Shares seen firmer on corporate deals; Jollibee in focus

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares may open firmer on Monday, with investor sentiment supported by positive corporate news and economic data as well as expectations that the local central bank will lower key interest rates.

Miniature lab can detect bird flu virus in 30 minutes

PARIS -- Scientists in Singapore say they have devised a mini-lab capable of identifying the H5N1 bird flu virus in less than 30 minutes, in what they believe could be a breakthrough in efforts to shore up defenses against any flu pandemic.

Ahmadinejad: Iran has no need for nuclear weapons

NEW YORK -- Iran has no need of nuclear weapons and is not on a path to war with the United States, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview with CBS television to be broadcast later Sunday.

US denounces 'brutality' of Myanmar regime

NEW YORK -- US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Sunday denounced Myanmar's ruling military junta as "brutal" and said Washington was closely monitoring rising protests for democracy in the Southeast Asian state.

In changed Peru, no more rejoicing for Fujimori

LIMA -- Former president Alberto Fujimori, forced back to Peru to face justice over alleged massacres by death squads, finds a changed country in which his supporters are disenchanted and divided.

Roddick puts USA into Davis Cup final against Russia

GOTHENBURG, Sweden -- Andy Roddick swept the United States into the Davis Cup final here on Sunday by defeating Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman in straight sets.

Iranian president faces protests ahead of New York visit

NEW YORK -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was due to arrive in New York Sunday amid a storm of controversy and angry protests over his appearances at the United Nations and a top university.

Djokovic dumps Aussies into Davis Cup wilderness

BELGRADE -- Novak Djokovic beat Chris Guccione in straight sets here on Sunday to give Serbia a 3-1 lead and dump Australia into Davis Cup wilderness for only the second time in their proud history.

Lapid’s comeback in Pampanga seen via SCTEx interchange

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Watch out for “Ang Pagbabalik ni Leon Guerrero (The Return of Leon Guerrero).”

Jueteng return in Cavite feared with lottery OK

CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA -- Police officials here warned that the organized illegal numbers racket might be resurrected in Cavite after a company reportedly owned by controversial casino patron Charlie “Atong” Ang was granted a permit to run the government-sanctioned Small Town Lottery (STL).

Banana firms lose in pesticide ban case

DAVAO CITY -- A local court has trashed the petition of banana companies to stop the implementation of the ordinance banning aerial spraying of pesticides in plantations.

Lyceum, St. Benilde cagebelles forge title duel

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion Lyceum of the Philippines and College of St. Benilde overwhelmed their respective semifinal foes Saturday to forge a rematch of last year’s title duel in the 38th WNCAA senior basketball tournament at the St. Scholastica’s College gym.

Pasig police ready to secure big-time bank clients

MANILA, Philippines -- The Pasig City Police is willing to provide security to people about to withdraw large amounts of cash from banks to protect them from motorcycle-riding robbers, city police chief, Senior Supt. Frank Uyami, said.

‘Tsikitings’ to create mini forests in urban jungle

MANILA, Philippines -- Eight-year-old Ramon Madrid has never set foot in a real forest.

Rustom, lost and found

MANILA, Philippines - With pride, this year’s Urian and Gawad Tanglaw Best Actor Rustom Padilla relates that his planned movie with brothers Robin and Rommel was cooked up over dinner—right after their much-hyped appearance on the GMA 7 chat show “Showbiz Central.”

ZTE denies causing trouble around globe

CHINA'S ZTE CORP. lamented that during the Senate hearing last week on the National Broadband Network (NBN) project, the company was "again wrongly accused of causing so-called troubles in other countries around the world like Ethiopia, Mexico, Libya, Indonesia and Thailand."

Valle-Millares takes 10-ball crown

MANILA, Philippines -- Gandy Valle and Jay Jay Millares were both excellent and lucky late Friday as the two billiards warriors claimed the inaugural San Miguel Corp. Scotch Doubles 10-ball crown over Carlo Biado and Mark Mendoza with a 13-10 victory in the finals at Metrowalk in Pasig City.

Mamiit-Taino powers RP to victory, Group 1 slot

KUWAIT CITY--The Philippines left the tennis community here shocked and awed as Cecil Mamiit rose from his sickbed and teamed up with Eric Taino to complete the annihilation of Kuwait in their Asia-Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup finals here.

Israeli army launches 'early warning' website

JERUSALEM--The Israeli army unveiled a new website on Sunday that will be used to warn Israelis of impending attacks after the "lessons learned" from the 2006 war in Lebanon.

Angels capture AL West division title

ANAHEIM, California (AFP) - The Los Angeles Angels clinched the American League West division title for the third time in four years on Sunday with a 7-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

US in spotlight at Spanish film festival

SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain (AFP) - The spotlight was on US cinema on Sunday at the San Sebastian film festival, where the latest film by US director-author Paul Auster was shown out of competition and actor Richard Gere received an honorary "Donosti" for his career.

India's cyber-city lives in fear of terror attacks

HYDERABAD, India (AFP) - A series of deadly bombings have left this southern showcase of India's hi-tech success haunted by fears of new attacks that could ruin Hindu-Muslim harmony and the city's growing prosperity.

In changed Peru, no more rejoicing for Fujimori

LIMA (AFP) - Former president Alberto Fujimori, forced back to Peru to face justice over alleged massacres by death squads, finds a changed country in which his supporters are disenchanted and divided.

AFP continues loyalty checks amid persistent coup reports

In the wake of persistent reports of another coup plot against President Arroyo, military commanders started conducting loyalty checks on troops assigned to provinces near Metro Manila, DZMM reported.

Rosales takes over MPD; PNP revamp underway

Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales took over the Manila Police District in a simple turnover ceremony at the MPD headquaters Monday morning.

HSBC to close subprime unit, cut 750 jobs

NEW YORK - HSBC Holdings Plc, Europe's biggest bank, said on Friday that it would close its U.S. subprime mortgage unit, cutting 750 jobs and taking $945 million in charges and write-downs, because the business is no longer sustainable.

Asian ADRs nudge higher on tech outlook

SYDNEY - Asian stocks listed on Wall Street edged up 0.1 percent, in line with their U.S. peers, as upbeat earnings from software maker Oracle Corp. brightened the outlook for the technology sector.

China may eventually cancel NBN, CyberEd deals with RP

The Chinese government may eventually call for the cancellation of the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal if critics continue to demonize the controversial contract, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said Monday.

Asian Stocks Week Ahead: Inflation a worry, holidays abound

HONG KONG - After five straight weeks of gains and having scaled fresh peaks, Asian stock markets are likely to be more subdued in coming sessions, dulled by holidays in many regional centres.

