SC wants see-through bags for Bar examinees

The Supreme Court has just taken the concept of “transparency” to the next level... and literally at that.

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Authenticity of seized paintings from Marcoses’ ancestral house sketchy – NBI

The authenticity of the 15 paintings seized from the ancestral house of the Marcoses in San Juan City seemed questionable, an official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) admitted.

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PNP to personnel: Be careful in giving away business cards

Following the controversy involving a ranking police official and a pretty female model, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday reminded its personnel to be diligent in giving away their business cards.

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Apply four-day workweek option to govt agencies nationwide, solon asks

With power supply seen to be tight in the summer months of 2015, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) should consider making the four-day workweek scheme optional for government agencies nationwide to help conserve electricity, the chair of the House labor committee said Wednesday.

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GPH, MILF form transitional commission for Bangsamoro Framework Agreement

The government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have formed the independent transitional commission as part of the normalization annex of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.

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PNoy: PHL can’t just send new troops to ‘mission impossible’ in Golan Heights

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said the Philippines cannot just send another batch of peacekeepers to a "mission impossible" in Golan Heights.

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CBCP exec: LGUs should help thwart ‘lewd’ fashion shows

Local government units should share the responsibility in thwarting lewd fashion shows and similar events by being more stringent in screening permit applications from organizers, a Catholic Church official said.

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Ex-military solon: ISIS yet to establish conduit in PHL for recruitment activities

Amid reports the militant Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has begun recruiting Filipinos, a lawmaker said Monday the group has not yet established a conduit in the Philippines where it can channel funds to support possible activities in the country.

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Asian Games: Scuffles, protest over boxing decisions

INCHEON - Scuffles broke out and Mongolia lodged an official protest as controversial decisions in favour of home boxers caused chaotic scenes at the Asian Games in South Korea on Tuesday.

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Asian Games: Three more Filipinos march into boxing semifinals

Three more Filipino boxers are assured of a medal in the Asian Games after hurdling their respective opponents on Tuesday in Incheon, South Korea.

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Ex-MIAA GM, son of LP solon behind more-of-PNoy ad

A son of a pro-administration lawmaker and a former general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority have been identified as the convenors of a group behind the full-page newspaper ad seeking a second term for President Benigno Aquino III.

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15 paintings seized in NBI hunt for Marcos loot

At least 15 paintings believed to be part of the ill-gotten wealth of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos' family were seized from an ancestral home of the former leader in San Juan City on Tuesday.

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AFP chief Catapang: No threat yet vs. Pope

There is currently no threat to Pope Francis during his papal visit to the country slated for early next year, the Armed Forces chief of staff General Gregorio Catapang said on Tuesday.

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70,000 houses for typhoon victims to be constructed next year – Abad

About 70,000 housing units are set to be constructed next year for the victims of typhoons and other natural calamities, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said Tuesday.

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PROFILE: Barred by mom from being a fighter, this 21-year-old becomes a boxing promoter instead

Jim Claude Manangquil almost literally grew up in a boxing gym in General Santos City.

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Anti-crime group bats for a more modernized PNP

After being kidnapped twice, architect Ka Kuen Chua now leads a group that is helping the police force secure the proper tools and values necessary for crime prevention.

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Sandiganbayan subpoenas bank accounts of Napoles NGOs

State prosecutors have been allowed to examine the bank accounts of non-government organizations linked to businesswoman and alleged pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

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JBC’s Mejia: Two terms good for regular council members

A member of the Judicial and Bar Council has no problems with a Senate proposal seeking to limit to just two full terms the length of stay of the body's regular members

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SC stops road project in Benguet for now

The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped the road opening activities at Mount Santo Tomas watershed in Tuba, Benguet, following claims that it is causing environmental degradation in the area.

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Done deal: Pinoy boxer Michael Farenas to fight unbeaten Puerto Rican foe in November

Hard-hitting Filipino southpaw Michael Farenas is scheduled to battle Puerto Rican Jose Pedraza in Puerto Rico on November 14.

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Purisima rates himself a 9; Grace Poe gives him a 4

Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima rated his efforts for the PNP nine out of 10, but Senator Grace Poe believes his credibility was way below because he apparently didn't tell the whole truth in Tuesday's hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.

