Caller Claims Militant Group Behind Deadly Manila Blast

Al Jacinto, Arab News MANILA/ZAMBOANGA CITY, 21 October 2007 - A group allied with the Abu Sayyaf and the Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah has claimed responsibility yesterday for Friday's dea...

Bomb caused mall blast in Philippines that killed nine

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Officials in the Philippines say it was a bomb made out of high-grade explosives that blew up in a mall in Manila yesterday. At least nine people were killed and more than ...

High-grade bomb, terrorists blamed for mall blast in Manila's financial district that killed 9

MANILA, Philippines – A bomb made from high-grade explosives – and likely set off by terrorists – caused the blast that killed at least nine people and wounded more than 100 at a mal...

Death toll hits 10 as body found in Glorietta blast site

Close this MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) The death toll in Friday's Glorietta 2 explosion has reached 10, with one of the missing persons recovered near the elevator. Makati City councilor J...

Security meet set next week

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called for a full National Security Council meeting next week to discuss measures on how to beef up security in the wake of the Glorietta m...

Counselor's tale of saving an abortion survivor

Not all abortion attempts are successful, whether induced or direct. Most instances point to cases where the abortion pill did not work especially when the baby is over four months old. Myrna Sanc...

House Bill 3773-Anti-life legislation

The CBCP refers to House Bill 3773, the Integrated Reproductive Health and Population Reduction Bill. Church-backed organizations, such as Pro-Life and Couples for Christ, could not agree more w...

'Confessions' of an abortionist

The documentary, SONDA: buhay.bata. aborsyon, done by a group of University of Santo Tomas (UST) nursing students presents a first-hand account of the lives of an abortionist and an abortionee.

Bishops against 'cafeteria methods' of family planning

Unnatural methods of family planning, the CBCP said, is a form of abortion, which, it added, is against the Church's teachings and advocacy of the formation of core values and education on the n...

Australia advises against travel to RP

MANILA, Philippines -- Australia on Saturday re-issued its advisory to its citizens not to travel to the Philippines following the bomb explosion in the Glorietta mall in Makati City. In its website,

Glorietta bombing a bid for funding by al-Qaeda -- analyst

MANILA, Philippines -- A political, security, and military affairs analyst on Saturday tied the Glorietta bombing to an alleged attempt by local extremists to obtain recognition and funding from the a...

Blast may be fund-raiser for terror groups

MANILA, Philippines -- National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales on Saturday said that the bombing at the Glorietta mall may have been executed by terrorists so that they could obtain funding from b...

No verified Islamic group's claim to blast, says Razon

MANILA, Philippines -- There is no verified claim of responsibility for the Glorietta 2 explosion from the Rajah Sulaiman Movement, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon said Satur...

Regular people heroes in Glorietta blast -- Councilor Binay

MANILA, Philippines -- Regular people faced the challenge of the aftermath of the bomb blast in Glorietta, instantly transforming into heroes, Makati City councilor Junjun Binay said Saturday. "Sa mga...

Fuel prices go up for 5th time in 5 weeks

MANILA, Philippines -- As world oil prices hit a record $90 a barrel, local oil firms on Saturday jacked up pump prices of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene by 50 centavos a liter and liquefied petroleum...

Bishops denounce bombing; ask prayers for country's crises

MANILA, Philippines -- The country's Catholic bishops condemned Friday's bomb explosion in Glorietta 2 in Makati and asked the Catholic faithful to join them in prayer for the problems besetting the c...

New Web entrepreneurs finding a host

SAN FRANCISCO -- From an online travel organizer to a real
estate pricing game, the ideas of the newest Web entrepreneurs are still
finding attentive ears.

Investors discouraged by rampant software piracy, says group

Smart taking advantage of lack of digital TV rules — cable group

Graffiti, evolution, infection pitched as new video games

LOS ANGELES -- Imagine a video game in which characters
evolve from primordial ooze, acquiring speed, claws, wings or other
traits needed to survive.

RP tech dreams tied to education

THE DREAM of the Philippines hosting another Silicon Valley will
remain far-fetched unless the country focuses on a most basic issue --
education.

Incubator firm sets up shop in Leyte town

Web site tweaks could be new niche for RP

AFTER CALL CENTERS and medical transcription, the Philippines could
become an outsourcing destination for another information technology
(IT) service.

Networking Web site for idea exchange launched

AFTER THREE YEARS of conceptualization, the European
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) yesterday launched
OneFilipino.Net in partnership with Ayala Foundation and EON The
Stakeholders Firm, in order to provide an avenue for Filipino
professionals -- experts in various fields -- to network and exchange
ideas.

Apple to open new iPhones to outside software makers

SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple revealed plans Wednesday to open
iPhones to computer programs made by outsiders in a move that could
quiet complaints that its lock on the devices' workings is overzealous.

Spending on computer tech in '07 to top a trillion dollars

SAN FRANCISCO -- Spending on computer technology will top
a trillion dollars this year as the industry grows increasingly vital to
national economies worldwide, according to a study by the technology
market intelligence firm IDC released yesterday.

Headline: New World Bank thrusts expected to benefit RP

WASHINGTON D.C. — Initiatives under the new World Bank leadership are expected to particularly benefit emerging economies, including the Philippines.

Corporate News: PAL shareholder shelves plan to conduct secondary offering

THREE WEEKS after it made the announcement, Lucio Tan-led Trustmark Holdings Corp. has shelved plan to sell shares in PAL Holdings, Inc. to foreign investors through a secondary offer.

Banking & Finance: RP top 4 recipient of OFW

THE PHILIPPINES has emerged as the world's fourth biggest recipient of money sent home by migrant workers, the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) said last week.

Stock Market: Stocks trip on Wall Street loss, Makati blast

SHARE PRICES tumbled yesterday, with investors cashing out after Wall Street's heavy losses on Friday and amid local security concerns.

The Economy: Investments, exploration needed for energy independence

EXPLORATION COMPANIES and foreign investors are key to accelerating the implementation of the government's plan to become self-sufficient in energy, speakers at an energy summit said yesterday.

The Nation: Initial probe shows possible accident in blast; death toll: 11

INITIAL INVESTIGATIONS are pointing to the possibility that the blast at Glorietta 2 on Friday was an accident. The casualty has risen to 11 as of yesterday.

IT Matters: New Web entrepreneurs finding a host

SAN FRANCISCO — From an online travel organizer to a real estate pricing game, the ideas of the newest Web entrepreneurs are still finding attentive ears.

Former Philippines president Estrada drops appeal, seeks pardon

Park, Brodett nail match play top seedings

'Kuya' tells Trillanes to put up or shut up

Lady Stags, Lady Eagles dispute V-League lead

2 men stopped from planting evidence in Glorietta -- source

Businessmen jittery over mall blast

That Friday, cell phone seemed to keep ringing forever

Makati gov't orders safety inspection of Glorietta

Bulacan gov links Arroyo ally to bags of money

Close this MALOLOS CITY -- Saying it was time to tell the truth about what happened in Malaca ang, Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza Monday linked an ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to ...

Estrada seeks Arroyo pardon

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Citing "the highest national interest," convicted plunderer and former President Joseph Estrada Monday asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for "full, fre...

RP jins capture 12 golds in Vietnam

Gymnasts give Manila POF crown

GIs back among Aetas for war games

Iloilo execs endorse coal plants after trip to Taiwan

Gov't vets sent to Samar town to probe carabao deaths

Guiao sacked for one game

Fish cages return to Batangas after 5 yrs

There's no stopping 'jueteng' in Camarines Sur

Acting DoJ chief sees need to amend anti-terror law

Robinsons Land to start high-end Cebu leisure estate

Close this Robinsons Land Corp. of the Gokongwei group plans to build its first high-end leisure estate following its purchase of a five-hectare property on Mactan Island in Cebu City, the co...

CPP can't see any peace talks with Arroyo gov't

No training yet for poll duty, teachers' group lament

Darchinyan puts away Catubay

Wrestlers, archers keep QC bets afloat

MANILA, Philippines -- Quezon City scooped up 10 gold medals in wrestling and added five more in archery to keep its grip of the overall lead Sunday in the National Capital Region qualifying leg of th...

Rajah Solaiman group remains in blast suspect list - PNP task force

Puno 'ecstatic' over Estrada pardon bid

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Monday said he was "ecstatic" over former President Joseph Estrada's decision to drop his motion for reconsideration and seek presidential pardon instead. Pun...

Inspection of Glorietta 2 fails to push through

Cold front nears east Luzon - Pagasa

Trillanes remark on blast 'irresponsible', says Atienza

Group to write execs in alleged Palace payoffs

Repentance, prayers for country's problems urged

De Venecia proposes Cabinet revamp to Arroyo

Puno happy Estrada seeking pardon

SC junks transsexual's plea for gender, name change

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- To prevent complications with existing laws, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of a transsexual for his name and gender to be changed in his birth cer...

US, Australian experts help Philippine detectives probe mall blast

Erap withdraws appeal, asks for presidential pardon - DOJ

(Updated 6:13 p.m.) The camp of former President Joseph Estrada has asked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to grant him pardon now that his lawyers have withdrawn their appeal to the Sandiganbayan&#3...

Defense counsels want military trial done in Manila

Lawyers for the 28 Army and Marine officers detained in connection with the botched February 2006 coup would seek a change of venue for the trial of their clients "for fairness and convenience." In...

AFP orders inventory of C-4 explosives amid Glorietta probe

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has decided to conduct an inventory of its C-4 plastic explosives, after traces of a component of the said explosive were found at Glorietta 2 mall. The estab...

Blast site shows signs of methane explosion

Debris from the Makati mall explosion last Friday that left 11 people killed, 112 wounded and three others missing show signs of a possible methane gas explosion, the head of an inter-agency task forc...

Philippine metals output up 59% in first half

Church leaders, militants urge independent probe of blast

Church leaders and militants on Monday called for an independent investigation into Friday's blast at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City, which killed 11 people, and hurt at least 112 others. "The...

Palawan never an Abu lair, says MNLF exec

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines -- Palawan has never been an Abu Sayyaf lair, contrary to military claims, and is unlikely to become one because the group has no support base in any part of the prov...

Lakas exec passed paper bag to gov, DILG usec says

A senior official of Interior department bemoaned Monday that he has been unfairly dragged into the bribery controversy in Malacañang Palace when it was allegedly an executive of the ruling Lak...

Arlegui mansion owner asks P150-M compensation from gov"t

The owner of a mansion in Arlegui street in San Miguel, Manila, on Monday asked for a P150-million compensation from the government, after the latter illegally occupied the property, which became the ...

Microsoft's new Philippine chief cites growth prospects

Arroyo makes surprise inspection at NAIA

To drive home the need for security following last week's Glorietta 2 blast, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo made a surprise inspection of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Monday af...

AFP, PNP monitor 20 Cebu villages with NPA 'bets'

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- A police official said on Tuesday up to 20 barangay (villages), said to be infiltrated by the communist New People's Army, could land on the list of the Commission on Electio...

Arroyo names 2 deputy spokespersons

Money not from Arroyo, Palace tells Panlilio, Mendoza

Killings down but still no justice

AFP checks C4 stockpile after being linked to mall blast

Parts of Manila, QC to experience 32-hour water cutoff - Maynilad

Some areas of Manila and Quezon City will have no water for 32 hours starting 1 a.m., Saturday, October 27, 2007 until 9:00 a.m., Sunday, October 28, 2007, Maynilad Water Services said Monday. In a...

Lawyers of 'plotters' want court martial in Manila

DFA operating normally despite bomb threat

DILG exec denies involvement in Palace cash giving

Philippine shares plunge nearly 4 per cent in mall blast aftermath

Governor says senior official witnessed bribery in Philippines

Philippine health secretary concerned over exodus of domestic medics

DILG usec present when P500K was given - gov

(Updated 12:20 p.m.) An official of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) was present when a woman handed out P500,000-cash gifts to Bulacan Gov. Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza, the provin...

Latest NDCC casualty list in Makati blast

The latest report by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) show that 11 people were killed, 112 others were injured and three remain missing in the Makati mall blast last Friday. The fo...

Solon admits receiving P200K, not from Arroyo

Sun.Star: Compostela Valley first district Rep. Manuel "Way Kurat" Zamora admitted he received P200,000 during a breakfast meeting with the President, but, he said, the money did not come from Malaca&...

US experts unable to detect C-4 component from blast site

Investigators from the United States have been unable detect traces of the main component of C-4 military grade plastic explosive from the site of last Friday's blast at the Glorietta 2 shopping m...

P500,000 given with DILG, local execs present--Bulacan gov

Ermita in UN to defend gov't vs rights report--Palace exec

Philippines must shift farm spending to export crops

New low pressure area spotted near Visayas

State weather forecasters have sighted a new low-pressure area east of Southern Visayas early Monday morning, even as they predicted more rains and winds. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and...

Lawyer wants Justice Gregory Ong out of Sandiganbayan

Ceasefire won't last if talks remain stalled, MILF warns

Impatient over the delayed resumption of peace talks, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday said it cannot accept a "perpetual ceasefire" as a consequence of the stagnation of its peace n...

Fuel vapor, not bomb, caused Glorietta blast - Lacson

Vapor from bunker fuel used to run power generators at the Glorietta 2 commercial complex in Makati City, and not a bomb, may have caused last Friday's deadly blast that so far killed 11 people, o...

Trillanes refuses to answer PNP queries on mall blast

(Updated 10:11 a.m.) Detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has refused to share with the Philippine National Police (PNP) information regarding the last Friday's blast at the Glorietta 2 shopping mal...

12th Unigames comes off the wraps in Sugarlandia

BACOLOD CITY -- With the country's major university sports leagues taking a respite, action shifts to this city as the 12th Philippine University Games unfolds Monday at the University of St. La Salle...

Ombudsman taps Filipino-Chinese traders in graft fight

Cebu training for Donaire fight

CEBU CITY -- International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. is set to arrive in Cebu on Monday to train at the famed ALA Gym in preparation...

Vivere goes all the way in Sampaguita Stakes upset

MANILA, Philippines -- Jonathan Hernandez was a master atop Vivere on Sunday, guiding the fast-starting mare to an upset wire-to-wire triumph over long-shot Sound of Silence in the Sampaguita Stakes r...

Corcuera home run sparks Cebu

GAMES SUNDAY (Rizal Memorial Ballpark) 7 a.m. -- Cebu vs Manila 10:30 a.m. -- Makati vs Dumaguete 2 p.m. -- Marikina vs Taguig MANILA, Philippines -- Miggy Corcuera, who learned baseball in Californi...

SEA Games five ready with or without Norwood

MANILA, Philippines -- The Harbour-RP team is ready for action in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December even if Fil-Am sensation Gabe Norwood fails to join the all-amateur national crew. ...

Taxi driver hurt, EDSA traffic snarled in predawn mishap

A taxi driver was injured after a passenger bus that went out of control rammed into it along the northbound portion of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) before dawn Monday. Radio dzBB reported t...

500 soldiers guard airports, vital sites; metro on full alert

At least 500 soldiers have been deployed in Metro Manila to help secure airports and vital installations following last Friday's deadly blast that killed 11 at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City....

Briton leaves career to save RP children

Haunting images "I saw the children, there was a void where a smile should have been, emptiness in their eyes," she said. "I had a garden shed back home which was a mansion compared to where these pe...

No SK poll in youth-less Kalayaan Island

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- Kalayaan Island, located in the Spratlys in the South China Sea, has two candidates for barangay captain of its only village, Pag-Asa. The island-town has a land area of less ...

Most Lakas members still loyal to President

View interactive map and photos of Glorietta blast MANILA, Philippines -- Presidential chief legal counsel Sergio Apostol, a regional officer of the ruling Lakas-NUCD party, said Sunday President Gl...

Smuggled vehicles, clothes seized in Cebu

CEBU CITY -- The Bureau of Customs in Cebu uncovered P7 million worth of smuggled vehicles and used clothing valued at P8 million in container vans coming from Korea. Customs Commissioner Napoleon Mo...

DepEd execs question COA report on textbooks

PALO, LEYTE -- A government audit finding that textbooks worth P27.7 million were rotting in the stock rooms of school divisions in Eastern Visayas has placed education regional officials in a state o...

Thai powers Ateneo past UST spikers

MANILA, Philippines -- Ateneo de Manila University, never considered a serious contender in past stagings of the Shakey's V-League women's volleyball tournament, is now officially a threat after repul...

Megadike eyed in lahar-affected Sorsogon town

IROSIN, SORSOGON -- Government officials are considering a megadike to solve the recurring threat of lahar and mudflow that had ravaged at least five villages here. The idea sprang from a conference ...

Bombing takes heat off cash gift scandal

View interactive map and photos of Glorietta blast MANILA, Philippines -- The bombing at the Glorietta shopping mall on Friday, killing at least 11 people, has launched the country into the vicious ...

Acts of heroism rise from the rubble

MANILA, Philippines -- On a day of tragedy and grief, there was hope -- and heroism. Oct. 19 will be remembered for its terror and uncertainty, but for those who lived through it, the kindness of str...

Her life was not even starting yet, says pa

View interactive map and photos of Glorietta blast MANILA, Philippines -- For a few precious minutes, Julian Marcos stood at the wreckage of the Glorietta 2 mall, in front of a single yellow candle,...

Magnolia nips SLR, ties for top spot

MANILA, Philippines -- After being knocked down by a wayward elbow, Magnolia's Dondon Hontiveros did what he does best and knocked out Sta. Lucia Realty in the stretch. Hontiveros canned two crucial ...

Alcano falls at final hurdle, winds up 2nd

MANILA, Philippines -- Ronnie Alcano missed a chance to make pool history Saturday. Shane Van Boening took the measure of the dual world champion Alcano for the second time in as many days, 13-10, an...

Amid travel advisories, Palace orders briefings for diplomats

Following a string of travel advisories over the Glorietta 2 explosion that killed 11 people, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs to "calm" the internationa...

Purefoods outclasses Talk 'N Text

GAMES TODAY (Araneta Coliseum) 4:05 p.m.-Magnolia vs Sta. Lucia Realty 6:30 p.m.-Alaska vs Air21 MANILA, Philippines -- Purefoods brought its winning form in the pre-season up to the Smart-PBA Philip...

Alcano chases historic crown

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Ronato Alcano stayed on course for a historic achievement in the 32nd US Open at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, late Friday. Unshaken by a l...

Ermita flies to New York for UN human rights meet

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita flew to New York Sunday night to meet with officials of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Malacañang said. Ermita, chairman of the Pre...

Ermita off to NY to discuss RP rights situation with UN

Close this MANILA, Philippines--PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has dispatched a team to New York led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to discuss with United Nations officials the coun...

Mangrove conservation paying off--DENR

Labor dep't launches new program assisting displaced workers

Opposition solon says he's 'more sympathetic' to De Venecia

Close this MANILA, Philippines--In the event of a full-blown confrontation with President Macapagal-Arroyo, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. might find the most unlikely of allies: opposition cong...

'Her life was just starting'--pa of daughter slain in blast

Close this MANILA, Philippines--For a few precious minutes, Julian Marcos stood at the wreckage of the Glorietta 2 mall, in front of a single yellow candle, thinking of his daughter and of wh...

3 friends together in life, death

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Jee Ann de Gracia, 25, normally brought home-cooked food whenever she had lunch at her office near the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. On Fridays, she and two of ...

Lifestyle approach to weight loss

MANILA, Philippines―A lifestyle approach to weight loss is the simplest and smartest way to endure the process and experience long-term results.

Worthwhile national investment

MANILA, Philippines―Vaccination as investment? That may not seem like a practical idea in a developing country where there are other pressing needs to provide for. Times are difficult and, to most families, every hard-earned peso counts.

Top UK retail chain cares for both moms and babes

MANILA, Philippines―Mothercare, a top United Kingdom retail chain for mothers and toddlers, has just opened two outlets in Metro Manila.

The vanity checklist

A grand dame’s 90th birthday

Women’s intuition may be fact

MANILA, Philippines―The popular belief that women are more intuitive than men, and children more intuitive than adults, seems to have some biological and anatomical basis.

Museo ng Maynila exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - While restoration of the Army and Navy Club is in progress, Museo ng Maynila will open its doors. Its galleries on the ground floor are now open to the public.

And what a ball it was!

MANILA, Philippines – So many events, so little time! October has been a most auspicious month for charity balls, anniversary parties and events of every sort.

She wants out of her marriage

MANILA, Philippines -Dear Emily, My husband and I have been married for 20 years and we have teenage children. He was my boyfriend in high school.

Coffee-table books on Ilocos Norte, La Naval

MANILA, Philippines - It took 14 years, but Kannawidan Foundation, Inc. finally put out a coffee-table book on the people, culture and history of Ilocos Norte.

Specialty shops at LRI

Therapy from the ocean

MANILA, Philippines―Who says only the rich can afford the benefits of a spa luxury treatment? Fact is, everyone can avail of free therapy by soaking in Mother Nature’s best pool―the ocean. Ocean therapy is wonderful! It can rejuvenate, heal, nourish and detoxify our bodies.

The Philippine Headlines - October 22, 2007

2007-10-22T08:43:00.000+08:00

World religious leaders kick off peace summit

NAPLES, Italy -- Leaders of the world's main religions kicked off an annual inter-faith peace summit here Sunday with calls for a global organization uniting their faiths.

Raikkonen crowned F1 world champion

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Kimi Raikkonen won the 2007 Formula One drivers world championship here Sunday for Ferrari when he produced a flawless run to victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie househunting in Europe

MADRID -- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are looking for a house in Europe so that their four children and future offspring can have a "broad vision of the world," the actor said in an interview published Sunday.

Olympic course awes world’s top triathletes

CHANGPING, CHINA -- A grayish hue dominated the skyline.
Yet the Olympic fever remained in the air as the world’s top triathletes gathered in the suburban Changping district, 40 kilometers north of downtown Beijing in China.

Stars not spared as fires rage in Malibu

LOS ANGELES -- A fast-burning wildfire ripped through the exclusive seaside town of Malibu Sunday, forcing authorities to order evacuations of a string of multimillion dollar homes belonging to some of Hollywood's top stars.

Homework, exams stress Chinese pupils

BEIJING -- China is to reform school curriculum to ease the burden put on children by pushy teachers and parents eager to see them succeed in an increasingly competitive society, a vice education minister said.

Beyonce concert cancelled after Turkish rebel attack

ISTANBUL -- Istanbul's Fenerbahce sports club Sunday said it had cancelled centenary festivities due next week, including a concert by pop diva Beyonce, after the deaths of 12 soldiers in an ambush by Kurdish rebels.

First Malaysian in space returns to Earth

MOSCOW -- Two Russian cosmonauts and the first Malaysian in space returned to Earth on Sunday in an unusually abrupt and off-target manner after leaving the orbiting the International Space Station, Russian mission control said.

Darchinyan puts away Catubay

NBI agents seize 18 computers with fake software in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines -- More than P5 million worth of computers which were using pirated software have been seized by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Pasig City.

No SK poll in youth-less Kalayaan Island

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- Kalayaan Island, located in the Spratlys in the South China Sea, has two candidates for barangay captain of its only village, Pag-Asa.

4,000 cops to be deployed for Eastern Visayas polls

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police will deploy about 4,000 policemen in Eastern Visayas for the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council, SK) elections next week.

Hour-long blaze hits Glorietta 4 restaurant

MANILA, Philippines -- For the second time in a week, the owners of the Glorietta mall in Makati City shut its gates and evacuated customers after a small fire broke out in the kitchen of a seafood restaurant on the second floor of Glorietta 4. Fortunately, no one was reported hurt.

Vote-buy raps fly, gimmicks abound

MANILA, Philippines -- While the enthusiasm generated by the national elections in May has died down, candidates for the Oct. 29 barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council, SK) elections have been trying to perk up the electorate by using time-tested campaign gimmicks.

‘Read along’ in mall draws biggest crowd

MANILA, Philippines -- For 11 Saturdays, the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) has invited celebrities and role models to read stories to children of all ages in a quiet nook in its Makati office.

Manila mayor Lim to mall owners: Step up security

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim Sunday appealed to mall owners to step up their security measures by providing additional personnel or equipment to ensure the safety of their customers.

Acts of heroism rise from the rubble

On a day of tragedy and grief, there was hope -- and heroism. Oct. 19 will be remembered for its terror and uncertainty, but for those who lived through it, the kindness of strangers shone through the rubble, the clouds of dusty air, the streams of walking wounded and the pile of corpses.

Wrestlers, archers keep QC bets afloat

Banks launch reform drive in wake of credit crisis

WASHINGTON--The world's top banking lobby on Sunday accepted responsibility for the US subprime lending crisis and launched a broad reform program designed to mend cracks in ailing credit markets.

Japan to give $10M to new fund to save forests

WASHINGTON--Japan said on Sunday it is ready to contribute $10 million to a new fund being developed by the World Bank to protect and replant forests.

Genes, not just hormones, make sexes behave differently

PARIS--Differences between males and females in behavior are usually chalked up to sex-specific hormones, but a study released Sunday shows that genes play a critical role too.

Gunmen seize seven from Nigerian oilfield

LAGOS--Heavily armed gunmen in speedboats kidnapped seven workers, including three foreigners, from an offshore Nigerian oilfield in a major setback to peace in the Niger Delta.

Delhi deputy mayor dies after monkey attack

NEW DELHI--The deputy mayor of the Indian capital died on Sunday from a fatal fall he suffered after being attacked by a horde of wild monkeys, doctors said.

Benazir Bhutto vows to continue public appearances

KARACHI, Pakistan--Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto made her first public outing Sunday since a deadly bomb attack on her homecoming convoy, visiting hospitalized victims and vowing that the assassination attempt would not prevent her from meeting the people.

3 projects get BOI incentives

MANILA, Philippines--THE BOARD OF INVESTMENTS last week approved the granting of tax breaks and other incentives to P1.3 billion worth of projects related to mass housing, development of a tourism facility and the export of banana products.

Asian markets seen weaker after US slide

HONG KONG - Asian stocks look set to fall on Monday after those listed on Wall Street slumped 3.6 percent following a tumble in U.S. shares as nerves about the U.S. housing market hurt sentiment.

Philippine electronics exporters want cheaper labor, power

Philippine electronics manufacturers called on Friday for changes in the country's power tariffs and in wage laws to help its exports remain competitive as the peso strengthens.

The 'other face' of Sentosa: Pursuing a slice of American dream

WASHINGTON D.C. They say they are the face of the Sentosa controversy, Filipino nurses in quest for their own little piece of the "American dream" in downstate New York.

ABC reaches out to Fil-Ams, to hire Pinoy scriptwriters

Angel of the dump walks barefoot to save Filipino kids

Agence France Presse 

MANILA - Jane Walker picks her way barefoot through stinking black mud at Manila's Smokey Mountain dumpsite, an apparition among the myriad garbage collectors she wants to rescue from their wretched poverty. 

"Why are you not in our school today?" she asks a malnourished child with a gaunt frame and bloodshot eyes. 

"I told you I would be looking for my students, you should come even if you are late," she gently scolds the child, before giving him a tight embrace.

Magnolia surges ahead in PBA

Dondon Hontiveros scored back-to-back jumpers right after being accidentally hit by Espino, and the Beverage Masters upended the Realtors, 101-96, for a second straight win in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.

Pacman, foes do their 'homework'

Manny Pacquiao is in no hurry choosing his next opponent, saying the decision might come in December when he's done with his studies and a new movie he's about to make.

QC pins down 16 more golds, nears crown

Quezon City raked in 16 gold medals in wrestling, archery, muay Thai and basketball Sunday to close in on the overall championship in the National Capital Region qualifying leg of the second Philippine Olympic Festival at the Rizal Sports Complex.

Nat'l coach says RP 5 on right track

Still smarting from the Philippines' failure to advance beyond the eliminations in the FIBA-Asia Championships in Tokushima last July, national basketball coach Chot Reyes said Sunday the fall only strengthens his resolve to restore the country's reputation as an Asian power.

Police, military unite vs terror attacks

The bloody mall blast that claimed 11 lives and injured scores of shoppers in Makati City prompted authorities to strengthen further its forces by harnessing anti-terrorism skills and implementing tightened security operations.

(GMA7) Death toll in blast rises to 11; probers doubt bomb theory

The death toll from the Glorietta 2 mall explosion in Makati rose to 11 on Sunday as investigators cast doubts...

(GMA7) C-4 bomb component used in Glorietta blast - PNP chemist

Traces of a main component of the powerful C-4 military grade plastic explosive were found at Glorietta mall in...

Cable Operators Up in Arms Against Smart

Even without clear regulatory rules, Smart wants to introduce mobile TV

JDV Writes �Dear Gloria� Letter; Is this Divorce or Mere Positioning?

Is Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. divorcing from President Arroyo or merely sending her a message that she should not...

3 Retired Justices Probe Payola Scandal in SC

The Supreme Court has created a committee composed of three retired Supreme Court (SC) justices to look into reports that...

Three kids killed in Philippines grenade blast

Three children were killed in a grenade blast triggered by a quarrel over a cockfight in a southern Philippine city, a police report said Sunday.

Philippine mall bombing toll rises to 11

The death toll in the bombing of an upscale shopping mall in the Philippine capital rose to 11 Sunday as authorities checked reports that an Al Qaeda-linked group was behind the attack, officials said.

Gov't aims for recovery of Marcos loot in Singapore

RP, US mull holding Balikatan exercises in Sulu

Ong's removal as Sandigabayan justice sought anew at SC

Ermita off to NY to discuss RP rights situation with UN

Close this MANILA, Philippines--PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has dispatched a team to New York led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to discuss with United Nations officials the coun...

Mangrove conservation paying off--DENR

Labor dep't launches new program assisting displaced workers

Marine officer in coup plot rushed to hospital

Opposition solon says he's 'more sympathetic' to De Venecia

Close this MANILA, Philippines--In the event of a full-blown confrontation with President Macapagal-Arroyo, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. might find the most unlikely of allies: opposition cong...

'Her life was just starting'--pa of daughter slain in blast

Close this MANILA, Philippines--For a few precious minutes, Julian Marcos stood at the wreckage of the Glorietta 2 mall, in front of a single yellow candle, thinking of his daughter and of wh...

3 friends together in life, death

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Jee Ann de Gracia, 25, normally brought home-cooked food whenever she had lunch at her office near the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. On Fridays, she and two of ...

Calls to Rajah Solaiman diverted to Rep. Biazon's cell phone

Rep. Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa was surprised when he got calls on his cell phone from reporters on Sunday inquiring if they could talk to Sheik Omar of the Rajah Solaiman Revolutionary Movement...

Death toll from Glorietta 2 mall explosion goes up to 11

The toll from a deadly bomb blast in a Manila shopping mall has risen to 11 after another body was found in rubble at the ravaged building and an injured man died in hospital, officials said Sunda...

Kin of Glorietta victims ask Arroyo for justice, not cash

Abolish Palace antigraft body

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter The Palace Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), the agency tasked by the President to investigate alleged bribery of government officials who visited Malaca ang, is actually...

Women Consider Abortion An Escape

EDITOR'S NOTE: The first part revealed how abortion is becoming an accepted practice among women with unwanted pregnancies, and the "backdoor" and medical procedures available.

Calls to 'Sheik Omar' diverted to mobiles of oppositionists

Filipino-American doctor convicted of murder--reports

Dr. Noel Chua, a Filipino-American doctor, has been convicted of murder and sentenced to "life plus five years," reports have said. The website, firstcoastnews.com,

Investigators not discounting accident in Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) Was the Glorietta explosion last Friday a terrorist attack or an accident? This is the question police hope to solve as they finally descended into the basement of the G...

List of dead and injured in Glorietta blast

Group's claim it's behind Glorietta blast not validated--AFP

Close this FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City--Military intelligence has not validated reports that the extremist Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) was behind the bomb attack at a shopping mall in Makat...

Teflon Arroyo to whom nothing sticks

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Within minutes of Friday's deadly bomb blast in a Manila shopping mall the text messages started circulating in this SMS-obsessed Southeast Asian nation. In a...

Sulu eyed for RP-US war games next year

Resume normal activity, Makati mayor urges

Defense chief urges PMA cadets to respect human rights

Querubin brought to hospital

Grenade blast kills three children in southern Philippine city

Fire in bombed Manila mall causes panic

MANILA (Reuters) - A small fire broke out on Sunday in a mall in the Philippine capital where a bomb exploded last week. The fire caused panic, but there were no immediate reports of injuries, witness...

Philippines shocked by bombing attack, Arroyo orders wider security meeting

Glorietta blast toll climbs to 11; victim dies in hospital

Angel of the dump walks barefoot to save children

Death toll from Manila bomb blast rises to 10

MANILA : The death toll from a powerful bomb blast in a Manila shopping mall rose to 10 after another dead body was found in the rubble of the ravaged building, an official said Sunday. The body of 23...

Caller Claims Militant Group Behind Deadly Manila Blast

Bomb caused mall blast in Philippines that killed nine

Puno directs police to interview Trillanes

LOCAL Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Saturday directed police authorities to interview Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on his statement pointing Armed Forces Chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as th...

High-grade bomb, terrorists blamed for mall blast in Manila's financial district that killed 9

MANILA, Philippines – A bomb made from high-grade explosives – and likely set off by terrorists – caused the blast that killed at least nine people and wounded more than 100 at a mal...

Death toll hits 10 as body found in Glorietta blast site

Close this MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) The death toll in Friday's Glorietta 2 explosion has reached 10, with one of the missing persons recovered near the elevator. Makati City councilor J...

Security meet set next week

'Confessions' of an abortionist

The documentary, SONDA: buhay.bata. aborsyon, done by a group of University of Santo Tomas (UST) nursing students presents a first-hand account of the lives of an abortionist and an abortionee.

Counselor's tale of saving an abortion survivor

Not all abortion attempts are successful, whether induced or direct. Most instances point to cases where the abortion pill did not work especially when the baby is over four months old. Myrna Sanc...

Australia advises against travel to RP

MANILA, Philippines -- Australia on Saturday re-issued its advisory to its citizens not to travel to the Philippines following the bomb explosion in the Glorietta mall in Makati City. In its website,

Bishops against 'cafeteria methods' of family planning

Unnatural methods of family planning, the CBCP said, is a form of abortion, which, it added, is against the Church's teachings and advocacy of the formation of core values and education on the n...

House Bill 3773-Anti-life legislation

The CBCP refers to House Bill 3773, the Integrated Reproductive Health and Population Reduction Bill. Church-backed organizations, such as Pro-Life and Couples for Christ, could not agree more w...

Glorietta bombing a bid for funding by al-Qaeda -- analyst

Blast may be fund-raiser for terror groups

Glorietta blast originated from basement -- bomb experts

MANILA, Philippines -- The deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 in Makati City originated from the basement, the Philippine Bomb Data Center said Saturday. And while Chief Inspector Reynold Rosero said th...

Arroyo calls for unity in face of mall blast

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo rallied Filipinos anew to be united and to continue working hard amid developments that pose fresh threats to the country's economic takeoff. ...

No verified Islamic group's claim to blast, says Razon

Bishops denounce bombing; ask prayers for country's crises

MILF offers help in deadly blast probe

MANILA, Philippines -- Muslim separatist rebels in the Philippines on Saturday offered their help in tracking down those behind a shopping mall bombing that killed nine and injured 113 in Manila. The...

Fuel prices go up for 5th time in 5 weeks

Terrorism suspected as bomb kills 8 at Manila mall

-- A blast in an upscale Manila shopping center killed at least eight people and wounded about 130 Friday in what the country's national security chief said was a militant attack. "This is definite...

Makati blast a 'terror act,' military says

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon said the bomb attack at a shopping mall in the country's financial district was a "terror...

Filipino official hints Abu Sayyaf terror group behind Makati mall blast

The bombing attack which killed at least nine people and injured more than 100 in Makati, the financial center of the Philippines, could be staged by the Abu Sayyaf terrorists, said a senior Filipino ...

Glorietta mall complex reopens, except for damaged portion

MANILA, Philippines--A day after a deadly blast in the Glorietta 2 mall, that killed nine people and left over a hundred injured, the rest of the sprawling Ayala retail complex in Makati City resumed ...

Trillanes faces probe for linking gov't to Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines -- Authorities said they would question Senator Antonio Trillanes IV over his statements that linked the government to Friday's deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City....

Authorities mull reward for info on Glorietta blast

MANILA, Philippines --(UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Saturday authorities are considering the possibility of offering reward money to those who can provide information pinpointing tho...

Glorietta blast traced to storeroom; no exact cause yet

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Police have yet to identify the exact cause of Friday's explosion in the Glorietta 2 mall in the Makati financial district, National Capital Region police chief General...

Eight Killed in Bombing of Manila Mall

MANILA, 20 October 2007 - Eight people were killed and 100 injured when a huge bomb ripped through a shopping mall in the Philippine capital's financial district yesterday, police said. Panicked shopp...

Filipino Muslim Leader Killed in Ambush

Al Jacinto, Arab News ZAMBOANGA CITY, 20 October 2007 - Unidentified gunmen ambushed yesterday Muslim politician and his driver in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, police said.Jamasali Abdura...

Microchip Tech opens R&D hub in Philippines

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Microchip Technology Inc., the US-based microcontroller and analogue semiconductor manufacturer, has opened its global research and development (R&D) hub in ...

IMF hikes Philippine investment growth forecasts

MANILA, Philippines -- The International Monetary Fund expects a stronger pickup in momentum of investments in the Philippines this year and 2008 but also expects slower export growth, given a weakeni...

Beltran family concedes road mishap an accident

MANILA, Philippines - All's well that ends well. Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran has already opted for an out-of court settlement with the driver of the sports utility vehicle that rammed his car Tues...

De Venecia urged to leave House speakership

AN INDEPENDENT lawmaker on Friday asked House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. to lead by example on his call for moral revolution aimed at eradicating the alleged corruption in the Arroyo government by vo...

Actor faces tax evasion case

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) is prepared to file on Monday a multimillion-peso tax evasion case against actor Richard Gomez before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) for failure to file his income tax ...

Estrada confident of reversal of plunder verdict

FORMER President Joseph Estrada on Friday expressed confidence that the Sandiganbayan Special Division will back away from its September 12 guilty verdict and come up with a new ruling acquitting him ...

29 held for gun ban violation

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-nine persons have been arrested in less than a month in Quezon City for violating the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban now in force for the coming barangay and Sa...

Pasay probes 'overpayment' to 3 contractors

MANILA, Philippines - Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad has ordered a probe into the alleged P1-million overpayment to three private contractors during the term of former mayor Allan Panaligan. In ...

79 Glorietta blast victims still in hospital -- Red Cross

View interactive map and photos of Glorietta blast MANILA, Philippines -- Seventy-nine victims of a powerful blast in Glorietta Mall have remained confined in Makati hospitals, a Philippine National ...

Return Palace cash handouts

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines -- Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado urged fellow governors and the lawmakers who said they received cash gifts during a meeting in Malaca ang to return the money. Aumentado...

Catholic bishops call on Philippines' Arroyo to quit

MANILA – Three Philippine Roman Catholic bishops called on Friday for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down, saying she had lost the moral authority to lead the country amid a string of...

RP's first solar car aces pre-race test

DARWIN, Australia -- The Philippines' first solar-powered car, Sinag, hurdled Friday the "scrutineering" or qualifying test conducted by the 20th World Solar Challenge (WSC) organizing committee. Sin...

Resignation Arroyo's only honorable way out

If memory serves, the situation now is comparable to weeks preceding Marcos' declaration of martial law on Sept. 11, 1972. I was a reporter for a radio-TV news network then. My fellow field reporters...

Soldiers to get combat pay hike

MANILA, Philippines -- The government pledged Friday to come through with a promised pay increase for combat troops fighting Communist and Muslim insurgencies, defusing a potential rift within the mil...

Shouting, jeering mar court-martial

MANILA, Philippines -- The spectacle of the accused shouting and jeering at a military court forced the suspension of Friday's hearing in the court-martial of 28 Marine and Army scout rangers being tr...

Explosion kills 8 in Glorietta

Makati City Councilor JunJun Binay said the explosion left an eight-meter wide crater on the ground floor and blew a hole through the roof on the second floor.

COA report does not show fund misuse

On Thursday, Sen. Mar Roxas said in a statement that a Commission on Audit (COA) report revealed that the Office of the President failed to settle cash advances worth P615 million made to office...

Lakas-Kampi coalition intact, Palace insists

Malaca ang said Friday that there is no infighting within the ruling Lakas-Kampi coalition and that its allies have not broken up into factions.

Oil near $90 a barrel in Asian trade

SINGAPORE: Oil was close to $90 a barrel in Asia Friday on fears Iraqi crude exports will be disrupted if Turkey attacks Kurdish rebels across the border, traders said.

Search and rescue operations at mall end

MANILA, Philippines -- Authorities declared search and rescue operations for more victims under the rubble of the Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City over, with the unaffected sections of the mall to resu...

Police, military on red alert after bombing

POLICE and military forces in Metro Manila have been placed on their highest alert level status on Friday following an explosion in a Makati shopping mall, authorities said.

President asks public to be calm, vigilant

President Gloria Arroyo warned her political enemies not to exploit the crisis gripping her government, which was punctuated by a blast that rocked the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City on Friday.

US, UK embassies express sympathy for blast victims

MANILA, Philippines -- The embassies of the United States and the United Kingdom expressed sympathy for the victims of the early Friday afternoon explosion at the Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City. At ...

'Don't use blast for political gain'

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang on Friday appealed to its critics not to use the apparent bomb attack on Makati City's Glorietta Mall for political gain even as it assured the incident was not cause...

Cops to secure Quezon City malls in wake of Makati blast

MANILA, Philippines -- Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula ordered Friday the deployment of more personnel to the different malls and commercial center...

Senator Honasan says coup 'last thing' RP needs

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan, linked to several coup attempts since the mid-1980s, said a military uprising is the "last thing" the country needs. At the same time, Honasa...

RP tech dreams tied to education

THE DREAM of the Philippines hosting another Silicon Valley will
remain far-fetched unless the country focuses on a most basic issue --
education.

Incubator firm sets up shop in Leyte town

Web site tweaks could be new niche for RP

AFTER CALL CENTERS and medical transcription, the Philippines could
become an outsourcing destination for another information technology
(IT) service.