After Son's Revelations, Will JDV Allow GMA Impeachment?

The political fallout from the ZTE revelations: “brewing war” between President Arroyo and Speaker De Venecia

PCGG Wants to Review Payanig sa Pasig Contract

While the government’s broadband deal with ZTE Corp. was being examined at the Senate today, it was learned that another...

GMA Played Golf with Businessmen Who Bagged Broadband Deal

With a finger pointed directly at the face of Iloilo Vice Gov. Rolex Suplico who was seated beside him, businessman...

Mike Arroyo pushed for ZTE deal - de Venecia

Businessman Jose de Venecia III revealed today that First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is the mystery man involved in...

Fellowship of the Ring: Anti-Erap Lawyers Vow To Pursue Big Cases

The team of lawyers that worked for the conviction of former President Joseph Estrada agrees that they should remain intact...

Busy Sunday morning for QC cops

MANILA, Philippines -- Quezon City policemen had their hands full Sunday morning after three suspected victims of summary execution were found separately. At 5 a.m., a tricycle driver called up the c...

Continuance of deployment ban in Iraq proposed

THE Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee (PMEPC) recommended not to lift the deployment ban in Iraq due to still unstable "situation" there.In a report submitted to President Gloria Macapag...

Education chief welcomes Cyber-Ed suspension

EDUCATION Secretary Jesli Lapus welcomed the suspension of the US$400 million Cyber Education Project (CEP) but stressed he felt sorry for the students who will benefit from the program and said it wo...

Court says 2 dismissed local officials may continue works

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has ruled that the respective administrative liabilities of two elected officials in Metro Manila, who were both dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman, have b...

Rules for writ of amparo out by Oct. 24--Supreme Court

Supreme Court subcommittee has finished drafting the rules on issuance of the writ of amparo to compel authorities to act on enforced disappearances. The Supreme Court en banc was set to discuss the ...

675 child rights advocates to tackle abuse, neglect in forum

MANILA, Philippines--With widespread international support, Manila will host the largest regional child protection conference that will gather together close to 700 child advocates from around the wor...

Defense chief wants to revive ROTC

MANILA, Philippines--Citing the "degradation" of the military's reserve force and its "serious" consequences, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has proposed the reimposition of a mandatory Reser...

Arroyo set to leave for New York for UN meet

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will leave for New York on Tuesday night to attend the 62nd United Nations (UN) General Assembly, meet with US business groups and the Filipino community, and watch a...

Give it a second look, Cyber Ed proponent urges the public

MANILA, Philippines--The country's former top spy, retired Brig. Gen. Victor N. Corpus, is unhappy that his brainchild, the Cyber Education Project (CEP), has been suspended by President Gloria Macapa...

Defense plan on internal threats to be reviewed

MANILA, Philippines--Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has ordered a review, and possible revision, of the Defense Planning Guidance -- a set of military guidelines regularly updated and prepare...

Estrada ready to accept absolute pardon--spokesman

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- SAYING his main concern was his ailing mother, deposed president Joseph Estrada on Sunday strongly indicated he would accept an unconditional pardon that wou...

Lozano files impeachment complaint vs Abalos

MANILA, Philippines--Perennial impeachment complainant Oliver Lozano has jumped the gun on minority congressmen, filing an impeachment case against Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. ov...

'Broadband' rock group makes 'debut'

The name of the group is a dead giveaway, and so is the date: The Senate resumes its investigation of the National Broadband Network project on Wednesday.

North Luzon military chief conducts loyalty check

By Anthony Vargas, Reporter Amid recent reports of a coup threat, the military commander in Northern Luzon is going around to inspect his troops and conducting what appears like a loyalty ch...

31 Fraport officials charged

A FRAPORT stockholder has filed charges in Frankfurt against 31 executives of that company in connection with the mothballed Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a press ...

Growing dependence on China

(Conclusion) The Philippines started official trade with modern China on June 9, 1975, but the pace stepped up in 2000, when the two trading partners signed the Joint Statement on the Framew...

China's ZTE confident on Manila telecoms deal probe

MANILA, Philippines--Chinese telecoms equipment maker ZTE Corp said it was disappointed with the Philippines' decision to suspend a $330 million telecoms deal at the center of a political scandal but ...

Wait until judicial process ends

MANILA, Philippines--Former president Fidel Ramos said on Sunday it was "premature" for Malacañang to discuss the possibility of granting executive clemency to deposed president Joseph Estrada ...

House to proceed with own probe on broadband deal

MANILA, Philippines--Despite Malacañang's suspension of the $329-million National Broadband (NBN) deal, the House of Representatives is proceeding with its investigation into the scandal. The ...

Marriage breakups rising among Filipinos, reports bishop

website , said children were usually the victims of these failed unions, which he attributed to distorted values and a downgraded view of marriage in this predominantly Catholic country. It was unfor...

NBN deal may be revived, says Palace official

CEBU CITY, Philippines--A Cebuano Cabinet official has said that the recently suspended National Broadband Network project could be revived, should it become acceptable to the public after a discussio...

Arroyo mulled NBN deal's cancellation in early Sept--solon

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has long been contemplating the cancellation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and Cyber Education projects even before her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, was imp...

Two policemen hurt in communist rebel attack in Philippines

Manila - Two policemen were injured when communist rebels raided their station in a southern Philippine town on Sunday and took away several firearms, a police official said. The rebels attacked the p...

Philippines suspends controversial telecom deal

manila Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has suspended a $330 million telecommunications deal with a Chinese firm after it triggered a kickbacks scandal that could rattle her government.

Extra troops in Manila amid coup fears

Manila The Philippine military has drafted extra troops into the capital Manila after reporting fresh plots aimed at President Gloria Arroyo, officials said yesterday.

Doctors urge higher health care budget since economy's up

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite recent economic gains, the government's budget for health care is still far from the international standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a n...

More oil firms hike fuel prices

MANILA, Philippines -- Three more oil firms jacked up the pump prices of their gasoline, diesel and kerosene by 50 centavos a liter yesterday as world oil prices continued to escalate. Total (Philipp...

Marine biologist keeps 'little trees' in backyard nursery

MANILA, Philippines -- DURING OFFICE HOURS, the tall, bearded professor of marine biology spends most of his time studying coral reefs and giant clams. In his spare time, however, Dr. Edgardo Gomez p...

A night of song and 100 fingers on the keyboard

MANILA, Philippines -- Long before television sets or karaoke machines were invented, entertainment for some Filipinos, particularly among well-to-do families, meant gathering around the piano and sin...

