Witnesses pick out Fiat Uno driver at Diana inquest

LONDON -- (UPDATE) Witnesses on Monday pointed out the man they said drove the mysterious white Fiat Uno that conspiracy theorists have long associated with the death of princess Diana.

Victory in sight for firemen battling California blazes

LOS ANGELES – (UPDATE) Firefighters have tamed the handful of wildfires still burning in California but officials on Monday warily stopped short of declaring outright victory in their battle with the blazes.

Obesity study targets hormone that signals hunger

CHICAGO -- The appetite-curbing hormone leptin influences brain circuits that tell us when we are hungry and when we are full, according to a study released Monday that could help in the fight against obesity.

Schwarzenegger regrets US's poor effort on global warming

LISBON -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger told a conference in Lisbon on Monday that he regretted Washington's lack of engagement on global warming but insisted it was not ignoring the issue.

Men feel macho need for speed -- study

GENEVA -- Young men drive fast because speed is perceived as inherently male, a team of Swiss and German researchers claimed in a study released on Monday.

20 headless corpses found as Iraq province handed over

BAGHDAD -- At least 20 decapitated corpses were found and a suicide bomber killed 28 policemen northeast of Baghdad on Monday, as the US military transferred the security control of Karbala to Iraqi forces.

Women in power around the world

PARIS -- Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, 54, was on Monday set to become Argentina's first female president.

Land Bank expands in US

Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines has expanded its operations in the United States with the recent opening of a second remittance unit in San Francisco, California.

Dogs shoot man on hunting trip

CHICAGO -- A pack of hunting dogs shot an Iowa man as he went to retrieve a fallen pheasant, authorities said.

World oil prices above $93

LONDON -- World oil prices jumped to fresh historic highs on Monday, breaching $93 for the first time on mounting concerns about tight energy supplies worldwide, analysts said.

Woman escapes from German detention center in a suitcase

HANOVER, Germany -- A 19-year-old woman appears to have escaped from a juvenile detention center in northwest Germany by hiding in the suitcase of a fellow inmate who was released, police said on Monday.

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

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

RP firm wins UPS prize for ‘binalot’ meals

MANILA, Philippines -- In business, it pays to go green, to embrace one’s roots, and to engage small communities.

UN report: RP strategy to blame for spate of killings

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

Miñoza, Pagunsan join crack Singapore field

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipinos Juvic Pagunsan and Frankie Miñoza will come into this week’s $4 million Barclays Singapore Open with a spring in their step after weekend successes on the Asian Tour and Japan Tour, respectively.

SSC spikers eye win No. 4 in V-League

MANILA, Philippines -- Topnotch volleyball action resumes Tuesday as streaking San Sebastian College goes for its fourth straight win against a well-rested De La Salle University side in the Shakey’s V-League Second Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Gov’t in no shape to carry out tax relief, Senate told

The Department of Finance (DoF) wants the Senate to go easy on its plan to enact a law that will provide relief to all individual taxpayers.

Alcano sees RP-Taiwan duel for World Pool supremacy

If a Filipino fails to win the 2007 World Pool Championship, the winner will most likely be a Taiwanese. This was the assessment of defending champion Ronnie Alcano as he stressed how much the Taiwanese have caught up with the Filipinos and are even threatening to take over as world powers.

3 RP pugs a win from Olympics berths

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

Filipino-American execs bullish, eye local ventures

Executives of Filipino-American companies were in Manila on a six-day mission that wrapped up on Saturday amid an upbeat outlook among American corporations on investment prospects in the Philippines, a group official said.

PAL eyes secondary share offer in 1st qtr

A plan for a secondary stock offering of PAL Holdings Corp. to raise funds for Philippine Airlines (PAL) may push through early next year, PAL president Jaime Bautista said.

Estrada position baffles opposition

MANILA, Philippines -- Deposed President Joseph Estrada Monday sought to placate restive forces baffled by his reluctance to join calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, insisting he remained allied with the opposition.

Megaworld plans P2.5-B BPO hub in Mactan

Property firm Megaworld Corp. plans to build a mixed-use office and leisure hub on Mactan Island in the central Philippines city of Cebu, a company official said.

BDO gets approval to buy Amex local bank

The central bank has approved an application of the mall tycoon Henry Sy’s Banco de Oro-EPCI to buy 100 percent of American Express Savings Bank, the US-based Amex’s Philippine consumer banking operation.

