The Philippine Headlines - October 31, 2007

0 comments Posted by Balitang Pinoy at 8:31 AM

Next Mobile readies links for text messaging

MANILA, Philippines -- Information and communications technology firm Next Mobile Inc. is preparing for text messaging interconnection with Smart Communication, Globe Telecom, and Sun Cellular to expand its menu of offerings for the corporate market, company chief executive Mel Velarde said.

Love bridges divide between living and dead

MANILA, Philippines -- With unrelenting regularity, I lost the person I loved most every 10 years of my adult life. Love, however, is not lost, does not die. Many a bereaved person will attest that love bridges the divide between earth and heaven; it looks for ways to become real for us, earth-bound and sad.

Pierce Brosnan probed for scuffle -- police

LOS ANGELES -- Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan is being investigated for his alleged involvement in a scuffle with a photographer in Malibu, police confirmed Tuesday.

Metrobank hikes tier-2 notes offer to P8.5B

MANILA, Philippines--Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., the country’s biggest bank in assets, increased its tier-2 notes offering to P8.5 billion from P5.0 billion to take advantage of warm investor reception, a bank official said.

Consolidation spells trade success for BIMP-EAGA

DAVAO CITY, Philippines --The main players in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are seeking to eliminate internal trading and competition in favor of consolidation, in a bid to capture larger markets, a senior Mindanao businessman said.

First Gen ties up with Iceland firm

MANILA, Philippines--First Gen Corp. and Iceland-based Reykjavik Energy Invest (REI) have teamed up to bid for the government’s 60-percent shareholding in geothermal power producer PNOC Energy Development Corp.

Arroyo reaching out to Singson, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang is reaching out to Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson who has threatened to break away from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for pardoning convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada.

Empire East signs deal with EDSA lot owner

MANILA, Philippines--Empire East Land Holdings Inc., 46-percent owned by Megaworld Corp., has signed an agreement with the owner of a 13,359-square-meter property along the EDSA highway, at corner of Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City, for a high-rise condominium project.

Aboitiz Transport profit hits P481M

MANILA, Philippines--The sale of three Superferry vessels enabled Aboitiz Transport System Corp. to record a net income of P480.8 million in the first three quarters, compared with a net loss of P353.2 million in the same period last year.

Ermita: No rift, no clue on Malacañang dole

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was kept in the dark about the cash that was dispensed to legislators and governors in Malacañang following a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Oct. 11.

AEV 3-quarter profit jumps 63%

MANILA, Philippines--The conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) reported that its net income in the first three quarters grew 63 percent year-on-year to P3.9 billion from P2.4 billion, boosted by gains from the sale of shares in its power and banking units.

Overwhelming UN support to end US embargo on Cuba

UNITED NATIONS -- The UN on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly for the 16th year in a row to end the crippling US trade embargo against Cuba, despite a pledge from President George W. Bush that it will stay in place.

Wall Street ends lower; Fed announcement awaited

NEW YORK -- Wall Street shares closed lower Tuesday with investors on tenterhooks as the Federal Reserve mulls US borrowing costs amid mounting economic uncertainty.

Fed meets with markets banking on another rate cut

WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve policymakers convened for a two-day meeting Tuesday as bets mounted on Wall Street that the central bank would cut borrowing costs for the second time in as many months.

After arrest, Sison opens door to talks with gov’t

UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS -- The door is open to the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels who have been waging a nearly 40-year insurgency, according to the exiled founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Major Iraqi dam in danger of collapse

WASHINGTON -- Iraq's largest dam is in danger of collapse and hundreds of thousands of people are at risk from a massive inundation in Mosul and Baghdad, according to US documents released Tuesday.

Crude oil price dives $2 on profit-taking

LONDON -- World oil prices slumped Tuesday by about two dollars as traders banked some of their recent record gains, following news that output would restart in Mexico after a stoppage.

Boxing gold medals no longer for sale?

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA -- Now that Anwar Chowdry’s despotic regime as president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is over, are Filipino boxers a step closer to winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal?

SBMA: Tax ruling doesn’t cover Philip Morris project

MANILA, Philippines--The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authory (SBMA) said a $20-million tobacco leaf warehouse project of Philip Morris International in the Subic Bay Freeport, northwest of Manila, would not be covered by a Supreme Court decision allowing collection of tobacco and alcohol taxes in the free port area.

Crippled Kings battle Aces; Bulls vs Express

MANILA, Philippines -- There’s a strong possibility that Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk will recover from their injuries and finally see action for Barangay Ginebra as early as next week.

Solar antenna panel on Int’l Space Station torn

WASHINGTON -- At least one panel on a solar antenna on the International Space Station was damaged on Tuesday as it was repositioned during the shuttle Discovery's mission to the orbiting space lab.

Arroyo-Estrada alliance possible, says Ermita

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Tuesday raised the possibility of a political alliance between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and deposed President Joseph Estrada following her decision to free the convicted plunderer.

Cojuangco appointed OCA adviser

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco was named adviser of the Olympic Council of Asia yesterday.

8 cities cited for being ‘business friendly’

MANILA, Philippines--The National Competitiveness Council (NCC), a group formed jointly by the government and the private sector to promote economic competitiveness, has cited eight cities for being “business-friendly” based on its scorecard.

Kepco eyes more Philippine power plants

SEOUL, South Korea -- Korea Electric Power Corp., through subsidiary Kepco Philippines Corp., is looking at acquiring power plants in the Philippines in preparation for the expiration of its cooperation agreement for the 650-megawatt Malaya thermal power plant in Rizal province, outside Manila.

Malampaya group can’t commit increased gas output

MANILA, Philippines--The consortium than runs the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project is uncertain on whether it can commit to produce gas from the Malampaya field beyond the volume being used to fuel three power plants with a total capacity of 2,700 megawatts, an official said.

BSP sees 3rd-quarter economic growth at 7%

MANILA, Philippines--The Philippine economy likely sustained in the third quarter the robust growth recorded in the first semester despite a slowdown in exports, and will likely register an expansion of seven percent, the central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), said Tuesday.

Olympic swim hopefuls eye SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines -- More than just winning gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, the national swimmers will also be vying for Olympic slots in the December sportsfest in Thailand.

Pacman pool: De Luna trips Orcollo, pockets P1M

MANILA, Philippines -- Rising pool star Jeffrey De Luna pulled the rug from under the favored Dennis Orcollo, 11-9, over the weekend to bag the P1-million champion’s purse in the P2-million Manny Pacquiao International 9-Ball Open at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Biofuel sector draws P34B in investments

MANILA, Philippines--Fifteen companies are interested in investing a total of P34.08 billion in planting crops for biofuel feedstock, the Department of Agriculture disclosed Tuesday.