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Abad: No salary increase for gov’t workers in 2015

Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad on Tuesday said the government couldn't grant salary increases for government employees next year, as the government needed to fund other programs after the country was hit by natural disasters in 2013 and earlier this year.

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LP solon to partymates: Think twice about switching parties

Liberal Party (LP) members who are thinking about moving to another political party should think twice now that Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II moved up in the latest Pulse Asia survey only shows the ruling party will remain in power beyond 2016, an administration ally said Monday.

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PNP internal affairs office unaware it could investigate Purisima

The office tasked to investigate Philippine National Police personnel was unaware that it could can probe the PNP chief.

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No activities monitored after BIFF pledge of allegiance to ISIS – Army official

An Army regional commander maintained Tuesday that they have not monitored any unusual activities after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf rebels pledged support to the militant Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

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DOJ to look into criminal liability of sacked Sandiganbayan Justice Ong

The Department of Justice will check the possible criminal liability of dismissed Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong for his links with Janet Lim-Napoles, who is facing plunder and malversation charges over the P10-B pork barrel fund scam.

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Palace: No hand in newspaper ads calling for PNoy's 2nd term

Malacañang is not behind the full-page advertisements in national newspapers clamoring for a second term for President Benigno Aquino III and trumpeting the fiscal and economic reforms the administration has instituted since taking over the helm of government in 2010, as well as his fight against corruption as the main points why he should be re-elelected come 2016.

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P1.5M only? Grace Poe questions Purisima’s huge discount on Land Cruiser

Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday quizzed Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima’s purchase of a Land Cruiser for only P1.5 million.

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Pacquiao planning to play basketball for Kia before fighting Algieri

Despite a scheduled November 23 fight against Chris Algieri, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao is still planning to suit up for Kia Sorento in the PBA when the new season of the pro league next month.

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Despite Pulse Asia poll, De Lima remains undecided on 2016 plans

Despite her inclusion in the latest survey on preferred senatorial bets, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is still undecided on becoming a lawmaker.

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Abad denies LP’s hand in pro-PNoy re-election ad

The ruling Liberal Party has nothing to do with the full-page newspaper ad that was published on Tuesday urging President Benigno Aquino III to seek re-election in 2016, Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad said.

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Palace backs Purisima’s decision to stay as PNP chief

Malacañang on Tuesday backed Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima's decision not to quit his post amid accusations of hidden wealth and irregularities in a construction project inside the national police headquarters.

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NDRRMC: Over 2 million people affected by TS Mario

More than two million people have been affected by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) as of Tuesday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

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DOH extends anti-measles campaign

The government's anti-measles campaign has been extended by three days, an official of the Department of Health said Tuesday.

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PHL pushes UN for top-level action for peacekeepers’ security

Following the recent experience of its United Nations peacekeepers there, the Philippines this week called for top-level action for the security of peacekeepers in the Golan Heights area.

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PHL scores ‘expansionist territorial claims’ at UN assembly

The Philippines on Monday (US time) scored China anew for its "expansionist territorial claims," this time before an assembly at the United Nations.

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Asian Games: Jordanian upsets S. Korean boxer, meets PHL's Suarez Thursday in semi

INCHEON - Lightweight boxer Obada Alkasbeh was carried shoulder-high from the ring Monday crying tears of joy after upsetting South Korea's Olympic silver medalist Han Soon-Chul in the Asian Games quarter-finals.

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AFP, PNP begin preparations for Pope's visit

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have already started preparing for Pope Francis's visit to the Philippines in January 2015.

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Sandiganbayan finds probable cause vs. 2 Napoles children

A Sandiganbayan special division has found probable cause to try two of detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles' children for graft in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.

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After USS Guardian case, SC justice sees need to refine sovereign immunity doctrine

The writ of kalikasan plea on the grounding of a US Navy minesweeper in the Tubbataha Reef in January 2013 might have been junked by the Supreme Court but the ruling has opened doors for a possible review of the doctrine of sovereign immunity as applied in the Philippines.