Local firm to invest $110M in CNG plant, refilling stations

Callandra LCNG Fuels Corp., a local company backed by overseas investors, plans to invest $77- $110 million in compressed natural gas (CNG) operations in the next three years, its chief executive said.

DBP gets nod to tap $100M in ODA

The central bank has approved in principle a plan of state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to take out $100 million in official development assistance for healthcare investment projects.

$1B needed to develop Camago oil field

It will take close to $1 billion to develop the Camago oil reserves beneath the Malampaya gas field off Palawan Island, an official said.

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

The Philippines, with its high dependence on exports, could be among the worst hit among Asia’s developing economies by a looming slowdown in the US economy, French banking giant BNP Paribas said.

Cops shift focus to transport terminals

After the "most peaceful" barangay-level elections, the Philippine National Police shifted its focus to passengers who have started flocking to transport terminals for the All Saints' and All Souls' holidays.

Lakers ready to launch season with Bryant

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Lakers launch their NBA campaign by hosting the Houston Rockets on Tuesday with All Star guard Kobe Bryant expected to start despite struggling with a pre-season wrist injury.

Court lets Liz Taylor keep van Gogh painting

WASHINGTON - The US Supreme Court allowed actress Elizabeth Taylor to keep a Vincent van Gogh painting on Monday, rejecting an appeal by descendants of a Jewish woman who said she was forced to sell it before fleeing Nazi Germany in 1939. Reuters

Third O.J. Simpson co-defendant to plead guilty

LOS ANGELES - A third defendant in the O.J. Simpson memorabilia robbery case told a Las Vegas judge on Monday that he would plead guilty and testify against the former football star, a court official said. Reuters

Turkey bombs Kurdish rebels in southeast

SIRNAK, Turkey - Helicopter gunships bombed Kurdish rebel positions in southeast Turkey on Monday and the government flexed its military muscle with big national day parades and flypasts in major cities. Reuters

Israel sees Palestinians too 'exhausted' to rebel

JERUSALEM - Israeli intelligence believes that Palestinians would lack the will for a new popular uprising against occupation should an upcoming peace conference fail to meet their expectations, a senior official said on Monday. Reuters

Diana's driver 'acted like alcoholic,' inquest told

LONDON - Princess Diana's chauffeur taunted paparazzi and showed tell-tale signs of being an alcoholic, an inquest into her death was told on Monday. Reuters

Rate-cut hopes, commodity shares buoy Wall St.

NEW YORK - Stocks rose on Monday as investors bet that the Federal Reserve will cut benchmark lending rates this week and that soaring commodity prices will boost profits of metal and energy producers. Reuters

Laguna completes title romp

NAGA CITY - Batangas' Christine Grace Tan scooped three more gold medals in the pool over the weekend to become the most bemedalled athlete with 12 even as Laguna ran away with the overall championship in the second Philippine Olympic Festival Bicol Southern Tagalog Leg at the Metro Naga Sports Complex here.

2 more RP fighters near Beijing slots

CHICAGO, Illinois - Light-flyweight Harry Tañamor and lightweight Genebert Basadre dominated their respective rivals to advance to the last 16 in the World Boxing Championships Sunday at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion here.

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

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

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

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

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

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

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

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

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

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

Proliferation of males in Asia to cause social imbalance

Prenatal son selection in several Asian countries could result in severe social consequences.

23 killed in Philippine election violence

Manila, Oct 29 (Xinhua) At least 23 people were killed and another 20 injured in the past month in local elections-related violence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

Dance fever sweeps jail in Makati

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 ...

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 ...

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...

Tullahan Bridge reopened to motorists

MANILA, Philippines - After undergoing rehabilitation for several months, Valenzuela City's Tullahan Bridge was reopened by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to all types of vehicles ...

Metro polls peaceful, says NCRPO

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...

2 religious groups back Arroyo's pardon of Estrada

TWO of the country's biggest religious groups have joined the voices of support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to grant executive clemency to former President Joseph Estrada.In a let...

Opposition vows to remain critical of government

"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...

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...

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...

US slowdown would hit Philippines hard, says bank

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

Rapporteur lauds govt's initiatives

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

Lucio Tan wins another court case

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

Issue of medical-waste disposal at center of policy dilemma

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

Polls generally peaceful with only 23 dead, authorities say

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

Old way of life persists in Smokey Mountain community

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

Six classrooms razed ahead of elections in Nueva Ecija

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

Rising up from garbage possible - parish priest

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

Finally, probe of 'coup' rangers begins

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...