Chief Justice Puno: An unlikely revolutionary

MANILA, Philippines -- As a young lawyer, Reynato Puno was part of the solicitor general’s panel that defended before the Supreme Court President Ferdinand Marcos’ political moves that put the nation under dictatorial rule.

Judiciary flexes muscles on extrajudicial killings

MANILA, Philippines -- The wounds inflicted by chain whips tipped with barbed wire have healed but bad dreams of the torture chambers where they had been taken during 18 months under military captivity rouse them from sleep most nights.

Poll watchdog: ‘Name people above fray to Comelec’

MANILA, Philippines -- The church-based poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has asked Malacañang not to appoint anyone involved in politics to the vacant posts in the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

3 Filipino pugs underdogs

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- They feel good about their chances, but Violito Payla and Harry Tañamor know that making it to the 2008 Beijing Olympics is easier said than done.

Suicide at MRT station averted

MANILA, Philippines – A garbage scavenger threatened to jump yesterday afternoon from the third floor of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Quezon Avenue Station in Quezon City.

Bondad earns Euro Tour card

MANILA, Philippines -- Frances Bondad, a full-blooded Filipina playing for Australia, on Friday earned a full card in next year’s Ladies European Tour after finishing third in a tough qualifying tournament in Italy.

Abducted militant seeks SC protection

MANILA, Philippines -- An urban poor leader, who was allegedly abducted in Cavite province and later released by the military, on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court for a protection order for her and her two daughters under the newly effective writ of amparo.

Couple nabbed by cops for attempted bribery

MANILA, Philippines – Two Chinese nationals were arrested by operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office yesterday after the suspects allegedly tried to bribe them with almost P.5 million.

Bualee bombs La Salle as SSC gains s’finals

MANILA, Philippines -- Thai import Bualee Jaroensri destroyed the enemy off the net as San Sebastian College overpowered a listless De La Salle University crew, 25-20, 25-22, 25-16, Tuesday night to advance to the semifinal round of the Shakey’s V-League Second Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

UP studes light candles for dead frat neophytes

MANILA, Philippines – Students at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City lit candles over the weekend to remember the “senseless” deaths of fellow students allegedly because of fraternity violence.

Andam boosts RP cast to 14 in World Pool

MANILA, Philippines -- Veteran campaigner Leonardo Andam overwhelmed Jharome Peña, 9-4, in an all-Filipino finals late Monday night at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City and became the first Filipino -- other than his seeded compatriots -- to qualify to the World Pool Championships.

Estrada pardon makes lead prosecutor sick

MANILA, Philippines -- For the lead prosecutor who spent almost six years building a case against deposed President Joseph Estrada, the recent pardon granted to the convicted plunderer was apparently too much for his mind and body to bear.

Southern Police ready for special Pasay City elections

MANILA, Philippines – The Southern Police District assured the public yesterday that it would ensure the safety of the special elections to be held in Barangay 76 in Pasay City.

RP, Harbour squads hold off comebacks

MANILA, Philippines -- Jason Castro came through in the final stretch as the Harbour-Philippine team recovered from a near-catastrophic collapse with a 103-92 victory over Toyota Balintawak in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

PNP firms up accidental gas explosion theory

MANILA, Philippines -- Citing “a preponderance” of evidence, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Tuesday declared that the deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 mall on Oct. 19 was an accidental gas explosion.

Repair teams to SLEX for motorists’ convenience

MANILA, Philippines – In anticipation of the exodus to and from Southern Luzon for All Saints’ Day, the South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) said yesterday that 24-hour maintenance and emergency teams have been sent to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) starting today.

9,000 policemen to secure Metro during holiday break

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is deploying 9,000 policemen to secure Metro Manila’s different cemeteries, seaports and bus terminals during the long holiday break.

QC bets hold poll officers hostage

MANILA, Philippines – Some 200 election officers and public school teachers were held hostage for eight hours Monday by seven barangay candidates and their supporters during the canvassing at a public school in Quezon City.

29 dead but polls peaceful, says PNP

MANILA, Philippines – A reelected barangay chairman in Catarman, Northern Samar, was shot dead by three motorcycle-riding men several hours after he was proclaimed on Monday, police said.

Rise in burglaries expected in the long holidays

MANILA, Philippines -- The Manila police are reminding people who are going out of town to observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days to take the necessary precautions to protect their homes from burglaries.

PNP ARMM task force formed to hunt down Bedol

The police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has formed a task force that will hunt down missing election officer Lintang Bedol, who was accused by the opposition of rigging the senatorial elections in favor of the administration in Maguindanao province.

Consumer confidence, earnings trip up Wall St

NEW YORK - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday after a weak outlook from Procter & Gamble, disappointing earnings from U.S. Steel and a report showing consumer confidence at a two-year low fueled worries about the economy, consumer spending and corporate profits.

Parenting coach slams Britney Spears in new custody setback

LOS ANGELES - Troubled pop star Britney Spears has failed in her bid to regain custody of her children following a damning review of her parenting skills, court documents showed Tuesday.

Girardi succeeds Torre as Yankees manager

NEW YORK - Former player Joe Girardi has been appointed manager of the New York Yankees in place of Joe Torre, the Major League Baseball team announced on Tuesday. Reuters

US ship helps North Korea vessel crew overpower Somali pirates

MOGADISHU - The US Navy helped the crew of a North Korean cargo vessel regain control of their freighter in a violent struggle Tuesday after it was captured by pirates off Mogadishu port, it said.

Gas explosion near Paris kills one and hurts dozens

PARIS - One person was killed and 42 injured, 15 seriously, in a gas explosion in a building northeast of Paris, emergency officials said on Tuesday.

RFM, other food producers eye $12-B Arab food market

Concepcion-led RFM Corp. together with other local food producers is set to tap the $12-billion Arab food market as they participate in the Middle East International Food Exhibition (IFEX) next month.

Julia hits back at Keanna

Sexy star Julia Lopez is on the warpath anew. This time, the object of her wrath is another sexy star, Keanna Reeves.

15 foreign firms may invest up to P34B in RP biofuels sector

At least 15 companies are preparing to enter the biofuels industry with investments estimated to reach P34 billion.

NAIA still up to standard as RP's main international airport

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) officials have expressed strong opposition to claims that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is no longer fit to be the country's primary air hub.

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

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

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

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

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

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

Mike Arroyo Promised $70 M in Broadband Deal, Says De Venecia

Whistleblower Joey de Venecia III told a Senate hearing today that First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo was reportedly promised...

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

World Bank and UN launch initiatives to strengthen states’ capability to confiscate ill-gotten wealth.

