The Philippine Headlines - September 26, 2007

Posted by Balitang Pinoy at 12:11 PM

At least 14 people die in Vietnam bridge collapse

HANOI--At least 14 people died Wednesday morning following the collapse of a bridge under construction in Vietnam's southern province of Can Tho, police said.

(UPDATE 4) Neri admits Abalos ‘offer’ on NBN deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Romulo Neri, former economic planning secretary, admitted that Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos “offered” him an amount in exchange for giving the approval on the national broadband network project.

China threatens death penalty for copper thieves

BEIJING -- China is threatening the death penalty for people who steel copper wire, thereby destroying power lines and disrupting telecommunications, state media said Wednesday.

In flat market, US home owners seek sales help from on high

WASHINGTON -- With loans hard to come by and buyers thin on the ground, some homeowners in the United States are seeking divine help to sell their home. They are turning to St. Joseph, who, in addition to being the foster father of Jesus, is the patron saint of home sellers.

Mining shares retreat after 5-day rally as metal prices drop

MANILA, Philippines -- Mining shares retreated in early deals Wednesday, snapping a five-day rally following a drop in prices of precious metals including gold and copper.

(UPDATE 3) Abalos, De Venecia III swap accusations

MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos and businessman Jose de Venecia III swapped accusations Wednesday when they appeared at the Senate inquiry on the national broadband network project.

Sentosa nurses seek audience with Arroyo in New York

NEW YORK -- Several Filipino health professionals are seeking an audience with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her visit here to bring to her attention their differences with their recruiter, Sentosa Recruitment Agency.

PLDT hits record highs on bright earnings outlook

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares in Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) jumped to record highs in early deals Wednesday as investors began moving funds back into blue chips with bright earnings potential and attractive valuations after nibbling at speculative stocks recently.

Myanmar police, soldiers deployed to pagodas and monasteries

YANGON -- Military-ruled Myanmar deployed armed soldiers and riot police to key pagodas and monasteries around Yangon on Wednesday, in a bid to prevent Buddhist monks from staging anti-junta protests, witnesses said.

Asia stocks edge up, dollar slips after US data

TOKYO -- Asian stock markets edged up and the dollar hit another record low against the euro on Wednesday after more weak US economic data boosted expectations the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again next month.

Singapore top paradise for business -- World Bank

WASHINGTON -- Singapore once again topped the World Bank's ranks for the best place in the world to do business, and Egypt is the leader in reforms to invite more business, the World Bank said Tuesday.

PNOC taps Citibank for sale of shares in exploration unit

MANILA, Philippines -- State-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) has tapped Citibank NA as its financial adviser for the sale of a 60 percent stake in oil and gas exploration subsidiary PNOC Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) by the end of this year or early 2008.

Heart disease patients at higher risk for colorectal cancer

WASHINGTON -- Patients with coronary artery disease face nearly double the risk of healthy people for colorectal cancer, according to a Hong Kong study released Tuesday in the United States.

Rapper The Game pleads not guilty in LA

LOS ANGELES -- The Game pleaded not guilty Tuesday to three felony charges filed after authorities said he pulled a gun during a pickup basketball game at a South Los Angeles school.

Senate inquiry on NBN probe starts

MANILA, Philippines -- Except for First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, the "cabal" implicated in the controversial $329-million national broadband network contract with China is here at the Senate this Wednesday to answer questions on the issue.

Hollywood icon Michael Douglas growing old gracefully

LOS ANGELES -- Superstar actors and athletes both know they must make adjustments when their skills and body begin to age.

US Anglicans agree to halt gay bishop ordinations

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- In a move aimed at preventing a split in the global Anglican Communion, the US Episcopal Church on Tuesday agreed to halt the ordination of gay bishops and the blessing of same-sex unions.

Neri warned against using 'executive privilege' in NBN probe

MANILA, Philippines -- Refusing to answer questions of senators by invoking "executive privilege" is a means to shield President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the controversial $329-million government contract with ZTE Corp., Senator Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday before the start of the hearing on the issue.

RP signs pacts on rights of disabled, telecoms

UNITED NATIONS -- The Philippines has signed two key agreements here -- one that would recognize and promote the rights of persons with disabilities and another that would enhance the use of electronic communications in international contracts.

Shares seen flat on lack of leads; miners may pull back

MANILA, Philippines -- Shares may open flat Wednesday in the absence of compelling trading cues, but select blue chips may be supported by window-dressing as the third quarter draws to a close.

MVP boosts boxing’s Olympic gold drive

MANILA, Philippines -- PLDT-Smart chair Manny V. Pangilinan and Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) president Manny T. Lopez signed a landmark agreement which is expected to fuel the country’s drive for its first Olympic gold.

Deep voiced men make more babies -- study

WASHINGTON -- Men with deep voices have more children, probably because they have a wider choice of mates, according to a study released Tuesday.

Ahmadinejad flays US, West in UN attack

UNITED NATIONS -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the United States and other Western powers, and declared the controversy over his country's nuclear program "closed."

Amazon launches online music store

SAN FRANCISCO -- Amazon on Tuesday launched an Internet music store in a challenge to Apple's entrenched iTunes online shop.

(UPDATE) US sanctions ramp up global pressure on Myanmar

UNITED NATIONS -- The United States led the world in cranking up pressure on Myanmar's military junta Tuesday amid fears of a vicious crackdown on Buddhist monks leading the biggest protests in 20 years.

US Supreme Court to examine legality of lethal injections

WASHINGTON -- In a move which could suspend capital punishment in the United States, the Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to consider the constitutionality of lethal injections which are used in almost all US executions.

Toyota to sell hybrids in RP

TUGUEGARAO CITY--Environment-friendly vehicles will soon be traveling on Philippine roads.

PNP on high alert as Arroyo leaves

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police went on heightened alert nationwide as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left the country last night for a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

De Venecia ouster an ethical issue, says foe

MANILA, Philippines -- The ethics case filed against him, not his son’s testimony in the Senate against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s husband, may cost Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. the leadership of the House of Representatives.

Loans to coconut farmers near P3B, UCPB says

MANILA, Philippines--TOTAL loans to coconut farmers neared the P3-billion mark last month, according to a unit of the United Coconut Planters Bank.

Mark Jimenez ‘forgives’ Perez, others

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez is suffused with the “energy” of forgiveness.

Budget hearings for AFP leftists’ payback time

MANILA, Philippines -- They came hoping to get the legislators’ sympathy. Instead, they got a tongue-lashing -- on issues ranging from alleged political persecution to unpaid electric bills.

(UPDATE) Myanmar imposes curfews after mass protests

YANGON -- Myanmar's junta slapped dusk-till-dawn curfews on the country's two largest cities late Tuesday after Buddhist monks defied warnings of a crackdown and led 100,000 people in another day of mass protests.