Networking Web site for idea exchange launched

Apple to open new iPhones to outside software makers

SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple revealed plans Wednesday to open
iPhones to computer programs made by outsiders in a move that could
quiet complaints that its lock on the devices' workings is overzealous.

Spending on computer tech in '07 to top a trillion dollars

Yahoo profit dips despite reorganization

SAN FRANCISCO -- Yahoo reported yesterday that its
third-quarter profits dipped despite a rise in revenues and a nearly
completed corporate reorganization.

Businesses move to address human capital challenge

KEY BUSINESS groups are moving to generate and maintain
human capital needed by industries and services, with the European
Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) having launched its Human
Capital Club and teaming up with Ayala Foundation and EON The
Stakeholders Firm in launching today OneFilipino.Net.

Apple to unleash Leopard operating system on Oct. 26

SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple announced yesterday that its new
Leopard operating system will debut in stores on Oct. 26, four months
later than originally planned due to a shift of resources for the iPhone
launch.

Taiwan's Acer unit completes merger with US' Gateway

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's leading computer vendor Acer, Inc said
yesterday its wholly owned subsidiary, Galaxy Acquisition Corp, has
completed the process of merging with Gateway, Inc. of the US.

RP positioned as choice outsourcing expansion site as India 'heats up'

CEBU CITY -- Continued confidence in the quality of
Filipino business process outsourcing (BPO) workers, despite persistent
reports of eroding English proficiency, has convinced TeleTech Customer
Care Management (Philippines), Inc. to open its eighth delivery center
in the Philippines.

Teleperformance set to open 2,500-seat call center facility

TELEPERFORMANCE, one of the leading providers of
outsourced contact center services will be opening its newest call
center facility on Oct.19.

Microsoft drops antitrust appeal in South Korea

SEOUL -- US software giant Microsoft has dropped its appeal against an
antitrust ruling in South Korea after losing a similar case in Europe, court
officials said yesterday.

Study raises notion of 'printing' tissue

CHICAGO -- The inkjet printer may appear to be an unlikely
solution to the organ donor shortage problem, but it might not be as
far-fetched as it sounds.

Incredible shrinking memory drives new IT

PARIS -- Over the past decade, hard drives have shrunk to the size of postage stamps while their storage capacity has improved fifty-fold, a feat that can be traced to two men who won the 2007 Nobel Prize for Physics last Tuesday.

MP3 players challenge iPod

NEW YORK -- When Marybeth Miller decided she wanted a digital player to carry around music from her massive collection, she had one important rule: no iPod.

Yahoo! Hack Day

I was invited to attend Yahoo!�s Philippine "Hack Day" last Wednesday, along with some reps from the media and the academe.

Mobile phone frenzy bubbles in booming Vietnam telco mart

Between now and 2012,
Vietnamese authorities expect
the penetration rate for fixed
lines and mobile phones to
rise from 35% to 60%.

BEA Systems rejects $6.68-B bid from Oracle

SAN FRANCISCO -- Number two global software maker Oracle
said Friday it had bid $6.68 billion for BEA Systems, an offer that was
swiftly rejected by the rival business software group as too low.

Does your organization need Web 2.0?

Web 2.0 platforms like Facebook and YouTube are taking the Internet by
storm. New software tools, social behaviors, approaches to content
creation and business models are changing the way we think about
information, collaboration and intellectual property.�Use of Web 2.0
platforms for the serious business of work is referred to as
Enterprise 2.0.

Japan lures software experts

FILIPINO SOFTWARE engineers are expected to benefit from
Japan's growing demand for offshore information and communication
technology services, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in
a statement yesterday.

Contact center net income up

EXPANSION of business volume and sound overhead management
pushed call center ePerformax International, Inc.'s first semester net
income by 9.04% to P111.95 million from P102.67 million in the same
period last year, the company said.

Headline: Crisis contained but risks remain

WASHINGTON — Central banks may have done a good job in containing the impact of recent financial market turbulence but risks remain and monetary authorities need to stay alert, the policy-guiding body of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said.

Corporate News: Power producer gets corporate regulator's nod to hike capital

SN ABOITIZ Power-Magat, Inc. secured the nod of the Securities and Exchange Commission to increase its capital stock to P1.05 billion from P20,000 to infuse additional capital into the company.

Banking & Finance: ICC sides with RCBC in Bankard case

A THREE-MEMBER ARBITRATION COURT of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has sided with RCBC Capital Corp. in a dispute arising from its purchase of Bankard, Inc. from Equitable PCI Bank in 2000.

Stock Market: Makati bombing may spook stock investors

THE LOCAL equity market is expected to correct itself this week on the back of Wall Street's decline and security concerns on the domestic front.

The Economy: Exporters step up pressure on gov't

EXPORTERS HAVE EXPRESSED alarm anew over the continued appreciation of the peso, claiming the trend is likely to cause more and more small companies to close shop unless the government intervenes.

The Nation: Justice to PCGG: Illegally acquired wealth retrieval highest priority

RUSHING to beat a decision by the Singapore high court on the acquisition of the remaining Marcos loot, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has ordered the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to make the retrieval a top priority.

IT Matters: RP tech dreams tied to education

THE DREAM of the Philippines hosting another Silicon Valley will remain far-fetched unless the country focuses on a most basic issue — education.

Three kids killed in Philippines grenade blast

Three children were killed in a grenade blast triggered by a quarrel over a cockfight in a southern Philippine city, a police report said Sunday.

Philippine mall bombing toll rises to 11

No SK poll in youth-less Kalayaan Island

Smuggled vehicles, clothes seized in Cebu

DepEd execs question COA report on textbooks

Thai powers Ateneo past UST spikers

Megadike eyed in lahar-affected Sorsogon town

Bombing takes heat off cash gift scandal

Acts of heroism rise from the rubble

Her life was not even starting yet, says pa

Magnolia nips SLR, ties for top spot

Alcano falls at final hurdle, winds up 2nd

Amid travel advisories, Palace orders briefings for diplomats

Alcano chases historic crown

Ermita flies to New York for UN human rights meet

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita flew to New York Sunday night to meet with officials of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Malacañang said. Ermita, chairman of the Pre...

Ermita off to NY to discuss RP rights situation with UN

Close this MANILA, Philippines--PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has dispatched a team to New York led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to discuss with United Nations officials the coun...

Mangrove conservation paying off--DENR

Purefoods outclasses Talk 'N Text

Labor dep't launches new program assisting displaced workers

Opposition solon says he's 'more sympathetic' to De Venecia

Close this MANILA, Philippines--In the event of a full-blown confrontation with President Macapagal-Arroyo, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. might find the most unlikely of allies: opposition cong...

'Her life was just starting'--pa of daughter slain in blast

Close this MANILA, Philippines--For a few precious minutes, Julian Marcos stood at the wreckage of the Glorietta 2 mall, in front of a single yellow candle, thinking of his daughter and of wh...

3 friends together in life, death

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Jee Ann de Gracia, 25, normally brought home-cooked food whenever she had lunch at her office near the Glorietta 2 in Makati City. On Fridays, she and two of ...

Death toll in blast rises to 11; probers doubt bomb theory

The death toll from the Glorietta 2 mall explosion in Makati rose to 11 on Sunday as investigators cast doubts on earlier statements that the blast was caused by a bomb. Director General Avelino Ra...

Nene wants Scotland Yard to probe Glorietta blast

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr on Sunday called for an independent investigation into the explosion at Glorietta 2 mall by enlisting the services of investigators of proven track record f...

Gov"t eyes $25-M Marcos deposit in Singapore

The government is eyeing the recovery of some $25 million alleged Marcos ill-gotten wealth stashed in an escrow account at the Singapore branch of the German bank, West Landesbank AG, Acting Justice S...

Kin of Glorietta victims ask Arroyo for justice, not cash

Calls to 'Sheik Omar' diverted to mobiles of oppositionists

2 suspected robbers wounded in shootout with QC cops

Two suspected robbers were shot and wounded early Sunday evening after allegedly engaging police in a shootout in Quezon City, radio dzBB reported. Senior Superintendent Magtanggol Gatdula, Quezon ...

New plea seeks Justice Ong's ouster from Sandiganbayan

A suit had barred him from sitting as justice of the Supreme Court, but another suit has been filed seeking the removal of Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong from the anti-graft court. The...

Filipino-American doctor convicted of murder--reports

Dr. Noel Chua, a Filipino-American doctor, has been convicted of murder and sentenced to "life plus five years," reports have said. The website, firstcoastnews.com,

Filipinos in Bahrain warned against 'shabu' use, trafficking

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Bahrain has launched a crackdown against users and traffickers of methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as meth, speed, or shabu, resulting in the arrest o...

Investigators not discounting accident in Glorietta blast

List of dead and injured in Glorietta blast

Group's claim it's behind Glorietta blast not validated--AFP

Close this FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City--Military intelligence has not validated reports that the extremist Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) was behind the bomb attack at a shopping mall in Makat...

Teflon Arroyo to whom nothing sticks

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Within minutes of Friday's deadly bomb blast in a Manila shopping mall the text messages started circulating in this SMS-obsessed Southeast Asian nation. In a...

Fever-stricken Querubin rushed to hospital

Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, one of the alleged leaders of last year's attempt to grab power, was rushed to a military hospital due to high fever and chilling, his wife and his lawyer said Sunday. ...

KMU claims office under surveillance

Militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) accused the military over the weekend of placing under surveillance its Pro-Labor Legal Assistance Center (PLACE). It said the office has been shadowed ...

350 kg of tainted chicken meat seized in Pasay - report

Pasay City officials seized 350 kilograms of "hot" chicken meat near the city market, radio dzBB reported on Sunday. The report said the city police Criminal Investigation Division intercepted the ...

Fire hits Glorietta 4 resto in Makati, no casualty reported

(Updated 1:33 p.m.) Fire broke out at a restaurant inside Glorietta 4 shopping mall in Ayala Center, Makati City, radio dzBB reported past noon Sunday. Mall employees, who were told to vacate the a...

Resume normal activity, Makati mayor urges

Defense chief urges PMA cadets to respect human rights

Sulu eyed for RP-US war games next year

Grenade blast kills three children in southern Philippine city

Fire hits construction site at Luneta park in Manila - report

A fire hit a construction site for an ocean park project at the back of Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park in Manila Sunday afternoon, radio station dzBB reported. The report quoted the Manila Fire ...

Village, SK poll bets ignore Comelec guidelines

SunStar: Like in previous polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) guidelines are ignored as barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates try to catch their constituents' eye through their po...

First guts Glorietta 4 restaurant in Makati City

Glorietta 2 mall blast victim dies in hospital, toll now at 11

A person who was seriously injured at the Glorietta 2 mall blast has died at the Ospital ng Makati, bringing to 11 the total fatalities from Friday's explosion, radio dzBB reported Sunday. The ...

Philippines shocked by bombing attack, Arroyo orders wider security meeting

Coast Guard tightens watch over RORO routes after blast

The Philippine Coast Guard has tightened its watch over sea lanes used by roll-on-roll-off (RORO) vessels to prevent the possible smuggling of bombs and explosives by terrorists, Lt. Senior Grade Arma...

142 firearms seized amid gun ban for village polls

The authorities have seized at least 142 firearms after three weeks of enforcing the Commission on Elections (Comelec)'s gun ban in time for the Oct. 29 village and youth council elections. Sr. Ins...

Bounty for Glorietta blast suspects to be raised to P4M

The reward for information leading to the perpetrators of Friday's deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 in Makati City will be raised to P4 million. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Gen. ...

Angel of the dump walks barefoot to save children

Red Cross stops search as crew cleans up Glorietta mess

The Philippine National Red Cross on Sunday stopped its search and retrieval efforts at Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City, which exploded Friday afternoon and claimed the lives of 10 people and injured ...

Pregnant Filipina dies in Jeddah airport rush - report

A pregnant Filipino woman reportedly died Thursday night due to chaotic conditions at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Online news site,

Abu Sayyaf no longer a threat, says Army

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- The Western Command declared Thursday the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is no longer a threat in Palawan following the breakup of a 6-man cell last September that repo...

RP cagebelles' battle cry

MANILA, Philippines -- It wasn't all hard work and pressure for the ladies' basketball team in Phuket, Thailand. There were light moments too. And it wasn't all basketball too. There was also a beaut...

Thai superstar makes Shakey's debut today

GAMES TODAY (The Arena) 3 p.m.-UST vs Ateneo 5 p.m.-FEU vs Lyceum MANILA, Philippines -- A Thai who is touted to be the best among her compatriots who have strutted their wares here will make her muc...

Tausug artist reaches out to Muslim, Christian faiths

Low-key But Tawasil wants to be low-key. "I prefer that my works speak, hoping that my canvas and my emotions will touch people," he says. Among his pieces at the Ateneo exhibit is a painting of th...

Pucay rules Asean Tour second leg

LIPA CITY -- Displaying a killer's instinct he promised, Mars Pucay attacked at every chance and left Orlan Sumcad in his wake to handily win the Asean Tour's second leg with a closing four-under-par ...

Thais foil RP women, capture Seaba title

MANILA, Philippines -- A vengeful Thailand team ended Philippines-Cebuana Lhuillier's magical run with a 66-49 rout Saturday night, ruling the Southeast Asia Basketball (Seaba) Championships at the Sa...

Filipinos Reeling From Rising Rice Prices

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 21 October 2007 - Prices of staple rice have been increasing in the past four months while peso exchange rate continuously decrease as it is pegged at 44 pe...

US Marines promise no more rape during war games in Luzon

CLARK FREEPORT -- Members of the United States Marine Corps joining the ongoing military exercises with Philippine troops are "very aware" of the case of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith who was convicted ...

Terror alert up in Visayas, Mindanao

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Police and military units in Central Mindanao were placed in the highest state of alert because of terrorist threats, a ranking police official said Saturday. Chief Insp. Leo Ajero,...

UST, Letran alumni up for beatification

MANILA, Philippines -- In the biggest beatification ever in history, Pope Benedict XVI will beatify on Oct. 28, a total of 498 martyrs of the communist persecutions during the Spanish Civil War in the...

Back to normal at the malls the morning after

Structurally sound Ayala said a team of independent structural engineers from Aromin and Sy Associates inspected the site of the explosion Friday and yesterday morning and gave ALI the go-signal to o...

'Terror group' claims blast

MANILA, Philippines -- The military yesterday said the bomb attack on the country's premier financial district was a "terrorist act" regardless of who carried it out. The military statement followed ...

PhilHealth says it's healthy

MANILA, Philippines -- Amid calls to investigate its funds, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. has maintained that it is financially sound and can still pay for its members' medical bills. In a bri...

Torture claims mar beatification of martyr

MANILA, Philippines -- The scheduled beatification of a Spanish Augustinian friar who died as a martyr during the Spanish Civil War has stirred a minor controversy due to allegations of torture when h...

DOH turns to Congress on baby milk

MANILA, Philippines -- After winning only a partial victory in the Supreme Court, the Department of Health is turning to Congress to advance its campaign to promote breastfeeding as a better alternati...

Bishops, Islamic leaders condemn Makati attack

MANILA, Philippines -- The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines yesterday condemned the bomb attack in Glorietta 2 and asked the faithful to join the group in prayer for the problems besetti...

Cha-cha must come with leadership reform -- JDV

MANILA, Philippines -- Leadership reforms have to come hand in hand with constitutional change, said House Speaker Jose de Venecia in the wake of President Macapagal-Arroyo's move to revive Charter ch...

Teodoro stresses unity in military

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City -- Amid fresh rumors of destabilization in military ranks, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., on Saturday exhorted the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet Corps to...

Security tightened in all ports

MANILA, Philippines -- All ports of entry in the country have been placed under heightened alert following a powerful explosion that killed nine people at a mall in Makati City. Bureau of Immigration...

UK warns citizens on travel to RP

MANILA, Philippines -- The United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens about traveling to the Philippines in the wake of the Glorietta 2 mall bombing last Friday, advising them that there was "a high th...

Pucay, Sumcad zoom into lead

LIPA CITY, Philippines--With overnight leader Artemio Murakami nursing a fever, Mars Pucay and Orlan Sumcad fired under-par cards Friday and zoomed to the top of the leaderboard heading into the final...

Bomb caused mall blast in Philippines that killed nine

Terror group owns up to Glorietta 2 explosion

A terrorist organization, said to be composed of Christians who converted to Islam, on Saturday said it was responsible for Friday afternoon's explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City, which k...

Tragedy struck on a typical Pinoy weekend at the mall

Friday was a typical weekend. Employees were in a rush to go home. Others wanted to unwind inside an air-conditioned mall after a weeklong work. However, tragedy was lurking. Pain from death and injur...

"You can"t always live in fear" - loyal Glorietta mallers

Filipino and foreign loyal shoppers of Glorietta appeared to have recovered from the shock of the Friday blast that rocked the Glorietta 2 shopping complex in Makati City, which killed nine people and...

Death toll hits 10 as body found in Glorietta blast site

Close this MANILA, Philippines--(UPDATE) The death toll in Friday's Glorietta 2 explosion has reached 10, with one of the missing persons recovered near the elevator. Makati City councilor J...

Security meet set next week

Experts in a bind over use of bomb in Glorietta blast - report

Was it a bomb or not? As investigators scour through pieces of evidence on Friday's bloody blast that killed 10, and injured 113, explosive experts remain in a bind on whether bomb caused the explosio...

Blast hits Iligan; Gonzales warns of 'a bigger attack'

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales on Saturday said the deadly blast at Glorietta 2 mall appeared to be "a sample" as he warned of more attacks in key cities in the country. Hours after Go...

Glorietta bombing a bid for funding by al-Qaeda -- analyst

Blast may be fund-raiser for terror groups

Groups defy Arroyo"s call vs speculation on Glorietta blast

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's call to avoid speculating on the Glorietta 2 deadly blast has fallen on deaf ears - at least to two groups critical of the administration. The Migrante Internati...

No verified Islamic group's claim to blast, says Razon

Fuel prices go up for 5th time in 5 weeks

Regular people heroes in Glorietta blast -- Councilor Binay

Bishops denounce bombing; ask prayers for country's crises

Arroyo calls for unity in face of mall blast

MILF offers help in deadly blast probe

Red Cross says 4 still missing after Glorietta blast - report

The Philippine National Red Cross said authorities are still looking for four persons reported missing after Friday afternoon's bloody explosion at the Glorietta shopping mall in Makati City, whic...

Abu Sayyaf leader in Basilan denies link to Glorietta blast

A self-proclaimed commander of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Saturday disowned Friday's bloody explosion at the Glorietta shopping mall in Ayala Center, Makati City, which so far claim...

Makati blast a 'terror act,' military says

Filipino official hints Abu Sayyaf terror group behind Makati mall blast

Glorietta blast prompts tighter security in other metro malls

Friday's deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City prompted authorities to tighten security in other malls in Metro Manila, and also in the city's transit systems. QTV on Saturday reporte...

Ayalas vow to help victims of Glorietta blast

Friends and relatives of the victims of Friday's bloody explosion at the Glorietta mall in Ayala Center, Makati Citya attended a mass on Saturday, with the Ayala family vowing to help the families of ...

Oil firms impose price hike on fuel, LPG

Oil firms imposed a new round of price increases in various fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products over the weekend. QTV-11 television reported that the price hikes included a 50-centavo-p...

Arroyo seeks Church help over blast amid "Gloria resign" call

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday ordered authorities to link up with Church leaders in tracking down the perpetrators of Friday's explosion at the Glorietta mall in Makati City, which cla...

Jos� Ibay with a little help from his friends

MANILA, Philippines - A commercial photographer first, Jos� Ibay seriously turned into painting only in the last few years.

Bach in the hands of young keyboard artists

MANILA, Philippines - Can young pianists ages 7-12 do justice to the Baroque period exemplified by Johann Sebastian Bach, a German composer who died nearly 275 years ago?

Art and martyrdom

MANILA, Philippines - “Santo Sebastian” is a unique group exhibition focused on one subject matter: the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, said to have been killed during the anti-Christian persecutions by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the third century.

Farley Del Rosario’s welcome impostors

MANILA, Philippines - It is fitting that Farley del Rosario has chosen to depict his own version of 14th-century Flemish painter Jan Van Eyck’s “The Betrothal of the Arnolfini,” which has been much studied mathematically for its spatial inaccuracy.

The sound of Wilwayco

MANILA, Philippines - Edwin Wilwayco’s music-inspired abstraction assumes a lively but hardly light-hearted tenor in “Scherzo,” a suite of oil works that will be displayed at Serendra in Taguig starting tonight and in Singapore next month.

Of masks and real life

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — “Club Majica at Orange” is this year’s Majica Masskara—the Negrense artists’ own contribution to the famous annual Masskara festival, which draws crowds and drowning life’s tragedies albeit for a moment.

Museo ng Maynila exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - While restoration of the Army and Navy Club is in progress, Museo ng Maynila will open its doors. Its galleries on the ground floor are now open to the public.

And what a ball it was!

MANILA, Philippines – So many events, so little time! October has been a most auspicious month for charity balls, anniversary parties and events of every sort.

She wants out of her marriage

MANILA, Philippines -Dear Emily, My husband and I have been married for 20 years and we have teenage children. He was my boyfriend in high school.

Coffee-table books on Ilocos Norte, La Naval

MANILA, Philippines - It took 14 years, but Kannawidan Foundation, Inc. finally put out a coffee-table book on the people, culture and history of Ilocos Norte.

Specialty shops at LRI

Therapy from the ocean

The Philippine Headlines - October 19, 2007

2007-10-19T08:27:00.000+08:00

Library of Congress joins UNESCO for online global library

WASHINGTON -- The world's biggest library, the US Library of Congress, has teamed up with UNESCO and libraries from around the globe in an ambitious project to digitize priceless cultural material and make it available on the Internet.

Seaweed industry asks for tax relief

MANILA, Philippines -- The seaweed industry is urging the government to exempt seaweed farmers and traders from the one-percent withholding tax on agricultural suppliers.

World oil prices soar to new highs

NEW YORK -- World oil prices sharply rebounded Thursday to new highs as traders worried about Middle East tensions, the weak US dollar and tight supplies.

Filipino billiards aces on collision course in US Open

MANILA, Philippines -- The heavyweights of Philippine billiards continued to smother the opposition but some of them are certain to fall in the fourth round of the 32nd US Open at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.

105 killed in blasts during Bhutto parade -- hospital execs

KARACHI -- (UPDATE 3) At least 105 people were killed and 200 injured when two bombs exploded near former premier Benazir Bhutto's truck during her Pakistan homecoming parade, hospital officials told Agence France-Presse Friday.

Another cut in BSP rates seen

MANILA, Philippines -- Development Bank of Singapore expects the central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), to cut its benchmark interest rates by another 25 basis points before the end of the year. However, it sees little room for further easing of monetary policies afterwards.

Metal output up 59% in value

MANILA, Philippines -- The value of metal production surged 59 percent in the first half to P39.42 billion from P24.83 billion in the same period last year, an official said.

Gins, Bulls clash; Devance to show stuff

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion Barangay Ginebra gets going against Red Bull even as the league’s top rookie pick, Joe Devance, shows his stuff for Welcoat on Friday in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

CA gives green light for filing of charges vs LPG dealers

MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals has cleared the way for the filing of charges against five officers of a corporation allegedly engaged in the illegal trading and underfilling of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.

Privatization revenue seen at P80B in ’08

MANILA, Philippines -- The government is expecting P80 billion from privatization of assets next year, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said.

Peso resumes climb, closes at 44.05 to $1

The peso Thursday resumed its climb toward the crucial 44-per-dollar barrier as news of the government’s smaller-than-expected budget deficit in September and the resurgence of cash remittances from overseas Filipinos overwhelmed region-wide jitters over India’s plan to curb inflows of foreign portfolio investments.

Transport terminal soon to rise in Taguig City

MANILA, Philippines – The Taguig City government is building a transport terminal to help ease traffic on the East Service Road.

Factory worker's son joins Philippine billionaires

MANILA, Philippines -- Andrew Tan, the son of a poor immigrant factory worker from China, has reportedly become the newest addition in more than a decade to the ranks of billionaires in the Philippines.

Alleged police informant shot dead by 2 gunmen

MANILA, Philippines – A 44-year-old man believed to be working as a police informant was gunned down Wednesday night by two men in Quezon City.

Wall Street drops as financials weigh

NEW YORK - Stocks fell on Thursday as shares of financial services companies slid on concerns about the lingering effects of the credit crunch following Bank of America Corp's disappointing quarterly results. Reuters

DOJ reopens Esperat case

Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera Thursday ordered the reopening of the case of Sultan Kudarat journalist Marlene Esperat to include two alleged masterminds in the murder.

Families flee Bulusan lahar

Families living at the foot of Mount Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon were forced to leave their homes Wednesday night when heavy downpour loosened more volcanic deposits, triggering lahar that swelled the river channels in four villages in Irosin town, officials said.

Manilans sustain romp in athletics

Manila continued to dominate athletics, scooping six more gold medals Thursday and inching closer to overall leader Quezon City in the National Capital Region Qualifying Leg of the second Philippine Olympic Festival at the Rizal Sports Complex.

China anti-piracy battle 'will take generations'

BEIJING - China's battle against intellectual property rights piracy will take "generations", a senior official said on Thursday, but added the main victims were Chinese and other countries should stop politicizing the issue.

DENR exec acquitted in Cherry Hills case

A high-ranking official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was acquitted Thursday of any criminal liability in connection with the Cherry Hills Subdivision landslide in Antipolo, Rizal that killed 58 persons and destroyed 378 homes in 1999.

Bigamy raps vs lawyer with 3 wives

A Manila City prosecutor on Thursday found probable cause to indict a lawyer on two counts of bigamy for allegedly marrying three women.

FBI briefs local cops, journalists on crime scene preservation

Ranking officials of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) briefed local policemen and journalists on the proper handling of evidence during a seminar on managing crime scene investigation held Thursday at the Manila Police District (MPD) Academy.

MERALCO customers to pay less next month

Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO) customers will start enjoying a 10-centavo cut on their electricity bills next month, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said.

US firm to invest additional $14M in RP

US-based company APAC Customer Services Inc. has invested $14 million for the construction of two more customer care centers in the country.

JDV Writes �Dear Gloria� Letter; Is this Divorce or Mere Positioning?

Is Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. divorcing from President Arroyo or merely sending her a message that she should not...

3 Retired Justices Probe Payola Scandal in SC

The Supreme Court has created a committee composed of three retired Supreme Court (SC) justices to look into reports that...

Gov�t Leases 1 Million Hectares to China Firm in Vague Contract

Would you rather let a million hectares of agricultural land remain undeveloped due to lack of capital or lease them...

Counterinsurgency Tactics, Weak Justice System Lead to Killings of Activists - UN

The government’s new counterinsurgency program and the distorted priorities of the criminal justice system help explain why hundreds of activists...

Despite Squabble, GMA, De Venecia Will Keep 'Marriage'

The ZTE controversy will fizzle out, without President Arroyo or Speaker De Venecia Jr. getting ousted. But expect their allies...

Coup talks resurface as troops ask about alleged bribe offers

The commander, who asked not to be identified, told Agence France-Presse: "A mutiny or a coup is highly possible. Troops are watching. They are more deliberate and more resolved. There is a caus...

De Venecia denies hand in bribery

HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. on Thursday asserted he had nothing to do with the funds distributed in Malaca ang last week during a breakfast meeting that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hosted ...

Transport terminal soon to rise in Taguig City

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City government is building a transport terminal to help ease traffic on the East Service Road. "I believe this is a win-win project. Once finished, the Taguig Public...

Lawyer charged with bigamy for marrying 3 women

MANILA, Philippines - A lawyer was charged yesterday with two counts of bigamy for marrying three women. The complaint, which is now at the Manila Regional Trial Court, was filed by another man who w...

Comelec chief orders arrest of Lintang Bedol as campaign begins

The Comelec, meanwhile, ordered the arrest of controversial Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol, who was earlier found guilty of indirect contempt.

Net worth of Villar nears $1B

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. is the fifth richest person in the country with a net worth of $940 million or roughly P41.4 billion, Forbes Asia 2007 Philippines Rich List reported.

New solon heads new committee

MANILA, Philippines -- Tarlac Representative Monica "Nikki" Prieto-Teodoro has vowed she would do her best to promote the interest of children and special people following her appointment as chairpers...

Alleged police informant shot dead by 2 gunmen

MANILA, Philippines - A 44-year-old man believed to be working as a police informant was gunned down Wednesday night by two men in Quezon City. Manolito Salacot, of Riverside Street, in Barangay Comm...

Lanao mayor's SUV stolen in Mandaluyong

MANILA, Philippines - Two armed men stole the sports utility vehicle of Mayor Muaamar Maquiling of Munai, Lanao del Norte early morning yesterday in Mandaluyong City. In his report, P01 Ryan Parinas s...

CA gives green light for filing of charges vs LPG dealers

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has cleared the way for the filing of charges against five officers of a corporation allegedly engaged in the illegal trading and underfilling of liquefied p...

Basics, not CyberEd, still DepEd's top priority -- Lapus

MANILA, Philippines -- Addressing the basic problems of the education sector, like the shortage of textbooks and classrooms, is still the top priority of the Department of Education, not the implement...

Pacquiao named tourism ambassador of Saranggani

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday appointed People's Champ Manny Pacquiao as the new tourism ambassador of Sarangani.Arroyo made the announcement when she introduced Pacquiao as the "touri...

Police chiefs told to keep village polls peaceful

MANILA, Philippines -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Thursday ordered all police regional commanders and regional officers of the Department of Interior and Local Government ...

CHEd project overpriced by P150M

MANILA, Philippines -- The P550-million call center laboratory project of the Commission on Higher Education is overpriced by more than P150 million, among other irregularities, according to a report ...

Former poll exec Bedol going to jail soon -- Borra

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol is on the brink of incarceration. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to issue this week a commitment order and a w...

Former AFP-RSBS chief seeks dismissal of graft, fraud cases

MANILA, Philippines -- The former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation Benefits System has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the estafa and graft cases against him i...

Solons urged to return Palace cash gifts and tell all

MANILA, Philippines -- Return the money and tell all you know, or the House of Representatives will continue to lose its credibility. Former Akbayan Party-list representative Etta Rosales aired this a...

Philippines oil tankers given conversion deadline

MANILA -- All Philippine-registered ships carrying oil in local waters must have double hulls by next year or face bans, regulators ruled Thursday. The April 23, 2008 deadline would allow the Philipp...

Manila to offer one-stop business permit processing soon

MANILA -- A "one-stop shop" that will help fast-track the processing of permits and other services will soon be opened at the Manila City Hall to assist businessmen who intend to invest in the capital...

Radical land reform bill targets lands of Arroyos, Aquinos

MANILA, Philippines -- Militant groups are drafting a new agrarian reform bill that seeks to distribute large tracts of land to farmers without compensation to the landowners. In a paper on the propo...

NDF lists impediments to peace talks with gov't

MANILA, Philippines -- While the government is poised to sign a peace agreement with Moro separatists, talks with communists rebels remain on hold because of the impediments the Arroyo administration ...

JDV backs House probe of alleged Palace cash handouts

MANILA, Philippines -- Saying he felt like vomiting from stories of rampant corruption in government, Speaker Jose De Venecia gave his blessings to a congressional investigation into the alleged distr...

Factory worker's son joins Philippine billionaires

Corruption now a 'national security threat'--Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines -- Corruption has become so widespread it has eroded public trust in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's government and should now be considered a top security concern, National Se...

Lakas solon drafts bill penalizing sham impeach raps

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- Representative Mauricio Domogan, chairman of the House panel in the electoral tribunal, has said a measure jailing authors of "sham impeachment resolutions" is being laid o...

Palace wants to explain side on 'bribery' to bishops

MANILA, Philippines -- Even as it insisted on its innocence in the alleged bribery of congressmen and local executives, Malaca ang acknowledged the need to sit down with Catholic bishops to explain it...

DepEd uses radio to deliver education

MANILA, Philippines -- While waiting for its controversial Cyber Education project to be implemented, the Department of Education (DepEd) will in the meantime use radio as a cheaper alternative to del...

Not from me, De Venecia says of alleged cash gifts

MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has denied the money allegedly distributed in Malaca ang last week came from his office. "We don't have anything to do with those funds and their di...

Aspirant for ULAP post accepts Arroyo kin's appointment

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- Everything's fine. That was how Misamis Occidental Governor Leo Ocampos reacted to reports some governors were against the swearing in of Mayor Ramon Guico Jr. of Binalonan...

Beltran calls for Arroyo resignation for 'bribery'

MANILA, Philippines -- A leftist lawmaker has joined calls demanding the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over the alleged cash doleouts to local government executives and lawmakers by...

Palace cash gift not common but it isn't bribery--Devanadera

MANILA, Philippines -- Giving out cash gifts to local officials dining in Malaca ang is not a common practice although it cannot be considered bribery, acting Justice Secretary

Ermita denies resignation talk

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita has denied reports that he has resigned from the Cabinet and assailed those who are trying to sow intrigue within the administration. "It's n...

Estrada to ask court for one more night with mother

MANILA, Philippines -- Even before his two-day pass from detention lapses, plunder convict and former president Joseph Estrada will ask the courts for permission to be with his ailing mother for one m...

Armed Forces to 'stand behind' Arroyo--defense chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will "stand behind" President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. affirmed on Thursday, as he dismissed talk of grumblings within the ...

India, Philippines Prime Realty Investment Spots

K.T. Abdurabb, Arab News DUBAI, 18 October 2007 — A new report commissioned by Cityscape Market Intelligence Service (CMIS) and published by the Oxford Business Group (OBG) launched at Cityscape...

Bribery probe won't be easy, anti-graft agency exec admits

MANILA, Philippines -- The task of investigating allegations of bribery by Malaca ang on lawmakers and local officials will not be easy, according to Commissioner James Jacob of the Presidential Anti-...

DoJ lets DSWD decide on Expanded Senior Citizens Act

MANILA, Philippines -- Though the Department of Justice thinks the mandated 20-percent senior citizen's discount could be applicable in private golf and country clubs, it still left the decision to th...

Finally, world-class marine park in Manila

AN ARTIST'S presentation of the oceanarium that is scheduled to open in December. Inset photo shows PTA chief Robert Dean Barbers with Manila Ocean Park president Lim Chee Yong inspecting the progress...

Philippine schools eye China market

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Eight Philippine schools will join in an international expo this weekend in China, where the $72-billion-a-year education market shows a continuing rise in dem...

Biggest Philippine call center to open

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Contact service provider Teleperformance will launch Friday what officials say is the country's biggest call center with 2,500 seats, at the EDSA Central in Ma...

Why De Venecia lukewarm to Arroyo's Charter change bid

MANILA, Philippines -- The failure of his previous efforts to amend the Charter could be the reason behind Speaker Jose De Venecia's seemingly lukewarm reception to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's...

Filipino investors bullish but still unsophisticated -- ING

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Filipino investors remain optimistic in the final quarter of the year despite the ongoing subprime credit crisis in the United States, which threatens to sprea...

Philippine stocks to continue rising -- HSBC

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Share prices in the philippines and the rest of Asia have some more room to go up but investors will have to watch out for heightened market volatility and eve...

IMF upgrades Philippine growth outlook

Close this MANILA, Philippines--The International Monetary Fund has upgraded its domestic economic growth outlook for the Philippines this year to 6.3 percent from an earlier forecast of 5.8 ...

Austerity measures for City Hall "Lim

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila City government yesterday asked its employees to practice austerity by adopting cost-cutting measures after it incurred a "huge" budget deficit. "All concerned employ...

Binay recalls citizens' stand during Makati siege

MANILA, Philippines - Exactly a year after he was nearly driven out of the Makati City Hall, Mayor Jejomar Binay told his constituents yesterday that he would always remain a strong critic of the Arro...

Philippine leader says insurgency holding the country back

BUTUAN, Philippines : The Philippines will never be a wealthy country while a decades-old communist insurgency rumbles on, President Gloria Arroyo said on Wednesday. Speaking to local officials during...

Depositor identifies QC bank suspect

MANILA, Philippines - A woman who robbed a branch of the United Coconut Planters Bank in Quezon City, along with five men on Monday morning, has been positively identified by a bank depositor. Throug...

Metro barangays under tight watch for Oct. polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila police will be keeping an eye on several barangays in Quezon City, and Pasay, Muntinlupa and Taguig cities for violent incidents that could happen in connection ...

Estrada given 34 hours to visit sick mother

THE Sandiganbayan Special Division on Wednesday granted former President Joseph Estrada a 34-hour special pass to visit his ailing 102-year-old mother at the San Juan Medical Center in San Juan City, ...

CA to hear release order of Burgos case report

BARRING any order from the Supreme Court (SC), the Court of Appeals (CA) may proceed with its hearing Thursday on the subpoena on an investigation report of the military's provost marshal, even if the...

Borra floats Joey's name for Comelec

Commissioner Resurrecion Borra floated de Venecia's name as a possible candidate to fill vacancies in the seven-member constitutional body that manages elections in the Philippines.

Palace doing enough against corruption

And if the Palace could successfully determine the people involved in the alleged bribery, Bunye said, filing of cases against them at the Office of the Ombudsman could follow, particularly if t...

Taguig gov't worker nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - An employee of the Taguig City Hall was arrested Monday afternoon for allegedly trying to extort P8,000 from a couple in exchange for a marriage certificate. Caught in an entrap...

Illegitimate debts drain national budget

Significantly, it was only upon the retirement of the nuclear-plant loan that the government declared that it could now have a "balanced budget." Civil society considers the servicing of the nuc...

Ombudsman names graft-prone agencies

The top five most graft-prone government agencies-in no particular order-are the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education a...

Poetry in motion awaits Metro's train riders

MANILA, Philippines - Passengers of the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and Line 2 are in for an entertaining and informative ride. The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has started putting up in its tr...

'Heed soldiers' gripes over Palace cash doleouts'

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Rodolfo Biazon said on Wednesday Malaca ang should take seriously a warning that disgruntled soldiers could stage a mutiny and spark a civil war, noting that the allegati...

Oil eases in Asia but still above $87 a barrel

In US trade on Tuesday, oil struck a record intra-day high of $88.20 before dropping back to settle above $87 for the first time, at $87.61 a barrel.

Arroyo present during cash distribution--Manila solon

MANILA, Philippines -- A preacher in the House of Representatives has added his voice to those bearing witness to the alleged distribution of funds to lawmakers and local government officials in Malac...

Teen 'Akyat Bahay' members rob Marikina home

MANILA, Philippines - Seven boys aged 13 and 17 said to be members of the "Akyat Bahay" gang were placed in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development after they were caught robbi...

Ched can't pay call center project contractor

THE Commission on Higher Education (Ched) said there will be no more release of payment to the winning bidder of the P550-million Integrated Multi-Site Business Process Outsourcing-Incubation Contact ...

Borra asks Arroyo to appoint only the best to Comelec

MANILA -- Acting Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Resurreccion Borra urged Malaca ang and other concerned agencies on Wednesday to screen the best candidates for vacancies in the poll body s...

Elementary curriculum to include love of marine life--DepEd

MANILA, Philippines -- To inculcate respect for the country's rich marine life among the youth, the Department of Education (DepEd) has taken steps to create a comprehensive school program targeting g...

Congress asked to probe US informal basing in RP

MANILA, Philippines -- A former member of the House of Representatives called on Wednesday for a congressional inquiry into the alleged informal basing of US forces in the country. Former Akbayan Rep...

Allies pressed for weak impeach case to proceed

MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said on Wednesday he was "pressured" in the presence of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to refer a weak impeachment complaint to the House committe...

Ramos denies giving gifts to Atienza, solons

MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Fidel V. Ramos said Wednesday he distributed paper bags with Christmas goodies for indigents but never paper bags with cash gifts to congressmen "for whatever p...

'Military loyal amid bribery talk'

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang on Wednesday said it is confident the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains loyal to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo despite accusations the administration ...

'Insurgency holding us back'--Arroyo

BUTUAN, Philippines -- The Philippines will never be a wealthy country while a decades-old communist insurgency rumbles on, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Wednesday. Speaking to local officia...

Thai Nakul tames Philippine winds

LIPA CITY, Philippines -- Nakul Vichittryuthasastr of Thailand fired a bogey-free four-under-par 68 for a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Active Mount Malarayat Championship on Wednesday....

Arroyo reappoints 11 bypassed Cabinet members

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has reappointed the 11 members of her Cabinet who were bypassed by the Commission on Appointments, her spokesman Ignacio Bunye said. These off...

Nothing wrong with Palace cash handouts, says justice chief

MANILA, Philippines -- Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera does not see anything illegal in the cash handouts given to lawmakers and local officials after a meeting with President Gloria Macapag...

All congressmen got P200,000 allowance

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- Baguio City Representative Mauricio Domogan on Wednesday said all members of the House of Representatives received P200,000 in checks last week as part of their annual repr...

Arroyo ally torn between telling truth, hurting her

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Saying that his disclosure could hurt President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a key administration ally in the House of Representatives has admitted to being torn...

Panlilio to return money if Palace keeps silent on source

PAMPANGA Governor Eddie Panlilio said there is a "greater possibility" he would return the P500,000 handed to him in Malaca ang on October 11 if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo does not reply to his...

Detained officers hit Palace over cash gift to local execs

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The 28 officers linked to the alleged coup plot in February 2006 criticized Malaca ang for not releasing money for the increase in soldiers' combat pay, while giving ca...

Philippine president orders investigation of bribery allegations

MANILA : President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered an investigation of an alleged attempt to bribe members of the House of Representatives and provincial governors with cash in exchange for blocki...

Philippines eyes more local borrowings in 2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The government is looking at borrowing P20-21 billion (about $450 million) more from the domestic market next year while reducing its external borrowings by about $500 million, ...

Philippines beats Sept budget goal, fails to impress

MANILA, Philippines -- The government on Wednesday beat its September budget deficit target by 15 percent after lower interest payments cut spending, but revenue growth for the year was seen driven by...

Orange worm, black jellyfish discovered in deep ocean basin

Scientists exploring a deep ocean basin in search of species isolated for millions of years found marine life believed to be previously undiscovered, including a tentacled orange worm and an unusual b...