UP studes light candles for dead frat neophytes

MANILA, Philippines - Students at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City lit candles over the weekend to remember the "senseless" deaths of fellow students allegedly because of fraterni...

Couple nabbed by cops for attempted bribery

MANILA, Philippines - Two Chinese nationals were arrested by operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office yesterday after the suspects allegedly tried to bribe them with almost P.5 million....

Repair teams to SLEX for motorists' convenience

MANILA, Philippines - In anticipation of the exodus to and from Southern Luzon for All Saints' Day, the South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) said yesterday that 24-hour maintenance and emergency teams hav...

QC bets hold poll officers hostage

MANILA, Philippines - Some 200 election officers and public school teachers were held hostage for eight hours Monday by seven barangay candidates and their supporters during the canvassing at a public...

Suicide at MRT station averted

MANILA, Philippines - A garbage scavenger threatened to jump yesterday afternoon from the third floor of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Quezon Avenue Station in Quezon City. Herman Okoseba, 27, sat on ...

Estrada camp vows to settle civil liabilities

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Saguisag was reacting to reports that the anti-graft court was out to issue the writ of execution on the forfeiture of the P...

Group warns of another people power revolt

COUNCIL of Philippine Affairs (Copa) leader Pastro Saycon, one of the conveners of the newly created No Pardon for Erap (Nope), on Tuesday gave President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo until the first quarte...

Uno impeachment rap dead

THE House of Representatives will not entertain anymore the impeachment complaint to be filed on Monday against President Gloria Arroyo by the United Opposition (UNO).

Southern Police ready for special Pasay City elections

MANILA, Philippines - The Southern Police District assured the public yesterday that it would ensure the safety of the special elections to be held in Barangay 76 in Pasay City. Over 22 polling preci...

Erap no big loss to govt critics-bishop

Former President Joseph Estrada's sudden change of heart not to support mounting calls for President Gloria Arroyo to step down is no big deal, according to a Catholic bishop.

Admin allies still behind JdV, but 'anything can happen'

ADMINISTRATION allies and supporters of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. have played down a reported ouster move against the House leader and change of leadership when session resumes on November 5.

Environment issues matter of survival

"The environment has become a survival issue," Von Hernandez said Tuesday in an exclusive roundtable with editors and reporters of The Manila Times.

3 foreigners, 4 others nabbed for drugs

COMBINED Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force policemen arrested on Tuesday morning seven suspected drug traffickers, including three foreigne...

Wipro to set up development centre in Philippines

NEW DELHI: IT major Wipro, the third largest software exporter from India, on Tuesday said it would set up a development centre in the Philippines.

9,000 policemen to secure Metro during holiday break

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is deploying 9,000 policemen to secure Metro Manila's different cemeteries, seaports and bus terminals during the long holiday b...

Dogs shoot man on hunting trip

James Harris, 37, was shot in the leg while hunting with a friend and two children on Saturday afternoon, the day pheasant season officially opened in Iowa.

Govt wavers on waste management

One indication that the country's garbage problem has already taken a dramatic turn was the announced resignation of one of the country's foremost environmental health specialists, Dr. Metodio P...

Teachers decry nonpayment of election allowance

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Two days after the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections, many public school teachers have yet to receive their poll duty pay, the Allia...

5 Year Old Girl Travels From the Philippines for "Life Changing Operation" in Buffalo

5 year old Primalyn Elias is undergoing a life changing operation. She arrived in Buffalo from the Philippines for an operation on her cleft palate. The cleft palate has left Primalyn under-nourished ...

Filipino workers are tops with Brits, says envoy

MANILA, Philippines -- British business has reaffirmed its confidence in the Filipino worker by investing in a facility that will train Filipinos for jobs in the energy sector, British Ambassador to t...

9 Filipino seafarers onboard tanker seized off Somalia--DFA

MANILA, Philippines -- Nine Filipino seamen were on board a Japanese chemical tanker hijacked off the coast of northern Somalia over the weekend, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Tuesday. T...

'Cheap' illegal recruiter nabbed in Manila

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Not all fake recruiters demand large amounts of money. This was the lesson learned by more than 70 people, some of whom hail from depressed areas in Tondo, ...

Philippine central bank intervenes to cap peso traders

Close this SINGAPORE -- The Philippine central bank has been buying the dollar in the currency market on Tuesday to limit rises in the peso after it hit a seven-year high, traders said. The ...

New York mission 'made a dent in UN on human rights'

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita believes the fielding of a high-level delegation to the United Nations session made a "dent" in the international body's assessment of the hum...

Saguisag rejects nomination to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- Thanks but no thanks. The lawyer of deposed president Joseph Estrada, former Senator Rene Saguisag, is not too keen on accepting a post at the Commission on Elections or any gov...

Proper way to arrest youth offenders explained in primers

MANILA, Philippines -- Children in conflict with the law or are suspects in a crime should not be accosted with a gun, a truncheon or handcuffs. Their offense and arrest must be explained to them in ...

Don't appoint politicians to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), the Church-based poll watchdog, has asked Malaca ang not to consider those in active politics in filling up the vacan...

Ermita, Puno dismiss talk of rift

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno doused talk of a rift between them, the subject of reports circulating the past few w...

Pardon sicken Estrada's erstwhile prosecutor

MANILA, Philippines -- For the former lead prosecutor who spent almost six years building up a case against deposed president Joseph Estrada, the recent pardon granted to the convicted plunderer was a...

Malaca ang hoping pardon will win over Estrada forces

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang is hoping the pardon granted former president Joseph Estrada will trigger a realignment of political forces favorable to the Arroyo administration, a senior official ...

Nearly 2,000 teachers have TB -- DepEd health center

MANILA, Philippines -- Nearly 2,000 public school teachers were diagnosed with tuberculosis or TB during the first half of the year, according to the Health and Nutrition Center of the Department of E...

Palace confident Ramos, Singson won't undermine gov't

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite their criticisms against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to pardon convicted former president Joseph Estrada, former president Fidel Ramos and ex-governor L...

De Venecia fate now in Palace hands, says solon

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines -- With Malaca ang clinching the crucial support of opposition lawmakers loyal to pardoned plunderer, former president Joseph Estrada, the ouster of Speaker Jose ...

Teachers score delays in poll pay

MANILA, Philippines -- Many public school teachers nationwide have yet to be paid the honoraria for their service in the just concluded barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elec...

Manila mayor calls on poll winners to help in fight vs crime

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila mayor Alfredo Lim on Tuesday urged all winning candidates in the recent barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections to help him in his anti-crim...