Smart, Globe execs deny involvement in ‘Hello Garci’ case

MANILA, Philippines -- Officials of the country’s biggest cell phone providers -- Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. -- Tuesday denied any involvement in the “Hello Garci” wiretapping operations that former military intelligence agent Vidal Doble Jr. said he conducted.

Reyes, Bustamante take on Scots in World Cup pool defense

MANILA, Philippines -- Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante open defense of their PartyPoker.net World Cup Pool title against the Scottish pair of Michael Valentine and Pat Holtz Tuesday at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.

Philpost, PNOC-EC lined up for privatization in 2008

MANILA, Philippines--THE GOVERNMENT has included Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) and the state's stake in Philippine Postal Corp. in the list of assets to be privatized next year.

Eagles dying to live, play another game

MANILA, Philippines -- Even if another tough stretch lies ahead for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, their payback triumph over the defending champions has greatly lifted their mood.

Cab driver found dead could be robbery victim, says police

MANILA, Philippines – The body of a taxi driver believed to be a robbery victim was found inside his vehicle after midnight yesterday in Project 4, Quezon City.

Romulo: Time for change in Myanmar

UNITED NATIONS -- Myanmar's military rulers should implement democratic reforms immediately as promised and avoid greater international isolation, Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo of the Philippines said Tuesday.

Scandinavian firm buys 50% of Ionics unit

MANILA, Philippines -- NOTE A.B., one of Scandinavia's leading electronics equipment manufacturers, has agreed to buy 50 percent of the shares of Ionics EMS Ltd. (IEL)

Bishop ‘Soc’ kicked out Doble, Ong from seminary

MANILA, Philippines -- Bishop Socrates Villegas and other bishops sent by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales kicked out from Church sanctuary two whistle-blowers of the “Hello Garci” tapes at the height of the electoral fraud scandal in June 2005.

Arroyo’s own probe finds no bribery

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had the National Broadband Network (NBN) project “discreetly investigated” and found reports of bribery were unsubstantiated.

2 armed men rob employee on way to bank with P259,000

MANILA, Philippines – Four motorcycle-riding men held up a 34-year-old remittance agent yesterday morning in Quezon City, taking off with P259,000 in cash.

Leviste pretrial conference scheduled today in Makati court

MANILA, Philippines – A Makati court will hold today the pretrial conference of the murder case involving former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste to thresh out legal matters before going to trial.

Allied Bank plans to raise capital

MANILA, Philippines -- ALLIED Banking Corp. has said it is in talks with three foreign investment banks for a planned capital-raising exercise.

‘Dry’ weekend in store for Quezon City residents

MANILA, Philippines – It will be a “dry” weekend for residents in some areas in Quezon City.

Red Lions go for jugular Wednesday

Grabbing the best-of-three series opener, 76-68, the San Beda College Red Lions will go for the clincher against the Letran College Knights in Game 2 of the 83rd NCAA men’s basketball finals on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

SC okays writ of amparo rules; effective Oct. 24

MANILA, Philippines -- Making good on its avowed intention to harness its powers to protect civil liberties, the Supreme Court has issued unprecedented rules that would allow citizens to seek from the courts protection from or redress for extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances.

Paramount Hotels to manage Pico de Loro

MANILA, Philippines -- PARAMOUNT Hotels & Facilities Management Inc. has been appointed by a unit of SM Investments Corp. to manage the group's beach club in its eco-tourism project in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Arroyo sets up special panel for China deals

MANILA, Philippines -- Heeding the public clamor for transparency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday created a special panel to “oversee projects” under the China official development assistance program.

SPD steps up anticrime drive as Yule season nears

MANILA, Philippines – Newly-installed Southern Police District director, Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman, has ordered his men to step up their monitoring of criminal and terrorist groups with Christmas just a few months away.

Ateneo-La Salle rivalry heard, literally, around the world

MANILA, Philippines -- The fierce feud between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the La Salle Green Archers recently hit the sports pages of The New York Times in “A nation’s passion lives in a rivalry of Green vs Blue,” a feature story written by Raphael Batholomew.

NBI says doctor in Mendez slay case could face charges

MANILA, Philippines – Obstruction of justice charges could be filed against the doctor who brought alleged hazing victim Cris Anthony Mendez to a hospital if he fails to appear at the agency on Friday, the National Bureau of Investigation said.

Hike in cap on firms' overseas investments seen

MANILA, Philippines -- THE Philippine central bank plans to further jack up the limit on local firms' overseas investments. This will form part of the second wave of foreign exchange liberalization which is being worked out by banking regulators.

Zhang grabs lead; RP chessers falter

MANDAUE CITY -- The top Filipino hopefuls fell by the wayside Tuesday night as Chinese GM Zhang Pengxiang emerged as the new leader in the Sixth Asian Individual Chess Championship at the Cebu International Convention Center here.

NBI, MPD findings differ on girl slay victim

MANILA, Philippines – One body, contradictory findings. The medico-legal chief of the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday confirmed a report that the hymen of the young girl—believed to be rape-slay victim Geraldine Palma—was intact, contrary to the findings of the Manila Police District.

No deal yet on pardon; Estrada keeps options open

MANILA, Philippines -- Joseph Estrada on Tuesday deferred action on a proposed presidential pardon and said he was still exploring legal remedies following his conviction on plunder charges, according to Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

Neri: No turning back

MANILA, Philippines -- Romulo Neri on Tuesday said he was “prepared for the outcome” of his testimony Wednesday in the Senate, which is investigating the controversial $329-million contract for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project.

(UPDATE) Neri: Abalos offered me '200'

Romulo Neri, former National Economic and Development Authority, on Wednesday confirmed allegations that Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. offered him money to favor ZTE Corp.'s proposal for the national broadband network (NBN) project of the government.

<IMG src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/03-08-2007/tv_icon.gif">
<A href="http://now.abs-cbn.com//videos/live/anc.asx" temp_href=>Watch ANC live stream</A> 
<IMG alt="" src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/03-08-2007/tv_icon.gif">
<A href="http://now.abs-cbn.com/ondemand/freeview/20070926-breakingnews-150-01.asx">On Senator Neri's P2-M bribe.</A> 
<IMG alt="" src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/03-08-2007/tv_icon.gif">
<A href="http://now.abs-cbn.com/ondemand/freeview/20070926-breakingnews-150-02.asx">Neri confirms the golf meeting w/ Abalos.</A>

Abalos: Neri is lying

Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. on Wednesday accused Romulo Neri, former National Economic and Development Authority head, of lying under oath after the latter confirmed that the poll body chief offered him money to favor ZTE Corp.'s proposal for the broadband project.

Asian currencies up on dollar weakness, led by ringgit, peso

SINGAPORE - Most Asian currencies rose against a broadly weaker dollar on Wednesday as investors positioned for another Fed rate cut next month after U.S. datashowed sluggish housing sales and consumer confidence.

Neri: No surprises at Senate hearing

Attempting to defuse high expectations for his most awaited testimony before a Senate hearing, former socioeconomic secretary Romulo Neri said there will be "no surprises" when he appears at the resumption of the investigation on the controversial national broadband network (NBN) deal on Wednesday.