Australia denies wanting to join Filipino monitoring team

Australia has denied claims by the Philippines rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that it wants to participate in the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team stationed in the souther...

Mattel says design flaws caused recall, apologizes

BEIJING: American toy giant Mattel issued a startling apology to China Friday, saying the vast majority of recent recalls of Chinese-made products were due to design flaws it had committed itsel...

Economic power shifting to China from the West

HONG KONG: The former president of the World Bank said rich countries were ill prepared to deal with the "tectonic shift" in economic power toward developing nations, in particular to India and ...

Purchase of military hardware for Air Force, Navy prioritized

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. vowed to give priority to the acquisition of military hardware for the Air Force and the Navy to address certain concerns, including the entry of terrorists thro...

Defense chief vows improvement on education of junior officers

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the defense establishment is instituting a program for the improvement of the quality of education of junior military officers to sustain reforms and profession...

Tainted toys bring about mixed reactions

Camille Baleros talked with The Manila Times as she was doing some early Christmas shopping for toys in Divisoria. Baleros, a laundry woman with five kids, said she does not mind whether the toy...

Court halts introduction of GM rice in the Philippines

SciDev.Net A Philippine court has temporarily halted an application to bring genetically modified (GM) rice to the country, pending a study of possible health and environmental effects. A temp...

Health budget far from WHO standards--doctors' group

MANILA, Philippines--Despite recent economic gains, the government's budget for health care is still far from the international standards set by the World Health Organization, according to a nongovern...

Philippine army prepares to try soldiers for murder

MANILA – The Philippine military is preparing to try at least 13 soldiers for their alleged role in the murder of left-wing activists, the first cases to be brought before new tribunals set up t...

GMA willing to give Estrada absolute pardon

Close this MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is willing to grant her predecessor an "absolute pardon," Malaca ang said Saturday. "Absolute means unconditional," said Pre...

My son is an 'agent of the Lord'

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Jose "Joey" De Venecia III may have been derided as the ex-junkie who threw a monkey wrench in China's plan to help the Philippines put up a national broadband...

NBN deal's suspension should calm down passions--Palace exec

MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to suspend implementation of the national broadband network (NBN) deal with the Chinese company ZTE Corp. was aimed at defusing the po...

Philippine Rice Research Institute uses DNA marker-assisted selection to develop flood-tolerant rice

SEAMEO SEARCA By Carlos D. Marquez Jr. Correspondent A new rice variety, developed by a leading rice-research agency in Asia, for flooded, low-lying fields promises not only of enduring flood wa...

Suspension of NBN deal has no effect on SC case--spokesman

MANILA, Philippines--The suspension by the executive branch of the National Broadband Network (NBN) contract with the Chinese telecommunication company ZTE will not have any effect on a petition curre...

2 China deals halted

President Gloria Arroyo on Saturday announced the suspension of two controversial contracts with China amid allegations that they were tainted with corruption.

Fate of NBN deal rests with Supreme Court--ZTE exec

MANILA, Philippines--The fate of the $329-million deal for ZTE Corp. to build a National Broadband Network now must be taken up in the Supreme Court following a government announcement indefinitely su...

ZTE, Cyber Ed deals with China suspended

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 3) The controversial $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with the Chinese company, ZTE Corp., has been "indefinitely" suspended, Trade...

Neri says he's been given additional security

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chairman Romulo Neri has received added security ahead of his testimony at the Senate next wee...

Luli opens floodgates to counter-attack

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- For the first time, the usually low-profile Luli Arroyo, the President and Mike Arroyo's only daughter, became abrasive in public. She accused Jose "Joey" d...

Delgados seek reinstatement of charges vs Gonzalez

MANILA, Philippines - The family of slain businessman Federico Delgado is seeking the reversal of a prosecutor's decision to drop murder and frustrated murder complaints against businessman Luis Gonza...

New police chief starts work Sept. 24 with Manila's Finest

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales bade farewell "with a heavy heart" yesterday to the Southern Police District and prepared to take over Manila's Finest on Monday. Rosales, who was na...

QC terminals offer cheaper food items

MANILA, Philippines - Some 2,000 families in Quezon City will soon have better access to basic food items such as rice, fish and meat, priced at least 10 percent lower than those sold in retail market...

Body of rape-murder victim exhumed Monday

Close this MANILA, Philippines - The body of Geraldine Palma, the 7-year-old girl rape and murder victim, will be exhumed Monday, according to the National Bureau of Investigation. Arnel Dal...

2 men nabbed in QC for selling stolen vehicle side mirrors

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested two men, believed to be members of a syndicate, for allegedly possessing and selling stolen side mirrors in Quezon City Thursday afternoon. Jojo Esguerra, 31, an...

3 hijacking suspects killed

Close this MANILA, Philippines - Three suspected hijackers were killed in a pre-dawn shootout yesterday with police operatives in Caloocan City. Chief Supt. Pedro Tango of the Northern Polic...

Philippine censors ban films on rights violations

manila The Philippines' censors' board has banned the showing of a series of short films on alleged human rights violations under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a sister of a missing activist sa...

Six junior Philippine officers sacked for alleged coup recruitment

The Philippine military on Friday sacked six junior officers for allegedly recruiting troops for a coup plot against the Arroyo administration. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. ...

Villar sees De Venecia remaining Speaker

MANILA, Philippines -- Senate President Manuel Villar sees House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. holding on to his post despite moves in the Lower House to oust him due to allegations his son made about a...

US gives CIDG advanced forensic equipment

MANILA, Philippines -- The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Friday received some P50-million worth of computers for forensic work from the United States government. Thomas de Triq...

Speaker unlikely ally in Anakpawis' Beltran

MANILA, Philippines -- Embattled because of his son's role in exposing alleged anomalies in the national broadband network (NBN) deal, House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. found himself getting moral sup...

Military chief open to reimposition of martial law

MANILA, Philippines -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. is open to the re-imposition of martial law, saying it will "come in handy," especially in ti...

Three suspected highway robbers killed in shootout in Philippines

Manila - Three suspected highway robbers were killed in a shootout with policemen shortly after hijacking a cargo truck in the Philippine capital, a police official said Friday. The shootout erupted b...

Filipino bloggers frustrated with NBN Senate investigation

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino tech blogger Abe Olandres wanted to jump out of his seat and explain to Senators the technical aspects of the controversial national broadband network (NBN) project, as...