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Dismissed justice Ong tried influencing SC magistrates –Leonen

Dismissed Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong allegedly tried "influencing" Supreme Court justices while he was being investigated over his links with alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Jante Lim-Napoles, according to one of the magistrates.

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Sandiganbayan orders Marcoses' ‘ill-gotten’ paintings seized

The Sandiganbayan’s Security and Sheriff’s Services Division has been tasked with recovering eight paintings — including one by Michaelangelo and another by Pablo Picasso — currently in the possession of the family of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

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House panel to oversee amendments to proposed nat'l budget

The House of Representatives has tasked a panel with overseeing amendments to the P2.6-trillion national budget for 2015 that the lower chamber approved last week after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reportedly said it plans to change the definition of savings for some items.

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PNP chief Purisima to answer allegations before Senate panel

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima is expected to finally personally address the allegations of corruption raised against him.

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Why doesn't Mayweather want to fight Pacquiao? Bob Arum has a theory

Hall of fame promoter Bob Arum is exasperated in trying to convince Floyd Mayweather to fight Manny Pacquiao.

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DOJ OKs criminal raps vs. 3 in foiled NAIA bomb try

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended criminal charges against the three suspects in the alleged foiled bombing attempt at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) earlier this month.

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Binay slides, Mar climbs but PNoy won’t pick ‘anointed one’ solely on popularity

President Benigno Aquino III won't choose his preferred successor based on popularity alone, his spokesman said Monday.

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Senate wants P14-B extra budget explained before approving DOH 2015 appropriations

The Department of Health must first explain how it intends to spend the P14 billion supplemental budget under its 2015 appropriations before the Senate budget committee gives its blessings on the P102 billion in appropriations the department is seeking from the national appropriations.

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Couple in animal abuse videos sentenced to life in prison—PETA

A couple from La Union jailed in 2012 for producing fetish videos that showed live animals being abused and crushed to death has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a regional trial court, an animal rights group said Monday.

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2nd plunder raps filed vs. PNP chief Purisima

A second plunder complaint has been filed against Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima.

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Tito Sotto, Kiko Pangilinan lead senatorial hopefuls in latest poll

Senators Vicente Sotto III and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., along with former Senators Francis Pangilinan, Manuel Roxas II and Panfilo Lacson topped the list of potential candidates with a good chance of being elected to the Senate in 2016. The Pulse Asia survey showed Sotto would likely get 51.6 percent of votes while Pangilinan would get 51.5 percent, Roxas 47.6 percent, Marcos 47.2 percent, and Lacson 47.1 percent.

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ARMM governor: No ISIS presence in the region

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman dismissed reports that members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have gotten into the region.

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UNA not considering alternative presidential bet other than Binay —JV Ejercito

Vice President Jejomar Binay remains to be the sole presidential bet of the opposition party United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) for the 2016 elections, amid plunder charges he is facing in connection with the alleged overpriced construction of Makati City Hall Building II, UNA member Sen. JV Ejercito said.

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Binay slides, Roxas climbs in latest poll on possible 2016 presidentiables

Vice President Jejomar Binay continues to be the top choice for president, based on a new survey by pollster Pulse Asia, but with a notable 10-percent decline on his lead, from 41 percent in June to 31 percent in September. In contrast, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, whom Binay defeated in the vice presidential race in 2010, was in second place, getting support from 13 percent of voters. Roxas had only seven percent of the votes in the June survey.

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Court gives Revilla access to Luy’s ‘pork’ files

The Sandiganbayan First Division has given Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., an accused in the pork barrel scam case, limited access to the controversial files in whistleblower Benhur Luy's hard drive.

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PHL, US begin PHIBLEX military exercises near disputed seas

Thousands of Filipino and American soldiers began annual war games on Monday near disputed waters in the South China Sea, testing the readiness of the two oldest security allies in the southeast Asian region to respond to any emergency.

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PHIBLEX a precursor of EDCA, solon claims

A new round of joint military exercises by Philippine and American forces in Palawan and Luzon is a “soft launch” for the activities planned under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a progressive lawmaker claimed.

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PNP, AFP tighten security at Malolos court for Palparan pretrial

The Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday beefed up security at the Malolos, Bulacan regional trial court for the pretrial of detained retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr.