Neri: Abalos offered me '200'

Opening statement of COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos

Transcript of opening statement of Commission on Election Chairman Benjamin Abalos 
September 26, 2007 

Senate hearing on the investigation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal between the Philippine government and ZTE Corp. 
<a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=93989">more...</a>

Myanmar police, soldiers deployed to pagodas and monasteries

YANGON (AFP) - Military-ruled Myanmar deployed armed soldiers and riot police to key pagodas and monasteries around Yangon on Wednesday, in a bid to prevent Buddhist monks from staging anti-junta protests, witnesses said.

Abalos dismisses JDV III's accusations as mere propaganda

Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. of the Commission on Elections on Wednesday accused Jose de Venecia III, a son of the House Speaker, of orchestrating a "well thought out and well funded" propaganda attack against him.<IMG src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/03-08-2007/tv_icon.gif"><A href="http://now.abs-cbn.com//videos/live/anc.asx" temp_href=>Watch ANC live stream</A>

FEC says Surigao mine shows gold mineralization

FEC Resources Inc., an affiliate of Transpacific Mining Limited, said Wednesday initial drilling in Lascogon and Danao properties in Surigao del Norte, has exposed gold mineralization.

Reyes, Bustamante struggle to defend World Cup Pool title

Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante recovered from a possible defeat from their Scottish opponents to win their first match at the PartyPoker.net World Cup Pool tournament held on Tuesday at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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...

Supreme Court Justice Suspected of Accepting Payoff (update)

Justices scheduled to take it up in en banc meeting today

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...

Hear my side first on NBN deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos has denied allegations by Jose De Venecia III that he had pushed for the national broadband network project,...

Philippine courts get new powers to stop killings

manila The Philippines' Supreme Court approved yesterday a set of rules to help stop the killing of leftist activists, granting magistrates broader powers to force the military to probe allegations ...

Fire Leaves 5,000 Homeless in S. Philippines

Al Jacinto, Arab News JOLO ISLAND, Philippines- More than 5,000 people were left homeless by a fire that swept through a neighborhood in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said yester...

Philippines approves new rule to curb extrajudicial killings

The Supreme Court of the Philippines on Tuesday introduced the writ of amparo into the country's legal system to end extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the country. The new writ may...

Cab driver found dead could be robbery victim, says police

MANILA, Philippines - The body of a taxi driver believed to be a robbery victim was found inside his vehicle after midnight yesterday in Project 4, Quezon City. Victor Twano, a resident of Barangay B...

2 armed men rob employee on way to bank with P259,000

MANILA, Philippines - Four motorcycle-riding men held up a 34-year-old remittance agent yesterday morning in Quezon City, taking off with P259,000 in cash. Arnulfo Sagun, an employee of the Daniel Re...

Leviste pretrial conference scheduled today in Makati court

MANILA, Philippines - A Makati court will hold today the pretrial conference of the murder case involving former Batangas Gov. Jose Antonio Leviste to thresh out legal matters before going to trial. ...

'Dry' weekend in store for Quezon City residents

MANILA, Philippines - It will be a "dry" weekend for residents in some areas in Quezon City. The Maynilad Water Services Inc. yesterday said in a statement that there will be low water pressure or no...

Solon chides AFP for failing to settle P48-M electric bill

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- They came in their best attire, neatly pressed military uniforms, to defend the Armed Forces of the Philippines' proposed P49.1-billion budget for next year....

Smart, Globe claim no capability to wiretap

"Even in the billing of both Smart and Globe you will notice that their numbers and exact location usually appeared which only shows that they have complete monitoring of any of their users," he said....

Arroyo clears officials in broadband deal of bribery claim

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday virtually cleared officials being accused of bribery in connection with the US$329.41-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with the Chinese firm Z...

Scandals straining RP-China relations

An official from the Department of Foreign Affairs told The Manila Times that a Chinese diplomat told him relations between China and the Philippines are strained because of recent developments....

Teachers ask Lapus to scrap Cyber Ed

PUBLIC-school teachers want Education Secretary Jesli Lapus to scrap the P26.48-billion Cyber-Education Project and instead focus on undertaking basic reforms like solving the shortages in textb...

SC okays rules on civil rights, liberties protection

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday approved new rules governing the use of the writ of amparo to further protect civil rights and liberties threatened by acts or omissions of government authorities in ...

Puno fails to sway Estrada on pardon

The Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno announced Tuesday that Estrada has maintained his innocence and wanted the antigraft court to reverse its guilty verdict, after an almost...

Nepal to keep nudes off Everest

KATHMANDU, Nepal: Mountaineering authorities here say they are fed up with nudity on Mount Everest and are taking measures to put an end to "disrespectful" stunts on the world's highest peak.

Joey gets death threats

Jose "Joey" de Venecia 3rd, who alleged corruption around the controversial broadband project awarded to a state-owned Chinese firm, said Tuesday that he had received death threats.

SC justice behind smear campaign vs Santiago -- senator

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Tuesday accused another Supreme Court justice of orchestrating the smear campaign against Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago. The feisty Senat...

Arroyo forms panel to oversee projects funded by Chinese aid

MANILA, Philippines -- Heeding the public clamor for transparency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo created on Tuesday a special panel to "oversee projects" under the China official development assis...

Filipino SentosaCare nurses return to court Wednesday

The 10 Filipino SentosaCare nurses who quit in protest of their working conditions will be in a Suffolk courtroom Wednesday to learn whether the charges against them will be dismissed. The 10, who ...

Philippine whistle blower complains of death threats

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - A businessman who alleged corruption around a controversial Philippine government telecom project awarded to a state-owned Chinese firm said Tuesday he had received death...

Manila, Toblerone team up to promote courteousness

MANILA, Philippines -- The City of Manila and a Swiss brand of chocolate have teamed up to promote courteousness among Filipinos. In a July 2006 Reader's Digest informal survey on courteousness, Mani...

Incoming PNP chief ushers minor reshuffle

MANILA, Philippines -- A minor reshuffle at the top of the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is expected to be implemented next week when incoming PNP chief Deputy Director General Av...

Outgoing PNP chief says politics made job harder

MANILA, Philippines -- If you think catching crooks and terrorists is the toughest job of the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), think again. In his last media forum in Camp Crame before ...

Neri 'at peace' with testimony before Senate

MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri, believed to be a vital source of information on the scandal-ridden national broadband network (NBN) deal, was a pictu...

Air Philippines plans E. Visayas flights

Air Philippines has said it will start operating in Eastern Visayas with Tacloban-Cebu as its main route. Glen Vallecera, regional manager of Philippine Airlines, said that the Tacloban-Cebu service ...

Arroyo says probe into NBN deal finds no irregularities

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Tuesday that allegations of bribery are unsubstantiated in a Chinese company's winning bid for a Philippine national broadband network, ci...