NBN deal might have to be ratified by Senate, says Santiago

MANILA, Philippines -- Even administration Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago does not seem convinced by the explanation of government officials on the nature of the document signed by Transportation Se...

Perjury raps filed by CIDG vs Doble

MANILA, Philippines -- For his contradicting statements in his sworn affidavit submitted to police two years ago and his statement under oath at the Senate last week, former Technical Sergeant Vidal D...

13 soldiers face probe for 3 cases of extrajudicial killings

MANILA, Philippines -- Thirteen soldiers are undergoing pre-trial investigation for three cases of extrajudicial killings before newly-formed military courts that will try cases of human rights violat...

More troops deployed in Philippine capital amid corruption scandal

Manila - Hundreds of additional soldiers were deployed to the Philippine capital on Friday amid the military chief's claim of a new destabilization plot against the scandal-tainted administration of P...

Philippine military chief warns of new coup plot

manila The military chief of the Philippines said yesterday fresh attempts were being made to destabilise the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but all such efforts would be scotched.

Philippine peso at 5-week high

DUBAI - The Philippine peso has jumped to its strongest level against the UAE dirham in five weeks following the 50-basis points cut in US benchmark federal funds rate and the peaceful situation in th...

6 junior officers in new plot to topple gov't relieved

MANILA, Philippines -- At least six junior officers have been either relieved from their posts or reassigned since last week for allegedly recruiting fellow soldiers for a fresh plot to topple the gov...

Palace, Estrada discuss pardon--DILG chief

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang is talking to convicted president Joseph Estrada over the possibility of granting him pardon, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Friday. Puno ...

Nothing much has changed 35 years after Martial Law--Bayan

MANILA, Philippines -- Thirty-five years have passed since then president Ferdinand Marcos imposed Martial Law but for a militant group nothing much has changed. In a statement, the Bagong Alyansang ...

Senate cancels wiretap probe this Friday

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate has cancelled the scheduled hearing on the wiretapping scandal linking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and a former election official to cheating in the May 2004 po...

Philippine activists warn of 'undeclared martial law'

Manila - Philippine human rights and democracy activists on Friday urged Filipinos to fight the "undeclared martial law" of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with the same fervour as they opposed the ...

Philippine fast-food giant acquires China chain

Philippine fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. said Friday it had acquired the Chinese restaurant chain Hongzhuangyuan for about 50.5 million dollars. The acquisition is part of Jollibee's strategy ...

Philippine Agricultural Exports Post Growth From January

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 21 September 2007 - OFWs who intend to invest in agriculture have something to cheer in the past seven months. Export of the country's top agricultural prod...

Makati police eye inside job angle in botched rob try

MANILA, Philippines - The police of Makati are looking into the possibility that Wednesday's botched robbery on a busy intersection which left two men dead and two others wounded was an inside job. M...

Woman, 3 men wanted for killing criminology student

MANILA, Philippines - Police are looking for a woman and three men believed to be her relatives for the death of a criminology student in Quezon City last month. The victim, Gary Bautista, 18, a resi...

Classes cancelled in Malabon due to floods

MANILA, Philippines - Classes at all levels in Malabon City were suspended before noon yesterday due to floods caused by heavy rains that rendered major streets in the city impassable, its chief local...

De Venecia charged at House ethics committee

AMID speculations that pro-administration House members are plotting to oust Jose de Venecia Jr. as Speaker, a lawyer on Thursday filed an unprecedented ethics complaint that could lead to the Pangasi...

House Speaker remains loyal to Arroyo

DESPITE the expose made by his son, House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has affirmed his loyalty to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo while at the same time vowed to support the crusade of Jose "Joey" d...

Fumbles lighten up serious hearing

It was perhaps no surprise that the second Senate hearing on the controversial National Broadband Network project also had it share of funny moments.

Murder raps against suspect in Delgado slaying dropped

MANILA, Philippines - Murder and frustrated murder complaints filed against businessman Luis Gonzalez for the death of his stepbrother Federico Delgado have been dismissed by the Department of Justice...

Trillanes plea for Senate attendance, media access junked anew

THE Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Thursday denied the motion of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV seeking to reverse an earlier court ruling denying his petition to attend Senate proceedings and acc...

3 top govt officials fired, 1 suspended

Malacanang on Thursday ordered the dismissal of four high-ranking government officials, the suspension of one regional director, and the reprimand of two officials of a regulatory body for vario...

Miriam worried JPEPA may die natural death

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, warned Thursday that the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) would "die a natural death"...

JdV faces ethics complaint

By Maricel V. Cruz Reporter A lawyer on Thursday filed a complaint in the House of Representatives against Speaker Jose de Venecia who he said allowed his son, businessman Jose "Joey" de Venec...

Anwar Ibrahim hopes Erap set free

Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in town to address a three-day gathering of Asian democracy advocates, said Thursday that he hoped convicted former President Joseph Estrada...

NBI to quiz funeral parlor exec

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation will summon the manager of a funeral parlor that took the body of suspected hazing victim Cris Anthony Mendez from the Veterans Memorial Medi...

Estrada conviction a landmark

The recent guilty verdict of former President Joseph Estrada gave the Philippines a credibility boost that will likely make it more attractive to foreign investors, a British envoy said Thursday...

No quarter for Estrada, several lawyers insist

SEVERAL lawyers, some of whom were involved in the prosecution of Joseph Estrada, said Thursday they would vehemently oppose a pardon or amnesty for the convicted president. In a statement sent to th...

OSG backs bid in SC to stop 'Hello Garci' probe

THE OFFICE of the Solicitor-General has supported a petition by two retired justices before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the Senate investigation into the "Hello Garci" tapes containing alleged w...

'Get out of the military'

MANILA, Philippines -- With talks of a destabilization attempt confirmed by no less than the Armed Forces chief, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is not taking chances. Its commanding general is set to...

Mendoza clears Abalos of brokering ZTE deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza on Thursday cleared Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos of allegations he tried to broker the $329-million nation...

De Venecia III brought dad, Arroyo together for '98 polls

MANILA, Philippines -- The man now driving a wedge between Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is ironically the same man who helped bring them together in 1998. Jose ...

Ex-detainee finds healing in museum of Martial Law abuses

MANILA, Philippines -- In her work for an international non-government organization, Bernadette "Bernie'' Aquino organizes forums and conferences and her typical day begins and ends with making calls ...

Martial Law teen recalls dealing with curfew

MANILA, Philippines -- The nightly sirens during the darkest days of martial law offered two choices for the "gimikeros" (fun lovers) and disco lovers at that time -- party until midnight or until the...

