The Philippine Headlines - November 06, 2007

Posted by Balitang Pinoy at 8:18 AM

Shuttle Discovery heads home after ambitious, risky mission

WASHINGTON -- The US shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station on Monday, wrapping up a complex mission marked by a daring spacewalk to repair a torn solar array.

A quarter of adults clinically obese across 63 countries

PARIS -- A quarter of men and women in 63 countries were found to be obese in a massive study of more than 168,000 people, France's top medical research institute said Monday.

Italian police arrest Mafia supremo

ROME -- Sicilian police on Monday arrested Mafia supremo Salvatore Lo Piccolo just a year and a half after nabbing his predecessor as the "boss of bosses," Bernardo Provenzano.

International warnings for Musharraf over emergency decree

PARIS – (UPDATE 2) US President George W. Bush called Monday on Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to end emergency rule, even as European and American officials offered mixed warnings over cutting Pakistani aid.

Storm ‘Kabayan’ kills 7; state of calamity up

MANILA, Philippines -- Tropical Storm “Kabayan” pummeled northern Luzon with winds gusting up to 135 kilometers per hour, plunging towns and villages into darkness and killing seven people -- including a lawyer and his girl friend, who drowned while swimming despite warnings to stay out of the water.

RP Cuppers Arcilla, Tierro stamp class on PCA rivals

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion Johnny ARcilla stamped his class on Raffy Santiago, 6-2, 6-0, Monday to reach the round-of-16 in the 26th Philippine Columbian Association Open Tennis Championships at the Club’s indoor court.

Cone hits out at PBA officiating, new rules

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s getting to be a habit. Every winning coach gives a piece of his mind on officiating at the end of the game in the ongoing Smart-PBA Philippine Cup.

Hollywood writers ready for long haul as strike begins

HOLLYWOOD -- With placards raised and fists clenched, defiant Hollywood writers warned Monday that they were ready for a long battle as their first major strike for nearly 20 years got underway.

Storm ‘Kabayan’ moving slowly away from northern Luzon

MANILA, Philippines -- Tropical Storm “Kabayan” (international code name: Peipah) remained almost stationary for the past six hours as it moved slowly away from northern Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

(UPDATE) 9 Filipino crew members stage mutiny on ship

MANILA, Philippines -- Nine Filipino crew members of a Taiwanese fishing vessel Monday staged a “mutiny,” taking over their ship while it was sailing off the African nation of Mauritius in the southwest Indian Ocean, to protest alleged maltreatment by their Taiwanese captain.

NFA exceeds rice distribution targets

The National Food Authority (NFA) surpassed its rice distribution targets for May to October by 4.2 million bags due mainly to its lower prices, an NFA official said.

Pakistani police smash protests amid global anger

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani police used tear gas and batons to crush protests by lawyers against President Pervez Musharraf on Monday, despite a torrent of worldwide outrage at the imposition of a state of emergency.

Sevillano shares first with 6 GMs in Nevada

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino International Master Enrico Sevillano emerged tied for first to seventh places with six grandmasters in the just concluded 5th Reno Western States Open Chess Championships in Reno, Nevada.

BIR tells La Suerte: Pay higher excise tax

Pall Mall cigarettes may be released from for market distribution on condition that the producer, La Suerte Cigar and Cigarette Factory, pays a higher excise tax, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said.

World oil prices pull back after record-breaking run

LONDON--World oil prices fell away from recent record peaks on Monday as traders took profits on easing supply concerns owing to the US subprime crisis and the calming of political tensions between Turkey and Iraq.

Corteza downs Wu for $3,000 side purse

MANILA, Philippines -- Reigning National Open Champion Lee Vann Corteza beat 2005 World Pool titlist Wu Chia-ching of Taiwan, 15-10, in their 10-ball match to pocket $3,000 at the One Side billiard hall in Malate, Manila, late Sunday.

Strong peso hurting Customs

The strengthening of the peso has chopped off more than P10.8 billion from the government’s potential revenue from import duty collection, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said.

Gov’t pushes extension of hybrid rice program

The Department o Agriculture is pushing for continuation of its hybrid rice commercialization program, saying this addresses the gap between production and consumption, and the welfare of rice farmers.

Filinvest-led consortium formed for PNOC-EDC bid

Filinvest Development Corp., the publicly listed holding firm of the Gotianun group, has tied up with International Power PLC and International Power Masinloc Holdings Inc. to strengthen its bid for the government’s remaining 60-percent shareholding in geothermal power producer PNOC Energy Development Corp.

20 bidders eye P6.3-B rail interconnection deal

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) reported a high turnout for its auction of a contract to interconnect Metro Manila’s overhead Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) worth P6.3 billion.

BSP readies next round of forex lib

The central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), is finalizing its next round of foreign exchange liberalization aimed at reducing business costs by relaxing restrictions on overseas investments and over-the-counter purchases of US dollars.

(UPDATE) North Korea starts disabling nuclear facilities

SEOUL -- North Korea on Monday started an unprecedented disabling of its nuclear program under the supervision of a US team of experts, US officials said.

PNP turns to court as final arbiter of Glorietta blast

Let the courts decide. The Philippine National Police has taken this position in response to the claims made by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) that the Glorietta 2 blast on Oct. 19 that killed 11 people and injured more than a hundred was not a gas explosion.

SSC, La Salle tossers score

MANILA, Philippines -- San Sebastian College turned to Thai import Bualee Jaroensri anew to rally past Far Eastern University, 17-25, 25-11, 25-18, 25-9, Monday for its fifth straight triumph in the Shakey’s V-League women’s volleyball second conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Norwood, 4 others eyed to boost tired RP quint

MANILA, Philippines -- A troubled national squad batting for the inclusion of at least five new players hopes to regain its bearings in the PBL V-Go Extreme Energy Drink Cup today.

Tight security for Brunei's top player

TALK OF HEAVY SECURITY. Prince Muhtadee Billah, the crown prince of Brunei who happens to be an excellent pool player, is competing in the $400,000 World Pool Championship here for the second straight year.

Andam avenges defeat to Soquet

MANILA, Philippines – Leonardo Andam led another hard Philippine charge on Day 3 of the $400,000 World Pool Championships, ripping German gun Ralf Souquet, 9-5, at the Araneta Coliseum Monday night to put a foot in the Last 64.

US aid tied to RP action on killings

MANILA, Philippines -- The US Senate has served notice it wants the Arroyo administration to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before it approves additional military aid.

Google signs up 30 partners for mobile phone push

NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO--Google Inc on Monday lifted the shroud cloaking its long-rumored plans to enter the mobile phone market, saying it was building software to make the Internet run more easily on cellphones.