Razon gets flak from militants before taking top PNP post

MANILA, Philippines -- Even before he officially assumes his post as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Deputy Director General Avelino Razon has begun receiving flak from militant groups. Renat...

Estrada to appeal graft conviction as pardon talks continue

MANILA, Philippines -- The legal team of former president Joseph Estrada will file a motion for reconsideration on his conviction for plunder at the Sandiganbayan but talks with Malaca ang representat...

House to review '08 budget amid warnings of Speaker's ouster

MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives has agreed to scrutinize its own budget for 2008 after a pro-administration lawmaker warned the issue could precipitate" a movement to oust Speaker ...

De Venecia III expects Neri to reveal NBN 'bribe try'

MANILA, Philippines -- Jose de Venecia III said on Tuesday he expects former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director-general Romulo Neri to confirm the alleged attempt by Commission on...

Catholic bishops urge Neri to tell truth on NBN deal

MANILA, Philippines -- Catholic church officials have appealed to Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) chairman Romulo L. Neri to come out with the truth on the controversial national broadband netwo...

'Estrada cares more for mother than wealth'--Puno

MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted former president Joseph Estrada is more concerned about the health of his mother than the impending forfeiture of his assets, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Wedn...

JPEPA's threat more than toxic wastes

MANILA, Philippines -- The threat posed by the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is far bigger than the expected health hazard from the alleged dumping of Japanese toxic wastes....

SC approves use of writ of amparo

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has approved the use of the writ of amparo as another means to bring an end to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the country. In its regul...

Answer solon's raps on NBN deal corruption

MANILA, Philippines -- The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered officials of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and officials of China's ZTE Corp. to answer allegations raised by...

Comelec execs too busy to attend budget hearing

MANILA, Philippines -- All six election commissioners who failed to attend Tuesday's budget hearing at the House of Representatives were prepared to defend the agency's outlay for 2008 but, unfortunat...

Gonzales bares new Arroyo 'slay plot'

MANILA, Philippines -- A new assassination plot against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been disclosed by her security adviser at a budget hearing of the House of Representatives. National Secu...

Village execs urge Senate to postpone barangay, SK polls

SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya -- The national assembly of the federation of barangay (village) chairpersons in the country has urged the Senate to support a proposal to postpone elections for barangay and San...

Philippine Medical Transcription Companies to look into new Business Opportunities in AHIMA

Philippine Medical Transcription Companies to look into new Business Opportunities in AHIMA The Philippines will join the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) convention a...

'Coup Talk Could be Diversionary Tactic'

MANILA, Sep 25 (IPS) - Is there really a destabilisation plot against the government or are speculations about possible coups being floated to divert public attention from alleged irregularities invol...

Grand Mufti asks Filipino Muslims to shun violence

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- A prominent Muslim religious leader in the country has issued a call to the entire Muslim community to unite and shun away all forms of violence. Sheik Omar Pasigan, the...

I'll try to answer 'truthfully'

MANILA, Philippines -- Romulo Neri, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, has vowed to answer as "truthfully" as he could questions on the national broadband network project when he would fa...

Homes of thousands damaged in south Philippine blaze

A rampant fire that swept a residential area in Jolo in southern Philippines on Monday night trashed homes of 2,000 local residents. At least nine people were injured, local media reported Tuesday aft...

VACC warns Arroyo against pardoning Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- An anti-crime and corruption group warned on Tuesday of "civil disorder" that could lead to "another people power" if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo insists on granting absol...

Destabilization plot vs Arroyo 'neutralized'--defense chief

MANILA, Philippines -- On the day of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's departure for the United States Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. declared that the latest destabilization attemp...

Dodgy telco deal to hurt Philippine-China ties

THE Philippine government's decision to suspend a major telecoms deal with China has weighed on ties with the economic giant and could sour investor confidence, analysts and officials said yesterday.P...

'Is Estrada pardon a diversion from ZTE mess'

MANILA, Philippines -- Is the government rushing the pardon for convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada as a means to divert the public's attention from the controversial $329-million deal with the Chinese...

Gov't talking to ZTE over suspension of NBN deal--Devanadera

MANILA, Philippines -- Careful not to sever ties with Chinese investors, the Philippine government is talking to China-based ZTE Corporation about the need to suspend the implementation of the Nationa...

Police on heightened alert ahead of Arroyo trip to US

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police has been placed on heightened alert ahead of the departure of President Gloria Macapagal for New York City, an official said. The alert was raise...

Abalos no show at House budget hearing

MANILA, Philippines -- Benjamin Abalos Jr, the beleaguered chairman of the Commission on Elections, was a no show at a budget hearing in the House of Representatives Tuesday. At the start of the proc...

Philippine imports rise 14.3 percent in July

Philippine imports rose 14.3 percent in July from a year earlier to 5.04 billion dollars on the back of increased shipments of electronic components, the statistics office said Tuesday. Largely used ...

U.S. approves funds to improve infrastructure in Philippines' insurgence-active island

The United States has approved a Philippine request to aid 3.7 million dollars for upgrading the airport and water supply on the island of Jolo in southern Philippines, local newspaper reported Tuesda...

Senator Sergio Osme a III top-bills hearing on wiretapping

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Senator Sergio Osme a III top-bills the hearing on the wiretapping scandal this Tuesday at the Senate, the office of Senator Rodolfo Biazon said Tuesday. Biazon heads th...

Supreme Court takes up draft rules for writ of amparo

MANILA, Philippines -- Families and relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances are now a step closer to making the authorities exert more effort and be more accountable...

Norman Hsu, Mystery Man; Black men to patrol Philadelphia; Former Philippine President Estrada considers pardon

Philadelphia Tribune reports on the recruitment of blacks and other male residents to patrol Philadelphia's deadly streets, and Regina Reyes - ABS-CBN North America News Bureau Chief,

Ex-vice mayor found guilty of indirect contempt

MANILA, Philippines -- The Sandiganbayan yesterday convicted former Makati Vice Mayor Roberto Brillante of indirect contempt after he accused three of its justices of accepting P10 million in bribe mo...

Cris Mendez's ma gets offer to settle case

MANILA, Philippines -- The mother of suspected hazing victim, University of the Philippines student Cris Anthony Mendez, has been approached by an unidentified man who advised her to agree to an out-o...

Exhumed body of girl subjected to new tests

MANILA, Philippines -- Forensic experts yesterday exhumed the body of the young girl-believed to be that of Geraldine Palma-found inside a suitcase in Tondo last month and subjected it to a battery of...

QC housewife loses P1.7M; suspect in rob nabbed by cops

MANILA, Philippines -- A housemaid was arrested last week by the police after her employer lost more than P1.7 million in cash and jewelry. Evelyn de Guia-Magboo, 48, a resident of Victorian Heights,...

Edsa traffic lighter by weekend

MANILA, Philippines -- The laying of drainage pipes to reduce or eliminate flooding on Edsa is taking longer than anticipated, prompting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to advise ...