Philippine IT managers among the lowest paid in the world

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

'Are you still with opposition'

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

2 ex-senators top Palace list of nominees to Comelec

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former senators Wigberto Ta ada and Rene Saguisag top the Malaca ang list of possible appointees to the four vacancies at the Commission on Elections, acting...

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

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...

Philippine landslides kill 5

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

14 LP solons also received Palace cash gift -- sources

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...

Filipino woman arrested after 'date rape' deaths in Hong Kong hotel

Hong Kong - A 20-year-old Filipino woman has been arrested following the death of two US businessmen allegedly given a "date rape" drug in a luxury Hong Kong hotel, a report said Monday. The woman was...

1 Million Candidates in Philippine Village Polls

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...

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...

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...

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...

Arroyo to cast vote in Pampanga

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will vote in the barangay elections in Pampanga on Monday as accusations of payoff of local officials by Malaca ang by the provincial governor remain fresh in the pub...

Police on full alert for barangay, SK poll violence

NATIONAL Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr. on Sunday ordered police commanders to be on alert for possible hostile activities and infiltration of polling centers by communist insurgents in the countrysid...

Ad posters at Edsa, other metro major roads to be removed

METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando on Sunday ordered his men to take out posters, banners and other advertising materials on road right-of-ways in the metropolis...

Nation to soon move on from Estrada pardon--interior chief

MANILA, Philippines--A "problematic situation defused," was how President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's political adviser described on Sunday her move to grant presidential pardon to her erstwhile nemesis...

Estrada to respect Sandiganbayan's forfeiture of assets

Close this MANILA, Philippines--"They can have it." Former president Joseph Estrada said on Sunday he was willing to give up seized assets to comply with the conditions of his pardon. In a ...

SC told to junk plea v. 'Hello Garci' probe

The legislators presented the memorandum to the SC, through their lawyer Luis Ma. Gil Gana, in response to the petition filed by retired Court of Appeals (CA) justices Santiago Javier Ranada and Oswal...

Village polls less violent than in 2002--PNP

MANILA, Philippines--The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that 20 people have been killed and 13 others were injured in election-related incidents in its month-long monitoring of the peace and or...

Estrada now cool to calls for Arroyo to resign

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Former president Joseph Estrada distanced himself on Sunday from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, days after she granted h...

Perks, bonuses await winners of village, youth elections

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Benefits -- including bonuses, insurance coverage and a sense of power-come with being an official in the country's smallest political unit. Aside from honara...

Comelec gets complaints about liquor ban violations

MANILA, Philippines--The Commission on Elections is looking forward to a generally peaceful and orderly barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections on Monday, despite reports...

Estrada not interested in govt job

By Francis Earl A. Cueto, Reporter Former President Joseph Estrada will not accept a government job if offered, his wife, ex-Sen. Loi Ejercito, told The Manila Times Sunday.

GMA asks public to ignore political intrigues

By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter President Gloria Arroyo appealed to the public not to be swayed by political intrigues being sowed by her critics, particularly after granting former President...

Clean air - where is it

The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported last year that air in Baguio City is now among the worst in the country. If air pollution has ...

At Hawaii's tsunami center, seconds make all the difference

EWA BEACH, Hawaii "It has been quiet for days in this part of Hawaii. Scientists at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) are on routine watch, monitoring seismograph and tide readings from aroun...

Dumpsites flourishing across RP

In fact, dumpsites could be found all over the country, ranging from small community dumps, which may not even be formally monitored at all, and big dumpsites that may be a little smaller than S...

Problems plague option to incinerate toxic medical waste

ACCORDING to the Environment Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the problem of medical waste disposal is essentially biological: people wish to mini...

Police placed on highest alert ahead of village elections

MANILA, Philippines--Police were placed on the highest security alert Sunday ahead of nationwide village elections, which authorities fear could be disrupted by communist guerrillas backing candidates...

Estrada ponders what to do with a wide-open schedule

MANILA, Philippines--The morning after his release from more than six years of detention, 70-year-old Joseph Estrada found himself wondering what he would do on his very first day of full freedom. Th...