Bhutto slams Pakistan crackdown, calls for elections

KARACHI--Former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto on Monday condemned a police crackdown on lawyers rallying against a state of emergency and called for elections as planned in January.

NY set for fall art auctions; new Gauguin record expected

NEW YORK--New York's fall art auction season gets under way Tuesday, with major collectors from around the world expected to be bidding record prices in the impressionist, modern and contemporary sales.

(UPDATE) Dell to buy data storage network firm for $1.4B

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK--Dell Inc said on Monday it will buy data storage network company EqualLogic for $1.4 billion, its largest acquisition ever, as it seeks to boost its fastest-growing business segment.

European, Australian police crack child sex ring in Europe

THE HAGUE--A cross-border investigation into a Europe wide child-sex network has led to 92 arrests in eight countries, officials of the European prosecutor's organisation Eurojust told a press conference Monday.

Hollywood writers go on strike over new-media pay

LOS ANGELES--Hollywood writers went on strike Monday in a standoff with the big studios over their share of the profits from DVD sales and online broadcasts, despite last-minute talks to end the dispute.

Wall Street cringes as Citi revives fears

WASHINGTON--Fear and mistrust gripped Wall Street on Monday after Citigroup's CEO quit in the wake of mounting credit losses and an influential money manager called the subprime mortgage market a "$1 trillion problem."

US scolds Musharraf but smothers aid cut talk

WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Monday urged Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf to lift a state of emergency, quit as army chief, and hold elections soon -- but left unclear whether US aid hung in the balance.

McGrady,Granger tabbed NBA players of the week

NEW YORK - National Basketball Association Player of the Week honors went to Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady and Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger on Monday.

'American Gangster' outguns North American box-office

LOS ANGELES - Hard-hitting crime drama "American Gangster" gunned down the opposition in North American theaters over the weekend, netting 43.6 million dollars, final figures showed Monday.

Wall Street falls with Citi

NEW YORK - Stocks fell on Monday after Citigroup's warning of billions more in loan losses compounded fears that the credit crunch could get worse.

Mural on Philippine press freedom gets censored

<a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/11-02-2007/mural-neo-angono.jpg"><IMG src="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/11-02-2007/mural.jpg" alt="History of Press Freedom in the Philippines by the Neo-Angono Artists Collective - click to enlarge image" hspace=4 vspace=4 border="0" align=left></a> 

 
 
 
<HR>
By DAVID DIZON 

abs-cbnNEWS.com 
 
A mural on the history of press freedom in the Philippines commissioned by one of the country's oldest press organizations is creating controversy after several portions of the final artwork was altered without the artists' consent before its unveiling last week. 
 
The Neo-Angono Artists Collective said the National Press Club made "slipshod alterations" on the 8x32 foot oil on canvas artwork several days before it was unveiled before President Arroyo on October 26. 
 
NPC defended the move, saying that none of the alterations were permanent. It added that Neo-Angono members failed to appear before the NPC to do the final alterations as stipulated in the contract for the mural. 

 
<a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=97889" class="more">more...</a>

RP continues World Pool romp in Day 3

The Philippines continued its roll in Day 3 of the 2007 World Pool Championship as three local cue masters scored wins over their respective opponents at the Araneta Coliseum on Monday.

China looms as new boxing power

There were only 23 Asians of 80 fighters who qualified for the Beijing Olympics at the just concluded World Championships at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion.

Still a toss-up for Pacquiao's next opponent

Freddie Roach is looking at lightweight champion Juan Diaz and not super-featherweight king Juan Manuel Marquez as Manny Pacquiao's next opponent.

State of calamity declared in Isabela towns

The provincial government of Isabela declared a state of calamity in the towns of Ilagan and San Mateo following the onslaught of tropical storm Kabayan (international codename: Peipah) on Monday.

Kabayan cancels Kenney's appointments in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY - Tropical storm "Kabayan" battering Northern Luzon provinces with rains and strong winds had cancelled engagements of US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney here.

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

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

Lawyers to Challenge Erap Pardon Before SC

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

Estrada Gets Pardon, Anti-Erap Lawyers Angry

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

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

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

Safe Havens for Corrupt Officials Shrinking

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

Tight security measures for Beyonce concert in Taguig City

MANILA, Philippines - More than 150 policemen will be keeping a tight watch on the Fort Bonifacio Open Field during the concert of international artist Beyonce Knowles tomorrow night in Taguig City. S...

Car theft suspects' kin hit 'slow' pace of probe

MANILA, Philippines - The families of two suspected car thieves who were killed in an alleged shootout with policemen nearly two years ago yesterday criticized Ombudsman Mercedita Gutierrez whom they ...

New and improved service coming soon, says Philpost

MANILA, Philippines - Don't count out snail mail just yet. Apart from a P6 billion modernization project to increase efficiency, the Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost) is mounting efforts to curb mai...

Osme a Highway bridges' rehabilitation starts today

MANILA, Philippines - Two bridges on Pres. Sergio Osme a Highway (formerly South Super Highway) in Manila will undergo rehabilitation beginning today. Josefino Rigor, Department of Public Works and Hi...

Binay in 2010 Too early to tell, says mayor

MANILA, Philippines - Sounding like a man with a plan, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay declared yesterday that he was qualified to run the country even as he remained coy about his political ambitions in 2...

Abalos brother accused of poll fraud in Mandaluyong City

MANILA, Philippines - A defeated candidate for barangay captain yesterday urged the Commission on Elections to declare a failure of elections in Barangay Hagdang Bato Itaas, Mandaluyong City, accusing...

Gov't assures safety of 3T Pinoys in Islamabad

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Cristobal added that Yambao also advised Filipinos in Islamabad to be alert and take the necessary precaution in ensuring th...

Police hit for failure to arrest Bedol

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said the failure of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol "reinforces the suspicion that he i...

Sandiganbayan issues writ on Erap's assets

The Special Division of the antigraft court has issued a two-page writ of execution ordering Sheriff Eduardo Urieta to make Estrada turn over to the state all of his assets and pieces of propert...

Police question findings of Ayala Land's foreign experts

The national police on Monday expressed some reservations on the findings of the foreign experts commissioned by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) to investigate the cause of the Glorietta 2 mall explosion.

House rejects new impeach case vs. GMA

A "supplemental" impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Arroyo on Monday before the House of Representatives was quickly rejected while a similar one awaited action from congressmen ...

Filipinos top tipplers in Southeast Asia-survey

Alcohol consumption in the Philippines is on the rise and affluent Filipinos outdrink their Southeast Asian counterparts, according to a new survey released Monday.