Lawyers fear AO 197 to be used to thwart writ of amparo

MANILA, Philippines -- A lawyers' group on Wednesday said they fear Administrative Order (AO) 197 issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be used to thwart the writ of amparo, which the Supre...

De Venecia can only be replaced if he agrees--solon

MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. can only be replaced if he will agree to it, his staunch ally at the House of Representatives said on Wednesday. Davao City Representative Prospero ...

Philippine Stock Exchange revamps key index

MANILA, Philippines -- Geothermal power producer PNOC Energy Development Corp. and property developers Robinsons Land Corp. and Filinvest Land Inc. will become constituents of the 30-company composite...

'Show yourself,' AFP dares 'fighting' Rosal

MANILA, Philippines -- The military on Wednesday dared Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal to "show himself" and dispel talk he had died or was in critical con...

2 solons reject new impeach rap vs Arroyo ahead of filing

MANILA, Philippines -- Citing a Supreme Court ruling, two administration lawmakers have immediately shot down a new impeachment complaint being prepared by the opposition against President Gloria Maca...

AFP, judge told to answer Trillanes' bid to exercise duties

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a regional trial court judge to comment on Senator Antonio Trillanes IV's petition that he b...

RP improves ranking on RSF press freedom index

2007 Worldwide Press Freedom Index of the organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF), placing 128th from 142nd place last year, which it shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Explaining the...

Charges dropped vs 4 junior officers in 2003 mutiny

MANILA, Philippines -- Charges against four junior officers linked to a failed mutiny in July 2003 have been dropped due to lack of evidence, although two of them are not yet completely off the hook, ...

Oct. 29 a holiday

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang has declared October 29, Monday, a special non-working holiday throughout the country for the Barangay (village) and Sanggunian Kabataan (Youth Council) elections. P...

Police foil bombing in southern Philippines

Cotabato City, Philippines - Officers foiled a bombing Wednesday in a southern Philippine town, a regional police chief said. An improvised bomb was recovered early in the morning at a used clothing s...

Sensational music from the Philippines

BE amazed by vibrant showmanship and spellbinding music of D' Sensation Band, performing at Palm Lounge, Level 5 in The ZON Regency Hotel by the sea.

Philippine army shifts tactics to improve image

manila The Philippine army, responding to strong criticism of its poor human rights record, has cut down on combat operations against communist rebels and is fighting them politically, the army chie...

Philippines woos tourists to volcanoes

santa juliana Rickety old jeeps barrel through a dry northern Philippines riverbed, setting off a dust storm that coats the visitors bouncing around on the back seat.

Reyes, Bustamante spark Filipino bets' romp in US Open

MANILA, Philippines -- Pool maestro Efren "Bata" Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Alex Pagulayan hurdled their respective rivals to join seven other Filipinos in the winning column at the star...

Tullahan Bridge closed again for more repair work

MANILA, Philippines - Barely two days after reopening the Tullahan Bridge in Valenzuela City to light vehicles, the Department of Public Works and Highways decided to close the structure last night fo...

Ka Bel hurt in Manila road mishap

MANILA, Philippines - Anakpawis Rep. Crispin "Ka Bel" Beltran was injured after his van was hit by a sports utility vehicle in Intramuros, Manila yesterday morning. Although his doctor said his condi...

Filipino martial arts, escrima, gets noticed in hands of a master

[Podcast: Physical challenges don't stop Filipino American martial arts master.] The blur of hands wielding wide, stocky knives interspersed with flashes of reflected sunlight is a hypnotic, fluid mo...

Philippines Department of Agriculture won't impose ban on GM organisms in Negros Occidental

Department of Agriculture stands by national policy to promote safe use of modern biotechnology The Department of Agriculture (DA) is standing by the national policy on modern biotechnology and ...

Presidential son to inhibit in impeachment proceedings

PRESIDENTIAL son and Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo expressed openness Tuesday to inhibit from participating in the impeachment process against her mother, President Gloria Macapag...

Govt looking to lower cost of remittance

Santos recommended lowering the cost of sending money to the country to below 2 percent. Currently, the cost of sending remittances to the country is 2.2 percent. The rate reached a high of 13.5...

Web site tweaks could be new niche for RP

AFTER CALL CENTERS and medical transcription, the Philippines could
become an outsourcing destination for another information technology
(IT) service.

Networking Web site for idea exchange launched

Apple to open new iPhones to outside software makers

SAN FRANCISCO -- Apple revealed plans Wednesday to open
iPhones to computer programs made by outsiders in a move that could
quiet complaints that its lock on the devices' workings is overzealous.

Spending on computer tech in '07 to top a trillion dollars

Yahoo profit dips despite reorganization

SAN FRANCISCO -- Yahoo reported yesterday that its
third-quarter profits dipped despite a rise in revenues and a nearly
completed corporate reorganization.

Businesses move to address human capital challenge

Apple to unleash Leopard operating system on Oct. 26

Taiwan's Acer unit completes merger with US' Gateway

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's leading computer vendor Acer, Inc said
yesterday its wholly owned subsidiary, Galaxy Acquisition Corp, has
completed the process of merging with Gateway, Inc. of the US.

RP positioned as choice outsourcing expansion site as India 'heats up'

Teleperformance set to open 2,500-seat call center facility

TELEPERFORMANCE, one of the leading providers of
outsourced contact center services will be opening its newest call
center facility on Oct.19.

Microsoft drops antitrust appeal in South Korea

SEOUL -- US software giant Microsoft has dropped its appeal against an
antitrust ruling in South Korea after losing a similar case in Europe, court
officials said yesterday.

Study raises notion of 'printing' tissue

CHICAGO -- The inkjet printer may appear to be an unlikely
solution to the organ donor shortage problem, but it might not be as
far-fetched as it sounds.

Incredible shrinking memory drives new IT

MP3 players challenge iPod

NEW YORK -- When Marybeth Miller decided she wanted a digital player to carry around music from her massive collection, she had one important rule: no iPod.

Yahoo! Hack Day

I was invited to attend Yahoo!�s Philippine "Hack Day" last Wednesday, along with some reps from the media and the academe.

Mobile phone frenzy bubbles in booming Vietnam telco mart

Between now and 2012,
Vietnamese authorities expect
the penetration rate for fixed
lines and mobile phones to
rise from 35% to 60%.

BEA Systems rejects $6.68-B bid from Oracle

SAN FRANCISCO -- Number two global software maker Oracle
said Friday it had bid $6.68 billion for BEA Systems, an offer that was
swiftly rejected by the rival business software group as too low.

Does your organization need Web 2.0?

Japan lures software experts

Contact center net income up

ePerformax targets P4 billion from planned IPO

FILIPINO call center ePerformax International, Inc. will
raise P4 billion through a planned initial public offering (IPO).

Google tops Internet search world - study

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is king of Internet search
worldwide but rivals in China and South Korea have become powerhouses in
their respective countries, a comScore study revealed yesterday.

Apple accused of unlawful iPhone monopoly

SAN FRANCISCO - A civil lawsuit filed in California
accuses Apple of creating an unlawful iPhone monopoly and vindictively
releasing a software update that turns hacked devices into "iBricks."

Davao Internet operators reeling from competition

DAVAO CITY - Internet cafe operators are reeling from the
effects of cutthroat competition as rates have continually gone down.

Headline: Gov't ups asset sale backstop

THE GOVERNMENT HAS IDENTIFIED P80 billion worth of assets as up for disposition next year, preparing to compensate for any slips in tax collection that would threaten its balanced budget

Corporate News: ABS-CBN net income soars

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., the Lopez-led broadcasting company announced a 100% increase in its net income for the first nine months.

Banking & Finance: Economic growth possible with low inflation, says IMF

WASHINGTON — The Philippines will likely sustain its strong economic growth momentum even under a low inflation regime, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

Stock Market: Stock index snaps two-day losing streak

SHARE PRICES ended a two-day negative run yesterday, closing 0.29% higher in cautious trade as worries over record oil prices continued to weigh on sentiment.

The Economy: High court rules vs Subic's tobacco, alcohol importers

STRESSING THE GOVERNMENT's need to boost its coffers, the Supreme Court said cigarette and alcohol importers previously exempt from paying excise taxes will have to do so from now on.

The Nation: Bribery scandal could spark another coup -- military sources

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, battling claims that lawmakers were given cash to block an impeachment bid against her, risks a mutiny by soldiers angry about corruption, military sources said yesterday.

Labor & Management: Skilled labor supply crisis looms in India

WASHINGTON — A shortage of quality skilled labor could thwart India's rapid economic expansion, its central bank chief Y. V. Reddy warned Wednesday, calling for urgent education reforms to solve the problem.

Weekender: The art of lawyering

One would expect a lawyer has become jaded after years of depressing cases ranging from gruesome murders to malicious corporate battles.

IT Matters: Web site tweaks could be new niche for RP

AFTER CALL CENTERS and medical transcription, the Philippines could become an outsourcing destination for another information technology (IT) service.

Hapee open to loaning Norwood to SEAG squad

MANILA, Philippines -- Hapee Toothpaste is open to the possibility of loaning Fil-Am sensation Gabe Norwood to the all-amateur Philippine team playing in the Southeast Asian Games this December in Tha...

Manilans sustain athletics show, put away 19 golds

MANILA, Philippines -- Track and field athletes from Far Eastern University on Thursday carried the fight for Manila in its bid to wrest the overall lead from Quezon City in the National Capital Regio...

Adamson stakes V-League lead vs San Sebastian

MANILA, Philippines -- Adamson University gets its first real test when it meets San Sebastian College on Friday in the 2007 Shakey's V-League women's volleyball second conference at The Arena in San ...

POC forms own medical contingent for SEAG

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Olympic Committee has revamped its medical team going to the Thailand Southeast Asian Games this December in the aftermath of its row with the Philippine Sports C...

Murakami grabs front after a 69

LIPA CITY -- Artemio Murakami was in control on a day howling winds bowled the field over, shooting a three-under-par 69 Thursday to wrest the halfway lead in the Philippine stop of the ASEAN Tour at ...

Filipino billiards aces on collision course in US Open

President no longer present during cash handouts

correcting a Philippine Daily Inquirer report, Thursday said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was not around when men in barong tagalog distributed glossy paper bags containing cash to congressmen in...

AFP to 'stand behind' Arroyo--Defense chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines as a result of allegations Malaca ang bribed politicians to squelch a new attempt to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. "I can say categorically that the Armed Fo...

Franz Pumaren named year's top mentor

MANILA, Philippines -- The De La Salle University Green Archers and the San Beda College Red Lions topped their respective collegiate leagues this season. So it's just apt that when the UAAP and NCAA...

Reyes, 9 other RP bets keep clean US Open cards

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino bets continued their dominance in the 32nd US Open 9-Ball Championship at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Efren "Bata" Reyes survived a scare...

Purefoods rolls back SLR

GAMES FRIDAY (Cuneta Astrodome) 4:35 p.m. -- Coca-Cola vs Welcoat 7:20 p.m. -- Red Bull vs Barangay Ginebra MANILA, Philippines -- A bruised and battered Purefoods squad now has a clear idea of how t...

Canossa-Lipa spikers snare Petron crown

MANILA, Philippines -- Canossa Academy-Lipa beat Angeles University Foundation, 25-16, 25-15, 22-25, 25-15, in the finals to emerge overall champion in the Petron Treats Boys Volleyball League at the ...

After nightmare, Eala bounces back with new 'Liga'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- For more than a decade, he had been part of what he was currently watching on television one particular Sunday afternoon inside his den. Understandably, the...

Judge orders release of Malaysian boat in poaching

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY-A judge on Monday ordered the release of a Malaysian fishing boat apprehended by Navy and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel in Balabac for poaching in Philippine...

New solon heads new committee

Police chiefs told to keep village polls peaceful

RP keglers mentally weak, says bowling legend Coo

MANILA, Philippines -- Bowling Hall of Famer Bong Coo thinks the dwindling international wins by Filipinos is due to lack of mental toughness. "We see that our players lack mental toughness -- the ab...

Cops tag 199 ARMM villages poll concerns

COTABATO CITY-Police have identified 199 villages in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as probable "hot spots" as the Commission on Elections braces for the holding of the country's Bara...

Basics, not CyberEd, still DepEd's top priority -- Lapus

Body of maid slain in Canada comes home

MANILA, Philippines - The remains of slain domestic helper Jocelyn Dulnuan arrived in Manila yesterday as a militant migrant workers' organization appealed to the Arroyo administration to ensure that ...

CHEd project overpriced by P150M

Former poll exec Bedol going to jail soon -- Borra

Former AFP-RSBS chief seeks dismissal of graft, fraud cases

Solons urged to return Palace cash gifts and tell all

Saragani, Davao Sur get septage treatment plants to save bay

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines -- Seven septage treatment facilities seen as crucial in preserving Sarangani Bay have been inaugurated in the provinces of Sarangani and Davao del Sur. The P442-mill...

Radical land reform bill targets lands of Arroyos, Aquinos

NDF lists impediments to peace talks with gov't

Corruption now a 'national security threat'--Gonzales

Philippines oil tankers given conversion deadline

JDV backs House probe of alleged Palace cash handouts

Factory worker's son joins Philippine billionaires

Lakas solon drafts bill penalizing sham impeach raps

Palace wants to explain side on 'bribery' to bishops

DepEd uses radio to deliver education

Not from me, De Venecia says of alleged cash gifts

Aspirant for ULAP post accepts Arroyo kin's appointment

Beltran calls for Arroyo resignation for 'bribery'

Palace cash gift not common but it isn't bribery--Devanadera

MANILA, Philippines -- Giving out cash gifts to local officials dining in Malaca ang is not a common practice although it cannot be considered bribery, acting Justice Secretary

Arroyo wasn't present, says Manila solon

MANILA, Philippines -- A preacher-congressman has added his voice to those bearing witness to the alleged cash handouts to politicians in Malaca ang. Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, listed in the Hous...

Corruption in Arroyo admin 'systemic'

A militant lawmaker expressed outrage over the Commission on Audit (COA) findings that the Office of the President failed to account for questionable expenses last year, saying this was more proof of ...

Let citizens panel investigate "cash gifts" mess - Saguisag

A former senator on Thursday called for the government to convene an independent citizens's committee that will conduct an impartial investigation into the supposed "bribery at the Palace." In an i...

DND chief maintains AFP is focused amid bribery controversy

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Thursday maintained that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remain focused on its task to counter insurgency and reforming the military, contrary to claims...

Bets swamp Comelec, start campaign for polls

Even as they swamped the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Manila early Thursday, last-minute candidates for the village and youth council elections on Oct. 29 mounted their own campaign gim...

Ermita denies resignation talk

Estrada to ask court for one more night with mother

Aquino, Ramos, Estrada deny they gave out cash

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The claim of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza that he had received "cash gifts" from Malaca ang as a matter of course throughout his nine years as mayor of...

CHED stops paying contractor of P550-M call center

Sun.Star: The Commission on Higher Education (Ched) said there will be no more release of payment to the winning bidder of the P550-million Integrated Multi-Site Business Process Outsourcing-Incubatio...

Estrada tight-lipped at San Juan hospital

(Updated 11:11 a.m.) Former President Joseph Estrada arrived at a hospital in San Juan City to visit his ailing mother as part of his court-approved 34-hour release from police detention. GMA News ...

India, Philippines Prime Realty Investment Spots

K.T. Abdurabb, Arab News DUBAI, 18 October 2007 — A new report commissioned by Cityscape Market Intelligence Service (CMIS) and published by the Oxford Business Group (OBG) launched at Cityscape...

Palace urged to form citizens's body to probe 'cash gift' controversy

Dabawenyos divided over Nograles as House Speaker

Sun.Star: DAVAO CITY - Many Dabawenyos expressed their whole-hearted support on the probable ascendance of Davao City 1st District Rep. Prospero Nograles as the first ever Speaker of the House from Mi...

Bribery probe won't be easy, anti-graft agency exec admits

DoJ lets DSWD decide on Expanded Senior Citizens Act

Philippine schools eye China market

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Eight Philippine schools will join in an international expo this weekend in China, where the $72-billion-a-year education market shows a continuing rise in dem...

Why De Venecia lukewarm to Arroyo's Charter change bid

Cayetano asked to quit Blue Ribbon

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Jamby Madrigal has accused Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano of intimidating businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III by letting the Blue Ribbon committee staff in...

3 million expected to 'Stand Up, Speak Out' against poverty

MANILA, Philippines -- Some 2,000 Filipinos, including government officials, teachers, students and soldiers, Wednesday joined a global campaign to end poverty by standing up and making a symbolic ple...

FX driver shot dead by unidentified man in Pasig

An unidentified gunman called out and then shot dead a driver of an FX taxi at the house of his operator in Pasig City Wednesday night. Killed on the spot was Aldin Salvo, 22, a resident of Kapitan...

Oct. 29, Nov. 1 and 2 all holidays

MANILA, Philippines -- Good news for the Filipino worker. The Philippine workforce is set to have not just one, but two long weekends, thanks to the coming barangay (village) elections and the annual...

Mayor lording it over ULAP miffs governors

MANILA, Philippines -- A small-town mayor is lording it over the governors in the pro-administration Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and the provincial chief executives are not h...

Why Abe King is in town

MANILA, Philippines -- Abe King's eyes were red and watery. He was on the verge of tears as he answered a question I had innocently asked. Abe said he left the country in 1998 after his retirement fr...

Erap leaves Tanay, begins 34-hour furlough

Former President Joseph Estrada left his rest house in Tanay, Rizal late for his "double date" with his mother and his lawyers in San Juan City on Thursday. Radio dzBB reported that Estrada left hi...

Outrage over Palace doleouts still lacking - Bishop

Instead of just lamenting about a moral bankruptcy in the government, Catholic bishops should be encouraging more outrage from their flock over the alleged "bribery in the Palace." Manila bishop Te...

SEAG victory for women's beach volleyball team seen

MANILA, Philippines -- The country has a strong chance at the women's beach volleyball gold if the Southeast Asian Games were to be held today. Tony Boy Liao, manager of the Fil-Am tandem of Heidi Il...

'Ka Roger' Rosal is alive, says CPP; lawmen doubt it

MANILA, Philippines -- The Communist Party of the Philippines released a statement Wednesday allegedly from the group's spokesperson Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, saying he is "alive and fighting" contra...

So places 20th in Jr world chess tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino International Master Wesley So trounced IM Giorgi Margvelashivili of Georgia in the final round late Tuesday to wind up 20th in the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess C...

Pasig boy cops 12 swim golds; QC bets lead

MANILA, Philippines -- A young swimmer from Pasig City emerged as a virtual gold medal machine with 12 victories even as Quezon City and Manila dominated their favorite events at the start of the Nati...

Makeover set for amateur boxing

MANILA, Philippines -- Amateur boxing is set to make changes that could have a tremendous impact on the sport. Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) president Manny T. Lopez, one of th...

Filipino investors bullish but still unsophisticated -- ING

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Filipino investors remain optimistic in the final quarter of the year despite the ongoing subprime credit crisis in the United States, which threatens to sprea...

Philippine stocks to continue rising -- HSBC

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Share prices in the philippines and the rest of Asia have some more room to go up but investors will have to watch out for heightened market volatility and eve...

De Venecia calls on Arroyo to set up new administration

MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Wednesday called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to set up a virtually new administration made up of young and competent persons to cleanse "gov...

IMF upgrades Philippine growth outlook

Close this MANILA, Philippines--The International Monetary Fund has upgraded its domestic economic growth outlook for the Philippines this year to 6.3 percent from an earlier forecast of 5.8 ...

Acting DoJ chief sees nothing wrong with Palace cash gift

Malaca ang told to heed warning on restive troops

MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Rodolfo Biazon Wednesday said Malaca ang should take seriously a warning that disgruntled soldiers could stage a mutiny and spark a civil war, noting that the allegations o...

'Angry, hurt' President orders probe of doles

Upset Puno answered in the affirmative when asked if the President was "upset" over the reportage on the purported distribution of cash, instead of her meeting with members of the Union of Local Auth...

The ups and downs of being an HUC

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - It had expected a clean break from the provincial government, but Puerto Princesa City is now witnessing the downside of being voted a highly urbanized city (HUC). With its new...

The vanishing identity of the Agta people

Not pure Alfredo Cledoro, tribal chieftain of about 80 Agta families in Ocampo, downplays his lineage as being not "pure." He could not even recall his ancestors, he says. Cledoro, a caretaker of on...

Candies down 4 pupils in Cebu

CEBU CITY-Four schoolchildren in a southern Cebu town were brought to the hospital on Wednesday, allegedly after eating candies during recess time. Jacinta Mariposque, pharmacist of the Oslob Distric...

Philippine leader says insurgency holding the country back

Parole possible for Distrito

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- For the players who had the unfortunate luck of running into him on the court, Abe King was always bad news. Nowadays, though, he is the bearer of good tidi...

Liga Pilipinas merges 2 regional cage tourneys

MANILA, Philippines -- A new basketball league, one which casts a bright eye at the future and a wary one at the past, was born Tuesday following the announcement that two regional basketball tourname...

Requests for share of Palace cash swamp Bulacan gov

Heard news "The barangay captains were there because of what they heard from the news that Malaca ang allegedly gave cash to governors," Posadas told the Inquirer. "Umaapaw ng kapitan ang kapitolyo n...

Floor wax donated to landless school

GUINOBATAN, ALBAY-"Adding insult to injury." That was how a head teacher here described the local government unit's donations of floor wax and wood polisher for a school that has yet to be rebuilt af...

PPCRV head De Villa gets key post in Vatican

The head of the Church-backed election watchdog group Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has a new post in the Vatican, this time to manage the Church's worldwide charitable ac...

Senior citizens can get discount for golf course use - DOJ

The law granting a 20-percent discount on the purchases of senior citizens could cover even the membership in and use of privately owned golf and country clubs, according to the Department of Justice....

Adamson sweeps Lyceum in 3 sets to grab lead

MANILA, Philippines -- Adamson University on Tuesday claimed the solo lead while De La Salle University bounced back from an opening-day loss in the 2007 Shakey's V-League women's volleyball second co...

'Heed soldiers' gripes over Palace cash doleouts'

Borra asks Arroyo to appoint only the best to Comelec

Elementary curriculum to include love of marine life--DepEd

Congress asked to probe US informal basing in RP

Palace misused charity funds, gave loans sans records - COA

EXCLUSIVE: Months ahead of last week's row over "cash gifts" for local politicians and legislators, the Commission on Audit had admonished the Office of the President, under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, t...

'Insurgency holding us back'--Arroyo

Kokoy told to account for P139-M funds of seized firm

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered former ambassador Benjamin "Kokoy" Romualdez, brother of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and the Presidential Commission on Good Government to submit an a...

All congressmen got P200,000 allowance

Thai Nakul tames Philippine winds

Priests fall victim to feeding program racket

With the Christmas season approaching, the Archdiocese of Manila has warned priests and principals in Metro Manila against falling for a fake meat agent offering to stage feeding programs for schoolch...

Cebu cops nab alleged big-time shabu pusher

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- Police here on Wednesday afternoon arrested what they described as a suspected big-time drug pusher, seizing several packs of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) ...

Allies pressed for weak impeach case to proceed

Ramos denies giving gifts to Atienza, solons

Arroyo reappoints 11 bypassed Cabinet members

Whiter skin is just a session away

MANILA, Philippines―As a child, one thing I was always being complimented on was having very white and poreless oriental skin.

For the fashionista on a budget

MANILA, Philippines―You need not stretch your budget to breaking point to follow the trend or frustrate yourself doing no more than window-shop at fashionable stores.

Blush on the go

MANILA, Philippines―If you're doing strong eye-and-lip makeup, then you might not need blush at all. But would you believe me if I tell you that you can get a great look with cheek and lip color alone, with nothing but foundation on the eyes? The whole idea here is balance.

Luxe in Singapore

SINGAPORE―Men's label Ermenegildo Zegna has opened its first luxury boutique store in Southeast Asia at Singapore’s fourth tallest building, the Capital Tower.

Northern steps

MANILA, Philippines―Aldo, one of Canada's biggest shoe brands, has just stepped foot in the Philippines with the recent opening of its first stand-alone store at SM North Edsa’s The Block. Then, in less than a week, the brand opened its second store at the Power Plant Mall in Makati.

‘Convenient’ couture

MANILA, Philippines―Antonio “Jan” Garcia describes his latest designs as a “collection of convenience.”

Shades of style

MANILA, Philippines―If there is anything that the wired world has contributed to fashion, it’s the more democratic coverage of style.

Lashes are the new lips

MANILA, Philippines―The lips are usually a woman’s sensual come-on. Think Marilyn Monroe, Angelina Jolie or Goldie Hawn (pre- or post-collagen). These days, however, eyelashes are the new sensual zone.

US lifestyle mag gets local dressing

MANILA, Philippines―Moi was told by woman of substance Mia Borromeo that the Manila edition of Town & Country, of which she’s editor at large, has been promoting all the things that last, “good manners, good sense, and good fun,” palanggas.

Don’t make your cell phone your confidante

MANILA, Philippines―With cellular or mobile phones becoming almost like miniature computers with memory cards and all, you will have to take extra care when discarding an old one.

Here’s to thank you

MANILA, Philippines―The other Wednesday, Brad Geiser handed me a bouquet of long-stemmed Toblerone roses. When I asked him what it was for, he simply said, “Amor and I would like to thank you.”

Three chefs at a dieticians’ convention

MANILA, Philippines―Ming Tsai looked larger in person. He seemed to have gained weight since his “East Meets West” and “Ming’s Quest” programs on the Lifestyle channel.

The Philippine Headlines - October 17, 2007

2007-10-17T08:27:00.000+08:00

Intel profit jumps 43 percent on strong mobile chip demand

SAN FRANCISCO -- Intel Corp., the world's biggest computer chip maker, said Tuesday strong demand for mobile technology pushed up its third-quarter net profit 43 percent from a year ago to 1.9 billion dollars.

Private equity firm to invest in savings bank

MANILA, Philippines -- A private equity firm will be investing in Malayan Bank, the bank's CEO has said.

Serena retires from Zurich Open

ZURICH -- Serena Williams retired from the Zurich Open with a right adductor injury after losing the first nine games to Swiss left-hander Patty Schnyder on Tuesday.

US stocks tumble as oil prices shoot up

NEW YORK -- US investors saw their stock portfolios scorched Tuesday as oil prices rallied to record highs amid heightened tensions between Turkey's government and Kurdish rebels located in northern Iraq.

Microsoft heralds business Internet telephony revolution

SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft on Tuesday theatrically unveiled communications software it claims will do to business telephones what e-mail did to corporate memos.

Pentagon confirms accidental Patriot launch in Qatar

WASHINGTON -- A US Patriot missile was accidentally launched in Qatar and self-destructed over an unpopulated farm area, causing no injuries, Pentagon officials said Tuesday.

Madonna confirms ground-breaking record deal

LOS ANGELES -- Pop diva Madonna announced a ground-breaking record deal with concert promoters Live Nation on Tuesday, reported to be worth 120 million dollars over 10 years.

Myanmar says 500 people still held

YANGON -- Myanmar’s military government still holds nearly 500 people in detention nationwide following the junta's bloody crackdown on peaceful protests, state television said Tuesday.

Bush defies China with Dalai Lama talks

WASHINGTON -- (UPDATE) US President George W. Bush met privately Tuesday with the Dalai Lama, defying China's angry objections one day before an unprecedented US tribute to Tibet's spiritual leader, the White House said.

So settles for draw; Salvador up

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino International Master Wesley So finally stopped his skid Monday night, drawing with fellow IM Tamas Banusz of Hungary in the penultimate round of the World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships in Yerevan, Armenia.

Balanced field turns PBL into wide open fight

Balanced squads certainly make for great and exciting contests. With key players leaving their teams to join the national team or the pro league, a tough, wide-open competition is expected when the PBL First Conference unfolds this Saturday at The Arena in San Juan City.

Ayala Land to start work on new PSE building in ’08

MANILA, Philippines--Property giant Ayala Land Inc. will start construction of the new headquarters of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in 2008 in the Fort Bonifacio Global City, a company official said.

RP once again part of US global posture

MANILA, Philippines -- Referring to their bases in Mindanao as “forward operating base-11” and “advanced operating base-921,” the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) corresponds to what a US Air Force-sponsored study described as the ongoing “redefinition of what forward presence means.”

Fil-Am, Vega sparkle as RP-Cebuana bests Thais

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino-American Vicky Brick and veteran Emelia Vega provided the spunk and the clutch baskets as the Philippines-Cebuana women’s team downed host Thailand, 80-76, Monday night in the South East Asian Basketball (Seaba) championship in Phuket, Thailand.

ASEAN Tour resumes at Malarayat

LIPA CITY -- Swirling winds, soggy fairways and lightning-fast greens are the elements to conquer starting Wednesday when a huge local group led by Artemio Murakami and a slew of foreigners battle it out in the Philippine leg of the ASEAN Tour at the Malarayat here.

10-yr T-bond rate drops to 7.113%

MANILA, Philippines--The interest rate on 10-year Treasury bonds dropped 63.7 basis points to 7.113 percent Tuesday, with banks showing strong demand.

Abe King: Parole possible for Distrito

For the players who had the unfortunate luck of running into him on the court, Abe King was always bad news. Nowadays, though, he is the bearer of good tidings, especially when it came to news about the incarcerated Rudy Distrito, whom he had fought a lot of memorable basketball wars against.

Shoemart to buy out SM Development minority

MANILA, Philippines--Shoemart Inc., a privately held investment firm of the mall magnate Henry Sy, will offer to buy all shares held by minority stockholders -- equivalent to 35 percent -- in affiliate residential developer SM Development Corp. for P5.1 billion, an SM group official said.

Arroyo admin won’t change, says Speaker’s son

MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. believes that corruption will continue in the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo because she has become inured to it, according to his son, Jose “Joey” de Venecia III.

JG Summit regains full ownership of petrochem unit

MANILA, Philippines--JG Summit Holdings Inc., the holding firm of the Gokongwei group, has acquired a 17.7-percent shareholding of Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corp. in JG Summit Petrochemical Corp. and regained 100 percent of the subsidiary, JG Summit told the stock exchange.

Liga Pilipinas merges 2 regional cage tourneys

Atienza: Malacañang gifts a normal thing

MANILA, Philippines -- By his own admission, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza received cash gifts from Malacañang ranging from P100,000 to P200,000 throughout his nine years as mayor of Manila.

DBP eyes P42.3B in ODA for priority projects

MANILA, Philippines--State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines plans to tap P42.3 billion in official development assistance (ODA) from foreign bilateral and multilateral donors to fund high-impact development projects, DBP president Reynaldo David said.

Poetry in motion awaits Metro’s train riders

MANILA, Philippines – Passengers of the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and Line 2 are in for an entertaining and informative ride.

Opposition hopes pro-Arroyo solons will agree to probe

MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition members of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday moved to investigate allegations of payoffs by Malacañang in the midst of a fresh attempt to impeach President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Marines affected by latest political row

MANILA, Philippines -- The commandant of the Philippine Marines Tuesday said allegations that Malacañang had attempted to bribe congressmen and local officials had affected soldiers but that he had not yet heard grumbling so far.

Exporters slash 2007 growth target

MANILA, Philippines--Philippine exporters are cutting their target growth of 11 percent for 2007 to between three and six percent because of the continued decline of dollar against the peso, their umbrella organization said.

Taguig gov’t worker nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines – An employee of the Taguig City Hall was arrested Monday afternoon for allegedly trying to extort P8,000 from a couple in exchange for a marriage certificate.

Reyes, Bustamante spark Filipino bets’ romp in US Open

MANILA, Philippines -- Pool maestro Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Alex Pagulayan hurdled their respective rivals to join seven other Filipinos in the winning column at the start of the 32nd Annual US Open 9-Ball in Chesapeake, Virginia, Tuesday.

Sorsogon cries SOS after flood, lahar onslaught

IROSIN, SORSOGON—Local officials here appealed for help as hundreds of residents were evacuated to safer grounds following flash floods induced by heavy rains for the past two days.

Depositor identifies QC bank suspect

MANILA, Philippines – A woman who robbed a branch of the United Coconut Planters Bank in Quezon City, along with five men on Monday morning, has been positively identified by a bank depositor.

Adamson sweeps Lyceum in 3 sets to grab lead

MANILA, Philippines -- Adamson University on Tuesday claimed the solo lead while De La Salle University bounced back from an opening-day loss in the 2007 Shakey’s V-League women’s volleyball second conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Intact Phone Pals face Aces Wednesday

If the materials you’ve got don’t cancel out the other team, it might be best to talk about motivation. This is the strategy coach Tim Cone will use when his Alaska Aces battle the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Trips paid for by Taiwan firm put execs in trouble

ILOILO CITY—Environmental groups filed criminal and administrative charges against Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog for going on a trip to Taiwan sponsored by a company proposing to put up a coal-fired power plant in the city, a few days after they filed a similar complaint against Mayor Jerry Treñas.

De Venecia welcomes Charter change talk but not this year

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite his one-year moratorium declaration on Charter change, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said he was willing to sit down with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to discuss the proposed shift to federalism from the present presidential form of government.

Teen ‘Akyat Bahay’ members rob Marikina home

MANILA, Philippines – Seven boys aged 13 and 17 said to be members of the “Akyat Bahay” gang were placed in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development after they were caught robbing the house of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Marikina City over the weekend.

CBCP tells execs: Admit Palace gift

MANILA, Philippines -- Assailing the “moral bankruptcy” of national leaders, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Tuesday called on other public officials to follow the lead of Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio.

Measles cases alarm ARMM health execs

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao—A health official has expressed alarm over the sudden rise in the number of measles cases this year in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) amid the national government’s drive to rid the country of the viral disease common to children 14 years old and below.

Metro barangays under tight watch for Oct. polls

MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Manila police will be keeping an eye on several barangays in Quezon City, and Pasay, Muntinlupa and Taguig cities for violent incidents that could happen in connection with the Oct. 29 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Requests for share of Palace cash swamp Bulacan gov

MANILA, Philippines – It was not unusual to see many people lining up in the different offices of the Bulacan Provincial Capitol especially on a Monday, which is also a session day where most of the elected board members are present.

Floor wax donated to landless school

GUINOBATAN, ALBAY—“Adding insult to injury.” That was how a head teacher here described the local government unit’s donations of floor wax and wood polisher for a school that has yet to be rebuilt after being ravaged by consecutive typhoons last year.

NY oil price bursts through record $88

NEW YORK--New York crude oil prices burst through a record $88 a barrel Tuesday amid concerns of a potential conflict between Turkey's government and Kurdish rebels located in northern Iraq.

2 women recount ordeal as sex slaves in Saudi Arabia

MANILA, Philippines – Nearly three years after they were allegedly turned into sex slaves by a Saudi Arabian prince, Lina, 19 and Anna, 20, (not their real names) are still seeking justice and asking the government for help.

France: Huge operation to destroy old sea mines begins

CHERBOURG -- A huge mission to clear the waters off Normandy of mines from the last two World Wars began Tuesday, French authorities said.

London could host a Super Bowl, says NFL commissioner

MIAMI - The Super Bowl could be played in London one day, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said.

Turkey to approve troops to Iraq in defiance of US

ANKARA - Turkey will defy international pressure on Wednesday and grant its troops permission to enter northern Iraq to crush Kurdish rebels based there, though it has played down expectations of any imminent attack.

Dalai Lama: Myanmar's beating of monks 'very bad'

WASHINGTON - The Dalai Lama said on Tuesday the Myanmar junta's beating of protesting Buddhist monks was "very bad" and reminded him of China's treatment of Tibetans.

Bank profits, oil hit Wall St; Yahoo, Intel up late

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday after disappointing results from Wells Fargo & Co and other big banks combined with soaring oil prices to sour the outlook for corporate profits. Reuters

Alert on Indonesian volcano raised to maximum

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia raised on Tuesday the alert level for Mount Kelud volcano to the highest level, as residents started fleeing amid signs an eruption could be imminent, officials and a witness said.

California cockfighting ring busted after raids

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - After raiding a San Diego district close to the Mexican border, authorities said on Monday they had shut down an extensive illegal cockfighting ring, arresting 50 people and seizing more than 5,000 birds.

Dozens killed as fighting erupts in Sri Lanka wildlife park

COLOMBO (AFP) - Tamil Tiger rebels have overrun a military post inside Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife sanctuary, officials said Tuesday amid a surge in fighting ahead of the economically crucial tourist season.

Report: Misfired Patriot missile hits farm in Qatar

DUBAI (Reuters) - A Patriot missile hit a farm in Qatar after being accidentally fired from a base used by US forces in the Gulf Arab state, Al Jazeera television said on Tuesday.

Two aircraft in minor collision at UK's Heathrow

LONDON (Reuters) - Two aircraft were involved in a minor collision on the ground at London's Heathrow airport on Monday. No one was injured.

Pacquiao-Barrera fight gets 350,000 PPV hits

Manny Pacquiao's rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera raked in 350,000 pay-per-view hits, including 3,800 in San Antonio Texas alone according to a website report.

Gov�t Leases 1 Million Hectares to China Firm in Vague Contract

Would you rather let a million hectares of agricultural land remain undeveloped due to lack of capital or lease them...

Counterinsurgency Tactics, Weak Justice System Lead to Killings of Activists - UN

The government’s new counterinsurgency program and the distorted priorities of the criminal justice system help explain why hundreds of activists...

Despite Squabble, GMA, De Venecia Will Keep 'Marriage'

The ZTE controversy will fizzle out, without President Arroyo or Speaker De Venecia Jr. getting ousted. But expect their allies...

GMA Undermined Neda in Getting Broadband Deal Approval

Six former Neda chiefs say the agency is now a ‘rubber stamp’ institution.

Comelec Employees Cheer Abalos Resignation

Resigned Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos is leaving behind a damaged institution. Thus, it came as no...

Philippine army shifts tactics to improve image

Philippines woos tourists to volcanoes

santa juliana Rickety old jeeps barrel through a dry northern Philippines riverbed, setting off a dust storm that coats the visitors bouncing around on the back seat.

Reyes, Bustamante spark Filipino bets' romp in US Open

Tullahan Bridge closed again for more repair work

Depositor identifies QC bank suspect

Ka Bel hurt in Manila road mishap

Taguig gov't worker nabbed for extortion

Poetry in motion awaits Metro's train riders

Filipino martial arts, escrima, gets noticed in hands of a master

Philippines Department of Agriculture won't impose ban on GM organisms in Negros Occidental

Department of Agriculture stands by national policy to promote safe use of modern biotechnology The Department of Agriculture (DA) is standing by the national policy on modern biotechnology and ...

Cash gifts from Palace discretionary funds normal -- Atienza

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- By his own admission, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza received cash gifts from Malaca ang ranging from P100,000 to P200,000 throughout his nine years as m...

Congress probe on Palace bribery sought

The move has been supported by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), which urged Congress to investigate the alleged "bribery." Militant lawmakers Teodoro "Teddy" Casi o (Bayan Mu...

Govt looking to lower cost of remittance

Santos recommended lowering the cost of sending money to the country to below 2 percent. Currently, the cost of sending remittances to the country is 2.2 percent. The rate reached a high of 13.5...

High Tribunal delays talks on Jelac

Puno clarified that he was not insinuating that Congress or, more particularly, Malaca ang plans to interfere or meddle with the affairs of the judiciary. He said he was not ready to comment on ...

Budget allocates P303B to cover interest payments

(Editor's note: The first part disclosed how Congress, with the prodding of antidebt activists, realized that the country should not be a slave to paying debts, especially onerous ones. The P17....

Palace denies efforts to oust Speaker

CHIEF Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Antonio Apostol said Tuesday that House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. may now sleep soundly, dismissing that Malaca ang is behind efforts to oust him.Apostol deni...

8 Metro Manila villages under watch for poll violence

MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Manila police will be keeping an eye on several villages in Quezon City, Pasay, Muntinlupa and Taguig for violent incidents that could happen in connection with the Oc...

Presidential son to inhibit in impeachment proceedings

Court orders gov't to submit documents on NAIA-3

MANILA, Philippines -- To assist the court-designated appraiser of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, a Pasay City court has ordered the government to submit the remaining contracts an...

Military checks on report of Ka Roger's death

Earlier reports indicated that Rosal perished due to a lingering illness but it did not provide the other circumstances of the death. Before he became CPP spokesman, Rosal was the leader of the NPA's ...

2 OFWs sue Aussie for discrimination

TWO Filipino workers, who were fired by an Australian company, sued their former employer as they alleged discrimination against race and union membership.

Refund P107M to Meralco

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter THE Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the government to refund Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) P107 million, representing overpaid income taxes in 1987 and 1988.

De Castro asks housing agency to help railway folk

MANILA, Philippines -- Vice President Noli de Castro has challenged the National Housing Authority (NHA) to work on improving the quality of life of the more than 8,000 railway families it has relocat...

UNO to file 'real impeachment complaint' vs Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines -- The United Opposition announced on Tuesday that it would file a "real impeachment complaint" against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In an emergency meeting at the Makati Ci...

2 Sandigan justices who convicted Estrada nominated to SC

MANILA, Philippines -- Two Sandiganbayan justices who belonged to the division that convicted deposed President Joseph Estrada of plunder were among those on the shortlist to replace Supreme Court Ass...

Imelda Marcos shrugs off PCGG's refusal to cut a deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Former first lady Imelda Marcos said Tuesday she welcomed the government's refusal to cut a deal on the billions of dollars she and her husband allegedly stole from the nation. ...

Manila cops nab streetlamp attacker

MANILA, Philippines -- A man reportedly high on solvent was nabbed by Manila police for allegedly destroying P150,000 worth of lamps on Nagtahan Bridge. Senior Police Officer 3 Amador Jareno of the M...

PhilHealth says its funds intact

MANILA, Philippines -- Amid calls to investigate the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., the state agency has maintained its funds are intact and it can still pay for the medical bills of its members. ...

Senate looks into lowered tax for Pall Mall

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate may summon Finance Secretary Margarito Teves next month to explain why his department lowered the tax rate on Pall Mall cigarettes despite declining revenues from sin...