AFP ordered to explain continued detention of Marine colonel

MANILA, Philippines--The Court of Appeals has directed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and three other military officers to bring the former Marine Brigade Comman...

Pardoned Philippine leader not eyeing govt job

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Joseph Estrada's wife Sunday denied suggestions the former Philippine president would take a government job following his controversial pardon, saying he would focus on c...

China and the Philippines sign minutes of meeting on import and export food safety

China and the Philippines on Sunday signed the minutes of meeting on import and export food safety in the southern China city of Nanning. The document was signed between China's General Administration...

Philippine security forces on alert for village, youth council polls

Manila - Philippine security forces went on heightened alert Sunday on the eve of village and youth council elections amid warnings that communist rebels might disrupt the nationwide vote. Some 51.3 m...

Philippine soldier dies of malaria while posted in Sudan

Manila - A Philippine soldier assigned with the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan has died from malaria just three weeks before his one-year tour was to end, officials said Sunday. The body of Lieutena...

Philippine prosecutors, press angered by Estrada pardon

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Philippine lawyers and press Saturday expressed anger at President Gloria Arroyo's decision to pardon her disgraced predecessor Joseph Estrada despite his conviction for ...

Illegal Job Recruiters Set Sights on Filipino Students

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 28 October 2008 - An advocacy group has warned would-be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) against a syndicate offering jobs that are non-existent to caregivi...

Nature girl is Mother Earth's lawyer

MANILA, Philippines-Maria Paz "Ipat" Luna's 5-year-old son, Alon, screams, "Secondhand smoking kills!" whenever he comes across a person puffing on a cigarette. He also gets to eat in a fast food res...

Raps vs QC barangay official

Threat The barangay official allegedly pulled out a pistol from his drawer and threatened those who were against him. He also reportedly challenged Sison and Saret to settle the score immediately. ...

RP is second-best performing economy in Southeast Asian region

MALACA ANG crowed Saturday over reports that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) named the Philippines as the second-best-performing economy in the Southeast Asian region.Presidential spokesman and ...

Palace to study pardon for Ninoy slay convicts

Presidential spokesman and Acting Executive Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Saturday the government will study the possibility of pardon for soldiers convicted in the 1983 assassination of Aquino."It wil...

Malacanang insists no-oust JDV plot

MALACA ANG insisted Saturday there was no plot to oust Jose de Venecia Jr. as House Speaker during President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's meeting with neophyte lawmakers last Thursday.Presidential spokes...

US soldier drowns in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The body of an unidentified US soldier on assignment in Panamao, Sulu, was located Saturday morning, some 17 hours he reportedly went for a swim, police said. Sulu polic...

Some bishops want Chief Justice to head transition gov't

MANILA, Philippines--Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona on Saturday joined three Catholic bishops in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to give way to a transition j...

Makati dump search knocks at MMDA door

During an interview, Makati DES Head and Association of Metro Manila Environment Officers (AMMEO) President Danny Villas claimed that they have already sealed an agreement with Mayor Tobby Tiang...

Manage garbage, don't promote landfills, dumps

Government has only worsened the country's waste problem by putting up new landfills and dumps. The solution is really to minimize garbage by reducing, reusing and recycling materials where poss...

Lim orders free admission for children to Manila Zoo

MANILA, Philippines -- For five days until October 31, parents may bring their children to the Manila Zoo and Botanical Gardens free of charge. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim on Saturday ordered city parks...

Trick-or-treaters visit freed Estrada

MANILA, Philippines--Young Halloween trick-or-treaters were rare visitors to the home of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada on Saturday, a day after his triumphant homecoming following six yea...

Admit to plunder raps and repent

MANILA, Philippines -- A proposal for pardon for Joseph Estrada was made as early as March 2002. And it was made not to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who alone has been empowered by the Constituti...

P30-M emergency fund set up for teachers in village polls

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Education has set aside a P30-million emergency fund for the country's 500,000 public school teachers who will serve in Monday's barangay (village) and Sanggun...

Misuari release sought, 'also for reconciliation and unity'

COTABATO CITY -- A leader of the Moro National Liberation Front called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday to order the release from jail of MNLF founding leader Nur Misuari. Hatimil Has...

Malacanang insists law followed in Estrada pardon

MANILA, Philippines -- Even as the special prosecutor in the plunder case of former President Joseph Estrada is poised to question his pardon before the Supreme Court, Malacanang on Saturday maintaine...