Beyonc , 70-man entourage to fly to Manila Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines--International pop superstar Beyoncé Knowles is flying to Manila via a chartered flight Tuesday afternoon, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has confirmed. ...

Storm batters northern Philippines, leaves six dead - Summary

Manila - A tropical storm has left six people dead and displaced thousands more in the northern Philippines, police and civil defence officials said Monday. Five of the fatalities were reported in Isa...

Boxers face brain injury, death in ring

Those who oppose government regulation say the number of boxers who have died from blows received is not accurately known. And it does seem that some sports, like horse racing, register higher d...

Trade chief remains hopeful of JPEPA ratification

MANILA, Philippines--Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said on Monday he remained confident that the Senate would ratify the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). Favila told report...

Shoppers trickle into Glorietta but sales still slow

The sales woman, who requested anonymity, said she observed that the usually large crowd flocking to the malls has dwindled since the October 19 blast that killed 11 and injured more than 100. S...

Arroyo cites economic gains

MANILA, Philippines- Facing more impeachment complaints, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reminded both her allies in Congress and the political opposition that they had a duty to the people to "cont...

I have what it takes to be President

MANILA, Philippines--Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay may be coy about what he exactly wants to run for in 2010 but he's not coy about his qualifications for the highest post in the land. Binay declar...

I'll be an asset

MANILA, Philippines - "I WILL be an asset to the Commission on Elections." Thus declared Moslemen Macarambon Sr. on Monday, his first day on the job as the poll body's newest commissioner. The forme...

Court orders forfeiture of Estrada assets

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan on Monday ordered a sheriff to confiscate more than P700 million in bank accounts and real estate property owned by former president Joseph Estrada in favor of ...

9M families feel poor

MANILA, Philippines--About nine million families (52 percent) consider themselves poor, while about 7.5 million families (43 percent) consider themselves poor in terms of food, according to a recent s...

SC orders first-ever DNA testing in RP rape case

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has ordered a lower court to subject a convicted rapist to DNA testing to determine whether he was guilty beyond reasonable doubt. In a 20-page decision autho...

Filipino sailors stage mutiny in Indian Ocean

NAIROBI -- Nine Filipino sailors staged a mutiny and seized control of a fishing vessel off the Mauriutius coast over alleged mistreatment, a maritime official said Monday. "The sailors took control ...

Senate passes cheap medicines law

MANILA, Philippines--The Senate on Monday passed a long-awaited law that aims to lower the price of medicines. By unanimous vote, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1658 or the Quality Affordable Medicine...

Solon doubts Arroyo-De Venecia reconciliation

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines--"Plastikan lang iyan (It was all for show)." This was how Nueva Ecija Rep. Eduardo Nonato Joson described the caucus Saturday called by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo...

Greenpeace presses passage of renewable energy bill

TIME'S RUNNING OUT. Greenpeace activists don mock clocks in front of the Senate to demand the immediate passage of a renewable energy bill. The group warns little time is left for the Philippines to s...

Sen Estrada to block judges who convicted father from SC

MANILA, Philippines -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada on Monday vowed to block the appointment to the Supreme Court of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court justices who convicted hi...

LP questions denial of CA seat by Speaker before SC

MANILA, Philippines -- The Liberal Party (LP) has gone to the Supreme Court to question the decision of House Speaker Jose de Venecia to deny the party its one-seat representation in the powerful Comm...

Third Arroyo impeach rap set, this time from militant solons

MANILA, Philippines -- Another impeachment complaint, the third, against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is being prepared by militant lawmakers at the House of Representatives, Bayan Muna Represent...

New impeachment raps 'minor distraction'--Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaca ang sees the fresh impeachment complaints lodged against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as "minor distraction" that will not affect her work. Press Secretary Ignacio ...

Arroyo's Macarambon appointment unimpressive--Villar

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has failed to make an impressive appointment at the Commission on Elections with her choice of Iligan City regional trial court judge Moslemen ...

Arroyo Orders Measures To Ensure Safety Of Philippines Community In Pakistan

Manila, Nov. 5 (bna) -- Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-arroyo Has Given Orders To Follow Up On The Situation Of The Philippines Community In Afghanistan After The Recent Emergency Rule Had Bee...

Arroyo might name ex-SC justice to Comelec--Palace spokesman

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo might appoint a former Supreme Court justice to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), her spokesman Ignacio Bunye said. But Bunye said the Pr...

Repentant mutineers 'brainwashing' client-soldiers--lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- Two former rebel officers, who have reaffirmed allegiance to government, have been "brainwashing" nine enlisted Army Scout Rangers linked to an alleged February 2006 coup plot, ...

US Senate ties military aid to better human rights

MANILA, Philippines -- The US Senate wants the Philippines to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before approving additional military aid for the country, a Foreign Secretary Albert...

Gordon calls for younger, more aggressive Comelec nominees

MANILA, Philippines -- Nominees to the Commission on Elections should be "younger, more aggressive," Senator Richard Gordon said Monday. Gordon, who heads the committee on constitutional amendments, ...

'08 budget, JPEPA, Aussie VFA top Senate agenda--Villar

MANILA, Philippines -- The proposed 2008 national budget, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, and the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement with Australia top the agenda at the Sena...

Five teenagers drown at beach party in central Philippines

Manila - Five teenagers drowned, while one went missing during a beach party to celebrate their victory in last month's youth council elections in the central Philippines, police said Monday. Three we...

More impeach raps vs Arroyo to be filed at House

MANILA, Philippines -- A supplemental complaint that includes President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the impeachment case against resigned elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. was filed at the House o...

Tropical storm Peipah rakes across northern Philippines

BAGUIO, Philippines: Tropical storm Peipah raked across a sparsely populated mountain region of the northern Philippines early Monday, toppling power lines and leaving more than 600,000 people without...

Abu Sayyaf commander killed in southern Philippines

Zamboanga City, Philippines - A commander of al-Qaeda-linked Muslim Abu Sayyaf rebels was killed Monday in a clash with government troops in the southern Philippines, a marine battalion commander said...

Philippines' Arroyo ends tiff with speaker - reports

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ended differences with House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia, smoothing the path to completing her term in office, news r...

Philippine Food Mission Seeks Saudi Partners

Ronald Concha, Arab News JEDDAH, 5 November 2007 - A delegation of officials and businessmen is arriving in Jeddah today from Manila to promote Philippine products and joint ventures with Saudi invest...