Spare Calauit animals, Lim asked

MANILA, Philippines -- The animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has asked Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim not to push through with his plan to get more animals from Calauit...

Razon is new police chief

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday announced the appointment of Police Deputy Director General for Administration Avelino Razon Jr. as the new PNP chief as Vice Director General Oscar Caldero...

Neri flying to US, will skip ZTE probe

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. called Neri as a "wimp." "If Neri lets [President Arroyo] silence him, he cannot blame anyone if he is called a wimp without intestinal fortitude to ...

President knew Abalos involved in deal-JdV

President Gloria Arroyo knew Chairman Benjamin Abalos of the Commission on Elections was involved with ZTE Corp., the Chinese firm that bagged the controversial $330-million national broadband d...

Another senator wants broadband deal probe stopped

SENATOR Miriam Defensor-Santiago, joining Senator Joker Arroyo, called for a halt to the Senate investigation on the RP-China National Broadband Network (NBN) deal on the ground of "interdepartmental ...

Two more contracts with China frozen

Secretary Arthur C. Yap announced Monday that the Department of Agriculture is temporarily suspending two of its 19 agreements with China. The announcement comes just after the government announ...

Multitude joins Myanmar protests

David Mathieson, Myanmar consultant with New York-based Human Rights Watch, told AFP that civilians joining the monks in the kind of numbers seen Sunday and Monday marked a significant escalatio...

House Speaker says he beat ouster plot

HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said the coup against him has been "crushed before it was launched."De Venecia, who sent off President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Villamor Air Base for her trip t...

Asean still wants democracy in Myanmar

ASEAN wants to see democracy flourish in Myanmar, the Philippines said Monday, as tens of thousands poured onto the streets of Yangon in open defiance of the military junta.

Ramos hits Arroyo for offering pardon to Estrada

FORMER President Fidel Ramos on Monday criticized the Arroyo administration's plan to offer pardon to former President Joseph Estrada who was recently sentenced to life for plunder by the Sandiganbaya...

Honest Filipina worker in Singapore lauded

In a public toilet near the restaurant in Singapore's Vivo citymall, Marites Perez-Galam, a Filipino mother of four, found a wallet. It contained 16,000 Singapore dollars, the equivalent of $11,...

Stop recruiting tribal folk, bishops tell gov't, communists

MANILA, Philippines -- The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has appealed to both the government and the communist New People's Army (NPA) to stop the recruitment of indigenous pe...

SC to investigate bribery allegations vs one of its justices

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court will hold a special session on Tuesday to tackle media reports implicating one of its own magistrates in a P10-million payoff scandal. Jose Midas Marquez, spo...

PETA asks Lim not to get more animals for Manila Zoo

MANILA, Philippines -- The animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has asked Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim not to push through with his plan to get more animals from Calauit...

Senators welcome Neri's decision to attend Senate hearing

MANILA, Philippines -- Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Manuel Roxas II, co-chairs in the Senate inquiry into the controversial $329-million national broadband deal with ZTE Corp., welcomed the last-m...

Arroyo changes mind, 'advises' Neri to attend NBN hearing

MANILA, Philippines -- In a sudden turnaround, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has advised former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri to stay behind and attend the Senate hearing on the nat...

Fish disappear from stressed Philippine coral reefs

MANILA, Philippines -- Fish species are fast disappearing from Philippine waters as delicate coral reefs, some of the biggest in the world, are destroyed in the archipelago, environmentalists warned M...

Ex-Ombudsman opposes absolute pardon for 'arrogant' Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo opposed Monday the proposed grant of absolute pardon to convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada, saying the former president should not be setting the...

Politicians cannot stop CyberEd

MANILA, Philippines -- The ongoing investigation into the Arroyo administration's loan deals with the Chinese government and the "indefinite suspension" of the Cyber Education project have not discour...

EDSA 2 forces vow to nail Arroyo for plunder

MANILA, Philippines -- The absolute pardon Malaca ang is preparing for Joseph Estrada has angered the forces that helped bring the former president down, and is driving them to nail President Gloria M...

Brace for wetter, colder weather brought by La Ni a

MANILA, Philippines -- Weather forecasters of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) are advising the public to brace for wetter and colder weather in...

Cordial encounter as Speaker sees Arroyo off to Iligan

MANILA, Philippines -- Amid the controversy national broadband network (NBN) deal that has placed them on conflicting sides, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia were ju...

Senate to subpoena Neri to attend NBN probe next week

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate committee on accountability of public officers and investigations (the blue ribbon) will issue a subpoena for Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri to a...

AFP scouring ranks for more 'coup plotters'

MANILA, Philippines -- The military is undertaking "follow up operations" to find if there are any other troops involved in an alleged new coup plot following the relief of six soldiers who had allege...

Palace move to bring Neri to US 'insidious' -- solons

MANILA, Philippines -- Legislators at the House of Representatives have strongly condemned Malaca ang's alleged "insidious" move to bring Romulo Neri, former economic planning secretary, with Presiden...

PhilEXIM unveils P135-M ferry project for Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - State-guarantor Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency (PhilEXIM) has inaugurated a P135-million ferry project that is expected to make it easier and cheaper to commute between C...

Danga retires and can't be stopped from testifying in probe

MANILA, Philippines -- Vice Admiral Tirso Danga, one of the key figures in the 2005 "Hello Garci" wiretapping controversy, retired from the service Monday, and the military said it could no longer sto...

First Gentleman, Abalos probe sought at Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos are facing investigation from the Ombudsman after a lawyer filed a request for th...

Impeachment raps filed vs Arroyo, Abalos in House

MANILA, Philippines - (UPDATE) An impeachment complaint has been filed at the House of Representatives against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos an...

Make sure Filipino porn site stays shut down

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to make sure the Filipino pornography website www.boybastos....

Arroyo regrets NBN, CyberEd projects' suspension--spokesman

MANILA, Philippines -- Echoing the sentiment of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regrets the suspension of the national broadband network and cyber education projects...

Arroyo's rating plunges amid NBN scandal--SWS survey

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's approval rating has plunged amid a kickbacks scandal involving an allegedly overpriced broadband contract with China, a survey showed Monday....

Esperon told not to link NBN deal to alleged destabilization

MANILA, Philippines - Armed Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. must not blame the Senate investigation into the $329-million contract between the government and the Chinese company ZTE Corp. for the ...

Suspended Philippine telecom deal could hit China ties

The Philippine government's decision to suspend a major telecoms deal with China has weighed on ties with the economic giant and could sour investor confidence, analysts and officials said Monday. Pr...

President asks Neri to take US trip with her--reports

(UPDATE 2) MANILA, Philippines -- Romulo Neri, ex-economic planning secretary of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and a key resource person in the national broadband network contract between the gov...

Gov't barred from allowing genetically modified rice into RP

QUEZON CITY, Philippines -- The government has been stopped by a lower court from allowing a multinational company to import genetically modified rice. Under the law, Bayer Philippines Inc. is requir...