Three suspected Muslim militants arrested in southern Philippines

Manila - Three suspected members of a Muslim militant group in the southern Philippines have been arrested in a military raid, an armed forces spokesman said Saturday. Government troops swooped down o...

In the Philippines, Religion and Nature Collide

October 15, 2007 · This is a story about what happens when the heavens and the earth collide — and who gets blamed. Last November, a typhoon slammed into the Philippines near the city ...

Filipino Mother Seeks Probe Into Daughter's Death in Japan

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 27 October 2007 - The mother of a former Filipino entertainer has President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to help investigate the real cause of her daughter's dea...

Pardoned Philippine ex-President Estrada freed after 6 years, says no return to politics

Estrada's joyous release from house arrest was followed by a speech to thousands of cheering supporters in Manila's San Juan district, where he once served as mayor, then a bedside visit to his ailing...

Philippine anti-graft court approves ex-president's release

The Sandiganbayan, the Philippine anti-graft court, on Friday approved the release of convicted former president Joseph Estrada, who was pardoned by President Arroyo, local media reported. Estrada gai...

Worker dies in fall from platform

MANILA, Philippines - A construction worker died while two others were injured when they fell from the platform of a hospital under construction at the Global City in Taguig City Thursday evening. De...

Former Philippine president released from jail

Former Philippines leader Joseph Estrada released from prison Estrada served six and a half years of life sentence for corruption A spokesman said the pardon would restore Estrada's civil and politica...

Intensive training for Taguig's English tutors

MANILA, Philippines - Forty teachers from public schools in Taguig City enrolled in a five-day intensive training program recently to increase their proficiency in written and spoken English. Mayor F...

Outsourcing growth to reach 62%

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

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

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.

Smart told to clarify offense

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications Commission has ordered
Smart Communications, Inc. and three other companies to explain
"infractions" they committed in offering mobile television services to
the Pangilinan-led mobile service provider's customers.

Microsoft to take $240-M stake, widen alliance with Facebook

SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft will take a $240-million stake
in the wildly popular social networking Web site Facebook as part of an
expansion of the two firms' strategic alliance, the companies said
yesterday.

Davao said to be attractive to call center companies

DAVAO CITY -- Business process outsourcing firms continue
to be attracted to the prospects of investing in Davao City, although
companies have yet to make a final decision on whether to set up
operations, a business group said.

De Venecia III links Arroyo to scrapped broadband deal; Neri denies accusations

JOSE DE VENECIA III yesterday linked for the first time
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the scrapped $329-million National
Broadband Network deal between the government and China-based ZTE Corp.

Electronics companies expect rebound in '08

THE LOCAL electronics industry expects a rebound to
double-digit growth in earnings next year, following world market
trends, even as the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the
Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) is keeping its downgraded growth outlook for
2007 due to cost issues.

IBM eyes 20% revenue growth in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY -- IBM Philippines' Mindanao business is eyeing
a 20% increase in revenues by the end of this year.

Headline: Customs to close encoding centers

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

Corporate News: PAL Holdings released from obligation

THE HOLDING firm of Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) is not obliged to buy the shares of stock of government financial institutions in the flag carrier, the Supreme Court said.

Banking & Finance: Global FX markets tracking fundamentals

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shrugged off the dollar's tumble to record lows against other currencies, saying global foreign exchange markets were tracking economic fundamentals.

Stock Market: Main index may go sideways in quiet trade

SHARE PRICES are likely to consolidate in quiet trading this week as the rest of the country goes on extended holidays.

The Economy: ADB allotting $75M for environment program

DAVAO/KORONADAL — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is setting aside $75 million in the next 10 years for environmental projects within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), starting with an area that encompasses Sulu.

The Nation: 70% voter turnout -- Comelec

23 election-related deaths — national police

THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) yesterday estimated a 70% turnout of voters (35.7 million out of 51 million registered voters) in yesterday's synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

IT Matters: Customs to close encoding centers

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

Proliferation of males in Asia to cause social imbalance

Prenatal son selection in several Asian countries could result in severe social consequences.

23 killed in Philippine election violence

Manila, Oct 29 (Xinhua) At least 23 people were killed and another 20 injured in the past month in local elections-related violence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

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

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...

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...

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...

Estrada lawyers on Comelec shortlist

Commission on Elections . Acting Comelec Chair Resurreccion Z. Borra said at a press briefing on Monday the Palace had sought the poll agency's comments on the list of nominees it had drawn up to fill...