Fire Leaves 3 Dead, Thousands Homeless in Southern Philippines

Al Jacinto, Arab News JOLO, Philippines, 5 November 2007 - Three people died and thousands were left homeless after a fire swept through several neighborhoods in an island-town off Sulu province in th...

Lim offers free rehab to drug users in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- Drug dependents from Manila's slums can get a new lease on life with the opening of a rehabilitation center in Sta. Cruz today. Mayor Alfredo Lim will inaugurate the new Manila...

Anti-Arroyo forces line up 2 more impeachment complaints

MANILA, Philippines -- Forces seeking to unseat President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have lined up two more impeachment complaints against her. The twin cases being readied by about 10 cause-oriented an...

Cop says Indian's abduction a case of mistaken identity

MANILA, Philippines -- After six days in captivity, an Indian national was freed on Saturday by his abductors after they realized that he was not the businessman they were supposed to kidnap. Police 0...

Manila firm disputes police findings on mall blast

MANILA The company that owns a shopping mall in the Philippines where an explosion killed 11 people last month said yesterday it disagreed with police theories that a build-up of gases in the baseme...

Manila keeps bid date for Transco despite delays

Manila: The state agency overseeing the sale of Philippine power assets has pushed back some key deadlines for pre-qualification processing related to bidding for the national power grid, an official ...

Arroyo sees de Venecia's stay in House speakership

HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will not be ousted on Monday after all. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave this impression after calling a caucus of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (...

25 suspects in extrajudicial slays jailed

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. As of mid-October this year, 25 suspects were already arrested -- 13 in the cases of murdered political activists and 12 in ...

Midterm referendum for President, Vice President proposed

A LAWMAKER has filed a measure providing for the holding of a midterm referendum for the positions of President and Vice President to determine whether they continue to enjoy the trust and confidence ...

Palace eyes Melo to fill Comelec vacancy

Retired Supreme Court justice Jose Melo was recently asked by Malaca ang if he is interested in filling the position left by Benjamin Abalos, a source, who asked not to be named, told The Manila...

Senate resumes session with busy agenda

The Senate resumes today what promises to be its most productive first regular session in a decade with Senate President Manuel Villar identifying the P1.227-trillion proposed national budget fo...

President Arroyo belies split in Lakas, Cabinet

The President said over the weekend that the Lakas coalition remains solid and her administration is strong, adding that the ruling party is making plans for 2010.

Chamber asks Senate to ratify JPEPA

The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) got a boost Sunday when the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked the Senate to ratify it.

Ara sure Manny's new movie won't bomb

Now that he is everybody's hero again, after indisputably proving he is Barrera's master on October 6 in Las Vegas, Pacquiao is giving top priority to his new movie titled, Anak ng Kumander, whi...

Biofuels drive threatening food security--consumer watchdog

MANILA, Philippines--Consumers who are supportive of efforts to cut down the country's oil import bill, as a way of preventing upticks in food prices amid the current long-drawn oil price spike, shoul...

Arroyo calls for law on the development of renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines--With oil prices surging to record highs, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has called on Congress to pass legislation that would help the country deal with the problem by making i...

Palace presents proof of Arroyo, Speaker 'reconciliation'

MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on Sunday Lakas leaders had agreed not to allow "small hurts" to wreck party unity, and other Lakas officials sought to finally put down rep...

Better lay your cards on the table now

CAUAYAN CITY, Philippines--Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III, a member of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), said on Sunday that moves to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. would only stop if the Sp...

Ayala Land refutes accidental gas blast theory

NOT AN ACCIDENT. Ayala Land Inc. President Jaime Ayala gives a press conference in Manila, 04 November 2007, urging the police to reconsider their theory that an accident was the real cause of a power...

Government bid to forfeit Lucio Tan's assets dismissed

MANILA, Philippines-The Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division has dismissed the government's petition to forfeit assets of tycoon Lucio Tan. "The government is not entitled to a partial summary judgment as ...

Biofuel Feedstock Farming Expected to Generate 725,000 Jobs in the Philippines

Gloria Esguerra Melencio, Arab News MANILA, 4 November 2007- At least 15 local and foreign companies have expressed interest in investing in biofuel crops, an emerging industry that is expected to gen...

After Estrada, Rolito Go seeks presidential reprieve

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Rolito Go, convicted in the death of Eldon Maguan during a traffic altercation in 1991, is also dreaming of being the recipient of presidential largesse like...

New faction in majority said ready to oust De Venecia

MANILA, Philippines -- A new faction has emerged within the already shaky majority coalition and it is also seeking the ouster of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. according to an independent congressman. ...

Internal problems bug RP

SEATTLE -- One of the largest business groups in the Greater Seattle area considers the Philippines to be a nation of potential, but it is hindered by internal problems. William Stafford, president o...

Macarambon in Comelec a good thing but problems still abound

MANILA, Philippines -- The appointment of a Muslim to The Commission on Elections (Comelec) may help solve some electoral problems in Mindanao but a Comelec official said the bigger brunt for solving ...

Palace shrugs off oust-JDV rumors

MALACA ANG shrugged off Saturday rumors that its allies will oust Jose de Venecia Jr. as Speaker when Congress resumes session this Monday.Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the claim of Represen...

Lawmaker files bill limiting marriage to 'males, females'

A CONGRESSMAN has filed a bill limiting marriage to natural born males and natural born females only. Muntinlupa City Representative Rozzano Rufino Biazon, who authored House Bill 79, inserted Article...

Power rates may go down amid oil price hike

DESPITE the rise in world prices of oil, government claimed Saturday that electricity rates may even go down in the last months of 2007.Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) head Rodolfo Albano said the ...

Congressman questions PCSO's ads spending

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Catanduanes Representative Joseph Santiago raised these questions shortly after learning that the PCSO had subsidized this w...

Rainy season best time to discover gems in Metro's backyard

MANILA, Philippines--The rainy season from June to November can be an opportune time for city dwellers to do "small towning" -- visiting small towns and provincial cities to observe local cultures and...

New golden era launched by Filipino featherweight superstar

The birth of a golden era in a boxing division requires a three- or four-cornered fight, with the triumphant fighter gaining the right to be proclaimed the greatest boxer of the era-even if he is ...

PacMan will face major rivals in 2008

WBC President Jose Sulaiman feels the same way. The WBC head honcho has in fact directed Marquez to defend his WBC tiara against Pacquiao not later than March 1, 2008.

Past Filipino greats in world boxing

Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo was the first to electrify the world in The Great Pinoy Boxing Era. This is the title of a 32-minute documentary video by a young Fil-American, Corky Pasquil. C...