Escudero gripes about secrecy of Senate committee hearings

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Francis Escudero is questioning Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's decision to keep under wraps Tuesday's testimony of businessman Jose "Joey'' de Venecia III before the tech...

AFP seeks SC help vs presenting report in Burgos case

MANILA, Philippines -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has sought the Supreme Court's help against being compelled to produce a report the family of missing activist Jonas Burgos believes is...

Panlilio writes Palace on 'cash gift'

PAMPANGA Governor Eddie Panlilio sent a letter to the Office of the President on Tuesday to indicate his resolve to ferret out the truth on the source of the P500,000 given to him in Malaca ang on Oct...

French firm submits top bid for 600-megawatt Philippine coal plant

Manila - A unit of France's Suez Tractebel was declared on Tuesday as the highest bidder for a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in the Philippines, a government agency said. The Power Sector Assets...

Orion meteors to streak across the skies starting Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines -- Beginning early Wednesday, meteors from the Orion constellation will be streaking across the sky, and will be visible in the eastern part of the sky, according to the weather bu...

Lacson eyes Pampanga, Bulacan execs as witnesses

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Panfilo Lacson wants to summon Governors Eddie Panlilio of Pampanga and Joselito Mendoza of Bulacan to testify in a Senate probe into allegations of bribes given by Malac...

De Venecia welcomes Charter change talk but not this year

Charter change , Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said he was willing to sit down with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to discuss the proposed shift to federalism from the present presidential form of go...

De Venecia son to continue fight vs corruption in NBN deal

ONCE MORE WITH FEELING. Whistleblower Jose 'Joey' de Venecia III at a forum on the controversial NBN deal scandal held in UP Diliman. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/JOAN BONDOC

Chief Justice nixes judiciary inclusion in consultative body

MANILA, Philippines -- Chief Justice Reynato Puno does not favor proposals to include the judiciary in consultations between branches of government, currently done through the Legislative-Executive De...

RP-US war games open in 3 provinces

MANILA, Philippines -- Saying that the global war against terrorism should be an "aggressive, collective effort," the commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps stressed the importance of war games bet...

Manila rejected compromise with Tan in '86 - witness

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine government rejected an offer of 500 million pesos ($11.2 million) by beer and tobacco magnate Lucio Tan in 1986 to settle cases against him relating to wealth ama...

Senior military commandant pinpoints anti-terrorism initiative in U.S.-Philippine war game

A top Philippine marine official spoke highly of the cooperation with United States army in the fight against terrorism as the two countries on Tuesday co-launched their annual military drill in the P...

Palace financial aid to local execs 'normal'

MANILA, Philippines -- A member of the Cabinet of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has admitted that it was "normal" for Malaca ang to give financial assistance to local government units and that the...

Indon terror suspect elude troops anew

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine troops came within reach of a top Indonesian terror suspect during a raid on a rebel safe house on a southern island but failed to recognize him, allowing him to esca...

CinemaElectric Expands Global Distribution Network with New Carrier Agreements in Isreal, Malta and the Philippines

CinemaElectric Expands Global Distribution Network with New Carrier Agreements in Isreal, Malta and the Philippines CinemaElectric, Inc. adds on three new international carriers, expands global ...

Residents relocated as rains trigger mud flow in Philippine volcano region

At least five villages were relocated on early Tuesday as heavy rains triggered volcanic mud flows along the restive Bulusan volcano in eastern Philippines. "Lahar and boulders came down the moun...

'Coup try could spark civil war'

Marine Corps commandant Major General Ben Dolorfino warns of a possible civil war if soldiers stage coup attempts again. INQUIRER.net/JOEL GUINTO

House probe sought over distribution of cash gifts by Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- A resolution calling for an investigation into the alleged distribution of cash gifts by Malaca ang last week will be filed at the House of Representatives this Tuesday. But in...

No knowledge of cash to local execs

MANILA, Philippines -- Dousing claims by Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio that cash gifts were distributed to local officials last week, Malaca ang has maintained it did not distribute the money. The pr...

Philippine Communist Rebels Admit Holding 3 POWs

Al Jacinto, Arab News ZAMBOANGA CITY, 16 October 2007 - Communist rebels yesterday said they were holding a government soldier and two others in the southern Philippinesas prisoners of war (POWs). A s...

Congressman Beltran hurt in vehicular accident in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) Congressman Crispin Beltran was hurt in a vehicular accident in Manila Tuesday, according to his daughter. Olive Beltran said that her father was confined at the Philip...

Philippine shares lower on credit market worries, Bernanke remarks - UPDATE

MANILA (Thomson Financial) - Philippine shares were lower in early deals Tuesday as investors fretted over news that major US banks are setting up a fund to help bail out credit markets, raising fresh...

Philippine militants raise funds on YouTube

But they said they had so far prevented the Abu Sayyaf group, responsible for some of the worst terror attacks in the Philippines, from using the funds to launch fresh bombing attacks in the country.

Cops should dress as 'Manila's finest' -- Mayor Lim

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- For Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, restoring "Manila's Finest" begins with policemen having the neatest uniforms. Lim defended on Monday the supposedly "strict" ...

Tullahan Bridge opens with more jeers than cheers

MANILA, Philippines - Light vehicles were allowed on Tullahan Bridge for the first time yesterday, more than six months after it was closed for rehabilitation. Motorists, however, were angry instead ...

What's wrong with sending nurses to Japan

What's wrong with sending Filipino nurses to Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa)? Leah Paquiz, president of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), is trying to ...

Proposed dam in Tanay draws flak

MANILA, Philippines - Despite fierce opposition from residents and environmental groups, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System is bent on developing the Laiban Dam in Tanay, Rizal as a new s...

Rodriguez mayor now after town's landfill contractor

MANILA, Philippines - Rodriguez (Rizal) Mayor Pedro Cuerpo said he is considering filing a case against International Solid Waste Management Specialist Inc. (International SWIMS), contractor of the 19...

6 armed robbers hold up bank in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - Fear gripped employees and customers of a bank in Quezon City after six armed suspects, including a woman, robbed the establishment yesterday morning. The incident was over in f...

Vendors to monitor MMDA clearing drive

MANILA, Philippines - A plan by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to enlist 15,000 soldiers in its sidewalk clearing operations has raised the hackles of a group of vendors. "Already, hum...

Philippines' Imelda seeks speedy trial, rejects deal

MANILA – Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos has sought a speedy trial of multiple corruption cases against her, a government official said on Monday, effectively closing the door on any ...

Church mum on bribery of Pampanga guv

THE hierarchy of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) keeps silent on the reported bribery committed by some allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as exposed by Pampanga Gov...

Governors admit to getting 'cash gifts'

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga: Two provincial governors from Central Luzon admitted Monday to receiving cash gifts from Malaca ang. Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio admitted he received P500,000 from Bulacan...

Andaya says gov't no budget for 'cash gift'

BUDGET Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said Monday the money that was reportedly distributed to congressmen and other local officials during an emergency meeting in Malaca ang last week did not come from...

Remittances up 15% in August

Money sent home by overseas Filipinos went back to a double-digit growth level in August this year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said yesterday.

Religious coalition calls for rejection of 'illegitimate debt'

The opening salvo was made Monday in Quezon City by more than 100 Catholic, Protestant and evangelical religious leaders who convened for a "faith-based Congress against illegitimate debt," and ...

Garci may receive benefits if no case filed vs him

FORMER Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Virgillio Garcillano could still get his benefits from the poll body provided there was no case filed against him.Comelec spokesman James Jimenez ...

SC en banc to review 'Jelac' proposal-Puno

Lawyer Jose Midas Marquez, the High Tribunal's Public Information Office chief, said Monday Chief Justice Reynato Puno will submit first to the court en banc the proposal for the creation of the...

9 million kids target of antimeasles drive

MANILA, Philippines -- Hoping to immunize nine million children in one month, the Department of Health has started its free, door-to-door antimeasles immunization drive called "Knock Out Tigdas," a fo...

House to pursue rules vs bogus impeach rap--majority leader

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- This time, it's the House of Representatives that wants to "immunize" itself from "sham" impeachment complaints. Majority Leader Arthur Defensor said on Mon...

Police nabbed 9 cars, 21 motorbikes in operation

OPERATIVES of the Traffic Management Group apprehended nine cars and 21 motorcycles in anti-drag racing and anti-carnapping operations on Monday in Quezon and Paranaque City, a police official said.Na...

GSIS waives penalties for nearly P1-B loans of teachers

MANILA, Philippines -- Good news for the country's public school teachers. They are among the biggest beneficiaries of a nearly P1-billion loan condonation program of the state-run Government Service...

6,500 RP, US troops in 'Talon'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A total of 6,500 Filipino and American soldiers are taking part in this year's annual joint training exercises "Talon Vision" and Amphibious Landing Exercise...

Militant farmers call for new land scheme

MANILA, Philippines -- Thirty-five years after land reform was decreed throughout the archipelago, militant farmers on Monday renewed calls for a radical solution to rural poverty -- the distribution ...

Auction of Imelda jewels put off -- PCGG commissioner

MANILA, Philippines -- The planned sale of former first lady Imelda Marcos' fabulous jewelry collection is not likely to push through in the next six months, according to the Presidential Commission o...

HK rights advocates to check on political killings in RP

HONG KONG, Philippines -- Human rights activists and journalists are set to arrive in Manila on Tuesday to investigate what has happened to the cases of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappeara...

In the Philippines, Religion and Nature Collide

October 15, 2007 · This is a story about what happens when the heavens and the earth collide — and who gets blamed. Last November, a typhoon slammed into the Philippines near the city ...

Archbishop criticizes Panililio for accepting Palace cash

MANILA, Philippines -- Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz has taken to task priest-turned-Pampanga governor Eddie Panlilio for accepting P500,000 handed out to provincial governors who attended Thursday's gathe...

House to look into anomalies in PhilHealth claims

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- The House of Representatives is set to conduct an investigation of alleged fraudulent and irregular claims filed before the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). ...

MWSS to tap Laiban Dam as new source of Metro Manila water

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite fierce opposition from residents and NGOs, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System is bent on developing the Laiban Dam as a new source of water for Metro Manila...

Gabriela to press for release of woman leader

MANILA, Philippines -- The women's group Gabriela will hold a "silent protest" at the gate of military general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday to press for the release of a peasant leader, w...

PNP chief submits 'old' report on killings to Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines -- Two weeks after his appointment, Police Director General Avelino Razon has submitted his report on the status of extrajudicial killings to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Al...

Left blasts Arroyo's renewed Charter change bid

MANILA, Philippines -- Leftist militant groups slammed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's renewed call for constitutional amendments, this time for a federal type of government she claims would help ...

Manila mayor suggests ban on money 'shortchangers'

MANILA, Philippines -- Due to numerous complaints of "shortchanging" money changers preying on tourists, Manila mayor Alfredo Lim on Monday called on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to limit mon...

Cash given to solons, governors not from Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said Monday that the cash gifts reportedly received by congressmen and governors during a meeting in Malaca ang last week could not have come...

Arroyo ally says federalism to take 10 years

MANILA, Philippines -- An administration congressman said a shift from the present presidential form of government to a federal system will take 10 years to fully implement. Cebu Representative Pablo...

Mind village, SK poll guidelines

COTABATO CITY -- Acting Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Resurreccion Borra has reminded provincial, city, and town poll officials to disseminate resolutions pertaining to the October 29 bar...

'Bloods gang' yarn a hoax, says PNP

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the 'Bloods' gang, which rumors circulating through text messaging, emails, and blog posts is purportedly bent on killing dri...

We have no tolerance for rights violations

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has reiterated that her administration did not tolerate human rights violations despite the reported deaths and disappearances of hundreds of a...

Accused 'coup plotters' won't abandon detained men

MANILA, Philippines -- The 28 military officers charged with mutiny for allegedly plotting a failed uprising last year "will not abandon" 40 enlisted men they accuse Armed Forces of the Philippines (A...

Philippines, Australia to hold military drill

The Philippine Navy will launch a three-day small-scale military exercise with the Royal Australian Navy on Wednesday in central Philippines, a day after the start of a routine annual military drill w...

Philippine president pushes on plans to establish federal government by 2012

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday said a panel will soon be formed to draft a "roadmap" to establish a federal government by 2012, local media reported. Speaking at a re...

Arroyo seeks measures vs burden of high prices of oil, goods

MANILA, Philippines -- As Filipinos reel from the high prices of oil and basic commodities, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered concerned agencies to put in place measures that would ease th...

SC's Puno asked to join legislative-executive consultations

MANILA, Philippines -- The Executive has invited Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno to participate in its regular consultations with the legislative branch of government, acting Justice Secretar...

If true, giving money 'very bad'

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Former president Fidel Ramos on Monday said the reported distribution of money to local officials in Malaca ang last week is "very bad, if it happened at all." "But I'm glad y...

'Bulacan's Mendoza was money giver'

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines -- Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio clarified on Monday that it was Bulacan Governor Joselito Mendoza, a provincial leader of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kamp...

Gov't to spend P10B to fight poverty

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday said the administration will mobilize P10 billion to uplift areas and communities plagued by extreme poverty. The amount will includ...

Philippine gov't studies talks proposal hinted by leftist rebel group

The Philippine government will consider the possibility of resuming peace talks with the anti-government rebel group, the National Democratic Front (NDF), after the leftist group hinted willingness to...

Australian Navy coming for 'tabletop' exercises

MANILA, Philippines -- Australian naval forces will be in the country for a four-day tabletop exercise on maritime security and surveillance with Filipino counterparts, a regional spokesman for the Ph...

Philippines begins mass measles vaccination

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines launched a nationwide vaccination program Monday to immunize nine million children against measles, the department of health said on its web site. It said more ...

Philippine shares close higher led by miners, PLDT retreats for fourth day

MANILA (Thomson Financial) - Philippine shares closed a volatile session in positive territory Monday with miners outperforming on a bullish outlook for the sector, offsetting losses in select blue ch...

RP positioned as choice outsourcing expansion site as India 'heats up'

Teleperformance set to open 2,500-seat call center facility

TELEPERFORMANCE, one of the leading providers of
outsourced contact center services will be opening its newest call
center facility on Oct.19.

Microsoft drops antitrust appeal in South Korea

SEOUL -- US software giant Microsoft has dropped its appeal against an
antitrust ruling in South Korea after losing a similar case in Europe, court
officials said yesterday.

Study raises notion of 'printing' tissue

CHICAGO -- The inkjet printer may appear to be an unlikely
solution to the organ donor shortage problem, but it might not be as
far-fetched as it sounds.

Incredible shrinking memory drives new IT

MP3 players challenge iPod

NEW YORK -- When Marybeth Miller decided she wanted a digital player to carry around music from her massive collection, she had one important rule: no iPod.

Yahoo! Hack Day

I was invited to attend Yahoo!�s Philippine "Hack Day" last Wednesday, along with some reps from the media and the academe.

Mobile phone frenzy bubbles in booming Vietnam telco mart

Between now and 2012,
Vietnamese authorities expect
the penetration rate for fixed
lines and mobile phones to
rise from 35% to 60%.

BEA Systems rejects $6.68-B bid from Oracle

SAN FRANCISCO -- Number two global software maker Oracle
said Friday it had bid $6.68 billion for BEA Systems, an offer that was
swiftly rejected by the rival business software group as too low.

Does your organization need Web 2.0?

Japan lures software experts

Contact center net income up

ePerformax targets P4 billion from planned IPO

FILIPINO call center ePerformax International, Inc. will
raise P4 billion through a planned initial public offering (IPO).

Google tops Internet search world - study

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is king of Internet search
worldwide but rivals in China and South Korea have become powerhouses in
their respective countries, a comScore study revealed yesterday.

Apple accused of unlawful iPhone monopoly

SAN FRANCISCO - A civil lawsuit filed in California
accuses Apple of creating an unlawful iPhone monopoly and vindictively
releasing a software update that turns hacked devices into "iBricks."

Davao Internet operators reeling from competition

DAVAO CITY - Internet cafe operators are reeling from the
effects of cutthroat competition as rates have continually gone down.

Unwanted e-mail, spam zombies rife in RP

ALMOST NINE OUT OF TEN electronic mail messages in the Philippines
are spam or unwanted, while its capital city ranked third in Asia in
having the most number of spam zombies - computers infected with
malicious code that allows e-mail messages to be relayed.

Google taps small businesses

SEARCH ENGINE Google, Inc. wants to tap small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines to maximize the potential of
online advertising.

Adobe eyes 30% growth in revenues

ADOBE SYSTEMS, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed software company is
expecting a 30% increase in this year's revenues following the
introduction of two new products to the Philippine market.

Palace group to push CyberEd

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is bent on pursuing the
shelved $450-million Cyber Education (CyberEd) project as she ordered
the recently formed China Projects Oversight Panel to ensure that this
would not be hounded by issues unlike the canceled National Broadband
Network (NBN) deal.

Headline: Borrowing tack could be revised

THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT HAS AGREED to review next year's financing program as requested by the central bank, but emphasized that any cut in foreign borrowings should have minimal impact.

Corporate News: Marubeni sells stake in petrochem firm

JAPANESE CONGLOMERATE Marubeni Corp. has sold its 17.72% stake in JG Summit Petrochemicals, Inc. to joint venture partner JG Summit Holdings, Inc.

Banking & Finance: 10-year Treasury bond yields drop

YIELDS FROM 10-YEAR Treasury bonds declined at yesterday's auction, in line with the rate in the secondary market.

The Stock Market: Stocks drop as subprime worries resurface

SHARE PRICES closed lower yesterday following a sharp downturn on Wall Street overnight, where fresh worries have emerged over the state of credit markets.

The Economy: 2007 growth outlook may be trimmed

DECLINING EXPORTS due to continued peso appreciation, increasing food and fuel prices, as well as a perceived slowdown in remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may cause economic growth to ease a little this year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said yesterday.

The Nation: Health dep't will not pursue reversal of Milk Code ruling

CONVINCED IT got the better deal of the Supreme Court decision on the implementing rules of the Milk Code, the Department of Health (DoH) has decided not to seek a total ban on the advertising and promotion of breast milk substitutes.

Motoring: Sexy back

THE HEADS UP about the latest Volvo baby came from a seasoned motoring enthusiast even before the new vehicle was formally introduced locally.

IT Matters: RP positioned as choice outsourcing expansion site as India 'heats up'

CEBU CITY — Continued confidence in the quality of Filipino business process outsourcing (BPO) workers, despite persistent reports of eroding English proficiency, has convinced TeleTech Customer Care Management (Philippines), Inc. to open its eighth delivery center in the Philippines.

Batawang's long, lonely quest for a title

MANILA, Philippines -- Whether he liked it or not, Bert Batawang has left behind some of his best punches -- a good part of him -- at the Wild Card gym after nearly four months of forced exile that sa...

Balanced field turns PBL into wide open fight

MANILA, Philippines -- Balanced squads certainly make for great and exciting contests. With key players leaving their teams to join the national team or the pro league, a tough, wide-open competition...

Philippine army shifts tactics to improve image

Philippines woos tourists to volcanoes

santa juliana Rickety old jeeps barrel through a dry northern Philippines riverbed, setting off a dust storm that coats the visitors bouncing around on the back seat.

Reyes, Bustamante spark Filipino bets' romp in US Open

De Venecia welcomes Charter change talk but not this year

Intact Phone Pals face Aces Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines -- If the materials you've got don't cancel out the other team, it might be best to talk about motivation. This is the strategy coach Tim Cone will use when his Alaska Aces battle...

Perfumed all these years

BAGUIO CITY - Three years ago, international art critic and curator Rosa Martinez heard about "Mababangong Bangungot (Perfumed Nightmare)" from a friend. Martinez, a Spaniard, watched this Kidlat Tahi...

Sorsogon cries SOS after flood, lahar onslaught

IROSIN, SORSOGON-Local officials here appealed for help as hundreds of residents were evacuated to safer grounds following flash floods induced by heavy rains for the past two days. Irosin Mayor Lili...

Youth council bets also court religious bloc

CABANATUAN CITY-The practice of courting the endorsement of the Iglesia ni Cristo, a religious organization known to practice bloc voting, is not the exclusive domain of candidates for national and lo...

Filipino martial arts, escrima, gets noticed in hands of a master

Philippines Department of Agriculture won't impose ban on GM organisms in Negros Occidental

Department of Agriculture stands by national policy to promote safe use of modern biotechnology The Department of Agriculture (DA) is standing by the national policy on modern biotechnology and ...

Salonga says Lucio Tan offered P500M to PCGG

Business tycoon Lucio Tan offered P500 million to get the government to withdraw criminal and civil suits readied against him by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) in 1986, Jovito S...

Cash gifts from Palace discretionary funds normal -- Atienza

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- By his own admission, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza received cash gifts from Malaca ang ranging from P100,000 to P200,000 throughout his nine years as m...

"Reality generation" Filipinos join reality TV shows to break out of poverty

MANILA : The growing number of reality TV programmes in the Philippines is linked to the rise of a new breed of young pragmatic Filipinos called the "reality generation". Joining the long queues to au...

Leftist solon doesn"t want another day in hospital

Not another day in hospital. This is what Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran thought of after he was injured in a vehicular accident in Intramuros district in Manila on Tuesday. The 74-year-old leftist...

Fishermen declare war vs 'nuisance' janitor fish

Fishermen have "declared war" against a "nuisance" nocturnal fish species with a sucker-like mouth, said to be causing the degradation of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines and the sec...

Dad thinks Arroyo is 'numb to corruption'

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr might have opposing political views, but both swore that no falling out between them occurred following the controversy on the $329.48-...

Court orders gov't to submit documents on NAIA-3

De Castro asks housing agency to help railway folk

UNO to file 'real impeachment complaint' vs Arroyo

2 Sandigan justices who convicted Estrada nominated to SC

Imelda Marcos shrugs off PCGG's refusal to cut a deal

Army to probe alleged abduction of Samar activist

The Philippine Army is set to investigate the case of a female member of a leftist fisherfolk group allegedly abducted by soldiers operating in Samar province, Lieutenant Col. Bartolome Bacarro, publi...

Comelec warns vs premature campaigning

The Commission on Elections on Tuesday warned against premature campaigning by candidates in the village and youth polls, saying such offense could result in their disqualification and removal from pu...

Manila gov"t rescues children addicted to solvents

It has become a common site in Manila: street urchins with dingy eyes, inhaling compact solvents in plastic bags, even near the city's police stations. On Monday night, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordere...

Lacson eyes Pampanga, Bulacan execs as witnesses

French firm submits top bid for 600-megawatt Philippine coal plant

Panlilio writes Palace on 'cash gift'

Andaya clueless on where 'cash gifts' came from

Even Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya can't say from which government account the "cash gifts" - which was supposedly distributed among congressmen and local government executives - could have come fro...

Scientists discover possible new species in RP waters

American and Filipino scientists may have discovered new marine species in the world's most biologically diverse region, their expedition leader said Tuesday. Dr. Larry Madin, who led the Inner...

Senate looks into lowered tax for Pall Mall

Orion meteors to streak across the skies starting Wednesday

PhilHealth says its funds intact

Escudero gripes about secrecy of Senate committee hearings

AFP seeks SC help vs presenting report in Burgos case

De Venecia son to continue fight vs corruption in NBN deal

ONCE MORE WITH FEELING. Whistleblower Jose 'Joey' de Venecia III at a forum on the controversial NBN deal scandal held in UP Diliman. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/JOAN BONDOC

Chief Justice nixes judiciary inclusion in consultative body

RP-US war games open in 3 provinces

RP's weak justice system leads to killings - UN

The government’s new counterinsurgency program and the distorted priorities of the criminal justice system help explain why hundreds of activists have been killed in the

AFP says reported death of CPP spokesman unverified

The Philippine military is verifying reports of the supposed death of Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, the spokesman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). In a news briefing in Camp Aguinaldo ...

OMB raids Mandaluyong mall; tempers flare

Tension marred a "routine" raid by the Optical Media Board (OMB) on a shopping mall suspected of selling child pornography videos in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday afternoon. An irate OMB chairman Edu...

CBCP pushes probe on 'cash gifts', hits officials' moral bankruptcy

Expressing disappointment over the reported "cash gifts" given to congressmen and local government officials amid the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Catholic bishops ...

Party-list solons file resolution for probe of Arroyo cash "gifts"

Leftist party-list lawmakers on Tuesday filed a resolution urging the House committees on good government and ethics to investigate the cash "gifts" allegedly received by administration congressmen an...

Metro buses file for P2.50 hike in minimum fare

Metro Manila bus operators on Tuesday asked for a P2.50 hike in the minimum bus fare, due to the increasing fuel prices. The Integrated Metro Bus Operation Association (Imboa), Intercity Bus Operat...

JDV son loses 'respect' for Arroyo

The son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia on Tuesday said he has become completely disenchanted with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose administration has been coping with allegations of bribery ...

JBC shortlists nominees for SC Justice, CA chief posts

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Tuesday finalized its shortlist of nominees for the position that will be vacated by Supreme Court (SC) Justice Cancio Garcia who is scheduled to retire on Friday...

DPWH to close Tullahan Bridge again

The Department of Public Works and Highways will close the Tullahan Bridge in Valenzuela City at 11 p.m. Tuesday due to complaints from motorists. Angelito Twano, DPWH-National Capital Region assis...

Senior military commandant pinpoints anti-terrorism initiative in U.S.-Philippine war game

Davao Oriental tribe fears gov't-rebel crossfire

CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental -- Members of the Mandaya tribe in this want to bar government troops and communist rebels from entering their villages to avoid being caught in the crossfire between the ...

Palace financial aid to local execs 'normal'

Indon terror suspect elude troops anew

CinemaElectric Expands Global Distribution Network with New Carrier Agreements in Isreal, Malta and the Philippines

CinemaElectric Expands Global Distribution Network with New Carrier Agreements in Isreal, Malta and the Philippines CinemaElectric, Inc. adds on three new international carriers, expands global ...

Panlilio sends letter to Palace, asks about cash source

Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio sent a formal letter to Malacañang on Tuesday morning inquiring about the P500,000-cash "gift" he got after a governors's meeting inside the Palace. Separate re...

Marine chief says bribery issue affecting soldiers

Philippine Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino admitted on Tuesday that soldiers are now being affected by the reported bribery of congressmen and local government executives amid controversies ...

'Cash gifts' not from us either - Pagcor

The Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. (Pagcor) on Tuesday said the reported "cash gift" supposedly distributed among congressmen and local executives last week could not have come from the agency....

Residents relocated as rains trigger mud flow in Philippine volcano region

At least five villages were relocated on early Tuesday as heavy rains triggered volcanic mud flows along the restive Bulusan volcano in eastern Philippines. "Lahar and boulders came down the moun...

Coast Guard doubles sea transport security

Amid the reported threats from terrorist groups, the Philippine Coast Guard has intensified security preparations by beefing up its forces in time for the coming All Saints's and All Souls's D...

'Coup try could spark civil war'

Marine Corps commandant Major General Ben Dolorfino warns of a possible civil war if soldiers stage coup attempts again. INQUIRER.net/JOEL GUINTO

House probe sought over distribution of cash gifts by Palace

No knowledge of cash to local execs

Philippine Communist Rebels Admit Holding 3 POWs

Beltran, driver hurt in Manila road accident

Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran on Tuesday sustained head injuries after figuring in a vehicular accident in Manila. Radio dzBB said that the lawmaker was about to alight his Toyota Hi-Ace van when ...

Band on bills 'clue' to cash gift probe - senator

The paper band used to hold together the bundles of P1,000 bills given to governors Ed Panlilio and Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza may give a clue on whether the "cash gifts" were government or private mon...

Atienza says "cash gifts" are normal fare in Arroyo Palace

Environment Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza Jr on Tuesday admitted that money changing hands is a normal practice in Malacañang, radio dzBB reported. Atienza made this pronouncement on the hee...

Bulacan governor also wants Palace to explain 'cash gifts'

Neophyte Gov. Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza of Bulacan joined Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio in asking Malacañang on Tuesday to explain the handing out of "cash gifts" worth P500,000. Mendoza said th...

Filipinos in UAE remitted Dh1.4b in January-August

DUBAI - The more than 250,000 Filipinos working in the UAE sent Dh1.4 billion ($380.2 million) to their families during the first eight months of this year, contributing to the strengthening of the Ph...

Philippine shares lower on credit market worries, Bernanke remarks - UPDATE

PBA unfair to Jaworski

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The members of the Philippine Basketball Association board should nip in the bud a reported proposal to limit the age of their incoming commissioner to betwe...

'Gloria jokes' hint at public outcry, no laughing matter - Bishop

Public indignation against President Arroyo is rising, and Filipinos are expressing this as politely as they could through so-called "Gloria jokes," a Manila prelate said Tuesday. Manila Bishop Teo...

The mysteries around Pearl of Allah

BROOKE'S POINT, Palawan, Philippines -- Gathering dust on the floor of an unkempt government office in this town is the shell of what is believed to be the world's largest pearl. The Pearl of Allah o...

Charter requires receipts, vouchers in all gov't spending

MANILA, Philippines -- The 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article IX, Section 3 under the subhead "Commission on Audit") states that no law shall be passed exempting any government entity or any invest...

RP is forward operating base of US

Training for access First, the United States has stepped up deploying troops, ships, and equipment to the country ostensibly for training exercises, humanitarian and engineering projects, and other m...

Lady Falcons target V-League lead

GAMES TUESDAY (The Arena, San Juan) 3 p.m. -- Lyceum vs Adamson 5 p.m. -- Letran vs La Salle MANILA, Philippines -- Adamson University tries to grab the solo lead when it battles Lyceum of the Philip...

Piccio tops World Woods Open

MANILA, Philippines -- Mia Piccio sizzled with a two-under-par 70 to turn back Sally Watson of Scotland and rule the World Woods Open of the Laura Diaz FCWT (Future Collegians World Tour) by one strok...

PCA netters rule Home & Away tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Columbian Association (PCA)-Fermarjin stunned top seed and host Mandaluyong Lawn Tennis Club (MLTC)-Mizuno, 4-3, Saturday to bag the 3rd Babolat Home & Away Interclub...

Bonuan 'bangus' gets scarce in Pangasinan

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines -- The fabled Bonuan "bangus" (milkfish) may soon become a rarity here as only a few fishpond operators are growing it, according to city agriculturist Emma Molina. "Our fis...

Paragua whips Bitoon, rules Tanauan Open

MANILA, Philippines -- Grandmaster Mark Paragua swept International Master Richard Bitoon in their two-game playoff Sunday to top the Tanauan Open chess tournament held at the campus of the First Asia...

Everest conquerors also big in triathlon

MANILA, Philippines -- Climbing back to the top of triathlon races turned out to be much faster than he thought. Leo Oracion, one of the first Filipinos to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, returned t...

Lyceum bags 2 WNCAA crowns

MANILA, Philippines -- Lyceum of the Philippines University downed College of St. Benilde, 61-57, Sunday to put away the Senior A basketball crown of the 38th WNCAA season at the San Sebastian College...

La Union sportsfest up Nov. 2

MANILA, Philippines -- Surfing will be the highlight event in a three-day multi-sports competition set Nov. 2-4 at the Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union. Dubbed as the La Union Surfing Break II,...

Fish cages seen pollution cause

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines -- An environmental group has asked the municipal government of Agno in Pangasinan province to remove the fish cages along the Balincaguing River, saying these were "incompat...

Philippine militants raise funds on YouTube

But they said they had so far prevented the Abu Sayyaf group, responsible for some of the worst terror attacks in the Philippines, from using the funds to launch fresh bombing attacks in the country.

Opposition in Senate, House demand inquiry into bribe bids

MANILA, Philippines -- An opposition senator Monday formally called for an inquiry into allegations that Malaca ang handed out bags filled with cash to congressmen and governors, even as another senat...

Arroyo revives campaign for Charter change, federalism

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, facing renewed attempts in the legislature to impeach her, on Monday restarted the controversial campaign for Charter change. In a speech in ...

So nails GM norm despite loss

MANILA, Philippines -- A day after securing the second of three grandmaster norms he needs to become a full-pledged GM, Wesley So lost his match against Indian International Master Abhijeet Gupta in t...

'If the price is right'

Close this CEBU CITY -- Here's Manny Pacquiao's reply to lightweight king Juan Diaz's challenge: "If the price is right," said the Filipino ring icon. The retort came after Diaz unified thr...

Arroyo men won't say where cash came from

MANILA, Philippines -- At least P120 million in cash was believed to have been given last week to members of the House of Representatives, governors and mayors in Malaca ang, but no Palace official ha...

Local group taps music in fight against poverty

MANILA, Philippines -- It is not the type of music that sticks in your head. But it is a melody that the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) Philippines hopes will sensitize a society that h...

Tell truth on money

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Declaring no one could suppress the truth, Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio Monday showed on television the bundle of P500,000 he said he received in Malaca ang,...

Magnolia in sizzling start, scuttles Air21

MANILA, Philippines -- Loaded with talent on paper, Magnolia translated that fearsome reputation into a more concrete form Sunday night. Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros presided over the Beverage ...

Bukidnon farmers fail to win case in Palace

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY-For the second time, the Office of the President has sided with the powerful Quisumbing business family over a land redistribution controversy involving their estate in Sumilao, Bu...

Cops seize guns, bullets in Lipa City raid

CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA-Operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of the Calabarzon police raided five houses in Lipa City on Monday and arrested five persons, including an incumbent...

Philippines' Imelda seeks speedy trial, rejects deal

MANILA – Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos has sought a speedy trial of multiple corruption cases against her, a government official said on Monday, effectively closing the door on any ...

Militants prop up anti-JPEPA drive via cyberactivism

Militant groups led by think tank Ibon Foundation have started an electronic signature campaign against the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), a few weeks be...

Erap seeks 3-day furlough to visit ailing mother

Former President Joseph Estrada on Monday asked the Sandiganbayan Special Division for a three-day pass to visit his ailing 102- year-old mother at the San Juan Medical Center where she has been confi...

Bishop scolds Pampanga gov for taking Palace cash "gift"

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz on Monday censured Pampanga priest-governor Eddie Panlilio for accepting the P500,000 cash "gift" from Malacañang. Cruz said Panlilio's failure to refu...

Hog cholera remains in some Luzon areas, gov"t says

Cholera continues to plague hog farms in some areas in Luzon, three months after the highly infectious viral disease broke out, radio dzBB reported on Monday, quoting an official from the National Mea...

Customs checking if seized Porsche is owned by Garcillano

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is verifying if the seized vehicle, a Porsche convertible sports car, is owned by former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. The luxury v...

Arroyo may be held liable if cash, project offers are true - Pimentel

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr on Monday said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may be held liable for bribery, if reports that administration congressmen were offered money and projects ...

Easily, intimately and especially for you

MANILA, Philippines—While stylish folk are having their fill of summer ’08 collections showcased in fashion weeks across the globe, it’s also that time of the year when technolusters are going through the “must-have syndrome,” when the tech world releases new products in time for the Christmas season.

Alumnus ascendant

MANILA, Philippines—When Jerome Lorico was crowned last year in the first-ever Animax Fashion-Ability, a fashion-design competition inspired by a particular anim� series from the cable channel, a lot of doors naturally opened for him.

100 balls in the basket

MANILA, Philippines—So what’s going to happen in the upcoming NBA season? Read on and find out. Just give me license to gloat when it turns out I’m right, and space to make excuses when I’m wrong.

Champions once more

MANILA, Philippines—Two words that best describe the comeback season of the De La Salle Green Archers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Basketball scene this year: vindication and validation.

Life in the fast lane

MANILA, Philippines—Male chauvinist pigs—the ones who blame car accidents and traffic pileups on female drivers—will be horrified to know that some of the country’s best racers are actually women.

Scent-ful party for the chosen 30

MANILA, Philippines—When the ever reliable Rustan Marketing Corp (RMK), exclusive Philippine distributor of premium scents, asked moi to host an exclusive, take note palanggas, fragrance party for 30 guests of my choice, I accepted faster than you could bat an eyelash.

Some health and wellness facts

MANILA, Philippines—This is the age of information and technology. And more vistas are opening up for inquisitive minds who thirst for knowledge.

State of Psi knowledge in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines—Parapsychology is the science that deals with the paranormal and psychic phenomena.

Manila’s Army and Navy Club to be restored

MANILA, Philippines – The Army and Navy Club is having a tough time slipping graciously into old age. The landmark American colonial structure dating from the early 20th century has fallen into hard times.

My fantastic cameo in the concert of the year

MANILA, Philippines - When sensational hip-hop artist Billy Crawford staged his first grand concert in the Philippines, “It's Time,” the multitalented young musician performed with a powerhouse cast of internationally acclaimed costars that brought the packed Araneta Coliseum crowd on its feet.

La Naval grand procession today

MANILA, Philippines - The annual grand procession of Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila, whose feast day is observed every second Sunday of October, takes place today at 4 p.m.

21-year-old bookworm notices men for first time

MANILA, Philippines - Dear Emily, After 21 years of existence, this girl whose nose was always buried in thick books and was busy reviewing for various academic competitions while her peers were having crushes, finally found a guy!

The Philippine Headlines - October 16, 2007

2007-10-16T17:06:00.000+08:00

Pacquiao: No romance with Ara Mina

MANILA, Philippines -- International boxing champion Manny Pacquiao broke his silence on allegations he had an affair with actress Ara Mina.

Atienza: Palace financial aid to local execs ‘normal’

MANILA, Philippines -- A member of the Cabinet of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has admitted that it was "normal" for Malacañang to give financial assistance to local government units and that these could come in the form of either cash or checks.

Congressman Beltran hurt in vehicular accident in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 5) Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) Representative Crispin Beltran was hurt in a vehicular accident in Manila late Tuesday morning. In a statement, Beltran’s daughter, Ofelia Balleta, ruled out foul play in the accident.

Alarm raised over increase of measles cases in ARMM in ’07

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao -- A health official has expressed alarm over the sudden rise of measles cases this year in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) amid the national government's serious drive to the rid the country with the viral disease common to children 14 years old and below.

SC orders re-arrest of widow of slain OGCC chief

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court ordered the cancellation of bail and re-arrest of the widow of murdered Office of the Government Corporate Counsel chief Jun Valerio.

NPA probes captive soldier, militiamen for rights violations

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- The New People's Army (NPA) in Southern Mindanao said it is investigating an Army sergeant and two militiamen captured in a raid on a detachment in Barangay (village) Canidkid, Montevista in Compostela Valley Province, for possible human rights violations.

House probe sought over distribution of cash gifts by Palace

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) A resolution calling for an investigation into the alleged bribery incidents in Malacañang has been filed at the House of Representatives.

Crude, veg oils, gold hit highs on Mideast woes

SINGAPORE -- Crude and vegetable oils surged to record highs on Tuesday, while gold hit a 28-year peak, supported by concerns about rising tensions in the Middle East and a struggling dollar.

BI puts exec of firm in forex scam on watchlist

MANILA, Philippines-- The incorporator of an investment firm linked to a multi-million dollar foreign exchange trading scam has been included on a watchlist of company officials by Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan.

Dollar steady amid renewed sub-prime worries

TOKYO -- The dollar hovered near to all-time lows against the euro in Asian trade on Tuesday amid concerns about high oil prices and the fallout from problems in the US mortgage sector, dealers said. The dollar stood at 117.37 yen in Tokyo afternoon trade after 117.35 in New York late Monday.

Army soldier wounded in Quezon clash

CAMP GEN. NAKAR, Lucena City -- An Army soldier was wounded in a brief firefight Monday with New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Tagkawayan town, Quezon, this camp's spokesman said Tuesday.

Rockies sweep Arizona in 4 games for first World Series

DENVER, Colorado -- (UPDATE) The Colorado Rockies exploded for six runs in the fourth inning to beat Arizona 6-4 on Monday and advance to their first World Series in franchise history.

Credit worries hit financial stocks; bonds rise

HONG KONG -- Financial stocks led Asian markets lower on Tuesday after a gloomy outlook from Citigroup reignited credit market worries, but a fresh life high for oil prices helped boost some energy stocks.

'No place to hide' for suspected pedophile--Interpol

BANGKOK -- The Interpol case officer leading a global hunt for a man accused of raping boys in Cambodia and Vietnam on Tuesday urged the suspect to turn himself in, warning there was "no place for him to hide."

RP-US war games open in 3 provinces

Brent oil at new record above $83

SINGAPORE -- Brent crude oil breached the $83-mark for the first time in Asian trade on Tuesday to reach a new all-time record price of $83.09 per barrel. Brent North Sea crude for November delivery was 34 cents higher in afternoon trade, after spiking $2.20 to $82.75 per barrel in London on Monday.

Magic’s Howard wants to dunk over Cavaliers’ James

SHANGHAI -- Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard might be in China for a series of exhibition games but the hungry 21-year-old is not ready to relax and instead plans to upstage LeBron James.

Environmentalists target ‘toxic’ iPhone for lawsuit

OAKLAND, California -- Environmentalist lawyers are threatening to sue Apple in 60 days if the iconic US company doesn't make iPhones greener or warn buyers of toxins in the devices.

Indon terror suspect elude troops anew

Shares close lower on fresh credit worries, high oil prices

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Shares closed lower Tuesday as investors opted to cash in recent gains following Wall Street's pullback overnight on renewed concerns about bad debts.

Putin arrives in Iran on landmark visit

TEHRAN, Iran -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday arrived in Iran on the first visit by a Kremlin chief since the Islamic revolution, despite reports a squad of suicide bombers planned to kill him, state broadcasting said.

Cavaliers, Magic lead NBA drive into China

SHANGHAI -- The NBA's drive into China moves up a gear this week as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic give fans in Shanghai and Macau a close-up look at the world's best basketball league.

With Ramadan over, offensives vs Abu to resume--Dolorfino

MANILA, Philippines -- The military is poised to resume "wide-scale" offensives against the Abu Sayyaf in the south after the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan last October 12, the commandant of the Philippine Marines said Tuesday.

Palace to Panlilio: No knowledge of cash to local execs

MANILA, Philippines -- Dousing claims by Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio that cash gifts were distributed to local officials last week, Malacañang has maintained it did not distribute the money.