Villafuerte asks De Venecia to disclose deals with gov't

MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia should disclose contracts or projects that he or his companies were able to obtain from the government, a lawmaker at the House of Representatives said T...

Philippine military to press hunt for "weakened" Abu Sayyaf

Philippine government troops will continue hunting down the much-weakened anti-government organization of Abu Sayyaf, said chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday. Abu Sayyaf me...

Fresh attempt confirmed to topple Philippine government

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. confirmed Thursday a fresh attempt to recruit soldiers as part of efforts to topple the government. Officers and enlisted men who refused t...

No public bidding in NBN deal--Transportation secretary

Read liveblogging of Senate hearing at Inquirer Current. MANILA, Philippines -- There was no public bidding in the national broadband network project, Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza admitte...

ZTE contract suspension 'not enough'

BUSINESS GROUPS are divided over the government's decision
to suspend its $329-million broadband network deal with Chinese firm ZTE
Corp.

Arroyo allows Cabinet officials to testify in Senate hearing

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has finally allowed Cabinet officials involved in the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) contract between the government and China's ZTE Corp. to attend a Senate hearing today, fighting to contain the fallout from the kickback scandal.

Microsoft partner builds training centers in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A Manila-based training firm is
pushing certified Information Technology training in key regional
centers around the country in a bid to upgrade the Philippines'
readiness to compete in the global information technology (IT) industry.

De Venecia son links President's husband to broadband contract

First Gentleman Jose Miguel T. Arroyo has been linked to
the controversial $329-million National Broadband Network deal between
the Philippine government and China-based ZTE Corp.

Sans benchmarks, ABS-CBN to roll out digital TV next year

DESPITE A LACK of national guidelines, broadcast giant ABS-CBN is
pushing through with a plan to introduce digital TV next year.

Growing pains dimming India's outsourcing edge

BANGALORE -- India's outsourcing firms are shifting some
of their operations to China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Kenya in a
bid to stay competitive as higher wages, expensive property prices and a
rising rupee eat into profits.

IPVG takes over Libis call center

IP Contact Center Outsourcing, Inc. (IPCCO), a business
process outsourcing subsidiary of listed IPVG Corp., said yesterday it
would begin operating a call center in Eastwood City, Cyberpark.

H E A D L I N E: Satisfaction with Arroyo drops

PUBLIC SATISFACTION with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has fallen back into negative territory, a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

C O R P O R A T E N E W S: Appellate court tells SR Metals to stop operations

THE COURT of Appeals has ruled that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has the right to revoke the environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) of mining firms that have exceeded their extraction limits.

B A N K I N G & F I N A N C E : Treasury bill rates may dip

TREASURY BILL RATES are expected to decline by five basis points (bps) across the board in today's auction, as these track improving rates in the secondary market following the US Federal Reserve's rate cut last week.

S T O C K M A R K E T: Stocks may consolidate after 7-week record

SHARE PRICES will likely consolidate this week as investors take a breather after the market surged to a seven-week high last week, analysts said on Friday.

T H E E C O N O M Y : State borrowings dip 15%

THE GOVERNMENT'S gross borrowings dipped by as much as 14.76% in the eight months to August, as it continued to slash its deficit.

T H E N A T I O N: Christmas pardon for Estrada

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is aiming to pardon and release convicted former leader Joseph Estrada by Christmas, her chief legal adviser said yesterday.

In an interview with AFP

I T M A T T E R S: ZTE contract suspension 'not enough'

BUSINESS GROUPS are divided over the government's decision to suspend its $329-million broadband network deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp.

Typhoon Pacquiao back with renewed fury

Close this LOS ANGELES -- He looked perfectly fine, ready to rumble. But it did not come as a surprise when Manny Pacquiao, who slept practically through the entire Manila-LAX flight Saturday...

Easy does it for Ballester, Tolentino

SAN PABLO CITY -- Veterans Allan Ballester and Ailene Tolentino topped the 21-kilometer qualifying race of the 31st Milo Marathon with a flourish here yesterday and sounded out their serious bids for ...

Ateneo knocks out defending champion UST

GAME THURSDAY (Araneta Coliseum) 3 p.m. -- La Salle vs Ateneo MANILA, Philippines -- The squad that reduced them to tears last season ended up on the weeping -- and whipping -- end of things Sunday. ...

Montilla stars as greenhorn UCN Dragons destroy Doves

MANILA, Philippines -- League newcomer Universal College of Nursing turned to Mac Montilla in the endgame to score its first victory in the sixth Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) ...

4 Filipino jins join Olympic qualiying tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- Four members of the Smart-Petron national taekwondo team will shoot for slots in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games when they see action in the world qualification tournament on Sep...

Arroyo tactic to avoid fighting on 2 fronts miscarries

THE ADMINISTRATION of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has suspended the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project with China's ZTE Corp. in an attempt to contain the damage of an escalat...

Heart Center chief not off the hook

Philippine Heart Center Director Ludgerio Torres off the hook just yet. In a 21-page petition, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has asked the Sandiganbayan First Division to reverse its resolutio...

Edita Burgos takes case to UN

Mrs. Edith Burgos files her complaint at the Palais de Wilson office of the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance (UN WGEID). PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

ZTE denies causing trouble around globe

ZTE CORP. lamented that during the Senate hearing last week on the National Broadband Network (NBN) project, the company was "again wrongly accused of causing so-called troubles in other countries aro...

Lapus rues suspension of Cyber Ed

EDUCATION Secretary Jesli Lapus on Sunday lamented the suspension of the Cyber Education Project (CEP), along with the controversial National Broadband Network (NBN) deal, saying he felt sorry for the...

Daring Air Force rainmaker wins award

FLYING is risky, but it is riskier to pilot a light, poorly equipped plane through dark, turbulent clouds to disperse rain-inducing salt crystals. For the past four years, Capt. Giemel Espino has bee...

Senators lose contact with Neri

With two days to go before they resume their hearings on the matter, senators have lost contact with a key official in the $329.4-million broadband deal with ZTE Corp of China. Senate President Man...

Rules for writ of amparo out by Oct. 24--Supreme Court

Supreme Court subcommittee has finished drafting the rules on issuance of the writ of amparo to compel authorities to act on enforced disappearances. The Supreme Court en banc was set to discuss the ...

675 child rights advocates to tackle abuse, neglect in forum

MANILA, Philippines--With widespread international support, Manila will host the largest regional child protection conference that will gather together close to 700 child advocates from around the wor...

Defense chief wants to revive ROTC

MANILA, Philippines--Citing the "degradation" of the military's reserve force and its "serious" consequences, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has proposed the reimposition of a mandatory Reser...