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PNP chief returns from abroad but declines to talk on charges

Controversial Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima returned to the Philippines Sunday night but declined to talk about the charges against him.

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Asian Games: Olympian Barriga marches into quarterfinals

Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga won via unanimous decision against Japan's Tosho Kashiwasaki in the men's light flyweight round of 16 on Sunday to book a quarterfinals spot and keep the Philippines' hopes for a gold medal alive.

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Solon: Daily 3-hour brownouts in Luzon possible if power crisis not addressed

Rotating brownouts lasting three hours a day may occur several days a week in Luzon next summer if Congress does not grant President Benigno Aquino III’s request for emergency powers to deal with a looming energy crisis, a lawmaker said Sunday.

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NDRRMC: Damage from Mario breaches P3 billion mark

The damage from Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) breached the P3 billion mark as of Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

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Pacquiao on Mayweather's 'Miss Pac Man' taunt: 'He acts like an uneducated person'

American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. continued his online taunts to People's Champ Manny Pacquiao, posting a photo of Pacman knocked down on the canvass and taking a swipe on career earnings.

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Malacañang still mum on PNoy’s pick for 2016

Malacañang on Sunday remained tight-lipped about who President Benigno Aquino will endorse to succeed him in 2016, saying the administration is focused on nation-building and economic reforms, not on the upcoming polls.

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MILF starts difficult disarming process

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Reassignment not demotion, says outgoing PNP spokseman Sindac

Outgoing Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac on Sunday clarified that he was not demoted after he was assigned as head of PNP's logistics unit.

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Pinoy UN peacekeepers to guard Pope Francis during PHL visit

The Philippines has assigned a thousand-strong force of its United Nations peacekeepers to help guard Pope Francis when he visits Asia's main Catholic outpost next January, the military said Sunday.

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Rep. Atienza: Bringing back death penalty won’t deter crime

Instead of reviving the death penalty, the government should ensure the police are chasing and catching criminals to improve the peace and order situation in the country, a lawmaker said Sunday. In a statement, Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza called death penalty a “poison” and said it will not serve as an effective deterrent to crime.

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Aquino back from weeklong Europe-US trip

President Benigno Aquino III arrived home Thursday from a weeklong foreign trip to Europe and the United States.

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Pinoy boxer Trongco survives tough test from Japanese foe to defend WBC title

Two-time world title challenger Renan Trongco has successfully defended his WBC international flyweight title against the gritty Hayato Yamaguchi of Japan at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, Saturday.

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DepEd boosts coordinators’ disaster response capacity

School officials will soon be better equipped to respond to disasters, as their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) coordinators undergo capacity-building activities.

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SC: 6,344 to take bar exams this year

Starting next week, 6,344 people will troop to the University of Santo Tomas in Manila for this year's Bar exams.

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Bettor wins P294.6M Grand Lotto jackpot

A lotto bettor has an extra P294.6 million in his pocket after winning the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Grand Lotto draw Saturday night.

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Liberia's top doctor in quarantine after assistant dies of Ebola

Liberia's chief medical officer, who is also a deputy health minister, has put herself in quarantine as a precaution against Ebola after one of her assistants died from the disease, the government said on Saturday.

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PNoy to meet with Pangilinan over NFA chief’s resignation

President Benigno Aquino III will meet with presidential food security assistant Francis Pangilinan over the resignation of National Food Authority administrator Arthur Juan, Malacañang said Saturday.

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PNP spokesman Sindac reassigned as logistics head

According to Sindac, the reassignment is a simple career move and shouldn't be taken differently amid the controversy PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima is facing.

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NDRRMC: 1 week after TS Mario, 32 roads still impassable, 33 areas still flooded

More than a week after Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) dumped rain over parts of Luzon, 32 roads remained impassable while 33 areas are still flooded, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Saturday.

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Palace ready to give further assistance to Albay amid Mayon threat

Malacañang said Saturday it is ready to provide more help to Albay province amid the threat of an eruption from restive Mayon Volcano.

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Palace allays Mindanao prelate’s fears over ISIS threat

Malacañang on Saturday allayed the fears of a Catholic bishop regarding the reported potential threat of some Filipinos being recruited to the militant Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS).