Philippine shares close slightly higher led by small caps, miners

MANILA (Thomson Financial) - Philippine shares closed slightly higher Monday led by gains in mining issues and other small caps but with most investors consolidating their positions after last week's ...

Philippine lawyers protest against rising violence in judicial circle

Members of at least 18 lawyers' organizations in the Philippines are protesting the surge of violent attacks on members of judiciary and the police's failure to curb murders of judges, the local newsp...

Philippines OKs 3 mln dollar loan to boost investment environment

The Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank, approved in principle the 300-million-U.S. dollars Asian Development Bank loan for local government unit (LGU) programs, local ...

Phone firms deny wiretapping capability

Smart, Globe rapped for sending spokesmen to probe

TELECOMMUNICATIONS firms Smart Communications, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. yesterday said their employees do not have the capability to tap phones, countering claims by a key witness in a Senate investigation that the military had connived with the two companies to eavesdrop in mobile phone conversations.

RP 2nd fastest-growing broadband market

THE PHILIPPINES was the second fastest-growing market for broadband worldwide in 2006, according to a study by UK-based research and consultancy firm Ovum.

Suspended broadband network deal could hit RP-China ties

The government's decision to suspend a major telecoms deal with China has weighed on ties with the economic giant and could sour investor confidence, analysts and officials said yesterday.

Philippine Silicon Valley: Software radio, new tech and Tech Boot Camp

With all the technology advances in mobile wireless technology, like computer and multimedia technology built into cellphones, one thing that is still missing, is seamless roaming among various standards.

Test Drive: Cool on warm palms: Samsung SGH-Z720

SAMSUNG�S THINNEST HSDPA slider phone to date, the Z720 is the coolest 3G-enabled phone one can hold in his palm lately. As part of the Ultra Edition thin line of Samsung, it is sleek at 13.8 mm yet powerful enough for some mobile needs you can hardly do without these days.

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.

Headline: Panel to handle China projects

WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, A POLITICAL ALLY AND HER HUSBAND having linked to a controversial China-funded telecommunications deal, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday announced the creation of a special body to review projects funded by development assistance from Beijing.

Corporate News: Citigroup tapped for shares sale of state exploration company

STATE-OWNED Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) has tapped Citigroup to privatize the firm's exploration unit, company President Antonio M. Cailao said.

Banking & Finance: Deutsche Bank rules out local credit crunch

BANK LENDING will likely end the year with double-digit growth, Deutsche Bank AG said, as it ruled out a local credit squeeze arising from the persistent turmoil in global financial markets.

Stock Market: Mining stocks drive index up; mart cautious

SHARE PRICES finished higher yesterday due to gains in mining stocks towards the end of the trading day following a solid rise in metal prices. But investors were mostly hesitant to take aggressive positions given lingering concerns over the health of the US economy despite last week's half-point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, dealers said.

The Economy: Central bank expects money supply growth to slow further

DECELERATION in growth of money supply at rates below 20% should be sustainable until the end of this year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. told reporters yesterday.

The Nation: Fresh attacks launched vs Abu Sayyaf that beheaded Marines

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Troops attacked Muslim extremists who beheaded 10 Marines in July in fresh violence in the southern island of Basilan yesterday, officials said.

Motoring: AUDI's Q7 Quattro is aimed squarely at BMW's X5.

NOT TO BE taken for granted is Audi's new-found and exacting standard for fine luxury appointments and overall refinement. This has made Audi come close, sales wise, to the US market's number luxury marque, Lexus, even if around the globe Audi sells far more cars. This is not enough for Audi because it still has a worthy target: BMW.

IT Matters: Phone firms deny wiretapping capability

TELECOMMUNICATIONS firms Smart Communications, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. yesterday said their employees do not have the capability to tap phones, countering claims by a key witness in a Senate investigation that the military had connived with the two companies to eavesdrop in mobile phone conversations.

"Sec, may 200 ka dito"

Secretary Romulo Neri, former director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, said Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos over a golf game between January and February 2...

Don't abuse executive privilege

Senate President Manuel Villar cautioned former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri against abusing executive privilege to clam up on the $329.4-million contract with China's ZTE Corp. fo...

3-year-old girl drowns in Manila river - report

A "normal" bowel movement at a river behind her house turned deadly for a three-year-old girl who fell into the water and drowned on Tuesday. Radio dzBB reported that the body of three-year-old Haz...

Senate resumes ZTE probe

The Senate investigation into the $329.4-million national broadband network deal with China's ZTE Corp. resumed at 9:46 a.m. Wednesday, with two Cabinet members absent. Senators appealed to vis...

Abalos assails 'false claims' of Joey, says China chose ZTE as NBN contractor

Breaking his silence on the controversial national broadband network project, Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos said the contract was awarded to ZTE Corporation, as a condition for the ...

Suspect in 2004 killing of GMA provincial news anchor falls

After three years, the suspected mastermind in the killing of a television news anchor in Iloilo was arrested in northern Metro Manila, radio dzBB reported early Wednesday. The report said police a...

Neri arrives at Senate

(Updated 9:45 a.m.) Former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri arrived at the Senate on Wednesday morning to attend the hearing on the controversial $329.4-million contract with ZTE Corp. of ...

Hear my side first on NBN deal

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos has denied allegations by Jose De Venecia III that he had pushed for the national broadband network project,...

MVP boosts boxing's Olympic gold drive

Philippine courts get new powers to stop killings

Philippines approves new rule to curb extrajudicial killings

Fire Leaves 5,000 Homeless in S. Philippines

PNP on high alert as Arroyo leaves

Philippine National Police went on heightened alert nationwide as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left the country last night for a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. A heightened...

De Venecia ouster an ethical issue, says foe

MANILA, Philippines -- The ethics case filed against him, not his son's testimony in the Senate against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, may cost Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. the leadership...

Mark Jimenez 'forgives' Perez, others

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez is suffused with the "energy" of forgiveness. Jimenez on Tuesday told reporters at the Department of Justice that he would withdraw the extortio...

Budget hearings for AFP leftists' payback time

'Guilty until proven innocent' Maza threatened to have the discussions on Gonzales' budget deferred because Gonzales purportedly presumed that militant party-list groups were "guilty until proven inn...

Bishop 'Soc' kicked out Doble, Ong from seminary

Arroyo's own probe finds no bribery

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had the National Broadband Network (NBN) project "discreetly investigated" and found reports of b...

SC okays writ of amparo rules; effective Oct. 24

Supreme Court has issued unprecedented rules that would allow citizens to seek from the courts protection from or redress for extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. The rules for the writ ...

Reyes, Bustamante take on Scots in World Cup pool defense

MANILA, Philippines -- Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante open defense of their PartyPoker.net World Cup Pool title against the Scottish pair of Michael Valentine and Pat Holtz Tuesd...