Boxing is our best hope for Olympic medal

On October 31, light flyweight Ta amor became the first boxer to earn an Olympic berth after reaching the quarterfinals in the International Amateur Boxing Association World Boxing Championships...

Other agencies' help sought for Glorietta evidence analysis

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Bureau of Investigation will ask the help of other government agencies in examining the evidence gathered from the basement of the Glorietta mall where an explosion...

Artists decry defilement of commissioned mural at press club

MANILA, Philippines -- A group of artists is outraged by the "bastardization" of its mural on press freedom at the National Press Club, and is accusing the NPC of "censorship." "Isn't it ironic that ...

Police, military deny arresting Bedol -- Goltiao

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao may not know where Commission on Elections official Lintang Bedol is. But it is pretty sure neither th...

Davide didn't recommend Macarambon--report

Close this MANILA, Philippines--Newly appointed election commissioner Moslemen Macarambon is not among those recommended by former chief justice Hilario Davide for the post, according to a re...

Insurgents blow up Philippine phone mast

Photo: AFP MANILA (AFP) - Communist guerrillas blew up a mobile phone mast in the central Philippines, possibly as part of an attempt at extortion, a police statement said Saturday. A large group...

Philippine Senate considers Aust troops agreement

An agreement between the Philippines and Australia on the status of visiting forces has been submitted to the Philippine Senate for ratification. President Gloria Arroyo has written the Senate, askin...

Philippines relieved over mall accident

manila Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's top aide said yesterday he was relieved that a deadly explosion in a Manila shopping mall last month was an accident rather than a terrorist attack.

Philippine delegation gets insight into Malaysian education system

THE Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Uda 2 and Sekolah Agama Al Attas Al Arabiah here were recently visited by a 70-man delegation from the Philippines Education Ministry who were here to study the Malaysian...

Pardoned Estrada spearheads medical mission in Philippine capital

Manila - Pardoned former president Joseph Estrada on Saturday spearheaded a medical mission in a slum district in the Philippine capital, cheered by thousands of supporters. The 70-year-old Estrada wa...

A prima donna still

Nov. 1 of every year reminds all of us that death is a great leveler. Everybody-rich or poor, the powerful and the humble-dies. Everything, including the hold on power, comes to an end. When you die...

QC barangays tapped to help in tax collection

MANILA, Philippines - With the barangay elections over, the Quezon City government's newly elected officials are being tapped to work as agents of the city treasurer's office. Quezon City treasurer Vi...

Tougher laws against disappearances sought

MANILA, Philippines - Families of desaparecidos yesterday renewed their call for lawmakers to enact laws that would penalize enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the country as they m...

Weddings, not funerals, at old cemetery site

MANILA, Philippines - What used to be a place for grieving now serves as a venue for beautiful beginnings. Located in the heart of Manila, Paco Park-a 4,000-sq m piece of property along Gen. Luna Str...

A fight against global warming

MANILA, Philippines - In the scheme of things, 4,000 trees may not spell much of a difference in the fight against the worldwide phenomenon called global warming. But for Jocelyn Tan and like-minded ...

Arroyo wants anti-poverty programs monitored

Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. Press Secretary Bunye said the President wants all departments to coordinate and submit to NAPC their "concrete plan on how ...

Watchdog opposes Macarambon's appointment to poll body

THE Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) is dismayed with the appointment of Mindanao Regional Trial Court Judge Moslemen Macarambon to the Commission on Elections (COmelec) without ...

200 cases of elderly inmates in Bilibid up for review

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Corrections has forwarded around 200 cases of inmates aged 70 and above for review by the Board of Pardons and Parole. BuCor director Ricardo Dapat yesterday expla...

CA junks Rockwell Land bid

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has rejected a bid of Rockwell Land Corp. to dismiss a civil suit for damages filed by a resident of an exclusive Makati village against the realty firm whic...

198 more Pinoy educators to teach in US schools

AT LEAST 198 out of the 300 Filipino teacher-applicants who passed the rigid screening early this year that was conducted by school officials from Maryland, United States will fly out of the country i...

Macarambon competent lawyer, decent person -- GO spokesman

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- A son of the late senator Mamintal Tamano, Genuine Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano, on Friday vouched for the "competence" and "decency" of newly-appointed ...

Give fellow some slack, Estrada lawyer appeals to Sandigan

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- The lawyer of deposed president Joseph Estrada has appealed to the Sandiganbayan to "give the fellow some slack" following pronouncements it would run after ...

Comelec needs independent people, says election lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- It all boils down to one question: Is he independent? This is the question thrown by some sectors at Malaca ang following its appointment of Iligan City Judge Moslemen Macarambo...

Outsourcing industry undaunted by peso rise

UNFAZED by the peso's continued rise, the Philippine outsourcing
industry is pushing an ambitious plan to corner 10% of the $130-billion
global market in just a little over two years.

Encoding center complaint pressed by party-list group

A PARTY-LIST GROUP intends to pursue its case against present and
former Customs and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
officials responsible for the operation of import entry encoding centers
at the country's major ports, even if these facilities have been ordered
closed.

Texting in Japanese and Chinese now possible with Smart's expanded service

SMART Communications, Inc. (Smart), the mobile phone
network arm of the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT) expanded its
international text-messaging platform to offer Japanese and Chinese
short messaging service (SMS).

Google launches OpenSocial

GOOGLE, INC. yesterday announced the release of
OpenSocial, a set of common application programming interfaces (APIs)
for building social applications across the Web, for developers of
social applications and for Web sites that want to add social features.

Venture capital

Last week I talked about elevator pitches, those two-to three-minute
spiels that can get your foot in the door with a venture capitalist. But
this week, let me take on the other side of the coin and talk about
venture capitalists.

Angling for a piece of the handset pie

IN A WORLD of Apple, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Motorola,
is there really room for the MyPhone? I was left to ponder on this
question the day I saw the newspaper ads announcing the entry of MyPhone
in the market.

Small call centers pool ideas

DAVAO CITY -- The Philippine Call Center Alliance, Inc.
will meet this Nov. 9 to chart a clearer strategy for developing its
members, consisting of small- and medium-sized call centers with
capacities of 10-200 seats.

Plea to stop merger of cable firms denied

THE COURT of Appeals has denied media giant GMA Network,
Inc.'s petition to stop the merger of three cable companies, saying the
jurisdiction over the matter rests solely on the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Open House: The Business Realities of Virtual Reality

Noted science fiction writer Issac Asimov once said in describing new inventions, "The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' (I found it!) but 'That's funny ..."