Journalists, ex-SC Employee Appear in Bribery Probe

Two journalists, a former Supreme Court employee, and the spokesperson of the Tribunal today faced a three-person panel that was created to look into reports that Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago took...

Manila city gov't open half day on Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines -- The Manila city government will be open only until noon on Wednesday to give its employees time to prepare for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Rafaelito Garayblas, Mayor Al...

Ateneo de Manila University plans degree in game development

Ateneo de Manila University here hopes to soon offer a full-blown degree program in game development, school officials have said. In the past few years, the university has been offering a variety of ...

3 alleged car thieves in Metro Manila arrested

MANILA, Philippines -- Three suspected car thieves believed to be members of a notorious gang allegedly responsible for at least 70 percent of car thefts in Metro Manila, Region 3, and Northern Luzon ...

Estrada lawyer sees no politics in nomination to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- One of Joseph Estrada's lawyers nominated to be the next Commission on Elections chairman does not see President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's hand behind the recommendation. Cagay...

Ermita denies sending list of nominees to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Tuesday denied sending a list of nominees for vacant positions in the Commission on Election (Comelec) to the poll body.. Ermita said he h...

Opposition still wants Arroyo to resign, says Escudero

MANILA, Philippines -- The refusal of former president Joseph Estrada to participate in the opposition's campaign to demand the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will not change their p...

Filipino woman arrested after 2 Americans found dead in hotel

HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong police arrested a Filipino prostitute who was in the luxury hotel room where two American businessmen were found dead of possible poisoning last week, an investigator s...

Philippine police downgrade alert level after nationwide elections

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Tuesday downgraded its alert level nationwide, except in the country's capital region of Metro Manila, following the conduct of the village and youth council polls...

4. Special Forces sergeant drowns in Philippines

Curreri, who grew up in Maryland but most recently lived in Los Angeles, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis. He was a communications sergeant on a Special Forces...

Estrada asked to prove that he's still with opposition

MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Joseph Estrada must take a "more defined stand and prove that he has not capitulated to the administration," a militant lawmaker at the House of Representatives...

PNP lowers nationwide alert but maintains full status in NCR

MANILA, Philippines -- A day after the village and youth council elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has downgraded its nationwide alert status to heightened, from full, except for the Nat...

'Reveal process in choosing Comelec nominees'

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang should reveal the process by which it drew a list of possible nominees to the four impending vacancies at the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the international gov...

Arroyo son, brother-in-law reiterate support for De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's kin in the House of Representatives have reiterated their support for Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. "so long as he is supporting the President....

New papal nuncio to arrive in Manila Thursday

MANILA, Philippines -- The newly appointed ambassador of the Holy See to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams will arrive in Manila Thursday, November 1, at 1:35 p.m. on board Philippine Air...

2 bishops express support for Arroyo pardon of Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- Two bishops who have rejected the call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign over allegations of bribery of congressmen and local officials, have expressed support ane...

Death toll in election-related violence up to 29 in Philippines

Manila - The death toll in violent incidents related to village and youth council elections in the Philippines has risen to 29, police said Tuesday. Four of the casualties were killed on election day ...

Dance fever sweeps jail in Makati

MANILA, Philippines -- It's Halloween or there must be a dancing virus going around. In the tradition of Cebu's dancing inmates, denizens of the Makati City Jail (MCJ) had their own dance revolution ...

Ermita in danger of losing out to Puno

Whether Gloria M. Arroyo did it to unite a divided nation or to save her own skin, only she knows the true motive in pardoning convicted plunderer Erap. It's difficult to fathom a political animal li...

Bomb materials found near QC shopping center

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities recovered a bag full of ammonium nitrate and 19 improvised blasting caps near a Quezon City shopping center Thursday night. Police said it was left behind by a still ...

Metro polls peaceful, says NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines - National Capital Region Police Office chief, Director Geary Barias, described yesterday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Metro Manila as generally peaceful, altho...

Opposition vows to remain critical of government

"We respect the decision of President Estrada especially his decision to be with his mother. The decision was more of a human aspect rather than political," he said.Binay said the opposition will cont...

Palace keeps hands off ouster move v. House Speaker

MALACA ANG distanced itself from plans in the House of Representatives to oust Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. led by the "younger" lawmakers who are reportedly tired of his leadership.Presidential Manage...

Legislators mull SK abolition

Pimentel said the first objection to the continued existence of the SK is the observation that youth leaders "are too young to participate in serious discussions of the local government." "Many of the...

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

Close this The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia's developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant B...

Rapporteur lauds govt's initiatives

Philip Alston, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, noted that "a significant number of initiatives" to address the issue has been taken by the government sin...

Polls generally peaceful with only 23 dead, authorities say

A total of 23 people were killed in the run-up to Monday's barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, which government claims is low compared to the deaths in last May's national elections an...

Lucio Tan wins another court case

Taipan Lucio Tan scored another victory, this time at the Supreme Court after it ruled against a petition by the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Six classrooms razed ahead of elections in Nueva Ecija

Six classrooms were torched at Tanauan Elementary School in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) to hold voting in other classrooms in Monday's barangay and Sa...

Issue of medical-waste disposal at center of policy dilemma

Editor's note: The earlier segments covered the advantages and problems with using incineration in the disposal of hazardous medical wastes. The previous parts also reported that government has ...

Old way of life persists in Smokey Mountain community

The government closed Smokey Mountain dump more than a decade ago, not only because of environmental issues but also to improve the living conditions of residents there. But has life there reall...

Rising up from garbage possible - parish priest

The priest said the construction of this environmental church will help residents learn how to improve their living conditions by teaching them how to protect the environment.

Finally, probe of 'coup' rangers begins

MANILA, Philippines -- The military on Monday tried to begin its investigation of the 14 Scout Ranger personnel it still had in detention on their role in the February 2006 coup attempt, the first tim...

Gov't-MILF talks seen resuming next month

MANILA, Philippines -- The government expects to formally resume peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malaysia by mid-November, Presidential Peace Adviser on the Peace P...

How about releasing other prisoners

MANILA, Philippines -- Militant labor on Monday backed the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in its call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to release other prisoners, particul...

Filipino powerlifters set new RP, Asian records in Austria

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino powerlifters have set new record at the 2007 World Open Powerlifting Championships held in Soelden, Austria from October 15 to 20, according to the Department of Foreig...

Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine information technology managers are among the lowest paid IT executives in the world, ranking second from the bottom rung in Asia Pacific and thir...

Ex-Army chief denies telling Speaker, son of slay plot

MANILA, Philippine -- Retired Army commander Jaime de los Santos has denied informing Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and his son about a supposed murder plot on the Speaker's son, and said he felt "disre...