Eagles dying to live, play another game

GAME THURSDAY (Araneta Coliseum) 3 p.m. -- La Salle vs Ateneo MANILA, Philippines -- Even if another tough stretch lies ahead for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, their payback triumph over the defending cham...

Red Lions go for jugular Wednesday

GAMES WEDNESDAY (Araneta Coliseum) 2 p.m. -- Letran vs San Sebastian (Jrs) 4 p.m. -- Letran vs San Beda (Srs) MANILA, Philippines -- He was a vital cog for San Beda College when the Red Lions capture...

Barrera escape route plugged; 14-round drill awes crowd

LOS ANGELES -- There is a big possibility Marco Antonio Barrera will do everything to avoid an early knockout, so Manny Pacquiao perfected a sneaky liver shot, launched and capped with blinding rat-ta...

Even if pardoned, Erap must give up wealth

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) wants former president Joseph Estrada to return the P1-billion "plundered" money ordered forfeited by the Sandiganbayan. The group said the re...

No deal yet on pardon; Estrada keeps options open

UST sticking with Jarencio

MANILA, Philippines -- Tears welled up in his eyes at the sound of the final buzzer. And it turned out to be a gut-wrenching scene when coach Pido Jarencio, bent down, tried to compose himself as his ...

Pacquiao pushes hard to be at his best against Barrera

Close this LOS ANGELES -- He did not say anything upon arrival, but Manny Pacquiao made a clear statement -- he's out to be at his best -- when he burst from bed at the break of dawn Sunday a...

Solon chides AFP for failing to settle P48-M electric bill

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- They came in their best attire, neatly pressed military uniforms, to defend the Armed Forces of the Philippines' proposed P49.1-billion budget for next year....

Arroyo to bring 'good news' on RP to UN assembly

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday said she would highlight impressive reports about the Philippines, before the United Nations in New York City. In a departure statement, Arroyo said she...

'Tatayak' making keeps Ivatan seafarers alive

ITBAYAT, Batanes - No more Ivatan warriors exist today to chant the ancient "rawod," the stories about their seafarers that are passed down to generations. The "rawod" chants are tales of high advent...

Neri to use executive privilege in Senate's ZTE deal hearing

He may be the witness who senators say could tell "something big" about a controversial telecommunications project between the Philippines and China. But Romulo Neri might disappoint the Senate on Wed...

Indon GM ahead; Torre surges

Close this Standings after six rounds: 5.0 points -- S. Megaranto (Indonesia); 4.5 -- N. Parimarjan (India), G.N. Gopal (India); 4.0 -- E. Torre (RP), W. Hao (China), Z, Jianchao (China), D. ...

DPWH, MGB quarrel over P20-M road repair

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) came under fire from provincial officials following its decision to bid out a P20-million road rehabilitation project despite a ...

La Union execs defend killing of stray dogs

BAUANG, LA UNION-Officials defended the town's move to kill stray dogs as proper, saying this was meant to protect the people and prevent the spread of rabies infection that has killed at least four r...

Cebu gov faces overprice probe

CEBU CITY-A party-list group filed yesterday a complaint of graft and other violations against Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for alleged irregularities in the construction of the Cebu International Conve...

Governor wants abusive GIs expelled

GENERAL SANTOS CITY-Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez yesterday called on the government to expel abusive American soldiers from the country, rather than just giving them a slap on the wrist. Dominguez...

Don"t include Erap "plundered" wealth in pardon offer

12 Sigma Rhoans face expulsion raps

Twelve officers and members of the Sigma Rho fraternity would be subjected to expulsion proceedings in connection with the death of graduating public administration student Cris Anthony Mendez, a Univ...

SC justice behind smear campaign vs Santiago -- senator

Arroyo forms panel to oversee projects funded by Chinese aid

Arroyo flies to New York for UN meeting

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo left for the United States Tuesday night, to attend a United Nations assembly in New York, radio dzMM reported about 9:40 p.m. The report said Mrs Arroyo, wearing ...

Jimenez abandons suits vs 2 DoJ chiefs for 'heavenly' aims

, the foundation said it "is a non-profit organization" that was put up by Jimenez "to uplift and unite the Filipino people through its spiritual and charitable works." On December 23, 2002, Jimene...

Neri 'at peace' with testimony before Senate

Outgoing PNP chief says politics made job harder

Philippine whistle blower complains of death threats

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - A businessman who alleged corruption around a controversial Philippine government telecom project awarded to a state-owned Chinese firm said Tuesday he had received death...

Filipino SentosaCare nurses return to court Wednesday

Arroyo says probe into NBN deal finds no irregularities

Air Philippines plans E. Visayas flights

SC employee denies part in alleged P10-M payoff for justice

The former secretary of Supreme Court Associate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago has denied involvement in the reported P10-million payoff allegedly received by the lady justice several months ago. ...

Razon gets flak from militants before taking top PNP post

Estrada to appeal graft conviction as pardon talks continue

House to review '08 budget amid warnings of Speaker's ouster

De Venecia III expects Neri to reveal NBN 'bribe try'

Pagasa spots 2 low pressure areas in Luzon, Visayas

Two low pressure areas spotted northeast of Luzon and east of Visayas are expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains to western Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the state weather agency sai...

Army's unpaid electricity bills reach P7M

The Philippine Army on Tuesday admitted to owing at least P7 million in unpaid electricity bills, as it raised concerns that power supply to some of its camps may be disconnected. In a telephone in...

SC approves rule on writ of amparo vs extralegal killings

The Supreme Court on Tuesday approved the draft rule on the writ of amparo, which Chief Justice Reynato Puno said would provide victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances the protec...

Man sentenced to 203 years in prison gets Arroyo pardon

Talk about Presidential pardon. A man sentenced by the Sandiganbayan to a jail term of more than 200 years walked scot-free after receiving a conditional pardon from President Gloria Macapagal Arro...

Palace mum on including Erap's ill-gotten assets in pardon offer

Malacañang would rather keep mum on whether former President Joseph Estrada would be able to keep his ill-gotten assets once he is granted presidential pardon. Radio dzBB on Tuesday quoted S...

Comelec execs too busy to attend budget hearing

Catholic bishops urge Neri to tell truth on NBN deal

'Estrada cares more for mother than wealth'--Puno

Assassination threat vs Arroyo bared

An assassination threat against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was bared on Tuesday. National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said there is a "real" assassination attempt against President Ar...

JPEPA's threat more than toxic wastes

Complaint filed vs Cebu governor over CICC 'overpricing'

CEBU CITY-- The Bayan Muna partylist group filed on Tuesday a complaint against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for allegedly committing graft and violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards ov...

Answer solon's raps on NBN deal corruption

Village execs urge Senate to postpone barangay, SK polls

Philippine Medical Transcription Companies to look into new Business Opportunities in AHIMA

Philippine Medical Transcription Companies to look into new Business Opportunities in AHIMA The Philippines will join the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) convention a...