Marine chief: ‘Coup try could spark civil war’

MANILA, Philippines -- The commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps on Tuesday stressed the need for military unity and neutrality, warning that a civil war could break out should soldiers join attempts to overthrow the government.

Sandiganbayan, 2 CA justices lead nominees for SC post

MANILA, Philippines -- Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro and two justices from the Court of Appeals lead nominees vying for a position in the Supreme Court to be vacated soon by Associate Justice Cancio Garcia, according to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

RP balance of payments slips into deficit in September

MANILA -- The Philippine balance of payments (BOP) slipped into a deficit in September following nine months of surpluses, but the cumulative surplus for the first nine months of the year stayed above the full-year target of $6.3 billion, central bank data showed on Monday.

Malaysia to name sex offenders online, in press

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia plans to "name and shame" sex offenders including pedophiles by publishing their names on the Internet and in newspapers, in a bid to curb assaults, a report said Tuesday. The move was triggered by the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl whose death last month shocked the nation.

Indians beat Red Sox, take 2-1 lead in ALCS

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kenny Lofton staked Cleveland to an early lead and Jake Westbrook starred for 6 2/3 innings as the Indians doubled Boston 4-2 in game three of the American League Championship Series Monday.

Pacquiao arrives in General Santos City

MANILA, Philippines -- World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has arrived in General Santos City, according to a television report.

YouTube launches long-awaited video piracy blocker

SAN FRANCISCO--YouTube on Monday put in place software to block the posting of pirated videos and appease content owners that accuse the popular website of being a willing accomplice to copyright abuses.

Bhutto: 'Daughter of the east' returns from West

ISLAMABAD -- Benazir Bhutto is set to return to Pakistan from exile for the second time in her eventful life -- but she may not get quite the red carpet welcome on Thursday that her admirers in the West expect.

Philex Mining weakens but small miners rise on higher prices

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares in Philex Mining, the Philippines' biggest miner by market value, were weaker in early trade on Tuesday following Monday's 13.4-percent gain, but small-cap miners were catching up as prices of precious metals led by gold continued to rise.

Lahar-triggered flash floods plow through 5 Sorsogon village

IROSIN, Sorsogon -- (UPDATE) More than a hundred families were evacuated by the municipal government following flash floods that damaged more than 50 houses in at least five villages here, according to authorities.

Asia pulls back as stock markets fall

SINGAPORE -- Asian currencies fell on Tuesday as weaker global stocks prompted investors to take profits from their recent gains, but analysts expected the retreat to be short-lived.

(UPDATE) Shares open lower on fresh credit market worries

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares opened lower Tuesday as investors fretted over news that major US banks are setting up a fund to help bail out credit markets, raising fresh concerns about bad housing loans.

Gossip more powerful than facts in shaping opinion--study

CHICAGO -- Gossip may do more to shape a person's opinion than facts they know to be true, even when the chit-chat contradicts the evidence, a study released Monday said.

2 planes collide on ground at London's Heathrow airport

LONDON -- Two aircraft collided on the ground at London's Heathrow Airport on Monday evening, an airport spokesman told Agence France-Presse.

Bush set for talks with Dalai Lama amid China rebuff

WASHINGTON -- US President George W. Bush was set for talks Tuesday with the Dalai Lama, as China rebuffed the Tibetan spiritual leader's high profile visit by putting off a meeting among world powers on Iran's nuclear crisis.

Credit worries hit banks, energy stocks bought

HONG KONG -- Asian stocks fell on Tuesday, led by financial shares after a gloomy outlook from Citigroup reignited credit market worries, sending investors to the safety of government bonds.

(UPDATE) Oil at record high above $86 in Asia

SINGAPORE -- Crude oil traded at a record high in Asia of $86.24 a barrel on Tuesday amid mounting tension between Turkey and Kurdish rebels in Iraq.

Michael Jackson ordered to pay law firm $175,000

LOS ANGELES -- The bills keep piling up for Michael Jackson. A judge on Monday ordered the singer to pay $175,000 in overdue attorneys' fees to a law firm that sued the pop singer.

McCartney vows to keep honor in divorce

LONDON -- Former Beatle Paul McCartney says he was determined to maintain his dignity during his divorce from former model Heather Mills, according to an interview due to be published Tuesday.

Lincoln Center to honor Meryl Streep

NEW YORK -- Meryl Streep is about to collect another yet honor, this one from the Film Society of Lincoln Center. The Film Society announced its gala retrospective Sunday evening at the closing night festivities of the 45th annual New York Film Festival.

China's once-shunned entrepreneurs join Communist Party

BEIJING -- In Mao Zedong's day, a businessman such as Yuan Yue would have been denounced as a "class enemy" and maybe even killed, much less allowed to join the Communist Party.

UN food agency to urge 'make it happen' on World Food Day

ROME -- The UN food agency's annual World Food Day on Tuesday will urge concerted action to fight hunger across the planet under the slogan "The Right to Food: Make It Happen."

Led Zeppelin music to be sold online from November

LONDON -- From next month, Led Zeppelin fans will be able to download the band's entire back catalogue of music at online music stores, Warner Music announced on Monday.

AOL to cut 2,000 jobs; one-fifth of global staff

NEW YORK -- AOL, the Internet division of Time Warner Inc., is planning to cut 2,000 jobs or around one-fifth of its global workforce in a reorganization aimed at improving online advertising, a memo showed Monday.

Shares seen lower on Wall Street retreat

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares may open lower Tuesday after Wall Street pulled back as news that major US banks set up a fund aimed at bailing out credit markets raised fresh worries about bad loans particularly in the housing market.

Lyceum bags 2 WNCAA crowns

2 defendants to testify vs O.J. Simpson in robbery case

LOS ANGELES -- O.J. Simpson's legal woes deepened on Monday after two co-defendants in the disgraced American football legend's armed robbery case said they would testify against him, justice officials said.

Fearful faces get noticed first before smiling ones

CHICAGO -- Smiles may take a while, but a horrified expression is a sure-fire attention getter, according to US researchers who studied how fast people process facial expressions.

Scientists unravel health benefits of garlic -- study

CHICAGO -- Alternative medicine has been touting the health benefits of garlic for centuries, from its anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, to its positive effects on the cardiovascular system.

China's Hu calls for peace agreement with Taiwan

BEIJING -- (UPDATE) Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday called for a peace agreement with long-time rival Taiwan, but insisted independence for the island would never be tolerated.

Marcelo 10th in ROK World Cup of karting

LONATO, ITALY -- Young karting ace Jean Stefano Marcelo overcame a bent chassis and a start far down the final grid to finish 10th in a field of 96 in the 2007 ROK World Cup at the South Garda Karting Track over the weekend.

Sandinao, Arman best all comers in Butuan marathon elims

BUTUAN CITY -- Veteran Ronillo Sandinao captured his third leg championship even as Mary Rose Arman broke through after three second-place finishes in the 31st National Milo Marathon eliminations that ended at the City Plaza Monday.

Opposition in Senate, House demand inquiry into bribe bids

MANILA, Philippines -- An opposition senator Monday formally called for an inquiry into allegations that Malacañang handed out bags filled with cash to congressmen and governors, even as another senator warned that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could face bribery charges.

POC blasts gymnast Ramirez for quitting

Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. Monday lashed out at the country’s top gymnast for deserting the national team bidding to retain the overall title in the Thailand Southeast Asian Games this December.

De La Hoya, Duran lead WBC Convention guests

MANILA, Philippines -- All-time greats Oscar De La Hoya and Roberto Duran, as well as former heavyweight world champions Lennox Lewis and Larry Holmes head the guest list when the 45th WBC Annual Convention is held at the Manila Hotel from Nov. 11-17.

UST, FEU duel for UAAP overall title

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s a duel between University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University for the overall UAAP championship after the first semester of competitions in the league.

Arroyo men won’t say where cash came from

MANILA, Philippines -- At least P120 million in cash was believed to have been given last week to members of the House of Representatives, governors and mayors in Malacañang, but no Palace official has acknowledged where the money came from.

Cops should dress as ‘Manila’s finest’ -- Mayor Lim

MANILA, Philippines -- For Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, restoring "Manila's Finest" begins with policemen having the neatest uniforms.

Local group taps music in fight against poverty

It is not the type of music that sticks in your head. But it is a melody that the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) Philippines hopes will sensitize a society that has become insensitive to privation.

Cops seize guns, bullets in Lipa City raid

CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA—Operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of the Calabarzon police raided five houses in Lipa City on Monday and arrested five persons, including an incumbent barangay captain, for keeping unlicensed firearms.

Diana inquest hears of dark car, flash in death tunnel

LONDON -- The car carrying Diana, princess of Wales and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed may have bumped into another large, dark-colored car shortly before crashing, the inquest into their deaths heard Monday.

(UPDATE) Jovy Salonga shows up as surprise witness in forfeiture case vs Lucio Tan

Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. did not attend on Tuesday the Sandiganbayan's hearing on the forfeiture case versus tycoon Lucio Tan, but Jovito Salonga -- the founding chairman of the government agency tasked to recover the illegal wealth of the the late dictator -- showed up as a surprise witness.

(UPDATE) Anakpawis solon injured in Manila car crash

Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran was reported injured when his vehicle figured in a road accident in Intramuros district in Manila Tuesday. 
<IMG src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/03-08-2007/tv_icon.gif"><a href="http://now.abs-cbn.com/ondemand/freeview/20071009-breakingnews-150-str.asx">Watch related video</a>

Lebanon says UN attack plot suspects are Palestinian

BEIRUT - Lebanon on Tuesday said a group of suspects arrested for plotting attacks against UN peacekeepers were Palestinian members of radical Islamist networks.

Celebrity housemate Will keeps searching for long-lost dad

His ardent dream is to meet his father in person-a dream he wants realized as soon as he gets out of "Pinoy Big Brother" house.

France's Suez unit wins bid for Manila power plant

France's Suez Tractebel won a Philippine government auction for the 600-megawatt Calaca coal-fired power plant with a bid of $786 million, besting two other firms, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

'OP discretionary funds used for cash gifts?'

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza said Tuesday Malacañang's giving of cash gifts to politicians last week was normal and the money is usually sourced from the discretionary fund of the Office of the President.

Bongbong a no-show at Sandiganbayan hearing

Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. did not attend on Tuesday the Sandiganbayan's hearing on the forfeiture case versus tycoon Lucio Tan, after the son of the late dictator failed to obtain documents that will prove his family's claim over a portion of the tycoon's businesses.

Rockies erupt in fourth to complete sweep of Arizona

DENVER, Colorado (AFP) - The Colorado Rockies exploded for six runs in the fourth inning to beat Arizona 6-4 on Monday and advance to their first World Series in franchise history.

(UPDATE) RP not scrapping 2008 foreign borrowing plan

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said on Tuesday that the government was not scrapping foreign borrowings next year but would source more funds locally to help temper the peso's appreciation.

RP, US hold joint military exercise

About 6,500 Philippine and US troops began a joint training exercise Tuesday aimed at streamlining military cooperation between the two countries, officials said.

Counterinsurgency Tactics, Weak Justice System Lead to Killings of Activists - UN

The government’s new counterinsurgency program and the distorted priorities of the criminal justice system help explain why hundreds of activists...

Despite Squabble, GMA, De Venecia Will Keep 'Marriage'

The ZTE controversy will fizzle out, without President Arroyo or Speaker De Venecia Jr. getting ousted. But expect their allies...

GMA Undermined Neda in Getting Broadband Deal Approval

Six former Neda chiefs say the agency is now a ‘rubber stamp’ institution.

Comelec Employees Cheer Abalos Resignation

Resigned Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos is leaving behind a damaged institution. Thus, it came as no...

(GMA7) Abalos resigns as Comelec chair, but vows to fight back

(Updated 1:31 p.m.) Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos on Monday announced that he is resigning as head of the Commission on...

'Coup try could spark civil war'

Marine Corps commandant Major General Ben Dolorfino warns of a possible civil war if soldiers stage coup attempts again. INQUIRER.net/JOEL GUINTO

Residents relocated as rains trigger mud flow in Philippine volcano region

At least five villages were relocated on early Tuesday as heavy rains triggered volcanic mud flows along the restive Bulusan volcano in eastern Philippines. "Lahar and boulders came down the moun...

House probe sought over distribution of cash gifts by Palace

No knowledge of cash to local execs

Sandiganbayan, 2 CA justices lead nominees for SC post

Philippine Communist Rebels Admit Holding 3 POWs

Congressman Beltran hurt in vehicular accident in Manila

Philippine shares lower on credit market worries, Bernanke remarks - UPDATE

Philippine militants raise funds on YouTube

But they said they had so far prevented the Abu Sayyaf group, responsible for some of the worst terror attacks in the Philippines, from using the funds to launch fresh bombing attacks in the country.

Cops should dress as 'Manila's finest' -- Mayor Lim

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- For Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, restoring "Manila's Finest" begins with policemen having the neatest uniforms. Lim defended on Monday the supposedly "strict" ...

What's wrong with sending nurses to Japan

Proposed dam in Tanay draws flak

Tullahan Bridge opens with more jeers than cheers

Rodriguez mayor now after town's landfill contractor

6 armed robbers hold up bank in Quezon City

Vendors to monitor MMDA clearing drive

GMA revives Charter change

By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter Amid fresh calls for her impeachment and allegations of bribery to foil another attempt to remove her from office according to the law, President Gloria Arroyo...

Garci may receive benefits if no case filed vs him

Police nabbed 9 cars, 21 motorbikes in operation

Church mum on bribery of Pampanga guv

SC en banc to review 'Jelac' proposal-Puno

Lawyer Jose Midas Marquez, the High Tribunal's Public Information Office chief, said Monday Chief Justice Reynato Puno will submit first to the court en banc the proposal for the creation of the...

Governors admit to getting 'cash gifts'

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga: Two provincial governors from Central Luzon admitted Monday to receiving cash gifts from Malaca ang. Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio admitted he received P500,000 from Bulacan...

Remittances up 15% in August

Money sent home by overseas Filipinos went back to a double-digit growth level in August this year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said yesterday.

GSIS waives penalties for nearly P1-B loans of teachers

Philippines' Imelda seeks speedy trial, rejects deal

MANILA – Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos has sought a speedy trial of multiple corruption cases against her, a government official said on Monday, effectively closing the door on any ...

House to pursue rules vs bogus impeach rap--majority leader

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- This time, it's the House of Representatives that wants to "immunize" itself from "sham" impeachment complaints. Majority Leader Arthur Defensor said on Mon...

9 million kids target of antimeasles drive

Religious coalition calls for rejection of 'illegitimate debt'

The opening salvo was made Monday in Quezon City by more than 100 Catholic, Protestant and evangelical religious leaders who convened for a "faith-based Congress against illegitimate debt," and ...

Andaya says gov't no budget for 'cash gift'

6,500 RP, US troops in 'Talon'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A total of 6,500 Filipino and American soldiers are taking part in this year's annual joint training exercises "Talon Vision" and Amphibious Landing Exercise...

Militant farmers call for new land scheme

Auction of Imelda jewels put off -- PCGG commissioner

HK rights advocates to check on political killings in RP

In the Philippines, Religion and Nature Collide

October 15, 2007 · This is a story about what happens when the heavens and the earth collide — and who gets blamed. Last November, a typhoon slammed into the Philippines near the city ...

Archbishop criticizes Panililio for accepting Palace cash

House to look into anomalies in PhilHealth claims

Manila mayor suggests ban on money 'shortchangers'

Left blasts Arroyo's renewed Charter change bid

Arroyo ally says federalism to take 10 years

Gabriela to press for release of woman leader

MWSS to tap Laiban Dam as new source of Metro Manila water

PNP chief submits 'old' report on killings to Arroyo

Cash given to solons, governors not from Palace

Mind village, SK poll guidelines

'Bloods gang' yarn a hoax, says PNP

We have no tolerance for rights violations

Accused 'coup plotters' won't abandon detained men

Philippines, Australia to hold military drill

Arroyo seeks measures vs burden of high prices of oil, goods

Philippine president pushes on plans to establish federal government by 2012

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday said a panel will soon be formed to draft a "roadmap" to establish a federal government by 2012, local media reported. Speaking at a re...

SC's Puno asked to join legislative-executive consultations

If true, giving money 'very bad'

'Bulacan's Mendoza was money giver'

Gov't to spend P10B to fight poverty

Philippine gov't studies talks proposal hinted by leftist rebel group

Australian Navy coming for 'tabletop' exercises

Philippines begins mass measles vaccination

Philippine shares close higher led by miners, PLDT retreats for fourth day

Philippine leader warns military anew against political killings

Manila - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday reiterated a warning to the military that personnel and officials found to be involved in political killings and other human rights abus...

2 Palace execs deny presence at Arroyo-local execs meeting

MANILA, Philippines -- Two Palace executives Sunday denied they were present at a meeting between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and local government executives on Thursday, where cash gifts were r...

Angara seeks more benefits for elderly

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Edgardo Angara wants local government units to provide more benefits to senior citizens. "The Senior Citizens Act only set the minimum benefits, and it is up to the loc...

Lagman warns vs danger of disturbing stability of coalition

MANILA, Philippines -- A key ally of both President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia Sunday emphasized the need for maintaining the stability of the majority coalition in the House ...

Manila under British rule

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila was under British rule for almost two years -- from October 1762 to March 1764. A British fleet arrived in Manila Bay on Sept. 22, 1762 with orders from England's King Ge...

Leviste asks CA to reconsider ruling

Close this Former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste has contested the Court of Appeals decision affirming the murder charge filed against him for the shooting of his longtime aide, Rafael de...

More than half of congressmen recorded perfect attendance

AT LEAST 131 out of 240 members of the House of Representatives have recorded perfect attendance in the first 28 session days of Congress while the husband of sexy-actress Assunta de Rossi, returning ...

Fund lack hampers release of P150 combat pay

ARMED Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the government cannot, for the meantime, afford to give all military personnel, who are fighting various internal security threats, a P150 ...

Metro mayors ask to set up 24-hour youth homes

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday urged local chief executives in Metro Manila to establish a 24-hour youth homes for children-in-conflict-with-the-law (CICL) to spe...

Palace looks to add judiciary in Ledac

The Palace wants to expand the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) by including the judiciary, a document obtained by The Manila Times shows.

Govt eyes peace talks

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the government peace negotiating panel will look at the proposal of the NDF to resume the talks," Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said. "The government ...

'The Times' reporter wins top award

A reporter of The Manila Times won the top award at the 16th Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines-Globe Business Journalism Awards held in Makati on Friday.

Jonas Burgos gives a face to desaparecidos

Even as Edita Burgos is continuing her search for her son, Jonas Burgos, she believes something good has resulted from his disappearance.

Business sector makes wish list for 2008 budget

If the national budget were up to the private sector, business leaders would prefer allocating the biggest chunks to education, infrastructure development, social services, tourism promotion and...

Civil society sees victory in proposed budget

"Regardless of what you can say against Congressman Lagman in the impeachment moves against the President, he has been very consistent in championing civil-society positions against the debt," s...

SC upholds transfer of PNCC shares to GFIs

MANILA, Philippines--The Supreme Court has dismissed questions raised by Marcos crony Rodolfo Cuenca against the issuance of shares in the Philippine National Construction Corp. to government-owned fi...

TESDA questioned on P31.5-M info campaign

MANILA, Philippines--The Commission on Audit has asked the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to justify the P31.57 million it spent on an apparently "unnecessary" informatio...

Reds willing to work with Senate in pushing peace talks

LUCENA CITY, Philippines--With the objections raised by Malaca ang to the resumption of the stalled peace negotiations, self-exiled rebel leader Luis Jalandoni proposed that the National Democratic Fr...

Philippines says rebels must agree to a ceasefire to resume talks

MANILA: Communist rebels waging a bloody campaign in the Philippines must agree to a ceasefire if they want to resume negotiations with the government, the country's national security chief said on Su...

Law enforcers hesitant to use anti-terror law--security exec

MANILA, Philippines--Law enforcement officers have hesitated to use new anti-terrorism measures because of the threat of prosecution against them and the law should be amended, a top security official...

Philippines attempts to sell deadly volcanoes to tourists

SANTA JULIANA, Philippines--Rickety old jeeps barrel through a dry northern Philippines riverbed, setting off a dust storm that coats the visitors bouncing around on the back seat. The landscape arou...

Palace exec admits 'differences' between Arroyo, de Venecia

A MALACA ANG executive admitted Saturday that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. had their differences, but insisted they have decided to maintain their coalition....

Pacquiao to visit troops in Mindanao

WHEN Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao heads for Mindanao to boost the morale of troops there, Malaca ang will not be surprised if rebels and terrorists decide to return to the fold of t...

15,000 soldiers to assist MMDA in relief operations

THE MILITARY WILL SOON BE HELPING out the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in its disaster relief and sidewalk clearing operations. MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando said the Armed Forces of the Ph...

Hopes pinned on '08 budget

For next year, the government has proposed a P1.227-trillion budget, 8.9 percent higher than this year's P1.126 trillion. In 2005, the country's budget was P1.04 trillion.

Budget spells out government's priorities

Editor's note: The House of Representatives on Friday passed on second reading the General Appropriations Act of 2008, more simply called the national budget. The House added some P30 billion to...

How a bill becomes a law

The bill is filed with the Bills and Index Service. On first reading, the secretary-general reads the title and number of the bill. The Speaker refers the bill to the appropriate committee.

Civil society helps craft 2008 budget, eyes debt servicing

With documented deepening of poverty and widespread perception of deteriorating quality of life, the Arroyo administration has been besieged to give more resources to social services, an eternal...

Palace, not Congress, holds power of the purse

Congress prides itself in wielding the so-called power of the purse-or the power to appropriate. This congressional power is now a myth.

Arroyo saddened by death of Myanmar PM

As SHE expressed sadness over the death of Myanmar's prime minister, Soe Win, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she hopes Myanmar would continue pursuing the path to democracy. "The Philippines ...

President safe but not Speaker, says Bagatsing

MANILA, Philippines -- A member of the so-called Reform Bloc of the administration coalition downplayed on Saturday Jose De Venecia's claim that his ouster from the House leadership would lead to the ...

Arroyo-De Venecia Palace meet did not take place, says Puno

MANILA, Philippines -- Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's political affairs adviser, strongly denied on Saturday Speaker Jose De Venecia's claim that he and Ms Arroyo...

Farmers set out on 60-day march to Manila from Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Blisters and sprains failed to stop 50 Higaonon farmers from pushing through with their 60-day protest-march from their hometown of Sumilao in Bukidnon to Manila to dramatize th...

Review of Manila jail inmates' cases underway

MANILA, Philippines -- A more spacious detention facility and a new beginning for inmates. With these in mind, officials of the Manila city government and the People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) re...

Among Ed given P.5M by Palace functionary

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- For a Catholic priest who won as governor on account of his campaign pitch to provide good and moral leadership in Pampanga, Eddie Panlilio has confronted what he called a "fir...

Medical examiner in hazing case summoned to NBI

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Bureau of Investigation has summoned the medico-legal officer who conducted an autopsy on the body of suspected hazing victim Cris Anthony Mendez. Lawyer Romulo As...

National security adviser wants anti-terror law amended

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo -- National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales already wants the anti-terrorism law amended barely four months after it went into effect. In a press conference here Thursday, Gonz...

Cooking gas prices go up again

MANILA, Philippines -- The price of liquefied petroleum gas went up Saturday by P1.12 per kilogram, inclusive of the 12-percent value-added tax, as oil firms passed on to consumers the surge in the pr...

Four people killed in road accident in Philippines

Manila - Four people were killed when a cargo truck rammed into a tricycle along a highway in an eastern Philippine province, a police report said Saturday. The report said a man was also injured in t...

Philippines on alert for bombings

manila The Philippines' southern provinces were on maximum alert yesterday after police warned that Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants plan to resume a bombing and terror campaign after the Muslim...

QC cops link 'asset' to death of police officer

MANILA, Philippines - Dead men do tell tales. Citing new evidence, investigators of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) declared yesterday the death of Station 8 commander Supt. Jose Garcia a clos...

Plunder prosecutor open to Estrada's pardon

THE chief prosecutor responsible for the plunder conviction of former President Joseph Estrada is now open to the idea of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in granting pardon to the deposed leader. Sp...

Incredible shrinking memory drives new IT

Mobile phone frenzy bubbles in booming Vietnam telco mart

Between now and 2012,
Vietnamese authorities expect
the penetration rate for fixed
lines and mobile phones to
rise from 35% to 60%.

BEA Systems rejects $6.68-B bid from Oracle

SAN FRANCISCO -- Number two global software maker Oracle
said Friday it had bid $6.68 billion for BEA Systems, an offer that was
swiftly rejected by the rival business software group as too low.

Does your organization need Web 2.0?

Japan lures software experts

Contact center net income up

ePerformax targets P4 billion from planned IPO

FILIPINO call center ePerformax International, Inc. will
raise P4 billion through a planned initial public offering (IPO).

Google tops Internet search world - study

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is king of Internet search
worldwide but rivals in China and South Korea have become powerhouses in
their respective countries, a comScore study revealed yesterday.

Apple accused of unlawful iPhone monopoly

SAN FRANCISCO - A civil lawsuit filed in California
accuses Apple of creating an unlawful iPhone monopoly and vindictively
releasing a software update that turns hacked devices into "iBricks."

Davao Internet operators reeling from competition

DAVAO CITY - Internet cafe operators are reeling from the
effects of cutthroat competition as rates have continually gone down.

Unwanted e-mail, spam zombies rife in RP

Google taps small businesses

SEARCH ENGINE Google, Inc. wants to tap small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines to maximize the potential of
online advertising.

Adobe eyes 30% growth in revenues

ADOBE SYSTEMS, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed software company is
expecting a 30% increase in this year's revenues following the
introduction of two new products to the Philippine market.

Palace group to push CyberEd

Technology costs BIR

AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM established by the Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) to make it easy for taxpayers to file returns and pay taxes has
ironically resulted in revenue losses instead of gains.

Greying Japan looks to robots

TOKYO - As Japan greys, who will look after the elderly? Maybe one day their aging children - in robot suits - if technology under development comes out of the laboratory and into the home.

Networking for primary school set begins in an 'online sandbox'

LONDON - Cool jazz piano playing in the background, a
pink penguin named JellyJuju orders a cheese pizza and a lemonade.
Another penguin, wearing a chef's hat, waddles to the table, tossing the
pie in the air and catching it.

Solid Group launches Dual Active SIM phone

THE ANNOUNCEMENT came a few weeks ago in the form of
splashy print ads in several dailies. The arrival of the country’s first
Dual Active SIM (DAS) phone was met with much interest but mostly from
certain mobile phone users.

Headline: BSP wants gov't to cut borrowings

THE CENTRAL BANK IS ASKING THE GOVERNMENT TO CUT its foreign borrowings not only next year but also in 2009 as an additional measure to stem the peso's rapid rise.

Corporate News: Petron stands to lose refinery facilities over property tax issue

PETRON CORP. could lose P13.40 billion worth of equipment, facilities, and buildings in its Bataan refinery on Wednesday in a public auction if it fails to secure an injunction from the regional trial court.

Banking & Finance: Bank lending picked up in August, says BSP

BANK LENDING picked up in August from a year earlier as productive sectors of the economy turned to banks for their financing needs.

Stock Market: Mining stocks offset losses in blue-chip firms

SHARE PRICES closed higher during a volatile session yesterday, with mining stocks offsetting losses in some blue chips.

The Economy: Power grid auction complicates proposed new licensing rules

The IMPENDING auction of the 25-year concession of the National Transmission Corp. (Transco) by yearend has complicated efforts to craft new rules for the granting of operating licenses to power distribution and transmission utilities.

The Nation: Arroyo resurrects constitutional change drive in new panel

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday virtually revived the drive for constitutional change as she ordered the formation of a panel that will craft a framework for the shift in the form of government to federal from unitary by 2012.

Incredible shrinking memory drives new IT

Coast Guard doubles sea transport security

Amid the reported threats from terrorist groups, the Philippine Coast Guard has intensified security preparations by beefing up its forces in time for the coming All Saints's and All Souls's D...

Panlilio sends letter to Palace, asks about cash source

Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio sent a formal letter to Malacañang on Tuesday morning inquiring about the P500,000-cash "gift" he got after a governors's meeting inside the Palace. Separate re...

Residents relocated as rains trigger mud flow in Philippine volcano region

At least five villages were relocated on early Tuesday as heavy rains triggered volcanic mud flows along the restive Bulusan volcano in eastern Philippines. "Lahar and boulders came down the moun...

'Cash gifts' not from us either - Pagcor

Marine chief says bribery issue affecting soldiers

'Coup try could spark civil war'

Marine Corps commandant Major General Ben Dolorfino warns of a possible civil war if soldiers stage coup attempts again. INQUIRER.net/JOEL GUINTO

House probe sought over distribution of cash gifts by Palace

No knowledge of cash to local execs

Sandiganbayan, 2 CA justices lead nominees for SC post

Beltran, driver hurt in Manila road accident

Band on bills 'clue' to cash gift probe - senator

Philippine Communist Rebels Admit Holding 3 POWs

Atienza says "cash gifts" are normal fare in Arroyo Palace

Environment Secretary Jose "Lito" Atienza Jr on Tuesday admitted that money changing hands is a normal practice in Malacañang, radio dzBB reported. Atienza made this pronouncement on the hee...

Bulacan governor also wants Palace to explain 'cash gifts'

Neophyte Gov. Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza of Bulacan joined Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio in asking Malacañang on Tuesday to explain the handing out of "cash gifts" worth P500,000. Mendoza said th...

Filipinos in UAE remitted Dh1.4b in January-August

Philippine shares lower on credit market worries, Bernanke remarks - UPDATE

PBA unfair to Jaworski

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The members of the Philippine Basketball Association board should nip in the bud a reported proposal to limit the age of their incoming commissioner to betwe...

'Gloria jokes' hint at public outcry, no laughing matter - Bishop

The mysteries around Pearl of Allah

Charter requires receipts, vouchers in all gov't spending

RP is forward operating base of US

Lady Falcons target V-League lead

Paragua whips Bitoon, rules Tanauan Open

PCA netters rule Home & Away tilt

Piccio tops World Woods Open

Lyceum bags 2 WNCAA crowns

Bonuan 'bangus' gets scarce in Pangasinan

La Union sportsfest up Nov. 2

Everest conquerors also big in triathlon

Fish cages seen pollution cause

Philippine militants raise funds on YouTube

But they said they had so far prevented the Abu Sayyaf group, responsible for some of the worst terror attacks in the Philippines, from using the funds to launch fresh bombing attacks in the country.

Opposition in Senate, House demand inquiry into bribe bids

Arroyo revives campaign for Charter change, federalism

Arroyo men won't say where cash came from

Local group taps music in fight against poverty

'If the price is right'

Close this CEBU CITY -- Here's Manny Pacquiao's reply to lightweight king Juan Diaz's challenge: "If the price is right," said the Filipino ring icon. The retort came after Diaz unified thr...

Tell truth on money

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Declaring no one could suppress the truth, Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio Monday showed on television the bundle of P500,000 he said he received in Malaca ang,...

So nails GM norm despite loss

Magnolia in sizzling start, scuttles Air21

Bukidnon farmers fail to win case in Palace

Cops seize guns, bullets in Lipa City raid

Senators nix Palace's renewed interest in Cha-Cha

Crossing party lines, senators on Monday rejected renewed efforts by the administration to revive moves to amend the 1987 Constitution, even as some dismissed its revival as just another diversionary ...

Philippines' Imelda seeks speedy trial, rejects deal

MANILA – Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos has sought a speedy trial of multiple corruption cases against her, a government official said on Monday, effectively closing the door on any ...

House to pursue rules vs bogus impeach rap--majority leader

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- This time, it's the House of Representatives that wants to "immunize" itself from "sham" impeachment complaints. Majority Leader Arthur Defensor said on Mon...

Bishop scolds Pampanga gov for taking Palace cash "gift"

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz on Monday censured Pampanga priest-governor Eddie Panlilio for accepting the P500,000 cash "gift" from Malacañang. Cruz said Panlilio's failure to refu...

Palace cash 'gifts' were not from DBM - Andaya

The reported cash "gifts" that were allegedly given to congressmen and local public officials after Thursday's meeting in Malacañang did not come from the Department of Budget and Management (D...

Arroyo may be held liable if cash, project offers are true - Pimentel

GSIS waives penalties for nearly P1-B loans of teachers

Erap seeks 3-day furlough to visit ailing mother

9 million kids target of antimeasles drive

Militants prop up anti-JPEPA drive via cyberactivism

Arroyo earmarks P10B for fight vs extreme poverty

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday ordered the allocation of P10 billion to finance programs that would fight extreme poverty. The allotment included the $120-million fund for Philippine proj...

Solon files bill banning trans fat in fast foods

Fast foods would become more heart-friendly if a proposed measure at the House of Representatives becomes a law. Valenzuela City Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo has filed House Bill 2232 banning the stor...

Hog cholera remains in some Luzon areas, gov"t says

Customs checking if seized Porsche is owned by Garcillano

6,500 RP, US troops in 'Talon'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A total of 6,500 Filipino and American soldiers are taking part in this year's annual joint training exercises "Talon Vision" and Amphibious Landing Exercise...

Militant farmers call for new land scheme

Auction of Imelda jewels put off -- PCGG commissioner

HK rights advocates to check on political killings in RP

In the Philippines, Religion and Nature Collide

October 15, 2007 · This is a story about what happens when the heavens and the earth collide — and who gets blamed. Last November, a typhoon slammed into the Philippines near the city ...

Archbishop criticizes Panililio for accepting Palace cash

House to look into anomalies in PhilHealth claims

Arroyo ally says federalism to take 10 years

Cash given to solons, governors not from Palace

PNP chief submits 'old' report on killings to Arroyo

Left blasts Arroyo's renewed Charter change bid

Gabriela to press for release of woman leader

Mind village, SK poll guidelines

'Bloods gang' yarn a hoax, says PNP

We have no tolerance for rights violations

Accused 'coup plotters' won't abandon detained men

Philippines, Australia to hold military drill

Philippine president pushes on plans to establish federal government by 2012

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday said a panel will soon be formed to draft a "roadmap" to establish a federal government by 2012, local media reported. Speaking at a re...

Arroyo seeks measures vs burden of high prices of oil, goods

SC's Puno asked to join legislative-executive consultations

If true, giving money 'very bad'

'Bulacan's Mendoza was money giver'

Philippine gov't studies talks proposal hinted by leftist rebel group

Vehicles impounded for drag racing; owners get 'slap on the wrist'

Police seized 21 motorcycles and nine cars over the weekend for drag-racing in Parañaque and Quezon cities, the Traffic Management Group (TMG) on Monday said. Senior Superintendent Arnold Gu...

RP defers talks for deployment of Pinoy teachers to China

Due to the controversy surrounding the $329.48 million national broadband network (NBN) project, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has decided to defer talks for the possible deployment of...

Palace now mum on Panlilio 'cash gift' claim

Malacañang kept its distance from the "cash gift" mess by keeping mum on last week's controversial meeting where governors were allegedly given cash gifts ranging from P200,000 to P500,000....

Teachers seek better pay, security for upcoming poll duty

Public school teachers on Monday asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for security and added compensation when they conduct election duty in the upcoming village (barangay) and youth elections ...

PNP seeks public help in campaign vs sirens

The National Police formally launched on Monday its public text messaging campaign in its drive against the illegal use of siren. Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad, director of the Traffic Manage...

Australian Navy coming for 'tabletop' exercises

Armed men rob bank in Quezon City

Six unidentified men on Monday morning robbed a commercial bank in Quezon City, radio dzBB reported. The bank heist took place around 10:30 a.m. at the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) branch lo...

Philippines begins mass measles vaccination

Philippine shares close higher led by miners, PLDT retreats for fourth day

Philippine leader warns military anew against political killings

Why did you take the money

Why did you take the money? On this note, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's local government allies in Pampanga hurled this question Monday at Gov. Eddie Panlilio after the latter admitted re...

Brunei sends fresh men to monitor gov't-MILF truce

Monday morning, MILF said Brunei has sent a six-member monitor is under Maj. Haji Mohd Rosmadi. They will replace six outgoing members of the Brunei contingent to the International Monitoring Team ...

PNP units in Mindanao on alert over Sayyaf threat

The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered all police units in Mindanao over the weekend to intensify intelligence, checkpoint and visibility operations to counter reported terrorist threats posed b...

Tullahan bridge to open to light vehicles only

Authorities on Monday said it will open only to light vehicles the Tullahan Bridge which links the cities of Valenzuela and Malabon in northern Metro Manila, blaming rains over the weekend for the con...

Poll exec is retiring from Comelec

Controversial former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano is formalizing his retirement from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), as he sought "clearance" from the poll body. Comelec spokes...

CA revives P4.5-B estafa case vs Urban Bank execs

The Court of Appeals has resurrected the P4.5-billion estafa case against the officers of the defunct Urban Bank led by its president, the late Teodoro Borlongan. In a 16-page decision penned by As...

2 Palace execs deny presence at Arroyo-local execs meeting

Angara seeks more benefits for elderly

Lagman warns vs danger of disturbing stability of coalition

PDI No. 1 for families of OFWs, says survey

MANILA, Philippines -- Among families of overseas Filipino workers, the young, or the affluent in Metro Manila, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is the broadsheet of choice, according to results of three...

Esperon looks into case of missing UP activists

MANILA, Philippines -- Military chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon said he would look into the request made by two mothers to visit a military camp in Pangasinan province to search for their daughters who ...

Search for Binibining Paru-Paru

On the 28th of October, 2007 CDD-USA will pursue its quest for this years’ Binibining Paru-Paru at WhoIs, the Halloween Masquerade Ball at Lone Tree Manor in Niles, Illinois. Reserve Your Ticket...

Scent-ful party for the chosen 30

Two teas make new weight-loss formula

MANILA, Philippines—Many people who have tried numerous fad diets have decided there is no magic pill to burn fat and there is no universal magic formula to lose weight.

In the Pink of health

MANILA, Philippines—When Lisa de la Cruz, 38, mother of two kids, felt a lump in her breast in March, she rushed to an ob-gyn who advised her to undergo an ultrasound. The examination yielded negative.

Lifestyle approach to weight loss

MANILA, Philippines—Weight loss has become a never-ending quest for many people.

Some health and wellness facts

MANILA, Philippines—This is the age of information and technology. And more vistas are opening up for inquisitive minds who thirst for knowledge.

State of Psi knowledge in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines—Parapsychology is the science that deals with the paranormal and psychic phenomena.

Manila’s Army and Navy Club to be restored

My fantastic cameo in the concert of the year

La Naval grand procession today

MANILA, Philippines - The annual grand procession of Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila, whose feast day is observed every second Sunday of October, takes place today at 4 p.m.

21-year-old bookworm notices men for first time

Marian art exhibit opens

MANILA, Philippines - The imposing old Spanish convent of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral was turned into a museum a year ago. Valuable images, altars, vases, furnishings and other artifacts are kept there alongside important documents pertaining to the archdiocese on the upper floor.

Throat relief

MANILA, Philippines—I attended the Sore Throat-Free Caravan with product endorser Paolo Bediones, St. Luke’s Dr. Natividad Almazan-Aguilar and Astring-O-Sol specialist’s manager Mark Manalastas.

The Philippine Headlines - October 15, 2007

2007-10-15T08:56:00.001+08:00

UN envoy begins Asian tour as Myanmar rounds up activists

BANGKOK -- Myanmar's military rulers are still rounding up activists, rights groups said Sunday, even as UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari arrived in Bangkok for an Asian tour aimed at piling pressure on the generals.

Joint RP-US military exercises to start on Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine and US Marines will participate in two-week joint military exercises starting Tuesday.

RP med schools join fight vs ‘Desperate Housewives’

LOS ANGELES -- Philippine medical schools plan to join the legal battle against the big ABC television network here over a perceived slur against Filipino doctors aired on “Desperate Housewives.”

Fidel Castro calls into live Chavez TV show

SANTA CLARA, Cuba -- Ailing Cuban President Fidel Castro telephoned into a television show with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Sunday, in his first live media appearance in Cuba since his health crisis nearly 15 months ago.

Els wins record 7th World Match Play final

WENTWORTH, England -- Ernie Els rejuvenated his stalled career with an emphatic record seventh victory in the final of the World Match Play Championship on Wentworth's West Course here Sunday.

6 killed, 30 injured in India cinema blast

AMRITSAR, India -- At least six people were killed and 30 others injured Sunday in a suspected bomb attack in a packed cinema hall in northern India, police and witnesses said.

PDI No. 1 for families of OFWs, says survey

Harbour-RP quintet overpowers US Army squad

SEOUL -- The Harbour Centre-Philippine team again leaned on its torrid outside shooting to bomb a US Army squad, 102-88, in a friendly game Saturday at the US Army Base gym in Hanyang district here.

Makati, Cebu batters score

MANILA, Philippines -- Makati and Cebu relied on pitchers borrowed from the national team to down their respective rivals on Sunday and storm to the lead with two wins apiece in the Baseball Philippines Series 2 at the Rizal Memorial Ballpark.

Cops to brief media on crime scene ‘protocol’

MANILA, Philippines -- As the “No. 1 contaminants” of crime scenes, media men are being invited to a seminar this Thursday on the importance of preserving the evidence at the scene of a crime.

‘Character city’ advocates enforce plan to stop violence

BAGUIO CITY -- Cases of violence involving the youth have increased in the city, prompting evangelists working in the government to implement a three-year plan aimed at promoting “good moral character” in high schools.

Pacquiao’s reply to Diaz challenge: ‘If the price is right’

CEBU CITY -- Here’s Manny Pacquiao’s reply to lightweight king Juan Diaz’s challenge:

Crackdown fails to drive out Vizcaya small miners

BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA -- Government agencies launched a crackdown on illegal mining this week, but this has failed to drive out small miners from their tunnels in Kasibu town, reports reaching the Philippine Daily Inquirer said.

Fireworks, band greet La Naval procession

MANILA, Philippines -- A hush fell over a crowd of devotees gathered outside the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City when the image of the Virgen de La Naval finally emerged for the afternoon procession Sunday.