Anti-graft court may confiscate Estrada assets

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...

Estrada position baffles opposition

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Deposed President Joseph Estrada Monday sought to placate restive forces baffled by his reluctance to join calls for the resignation of President Gloria Maca...

Mining foes blame firm for fish kill

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

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...

Customs bureau bans 'Merry Christmas'

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

AFP justifies detention of Marine colonel

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Forfeiture proceedings vs Erap wealth start Tuesday

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

Arroyo vows gov't won't impose new taxes

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...

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...

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...

Metro polls peaceful amid reports of cheating - NCRPO

Hours before the closing of polls for village and youth officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday afternoon said the conduct of elections in Metro Manila went without major security di...

Failure of elections declared in Pasay City village

A failure of elections was declared in a village in Pasay City on Monday due to several disruptions such as snatching of ballots and tearing of election paraphernalia. Evaresto C. Sobremisana, prin...

Estrada mobbed as he casts vote in San Juan

It took former President Joseph Estrada only 10 minutes to cast his vote at a polling precinct in San Juan City for the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections Monday. ...

No statements from detained Rangers without lawyers present

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...

2 ex-senators top Palace list of nominees to Comelec

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former senators Wigberto Ta ada and Rene Saguisag top the Malaca ang list of possible appointees to the four vacancies at the Commission on Elections, acting...

Philippine landslides kill 5

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

Village bet held for poking firearm in San Juan

A candidate in the village elections faces disqualification and criminal charges for allegedly poking a firearm Monday at a resident in San Juan City. The alleged gun-toting bet, initially identifi...

Polls progressing well, winners proclaimed in 48 hours - report

Despite pockets of election-related violence in several parts of the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said the the conduct of the village and youth elections are progressing we...

Magnitude 4.7 quake rocks Northern Luzon

A magnitude-4.7 quake rocked Northern Luzon before noon Monday, but there was no immediate report of casualty or damage to property. In a report posted on its website, the

Philippine-Chinese venture plans ethanol plant

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. ...

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...

Poll watcher handcuffed after blowing whistle on 'poll fraud'

(Updated 12:18 p.m.) Instead of being rewarded for fulfilling her duties, a poll watcher was handcuffed after catching a re-electionist village chief's supporter allegedly distributing campaign ma...

Power outage hits Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA -- A power outage hit this city and most of the municipalities further south of the province early Monday before the barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) electio...

Ombudsman hands off on prosecutor's SC plea vs Estrada

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...

23 killed, 20 hurt in barangay election violence - PNP tally

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said cases of violence marred the conduct of village and youth polls in several areas in the country. PNP figures show that as of 9 a.m. Monday, 23 pe...

PNP records 43 poll-related violent incidents so far

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...

Miss Paru-Paru 2007 Crowned

who wowed the audience with a Latin dance medley was crowned “Miss Paru-Paru 2007″ at “WHOIS?”, the Annual Halloween Masquerade and Ball held by the Circulo de Dapitanon-USA. S...

Conservatives Now Control CBCP; Bishops Won 't Join Resign-GMA Calls

hose hoping for a collective voice from the Catholic bishops regarding renewed calls for President Arroyo’s resignation are in for a big disappointment. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of...

DMIA Charms Investors to Visit Philippines

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...

Predawn fire hits Quezon City community

Several families lost their homes before dawn on Monday after a fire hit a squatters' area in Quezon City. Tension also heightened for fears that the fire could reach a gas station located only a few ...

79 rounded up in Metro for violating liquor ban

At least 79 people were rounded up in Metro Manila on the eve of the village and youth council elections Monday. This developed as some 5,000 police personnel were deployed in the metropolis to ens...

Submersible pump to draw 'evidence' from Glorietta 2

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will use a submersible pump to collect water samples for chemical analysis from the Glorietta 2 blast site, even as it stuck to its initial findings that the explo...

Dolphins to be bred in Davao del Sur

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- A breeding station for dolphins will soon rise on Balut Island in Davao del Sur province. An investor from Iran, Foad Akhavan, has put in an initial P2 million to jumpstart the...

Filipino drive for boycott gains ground

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

Filipino woman arrested after 'date rape' deaths in Hong Kong hotel

Hong Kong - A 20-year-old Filipino woman has been arrested following the death of two US businessmen allegedly given a "date rape" drug in a luxury Hong Kong hotel, a report said Monday. The woman was...