'Are you still with opposition'

LUCENA CITY, Philippines -- The leftist Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, National Federation of Fisherfolk Organizations) asked former president Joseph Estrada on Mo...

Filipino crew among 23 seized off Somalia -- piracy watchdog

KUALA LUMPUR -- (UPDATE) A Japanese chemical tanker with 23 Filipino, Korean, and Myanmar crew on board has been hijacked off the coast of northern Somalia, a piracy watchdog and officials said Monday...

Lim sets victory parade for Estrada in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- There may have been no parade for the "people's champ" in Manila, but the "champion of the masses" will likely have one in the next two weeks. A motorcade and a hero's welcome ...

Chief Justice shuns caretaker role in proposed junta

MANILA -- Chief Justice Reynato Puno has distanced the judiciary from politics and declined calls for him to head a caretaker government amid mounting criticism against President Gloria Macapagal Arro...

Iglesia ni Cristo, El Shaddai back Estrada pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Two influential religious groups have expressed support for the pardon granted by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to her deposed predecessor Joseph Estrada, a move that has me...

Binay admits uncertainty about Estrada after pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- The United Opposition (UNO) has admitted to feeling uncertain about former president Joseph Estrada's acceptance of the executive clemency extended to him by President Gloria Ma...

23 killed in Philippine villages poll violence

MANILA: Twenty-three people have been killed in the run-up to Monday's elections in the Philippines to choose tens of thousands of village chiefs and their youth representatives, police said. There we...

Estrada pardon could lead to President's fall

Philippines president Joseph Estrada has received a formal pardon after being sentenced to life imprisonment six weeks ago for plunder. But many experts warn that by removing Joseph Estrada from the p...

No statements from detained Rangers without lawyers present

MANILA, Philippines -- Fourteen Army Scout Rangers detained even without formal charges for their alleged participation in a supposed coup plot in February 2006 coup refused on Monday to give their st...

Philippine landslides kill 5

Manila A series of landslides triggered by torrential rains killed at least five people in Catanduanes province in eastern Philippines, the local television network GMA-News reported yesterday.

'No problems so far' in Manila, QC polls -- NCRPO exec

MANILA -- A mix of voters and posters best characterized the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) elections at Hermenegildo Atienza Elementary School in Baseco, Tondo Monday. R...

14 LP solons also received Palace cash gift -- sources

MANILA, Philippines -- Fourteen of 15 members of the Liberal Party (LP) bloc in the House of Representatives that had supported two impeachment complaints against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo als...

Philippine-Chinese venture plans ethanol plant

MANILA, Philippines -- A Filipino oil company and its Chinese partner are planning a $30-million ethanol plant in southern Philippines to cash in on an expected biofuel boom, a company official said. ...

Ombudsman hands off on prosecutor's SC plea vs Estrada

MANILA, Philippines -- Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has distanced herself from Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio's decision to question the executive clemency granted to former president Josep...

PNP records 43 poll-related violent incidents so far

MANILA, Philippines -- At least 43 cases of election-related violent incidents were listed by the Philippine National Police, with at least 23 persons killed and 20 others wounded as of 9 a.m. Monday....

Barangay, SK polls smooth so far -- Comelec spokesman

MANILA, Philippines -- The ongoing barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) elections are "going swimmingly," with considerably fewer incidents of poll-related violence and gun-ban ...

Nine killed as tree falls on moving bus in eastern Philippines

Manila - Nine people were killed and 20 injured when a tree fell on a moving passenger bus in the eastern Philippines, a police report said Monday. The accident occurred Sunday in Basud town in Camari...

DMIA Charms Investors to Visit Philippines

Arnel P. San Pedro CLARKFIELD, Philippines, 29 October 2007 - With two 3.2-km parallel runways located in at least 2,500-hectare area, the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) could be on i...

Filipino drive for boycott gains ground

By MANDEEP SINGH THERE is a mixed reaction among Bahrain's Filipino community about a proposed regional boycott to remit currency home for two days next week. The call is being made through the In...

1 Million Candidates in Philippine Village Polls

Julie Javellana-Santos, Arab News MANILA, 29 October 2007 - About a million candidates will contest nearly 672,000 village and youth council posts as the Philippines holds elections in the country's 4...

Father of RP Comics

MANILA, Philippines -- Cartoonist Antonio Velasquez was born on Oct. 29, 1910 in Paco, Manila. Considered as the Father of Philippine Comics, Velasquez created Kengkoy, which first came out on Jan. 11...

Group opens spay/neuter clinic for strays

MANILA, Philippines -- A population boom among stray or feral cats and dogs has become one of the biggest problems faced by local governments and animal welfare groups. To solve the problem, these gro...

Lim wants condemned buildings demolished immediately

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has ordered the demolition of condemned buildings in the city. "For the sake of public safety, these condemned buildings must go," Lim said the other d...

Protesting teachers of Navotas to wear black shirts

MANILA, Philippines -- Navotas public school teachers who are serving in Monday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will be wearing black T-shirts as a sign of protest following...

MMDA cracks down on road 'distractions'

MANILA, Philippines -- Posters, streamers and other advertising materials on road right-of-ways in Metro Manila were ordered removed Sunday by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Bayani Fe...

Metro police to check voting centers

MANILA, Philippines -- Metro Manila police chief Geary Barias Sunday ordered his top officials to inspect some of the schools in their areas which would be used as voting centers for Monday's barangay...

Dumaguete, Manila nines upset foes

MANILA, Philippines -- The underdogs had their day in the park. Dumaguete and Manila bucked the odds and pulled off similar upset wins Sunday in the Baseball Philippines Series 2 at the Rizal Memoria...

Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

SEEKING TO CORNER a 10% share of the $130-billion worldwide business process outsourcing (BPO) market, the local industry has drawn up a road map detailing measures to be undertaken over the next three years.

Backed by NBC, News Corp., Hulu seeks to deliver TV programs online

NEW YORK - Hulu, a joint venture between News Corp. and
NBC, began testing the delivery of TV shows online yesterday including
some of the most popular programs on American television.

IT stakeholders move to sustain skills pool

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, or IT, stakeholders in the country
are coordinating closely, via a memorandum of understanding (MoU) they
signed yesterday, to ensure that the growing IT industry in the country
will have a sustainable pool of skilled workers it can tap.

Customs to close encoding centers

IMPORT ENTRY ENCODING CENTERS IN THREE MAJOR PORTS will cease to operate by Monday next week upon order of the Bureau of Customs, in line with a plan to shift to paperless transactions.

Oracle withdraws offer for BEA Systems as deadline expires

BOSTON -- Oracle Corp. withdrew a $6.7-billion bid for business software maker BEA Systems, Inc. on Sunday, setting the stage for a proxy battle between activist investor Carl Icahn and the BEA board.