Give it a second look, Cyber Ed proponent urges the public

MANILA, Philippines--The country's former top spy, retired Brig. Gen. Victor N. Corpus, is unhappy that his brainchild, the Cyber Education Project (CEP), has been suspended by President Gloria Macapa...

Defense plan on internal threats to be reviewed

MANILA, Philippines--Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has ordered a review, and possible revision, of the Defense Planning Guidance -- a set of military guidelines regularly updated and prepare...

Estrada ready to accept absolute pardon--spokesman

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- SAYING his main concern was his ailing mother, deposed president Joseph Estrada on Sunday strongly indicated he would accept an unconditional pardon that wou...

Lozano files impeachment complaint vs Abalos

MANILA, Philippines--Perennial impeachment complainant Oliver Lozano has jumped the gun on minority congressmen, filing an impeachment case against Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. ov...

Arroyo to visit Iligan City Monday

On the eve of her departure for New York, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will fly to Iligan City in Mindanao to address the business forum of various business chambers. A Malacañang state...

Palace pardon offer for Estrada premature - FVR

Former president Fidel V. Ramos on Sunday criticized the Arroyo administration's planned move to offer pardon to plunder convict former president Joseph Estrada. Ramos said that under the law, ...

North Luzon military chief conducts loyalty check

By Anthony Vargas, Reporter Amid recent reports of a coup threat, the military commander in Northern Luzon is going around to inspect his troops and conducting what appears like a loyalty ch...

Wait until judicial process ends

MANILA, Philippines--Former president Fidel Ramos said on Sunday it was "premature" for Malacañang to discuss the possibility of granting executive clemency to deposed president Joseph Estrada ...

House to proceed with own probe on broadband deal

MANILA, Philippines--Despite Malacañang's suspension of the $329-million National Broadband (NBN) deal, the House of Representatives is proceeding with its investigation into the scandal. The ...

Arroyo leaves for New York Tuesday

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will leave for New York on Tuesday night to attend the 62nd United Nations General Assembly, Malacañang announced Sunday. The Palace said the President woul...

Marriage breakups rising among Filipinos, reports bishop

website , said children were usually the victims of these failed unions, which he attributed to distorted values and a downgraded view of marriage in this predominantly Catholic country. It was unfor...

No typhoon, just monsoon behind rains - Pagasa

No typhoon, it's just the monsoon. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Sunday that the heavy rains in Metro Manila stemmed from the southwe...

Name names, Suplico dares Arroyo on destab plot claims

Former congressman and now Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico on Sunday challenged the Arroyo administration to name the people behind the alleged fresh destabilization plot as he warned against using...

Purefoods opens first Outbox franchise at Ateneo de Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines--San Miguel Purefoods Co. has opened its first Outbox franchise store at the Ateneo de Davao University-College campus here. Necel Jean Marquez, SMC Mindanao fast foods operat...

Court upholds Davao City ban on banana aerial spraying

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- A local court has trashed the petition of banana companies to stop the enforcement of the ordinance banning aerial spraying of pesticides in plantations. In a decision date...

NBN deal may be revived, says Palace official

CEBU CITY, Philippines--A Cebuano Cabinet official has said that the recently suspended National Broadband Network project could be revived, should it become acceptable to the public after a discussio...

Arroyo mulled NBN deal's cancellation in early Sept--solon

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has long been contemplating the cancellation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and Cyber Education projects even before her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, was imp...

Two policemen hurt in communist rebel attack in Philippines

Manila - Two policemen were injured when communist rebels raided their station in a southern Philippine town on Sunday and took away several firearms, a police official said. The rebels attacked the p...

Arroyo"s suspension of ZTE deal baffles Senate president

Suspension of what? Senate President Manuel Villar Jr on Sunday posed this question after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo decided to suspend the deal between the Philippine government and China's Zh...

6 held for slay of OFW "loan shark" in Saudi

Police in Saudi Arabia have taken into custody at least six Filipinos linked to the killing of a suspected Filipino loan shark in Tabuk City last week. Online news site,

Bodies of 3 execution victims found in Quezon City

Police investigators on Sunday morning found bodies of three summary execution victims in different parts of Quezon City. Radio dzBB reported that all the three unidentified victims were stuffed in...

Senate to grill Cabinet men on basis of ZTE deal suspension

The Senate will grill Cabinet members on the reason behind the suspension of the $329.4-million broadband deal with Zhong Xing Telecommunications Equipment (ZTE) Corp. Senate Defense Committee Chai...

Watchdog urges probe of $460-M CyberEd project

Go one step further and look into the $460-million Cyber Education project (CEP) as well. This was the call made Sunday by debt watchdog Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), following Malacaña...

Gov"t execs in ZTE deal mess to face string of charges

Philippine officials involved in the $329.48-million national broadband network deal with China's Zhong Xing Telecommunications Equipment (ZTE) Corp. would still face a string of charges even after Pr...

NUJP scores threats vs Inquirer reporter, Star columnist

Journalists scored over the weekend a fresh wave of threats against two journalists who exposed corruption and lapses in government. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) voic...

Philippines suspends controversial telecom deal

manila Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has suspended a $330 million telecommunications deal with a Chinese firm after it triggered a kickbacks scandal that could rattle her government.

Doctors urge higher health care budget since economy's up

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite recent economic gains, the government's budget for health care is still far from the international standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a n...

Umbrellas trigger 'storm' in presscon

MANILA, Philippines -- GMA-7 PUBLICITY officer Barbette Atienza was still in a good mood when I first talked to her early Saturday morning, just before the scheduled 9 a.m. "sendoff" press conference ...

La Salle draws first blood in junior race

GAMES SATURDAY 2 p.m.-UP vs Ateneo (Women's) 3:45 p.m.-La Salle vs Ateneo (Jrs) MANILA, Philippines -- THIEVES STRUCK AND STOLE lots of valuables from the La Salle locker room. On the court, it was ...

The painter in the engineer

"It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic ... That form ever follows function. This is the law." THE PHRASE IS DISTILLED wisdom from the American architectural giant, Louis Sullivan,...

Board votes in favor of mayors vs Panlilio

Close this CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Mayors' League has won the first round against Gov. Eddie Panlilio as the provincial board, with a 10-0 vote, approved on Friday an ordinance t...

Pacquiao a hot favorite

Close this LOS ANGELES -- IT'S UNUSUALLY COLD HERE, but scorching odds favoring Manny Pacquiao to repeat over Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera in their next encounter have remained unchanged as...