Tullahan Bridge open only to cars, jeeps

MANILA, Philippines -- The Tullahan Bridge in Valenzuela City would finally be reopened to motorists Monday after undergoing rehabilitation for over six months.

Landfill dispute not over money, says MMDA

MANILA, Philippines -- Rather than money matters, technical questions involving the treatment of the leachate from the 14-hectare Rodriguez landfill led to the dispute last week between the heads of Rizal province and Rodriguez town.

So nails GM norm despite loss

A day after securing the second of three grandmaster norms he needs to become a full-pledged GM, Wesley So lost his match against Indian International Master Abhijeet Gupta in the 10th round Saturday of the World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia.

Magnolia in sizzling start, scuttles Air21

MANILA, Philippines -- Loaded with talent on paper, Magnolia translated that fearsome reputation into a more concrete form Sunday night.

‘Honest Ed’ hailed for disclosing Palace cash

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio Sunday won praises for telling the truth when he said he had received a bag stuffed with P500,000 in cash from Malacañang, and for his announced intention to use the money for public good.

2 governors: ‘Yes, we received money’

Two more governors -- both from southern Luzon -- Sunday owned up to receiving P500,000 each from Malacañang last week at the height of a controversy over moves to impeach President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ochoa wins seventh title of season by four shots

PALM DESERT, California - Mexico's Lorena Ochoa underlined her status as the game's leading player by cruising to a four-shot victory at the World Championship on Sunday, her seventh LPGA title of the year.

Harbour-RP 5 bombs US Army

SEOUL, South Korea - For the second straight game, Harbour Centre-Philippine team leaned on its torrid outside shooting to bomb US Army, 102-88, during a friendly game Saturday at the US Army Base gym in Hanyang here.

Magnolia freezes Air21 in opener

Preseason favorite Magnolia lived up to its stellar billing in the opener of the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup Sunday night, blasting Air21, 121-112, before a near sellout crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

BSP says no to forex inflow restrictions

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it would not impose restrictions on foreign inflows to reduce the adverse impact on domestic liquidity.

10 new BOT projects worth $2.7B seen to be in place by 2008

Ten new infrastructure projects under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme worth $2.7 billion are projected to be in place by December 2008, according to latest documents from the government's BOT center.

AFP/PNP to provide security for barangay polls

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will be stepping in and providing security for Commission on Elections personnel detailed in the identified hot spots during the Oct. 29 barangay/SK elections.

PBB welcomes new batch of 'celebrity housemates'

Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Celebrity Edition 2 officially began as 10 out of 14 new celebrity housemates were welcomed into the Pinoy Big Brother House Sunday night.

Daisy Romualdez' daughter Danita is missing

Former actress Daisy Romualdez alternately displayed frustration, anger and grief over the disappearance of her daughter, aspiring singer Danita Paner.

Govt eyes P5.891B from 'sin taxes'

The government is eyeing to raise P5.891 billion in additional revenues next year from sin taxes on alcohol and cigarettes.

Has Sheryl Cruz left her husband in the US?

Former child star and actress Sheryl Cruz denied speculations that she has split with her non-showbiz husband Norman who is based in the United States.

Despite Squabble, GMA, De Venecia Will Keep 'Marriage'

The ZTE controversy will fizzle out, without President Arroyo or Speaker De Venecia Jr. getting ousted. But expect their allies...

GMA Undermined Neda in Getting Broadband Deal Approval

Six former Neda chiefs say the agency is now a ‘rubber stamp’ institution.

Comelec Employees Cheer Abalos Resignation

Resigned Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos is leaving behind a damaged institution. Thus, it came as no...

(GMA7) Abalos resigns as Comelec chair, but vows to fight back

(Updated 1:31 p.m.) Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos on Monday announced that he is resigning as head of the Commission on...

�Everyday Islam� Photo Contest Winners Known

...

Leviste asks CA to reconsider ruling

Close this Former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste has contested the Court of Appeals decision affirming the murder charge filed against him for the shooting of his longtime aide, Rafael de...

More than half of congressmen recorded perfect attendance

Metro mayors ask to set up 24-hour youth homes

Fund lack hampers release of P150 combat pay

Palace looks to add judiciary in Ledac

The Palace wants to expand the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) by including the judiciary, a document obtained by The Manila Times shows.

'The Times' reporter wins top award

A reporter of The Manila Times won the top award at the 16th Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines-Globe Business Journalism Awards held in Makati on Friday.

Jonas Burgos gives a face to desaparecidos

Even as Edita Burgos is continuing her search for her son, Jonas Burgos, she believes something good has resulted from his disappearance.

Govt eyes peace talks

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the government peace negotiating panel will look at the proposal of the NDF to resume the talks," Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said. "The government ...

Business sector makes wish list for 2008 budget

If the national budget were up to the private sector, business leaders would prefer allocating the biggest chunks to education, infrastructure development, social services, tourism promotion and...

Civil society sees victory in proposed budget

"Regardless of what you can say against Congressman Lagman in the impeachment moves against the President, he has been very consistent in championing civil-society positions against the debt," s...

SC upholds transfer of PNCC shares to GFIs

TESDA questioned on P31.5-M info campaign

Reds willing to work with Senate in pushing peace talks

Philippines says rebels must agree to a ceasefire to resume talks

Law enforcers hesitant to use anti-terror law--security exec

Philippines attempts to sell deadly volcanoes to tourists

Pacquiao to visit troops in Mindanao

Palace exec admits 'differences' between Arroyo, de Venecia

15,000 soldiers to assist MMDA in relief operations

Budget spells out government's priorities

Editor's note: The House of Representatives on Friday passed on second reading the General Appropriations Act of 2008, more simply called the national budget. The House added some P30 billion to...

Hopes pinned on '08 budget

For next year, the government has proposed a P1.227-trillion budget, 8.9 percent higher than this year's P1.126 trillion. In 2005, the country's budget was P1.04 trillion.

How a bill becomes a law

The bill is filed with the Bills and Index Service. On first reading, the secretary-general reads the title and number of the bill. The Speaker refers the bill to the appropriate committee.

Civil society helps craft 2008 budget, eyes debt servicing

With documented deepening of poverty and widespread perception of deteriorating quality of life, the Arroyo administration has been besieged to give more resources to social services, an eternal...

Palace, not Congress, holds power of the purse

Congress prides itself in wielding the so-called power of the purse-or the power to appropriate. This congressional power is now a myth.

Arroyo saddened by death of Myanmar PM

President safe but not Speaker, says Bagatsing

Arroyo-De Venecia Palace meet did not take place, says Puno

Farmers set out on 60-day march to Manila from Mindanao

Review of Manila jail inmates' cases underway

Among Ed given P.5M by Palace functionary

Medical examiner in hazing case summoned to NBI

National security adviser wants anti-terror law amended

Cooking gas prices go up again

Four people killed in road accident in Philippines

Philippines on alert for bombings

New Rodriguez landfill opens

MANILA, Philippines - A garbage crisis in Metro Manila has been averted. Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III and Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo have settled their differences and allowed the opening of the ...

Police exempt food products from checkpoints

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. on Friday assured dealers, traders, and viajeros of basic market commodities of unhampered transport of their goods from the p...

'Bribe' story nothing new

The banner headline story in the Inquirer yesterday saying that 190 congressmen were each handed envelopes amounting to between P200,000 and P500,000 in Malaca ang after a breakfast meeting with Presi...

PNP prohibits use of cellphones in jails

THE police leadership has directed all regional, provincial, and city police directors to strictly prohibit electronic messaging devices especially mobile phones inside their detention cells.Chief Sup...

Plunder prosecutor open to Estrada's pardon

QC cops link 'asset' to death of police officer

JPEPA bad deal for Filipino caregivers, says migrant group

MANILA, Philippines -- A migrants' advocacy group has joined calls on the to junk the Japanese-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), calling the pact a "bad deal" because it is discrimina...

Teachers question Chinese firm's role in Cyber-Ed deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- What does a Chinese company that WHAT manufactures X-ray machines and other state-of-the-art airport security equipment got to do with the government's Cyber...

Malaca ang official accused of attempted homicide

MANILA, Philippines - A complaint for attempted homicide was filed yesterday against an undersecretary of the office of the presidential chief of staff. Warrick Evidente of Barangay Mariana, New Mani...

Rodriguez landfill reopened to address metro garbage crisis

THE looming garbage crisis in Metro Manila was averted after feuding Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo and Rizal Governor Casimiro Ynares reached an agreement allowing the opening of the town's sanitary la...

Gonzales warns village candidates backed by rebels

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales on Thursday warned that the government would take action against candidates in the October elections that are backed by communis...

Rights body stops inquiry into Burgos abduction

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Human Rights has "temporarily" stopped its public inquiry into the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos for "lack of cooperation" from hi...

Wage hike possible, says labor exec

MANILA, Philippines -- A labor official has disclosed that regional wage boards all over the country may review their newly-issued wage orders in light of the impending fare increase. Ciriaco Lagunza...

No jewellery for Philippines cops

MANILA: The Philippines is starting to give its 110,000 policemen a makeover, trying to make them more like friendly neighbours than their current hard man image, the new national police chief said...

Pacquiao promoted, to see troops in South

BOXING sensation Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao plans to visit his fellow soldiers who are in the frontlines of Basilan and Sulu battling feared Abu Sayyaf bandits, which is a very rare act among warri...

House adds P30B to social services

The House of Representatives added P30 billion to social services, when it passed on second reading the proposed P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008.

Estrada wants hospital arrest to be with mom

Deposed former President Joseph Estrada said Friday that he will ask the Sandiganbayan to place him under hospital arrest or house arrest at his Greenhills home so he can stay longer with his ai...

Human-rights victims file $414M new claim

Martial law human-rights victims have asked the United Nations Committee on Human Rights to compel the Philippine government to pay them $413.5 million, according to a press release issued by Ro...

Al Gore, UN climate change panel win Nobel Peace Prize

Gore, a vice-president to Bill Clinton and failed candidate for the White House in 2000, has rein vented himself in recent years as a champion of climate change with his 2006 Oscar-winning docum...

GMA to ignore subpoena-Apostol

"It's nonsense," Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol said, referring to the subpoena. "She's the President, and the court should not issue subpoena to the President. President Arroyo...

Thousands gather in Manila to celebrate end of Ramadan

MANILA, Philippines -- Thousands of Filipino Muslims on Friday gathered in Manila to join the rest of the Islamic community in celebrating Eid'l Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan. According...

WHO lauds SC ruling on infant milk ads

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the Supreme Court's recent lifting of the ban on infant milk formula advertisements, the World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded the high court's support of the Depar...

Cuenco admits getting P200,000 'Christmas gift' from Palace

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- A veteran congressman from Cebu City admitted on Friday that envelopes containing "different amounts of cash" were indeed distributed during the breakfast meeting called by P...

Airline pushes 'open skies' sans Manila

CLARK ZONE--Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is pushing for a variant of the open skies policy that will include all Philippine gateways except Manila and does away with airline designation. CEO and ...

Murder suspect, 2 soldiers hurt in Manila shootout

MANILA, Philippines -- Two Army soldiers and a murder suspect they were trying to arrest were wounded in a shootout in Manila's Tondo district Friday, an Army offical said. At around 3:30 p.m., Corpo...

Estrada to ask court for 3-day pass to visit mom

MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted president Joseph Estrada will ask the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court next week for a three-day pass to be with his sick mother and to give him time to talk to his lawy...

Filipino Nurses in San Francisco Join Strike

Philippine News , Posted: Oct 12, 2007 SAN FRANCISCO -- Filipino nurses were part of the biggest nurses' strike in California in nearly a decade, reports Philippine News. More than 5,000 registered...

Manila open to deals to recover Marcos wealth

manila The Philippine government is open to deals with the family and business partners of former president Ferdinand Marcos to end court cases involving about 180 billion pesos ($4 billion), an off...

Cash gift 'standard'--House leader

MANILA, Philippines -- Legislators at the House of Representatives sometimes receive allowances or incentives whenever they have accomplished something, a leader at the House of Representatives admitt...

Bolante case difficult to resolve--Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines -- Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez admitted Friday that resolving the case against former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante would be difficult. "Collecting the ev...

Solon mulls SC intervention over Arroyo impeach rap referral

MANILA, Philippines -- An opposition lawmaker is considering questioning the House of Representatives' "infirmed" referral of an impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before ...

Dole spares export firms from giving wage hike

COMPANIES engaged in the export industry in Central Luzon and the Calabarzon area has been exempted from giving the mandated wage hike," the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said.Ciriaco Lagu...

Arroyo met administration lawmakers in Malacanang

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo held an "emergency meeting" Thursday with 189 congressmen from the ruling coalition composed of members of Lakas-Chistian Muslim Democrats, Kabalikat ng Malayang Pili...

Catholic Church Opposes Philippine Congress Proposal To Provide Funding For Contraceptives To Stem Increasing Birth Rate

>> rate this article The Roman Catholic Church on Sunday expressed opposition to a proposal in the Philippine Congress to provide one billion pesos, or about $22.5 million, for contraceptives for wom...

Times' language institute, Hopkins sign agreement

The Manila Times Language Institute and the Hopkins International Partners Inc. signed an agreement on Thursday that would make English-language proficiency testing more accessible in Central Lu...

Japanese woman pays man online to kill her

TOKYO: A Japanese man who ran a website offering help with suicide has been arrested for allegedly killing a woman who paid him to arrange her death, an official said Thursday.

Finance implicates 2 officials in smuggling

The Department of Finance has filed charges before the Office of Ombudsman against two Customs officials in Subic for facilitating the release and registration of 14 smuggled luxury cars.

Starbucks recalls China-made cups

Coffee shop chain Starbucks is recalling 250,000 made-in-China plastic children's cups that can break easily and endanger children, the company and the US Consumer

Arroyo sticks to 'zone of comfort,' gives politics to allies

MANILA, Philippines -- Assured by members of the majority at the House of Representatives that the third impeachment complaint against her would not prosper, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has reit...

'Rumor-mongering,' says Palace of solons' gifts, 'pork'

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang has belied insinuations that it gave cash gifts and pledged pork barrel to lawmakers at the House of Representatives to kill the impeachment move against President Gl...

Tell truth in court

MANILA, Philippines -- Armed Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. has turned the tables on 28 Army Scout Ranger and Marine officers who have been detained on mutiny charges, daring them to "tell the tr...

Ex-Ched chairman welcomes probe on P550M project

FORMER Commission on Higher Education (Ched) chairman Carlito Puno maintained Thursday that the controversial P550 million call center project of the higher education body is "above-board." Acting cha...

Pacquiao gets warm welcome

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wished People's Champ Manny Pacquiao continued success in his future boxing matches, urging him to continue to be patriotic, God-fearing, and an inspiration to the Fi...

Esperon downplays terror threat after Ramadan

terrorist attacks with the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the military in contrast said it saw no imminent threat. On Thursday, Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon said he order...

House OKs on 2nd reading the proposed P1.2-trillion budget

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) Before adjourning its regular session, the House of Representatives early Friday approved on second reading the Malaca ang-proposed P1.227-trillion budget for 2008. Hou...

Neri to face contempt if he invokes executive privilege

Neri said he reported the bribe offer to President Arroyo, who told him not to accept it. But when senators pressed him for details, Neri invoked executive privilege, saying the public is not pr...

New impeachment complaint against Philippine President Arroyo

MANILA : A Manila lawyer made an impeachment complaint on Thursday against Philippine President Gloria Arroyo - the third in three years. The complaint was made this time over allegations of corruptio...

Mother, three sons killed in fire in central Philippines

Manila - A mother and her three young sons were killed Friday in a pre-dawn fire that struck their house in the central Philippines, police said. Mercedita Flores, 36, had gone back into the burning h...

Airbus super jumbo visits Philippines to show it is ready for Asia

Airbus' extra-large A380 jetliner flew into the Philippines on a test flight Thursday to show it can be flown to existing runways in Asia, company officials said. The A380 flew from Melbourne to the ...

Leviev shortlisted to buy Philippine energy firm

In a show of superlative timing, Africa Israel released an earnings warning for the third quarter of 2007, a day after tapping about a billion shekels from investors. Some outraged institutional inves...

'It's huge!' It's bigger than Pacman, it's Superplane

MANILA, Philippines -- Just when Manila thought boxing hero Manny Pacquiao was the biggest hit at the airport Thursday, a giant superstar arrived some nine hours later. The world's largest commercial...

Cops open landfill gates to garbage trucks

MANILA, Philippines -- The new landfill in Rodriguez town in Rizal was opened for trucks loaded with garbage after the provincial police unlocked its gates yesterday, Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III sa...

Pandacan oil depot case out of our hands, says Lim

MANILA, Philippines -- The Manila City government is leaving it to the Supreme Court to decide whether or not to relocate the existing oil depot in Pandacan, site of the country's three largest oil fi...

Tullahan Bridge reopens to motorists on Monday

MANILA, Philippines -- The Tullahan Bridge in Valenzuela City will finally be open to motorists beginning Monday. Angelito Twano, National Capital Region assistant director of the Department of Publi...

3 ex-Manila cops found guilty of kidnap for ransom

MANILA, Philippines -- Three former police officers were found guilty of abducting a Chinese-Filipino businesswoman in 2003 by a Quezon City court yesterday. PO1 Papeniano P. Razos, PO1 Casem R. Ote,...

Released Filipino worker in Nigeria back on Saturday

MANILA, Philippines -- Alberto Bacani Sr., the Filipino worker held captive for 12 days by militants in Nigeria will be reunited with his family in Manila Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (...

Color-coding scheme suspended in Metro Manila Friday

MANILA, Philippines --The color-coding traffic scheme will be suspended in Metro Manila, including in Makati City, this Friday, a holiday marking the end of the Islamic holy month Ramadan, officials s...

Largest passenger jet touches down in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- Airbus' extra-large A380 jetliner flew into the Philippines on a test flight Thursday to show it can be flown to existing runways in Asia, company officials said. The A380 flew...

Building burns in Manila

MANILA, Philippines-Fire has hit the Yutivo Investment Corp. (YIC) building on the corner of United Nations Avenue and San Marcelino Street in this city, on Thursday evening, authorities said. As of ...

Esperon apprehensive about Oct 24 implementation of new writ

MANILA, Philippines -- Military Chief General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said he was "apprehensive" about the October 24 implementation of the Writ of Amparo, a new legal remedy for victims of extra-judic...

PNP braces for new terror attacks

MANILA, Philippines -- As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan ends Friday, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon orders the 120,000-strong police force to take steps to foil new terr...

Prosecution slams Estrada petition vs verdict

QUEZON City, Philippines --The motion for reconsideration filed by former president Joseph Estrada on his guilty verdict by the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court is weak, Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-...

Government plan to pursue CyberEd slammed

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- Gabriela Representative Luz Ilagan on Thursday assailed the government's plan to pursue the Cyber Education Project, which was earlier suspended over allegations of overpric...

RP-US war games to resume in Central Luzon

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines -- Scaled down last year as a custody issue hounded a US Marine convicted of raping a Filipina, military exercises between the Philippine and US armed forces are resuming f...

Manila airport's controversial new terminal going nowhere

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A small hole in the wall of lawyer Jose Bernas's chambers marks the spot where an assassin's bullet lodged in a botched attempt to kill him. The hole, just ...

Mobile phone frenzy bubbles in booming Vietnam telco mart

Between now and 2012,
Vietnamese authorities expect
the penetration rate for fixed
lines and mobile phones to
rise from 35% to 60%.

BEA Systems rejects $6.68-B bid from Oracle

SAN FRANCISCO -- Number two global software maker Oracle
said Friday it had bid $6.68 billion for BEA Systems, an offer that was
swiftly rejected by the rival business software group as too low.

Does your organization need Web 2.0?

Japan lures software experts

Contact center net income up

ePerformax targets P4 billion from planned IPO

FILIPINO call center ePerformax International, Inc. will
raise P4 billion through a planned initial public offering (IPO).

Google tops Internet search world - study

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is king of Internet search
worldwide but rivals in China and South Korea have become powerhouses in
their respective countries, a comScore study revealed yesterday.

Apple accused of unlawful iPhone monopoly

SAN FRANCISCO - A civil lawsuit filed in California
accuses Apple of creating an unlawful iPhone monopoly and vindictively
releasing a software update that turns hacked devices into "iBricks."

Davao Internet operators reeling from competition

DAVAO CITY - Internet cafe operators are reeling from the
effects of cutthroat competition as rates have continually gone down.

Unwanted e-mail, spam zombies rife in RP

Google taps small businesses

SEARCH ENGINE Google, Inc. wants to tap small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines to maximize the potential of
online advertising.

Adobe eyes 30% growth in revenues

ADOBE SYSTEMS, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed software company is
expecting a 30% increase in this year's revenues following the
introduction of two new products to the Philippine market.

Palace group to push CyberEd

Technology costs BIR

AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM established by the Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) to make it easy for taxpayers to file returns and pay taxes has
ironically resulted in revenue losses instead of gains.

Greying Japan looks to robots

TOKYO - As Japan greys, who will look after the elderly? Maybe one day their aging children - in robot suits - if technology under development comes out of the laboratory and into the home.

Networking for primary school set begins in an 'online sandbox'

Solid Group launches Dual Active SIM phone

Headline: Shortfall to stay

THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE (BIR) is projecting a P38.6-billion yearend shortfall, admitting that revenue-raising efforts will only allow it to hit its second semester target and not recover from a disastrous first half.

Corporate News: Empire East earmarks P700 million for 3 new developments

EMPIRE EAST Land Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Andrew Tan's Megaworld Corp., will spend P700 million for three new residential projects that will be launched in the fourth quarter this year.

Banking & Finance: Appellate court reinstates estafa case vs executives of UrbanBank

THE COURT OF APPEALS has ordered a Makati regional trial court to revive a P4.5-billion estafa case against the officers of the closed Urban Bank.

Stock Market: Share prices may hit new peak this week

SHARE PRICES will likely touch a fresh record this week on the back of positive economic data and strong corporate earnings.

The Economy: Philippine airports not yet ready for A380

IT WILL TAKE about two years for Philippine airports to be able to fully accommodate and process commercial flights of the Airbus 380, local authorities said in separate interviews late last week.

The Nation: Rebels told to agree to ceasefire

COMMUNIST rebels waging a bloody campaign in the countryside must agree to a ceasefire if they want to resume negotiations with the government, the country's national security chief said yesterday.

IT Matters: Mobile phone frenzy bubbles in booming Vietnam telco mart

Between now and 2012, Vietnamese authorities expect the penetration rate for fixed lines and mobile phones to rise from 35% to 60%.

Pacquiao knows the real Roach

MANILA, Philippines -- You're sure you know this man the boxing world fondly calls Freddie Roach? Of course, you don't. You think Manny Pacquiao knows enough about the trainer who has repackaged him...

Harbour-RP quintet overpowers US Army squad

SEOUL -- The Harbour Centre-Philippine team again leaned on its torrid outside shooting to bomb a US Army squad, 102-88, in a friendly game Saturday at the US Army Base gym in Hanyang district here. ...

UST Tigresses post big V-League start

MANILA, Philippines -- University of Santo Tomas began its back-to-back title bid like a house on fire, scorching De La Salle University, 25-16, 25-22, 25-11, Sunday at the start of the Shakey's V-Lea...

Feud over SCTEx interchanges in Pampanga towns worsens

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio said he was seeking an audience with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to stop what business groups perceived as efforts by Malaca ang officials to...

Bukidnon farmers start 60-day march to Manila to regain land

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Blisters and sprains failed to stop Higaonon farmers from pushing on with their 60-day protest march from their hometown of Sumilao in Bukidnon province to Manila to dramatize t...

PhilHealth probes claims for cataract surgery

ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has ordered a stop to payment of claims for cataract surgery during medical missions and through recruitment schemes amid reports of i...

Makati, Cebu batters score

Reds must agree to ceasefire to resume peace talks

MANILA, Philippines -- Communist rebels must agree to a ceasefire if they want to resume negotiations with the government, the country's national security chief said Sunday. The Communist Party of th...

'Honest Ed' hailed for disclosing Palace cash

Close this CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio Sunday won praises for telling the truth when he said he had received a bag stuffed with P500,000 in cash from Malaca ang, and ...

'Yes, we received money'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- And now there are three. Two more governors -- both from southern Luzon -- Sunday owned up to receiving P500,000 each from Malaca ang last week at the heigh...

CA resuscitates P4.5-B estafa case vs Urban Bank execs

Pampanga gov set to talk about 'cash gift' issue Monday

Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio is set to hold a press conference Monday to talk about the P500,000 "cash gift" he received from a Malacañang aide last Thursday. GMA's Flash Report said, in an...

Sayyaf receives new funds; NICA fears attack imminent

(Update) Abu Sayyaf militants received funds from an unidentified donor after posting an Internet video of the group's founders appealing for money, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency s...

Law enforcers hesitant to use anti-terror law

Law enforcement officers have hesitated to use new anti-terrorism measures because of the threat of prosecution against them and the law should be amended, a top security official said Sunday. Nati...

US, Filipino marines to hold war exercises

More than 3,500 US and Philippine marines will launch a two-week war exercise in the northern Philippines this week, with maneuvers including mock beach and artillery assaults, officials said Sunday. ...

Palace seeks help in cushioning impact of oil price hike

Malacañang on Sunday asked all sectors to work with the government in limiting the adverse impact of the oil price hike on consumers. The Palace issued the call following the demand of the t...

DENR to curb abuses of small miners

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has cracked the whip on erring small scale mining firms that have been used as fronts by wealthy investors. The DENR warned Sunday that pe...

Vendors to challenge MMDA-AFP "alliance" before CHR

Vendors' groups in Metro Manila will question before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) a plan to tap 15,000 soldiers to clear Metro Manila of vendors and squatters. Radio DZBB reported Sunday th...

SC upholds transfer of PNCC shares to GFIs

TESDA questioned on P31.5-M info campaign

Labor calls for probe into PhilHealth spurious claims

Organized labor groups on Sunday called for an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Alex Aguilar, spokesman for Trade Union Congress ...

No garbage crisis as Metro may dump wastes elsewhere - MMDA

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando on Sunday said Metro Manila is not on a brink of a garbage crisis even if the sanitary landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal, is shut d...

Makati honors Oracion-led Philippine Everest Team

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay will confer "honorary citizenship" to the members of the Philippine Everest Team led by Leo Oracion for bringing honor to the country when they successfully climbe...

Local pols deny receiving Arroyo cash 'gift' - report

An official of the League of Provinces has denied that local government officials received cash "gifts" during Thursday's early morning meeting with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Malacañ...

Workers drum up call for P125 wage hike

Now facing a double whammy in higher prices of bread and liquefied petroleum gas, workers started over the weekend new efforts for a P125 daily wage hike. Efforts started as early as last Thursday,...

Reds willing to work with Senate in pushing peace talks

Nothing wrong with Panlilio"s receipt of 'donation'

Malacañang on Sunday said there was nothing questionable about the P500,000 "gift" received by Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio from a Palace staff last Thursday. "There is nothing wrong wit...

Pampanga won't return Arroyo's P.5-M 'gift' - gov

Pampanga's priest-governor Eddie Panlilio on Sunday said he was not inclined to return the P500,000 that he received from Malacañang at the close of President Arroyo's meeting with loca...

Gabriela files bill barring gov"t appointments of military men

A militant women's party-list group filed last weekend a bill barring men from the police and the military from being appointed to government positions. Gabriela party-list representatives Liza Lar...

Miss ZaNorte-Illinois 2007 Pageant Organizers Meet

Board members and production committee met Saturday, October 13 to discuss plans for the Miss ZaNorte-Illinois 2007 pageant to be held in December at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare. Among the i...

Lacson wants to probe Arroyo cash "gift" to solons, local pols

The executive branch could be embroiled in another highly politicized Senate inquiry, after Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio disclosed that he received a P500-million 'gift' from Malacañang...

Philippines attempts to sell deadly volcanoes to tourists

Pampanga will keep P500K "gift" from Arroyo - priest-gov

Pampanga's priest-governor Eddie Panlilio on Sunday said he was not inclined to return the P500,000 that he received from Malacañang at the close of President Arroyo's meeting with loca...

Abortions declining, but probably not in RP

MANILA, Philippines -- Abortions worldwide are on the decline, according to two international studies released yesterday. But the good news may not apply to countries like the Philippines where aborti...

UN cites Infanta social action center

LUCENA CITY -- The Social Action Center of the Prelature of Infanta in northern Quezon has been cited by the United Nations for its commitment to disaster risk reduction. Deacon Mario Van Loon, SAC-PI...

War vets discover but are wary of ATMs

MANILA, Philippines -- "How can you spend an ATM?" wonders an 84-year-old war veteran as the Philippines Veterans Affairs Office encourages the remaining 70,000 of its 260,000 old age pensioners and w...

Freedom of press is alive, says prof

MANILA, Philippines -- The harassment and killing of journalists has neither cowed the press nor affected the number of students who want to pursue careers in media, journalism professor Luis Teodoro ...

Shell, Petron hike LPG prices

MANILA, Philippines -- The price of liquefied petroleum gas went up yesterday by P1.12 per kilogram, inclusive of the 12-percent value-added tax, as oil firms reflected the surge in the product's inte...

Suu Kyi is her father's daughter

Aung San's daughter In 1988, the people of Burma took to the streets once again. Once again, they were led by students. And once again, it was a struggle for freedom, a rebellion against 27 years of ...

Stock market pays for experts, amateurs

MANILA, Philippines -- The profits they make in the stock market on a weekly or even daily basis can easily equal, if not rival, most monthly salaries of fairly high-level corporate executives. But D...

Lights, sounds, haircuts usher in PBA, PBL seasons

TODAY THE 33rd season of the PBA opens amid the usual pomp and pageantry. Produced by Solar Entertainment, the two-hour extravaganza will be hosted by Wally and Jose of Eat Bulaga and will feature th...

Bagful of bills is 1st big test of Among Ed's values

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Catholic priest who won the governorship of Pampanga on a platform of good and moral leadership has been confronted with what he calls the "first test" of his religious val...

So bounces back, brings down Israeli

FILIPINO WESLEY SO BEAT FELLOW International Master Sasha Kaplan of Israel late Friday to bounce back in contention in the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess Ho...

Jaca-Miyagi bout spices up WBC convention

A FIGHT WHOSE PROMOTER CALLS a "fan's dream" will be scheduled right smack in the middle of the WBC's 45th annual convention, which the country will host in November at the Manila Hotel. Filipino Jimr...

Guba destroys foe; Lazaro buries Malaysian

LEANDER LAZARO AND MARTINA Jonicka Guba trounced their respective foes to capture the singles titles Saturday in the Agra Cup-Asian 14/U Series at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Lazaro, the 14-yea...

Powerhouse squads open V-League 2nd conference

GAMES TODAY (The Arena) 3 p.m.-Adamson vs FEU 5 p.m.-UST vs La Salle UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS and De La Salle University, the only teams to have won all five championships so far in the Shakey's V-L...

RP-Harbour rips Yonsei U cagers

SEOUL -- AFTER ADJUSTING TO THE cool weather here, the Harbour Centre-Philippine team unraveled its true form Friday, crushing Yonsei University, 91-76, in a friendly game at the Yonsei University gym...

Abu Sayyaf gets fresh foreign funding

MANILA, Philippines -- The Islamist extremist Abu Sayyaf Group has received fresh funding from foreign donors, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) said, citing a video posted on the I...

NCAA bets trip UAAP standouts

The NCAA ACES ROSE FROM a 16-point deficit to topple the UAAP standouts, 83-78, in the Samsung Bantay Bata All-Star Game yesterday at The Arena in San Juan. All-Star Most Valuable Player RJ Jazul of ...

Arroyo safe, but not De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- A member of the so-called Reform Bloc of the administration coalition Saturday downplayed Speaker Jose de Venecia's claim that his ouster from the House leadership will lead to ...

Children learn about Christian, Muslim friends

MANILA, Philippines -- Six special children joined Saturday's Inquirer Read-Along session which featured stories about a Christian-Muslim friendship, two men who conquered an earthquake and a princess...

PBA gets its show on the road today

GAME TODAY (Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m.-Opening ceremony 6:30 p.m.-Air21 vs. Magnolia THERE MAY BE ONE BIG NAME missing, but the moment the curtains are drawn on the 33rd season of the Philippine Bas...

Cebu, Marikina face off; Makati battles Manila IX

GAMES TODAY (Rizal Baseball Complex) 7 a.m.-Taguig vs Dumaguete 10:30 a.m.-Manila vs Makati 2 p.m.-Cebu vs Marikina CEBU AND MARIKINA SLUG IT OUT today in a clash of opening day winners while defe...

Fraud surfaces again in coming polls

PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO -- AN 11-YEAR-OLD child said she was made to register last Aug. 27, along with several other minors and older individuals, as voters for the coming Sangguniang Kabataan elections...

Ebdane suspends DPWH exec in Halsema foul-up

BAGUIO CITY -- PUBLIC WORKS Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has suspended the government engineers he blamed for the sloppy concreting work at Halsema Highway, the main road used to transport vegetabl...

Alternative learning for Ata-Manobo kids

THE BROWNISH-GREEN cogon grasses covering the hills of Sitio Dulyan in Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, swayed into a frenzy. From afar, the faint whir of a chainsaw became obvious whe...

Comelec advises SK bets to cut down on campaign materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) "advised" candidates in the October 29 youth council elections Saturday to take a cue from this weekend's garbage crisis in Rizal and "think green." ...

Arroyo sends RP condolences to Myanmar PM"s family

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday gave her and the Philippines's condolences to the family of Myanmar Prime Minister Gen. Soe Win who died in a military hospital after battling a long illn...

Arroyo saddened by death of Myanmar PM

President safe but not Speaker, says Bagatsing

Arroyo-De Venecia Palace meet did not take place, says Puno

US help sought in $3-trillion 'Fed notes' found in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Cebu -- The police on Friday recovered a chest containing what appeared to be US Federal Reserve notes and other certificates with a face value of at least $3 trillion on the national highw...

Among Ed given P.5M by Palace functionary

Medical examiner in hazing case summoned to NBI

Arroyo, JDV have differences, but decided to unite - Palace exec

A Malacañang executive on Saturday admitted that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr had their differences, but insisted the two have decided to work together under...

LPG price up by P1/kg; bread prices to go up, too

The first of a double whammy hit consumers on Saturday as Shell and Petron hiked prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P1 per kilogram, or P11 per 11-kilo cylinder. QTV reported the price hike...

PPCRV gets Comelec accreditation for village, SK polls

, Comelec said PPCRV's participation in the past balloting and its commitment toward honest, clean, credible and peaceful elections are commendable. "Considering that petitioner has proven that it ...

Jamby meets with NDF leaders, pushes resumption of talks

Opposition Senator Maria Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal met with National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) leaders in The Netherlands over the weekend in a bid to resume stalled peace ta...

Davao Del Norte quintuplets die shortly after birth

DAVAO CITY -- Quintuplets born to a 23-year-old woman in Davao del Norte on Wednesday have all died due to complications of premature birth. Carlito Pillerin, administrator of the Davao Regional Hosp...

Four people killed in road accident in Philippines

DPWH rushes work on Tullahan Bridge for Monday opening

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday rushed work on the Tullahan Bridge in northern Metro Manila in a effort to meet the scheduled reopening of the structure on Monday. Bu...

JPEPA mocks Constitution"s economic provisions - Ibon

The Japan Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) violates provisions of the 1987 Constitution that promote the "preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials and locally-produced ...

Money may have changed hands but Arroyo not involved

Money might have changed hands during a breakfast meeting in Malacañang between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her allies in Congress last Thursday, but the money did not come from the c...

Manila has no savings, just P1.4-B deficit

No thanks to a massive shortfall in tax collections, the City of Manila is in the red by P1.4 billion, and will have to be in belt-tightening mode for the moment. Mayor Alfredo Lim disclosed this a...

PNP links up with intelligence agencies vs terror threat

The Philippine National Police is coordinating with local and foreign intelligence counterparts on alleged plans by terrorist groups to stage attacks in the Philippines. PNP chief Dir. Gen. Avelino...

House minority prays for whistleblower on impeach bribe claims

The House of Representatives is in no position to look into allegations that lawmakers were bribed to kill an impeachment bid against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, unless supposed beneficiaries o...

Philippines on alert for bombings

Why, who is going after the Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- When Secretary Neri pleaded at the close of the September 26th 2007 joint committee hearing on the NBN deal that he would like to consult his superiors before he could agree or ...

Solon seeks House probe

Ethics probe "I endorsed an impeachment complaint based on my conscience so the truth may come out and I found myself the subject of an ethics investigation," San Luis said in an interview. "Look at ...

Opposition plans to take impeach referral to SC

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The opposition in the House of Representatives is seriously considering taking to the Supreme Court Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar's referral of the purportedly...

106 years of fervor, and still burning

BALANGIGA, Eastern Samar - With fervor and pride, they again paid tribute to their forebears who left behind a legacy of love for freedom. People of the century-old coastal town of Balangiga in Easte...

A380 finds 'a lot of room' in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT-"There's a lot of room to land at Clark." So said Capt. Peter Chandler, pilot of the world's largest commercial passenger plane, after he parked the Airbus A380 at the Diosdado Macapag...

Gonzales says NPA rebs play key role in polls

ILOILO CITY-National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales on Thursday warned that the government would take action against candidates in the barangay elections who are backed by communist rebels. Gonza...

After 30 days of fasting, RP Muslims feast

COTABATO CITY, Philippines--Few Muslims fired firecrackers and weapons in the air as they marked the end of the monthlong fasting at dawn Friday. Filipino Muslims, describing the significance of Eid'...

3 more solons confirm 'Christmas gift'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Despite Malacañang's denials, three veteran administration congressmen on Friday admitted envelopes containing cash were distributed during Thursday's...

Ruling coalition will remain intact--De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- They have decided to keep the ruling coalition intact, if only to avert what one of their political allies earlier warned of--the possibility of "mutually assured destruction." ...

Debt service cut in P1.23-T '08 nat'l budget

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives has reduced by P17.3 billion automatic foreign debt payments that would have eaten up more than half of the proposed P1.227-tril...

Barrios, Chua out to draw up road map

MANILA, Philippines--BEFORE his short-term vocation comes to an end, Philippine Basketball Association officer-in-charge Renauld "Sonny" Barrios hopes to put in place something that will last a little...

Guba vs Siso for Asian 14-U tennis crown

MANILA, Philippines--THE GIRL who carries the name of two tennis greats proved she can also be a champion. Martina Jonicka Guba bucked peso coin-sized blisters on both toes to finish off many time ag...

UST takes on La Salle in V-League opener

MANILA, Philippines--ONE SQUAD boasts of the previous conference's Most Valuable Player while the other trained in Thailand. University of Santo Tomas, however, is sticking to its homegrown talents i...

UAAP stars eye repeat over NCAA aces Saturday

Close this MANILA, Philippines--UAAP STALWARTS aim to reign anew as they battle the NCAA standouts in the Bantay Bata All-Star Game at 4 p.m. Saturday at The Arena in San Juan. But La Salle ...

4 Warrior stars boost Bacchus

MANILA, Philippines--BACCHUS Energy Drink gets a boost from four University of the East players out to redeem themselves in the PBL First Conference which comes off the wraps on Oct. 20. Sweet-shooti...

Wang hands So 2nd straight defeat

Standings after Round 8 7.0 points--GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt); 6.0--GM Wang Hao (China), GM Georg Meier (Germany), GM Ivan Popov (Russia), IM Grigoryan Avetik (Armenia); 5.5--GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Rep...

Arroyo, AFP brass meet amid impeach tension

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday night met with senior and middle-ranking officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Malacañang for an emergency dialogue that lasted for more...

JPEPA bad deal for Filipino caregivers, says migrant group

Teachers question Chinese firm's role in Cyber-Ed deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- What does a Chinese company that WHAT manufactures X-ray machines and other state-of-the-art airport security equipment got to do with the government's Cyber...

Gonzales warns village candidates backed by rebels

Rights body stops inquiry into Burgos abduction

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Human Rights has "temporarily" stopped its public inquiry into the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos for "lack of cooperation" from hi...

No jewellery for Philippines cops

Pumaren turns focus on forming RP Youth 5

MANILA, Philippines--THIS TIME, La Salle coach Franz Pumaren hopes to bring his winning touch to a raw set of talents. Pumaren turns his attention to the Philippine Youth team just days after steerin...

Manila’s Army and Navy Club to be restored

The ‘Crux’ of the matter

MANILA, Philippines - Image and word compose a universe both familiar and strange in “Crux,” described by its organizer, the Canvas art promotion group, as an “exposition of paintings and poems,” at the Ayala Museum starting Oct. 18.

Heavy, uneven ‘Mulan’

MANILA, Philippines - A stark white stage with three scarlet arches greets audiences in Tanghalang Pilipino’s production of “Mulan,” a new Tagalog musical version of the story popularized by the Disney animated movie a few years back.

My fantastic cameo in the concert of the year

La Naval grand procession today

MANILA, Philippines - The annual grand procession of Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila, whose feast day is observed every second Sunday of October, takes place today at 4 p.m.

21-year-old bookworm notices men for first time

Marian art exhibit opens

Throat relief

Learning from bees

MANILA, Philippines—If bees can watch over their colonies to assure survival, man should do better. Let’s learn from them.

Dr. Dayrit: academician, clinician, researcher, friend

MANILA, Philippines—Dr. Conrado Dayrit, one of the pillars of Philippine cardiology, breathed life into the research and clinical undertakings of many of his students with his valuable insights and fatherly concern.

To hear and awake

MANILA, Philippines—It’s the perfect setup for an emotional scene in any TV, movie or feature film. One morning a parent will walk into the nursery to find his sleeping newborn isn’t going to wake up again.

Poor body image

MANILA, Philippines—I used to think that only wealthy women were dissatisfied with their weight. After all, my students who were most conscious about their size tend to come from exclusive schools where looks and figures were prized.

The Philippine Headlines - October 13, 2007

2007-10-13T16:05:00.000+08:00

Ship interception naval excercises hosted by Japan

TOKYO--Ships and aircraft from seven countries began three days of maritime exercises Saturday involving the mock interception of weapons of mass destruction, a Japanese official said.