Toshiba first-half earnings up 18%; full-year forecasts hiked

TOKYO -- Japan�s Toshiba Corp. yesterday sharply raised its profit forecasts after strong sales of computers, memory chips and energy equipment lifted its first-half net earnings up by almost one-fifth.

Outsourcing growth to reach 62%

THE PHILIPPINES is still a "darling" of the worldwide
outsourcing industry, but challenges from a new Asia competitor and
rising costs lie ahead.

Ortigas to complete contact center building in Fontera Verde, Pasig by November

PROPERTY DEVELOPER Ortigas & Co. Ltd. Partnership (OCLP)
is set to turn over a P50-million contact center building to business
process outsourcing (BPO) firm Transcom by November, Chief Operating
Officer Rex C. Drilon II said.

Experts call for baseline study on Davao IT pool

DAVAO CITY -- The city must conduct a baseline study on
its human resources to impress upon business process outsourcing
companies that it can readily supply workers when they decide to invest
here.

Features: Oldsters see video, computer games as exercise for brain

WASHINGTON -- Move over, junior. Grandma and grandpa are joining
the wave in video and computer games as makers step up efforts to promote the software as exercise for the brain.

Headline: RP vulnerable to high oil prices

INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY EFFORTS to deal with rising oil prices may not be enough and it might be time to consider a region-wide buffer fund, especially since the Philippines is viewed as particularly vulnerable.

Corporate News: Bidders form groups for state's 60% stake in geothermal firm

COMPANIES THAT are eyeing the government's 60% stake in geothermal firm Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) are consolidating forces for the auction on Nov. 21.

Banking & Finance: Peso breaks P43 level

THE PESO yesterday climbed above the psychologically important P44 per dollar level for the first time in seven years, forcing the central bank to buy dollars to slow the currency's rise.

Stock Market: Stocks little changed ahead of Fed, holidays

SHARE PRICES barely changed yesterday as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of a shortened trading week and the US Federal Reserve decision on interest rates.

The Economy: Prices of basic goods expected to have risen faster in October

RISING COSTS in global commodity markets are likely to have taken a toll on the country's inflation this month, with the rise in prices of goods consumed by Filipino households expected to have risen at a rate closer to the high end of the central bank's full-year forecast.

The Nation: Mall blast theory supported by foreign probers -- police

THE EXPLOSION at the Glorietta 2 shopping mall that left 11 people dead was an accidental gas explosion and not a bomb as originally feared, the head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Motoring: The future, here and now

SO A TYPHOON was threatening and the course wasn't street, but nobody was backing out of the chance to get behind the wheel of a car that conceivably could form the basis of the future: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.'s FCX Concept.

IT Matters: Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

Crippled Kings battle Aces; Bulls vs Express

MANILA, Philippines -- There's a strong possibility that Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk will recover from their injuries and finally see action for Barangay Ginebra as early as next week. But until that ...

Cojuangco appointed OCA adviser

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco was named adviser of the Olympic Council of Asia yesterday. Council president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahed Al Sabah, in ...

De Luna trips Orcollo, pockets P1M

MANILA, Philippines -- Rising pool star Jeffrey De Luna pulled the rug from under the favored Dennis Orcollo, 11-9, over the weekend to bag the P1-million champion's purse in the P2-million Manny Pacq...

No rift, no clue on Malaca ang dole

MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was kept in the dark about the cash that was dispensed to legislators and governors in Malaca ang following a meeting with President Gloria Ma...

After arrest, Sison opens door to talks with gov't

Arroyo-Estrada alliance possible, says Ermita

Boxing gold medals no longer for sale

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA -- Now that Anwar Chowdry's despotic regime as president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) is over, are Filipino boxers a step closer to winning the country's first...

Olympic swim hopefuls eye SEA Games

MANILA, Philippines -- More than just winning gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, the national swimmers will also be vying for Olympic slots in the December sportsfest in Thailand. Five more sw...

Judiciary flexes muscles on extrajudicial killings

Affront to rule of law Chief Justice Reynato Puno justifies the unprecedented exercise of powers granted the high tribunal under the new Constitution, which was crafted to protect Filipinos from a re...

'Name people above fray to Comelec'

MANILA, Philippines -- The church-based poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has asked Malaca ang not to appoint anyone involved in politics to the vacant posts in the

Abducted militant seeks SC protection

Estrada pardon makes lead prosecutor sick

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- For the lead prosecutor who spent almost six years building a case against deposed President Joseph Estrada, the recent pardon granted to the convicted plund...

PNP firms up accidental gas explosion theory

MANILA, Philippines -- Citing "a preponderance" of evidence, Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Tuesday declared that the deadly blast at the Glorietta 2 mall on Oct. 19 was an ...

Funeral homes taboo for tribes

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - Calls for the establishment of funeral parlors in La Trinidad, Benguet, have provoked discussions pitting traditional beliefs against the pressing need for modern-day approaches...

29 dead but polls peaceful, says PNP

Fewer killings Their attackers fled. At least 14 empty shells were recovered from the scene. Eastern Visayas regional director Adolfo Iba ez said the killing could be "politically motivated." "Anqui...

SSC spikers eye win No. 4 in V-League

STANDINGS (win-loss) -- SSC 3-0, UST 3-1, Ateneo 3-1, Adamson 2-1, FEU 2-2, La Salle 1-1, Lyceum 0-4, Letran 0-4 GAMES TUESDAY (The Arena, San Juan) 3 p.m. -- Adamson vs Letran 5 p.m. -- La Salle vs S...

New York visit improved RP"s image before UN body

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Tuesday said his presence at the United Nations Human Rights Council in New York helped the Philippines improve its image before the said international organizati...

Puno says JDV sending 'confusing signals' on political issues

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who is also presidential political adviser, on Tuesday said Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr had lately been sending confusing signals on political issues faced by the Arroy...

Wipro to set up development centre in Philippines

NEW DELHI: IT major Wipro, the third largest software exporter from India, on Tuesday said it would set up a development centre in the Philippines.

CBCP urges transparency in Comelec appointments

, CBCP President Angel Lagdameo called for a "wide consultation" in the selection process. Lagdameo said a transparent procedure and a wide consultation were necessary to restore the credibility of...

Nominees from OP, but not from Ermita

Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting chairman Ressureccion Borra on Tuesday maintained that the poll body received from Malacañang a list of nominees for vacant posts at the Comelec. He,...

Teachers decry nonpayment of election allowance

5 Year Old Girl Travels From the Philippines for "Life Changing Operation" in Buffalo

Arroyo will not let Singson go - Ermita

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo won't allow her relationship with former Ilocos Sur governor Luis "Chavit" Singson to turn sour, following the chief executive's decision to grant pardon to her prede...