Transco employees angered by private auction of state firm

BAGUIO CITY -- Employees' unions of the state-owned National Transmission Corp. (Transco) accused the government of bad faith in concealing the lease terms of the national power grid that has been sch...

800 state university students in Laguna cry out for funding

SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA -- More than 800 college students here are not sure if they can still continue their schooling next semester. Since June, the municipality has stopped funding the state-run Polytech...

5 dead in Catanduanes landslides; 3 missing

VIRAC, CATANDUANES -- Heavy rains induced by a low pressure area on Saturday caused flooding and numerous landslides, which killed five people in Baras town, disaster officials said Sunday. Gov. Jose...

Revoke pact with PPA, landowners ask gov

BATANGAS CITY -- Landowners and heirs of a 40-hectare property here have asked Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto to revoke a 2003 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the provincial government and the Phil...

Annual climb to Mt. Apo formally opens

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- The city government on Thursday declared the formal opening of the annual climb to the country's highest peak. Marife Pame, chief of the city's tourism investments promotions office...

1 Million Candidates in Philippine Village Polls

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...

Nograles belies Palace loyalty check

MANILA, Philippines -- An administration congressman said over the weekend that there was no need for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to conduct a loyalty check among lawmakers in the wake of the al...

Traditional outpaces Tumbok Cup field

CARMONA, CAVITE -- Traditional, under Ferdinand Raquel, picked up the pace heading into the final quarter Sunday and rallied to win the third edition of the Tumbok Cup at the San Lazaro Leisure Park h...

King prolongs wakeboard rule

PILI, CAMARINES SUR -- Arthur King saved his best for last, humbling five other finalists to keep the centerpiece men's professional category title of the 2nd Philippine Cable Wakeboard Nationals comp...

UST, Ateneo spikers triumph

MANILA, Philippines -- University of Santo Tomas ripped winless Letran College, 25-13, 25-14, 25-13, to solidify its bid in the Shakey's V-League Second Conference at The Arena in San Juan City Sunday...

Tams clip Eagles for Unigames cage crown

BACOLOD CITY -- Far Eastern University silenced Ateneo de Manila University's guns with a crippling half-court defense in the first three quarters and hacked out a 65-59 decision Sunday to wrap up the...

Victory double by Mi oza, Pagunsan

MANILA, Philippines -- Frankie Mi oza ended a six-year victory drought in the rich Japan Tour and Juvic Pagunsan capped a great weekend for Philippine golf by coming up with a spectacular Asian Tour b...

'Rido' worsens conflict in South, says study

MANILA, Philippines -- Clan violence has aggravated the conflict between government forces and Islamic separatists in the southern Philippines, making the decade-long search for peace there even harde...

Body of US soldier recovered in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The body of an American soldier, who had helped train Filipino troops battling al-Qaida-linked militants in Sulu province, was recovered on Saturday, a day after he went swimming at ...

Rebel soldiers offered jobs as VIP bodyguards

Welfare fund "It was part of a humanitarian consideration. The Army has a morale and welfare fund for this purpose," Torres said by phone. Torres added that the Rangers would receive their salaries ...

Estrada backs away from Arroyo-quit call

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Former President Joseph Estrada Sunday distanced himself from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sparked by the pardon she ...

51M expected to vote Monday

Liquor ban Its spokesperson, James Jimenez, said the poll body was mostly dealing with reports of people -- perhaps too happy over the long weekend they were enjoying -- having one drink too many. T...

Batangue a swims to seven POF golds

NAGA CITY, Philippines-A Palarong Pambansa veteran created ripples in the pool in the Bicol-Southern Tagalog qualifying games of the Philippine Olympic Festival yesterday at the Metro Naga Sports Comp...

UST, Ateneo eye share of volley lead

GAMES TODAY (The Arena) 3 p.m.-Letran vs UST 5 p.m.-Lyceum vs Ateneo MANILA, Philippines-The path looks easy but none of the preseason favorites are taking things lightly. University of Santo Tomas ...

'Vote wisely and vote for the nation' - PPCRV

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on Sunday called on Filipinos "to vote wisely and vote for the nation" in Monday's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. "The type ...