Haiti floods leave 45 dead

PORT-AU-PRINCE--At least 45 people have died in the poverty-stricken island of Haiti as homes were swept away in floods triggered by heavy rain, the interior ministry said Friday.

Taiwan pastor faces 15 years in jail for sex abuse--report

TAIPEI--Taiwanese prosecutors have indicted a pastor for sexually abusing 13 women in his congregation and are seeking a 15-year prison term for the man who has a prior conviction for molestation, a report said Saturday.

Thai PM doubts UN can bring change to Myanmar

BANGKOK--Thailand's army-installed prime minister said Saturday he doubted whether the United Nations alone would succeed in pushing Myanmar's hardline junta to ease its crackdown on pro-democracy dissidents.

Typhoon unearths Vietnam War-era bomb

HANOI--Police and military engineers in central Vietnam were trying to defuse a large Vietnam War-era bomb unearthed after floods caused by a typhoon last week, a police officer said Saturday.

'Karaoke' attacker bites man's ear--cops

UNIONDALE, New York--A crazed attacker broke into a Long Island man's home, beat him with a karaoke machine and bit off his ear, police said. Doctors were unable to reattach the ear of the victim, but his injuries were not considered life threatening, said Nassau County police Officer Mary Verna.

Japanese foreign minister hospitalized

TOKYO--Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura has spent a night at a hospital in Tokyo for light anemia, a foreign ministry official said Saturday.

Former US commander calls Iraq 'nightmare with no end'

WASHINGTON--(UPDATE) A former top US military commander in Iraq said Friday that the current White House strategy in Iraq will not achieve victory in the four-and-a-half-year war, which he described as "a nightmare with no end in sight."

Homeless man is chess king of Washington

WASHINGTON--He sleeps on a bench, but he is king of chess during the day at Washington's Dupont Circle, where he dazzles beginners and masters alike with his winning moves on the park's stone chessboards.

Iraqi diaspora chat away their heartaches

BAGHDAD--With a girlfriend in Damascus, a mother and two brothers in Abu Dhabi, cousins in Amman and an uncle in Finland, Internet chats are the only way Baghdad merchant Hussein Karim can keep up with his widely dispersed family.

Pets hurled off bridge in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico--Animal control workers seized dozens of dogs and cats from housing projects in the town of Barceloneta and hurled them from a bridge to their deaths, authorities and witnesses said Friday. Mayor Sol Luis Fontanez blamed a contractor hired to take the animals to a shelter.

UN envoy heads to Asia to keep up pressure on Myanmar

UNITED NATIONS--UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari heads this weekend to Asia to rally support for an international campaign for democracy in Myanmar, but the success of his mission is far from guaranteed.

Tensions high as China's top communists prepare to meet

BEIJING--China's Communist Party elite will gather on Monday for the nation's most important political event in five years -- a meeting that is expected to see President Hu Jintao tighten his grip on power.

Kodak to end Olympics sponsorship after 2008 games

NEW YORK--When the Beijing Olympics closes in August 2008, more than a century of "Kodak Moments" at the global sporting event will also come to an end.

Google, Random House move closer on book search

FRANKFURT--Random House, the world's biggest book publisher, is considering joining a book-search project run by Google, once considered an arch-enemy by the paper publishing industry.

China's Three Gorges Dam to require more people to move

BEIJING--For years, China steamed ahead with construction of the world's largest hydropower project, dismissing most warnings of the environmental perils ahead. Now, Mother Nature seems to be forcing a change of heart.

Ex-Idol contestant Clark pleads guilty

YUMA, Arizona--Former "American Idol" contestant Corey Clark is facing up to two years in jail and a maximum fine of $150,000 after pleading guilty to a felony charge of harassment. Clark, 27, is scheduled to be sentenced in early November in Yuma County Superior Court although no date had been set as of Friday.

Police raid US doctors' offices in Anna Nicole death probe

LOS ANGELES--Police carried out a series of raids across California on Friday as part of a probe into the drugs overdose death of former Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith, justice officials said.

Why, who is going after the Inquirer?

Malacañang official accused of attempted homicide

MANILA, Philippines – A complaint for attempted homicide was filed yesterday against an undersecretary of the office of the presidential chief of staff.

Solon seeks House probe

MANILA, Philippines -- Rep. Edgar San Luis has found a way to hit back at colleagues who assailed his endorsement of a reputedly weak impeachment complaint allegedly meant to "immunize" President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from a stronger suit.

Opposition plans to take impeach referral to SC

MANILA, Philippines -- The opposition in the House of Representatives is seriously considering taking to the Supreme Court Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar's referral of the purportedly weak impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the House committee on justice.

3 more solons confirm 'Christmas gift'

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite Malaca&ntilde;ang's denials, three veteran administration congressmen on Friday admitted envelopes containing cash were distributed during Thursday's breakfast meeting at the Palace called by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ruling coalition will remain intact--De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- They have decided to keep the ruling coalition intact, if only to avert what one of their political allies earlier warned of--the possibility of "mutually assured destruction."

Arroyo opens P3.6-B dam Neda questioned

SAN MIGUEL, BOHOL—A P3.6 billion irrigation project in Bohol, considered the most expensive irrigation facility in the country because of cost overruns reaching 52 percent, was inaugurated yesterday, by no less than President Macapagal-Arroyo.

New Rodriguez landfill opens

MANILA, Philippines – A garbage crisis in Metro Manila has been averted. Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares III and Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo have settled their differences and allowed the opening of the town’s sanitary landfill to Metro Manila, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Bayani Fernando said yester

Debt service cut in P1.23-T '08 nat'l budget

MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives has reduced by P17.3 billion automatic foreign debt payments that would have eaten up more than half of the proposed P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008.

JPEPA bad deal for Filipino caregivers, says migrant group

MANILA, Philippines -- A migrants’ advocacy group has joined calls on the to junk the Japanese-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), calling the pact a "bad deal" because it is discriminatory to Filipino health workers.

Freed OFW back in RP from Nigeria

The Filipino overseas worker abducted last September 27 by an armed group in Port Harcourt, Nigeria came home to the Philippines Saturday.

Shell, Petron hike LPG price by P1/kg

Oil giants Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. and Petron Corp. increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P1 per kilogram, or P11 for an 11-kg tank, effective 6 a.m. Saturday.

Spears reduces involvement in new album

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Evidently preoccupied with other matters, Britney Spears co-wrote just two of the 12 songs on her upcoming album, according to the track listing released on Friday by her label.

Ten jailed for Bali bombings among 50,000 hoping for Eid sentence cuts

JAKARTA (AFP) - Ten people jailed over the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings were among 50,000 Indonesian prisoners Saturday hoping for sentence cuts to mark the major Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, official media reported.

Indonesian boy dies of bird flu

JAKARTA (AFP) - A 12-year-old Indonesian boy has died of bird flu, raising the toll in the nation worst affected by avian flu to 88, the health ministry said Saturday.

Haiti floods leave 45 dead

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AFP) - At least 45 people have died in the poverty-stricken island of Haiti as homes were swept away in floods triggered by heavy rain, the interior ministry said Friday.

(UPDATE) JDV asked to back off, says son

The whistleblower in the national broadband network (NBN) controversy said he opposed the decision of his father, Speaker Jose de Venecia, to inhibit himself from the impeachment complaint against President Arroyo in the House of Representatives.

US covering up Iraqi corruption: lawmakers

Four powerful Democratic lawmakers on Friday warned Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that "endemic corruption" in Iraq was fueling the insurgency, and accused her department of covering it up.

Lavrov warns Rice against 'unilateral' Iran strategy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attacked Friday what he called the United States' "unilateral" approach to the Iranian nuclear crisis, during talks here with US counterpart Condoleezza Rice.

Global TV world goes local to bump up growth

"Think global, act local" has been a corporate catchphrase for years. Now it's catching on across the entertainment business as television goes head on with Internet and mobile phone newcomers to find new ways to win viewers.

Despite Squabble, GMA, De Venecia Will Keep 'Marriage'

The ZTE controversy will fizzle out, without President Arroyo or Speaker De Venecia Jr. getting ousted. But expect their allies...

GMA Undermined Neda in Getting Broadband Deal Approval

Six former Neda chiefs say the agency is now a ‘rubber stamp’ institution.

Comelec Employees Cheer Abalos Resignation

Resigned Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos is leaving behind a damaged institution. Thus, it came as no...

(GMA7) Abalos resigns as Comelec chair, but vows to fight back

(Updated 1:31 p.m.) Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos on Monday announced that he is resigning as head of the Commission on...

�Everyday Islam� Photo Contest Winners Known

...

Philippines on alert for bombings

'Bribe' story nothing new

PNP prohibits use of cellphones in jails

New Rodriguez landfill opens

Rodriguez landfill reopened to address metro garbage crisis

Police exempt food products from checkpoints

Plunder prosecutor open to Estrada's pardon

QC cops link 'asset' to death of police officer

28 hurt in Coastal Road accident

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-eight persons were injured when a passenger bus hit six other vehicles along the Coastal Road in Para aque City early yesterday morning. The incident is the second traffi...

JPEPA bad deal for Filipino caregivers, says migrant group

Teachers question Chinese firm's role in Cyber-Ed deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- What does a Chinese company that WHAT manufactures X-ray machines and other state-of-the-art airport security equipment got to do with the government's Cyber...

Malaca ang official accused of attempted homicide

Gonzales warns village candidates backed by rebels

Rights body stops inquiry into Burgos abduction

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Human Rights has "temporarily" stopped its public inquiry into the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos for "lack of cooperation" from hi...

Wage hike possible, says labor exec

No jewellery for Philippines cops

Pacquiao promoted, to see troops in South

BOXING sensation Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao plans to visit his fellow soldiers who are in the frontlines of Basilan and Sulu battling feared Abu Sayyaf bandits, which is a very rare act among warri...

Estrada wants hospital arrest to be with mom

Deposed former President Joseph Estrada said Friday that he will ask the Sandiganbayan to place him under hospital arrest or house arrest at his Greenhills home so he can stay longer with his ai...

Human-rights victims file $414M new claim

Martial law human-rights victims have asked the United Nations Committee on Human Rights to compel the Philippine government to pay them $413.5 million, according to a press release issued by Ro...

Al Gore, UN climate change panel win Nobel Peace Prize

Gore, a vice-president to Bill Clinton and failed candidate for the White House in 2000, has rein vented himself in recent years as a champion of climate change with his 2006 Oscar-winning docum...

House adds P30B to social services

The House of Representatives added P30 billion to social services, when it passed on second reading the proposed P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008.

GMA to ignore subpoena-Apostol

"It's nonsense," Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol said, referring to the subpoena. "She's the President, and the court should not issue subpoena to the President. President Arroyo...

Thousands gather in Manila to celebrate end of Ramadan

WHO lauds SC ruling on infant milk ads

Cuenco admits getting P200,000 'Christmas gift' from Palace

Murder suspect, 2 soldiers hurt in Manila shootout

Airline pushes 'open skies' sans Manila

Palace stunned by De Venecia's move, says Puno

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang was stunned when House Speaker Jose de Venecia inhibited himself from any participation in the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Interi...

Estrada to ask court for 3-day pass to visit mom

Filipino Nurses in San Francisco Join Strike

Manila open to deals to recover Marcos wealth

Cash gift 'standard'--House leader

Bolante case difficult to resolve--Ombudsman

Solon mulls SC intervention over Arroyo impeach rap referral

Ex-Ched chairman welcomes probe on P550M project

Times' language institute, Hopkins sign agreement

The Manila Times Language Institute and the Hopkins International Partners Inc. signed an agreement on Thursday that would make English-language proficiency testing more accessible in Central Lu...

Dole spares export firms from giving wage hike

Arroyo met administration lawmakers in Malacanang

Neri to face contempt if he invokes executive privilege

Neri said he reported the bribe offer to President Arroyo, who told him not to accept it. But when senators pressed him for details, Neri invoked executive privilege, saying the public is not pr...

Japanese woman pays man online to kill her

TOKYO: A Japanese man who ran a website offering help with suicide has been arrested for allegedly killing a woman who paid him to arrange her death, an official said Thursday.

Starbucks recalls China-made cups

Coffee shop chain Starbucks is recalling 250,000 made-in-China plastic children's cups that can break easily and endanger children, the company and the US Consumer

Esperon downplays terror threat after Ramadan

Tell truth in court

Catholic Church Opposes Philippine Congress Proposal To Provide Funding For Contraceptives To Stem Increasing Birth Rate

Finance implicates 2 officials in smuggling

The Department of Finance has filed charges before the Office of Ombudsman against two Customs officials in Subic for facilitating the release and registration of 14 smuggled luxury cars.

House OKs on 2nd reading the proposed P1.2-trillion budget

'Rumor-mongering,' says Palace of solons' gifts, 'pork'

Pacquiao gets warm welcome

Arroyo sticks to 'zone of comfort,' gives politics to allies

New impeachment complaint against Philippine President Arroyo

Mother, three sons killed in fire in central Philippines

Airbus super jumbo visits Philippines to show it is ready for Asia

Leviev shortlisted to buy Philippine energy firm

'It's huge!' It's bigger than Pacman, it's Superplane

Cops open landfill gates to garbage trucks

Pandacan oil depot case out of our hands, says Lim

Tullahan Bridge reopens to motorists on Monday

3 ex-Manila cops found guilty of kidnap for ransom

Largest passenger jet touches down in Manila

Building burns in Manila

Released Filipino worker in Nigeria back on Saturday

Esperon apprehensive about Oct 24 implementation of new writ

Color-coding scheme suspended in Metro Manila Friday

PNP braces for new terror attacks

Prosecution slams Estrada petition vs verdict

Government plan to pursue CyberEd slammed

RP-US war games to resume in Central Luzon

PNP chief visits Metro Manila to ensure police visibility

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon inspected key areas in Metro Manila as part of the "Mamang Pulis" program. Razon's first stop was at the Camp Bagong D...

Manila's controversial new airport going nowhere

MANILA, Philippines -- A small hole in the wall of lawyer Jose Bernas' chambers marks the spot where an assassin's bullet lodged in a botched attempt to kill him. The hole, just to the right of the m...

Philippine central bank loss seen curbing FX intervention

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine central bank has run up its biggest loss in more than a decade trying to temper the peso's rapid rise and the deficit is likely to limit its a...

40 jailed soldiers can't be arraigned just yet -- Esperon

MANILA, Philippines -- The fate of 40 Army enlisted men who are detained without charges over the botched February 2006 coup d'etat hangs, until their superiors, who are facing court martial, are arra...

Bill to compel cabbies to give exact change filed by Revilla

MANILA, Philippines -- As Christmas draws near and cabs become in demand, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. has filed a measure seeking to penalize taxi drivers who don't give exact change to passengers. Revi...

De Venecia vows House approval of 2008 budget

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite being embroiled in the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the intramurals within the coalition, Speaker Jose de Venecia vowed to approve...

15 policemen sacked after losing patrol car in Philippines

Manila - Fifteen police officers were sacked Thursday after losing a patrol car parked in front of their station in Manila to a visitor at the police post, an official said. The theft occurred late We...

Manila to act fast on killings

manila The Philippines ordered government prosecutors to resolve rights abuse complaints against soldiers and police officers within a 60-day period, the justice secretary said yesterday.

Philippine boxing champ flies home, eyes next victims

MANILA (AFP) - Philippine boxing star Manny Pacquiao returned home to a hero's welcome on Thursday after beating Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in a grudge match, and vowed to take his slugging to the ...

Cebu solon clarifies statement on Puno

MANILA, Philippines -- Cebu Representative Pablo Garcia has denied pointing to Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno as being behind the impeachment case filed against President Gloria Macapagal-Arr...

House majority to decide on Arroyo impeach rap--De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- The majority coalition at the House of Representatives will decide within the day on what to do with the impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, S...

FDI in Philippines tops US$419 million in July

MANILA -- Foreign direct investment in the Philippines reached US$419 million in July, reversing a net outflow of US$79 million in the same month last year, the central bank said Wednesday.Central ban...

Garcia barking at wrong tree

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Cebu Representative Pablo Garcia is pointing to the wrong person who he claims is responsible for the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapaga...

Villagers Flee as Clan War Erupts in S. Philippines

Al Jacinto, Arab News ZAMBOANGA CITY, 11 October 2007 - War between two clans erupted yesterday in the southern Philippines, forcing hundreds of villagers to flee their homes, an official of a Muslim ...

Filipino scientists try to turn cloned buffalo into milk producer

After successfully cloning the first water buffalo in southeast Asia, Filipino scientists are to improve the genetic make-up of the animal and make it into a "super buffalo" for producing mi...

Taguig hospital gets shot in the arm

MANILA, Philippines - In a bid to boost medical services for residents of Taguig City, doctors from high-end hospitals will soon provide free consultations at the Taguig District Hospital (TDH). City...

Arroyo defends Cyber-Ed project

The President said the Cyber-Ed program that the government would undertake with China's Tsing Hua University would benefit million of Filipino students particularly those who are in the remotest area...

Neri, other Ched officials to be sued for not paying contractor

He said their legal department is now studying their options regarding the "impasse.""We are already studying our legal options," Peig told reporters but refused to state the clear charge that they wi...

Arroyo confident of lasting until 2010

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Appearing unfazed by the new impeachment case filed against her, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Wednesday she would spend her remaining three year...

Senators warn Neda to produce NBN documents

A NUMBER of senators criticized the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) for its refusal to submit documents related to the corruption-tainted multimillion-peso National Broadband Networ...

House ethics panel ready to probe impeach rap endorser

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The House committee on ethics will investigate charges that P2 million was offered to some lawmakers so they would endorse a weak impeachment complaint again...

Taxpayer's suit at the SC can kill sham impeachment--lawyer

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A lawyer for Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has offered a way out for the allegedly weak impeachment complaint supposedly meant to immunize President Gloria Mac...

Cold mornings don't mean cold season is here

MANILA, Philippines -- Cold mornings have been felt in some areas in Metro Manila, but these are not a sign the cold season has kicked in, according to weather forecasters. The cool weather in the mo...

Local governments blamed for textbook glut

MANILA, Philippines -- Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus pointed to the local government units (LGUs) as the ones to blame for the reported failure of the Department of Education (DepEd) to distribut...

Trillanes asks SC to allow him to perform Senate duties

MANILA, Philippines -- Jailed opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has asked the Supreme Court to reverse a Makati court decision and allow him to attend Senate sessions and other official function...

Arroyo's adviser named as mastermind of 'sham' impeach rap

MANILA, Philippines -- A key ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has tagged Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno as the mastermind of the "weak" impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido. Ce...

DepEd clarifies COA findings

"The results of actual field validation by both central and division offices determine the final location and the extent of construction work required," the DepEd statement said in reaction to T...

Political noise should not affect progress

Excessive politicking could not derail the government's implementation of major economic reforms and its quest for political stability, President Arroyo said on Wednesday.

US-RP military exercises resume next week

The Balikatan exercise of 2005 was probably the most controversial of the joint military exercises. On November 1 that year, American Marine, Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, was accused raping a Filipi...

The Times read by OFWs, affluent

The Manila Times, the country's oldest newspaper, is among the top national dailies read by households of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the affluent, the latest survey of Nielsen Media Re...

Senate supports IPU call for oversight on 'tied loans'

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Senate supports the Inter Parliamentary Union's (IPU) call for tighter congressional oversight on foreign loans with strings attached, Senator Loren Legarda said ...

Arroyo to push through with CyberEd project

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pressed anew on Wednesday for the implementation of the $460-million Cyber Education Project, saying this was an investment the government shou...

Senators threaten contempt charges vs NEDA's Santos

MANILA, Philippines -- What other secrets does Malaca ang want to hide from the public on the $329-million national broadband network deal which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has already abandoned...

Japan lures software experts

Contact center net income up

ePerformax targets P4 billion from planned IPO

FILIPINO call center ePerformax International, Inc. will
raise P4 billion through a planned initial public offering (IPO).

Google tops Internet search world - study

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is king of Internet search
worldwide but rivals in China and South Korea have become powerhouses in
their respective countries, a comScore study revealed yesterday.

Apple accused of unlawful iPhone monopoly

SAN FRANCISCO - A civil lawsuit filed in California
accuses Apple of creating an unlawful iPhone monopoly and vindictively
releasing a software update that turns hacked devices into "iBricks."

Davao Internet operators reeling from competition

DAVAO CITY - Internet cafe operators are reeling from the
effects of cutthroat competition as rates have continually gone down.

Unwanted e-mail, spam zombies rife in RP

Google taps small businesses

SEARCH ENGINE Google, Inc. wants to tap small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines to maximize the potential of
online advertising.

Adobe eyes 30% growth in revenues

ADOBE SYSTEMS, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed software company is
expecting a 30% increase in this year's revenues following the
introduction of two new products to the Philippine market.

Palace group to push CyberEd

Technology costs BIR

AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM established by the Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) to make it easy for taxpayers to file returns and pay taxes has
ironically resulted in revenue losses instead of gains.

Greying Japan looks to robots

TOKYO - As Japan greys, who will look after the elderly? Maybe one day their aging children - in robot suits - if technology under development comes out of the laboratory and into the home.

Networking for primary school set begins in an 'online sandbox'

Solid Group launches Dual Active SIM phone

Headlines: P43 to US$1 seen as peso keeps rising

THE PESO IS NOW POISED to enter P43 to the dollar territory after it hit a fresh seven-year high yesterday on strong dollar inflows and the greenback's prevailing weakness.

Banking & Finance: Central bank meddling halts Asian forex gains

SINGAPORE — Asian currencies were range-bound yesterday after strong gains in recent sessions, with investors trying to guess the direction of the dollar ahead of a meeting of Group of Seven finance chiefs next week.

Stock Market: Mart takes profits ahead of long weekend

SHARE PRICES closed lower yesterday as investors took profits ahead of the long weekend, dealers said.

The Economy: 'Hot money' back in positive territory

INVESTORS HAVE FLOCKED back to the Philippines, based on the latest foreign portfolio investment figures from the central bank, signaling growing confidence in the local market after the scare triggered by US subprime mortgage troubles.

The Nation: Abu Sayyaf coddling 10 foreign terrorists in Sulu, says military

ZAMBOANGA CITY — At least 10 members of the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist group based in Indonesia are being protected by Abu Sayyaf bandits hiding in Sulu, a top military commander said.

Corporate News: Cityland to raise P1.2 billion from sale of debt instruments

LISTED REAL estate developer Cityland Development Corp. is raising P1.2 billion from the sale of short-term commercial papers for project-related costs, payment of maturing loans and interest expense.

Labor & Management: Had a heart attack? Be careful before going back to the office

CHICAGO — Middle-aged heart attack victims who go back to chronically stressful jobs are twice as likely to suffer a second heart attack or a related problem than those in less taxing jobs, Canadian researchers reported on Tuesday.

IT Matters: Japan lures software experts

FILIPINO SOFTWARE engineers are expected to benefit from Japan's growing demand for offshore information and communication technology services, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement yesterday.

Garbage crisis continues, MMDA looks for alternative dumpsite

No thanks to a "missing contractor," the garbage crisis facing Metro Manila that stemmed from a landfill row in Rodriguez town in Rizal province is not yet over. Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo on Sat...

Money may have changed hands but Arroyo not involved

Money might have changed hands during a breakfast meeting in Malacañang between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her allies in Congress last Thursday, but the money did not come from the c...

Manila has no savings, just P1.4-B deficit

PNP links up with intelligence agencies vs terror threat

House minority prays for whistleblower on impeach bribe claims

Philippines on alert for bombings

Why, who is going after the Inquirer

Solon seeks House probe

Opposition plans to take impeach referral to SC

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The opposition in the House of Representatives is seriously considering taking to the Supreme Court Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar's referral of the purportedly...

Gonzales says NPA rebs play key role in polls

A380 finds 'a lot of room' in Clark

After 30 days of fasting, RP Muslims feast

106 years of fervor, and still burning

3 more solons confirm 'Christmas gift'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Despite Malacañang's denials, three veteran administration congressmen on Friday admitted envelopes containing cash were distributed during Thursday's...

Ruling coalition will remain intact--De Venecia

Debt service cut in P1.23-T '08 nat'l budget

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives has reduced by P17.3 billion automatic foreign debt payments that would have eaten up more than half of the proposed P1.227-tril...

Barrios, Chua out to draw up road map

Wang hands So 2nd straight defeat

4 Warrior stars boost Bacchus

UAAP stars eye repeat over NCAA aces Saturday

Close this MANILA, Philippines--UAAP STALWARTS aim to reign anew as they battle the NCAA standouts in the Bantay Bata All-Star Game at 4 p.m. Saturday at The Arena in San Juan. But La Salle ...

Arroyo, AFP brass meet amid impeach tension

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday night met with senior and middle-ranking officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Malacañang for an emergency dialogue that lasted for more...

UST takes on La Salle in V-League opener

Guba vs Siso for Asian 14-U tennis crown

JPEPA bad deal for Filipino caregivers, says migrant group

Teachers question Chinese firm's role in Cyber-Ed deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- What does a Chinese company that WHAT manufactures X-ray machines and other state-of-the-art airport security equipment got to do with the government's Cyber...

Gonzales warns village candidates backed by rebels

Rights body stops inquiry into Burgos abduction

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Human Rights has "temporarily" stopped its public inquiry into the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos for "lack of cooperation" from hi...

Wage hike possible, says labor exec

No jewellery for Philippines cops

Pumaren turns focus on forming RP Youth 5

2 soldiers, murder suspect hurt in Tondo shootout

Two soldiers who were among those currently deployed in a depressed area in Tondo, Manila, and a murder suspect were wounded following a shootout Friday afternoon when the latter allegedly resisted ar...

Cebu to roll out red carpet for Pacquiao

CEBU CITY, Philippines--The city government of Cebu is set to roll out the red carpet for boxing icon Manny Pacquiao when he arrives here Sunday to thank his loyal Visayan fans. Pacquiao, accompanied...

WHO lauds SC ruling on infant milk ads

Cuenco admits getting P200,000 'Christmas gift' from Palace

Like soldiers, teachers, workers deserve 'substantial' wage hike - prelate

If Malacañang can give a "substantial" pay hike to soldiers, it should have no trouble giving a similar pay increase to teachers and laborers, a senior Catholic prelate said Friday. Lip...

Palace stunned by De Venecia's move, says Puno

Estrada to ask court for 3-day pass to visit mom

Filipino Nurses in San Francisco Join Strike

CHR shelves Jonas Burgos case inquiry; mom dismayed

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Friday that it has decided to shelve its public inquiry on the sudden disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, implicitly citing the alleged "non-cooperation" ...

Escudero questions Palace haste in CyberEd project rollout

An opposition senator on Friday expressed skepticism over President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's directive to remove obstacles in the implementation of the $465-million Cyber Education Project (CEP). ...

Arroyo orders dialogue on imminent garbage crisis

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando to hold dialogues with all officials concerned with the landfill row in Rizal to...

4 killed, 2 hurt in Cebu fire

MANILA, Philippines -- At least four people were killed and two were wounded in a residential fire in Cebu City early Friday, reports reaching Camp Crame national police headquarters in said. The fir...

Makati court sets weekly hearings for Leviste murder case

The Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has set a weekly hearing on the murder case against former Batangas governor Jose Antonio Leviste starting October 24, in connection with the killing of his ...

Tullahan Bridge opening moved to end Oct - report

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flip-flopped yet again Friday on the much-delayed opening of the Tullahan Bridge linking the cities of Valenzuela and Malabon in northern Metro Manil...

Talk of looming garbage crisis 'baseless' - MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday assured residents of Metro Manila that it has secured a dump site for the metro's garbage, adding that talk about a looming garbage c...

Cash gift 'standard'--House leader

Bolante case difficult to resolve--Ombudsman

There's no better alternative to Arroyo at this time - FVR

SAN FRANCISCO - Former President Fidel Ramos on Friday (Manila time) defended President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo before an overseas audience, saying there is no better alternative who can replace the P...

Security tight as Erap arrives at San Juan hospital

(Updated 12:08 p.m.) Former President Joseph Estrada was barred from speaking to media as he arrived Friday morning at the San Juan Medical Center to visit his ailing mother Doña Mary Ejercito ...

Palace denies bribing solons to 'kill' Arroyo impeachment bid

Malacañang on Friday fended off speculations that it offered bribes and projects to junk the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In an interview on dzBB radio, P...

Minority unlikely to join impeach case vs Arroyo

Saying this year's impeachment bid against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is dead with the recent developments in the Lower House, the minority bloc on Friday said it is not inclined to take part i...

Comelec starts 'mall tour' for Oct 29 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) started Friday its "mall tour" to educate voters on the upcoming village and youth council elections scheduled on Oct. 29. Radio dzEC reported that "public inf...

Miranda in good health, now back in detention - AFP

Former Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda was brought back to detention in a military camp in Tanay, Rizal after tests conducted on him by a military hospital in Quezon City showed he was in g...

'Rumor-mongering,' says Palace of solons' gifts, 'pork'

Tell truth in court

New impeachment complaint against Philippine President Arroyo

Rights of 40 detained Army soldiers violated, says Biazon

MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Rodolfo Biazon has accused the Armed Forces of violating the rights of 40 Army enlisted personnel who have been detained since last year for their alleged involvement in th...

House OKs on 2nd reading the proposed P1.2-trillion budget

Troops on alert vs possible terrorist attacks - AFP

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr on Friday said government troops are maintaining vigilance over reported plans by local terrorists to carry out bombings after the celebration of Eid'l Fi...

Mother, three sons killed in fire in central Philippines

Introducing PinoyCentric's New Intern

Inspired by The Morning News, Armand and I started toying with the idea of getting an intern in April, but it was only in August, after my good friend Joan Lopez suggested it, that I decided it was wo...

No way we'll show NEDA records to Senate

MANILA, Philippines -- Accusing some senators of double standard, Malaca ang Thursday rejected the Senate demand that it release records of the meetings of the

Garcia trying to drive a wedge between Lakas and Kampi

MANILA, Philippines -- Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno Thursday said Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia was trying to "drive a wedge" between the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party led by Speaker Jose ...

Esperon laughs off calls to tell truth on 'Garci controversy'

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr on Friday laughed off calls by jailed military officers to "tell the truth" on allegations of his participation in the alleged 2004 poll fraud, before his...

Arroyo taps local gov't execs anew for show of force

MANILA, Philippines -- Her alliance with Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. now on shaky ground, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is again turning to local government executives for aid and comfort. And as...

Catholic Church Opposes Philippine Congress Proposal To Provide Funding For Contraceptives To Stem Increasing Birth Rate

Pacquiao sets visit to AFP troops in Sulu, Basilan

Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao said Friday he intends to visit Sulu and Basilan in southern Philippines next month to show his support to the military campaign against terrorists in t...

90% of journalists slain since 2001 exposing graft

MANILA, Philippines -- Nearly 90 percent of the journalists slain in the line of duty during the Arroyo administration were exposing corruption. Others were killed for reporting on and criticizing ill...

10 outstanding women hailed including PDI CEO

MANILA, Philippines -- Like wine, these independent women get better with age -- and don't mind going public with it. A number of the Philippines' trailblazing women gathered Thursday at the Museo Pa...

Arroyo ignores criticisms over her impeachment case

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday said she will not join political bickerings over the impeachment complaint filed against her, saying she wants to "concentrate on work and the economy." ...

Arroyo sticks to 'zone of comfort,' gives politics to allies

De Venecia backs off; 'sham' impeach rap goes to slaughter

INHIBITED. Speaker Jose de Venecia during a press conference at his office in the House of Representatives. PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/EDWIN BACASMAS

Pro-Arroyo lawmakers given gifts, pork pledge

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Battling for political survival for the third time in as many years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday summoned loyal congressmen to Malaca ang and,...

Airbus super jumbo visits Philippines to show it is ready for Asia

Leviev shortlisted to buy Philippine energy firm

Gabica rules BSCP 9-ball ranking tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- Antonio Gabica trounced Carlo Biado, 11-5, late Wednesday to rule the 1st San Miguel Corp.-BSCP 9-Ball Ranking Tournament at Bugsy Lair's on Sgt. Esguerra Street in Quezon City....

So eyes revenge vs GM Wang

Standings after Round 7: 6.0 points -- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt); 5.5 -- GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic); 5.0 -- IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel), GM Georg ...

Slain pastor's widow revives case vs Army men

LEGAZPI CITY-The widow of a slain activist pastor on Monday revived murder charges against an Army major and 10 unidentified military men, four months after the provincial prosecutor's office dismisse...

Comelec notes few bets listed for youth polls

BAGUIO CITY-Election officials are worried about the shortage of candidates in Baguio and the Cordillera for the Sangguniang Kabataan elections, prompting them to believe that today's youths are not i...

PBL season glimmers with college stars

MANILA, Philippines -- A league rookie takes on a veteran crew when the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) First Conference kicks off on Oct. 20 at The Arena in San Juan City. Newcomer Pharex and San...

Dec. 8 rematch for Pe alosa

MANILA, Philippines -- Reigning World Boxing Organization bantam king Gerry Pe alosa may get his cherished rematch with WBO superbantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon earlier than expected if he ...

Top Mindanao Army officer says more JI men enter Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY-The military yesterday said there are more Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) operatives, who have sought refuge in Sulu and nearby areas, than was previously thought. Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga, West...

College aces collide in All-Star tiff

MANILA, Philippines -- A showdown involving the season's best collegiate teams unfolds Saturday when UAAP and NCAA basketball standouts clash in the Bantay Bata All-Star Game at The Arena in San Juan ...

3 RP netters advance to semis of Asian 14-U series

MANILA, Philippines -- Tim Polero says that he's an all-around player. He proved it well enough to beat fourth seed Jason Michael Lee of Malaysia, 6-2, 6-4, Thursday and tow two other Filipinos to th...

Gymnast Ramirez quits SEAG team

MANILA, Philippines -- Two more Southeast Asian Games gold medals go down the drain for Team Philippines. This after the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines Thursday said it is ready to bite th...

Gov tags cops in vigilante killings

Gangland But Duterte said based on police investigations, the killings were the off-shoot of rivalry among some gangs; the death of drug suspects, he added, could be related to unfulfilled monetary o...

Pacquiao wants unbeaten Valero

Close this GUAM -- Manny Pacquiao wants World Boxing Association super featherweight champion Edwin Valero for his next fight. The Filipino boxing celebrity told the GMA news team during a r...

Prosecutors ask Sandigan to affirm Erap plunder conviction

Government prosecutors on Thursday asked the Sandiganbayan Special Division to affirm its decision of September 12, convicting former president Joseph Estrada of plunder. They said the challenges r...

Minority questions JDV inhibition

Opposition congressmen sought to block Thursday night the transmittal of the "sham" impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the House committee on rules for deliberation. ...

Arroyo thanks Pacquiao for inspiring, uniting Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) With his recent victory, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is once again looked upon as an icon of world-class excellence and a symbol of unity. No less than President Gl...

Esperon apprehensive about Oct 24 implementation of new writ

Davao Sur governor tags cops in summary killings in Digos

DIGOS CITY, Philippines -- Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas on Thursday accused the local police of direct involvement in the series of summary executions of suspected criminals here. "Two police...

Fire razes building near Manila police HQ, snarls traffic

Evening rush-hour traffic was snarled in Manila's Ermita district after a fire of still undetermined origin razed a three-story wooden building. Radio dzBB reported the fire started past 6 p.m. and...

Released Filipino worker in Nigeria back on Saturday

Prosecution slams Estrada petition vs verdict

Government plan to pursue CyberEd slammed

RP-US war games to resume in Central Luzon

New rules on DNA as evidence out - SC

The Supreme Court has promulgated new rules governing the admission of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as evidence in criminal cases. The Rule was adopted by the Court en banc on October 2, acting on t...

Soldiers's fate known after arraignment of officers in coup - AFP

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr on Thursday maintained the military will decide on the fate of at least 40 soldiers linked to last year's failed power grab after the officers who alleged...

Army promotes Pacquiao to master sergeant

The Philippine Army has promoted Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao to the next higher rank of master sergeant in the reserve force for bringing honor by defeating Mexican boxer Marco Antonio Barrera...

Throat relief

Learning from bees

MANILA, Philippines—If bees can watch over their colonies to assure survival, man should do better. Let’s learn from them.

Dr. Dayrit: academician, clinician, researcher, friend

To hear and awake

Poor body image

Which planet are you from?

MANILA, Philippines—Last year, astronomers around the world voted to strip Pluto of its planet status, bringing the number of planetary bodies down to eight. Pluto is now considered a “dwarf planet.”

Exploring the art of deconstruction

MANILA, Philippines—“Broken,” “unfinished” and “wild” are appropriate words to describe a deconstructivist space.

Enhancing curb appeal

MANILA, Philippines—Space is prime commodity and not many of us have the luxury of it. We continually have to rethink and reinvent our area to suit our ever-changing requirements.

Guam couple finds best treatment in RP

MANILA, Philippines—She sought treatment from various US hospitals but found the best solution to her medical problem in the Philippines.

The race to control the Earth from the Moon

MANILA, Philippines—The perfect energy source does indeed exist. It’s an energy source so safe that fusion plants using it can be built inside cities to provide electricity. It emits hardly any deadly radiation.

Property management: a growing business in RP

MANILA, Philippines—Any residential property must be taken care of both from the physical (maintenance and upgrade of the place) and tenant-relations standpoint.

P1.8-B hotel to corner Alabang’s 90 percent occupancy rate

Citing tourism and retirement industries as expanding exponentially in the Muntinlupa area, and the upscale Alabang’s demand of up to 100 percent occupancy rate as per Department of Tourism data, developer Corporate Holdings Management Hotels and Residences Inc. has decided to venture on the hotel industry.

The Philippine Headlines - October 11, 2007

2007-10-11T09:22:00.000+08:00

Companies shifting virtual world strategies

SAN JOSE, California -- When Cisco Systems decided to enter the Second Life virtual world, things didn't turn out exactly as the network equipment supplier expected.

Biofuel plans to hit water supplies in China, India--study

COLOMBO -- The ambitious plans of India and China to ramp up biofuel production will deplete their water reserves and seriously impact their ability to meet food demands, a new study said Thursday.

Security Council envoys agree key parts of Myanmar statement

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Security Council ambassadors on Wednesday reached broad agreement on key parts of a draft statement deploring the military crackdown in Myanmar but must consult their capitals before final approval, diplomats said.

Shares seen lower ahead of long weekend

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares may open lower Thursday as players consolidate their positions following recent gains and after Wall Street's mixed performance overnight.

Low-cost training shoes just as good as expensive ones

PARIS--Runners who buy expensive training shoes in the belief that these are less likely to cause injury are deluding themselves, according to a study that appears on Thursday.

Madonna to quit Warner Music, sign $120-M deal--report

NEW YORK--Pop diva Madonna will sever her ties to Warner Bros. and sign a landmark $120-million 10-year deal with concert promoters Live Nation, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Campaign to open gates of online virtual communities

SAN FRANCISCO--The creator of Second Life and technology stalwart IBM announced Wednesday they have joined forces to knock down walls separating virtual worlds on the Internet.

Teenage gunman wounds four in Ohio high school

CHICAGO--A 14-year-old gunman opened fire at an Ohio high school Wednesday, wounding at least four people before killing himself in the latest school shooting to rock the United States.

Iloilo mayor sued for trip paid for by Taiwan firm

ILOILO CITY—Environmental groups and anti-coal plant advocates yesterday filed criminal and administrative charges against Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas for going on a trip to Taiwan sponsored by a company that wants to build a coal-fired plant in the city.

Egyptian GM deals So 1st defeat in Jrs

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino international Master Wesley So yielded to Egyptian Grandmaster Ahmed Adly in their battle for the lead in the seventh round of the 2007 World Juniors and Girls Chess Championships at the T. Petrosian Chess House in Yerevan, Armenia, late Tuesday.

Manny Pacquiao back in RP

MANILA, Philippines--CHAMPION boxer Manny Pacquiao has returned to the Philippines days after his victory against Mexican boxer Marco Antonio Barrera.

Dolphins are Puerto Princesa's new splashy treat

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines--Tour operators here are offering a splashy treat in time for the holiday season--a close encounter with wild, frolicking dolphins in the open sea.

PNOC-EDC potential bidders down to 16

MANILA, Philippines--THE NUMBER of potential bidders for the government's remaining 60-percent stake in PNOC Energy Development Corp. has gone down to 16 from the 24 that had submitted letters of interest.

Party-list exec linked to Palace held for extortion

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna—Agents of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested an alleged ranking official of a party-list group who conned two police applicants during an entrapment operation in Noveleta, Cavite on Tuesday night, police said Wednesday.

5 RP netters enter Asian 14-U quarters

MANILA, Philippines -- Arjohn dela Cruz and Bernardine Siso used their familiarity with the turf to bundle out their seeded foreign rivals and lead the local charge in the Agra Cup-Asian 14-U Series at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center Wednesday.

It's not the first time

MANILA, Philippines--ANAKPAWIS Rep. Crispin Beltran is not the first congressman to expose an alleged bribery attempt in the House of Representatives. Previous expos&eacute;s, however, had failed to lead to convictions of alleged sources of bribe money.

Taguig hospital gets shot in the arm

MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to boost medical services for residents of Taguig City, doctors from high-end hospitals will soon provide free consultations at the Taguig District Hospital (TDH).

Ecozone investments surge

MANILA, Philippines--THE PHILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority has reported a sharp increase in the amount of investments registered with the agency, breaching its 2007 target as of the first nine months of the year.

Papers on overpriced computers missing

CEBU CITY—The bidding documents of the controversial P23-million computer units bought by the Lapu-Lapu city government in 2005 were reported missing yesterday, an antigraft official said.

More village poll violence expected

DAGUPAN CITY—A candidate for village chief was shot dead in front of his furniture shop in Tayug, Pangasinan, on Tuesday even as more areas were placed under police watch in the run up to the barangay and youth elections on Oct. 29.

No Big J for Air21 against Magnolia

MANILA, Philippines -- Robert Jaworski’s much-anticipated return to the Philippine Basketball Association is not about to happen -- at least for the coming Philippine Cup that opens Sunday.

Makati court sets start of Leviste trial on Oct. 24

MANILA, Philippines – Ten months after his aide, Rafael de las Alas, was found dead in his office in Makati, former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste, who was charged with murder, will finally go on trial.