LBP employees sue union execs

MANILA, Philippines -- Some 40 employees of the Land Bank of the Philippines have filed administrative and criminal charges with the Ombudsman against the Landbank Employees Association national execu...

More oil firms hike fuel prices

MANILA, Philippines -- Three more oil firms jacked up the pump prices of their gasoline, diesel and kerosene by 50 centavos a liter yesterday as world oil prices continued to escalate. Total (Philipp...

Filipino bets back on track

Close this STANDINGS: 4.0 points-S. Megaranto (Ina); 3.5-Zhang Pengxiang; 3.0-R. Antonio (RP), Li Chao (China), Zhou Jianchao (China), G.N. Gopal (India)m A. Kunte (India), D. Laylo (RP); 2.5...

Bridge collapse injures 10 people

BACOLOD CITY -- A concrete bridge in Sipalay City, 178.4 km south of here, collapsed Friday, causing a truck to fall into the river. Sipalay City Mayor Soledad Montilla said the truck's 10 passengers...

Malaysian execs see peace pact

COTABATO CITY -- TWO MALAYSIAN officials, including the new head of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), on Saturday predicted that a final ceasefire agreement could be signed between the governme...

Baguio Korean schools in hot water

Close this BAGUIO CITY -- SEVERAL KOREAN-RUN SCHOOLS here are in hot water for alleged violations of labor laws and for their owners' failure to comply with requirements to operate, an offici...

Australia denies wanting to join Filipino monitoring team

Australia has denied claims by the Philippines rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that it wants to participate in the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team stationed in the souther...

Cops list October polls 'hot spots'

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police said on Saturday it had begun identifying potential "hot spots" in the coming barangay elections. Police Director Wilfredo Garcia, Directorate fo...

Soldiers turn air base into veggie farm

LIPA, BATANGAS -- Airmen tilling the land, sowing seeds and watering crops are slowly becoming part of the rigid military routine at a Philippine Air Force base here. Rows of sweet papaya, corn, bell...

Court halts introduction of GM rice in the Philippines

SciDev.Net A Philippine court has temporarily halted an application to bring genetically modified (GM) rice to the country, pending a study of possible health and environmental effects. A temp...

'An agent of the Lord'

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- Critics may scoff at Jose "Joey" De Venecia III as the ex-drug addict who threw a monkey wrench into China's plan to help the Philip...

Mayor Lim vows to restore Metropolitan Theater

A six-man committee has been created by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim to work on the immediate restoration of the Metropolitan Theater (MET) on P. Burgos Street that has been left rotting for years. ...

Philippine army prepares to try soldiers for murder

MANILA – The Philippine military is preparing to try at least 13 soldiers for their alleged role in the murder of left-wing activists, the first cases to be brought before new tribunals set up t...

Tender loving hospice care in the comfort of home

MANILA, Philippines -- Human rights that are worth dying for should also include the "rights of the dying" to spend their last days in comfort and minimal pain. This is the conviction that drives hos...

Suspension of 2 projects with China 'embarrassing' - DOJ chief

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's move to suspend two multi-million dollar projects with the Chinese government appeared as a political decision that must be handled with "utmost care and sensit...

School rises from ashes of Mt. Pinatubo

MANILA, Philippines -- Imelda Macaspac knew she had a lot to do when she returned to her alma mater in 2002 to become its principal. Pampanga High School (PHS) was then half-buried in lahar, swept th...

'Compassion' builds 'Habitat' for storm victims

DARAGA, ALBAY -- A hundred families from Barangay Busay here who lost their homes and loved ones to mudslides triggered by typhoon "Reming" last year have been given a new lease on life through a free...

Philippine Rice Research Institute uses DNA marker-assisted selection to develop flood-tolerant rice

SEAMEO SEARCA By Carlos D. Marquez Jr. Correspondent A new rice variety, developed by a leading rice-research agency in Asia, for flooded, low-lying fields promises not only of enduring flood wa...

Beetles, rooster make reading fun at Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- A beetle, a rooster and a girl with incredible hair were just some of the characters the audience met yesterday during the tenth Inquirer Read-Along session. The session featur...

Stench aborts Atienza tour of dirty Bulacan rivers

MARILAO, BULACAN -- His own technical officers had protested the inclusion of two rivers in this town in an international list of the world's "dirty 30" or worst-polluted places, questioning the crite...

Senators vow another easy sail for cheap medicine bill

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate has vowed to pass a bill that aims to bring down the cost of medicine before it adjourns on Oct. 13 for a three-week break. In a caucus earlier this week, the senato...

Cops to secure last day of bar exams

Police will secure a key stretch of Taft Avenue in Manila Sunday as more than 5,000 law graduates take the last of their four bar examinations at the De La Salle University. Radio dzBB reported Sat...

National police makeover starts with stations

MANILA, Philippines -- It's goodbye to dingy and dark police stations. In a bid to win back the public's trust and confidence in the police, the leadership of the Philippine National Police has start...

Solon urges P1 MTRCB budget for banning Jonas film

A party-list representative on Saturday called for a P1-annual budget for Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTCRB) for giving an X rating to a short film on human rights that was p...

I advised prexy to nix ZTE deal over destab plot

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza was the one who advised President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to suspend the controversial National Broadband Network (NBN) project that was bag...

Cops look for Palma"s nanny in Masbate - report

Regardless of whether she is considered a witness or a suspect, the nanny of "suitcase girl" Geraldine Palma continues to be the subject of a police search. QTV-11 on Saturday reported that the Man...

DOTC Sec. Larry Mendoza just heard about suspension order

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday suspended the $329-million national broadband network project with China's ZTE Corporation in a rush, even Transportation and Communication Secretary ...

DTI Sec. Peter Favila can't say why ZTE deal was suspended

Executive privilege was the mantra that Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila invoked, when asked repeatedly why President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo suspended the ZTE contract. What follows is the t...

NBN deal's suspension should calm down passions--Palace exec

MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to suspend implementation of the national broadband network (NBN) deal with the Chinese company ZTE Corp. was aimed at defusing the po...

My son is an 'agent of the Lord'

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Jose "Joey" De Venecia III may have been derided as the ex-junkie who threw a monkey wrench in China's plan to help the Philippines put up a national broadband...

GMA willing to give Estrada absolute pardon

Close this MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is willing to grant her predecessor an "absolute pardon," Malaca ang said Saturday. "Absolute means unconditional," said Pre...

Fate of NBN deal rests with Supreme Court--ZTE exec

MANILA, Philippines--The fate of the $329-million deal for ZTE Corp. to build a National Broadband Network now must be taken up in the Supreme Court following a government announcement indefinitely su...