High alert up for village, SK polls as PNP watches NPAs

2 bakers in deadly rumble charged with liquor ban violation - report (Update) The Philippine National Police was placed on the highest security alert Sunday ahead of nationwide village elections, wh...

Ta amor itching to debut; Payla, Basadre eye last 16

CHICAGO, Illinois-Two-time Olympian Harry Ta amor said that he is ready to compete in the World Boxing Championships despite a schedule which forced him to watch from the sidelines for one week. "I'm...

Arroyo calls on Filipinos to go out and vote

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on Filipinos to exercise their Constitutional right to suffrage by going to the polls to elect their Barangay and Sanggguniang Kabataan leaders on Monday. P...

Nation to soon move on from Estrada pardon--interior chief

MANILA, Philippines--A "problematic situation defused," was how President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's political adviser described on Sunday her move to grant presidential pardon to her erstwhile nemesis...

Hapee ties for lead; RP 5 wins

GAMES TUESDAY (Ninoy Aquino Stadium) 2 p.m.-Bacchus vs Harbour Centre 4 p.m.-Toyota Balintawak vs RP Team MANILA, Philippines-Hapee Toothpaste survived San Mig Coffee by the slimmest of margins even ...

Estrada to respect Sandiganbayan's forfeiture of assets

Close this MANILA, Philippines--"They can have it." Former president Joseph Estrada said on Sunday he was willing to give up seized assets to comply with the conditions of his pardon. In a ...

Village polls less violent than in 2002--PNP

MANILA, Philippines--The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that 20 people have been killed and 13 others were injured in election-related incidents in its month-long monitoring of the peace and or...

Estrada now cool to calls for Arroyo to resign

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Former president Joseph Estrada distanced himself on Sunday from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, days after she granted h...

Perks, bonuses await winners of village, youth elections

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Benefits -- including bonuses, insurance coverage and a sense of power-come with being an official in the country's smallest political unit. Aside from honara...

Comelec gets complaints about liquor ban violations

MANILA, Philippines--The Commission on Elections is looking forward to a generally peaceful and orderly barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections on Monday, despite reports...

Estrada ponders what to do with a wide-open schedule

MANILA, Philippines--The morning after his release from more than six years of detention, 70-year-old Joseph Estrada found himself wondering what he would do on his very first day of full freedom. Th...

At Hawaii's tsunami center, seconds make all the difference

EWA BEACH, Hawaii "It has been quiet for days in this part of Hawaii. Scientists at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) are on routine watch, monitoring seismograph and tide readings from aroun...

Police placed on highest alert ahead of village elections

MANILA, Philippines--Police were placed on the highest security alert Sunday ahead of nationwide village elections, which authorities fear could be disrupted by communist guerrillas backing candidates...

Estrada pardon weakens Arroyo's opposition in Philippines

MANILA : For a man who sought and received a presidential pardon less than two months after being sentenced to prison for corruption, Joseph Estrada, the former Philippine president, has displayed a r...

Low-pressure area to bring rains, thunderstorms - Pagasa

A low-pressure area embedded in the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will bring scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms on northern, central and southern Luzon, and on Visayas and Mindanao. T...

What are the orbs in photos?

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

Asia’s Queen of Songs bats for strong bones

MANILA, Philippines—Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales joins other high-profile women in a global fight against osteoporosis.

Overcoming self-defeating thoughts

MANILA, Philippines—Do you find it difficult to push yourself during the first 10 minutes of an exercise routine or feel like quitting the final part of a 20-minute jogging program because you think it is hard?

Recognize your need

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

The party of the Sison

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

The triumph of one

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.

Outstanding women

MANILA, Philippines—Pay attention to what works, and do more of it! The Towns awards’ 10 women awardees this year understand this principle only too well. But, they also pay attention to what doesn’t work.

Transcending chaos

MANILA, Philippines—Power struggle, terrorism, bombings, election campaign, etc. How can we find peace in an unstable world? Our message.

Are you at risk for diabetes?

MANILA, Philippines—There is an Asian disease, and it is called diabetes. Four out of the top five diabetes-hit countries are in Asia, with almost 90 million people suffering from this disease. To make matters worse, half of all new cases of Type 2 diabetes are now diagnosed in children and adolescents.

Automatically anti-terror

MANILA, Philippines—There are probably hard numbers for this somewhere, but chances are good that at this very moment, at a number of locations around the world, several people are taking a few moments out of their day to realize that death will inevitably come for them.