Filipino workers are tops with Brits, says envoy

Philippine central bank intervenes to cap peso traders

Close this SINGAPORE -- The Philippine central bank has been buying the dollar in the currency market on Tuesday to limit rises in the peso after it hit a seven-year high, traders said. The ...

9 Filipino seafarers onboard tanker seized off Somalia--DFA

New York mission 'made a dent in UN on human rights'

Saguisag rejects nomination to Comelec

Ermita, Puno dismiss talk of rift

Don't appoint politicians to Comelec

Malaca ang hoping pardon will win over Estrada forces

Take these SLEX, NLEX guides

You wouldn't necessarily enjoy your time during holidays especially when you're caught in a traffic jam. Avoid this headache during and after All Saint's Day and All Souls' Day by taking these advisor...

Proper way to arrest youth offenders explained in primers

Nearly 2,000 teachers have TB -- DepEd health center

Palace confident Ramos, Singson won't undermine gov't

De Venecia fate now in Palace hands, says solon

Teachers score delays in poll pay

Borra maintains Comelec got nominees list from Palace

Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting chairman Ressureccion Borra on Tuesday maintained that the poll body received from Malacañang a list of nominees for vacant posts at the Comelec. He,...

Bomb scare hits NAIA ahead of Arroyo visit - report

A bomb scare rattled the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 minutes before a scheduled Tuesday afternoon security inspection by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Radio dzBB repor...

Expect thunderstorms on Nov 1, 2

The heavy rains that hit Metro Manila Tuesday afternoon are just a preview of what people visiting their dearly departed in the cemeteries can expect on Thursday and Friday. State weather forecaste...

Only half-day work on Oct 31 for Manila gov"t employees

The city government of Manila will have offices only until 12 noon on Wednesday, October 31, 2007, to give its employees time to prepare for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, Rafaelito M. Garayblas,...

'Abducted' urban poor leader seeks writ of amparo

An urban poor leader who was abducted last April asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to grant a writ of amparo to prevent the Arroyo administration and the military from threatening her life. In a n...

Opposition to file 'strong' impeach case vs Arroyo

A "strong" impeachment complaint is set to be filed by the opposition against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former senator Ernesto Maceda, one of the leaders of the United Opposition (UNO) told r...

Journalists, ex-SC Employee Appear in Bribery Probe

Comelec getting impatient, wants a deadline for Bedol arrest

The Commission on Elections en banc is getting impatient and is now thinking of giving the Philippine National Police a deadline for the arrest of Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol. Thi...

Estrada lawyer sees no politics in nomination to Comelec

Opposition still wants Arroyo to resign, says Escudero

Foreign experts rule out bomb in Glorietta blast - Razon

(Updated 3:19 p.m.) National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr on Tuesday said foreign explosives experts who conducted their own investigation into the October 19 blast at Glorietta 2 in...

Army to transfer 14 EPs linked to Feb 2006 coup to Ft Boni

The lawyer of the 14 Army enlisted personnel detained for their alleged participation in the February 2006 coup attempt on Tuesday said the foot soldiers will be moved from Tanay, Rizal to a detention...

Opposition leaders, FVR start unity talks vs Estrada pardon

The Genuine Opposition (GO) admitted Tuesday that some "factions" of the opposition are talking with the camp of former President Fidel Ramos, following the granting of pardon to deposed President Jos...

Amid criticisms, bishops justify Estrada pardon grant

Amid criticisms against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's granting of an executive clemency to her predecessor, conservative Catholic bishops on Tuesday justified the pardon grant, saying there are ...

4. Special Forces sergeant drowns in Philippines

Filipino woman arrested after 2 Americans found dead in hotel

HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong police arrested a Filipino prostitute who was in the luxury hotel room where two American businessmen were found dead of possible poisoning last week, an investigator s...

Philippine police downgrade alert level after nationwide elections

Estrada asked to prove that he's still with opposition

PNP lowers nationwide alert but maintains full status in NCR

'Reveal process in choosing Comelec nominees'

Arroyo son, brother-in-law reiterate support for De Venecia

Factions in opposition aligning with FVR - GO spokesman

PNP downgrades alert level except in Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police on Tuesday morning downgraded its alert level nationwide - except in Metro Manila - following the conduct of the village and youth council polls Monday. In a news con...

Poll violence kills 29, injures 24 - PNP count

(Updated 11:20 a.m.) Casualties left in the wake of violent incidents related to the village and youth polls have swelled to 53 as of early Tuesday morning. Of this number, 28 were killed. The Phil...

Bus firms swamped with ticket 'reservations' for Undas

Employees planning to spend the long Undas (All Saints's Day) weekend in the provinces have been busy reserving tickets with bus companies as they are unable to take rides until the work week ends...

Being critical among duties of 'citizen' Erap - GO

Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada cannot escape his "duty" of criticizing wrongdoings in government even if he wishes to be a private "citizen," the spokesman of the Genuine Opposition (GO) sai...

Death toll in election-related violence up to 29 in Philippines

RP firm wins UPS prize for 'binalot' meals

Out of the box United Parcel Service (UPS) has named Binalot the recipient of a $10,000 special prize for a small business exemplifying "end-to-end customer service," the UPS theme for its centennial...

Groups push anew for independent probe on 'cash gifts'

Business and civic groups renewed their call Tuesday for the creation of an independent commission to look into the alleged bribery of lawmakers and local government officials in Malacañang Pal...

Submersible pump stalling PNP 'close' to Glorietta probe

The recovery of a submersible pump at the basement of the Glorietta 2 in Makati City looms as the only obstacle keeping the police from reaching "closure" in their investigation of the October 19 blas...

4 killed on election day - PNP

Sun.Star: MANILA -- Gunmen killed at least three candidates and a follower during the twin elections Monday across the Philippines, officials said. National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr. however s...

Lawmaker backs Panlilio, Mendoza

APALIT, Pampanga -- Senate Majority Leader Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan commended Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio and Bulacan Governor Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza for their "courage to tell the truth...

Leyte Gulf battle shown in miniature

MANILA, Philippines -- For as little as P25, one can catch a glimpse of Philippine history -- at one of its bloodiest points. Arrayed in a corner of Manila's Walled City is a small exhibit of scale-m...

UST belles, St. La Salle nail U-games football titles

BACOLOD CITY -- One title streak came to a dramatic end, while another got an extension on the final day of the 12th Philippine University Games here. Keeper Desiree Saligao provided the flash of ins...