Neri says he's been given additional security

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chairman Romulo Neri has received added security ahead of his testimony at the Senate next wee...

Circulo de Dapitanon invites you to WHOIS

Circulo de Dapitanon is inviting everyone to join them for “WHOIS?”, another fun evening of masks, make believe and merriment on Sunday, October 28 at the Lone Tree Manor in Niles, Illinoi...

It was Joey who pursued me

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- Businessman Jose de Venecia III told it the wrong way round. Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos said it was De Veneci...

Suspension of NBN deal has no effect on SC case--spokesman

MANILA, Philippines--The suspension by the executive branch of the National Broadband Network (NBN) contract with the Chinese telecommunication company ZTE will not have any effect on a petition curre...

Health budget far from WHO standards--doctors' group

MANILA, Philippines--Despite recent economic gains, the government's budget for health care is still far from the international standards set by the World Health Organization, according to a nongovern...

ZTE, Cyber Ed deals with China suspended

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 3) The controversial $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with the Chinese company, ZTE Corp., has been "indefinitely" suspended, Trade...

Senators find Speaker's son more credible than Mendoza

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- Several senators on Friday said they found Jose "Joey" de Venecia III more credible than Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza. B...

My morals came from my father, says Joey de Venecia

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- "My morals came from my father." Businessman Jose de Venecia III made this declaration to explain why he spurned what he said was a...

Estrada may be home for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines -- Plunder convict, ousted president Joseph Estrada, could be a free man by Christmas. Discussions on the grant of either a pardon or amnesty to the deposed President are apparent...

Military relieves 6 junior officers tied to new plot

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- The military has relieved or reassigned six junior officers for allegedly recruiting men in a fresh destabilization attempt, and mov...

If there's oust threat, will crush it

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- His post may be at risk because of his son's testimony at the Senate implicating President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, but Sp...

PBA all set for big bang

MANILA, Philippines -- WITH the stars back and a new breed of promising rookies coming in, the Philippine Basketball Association has every reason to be optimistic with the coming season. "Just like t...

30 taken ill after eating meat of rabid dog

STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR-More than 30 residents of Barangay Tagabuli here were rushed to various hospitals on Wednesday after feasting on the meat of a suspected rabid dog, Mayor Joel Lopez said Thurs...

UE Warriors making good use of long break

MANILA, Philippines -- AFTER playing just about every type of game on the way to an elimination-round sweep, this powerhouse doesn't mind playing the waiting one. The University of the East Warriors ...

WBC convention needs Sulaiman KO punch

LOS ANGELES--The boxing world wants an answer to this pressing puzzle on the happy state of boxing in the Philippines. How did Manny Pacquiao and at least three other reigning Filipino world boxing c...

UP alumni pushing for Lipa's former players

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A DAY after University of the Philippines gave coach Joe Lipa the pink slip, alumni groups were pushing for two of the temperamental coach's former wards, Er...

Ex-head of militant group missing, say human rights workers

CAMP VICENTE LIM, LAGUNA -A former ranking official of the militant Pambansang Lakas ng mga Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has been reported missing in Agoncillo, Batangas since Sept. 3, the h...

Valle-Millares, Arpilleda-Punzalan to 10-ball doubles semis

MANILA, Philippines -- THE PAIRS of Gandy Valle-Jay Jay Millares and Victor Arpilleda-Fidel Punzalan downed their respective foes in contrasting fashion late Thursday to advance to the semifinals of t...

A new breed of bird watchers

TACLOBAN CITY - Eastern Visayas has a new breed of bird watchers, and its members are all villagers. They will be scanning the skies or espying on seashores and wetlands for foreign birds, not as a h...

RP beach volley pair boosts Olympic bid

MANILA, Philippines -- BEACH volleyball standouts, Diane Pascua and Heidi Illustre are working doubly hard to fulfill their dream of playing in the Olympics. The Filipino-American tandem now ranks No...

Survivors recount abuses in Mindanao under Marcoses

COTABATO CITY-The massacre of civilians, a university director made to kneel by a soldier who could barely read proper nouns on a resident certificate called cedula, and Army draftees manhandling stud...

‘Tertulia’ is back with a vengeance

MANILA, Philippines -- During the Belle Epoque many decades ago, before the murderous Japanese military descended upon the archipelago, some families in Manila and, no doubt, other cities held tertulias.

La Naval caretaker lives up to his promise

MANILA, Philippines -- “Huwag mo akong pababayaan (Do not abandon me),” uttered the voice of a woman.

Angelic voices for La Naval

MANILA, Philippines -- Watching the Tiples de Sto. Domingo perform in a recent concert at Philamlife Theater was truly a hallelujah experience.

Three paintings that say, ‘I love you’

MANILA, Philippines -- Ordinary guys say it with flowers and chocolates. Writers say it with love letters, while artists say it with paintings.

Tribute to a patriot and a Magsaysay laureate

MANILA, Philippines -- Between their secret transfer from a Fort Santiago dungeon to far-out Muntinlupa Prison, these four high-risk prisoners were held incommunicado in an innermost cell of the Isaac Peral-Ermita Precinct in 1942.

Michael Cacnio’s ‘everyJuan’

MANILA, Philippines -- For 15 years now, TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) Philippines 2006 awardee Michael Cacnio has been steadily depicting the good and the wholesome: Filipino values of strong family ties; respect for elders; hardy labor and simple pleasures.

The flower of his obsession

MANILA, Philippines - Gregory Raymond Halili’s family emigrated to the United States when he was a teenager. Now 32 and an established artist, he still retains a deep fascination with the folk culture and landscape of his birthplace.

Macau’s different realities

MANILA, Philippines - Macau is a place of many contradictory realities, all happening simultaneously and almost independently of each other.

Passion and the search for happiness

MANILA, Philippines – The pursuit of happiness is a lifelong search. The journey is made worthwhile by memorable experiences and friendships made along the way. Along the way, those who find enlightenment often agree that the challenge is not about acquiring the most assets but about finding passion in everyday life.

Is it time to say goodbye?

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I met Jon in 2001. We worked in the same company.

Patroness of Vietnamese Christians

MANILA, Philippines - La Vang is a fern that grows deep in the forest in central Vietnam where the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared in 1798 to Vietnamese Christians when they were being persecuted.

Photography goes digital

MANILA, Philippines—For 175 years, photography has been synonymous to a light-sensitive emulsion developed in chemicals. Now, the medium is catching up with digital technology.