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Palace: No objection to continued hospital arrest for Enrile

Malacañang has no objection to the Sandiganbayan allowing Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile to remain under hospital arrest, at least for now.

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CBCP pushes scrutiny, debates for ‘inclusive’ Bangsamoro law

Citing lessons from the conflicts in the Middle East, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Saturday urged Congress to scrutinize and debate the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, to make sure it is inclusive.

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7 PHL ‘wonderfalls’ in PHLPost’s latest topical stamps

Seven Philippine waterfalls are featured in the latest batch of topical stams issued by the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost).

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Mayweather taunts Pacquiao on Facebook: 'Miss Pac Man is broke'

Floyd Mayweather is back taunting Manny Pacquiao again.

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House approves P2.6-T national budget on second reading

The House of Representatives approved on second reading late Friday evening the proposed P2.6-trillion 2015 national budget of the Aquino administration.

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Civil Service Commission sees discrepancies in PNP chief's SALN

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) found some discrepancies in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of Philippine National Police's chief Director General Alan Purisima, GMA 7 news program “24 Oras” reported Friday.

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Islamic State ‘brand’ gains ground among Asian militants

A threat by Philippine militants to kill a German hostage in a show of solidarity with Islamic State is the latest sign that the Middle East group's brand of radicalism is winning recruits in Asia and posing a growing security risk in the region.

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House to conduct inquiry on emergency powers

The House of Representatives filed a resolution Friday directing the House Committee on Energy to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation before giving President Benigno Aquino III emergency powers to avert an expected shortage of electricity in 2015.

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Groups ask gov’t, NDF to resume formal peace talks

Groups from various sectors appealed to the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to resume formal peace talks.

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Ombudsman prober: No COA evidence linking Napoles to NGOs

An Ombudsman investigator on Friday admitted seeing no evidence in the Commission on Audit's special audit report that would link alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles to the anomalous disbursement of billions of pesos in pork barrel allocations to dubious non-government organizations that delivered little or none at all to the supposed beneficiaries.

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Freddie Roach dismisses Pacquiao foe Chris Algieri: 'He's a good talker'

Freddie Roach has heard enough talk from WBO light welterweight champion Chris Algieri.

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PNP ‘white house’ renovation above board, donations all accounted for –Sindac

The renovation of the “white house” or the official residence of the national police chief is above board, with all donations accounted for, Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, chief information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said Friday.

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Pacquiao makes more money than Mayweather, claims Top Rank boss Bob Arum

Looking at their purse figures, Floyd Mayweather may seem to make a lot more than Manny Pacquiao at first glance.

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DOJ: Probe on extortion rap to continue despite NFA chief’s resignation

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday said the investigation on National Food Authority administrator Arthur Juan would continue despite his resignation amid accusations he tried extorting P15 million from a rice trader in Bulacan.

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Drilon: Tap private sector to make up for expected power shortage

Senate President Franklin Drilon prefers that the government tap the private sector to address the looming power crisis in 2015 instead of giving President Benigno Aquino III emergency powers to contract additional generating capacity.

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PNoy’s guards to secure Pope Francis during PHL visit

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) will be tasked to protect Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in January next year, Malacañang said Friday.

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Palace won’t ask Abaya to go on leave while facing MRT deal probe

Malacañang will not ask Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya to go on leave while facing the Ombudsman's probe on an allegedly anomalous maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).

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VP Binay hits detractors for linking wife to corruption issue

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday said he was saddened that his wife, Elenita, is being dragged into the corruption controversy involving the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II, a News TV Live report said.

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Joker Arroyo wants SC to look into how Abad distributed DAP ‘with complete abandon’

Former Senator Joker Arroyo on Friday asked the Supreme Court to look into how Budget Secretary Florencio Abad distributed funds from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) “with complete abandon.”

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Napoles denies close ties with Justice Ong: ‘Aba ang sungit-sungit niyan’

Janet Lim Napoles on Friday remained adamant in denying any involvement with Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong, who was dismissed by the Supreme Court earlier this week for gross misconduct, dishonesty and impropriety.