Philippine leader says bribery in broadband deal uncorroborated

Manila - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Tuesday that allegations of bribery in a mothballed 329-million-dollar broadband network deal between the government and a Chinese firm were ...

Homes of thousands damaged in south Philippine blaze

Bribery talk over ZTE deal was 'uncorroborated'

(Updated 3:34 p.m.) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday said "discreet" internal investigations were unable to affirm reports of massive payoffs involving the multi-million dollar National Br...

'Non-proficient' cops to be disarmed

Policemen who fail proficiency tests on gun handling will be disarmed, the incoming chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned on Tuesday. In a chance interview, Deputy Director General A...

Grand Mufti asks Filipino Muslims to shun violence

'Coup Talk Could be Diversionary Tactic'

I'll try to answer 'truthfully'

VACC warns Arroyo against pardoning Estrada

Abalos, poll commissioners absent in House budget hearing

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos and his five commissioners failed to attend on Tuesday a House of Representatives hearing on the poll body's proposed budget. The abse...

Dodgy telco deal to hurt Philippine-China ties

Retiring PNP chief wants to stay in gov"t service

Less than a week before his scheduled retirement, National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon said he would gladly accept any government post once he retires from the police service on Octob...

Military camps face blackouts over P200-M unpaid bills - report

While they insist there is no threat from destabilizers, the military still faces a "threat," this time from blackouts in its camps due to unpaid bills. Radio dzEC reported Tuesday that a party lis...

Korean travel agencies reported operating illegally in Davao

Close this DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- Travel agencies owned by Korean nationals are operating illegally in the city, the Southern Mindanao regional tourism chief said Tuesday. Sonia Garcia h...

'Is Estrada pardon a diversion from ZTE mess'

Arlene Doble can't remember 'Medy'

(Updated 11:49 a.m.) The wife of former military spy Vidal Doble Jr claimed Tuesday that she cannot recall the Malacañang aide who "helped" reunite her family in June 2005. Mrs Arlene Doble,...

Gov't talking to ZTE over suspension of NBN deal--Devanadera

Police on heightened alert ahead of Arroyo trip to US

Philippine imports rise 14.3 percent in July

U.S. approves funds to improve infrastructure in Philippines' insurgence-active island

Lim slaps gag order vs MPD homicide chief over Palma case

Not happy with the ongoing word war on the case of "suitcase girl" Geraldine Palma, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has slapped a gag order on the chief of the Manila police's homicide division. Radio...

Garcillano still a no-show as 'Hello, Garci' probe resumes

The wife of former intelligence agent Vidal Doble showed up Tuesday morning at the Senate hearing into the "Hello, Garci" wiretap controversy, while former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano w...

It was miscommunication, not a flip-flop - Palace on Neri

Malacañang on Tuesday said questions regarding the attendance of former socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri to the Senate probe on the $329.4-million ZTE deal probably stemmed from mis...

Senator Sergio Osme a III top-bills hearing on wiretapping

Supreme Court takes up draft rules for writ of amparo

Novena at the Nazarios

Said, This is the third time that Demet and Maryann hosted a religious novena and these were held in different rooms of their palatial house, yesterday’s novena was in their soon to be finished...

Cabinet men still barred from Senate wiretap probe

Malacañang on Tuesday said the go-signal for Cabinet members to attend the Senate hearing on the $329.4-million ZTE deal does not apply to the chamber's probe into the "Hello, Garci" scanda...

Expect rains, RP in early phase of La Ni a

Oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the Philippines indicate the early phase of a weak La Niña event that may last until early 2008, state weather forecasters said Tuesday. The Philippine ...

Tierro, Arcilla complete Davis Cup rout

KUWAIT CITY -- Patrick John Tierro and Johnny Arcilla overpowered separate rivals Sunday to complete a swashbuckling Filipino sweep of host Kuwait in the Asia-Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup finals he...

Gov't places more China deals on hold

Department of Agriculture . Sen. Edgardo Angara, chair of the agriculture committee, welcomed Yap's move, considering that the land deals with Chinese investors had raised protests from critics who l...

Murder, Inc. 'plays big role for Letran'

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion San Beda College is the prohibitive favorite over Colegio San Juan de Letran in Wednesday's Game 2 of the NCAA senior basketball best-of-three title series at...

Arroyo execs continue word war on SCTEx

CLARK FREEPORT--Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan said Bases Conversion Development Authority president Narciso Abaya should give advice rather than merely follow the order of President Macapagal-Arroyo on ...

Lawyer asks Ombudsman to investigate Arroyo hubby

View the NBN contract and related documents MANILA, Philippines -- A controversial lawyer associated with high profile lost causes yesterday asked the Ombudsman to investigate President Gloria Macap...

Norman Hsu, Mystery Man; Black men to patrol Philadelphia; Former Philippine President Estrada considers pardon

Philadelphia Tribune reports on the recruitment of blacks and other male residents to patrol Philadelphia's deadly streets, and Regina Reyes - ABS-CBN North America News Bureau Chief,

Business with a social vision

MANILA, Philippines—In some cases, winning really isn’t everything.

Cooking his way to the boob tube

MANILA, Philippines—Unknown to many of his viewers, “Unang Hirit’s” resident chef Tristan Encarnacion’s road to the kitchen was not a straight one.

The 2bU! guide to the new iPods

MANILA, Philippines—On what should have been just another geek session on an ordinary day earlier this month, a friend fired up her Powerbook and clicked on Safari.

Big leapfrog for young men’s fashion

MANILA, Philippines—The fashion freaks have been guilty of a crime—and it’s called Neglecting Fashion For Men.

Feminine and flirty

MANILA, Philippines—Aside from discovering new fashion haunts, the Shop Shooters drop by our favorite stores from time to time to check out updates and the new things they have to offer.

Dreaming in denim

MANILA, Philippines—Denim is one of the world’s great equalizers. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, it doesn’t matter what you do and how much you make doing it, the pair of jeans hanging in your closet is one of the things that make you just like the rest of us.

Sweet victory

MANILA, Philippines—Victory is sweeter after a long drought. The University of the Philippines Pep Squad knows this more than any other cheering squad in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Surf’s up!

MANILA, Philippines—Beaches with powder-white sands, amazingly clean and clear waters perfect for scuba-diving, plus a wide variety of marine life accessible through snorkeling. These are just some of the reasons why many tourists plane to the Philippines.

Mother and daughter are out to Help

The grand launch of Health, Education, Livelihood Program, as in Help, a joint project of that attractive mother-and-daughter team, Baby Arenas and Rachel, plus the birthday celebration of Baby A, the ever generous, golden-hearted philanthropist.

Get a grip

MANILA, Philippines—When you are doing nothing, feeling nothing, finding yourself at your wit’s end, and snapping at anyone or anything that comes your way, it is time to get a grip on yourself.

ET is here

MANILA, Philippines--Many books have been written espousing the idea that extra-terrestrials (ETs) have been with us for millions of years.

Macau’s different realities

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

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