Outsourcing sector aims for 10% of world market

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

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

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

IT stakeholders move to sustain skills pool

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

Headline: Financial sector tax reforms eyed

CHANGES IN THE WAY THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IS TAXED will stimulate more capital market activity but entail around P6 billion in annual revenue losses for the government — a situation the Finance department wants to avoid as it aims for a balanced budget next year.

Corporate News: Filinvest, International Power team up

GOTIANUN-LED Filinvest Development Corp. has partnered with London-based International Power Plc. in its bid for the government's stake in the geothermal arm of the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC).M

Banking & Finance: Gov't rejects bids for 1-year T-bills; other tenors decline

THE GOVERNMENT yesterday rejected all bids for the one-year Treasury bills after banks asked for a premium.

Stock Market: Stocks rise as investors hunt for bargains

SHARE PRICES closed higher yesterday as investors bought stocks up for bargain. The composite index gained 0.42% or 15.84 points to 3,774.81 after moving between 3,739.22 and 3,778.47.

The Economy: Cheaper drugs bill hurdles Senate with seven other measures

EMERGING from its month-long break, the Senate yesterday passed on third and final reading Senate Bill 1658, or the proposed Quality Affordable Medicines Act of 2007, along with seven other measures.

The Nation: Opposition includes Arroyo in additional ouster charge

THE OPPOSITION yesterday made good its promise and filed two supplemental impeachment complaints at the House of Representatives to include President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in relation to the scrapped broadband network project.

IT Matters: Outsourcing industry undaunted by peso rise

UNFAZED by the peso's continued rise, the Philippine outsourcing industry is pushing an ambitious plan to corner 10% of the $130-billion global market in just a little over two years.

Mushroom farm sends Aeta folk to school

FLORIDABLANCA, PAMPANGA-Sisters Annie and Arlene Mercado, and 12 other Aeta in Sitio Nabuklod in Barangay Camachile here, are in school this year, care of the weekly sales from a mushroom farm that tw...

Group held without charge appeals for release

CALAMBA CITY-Five farmers, who are accused of plotting to overthrow the government and are being held by police here for one year and seven months now, are challenging President Macapagal-Arroyo to re...

Arroyo backers temper rally vs junta

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO-The People's Congress for Unity and Peace that will be convened here today by supporters of President Macapagal-Arroyo has revised its manifesto by not naming the people clamoring...

SSC, La Salle tossers score

Eastern Visayas folk warned of floods, landslides

TACLOBAN CITY-The Office of Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas has again warned people to be alert against floods and landslides as more rains and typhoons are expected in the next few months. Rey Gozo...

2 female rights workers threatened on All Soul"s Day

Two female human rights workers claimed they were threatened hours after they took part in a ceremony commemorating victims of enforced disappearances during All Souls' Day on November 2. Olivia Be...

2 new impeach cases filed against President

MANILA, Philippines -- In a move admittedly more "symbolic" than legal, groups seeking to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday filed two impeachment cases, one of which sought to add muscle t...

US aid tied to RP action on killings

MANILA, Philippines -- The US Senate has served notice it wants the Arroyo administration to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before it approves additional military aid. Foreign ...

Storm batters northern Philippines, leaves six dead - Summary

Police tell skeptics to go to court

Metro Manila police on Monday told skeptics to lodge their complaints before the court if they wanted to question the credibility of the initial findings of government investigators that the October 1...

Filipinos top tipplers in Southeast Asia-survey

Alcohol consumption in the Philippines is on the rise and affluent Filipinos outdrink their Southeast Asian counterparts, according to a new survey released Monday.

New low pressure area unlikely to become a storm

The new low pressure area spotted east of Mindanao would not likely intensify into a tropical storm like "Kabayan," Nathaniel Cruz, weather bureau chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and A...

JDV urged to prove "moral revolution" through Arroyo impeach bid

A youth group on Monday urged Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr to uphold his call for a "moral revolution" by allowing stronger impeachment proceedings against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to push thro...

Trade chief remains hopeful of JPEPA ratification

I have what it takes to be President

Arroyo cites economic gains

KMU protests arrest of Cebu leader

MANILA, Philippines--The Kilusang Mayo Uno has scored the arrest of one of its leaders in Cebu by the police and the military on charges that he is a member of the communist New People's Army and that...

I'll be an asset

Court orders forfeiture of Estrada assets

9M families feel poor

SC orders first-ever DNA testing in RP rape case

Opposition senators hit Arroyo-JDV-FVR pact

Opposition senators on Monday assailed Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr, former President Fidel Ramos, and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's renewed alliance, claiming the three leaders made the pact to c...

Filipino sailors stage mutiny in Indian Ocean

Senate passes cheap medicines law

Solon doubts Arroyo-De Venecia reconciliation

Storm claims 5 lives, destroys P19-M property in Cagayan, CAR

At least five people have died and another one reported missing after tropical storm "Kabayan" battered the Cagayan Valley Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region since Sunday, Glenn Rabonza, ...

Don"t judge Macarambon too soon

Resurreccion Borra, acting chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday appealed to critics not to prematurely judge new Comelec Commissioner Moslemen Macarambon. "Assessment will co...

Greenpeace presses passage of renewable energy bill

Sen Estrada to block judges who convicted father from SC

LP questions denial of CA seat by Speaker before SC

Third Arroyo impeach rap set, this time from militant solons

Spokesman denies rift between UNO, opposition solons

Adel Tamano, spokesman of the United Opposition (UNO) on Monday clarified that there was no rift between the UNO and opposition congressmen. His statement was in relation to his earlier pronouncement ...

Macarambon sworn into office, vows to prove critics wrong

Amid the criticisms surrounding his appointment, newly-named Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Moslemen Macarambon took his oath of office Monday in Malacañang, as he vowed to prov...

Senate OKs bill seeking to lower prices of medicines in RP

The Senate on Monday passed a bill that seeks to ease patent laws and bring in more affordable medicines abroad and help spur competition to bring down prices of medicines in the local market. In a...

More groups to supplement Arroyo impeachment bid

Several groups composed of activist non-government and people's organizations are set to file supplemental complaints to the impeachment case filed against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by lawyer ...

6 die as 'Kabayan' hammers N. Luzon

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (international codename: Peipah) already left the north Luzon landmass, but as many as six people have already been reported killed in its wake on Monday afternoon. Radio d...

Jinggoy vows to block Sandigan justices' appointment to SC

Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada on Monday vowed to block the appointment to the Supreme Court of the Sandiganbayan Justices that convicted his father - former President Joseph Estrada - of plunder...