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Palace on support for US campaign vs. ISIS: PHL can’t accept ‘naked cruelty’

The government cannot just accept “naked cruelty,” a Malacañang official said Friday following President Benigno Aquino III's expression of support to the US government's campaign against the Islamic State militant group.

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NDRRMC: TS Mario death toll up to 18, damage breaches P2B

The death toll from Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) rose to 18 as of Friday morning, even as the damage caused by the storm breached the P2-billion mark, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

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Sandigan allows Enrile to extend stay at PNP hospital

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has allowed suspended Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile to stay at the Philippine National Police General Hospital, a report on dzBB said Friday.

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Papal visit logo reflects solidarity with victims of recent PHL calamities

Pope Francis giving the Philippines a merciful and compassionate embrace is the theme of the official logo of the Holy Father's upcoming visit to the country in January.

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EDCA meant to check China, says think tank

The state-run National Institute for South China Sea Studies said on Wednesday that China is "not happy" about the agreement that Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador Philip Goldberg signed in time for US President Barack Obama's visit to Manila in April.

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US support vessel with 40 Fil-Ams in routine port call to PHL

A US Navy support vessel with some 500 sailors - 40 of whom are Filipino-American - is making a routine port call to Subic this week, the US Embassy in Manila said late Thursday.

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PNoy back in PHL from 12-day voyage to US and Europe

President Benigno Aquino III is back in Manila after a 12-day voyage that took him to key cities of Europe and the United States and to a climate change summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

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Death toll from TS Mario rises to 17

The death toll from Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) climbed further to 17 as of Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

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Pinoy fighter Renan Trongco defends WBC title against Japanese foe on Saturday

Filipino southpaw Renan Trongco is set to defend his WBC international flyweight title against Hayato Yamaguchi at Mall of Asia Music Hall this Saturday.

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PNoy: PHL willing to help in US campaign vs. ISIS

President Benigno Aquino III has expressed the Philippines' intention to assist in the United States' campaign against the Islamic State militant group.

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Ong’s dismissal a ‘wake-up call’ to justices, govt officials –colleague

Sandiganbayan Justice Alex Quiroz on Thursday said the dismissal of their colleague, Justice Gregory Ong, is a wake up call to justices and everyone in government to keep proper decorum foremost in their minds.

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Binays to seek SC help vs. Senate probe

Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, will seek intervention from the Supreme Court regarding the ongoing investigation of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee over the alleged irregularities surrounding the Makati City Hall Building II.

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Algieri believes strength, skill will carry him over Manny Pacquiao

Having just eight knockouts in 20 fights is a sign that Chris Algieri is not much of a power puncher. The unbeaten light welterweight world champion though, thinks he's physically stronger than Manny Pacquiao.

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Ex-ally says VP BInay used dummies to hide Fort Boni property, security agency

Belying the claims of the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay that all his assets are on record, former Makati Vice Mayor Ernest o Mercado alleged Thursday that the former used dummies to hide his ownership of his other assets.

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Ombudsman orders graft probe on Abaya, Vitangcol for MRT deal

The Ombudsman has ordered the conduct of preliminary investigation against Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, former Metro Rail Transit general manager Al Vitangcol III and several others in connection with the allegedly anomalous grant in 2012 of the MRT's $1.15-million-a-month maintenance contract without public bidding.

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PNoy not yet clearing PNP chief of charges – Palace exec

Although he vouched for the good character of PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, President Aquino is not yet clearing the police official of plunder and graft charges, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Thursday.

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Plane inspector dismissed two years after Robredo plane crash

Two years after the plane crash that killed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) dismissed the inspector who declared the ill-fated aircraft airworthy.

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PNoy’s fast-food lunch slows down traffic in SanFo

A fast-food lunch by President Benigno Aquino III slowed down traffic in San Francisco, his last stop in a 13-day foreign trip that had him visit European countries and the United States.

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It’s good governance over friendship for PNoy in Binay issue –Palace

President Benigno Aquino III will give more weight to good governance over friendship in considering the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay, Malacañang said Thursday.

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Danny Garcia warns Manny Pacquiao: Be careful what you wish for

Light welterweight king Danny Garcia has responded to reports of a possible showdown between him and Manny Pacquiao.