One more time: House to probe Beltran's bribe rap

MANILA, Philippines--THE P2 MILLION offered to some lawmakers so they would endorse a weak impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was just one more instance of bribery in the House of Representatives.

Doctor’s son in Mendez case a no-show at NBI

MANILA, Philippines – The son of Dr. Francisco Cruz, who took suspected hazing victim Cris Anthony Mendez to a hospital where he was later declared dead on arrival, did not appear at the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday.

Alcano leads 11-man RP World Pool cast

MANILA, Philippines -- Although a world power in pool, the Philippines will not have the most representatives when it hosts the World Pool Championship for the second straight year next month.

War on ‘jueteng’ in Pampanga starts

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—“E ta na tataya (Let’s stop betting).” Text messages with this call started circulating in Pampanga this week as the Pampanga Against Gambling Council (PAGC) launched a campaign to stop the illegal numbers game jueteng in Pampanga.

Hold that garbage, says MMDA

MANILA, Philippines – If the trash collector is not making his usual rounds in your neighborhood lately, don’t be surprised.

'Manny-la,' no; champ to call on Arroyo, Atienza

MANILA, Philippines--MANILA IS "MANNY-LA" no more, and neither will there be motorcades.

S&P: RP credit upgrade hinges on tax measures

MANILA, Philippines--CREDIT WATCHDOG STANDARD & Poor's said Wednesday that an upgrade of the Philippine government's credit outlook to "positive" would hinge on whether new measures to boost revenue would be passed in Congress.

Marcos guards kicked out owners

MANILA, Philippines--MALACAÑANG can have her Arlegui property, but Tarcila Laperal-Mendoza wants just compensation for it.

OFW kin tend to just sit back and wait, says poll

MANILA, Philippines--FAMILIES of Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) tend to just sit back and wait for remittances, apparently content with that kind of life, according to results of a survey conducted by Nielsen Media Research (NMR) Philippines.

Maynilad seeks early exit from rehabilitation

MANILA, Philippines--MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. is seeking for an early decision on its petition to exit from rehabilitation, and enable the concessionaire to go full blast with its P26-billion capital expenditure program for the next five years.

Hamas seeks Fatah talks, hints at giving up Gaza

GAZA - Hamas said on Wednesday it would hold reconciliation talks with the Fatah faction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and hinted it might be ready to cede control of the Gaza Strip, which it seized in June.

Asian markets pause after recent rally

HONG KONG - Asian stocks took a breather on Thursday a day after hitting record highs as worries about the health of corporate America emerged following lacklustre results early in the U.S. reporting season.

Madonna and Live Nation eye rich pact: report

LOS ANGELES - Pop star Madonna is close to leaving her long-time Warner Bros. Records label for a wide-ranging $120 million deal with concert promotion firm Live Nation Inc., the Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site on Wednesday.

Philippines bans poultry, bird imports from Canada

The Philippines has temporarily banned imports of poultry and live birds from Canada after a dangerous strain of bird flu was found on a chicken farm in a Canadian province, the agriculture department said on Wednesday.

Asian ADRs ease on US profit worries

HONG KONG - Asian stocks listed on Wall Street slipped 0.4 percent, in line with declines in U.S. shares as lacklustre corporate results early in the U.S. reporting season raised concerns about the outlook for profits.

Stocks fall on Boeing delay and profit outlooks

NEW YORK - The Dow and S&P 500 fell on Wednesday after Boeing Co. said it expects a delay in deliveries of its Dreamliner jet and early corporate results prompted concern about the outlook for profits. Reuters

Kidnapped dentist rescued in Mindoro

Police found Wednesday a businessman-dentist wandering in front of an apartment, some 16 hours after seven armed men abducted him in his house in Oriental Mindoro.

Rizal pols clash as trash crisis looms

The governor of Rizal province and the mayor of Rodriguez municipality remained at odds over the shutdown of the town's sanitary landfill and the opening of a new garbage dump beside the existing facility. 
<IMG src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/03-08-2007/tv_icon.gif">Watch related video <a href="http://now.abs-cbn.com/ondemand/freeview/20071010-tvpatrol-news1-150-str.asx">1</a> . <a href="http://now.abs-cbn.com/ondemand/freeview/20071010-breakingnews-150-01.asx">2</a>

Pinoy girl wins 'Final Jeopardy!'

A 10-year-old girl from Concord, California who traces her roots to Albay province in the Philippines recently bested two other contestants in the American quiz show "Jeopardy" and went home $28,000 richer, abs-cbnNEWS.com learned Wednesday.

(UPDATE) Reports: Two shot at Cleveland school

CLEVELAND (Reuters) - At least two people were shot and wounded at a high school near downtown Cleveland, and a 14-year-old boy who may have fired the shots was in custody, local media reported on Wednesday.

GMA Undermined Neda in Getting Broadband Deal Approval

Six former Neda chiefs say the agency is now a ‘rubber stamp’ institution.

Comelec Employees Cheer Abalos Resignation

Resigned Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos is leaving behind a damaged institution. Thus, it came as no...

(GMA7) Abalos resigns as Comelec chair, but vows to fight back

(Updated 1:31 p.m.) Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos on Monday announced that he is resigning as head of the Commission on...

�Everyday Islam� Photo Contest Winners Known

...

Abalos Offered Me P200M � Neri

Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos tried to bribe former economic planning secretary Romulo Neri over the national broadband deal...

Taxpayer's suit at the SC can kill sham impeachment--lawyer

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A lawyer for Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has offered a way out for the allegedly weak impeachment complaint supposedly meant to immunize President Gloria Mac...

Taguig hospital gets shot in the arm

Arroyo defends Cyber-Ed project

Arroyo confident of lasting until 2010

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Appearing unfazed by the new impeachment case filed against her, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Wednesday she would spend her remaining three year...

House ethics panel ready to probe impeach rap endorser

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The House committee on ethics will investigate charges that P2 million was offered to some lawmakers so they would endorse a weak impeachment complaint again...

Senators warn Neda to produce NBN documents

Neri, other Ched officials to be sued for not paying contractor

Cold mornings don't mean cold season is here

Local governments blamed for textbook glut

Trillanes asks SC to allow him to perform Senate duties

Arroyo's adviser named as mastermind of 'sham' impeach rap

Abducted OFW in Nigeria released

The Filipino migrant worker abducted last month in Nigeria was released by his captors and will be repatriated soon, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.

DepEd clarifies COA findings

"The results of actual field validation by both central and division offices determine the final location and the extent of construction work required," the DepEd statement said in reaction to T...

US-RP military exercises resume next week

The Balikatan exercise of 2005 was probably the most controversial of the joint military exercises. On November 1 that year, American Marine, Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, was accused raping a Filipi...

Political noise should not affect progress

Excessive politicking could not derail the government's implementation of major economic reforms and its quest for political stability, President Arroyo said on Wednesday.

The Times read by OFWs, affluent

The Manila Times, the country's oldest newspaper, is among the top national dailies read by households of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the affluent, the latest survey of Nielsen Media Re...

Senate supports IPU call for oversight on 'tied loans'

Arroyo to push through with CyberEd project

Senators threaten contempt charges vs NEDA's Santos

UP students shine in first Philippine Yahoo! Hack Day

MANILA, Philippines -- Five computer science students from the University of the Philippines Diliman showed their programming skills to executives of Internet giant Yahoo! in the first Philippines Hac...

Communists biggest threat to peaceful, orderly polls -- PNP

MANILA, Philippines -- Communist rebels are the biggest threat to a peaceful and orderly barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections to be held on October 29, according to th...

Contractor of call center labs threatens to sue CHEd chair

MANILA, Philippines -- Pay up or face charges. The winning bidder of the controversial P550-million call center laboratory project of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) said it was studying wh...

Manila Water shares hit record high on attractive valuation

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Shares in Philippine utility company Manila Water rose sharply to record highs Wednesday on attractive valuations and an upbeat research note from Credit Sui...

Formula milk ads will still pass through tight checks

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the Supreme Court's lifting of the ban on infant formula milk ads, the Department of Health (DoH) said these ads will still go through stringent checks by the Inter-Agen...

Neri clams up again on broadband deal

MANILA, Philippines -- The former director-general of the National Economic Development Authority said Wednesday he has nothing further to add to his explosive but incomplete Senate testimony about th...

No evidence to support Arroyo impeach rap

ALLIES. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo listens while Speaker Jose de Venecia adjusts his necktie during the presentation of the Philippines' Midterm Progress Report on the Millennium Development Go...

Trillanes 'very disappointed' over Pulido impeachment rap

Close this MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Wednesday that he was "very disappointed" over the impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Macapagal-A...

Philippine court lifts absolute ban on baby milk advertising

Manila - The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted an absolute ban on infant formula advertising in striking down several provisions of implementing rules of a code that aims to promote breastfee...

40 Army soldiers detained without charges in Tanay--official

MANILA, Philippines -- Forty Army enlisted men have been detained at an infantry camp in Tanay town, Rizal province for over a year even as no formal charges have been filed against them for their all...

Prosecution of security forces in political killings sought

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine government has vowed to strengthen efforts to prosecute security forces allegedly involved in political killings to demonstrate it does not condone human rights v...

Beltran wants De Venecia to junk 'sham' impeachment rap

MANILA, Philippines -- Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran is asking Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. to dismiss the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo because it was a "s...

Development targets on track amid politicking

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has assured foreign funding agencies that the government would stick to its development targets despite politicking by some quarters. Speaking...

Philippine rebels claim attack on mining firm

manila Communist rebels said yesterday they attacked an Australian mining operation in the northeastern Philippines to force its closure, and warned of similar raids on any foreign mining company op...

Philippine police prepare for violence in village level elections

Philippine police expect tension or violence in one out of every 10 villages in the country during the election of village or city neighborhood level leaders and local youth council leaders to be held...

Philippine Senate prepares to shoot down FTA with Japan

MANILA (Kyodo) Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's campaign to persuade the Senate to ratify a landmark free-trade agreement with Japan is looking increasingly hopeless, a Filipino lawmaker...

Philippine August exports down 4.8 percent yr-on-yr

MANILA (Thomson Financial) - Philippine merchandise exports fell 4.8 percent in August from a year earlier to 4.0 billion dollars as demand for electronics declined, the National Statistics Office sai...

Manila Hosts 2nd International Medical Travel Conference

Abdul Hannan Faisal Tago, Arab News RIYADH, 10 October 2007 - Some 250 representatives from all over the world, including delegates from the Kingdom, will be gathering in Manila next month for the 2nd...

Deutsche Bank hiking exposure in Philippine microfinance

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Deutsche Bank is increasing its loan portfolio for microfinancing in the Philippines, indicating how foreign banks become a lucrative source of funding for sma...

Gap launches Philippines franchises

News ) -San Francisco's Gap Inc. (GPS) has announced a franchise agreement to launch the Gap and Banana Republic brands in the Philippines. Franchise partner Rustan Group of Companies will open approx...

3 'salvage' victims found in Taguig

THREE suspected victims of summary execution were found one after another in Taguig City on Tuesday morning, all with identical gunshot wounds in the chest.The first "salvage" victim was found at 6 a....

Elixir delivers Philippines, Cambodian order

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Elixir Gaming Technologies, Inc. (AMEX:EGT) ("Elixir Gaming") announced today that Elixir Group Limited ("Elixir Group") has delivered agreements for the placem...

Soldiers' involvement in barangay, SK polls eyed

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to have a more active participation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the forthcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. "...

Manila says open to deals to recover Marcos wealth

MANILA – The Philippine government is open to deals with the family and business partners of former president Ferdinand Marcos to end court cases involving about 180 billion pesos ($4 billion), ...

Manila to conduct study on water quality

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday ordered the city government's health chief to conduct an independent study of the quality of water in Manila after an environmental group claim...

Burgos family to test writ of amparo

The family of the missing activist Jonas Burgos said they plan to file the first test case of the Supreme Court's new legal remedy for victims of human-rights violations-the writ of amparo.

Family, health, religion make Filipinos happiest-survey

Family, health and religion are the three most-valuable sources of happiness for Filipinos, a National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) study showed.

Tricycle driver returns P100T

Francisco Lorenzo Jr., 32, is one of about 20,000 tricycle drivers here who works all day and earns an average of P100 a day, net of a P100 boundary. He lives modestly in a government housing pr...

GMA bent on pushing cyber ed

Cyber education is a project of the Department of Education and the Chinese government. It has been mentioned during Senate hearings on the other mega Chinese project here-the recently scrapped ...

Hero's welcome awaits Manny in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A hero's welcome is just about all boxing champ Manny Pacquiao can expect from the Manila City government following his defeat Sunday of Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera. Mayor Al...

PCGG chief probed on P10-M advances

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), Camilo Sabio, is being investigated by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, over ca...

Roxas accepts price controls in cheaper medicines bill

MANILA, Philippines -- The principal author of the Senate's version of a bill that seeks to lower the price of medicines has dropped his objection to the version of the House of Representatives which ...

Comelec wants more military participation in October polls

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to increase the participation of the military in the coming barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections...

Oakwood mutineers present defense on Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines -- The junior officers on trial for the failed Oakwood mutiny of 2003 will begin their defense on Wednesday before the Makati court hearing their coup d'etat case. Scheduled to pr...

Marines won't release report on debacles

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Why the Marines suffered heavy casualties in Basilan may no longer be known. Philippine Marines Commandant Major General Benjamin Dolorfino has ruled out th...

TUCP opposes GSIS, SSS plan to invest P65B overseas

MANILA, Philippines -- The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has criticized the plans of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS) to invest up t...

Military clash with MNLF, Abu

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Army troops clashed late Monday with a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Abu Sayyaf in a remote village in Sulu, killing one gunman, the military said ...

New Rizal landfill cannot operate without ECC -- mayor

MANILA, Philippines -- The mayor of Rodriguez, Rizal, has barred dump trucks from entering the new landfill within the town's jurisdiction until the provincial government has secured permits for the l...

Civil society groups launch movement against RP's bad debts

MANILA, Philippines -- A new movement composed of civil society groups was launched on Wednesday to monitor the country's pile-up of "illegal" debts. Members of the People Against Illegitimate Debt (...

Govt revives broadband project

President Gloria Arroyo earlier scrapped the $330-million broadband project awarded to China's ZTE Corp. owing to allegations of corruption.

Graft raps filed by party-list group expected move -- Abalos

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos said the graft case that party-list Akbayan filed against him was already an expected move. "As if it is someth...

Communist rebels own up to attack on Australian mine firm

MANILA, Philippines -- Communist rebels said Tuesday they attacked an Australian mining operation in the northeastern Philippines to force its closure, and warned of similar raids on any foreign minin...

3-M 'discrepancy' in voter's list 'normal increase'--Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- The bloated voters' list for the upcoming barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections is not due to the inclusion of flying voters in the list, but a s...

Solon defends increased family planning budget

MANILA, Philippines -- Where will an increased family planning budget of over P1 billion go? Answering critics from the Catholic Church and its pro-life allies, Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, cha...

Probe delays return of slain Filipino maid in Canada

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- Philippine and Canadian authorities have guaranteed the repatriation of a murdered Filipino maid, who was found dead inside the house of her employer in Mississauga City on...

Palace to return lot of 90-year-old widow

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang will abide by the Supreme Court ruling ordering the Office of the President to hand back a 4,924.60-square-meter portion of the Palace compound to a 90-year-old widow...

Gov't won't stop Estrada stay in San Juan home for sick mom

MANILA, Philippines -- The government will not oppose the bid of former president Joseph Estrada for a house arrest in his residence in San Juan to be near his ailing mother, Interior and Local Govern...

Over 4,000 villages declared election hotspots -- PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified at least 4,511 villages throughout the country as hotspots for the upcoming October elections, PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. sa...

Santiago urges Ombudsman to file graft raps vs De Venecias

MANILA, Philippines -- Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez should file graft charges against Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. and his son in relation to the cancelled $329-million national broadband network con...

87 percent of Philippine e-mail is spam--report

MANILA,Philippines--More than 80 percent of all electronic mail circulating in the Philippines is "spam" or unsolicited mass advertising, a leading computer software security provider said Tuesday. T...

Manila mayor orders independent test on city water

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila mayor Alfredo Lim directed his health chief on Tuesday for an independent study on the quality of water in the city, after an environmental group claimed that it containe...

Manila Water initiated as 'outperform' at Credit Suisse

MANILA, Philippines -- Credit Suisse has initiated coverage on Manila Water Co. with an 'outperform' recommendation and a price target of P24. "We believe that the company is undervalued and under-ap...

Arroyo to stay focused on economy amid bribe claims--Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Allegations that an executive of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) bribed a congressman to endorse the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arryo ha...

Senate adjourns 4 days ahead of Oct. 12 schedule

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate adjourned Tuesday, four days earlier than the October 12 schedule in the calendar of Congress. The early break elicited a reaction from Senator Richard Gordon who sa...

Kampi exec denies Beltran bribe claim

MANILA, Philippines -- Lawyer Francis Ver has denied the claims by Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran that he had talked to opposition congressmen at the House of Representatives and bribed them...

2 more solons confirm bribe offer after Beltran expos

impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In separate interviews with INQUIRER.net, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez and An Waray Partylist Representative Florencio Noel adm...

NEDA rejects Senate request for NBN-ZTE documents

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has rejected the Senate's request for documents related to the cancelled $329-million contract with China's ZTE Corp. in t...

Director brings gritty Philippine slums to screen

Close this BUSAN, South Korea -- When film-maker Jim Meer Libiran turned his camera on the mean streets of Manila's slums, he almost set off a turf war between rival gangs. But with determin...

Arroyo meets House lawmakers in Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Faced with a new impeachment complaint, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met with several members of the House of Representatives in Malaca ang Tuesday. The luncheon meeting w...

Criminal rap filed vs Abalos over NBN deal at Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines -- The Akbayan Partylist has filed a criminal complaint against resigned Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos at the Office of the Ombudsman for his alleged i...

Islamic militant killed in clash in southern Philippines

Zamboanga City, Philippines - An Islamic militant was killed in a clash with government troops on a southern Philippine island, a military report said Tuesday. The clash erupted when soldiers on Monda...

Beltran to reveal Palace emissary who tried to bribe him

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 2) It was the deputy secretary general of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Partner of the Free Filipino, KAMPI) who offered P2 million to endorse ...

Rebels abduct three soldiers in Philippine raid

manila Communist rebels abducted three soldiers in a raid on an army base in the southern Philippines, the fourth such sting in as many months in the restive region.

Court grants citizenship to Japanese-Filipino female pair in their 80s

So far, 49 of these children of Japanese fathers and Filipino mothers have brought cases to the court, according to the center. At least 200 more of these children who are seeking Japanese citizenship...

Santiago agrees with legal experts' opinion on Japan treaty

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Monday said she tended to agree with constitutional and international law experts that the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement i...

SC orders Palace to pay back rentals to 90-year-old woman

Justice delayed The tribunal directed Malaca ang "to pay its obligation with reasonable dispatch" so that "simple justice, while perhaps delayed, will have its day." "Private respondent is in the tw...

Arrest warrant out vs comedian Teri Onor

MANILA, Philippines -- A Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) in Quezon City has issued an arrest warrant against Bataan province Vice Mayor Dexter Dominguez, also known as Teri Onor, after Dominguez allege...

Bullet-riddled van found in Sta. Cruz street

MANILA, Philippines -- Residents of Sta. Cruz, Manila yesterday called up the police after seeing a van in the area which had bullet holes and blood stains on its seats. There was nobody inside the b...

Alternative sites available for Metro waste, says MMDA

MANILA, Philippines -- Metro Manila will not experience a garbage crisis despite the closure of the 14-hectare landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterda...

'Harmful chemicals in water supply'

MANILA, Philippines -- Samples of tap and bottled water taken from some areas in Metro Manila and Bulacan province contain "volatile organic chemicals" and high levels of metals, according to the resu...

Who were really involved in the NBN deal

The inquiry into the stinking National Broadband Network (NBN) scandal seems to have hit a dead end with the principal witness, former Socioeconomic Secretary Romulo Neri, refusing to testify further ...

Gov't to reassess Chinese-assisted projects

PRESIDENTIAL Management Staff director general Cerge Remonde said the China Projects Oversight Panel (CPOP) has asked the different agencies involved in Chinese-assisted projects to submit a report on...

Nanny of missing Pasig girl charged with kidnapping

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday filed charges against Marites Ontog, the nanny of Geraldine Palma, the 7-year-old girl believed to had been kidnapped and killed b...

SC's help sought on plunder raps v. Arroyo

Petitioner also asked that upon submission of said counter-affidavit, he should be given an opportunity to reply. He also sought that the Office of the Ombudsman take into account the Senate committee...

Philippines-China farm deals still on

Close this The Department of Agriculture expects to push through with all the controversial Philippine-China farm agreements next year but it will have to alter the mechanisms for their imple...

Philippines faring well in attaining UN goals

Close this The Philippines has scored well on 12 of 21 key human development indicators under the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), according to the Asian Development Bank'...

Imelda Marcos still quite a lady at 78

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Imelda Marcos glides across the highly polished wooden floor of her modest apartment with a carefully manicured hand outstretched, and apologizes for being l...

RP behind on millennium goals

The Philippines is making slow progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals or MDG, which are development targets that 189 countries have pledged to achieve by 2015.

Estrada closes door on pardon

By Francis Earl A. Cueto, Reporter Convicted ex-President Joseph Estrada has closed the door on a presidential pardon on Monday, blaming Malaca ang's insincerity.

JI suspect claims he was trained by MILF

But for the first time, the MILF said there could be rogue members providing clandestine military trainings to JI militants without them knowing.

DepEd violated own rules-COA

DepEd built 22 school buildings worth P28.67 million in low-priority areas in six regions, in violation of its own school-building policy, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

ePerformax targets P4 billion from planned IPO

FILIPINO call center ePerformax International, Inc. will
raise P4 billion through a planned initial public offering (IPO).

Google tops Internet search world - study

SAN FRANCISCO - Google is king of Internet search
worldwide but rivals in China and South Korea have become powerhouses in
their respective countries, a comScore study revealed yesterday.

Apple accused of unlawful iPhone monopoly

SAN FRANCISCO - A civil lawsuit filed in California
accuses Apple of creating an unlawful iPhone monopoly and vindictively
releasing a software update that turns hacked devices into "iBricks."

Davao Internet operators reeling from competition

DAVAO CITY - Internet cafe operators are reeling from the
effects of cutthroat competition as rates have continually gone down.

Unwanted e-mail, spam zombies rife in RP

Google taps small businesses

SEARCH ENGINE Google, Inc. wants to tap small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines to maximize the potential of
online advertising.

Adobe eyes 30% growth in revenues

ADOBE SYSTEMS, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed software company is
expecting a 30% increase in this year's revenues following the
introduction of two new products to the Philippine market.

Palace group to push CyberEd

Technology costs BIR

AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM established by the Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) to make it easy for taxpayers to file returns and pay taxes has
ironically resulted in revenue losses instead of gains.

Greying Japan looks to robots

TOKYO - As Japan greys, who will look after the elderly? Maybe one day their aging children - in robot suits - if technology under development comes out of the laboratory and into the home.

Networking for primary school set begins in an 'online sandbox'

Solid Group launches Dual Active SIM phone

Headlines: Exports slump on US woes, peso

EXPORTS CONTRACTED FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR in August as a strong peso and credit woes in a major trading partner cut into electronics and semiconductor shipments.

Corporate News: Thai company eyes $700-million natural gas pipeline project

THAILAND'S PTT PCL has signed a deal with the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) to study the construction of two natural gas pipelines and three terminals at an estimated cost of up to $700 million, company officials said on Wednesday.

Banking & Finance: Peso continues rally, nears P43 level

THE PESO yesterday continued its appreciation against the dollar as a result of strong remittance inflows and the prevailing weak sentiment on the greenback in global markets.

Stock Market: US interest rate outlook buoys share prices

SHARE PRICES rose yesterday, buoyed by gains on Wall Street and hopes of an interest rate cut in the US.

The Economy: Ecozone investment pledges rise 88%

INVESTMENT PLEDGEs registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, or PEZA, soared by 88% year on year to P109 billion in the nine months to September, driven largely by expansion of big-ticket investors.

The Nation: Transport groups call for fare increase

TRANSPORT GROUPS are pushing for additional fares of P2 for both jeepneys and buses due to increasing prices of diesel.

Agribusiness: Italian wine makers cling to tradition

MONTEPULCIANO, ITALY — No sugar, no wood chips and only the best local grapes patiently aged in oak barrels make Italy's premium Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

Property & Infrastracture: Gotianuns turn Cebu ancestral home into condotel

CEBU CITY — In response to the flourishing hotel industry in Cebu, Filinvest Land, Inc. is constructing a 25-storey hotel and residential tower in front of the Cebu Business Park.

IT Matters: ePerformax targets P4 billion from planned IPO

FILIPINO call center ePerformax International, Inc. will raise P4 billion through a planned initial public offering (IPO).

Egyptian GM deals So 1st defeat in Jrs

Standings after round 7: 6.0 points -- GM Ahmed Adly (Egypt); 5.5 points -- GM Victor Laznicka (Czech Republic); 5.0 points -- IM Wesley So (Philippines), GM Wang Hao (China), GM Maxim Rodshtein (Isra...

Dolphins are Puerto Princesa's new splashy treat

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines--Tour operators here are offering a splashy treat in time for the holiday season--a close encounter with wild, frolicking dolphins in the open sea. Expecting a sharp...

It's not the first time

MANILA, Philippines--ANAKPAWIS Rep. Crispin Beltran is not the first congressman to expose an alleged bribery attempt in the House of Representatives. Previous exposés, however, had failed to l...

House to probe Beltran's bribe rap

'Manny-la,' no; champ to call on Arroyo, Atienza

Giddy with excitement On Wednesday, DENR employees were giddy with excitement about Pacquiao's courtesy call on Atienza. They were preparing to shower him with confetti. Atienza said "this has been t...

Marcos guards kicked out owners

Close this MANILA, Philippines--MALACA ANG can have her Arlegui property, but Tarcila Laperal-Mendoza wants just compensation for it. For well over three decades, Mendoza could not forget th...

RP-US to start military exercises Monday

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military will conduct joint military exercises and community outreach activities starting Monday, October 15, the US Embassy in Manila announced Wednesda...

Cold mornings don't mean cold season is here

Taxpayer's suit at the SC can kill sham impeachment--lawyer

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A lawyer for Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has offered a way out for the allegedly weak impeachment complaint supposedly meant to immunize President Gloria Mac...

Internet, 'pancit canton' lead to Fil-Am's discovery

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Typical of this so-called cyber age, the discovery of Filipino-American national player Vicky Brick from the University of Maryland, a Division I US NCAA squ...

Neri faces Senate contempt over withheld NBN papers

Romulo Neri and officials of the National Economic Development Authority could face Senate contempt if they would decline to submit the agency's minutes of the meeting on the national broadband deal w...

Arroyo confident of lasting until 2010

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Appearing unfazed by the new impeachment case filed against her, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Wednesday she would spend her remaining three year...

5 RP netters enter Asian 14-U quarters

Don't judge me by the pages of my impeachment complaint

Don’t judge an impeachment complaint by the number of its pages. Lawyer Roberto Rafael “Roel" Pulido coined this saying on Wednesday in reaction to those who had belittled his three-pag...

Local governments blamed for textbook glut

Trillanes asks SC to allow him to perform Senate duties

Arroyo's adviser named as mastermind of 'sham' impeach rap

Impeach rap aims to remove me, punish my son

Close this SPEAKER Jose de Venecia Jr. sees "a dark conspiracy" and is taking his time deciding what to do with what he called was "a very irresponsible" impeachment complaint filed against P...

The old, old woman of Mt. Banahaw

SARIAYA, Quezon - With vegetables she herself grows in the cool climate of Mount Banahaw in Quezon for her daily sustenance, Filomena Remojo Relativo is only three years short of hitting the century m...

Iloilo mayor sued for trip paid for by Taiwan firm

ILOILO CITY-Environmental groups and anti-coal plant advocates yesterday filed criminal and administrative charges against Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Tre as for going on a trip to Taiwan sponsored by a c...

More village poll violence expected

DAGUPAN CITY-A candidate for village chief was shot dead in front of his furniture shop in Tayug, Pangasinan, on Tuesday even as more areas were placed under police watch in the run up to the barangay...

Papers on overpriced computers missing

CEBU CITY-The bidding documents of the controversial P23-million computer units bought by the Lapu-Lapu city government in 2005 were reported missing yesterday, an antigraft official said. Ombudsman ...

Saguisag wants Arroyo to testify on Magdalo"s coup trial

Lawyer Rene Saguisag wants President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to testify before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the coup d'etat charges filed by the government against the Magd...

DepEd"s Lapus chosen VP of 34th Unesco conference

Philippine Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has been elected vice president of the 34th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) General Conference. In a statement p...

War on 'jueteng' in Pampanga starts

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO-"E ta na tataya (Let's stop betting)." Text messages with this call started circulating in Pampanga this week as the Pampanga Against Gambling Council (PAGC) launched a campaign ...

PNP to implement 7-point plan vs Xmas crimes

With the Christmas season fast approaching, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has drawn up a seven-point "battle plan" against criminals out to take advantage of the holidays. PNP deputy for ope...

Senate supports IPU call for oversight on 'tied loans'

Arroyo to push through with CyberEd project

Senators threaten contempt charges vs NEDA's Santos

Myanmar, Colombia, Philippines leaders accused of persecuting colleagues

GENEVA - Myanmar, Colombia and Philippines are among the world's most dangerous countries for politicians, a group of leading international parliamentarians said Wednesday. Myanmar arrested sever...

Bet for village chief shot dead in Pangasinan

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines -- A candidate for village captain was shot dead Tuesday in front of his furniture shop in Tayug, Pangasinan, making him the first casualty in Pangasinan in the forthcoming b...

Manila cops barred from wearing "bling-bling" while in uniform

Wear your uniform plain and simple. Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, newly installed Manila Police District director, on Wednesday reminded his men to observe the MPD's standing policy against...

DOJ sees some gov"t agents behind killings

Could the state be now acknowledging that some elements of the military and the police are behind the cases of extrajudicial killings on political activists and mediamen who are critical of the govern...

Guard killed, 2 others hurt in Malabon shooting incident

A security guard was killed while two others were hurt in an ambush in Malabon City on Wednesday afternoon, radio dzBB reported. The shooting incident took place about 3 p.m. in front of a videoke ...

UP students shine in first Philippine Yahoo! Hack Day

Chinese food safety team probes Cebu food poisoning

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- A team of food safety experts from China has arrived in Cebu to investigate the food poisoning of 23 schoolchildren who fell ill apparently from eating Chinese-made milk cand...

Communists biggest threat to peaceful, orderly polls -- PNP

Beltran might file criminal charges vs Kampi exec

Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran is looking into the possibility of filing criminal charges against Francis Ver, deputy secretary general of President Macapagal Arroyo's party, Kilusan ng Malayang Pilip...

Contractor of call center labs threatens to sue CHEd chair

Formula milk ads will still pass through tight checks

Neri clams up again on broadband deal

No evidence to support Arroyo impeach rap

Trillanes 'very disappointed' over Pulido impeachment rap

Close this MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Wednesday that he was "very disappointed" over the impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Macapagal-A...

Philippine court lifts absolute ban on baby milk advertising

Foot soldiers in failed 2006 coup still detained without charges

The Philippine Army on Wednesday admitted that it has been holding in detention for more than a year now at least 40 soldiers linked to last year's failed power grab, without filing a single case agai...

Sigma Rho member snubs NBI probe on Mendez death

A member of the Sigma Rho fraternity on Wednesday failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to shed light on the death of University of the Philippines student Cris Anthony Me...

Serious Palace-Senate clash looms over executive privilege - Biazon

Senator Rodolfo Biazon raised fears Wednesday that a "serious confrontation" between the Senate and Malacañang would erupt after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) refused t...

Palace not supporting ouster plot, Arroyo tells JDV - report

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Wednesday assured Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr that Malacañang is not backing plots to oust him from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives. R...

Pasig building evacuated due to bomb threat

Authorities on Wednesday ordered occupants to evacuate the Citystate Center building along Shaw Blvd. in Orambo, Pasig City after allegedly receiving a bomb threat. Sketchy reports said evacuation ...

Magdalo soldiers refuse to take witness stand

The first batch of Magdalo soldiers who were supposed to start presenting their evidence on Wednesday before the Makati City regional trial court (RTC) did not take the witness stand to deliver their ...

Most affluent Filipinos use the Web, study shows

MANILA, Philippines -- Majority of "affluent" Filipinos use the Internet, with more than half of them going online everyday, according to a study by Nielsen Media Research. Nielsen sampled 500 respon...

Garbage crisis in Metro looms, MMDA urged to find new dump site soon

Metro Manila will face a garbage crisis if the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) fails to secure an alternative dump site, following the closure of the sanitary landfill in Rodriguez, R...

Xmas lights seized, destroyed in Valenzuela

Authorities seized and destroyed Wednesday some P2.3 million worth of alleged substandard Christmas lights and compact fluorescent lamps smuggled from China. Radio dzBB reported that a joint team o...

Transport groups eye P9-minimum fare

Jeepney and public transport groups will ask the Land Transportation Franching and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for a P2-increase in minimum fares, bringing the basic charge to P9 should the government ap...

Prosecution of security forces in political killings sought

Beltran wants De Venecia to junk 'sham' impeachment rap

Development targets on track amid politicking

Philippine rebels claim attack on mining firm

Philippine police prepare for violence in village level elections

JDV not keen on transmitting impeach complaint vs Arroyo

House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr on Wednesday said he is not keen on transmitting the bribe-tainted impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the House justice committee. I...

DILG, prosecution won't oppose Erap 'house arrest'

Government prosecutors and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) expressed openness to allow convicted former President Joseph Estrada to stay under police detention at his home in Sa...

Philippine Senate prepares to shoot down FTA with Japan

Senate, Villar top SWS ratings

Social Weather Stations survey. The Arroyo Cabinet scored the lowest. Among individual leaders, Senate President Manuel Villar and Vice President Noli de Castro got top ratings, while House Speaker J...

Philippine August exports down 4.8 percent yr-on-yr

'Inday' jokes in English, smarter than 'Eraptions'

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Inday, the housemaid or "kasambahay," is riding the airwaves. Whether in e-mail, blog posts, Internet chats or text messages, she's smart, spouts flowery En...

Family, not sex, is Pinoys' No. 1 source of happiness

National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). But sounding incredulous, the NSCB official, who released the results of the study Tuesday, observed: "Could it be that the respondents were just too s...

'Lobbyist' monitors for Kampi

MANILA, Philippines -- Allegations of bribery aside, lawyer Francis Ver appears to be a likeable fellow in the halls of the agenda-driven House of Representatives. Even his accusers think so. "We ar...

Deutsche Bank hiking exposure in Philippine microfinance

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Deutsche Bank is increasing its loan portfolio for microfinancing in the Philippines, indicating how foreign banks become a lucrative source of funding for sma...

Trade pact to open Japan to RP agricultural products

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines may obtain from Japan improved market access concessions for its agricultural and fishery products under the proposed Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agre...

Palace won't give Senate NEDA records on NBN

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang has slammed the door anew on the Senate which is demanding to look into records of meetings of the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordinating...

Briber exec of Arroyo party

MANILA, Philippines -- A Malaca ang ally was linked Tuesday to alleged bribery attempts to protect President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from being impeached, as her relationship with Speaker Jose de Vene...

Coconut pest moving north, says gov't exec

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan -- Coconut leaf beetles (Brontispa longissima), which devour young coconut fronds, have damaged more than 2,000 trees in two towns and a city in western Pangasinan, a Philippi...

Fate of CHEd execs in call center mess up to COA

Commission on Higher Education will not act against CHEd officials linked to the alleged irregularities in the agency's P550-million call center laboratory project. The CHEd was leaving it to the Com...

'Bringing dignity back to the people'

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO--The poor have ceased being just receivers and the rich, the givers. They both participate in building families and communities in Pampanga. This is the "paradigm shift" that Pam...

Solar energy lights up remote Mindanao villages

BULDON, SHARIFF KABUNSUAN--Nine-year-old Jamael Akmad's life always began at 6 a.m. and ended at 6 p.m. During the day, she spends most of her time in school. At home at night, she sleeps early and w...

Solon files graft case against Abalos

MANILA, Philippines -- The main cast in the controversial $329-million contract for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project has all been haled to the Office of the Ombudsman, facing criminal comp...

Soldiers pulled out of Basilan to fight NPAs

LEGAZPI CITY--Regional police and military units have joined forces to streamline the anti-insurgency campaign in Bicol with the launch of a joint technical working group (TWG) at Camp Simeon Ola here...

Cops kill 3 robbery gang men in San Pablo clash

CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA--Three suspected members of a notorious robbery syndicate were killed in a gunfight with policemen shortly after they supposedly held up a man in San Pablo City early Tuesday....

Gap launches Philippines franchises

Palace disowns role in bribe offer raps

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang on Tuesday disowned any involvement in alleged bribery attempts to derail impeachment moves against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It accused the opposition of p...

Mexico's Barrerun backpedals into the sunset

LOS ANGELES -- Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera should've put up a fighting final stand instead of dance that cutesy waltz to the sunset last Saturday (Sunday in Manila). Rather than endlessly retreat,...

Workers fear closure of steel firm

CALAMBA CITY--The labor union of the country's biggest manufacturer of steel roofing materials on Saturday raised concern over the possible mass layoff of hundreds of its members with the imminent clo...

Cordero, Polero rip Asian U-14 net foes

MANILA, Philippines--Seeded Filipino standout Kyle Cordero handily hurdled compatriot Isaiah Dandan but it was the stunning triumph of Tim Polero over a fifth-seeded Bruneian that stole the limelight ...

Air21's Santos makes PBA face morality issues anew

MANILA, Philippines -- Arwind Santos, the Air21 forward embroiled in a bigamy suit, must settle his problem at the soonest time to avoid possible sanctions from a league that let go of its last commis...

Local carvers learn from Maori artist

BAGUIO CITY -- Guests expected a physique like a member of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team with spiral tattoos all over his body which he flaunts while doing the haka (Maori dance). James Ricka...

Elixir delivers Philippines, Cambodian order

COA finds P329-M textbooks unused

MANILA, Philippines -- Some P329 million worth of textbooks, information and communication technology (ICT) products, computers and instructional materials are lying around in the offices of school of...

Our coalition won't break

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Tuesday steered away from a collision course and agreed they would not allow the ruling coa...

Marines won't release report on debacles

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Why the Marines suffered heavy casualties in Basilan may no longer be known. Philippine Marines Commandant Major General Benjamin Dolorfino has ruled out th...

PNP tags 1 in every 10 villages as poll hotspot

One in every 10 barangays, or 4,344 of 41,994 villages in the country are considered areas of immediate concern that must be carefully watched by authorities during the election period for barangay an...

Roxas accepts price controls in cheaper medicines bill

TUCP opposes GSIS, SSS plan to invest P65B overseas

Palace, foes taunt each other on 'desperate' impeach bid

Malacañang and its foes on Tuesday accused each other of being behind desperate attempts to create a political scandal over the alleged "tainted" and "weak" impeachment complaint against Presid...

Comelec wants more military participation in October polls

Graft raps filed by party-list group expected move -- Abalos

New Rizal landfill cannot operate without ECC -- mayor

Oakwood mutineers present defense on Wednesday

Civil society groups launch movement against RP's bad debts

CPJ calls on gov't to act on broadcaster's shooting

NEW YORK - The Committee to Protect Journalists on Tuesday called on the Philippine government to act quickly to apprehend the gunmen who shot and seriously wounded radio commentator Jose Pantoja on M...

PCGG chief probed on P10-M advances

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), Camilo Sabio, is being investigated by the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, over ca...

Thanks, but no thanks

MANILA, Philippines—Probably aware some governments through their embassies are warning people about e-mail informing them they are big lotto winners, another con is being pulled on the gullible.

A delicious way to travel

MANILA, Philippines—Food tourism is the new buzz-word. The thrust is to make Filipino cuisine an attraction for visitors to come to the country.

An Andalusian evening

MANILA, Philippines—Mighty thick chunks of steak, sliced, table-grilled, served with potatoes and roasted bell peppers. Xandra says it was in the town of Villagodio, in the northern part of Spain, where this method of grilling beef originated.

Well worth the long wait

MANILA, Philippines—There is good reason some inspired Pinoy cooking simmers every day at Finio restaurant on Tomas Morato.

A Japanese celebration

MANILA, Philippines--Great news for all of us die-hard followers of the popular Yoshinoya.

Q & A on the bitter, the sweet and the smooth

MANILA, Philippines--Of course, the truth can set you free. But more than that, it can also make you healthier and sexier.

Hypnosis and breast enlargement

MANILA, Philippines--The average Filipino’s exposure to hypnosis is with a stage magician or entertainer who hypnotizes a subject, usually a woman, by dangling a pendulum in front of her, and making her body stiff or rigid.

Remember Teachers Camp?

MANILA, Philippines -- Who does not remember Teachers Camp? For the past five or six generations, almost every Filipino teacher or student has had a Teachers Camp experience, spending a few education-enriching days or even a fortnight, for the fortunate few, in green-and-white pre-war cottages under the pines in cool

Reaching toward my goal

MANILA, Philippines - Unlike any other creature on earth, humans have a unique capacity to create their own reality. We have the ability to envision what we want, and in a fascinating psychological twist, some of us can actually behave as if the goal has already been achieved.

150th anniversary of apparitions

MANILA, Philippines - The City of Lourdes in France continues to receive thousands of pilgrims as various activities are being held until Feb. 11, 2008, to mark the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl.

Other women’s morals are their own concern

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, Why do women, married and with children to raise, succumb to an affair?

Rachel Anne Wolfe is ‘Cool’

MANILA, Philippines—Rachel Anne Wolfe. Daughter of Philippine Jazz Queen, Annie Brazil, and sister of Richard Merk, is now based in New Jersey in the US and sings in an Italian bistro in Greenwich Village. She’s a doting mom to her four sons with hubby John Spitaletta.