Cheers, jeers greet Macarambon appointment to Comelec

Cheers - and jeers - met Judge Moslemen Macarambon's recent appointment as a Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner. Various comments have been posted on the

Comelec encourages citizens' arrest vs Bedol

Now that it considers him a fugitive from justice, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) encouraged the public Monday to make citizens' arrest on former Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol. ...

Mother and child drown as heavy rains bring floods to Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- A mother and her child drowned while crops were destroyed as rains, which have been pouring for four days thus far, spawned floods in areas of Cebu. Neil Sanchez, executive ...

New impeachment raps 'minor distraction'--Palace

Arroyo Orders Measures To Ensure Safety Of Philippines Community In Pakistan

Bill to cut amusement tax filed at Lower House

A bill seeking to reduce the rate of amusement tax on gross receipts from admission fees in movie theaters and concerts, among others, was filed in the House of Representatives, a solon said on Monday...

US Senate wants RP to improve rights record for aid approval

MANILA - The US Senate wants the Philippines to prosecute human rights violators, including soldiers, before approving additional military aid for the poor Asian country, a Philippine official said Mo...

Ex-SC justice to be appointed to Comelec - report

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will appoint a former Supreme Court justice to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc, her spokesman said Monday. Radio dzBB quoted Presidential Spokesman I...

Arroyo included in impeach case vs Abalos

(Updated 12:40 p.m.) Civil society personalities are setting their sights on reviving an impeachment complaint against resigned elections chair Benjamin Abalos and drag President Gloria Macapagal Arro...

Arroyo might name ex-SC justice to Comelec--Palace spokesman

UNO boosts impeach bid vs Arroyo, files supplemental complaint

The United Opposition (UNO) on Monday filed a supplemental complaint to give more teeth to the three-page impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo earlier filed by lawyer Roberto Raf...

"Kabayan" exits north Luzon, heads off to South China Sea

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (international codename: Peipah) has exited northern Luzon and is moving toward the South China Sea, the Philippine weather bureau said Monday. However, the Philippine Atmo...

Repentant mutineers 'brainwashing' client-soldiers--lawyer

Gordon calls for younger, more aggressive Comelec nominees

'08 budget, JPEPA, Aussie VFA top Senate agenda--Villar

Five teenagers drown at beach party in central Philippines

Other angles still being probed, cops assure Ayalas

Police investigators on Monday assured Ayala Land Inc, owners of the Glorietta 2 shopping mall, that they are still looking into other angles in the blast that killed 11 people last October 19. Pol...

Five in 10 Filipino families say they are 'poor' - SWS

About five in ten Filipino families regard themselves as poor, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed. This, despite pronouncements by the government pointing to a more robust ...

Metro traffic tight as people troop back to work, school

Traffic in Metro Manila was tight early Monday as people from the provinces return from the provinces, while workers and students return to work and school from the long All Saints' weekend. Ra...

House minority to clarify impeach bid before SC

Admitting that taking part in the impeachment process any further is an exercise in futility, the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives will seek redress before the Supreme Court in their bi...

More impeach raps vs Arroyo to be filed at House

Tropical storm Peipah rakes across northern Philippines

Abu Sayyaf commander killed in southern Philippines

Philippines' Arroyo ends tiff with speaker - reports

Philippine Food Mission Seeks Saudi Partners

Midterm referendum for President, VP proposed

Sun.Star: A lawmaker has filed a measure providing for the holding of a midterm referendum for the positions of President and Vice President to determine whether they continue to enjoy the trust and c...

Classes suspended in parts of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera

(Updated 9:12 a.m.) Power outages, uprooted trees and floods were reported in parts of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley as tropical storm "Kabayan" (international code name: Peipah) made landfall in Nort...

3 Filipinos join "Lucky Seven" at World Pool Championship

Former Filipino World Pool Championship titlist Alex Pagulayan, and two other Filipino players Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Ramil Gallego Sunday scored separate victories to advance in ...

Fire Leaves 3 Dead, Thousands Homeless in Southern Philippines

Storm 'Kabayan' weakens slightly, crosses Northern Luzon

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (Peipah) weakened slightly as it crossed Northern Luzon Monday morning, after making landfall near Palanan town in Isabela province Sunday night. Radio dzBB reported t...

Anti-Arroyo forces line up 2 more impeachment complaints

DoJ lawyers take crash course vs pyramid scams

MANILA, Philippines -- To get complaints about investment scams to progress, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has held writing workshops for its prosecutors to give them the chance to focus on drafting...

Sen. Santiago opens bid for seat on int'l court

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has opened her campaign for a seat in the International Court of Justice. She addressed the United Nations General Assembly in...

Luzon can't see the light

Guy Luzon gets home and looks for the light switch. Everything is dark in his home. He fumbles around but can't find anything. All is quiet in the house. Hello? Avi? Amos? No one answers. It's dark in...

2,000 troops beef up anti-NPA drive in the Visayas

ILOILO CITY -- The Army is deploying around 2,000 troops, including 1,000 militiamen, in the Visayas to beef up its campaign against communist rebels. Maj. Gen. Jovenal Narcise, commander of the Army...

Anti-mining bloc sweeps polls in 6 Palawan villages

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- Anti-mining candidates in last week's barangay (village) elections swept pro-mining rivals in an intensely fought contest in Brooke's Point, Palawan, where two large-scale nick...

Arroyo bats for laws on renewable energy

MANILA, Philippines -- With oil prices surging to record highs, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Sunday called on Congress to pass legislation that would help the country deal with the problem by mak...

Little outrage over pardon can be trouble for Arroyo

Close this MANILA, Philippines -- It's not clear if the poor are happy over the absolute pardon granted to former President Joseph Estrada. It is even less clear if they consider the pardon t...

Artists urged to condemn 'indignity' to NPC mural

MANILA, Philippines -- The "bastardization" of a mural at the National Press Club (NPC) has drawn condemnation from an art critic and a visual artist, and prompted calls for artists to band together t...

Arroyo, De Venecia affirm Lakas unity

SURROUNDED by her legislative allies, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sits between House Speaker Jose de Venecia and former President Fidel V. Ramos during a caucus on Saturday in Malaca ang. MALACA...

Blast not from gas

Gabica seeks 3rd Mixed Doubles crown

MANILA, Philippines -- Antonio "Gaga" Gabica eyes his third local title this year when he competes in the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Mixed Doubles: Beauty and the Best 9-Ball Championship at the Sub...

RP five revamp looms in Wednesday's meeting

MANILA, Philippines -- A revamp may be in the offing for the national basketball team set to see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December. The Harbour-Philippine team absorbed its...