Laguna, Naga finish 1-2 in Bicol-Southern Tagalog meet

Medal tally G S B Laguna 125 89 57 Naga City 87 89 92 Cavite 83 52 37 Batangas 30 36 39 Rizal 16 25 22 Or. Mindoro 14 7 12 Cam. Sur 13 33 25 Lucena City 10 0 0 P. Princesa 3 4 5 Cam. Norte 2 5 4 Masb...

Road Kings to test RP five

GAMES TUESDAY (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) 2 p.m. -- Bacchus vs Harbour Centre 4 p.m. -- Toyota Balintawak vs RP Team MANILA, Philippines -- The Harbour-Philippine Team faces another tough test when it goe...

El Shaddai, INC support pardon for Estrada, says Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Did the El Shaddai and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) lobby for the grant of an executive clemency to Joseph Estrada? No Cabinet official has come forward to admit that two of the cou...

RP strategy to blame for spate of killings

MANILA, Philippines -- A United Nations official has blamed the Philippine government's counterinsurgency strategy, and a distorted criminal justice system, for the continuing spate of extrajudicial k...

Anti-graft court may confiscate Estrada assets

MANILA, Philippines -- The Sandiganbayan can go after the personal assets of deposed President Joseph Estrada if it fails to find his illegally amassed wealth, estimated at P876 million, that it order...

Over 68% voter turnout in village elections, says Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- At least three people were killed in isolated outbursts of violence and a schoolhouse went up in flames as millions of Filipinos voted in what officials said were largely peacef...

Mining foes blame firm for fish kill

NAGA CITY-Reports of a fish kill have antimining activists pointing their fingers again at a mining operation in Rapu-Rapu Island in Albay, but experts and authorities have yet to determine what cause...

Alcano sees RP-Taiwan duel for World Pool supremacy

MANILA, Philippines -- If a Filipino fails to win the 2007 World Pool Championship, the winner will most likely be a Taiwanese. This was the assessment of defending champion Ronnie Alcano as he stres...

3 RP pugs a win from Olympics berths

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Veteran Harry Ta amor showed no ill-effects of a weeklong layoff as he outclassed Nasir Mohammed of Wales, 24-5, Sunday in the International Amateur Boxing Association World Champ...

Traders corner rice supply in Camarines Sur

PILI, CAMARINES Sur-Traders here have cornered all the rice produced in Camarines Sur, according to the manager of the National Food Authority (NFA) here. Edmundo Enriquez, provincial NFA manager, sa...

Benguet town gets tough on garbage system

The town decided to use an iron hand on those who refuse to segregate their garbage following the completion of its P49 million ecological solid waste management facility in Barangay Alno. The facili...

New Papal Nuncio looks forward to serving in RP

Days before his arrival to his new post, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, the new Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, said he was looking forward to serving in Asia's "showcase of Christianity." Ad...

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

Close this The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia's developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant B...

Young Filipinos exposed to money-for-votes politics

MANILIA: Security was extremely tight in the Philippines on Monday as the country held nation-wide village elections. Nearly a million candidates contested for 772,000 posts in more than 40,000 villag...

No big loss in Erap's hesitance to join Arroyo resign call

A senior Catholic bishop on Monday downplayed former President Joseph Estrada's reluctance to join mounting calls for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resignation. But while Caloocan Bis...

Saguisag says no, Rufus says yes

Two allies of former President Joseph Estrada differed in their positions when asked by GMANews.TV on their nominations to the vacant posts at the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Former senator Ren...

Finally, probe of 'coup' rangers begins

Gov't-MILF talks seen resuming next month

How about releasing other prisoners

Forfeiture proceedings vs Erap wealth start Tuesday

The sheriff's office of the Sandiganbayan will issue a writ of execution Tuesday to formally confiscate the bank accounts and properties of former President Joseph Estrada covered by the forfeitur...

AFP justifies detention of Marine colonel

The Philippine military justified on Monday its continued detention of Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, whom authorities have described as the alleged leader in last year's botched coup attempt against the...

Arroyo vows gov't won't impose new taxes

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Monday promised that no more new taxes would be enforced, and that the government would just enhance tax administration to generate more revenues for socio-economi...

Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine information technology managers are among the lowest paid IT executives in the world, ranking second from the bottom rung in Asia Pacific and thir...

Win or lose, bets told to report poll expenses

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) candidates to report on their election contributions and expenditures regardless of the outcome o...

Customs bureau bans 'Merry Christmas'

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday issued an order prohibiting its personnel from greeting brokers and importers with "Merry Christmas." Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales's order co...

Iglesia ni Cristo, El Shaddai back Estrada pardon

Ex-Army chief denies telling Speaker, son of slay plot

Chief Justice shuns caretaker role in proposed junta

2bU! goes to CamSur

MANILA, Philippines--The government of Camarines Sur invited 2bU! and LomoManila to see just how much fun their paradise has to offer. CamSur has become the country’s wakeboarding capital ― thanks to Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte’s efforts.

Island fever

MANILA, Philippines―Waking up at 4 a.m. nursing a hangover and being expected to ride a rocky boat isn’t how you normally like to spend your Sundays.

CamSur, Lomo-style

MANILA, Philippines―For several days, CamSur became a playground of sorts for 2bU! and skilled lomographers from LomoManila.

Bicol food trip

Lechon Siram is weeks-old suckling pig flavored with Bicol spices and slow-roasted until the skin is dark crimson and crispy yet the meat remains tender and juicy

Go fish

MANILA, Philippines―It's a different kind of thrill.

Theater of the absurd

MANILA, Philippines―One need not be a chamber to be haunted,” wrote Emily Dickinson. “One need not be a house; the brain has corridors surpassing material place."

What are the orbs in photos?

MANILA, Philippines—In photos you have taken, especially with a digital camera, do you notice globules of light like little moons?

Recognize your need

MANILA, Philippines—The most often asked question these days is “how can I look better and feel better?”

The party of the Sison

MANILA, Philippines—When you receive an invitation from the multitalented, multifaceted George Sison, you are out of your mind if you do not accept, palanggas.

The triumph of one

MANILA, Philippines - In the beginning, we were eight. Eight accomplished individuals, each respected in his/her own field of expertise, each an amateur singer. And each willing to brave singing before millions of TV watchers on GMA’s new reality show, “Celebrity Duets.”

Filipino is 8th adopted child of American couple

MANILA, Philippines - American couple Jeffrey and Nancy Bykerk from Caledonia, Michigan, have adopted their eighth child, this time a Filipino, 3-year-old Alisha from White Cross Orphanage. Alisha has cerebral palsy but it did not stop the couple from adopting her.

Still pining for old love

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I am a gay overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia. I had a boyfriend from 1999 to 2001. He is married with three kids.

Site menu:

Search for Headlines