Ta amor bows to Zou, settles for silver medal

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Light flyweight Harry Ta amor succumbed to the all-around show of Zou Shiming of China, who easily won their gold medal match, 16-3, Saturday in the International Amateur Boxing A...

Laylo tangles with Bacrot

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Grandmaster-elect Darwin Laylo will face GM Etienne Bacrot of France in the first round of the 2007 World Cup which gets under way in the Russian city of Khanty-Mansysk...

Boxing wake-up call in Chicago

MANILA, Philippines -- It's easy to say nice things about boxer Harry Ta amor, who dared break away from a sleepy, losing system to make it to his third Olympics. He loomed skeletal, drained when he ...

Roxas' solo homer lifts Manila IX

GAMES SUNDAY (Rizal Field) 7 a.m. -- Makati vs Cebu 10:30 a.m. -- Dumaguete vs Marikina 2 p.m. -- Manila vs Taguig MANILA, Philippines -- Virgilio Roxas broke up the duel between national team pitche...

Tigresses enter semis; Lyceum remains in hunt

GAMES WEDNESDAY (The Arena) 3 p.m. -- FEU vs SSC 5 p.m. -- Ateneo vs La Salle MANILA, Philippines -- University of Santo Tomas claimed the third semifinal seat Sunday, beating stubborn Adamson Univer...

Marquez fails to impress Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines -- It was an impressive title defense for World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez Sunday but it made no impression at all to the man he wanted t...

Aces silence Dragons, win 3rd straight

GAMES WEDNESDAY (Cuneta Astrodome) 4:35 p.m. -- Air21 vs Sta. Lucia 7:20 p.m. -- Red Bull vs Talk N Text MANILA, Philippines -- Nic Belasco must have felt awkward meeting for the first time the team ...

Bustamante, 3 more RP cue artists advance

MANILA, Philippines -- Francisco "Django" Bustamante went through his stint in the "Group of Death" in a virtual waltz. But Antonio Lining stared death in the eye and blinked. Bustamante dismantled t...

Too early for 2010 teamups at this time

Saying it is still too early for political team-ups, Senate president Manuel Villar Jr. is unfazed by the early projected team-up of Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay for...

Lucio Tan fends off gov"t bid for asset takeover

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has junked a government bid for an outright forfeiture of the assets of businessman Lucio Tan based on the lone claim of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos that...

Series 2 gives RP batters a lift

GAMES TODAY (Rizal Ballpark) 7 a.m.-Marikina vs Dumaguete 10:30 a.m.-Taguig vs Manila 2 p.m.-Cebu vs Makati MANILA, Philippines -- They may not have enough foreign stints but Philippine men's basebal...

Higaonon leaders learn to apply paralegalism

ONCE EVERY MONTH, ON A SUNDAY like this one, Higaonon leaders from the different villages around Barangay Poblacion in Impasug-ong, about 50 kilometers from Bukidnon's capital city of Malaybalay, woul...

'Tornado' whips up a storm inside new-look Big Dome

MANILA, Philippines -- If quickness will lead to the World Pool crown, make way for Tony Drago. The ex-snooker player from Malta, tall and hefty, moves so quick around the tables that he has earned t...

Phone Pals, Express whip foes

MANILA, Philippines -- Mac Cardona led a balanced offensive attack along with Harvey Carey and Don Allado as Talk 'N Text ripped Magnolia, 100-94, last night in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mun...

"Kabayan" makes landfall in Isabela, crosses north Luzon

Tropical storm "Kabayan" (Peipah) made landfall near Palanan town in Isabela province and has started crossing northern Luzon as of Sunday night, state weather forecasters said. In its 11 p.m. advi...

President Arroyo belies split in Lakas, Cabinet

The President said over the weekend that the Lakas coalition remains solid and her administration is strong, adding that the ruling party is making plans for 2010.

Biofuels drive threatening food security--consumer watchdog

Arroyo calls for law on the development of renewable energy

Palace presents proof of Arroyo, Speaker 'reconciliation'

VP De Castro ponders on lifting OFW work ban in Nigeria

Vice President Noli de Castro on Sunday said he is now studying the possibility of lifting the deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers to Nigeria as requested by a several groups of OFWs. De Ca...

Dealing with a new childhood epidemic

The following is an expanded version of an address to the Rotary Club of Makati on Oct. 3 at the Ayala Tower in Makati City.

The GF-CF Diet: ‘It can turn lives around’

MANILA, Philippines―Most of the doctors who spoke at the Asian Autism Conference in Hong Kong recommended the Gluten Free-Casein Free (GF-CF) Diet for children with ASD.

Laxatives for body, mind and spirit

MANILA, Philippines―Do you think you need to release all the junk from within by taking a laxative?

A partnership made in heaven

The high-end Philippine Tatler magazine and the country’s largest privately owned real-estate company, Century Properties, mounted an awesome unforgettable gathering of alta society’s power players and hotshot mega namedroppable luminaries from various industries in a double launch event

Hearing, smelling and feeling psychic information

MANILA, Philippines―Clairaudience is the mental ability to hear voices or conversations from afar. This happens rarely and when it does, it is almost always spontaneous or involuntary. One just hears a conversation without the concerned parties anywhere near the individual.

Celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Pilar

MANILA, Philippines - Many Cebuanos attended the reception hosted by Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias Romero and his wife Soledad to mark their country’s national day, at the embassy residence in Forbes Park, Makati City.

Looking for Mr. Right

MANILA, Philippines – Dear Emily, I am working in California as a nurse. I am pretty stable financially. There is this resident MD that my friend wanted to introduce to me. He is Asian.

Cofradia to hold Triduum of Masses at Manila Cathedral

MANILA, Philippines - For the first time, the Cofradia de la Inmaculala Concepcion will hold its Triduum of Masses to honor Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at the Manila Cathedral on Nov. 27-29, 11:45 a.m.

Hard habits to break

MANILA, Philippines - Why are bad habits so hard to break? Just when I thought my lifestyle had become healthier, sleeping early and avoiding sweets to keep my throat ready for “Celebrity Duets,” I find myself midnight snacking Royce Chocolate and watching 2nd Avenue until 3 a.m.

A family that thrives in God’s love

MANILA, Philippines—Love is more important than any material thing. It’s what keeps the Pastores family together.

Tips for a fruitful trip

MANILA, Philippines—A sage once advised, “Life is short. With our limited tenure, we should aim for spiritual development. It would be foolish to waste time.” As “travelers,” we must remember these basic truths.

The art of math investigation

MANILA, Philippines—Most readers ask for easy logic puzzles and fun math games, but sometimes, I receive requests that warm my heart.

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