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UN arbitration ruling to hold weight even with China's rejection –Palace

The decision of the United Nation tribunal on the territorial despite between the Philippines and China will hold weight even if Beijing chooses to reject it.

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Bong Revilla misses freedom, making movies for filmfest

Three months into his detention on a charge that could mean 30 years in prison if he's convicted, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. on Thursday said he missed life in the outside world—as a senator of the republic and as the star of a fantasy movie in the Metro Manila Filmfest.

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Will Senate order Junjun Binay’s arrest? Koko says, ‘Let’s wait for next hearing’

The Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee on Thursday affirmed its jurisdiction in investigating the alleged overpricing in the construction of the P2.7-billion Makati City Hall Building II and requiring city officials to attend the inquiry as resource persons.

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After Jinggoy, Revilla wants MRI too

It's now the turn of Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. to request for a medical checkup.

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Losing bidder in ‘overpriced’ Makati building denies participating in bidding

A supposed losing bidder in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II on Thursday denied participating in the bidding for the allegedly overpriced project, bolstering suspicion that the rigging for the controversial building was rigged.

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Cayetano: Senate may order arrest of Junjun Binay, others

Don’t force the Senate committee to order your arrest. This was the statement made Thursday by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as he said that Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.’s move questioning the authority of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee to summon him to the hearing has no legal basis.

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VP Binay no-show at Senate hearing

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday excused himself from attending the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on the alleged overpriced construction of Makati City Hall Building II.

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Sandiganbayan affirms suspension orders vs. Revilla, Cambe

The Sandiganbayan First Division has upheld its decision to suspend Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and his former staff Richard Cambe for 90 days over the plunder and graft charges theya re facing in connection with the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam.

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Bong Revilla gets birthday surprise from supporters at Sandiganbayan

Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. on Thursday got a pleasant surprise from supporters as he marked his 48th birthday at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City.

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Makati mayor snubbing Senate hearing on building row

Saying the Senate has prejudged him and his family, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay on Thursday said he will not attend hearings of the Senate blue ribbon committee on alleged irregularities surrounding the Makati City Hall Building II.

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China think tank rejects PHL ‘triple-action plan’ to calm tense South China Sea

HAIKOU CITY, China - China's think tank on issues related to the South China Sea has rejected a Philippine proposal meant to reduce tension in the area as it questioned the timing and origin of the so-called "triple-action plan."

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Coco farmers start 71-day march to Palace

At least 71 coconut farmers are now marching toward Malacañang from Davao, in a bid to ask President Benigno Aquino III to enact a law channeling some P71 billion in sequestered coconut levy for a trust fund for coconut farmers.

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Profile: Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong

Even prior to his dismissal from government, it has not always been smooth-sailing for anti-graft court Associate Justice Gregory Ong throughout his 16-year Sandiganbayan tenure that was rocked by a citizenship mess and a botched Supreme Court appointment.

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PNoy: Marcos lost right to hero's burial when he usurped power

For President Benigno Aquino III, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos lost his right to a hero's burial when he usurped power for 13 years by declaring Martial Law.

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JBC seeks reversal of ruling that got Jardeleza installed as SC justice

The appointment of Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza to the Supreme Court may not yet be a closed book because the Judicial and Bar Council has asked the high court to reverse its ruling that let justice take his place on the SC bench.

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Gloria Arroyo complaining of back and shoulder pains—lawyer

Former President and now Pampanga Representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been complaining of back and shoulder pains lately, nearly a month after she choked on a broccoli stem.

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Germany says no change to Iraq policy after PHL hostage threat—reports

BERLIN—Germany said Wednesday it would not withdraw support for US action against jihadists in Iraq and Syria following a reported ultimatum from Philippine Islamist militants threatening to kill a German hostage. A foreign ministry spokeswoman said the German government had "heard about the report" but stressed that "threats are not an appropriate way to influence our policy in Syria and Iraq".

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Solons apprehensive BBL will lead to break up of cities, provinces

Even as government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiators gave the assurance that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) won’t lead to the country’s breakup, some lawmakers on Wednesday expressed apprehension that the manner of territorial expansion provided in the bill will lead to the fragmentation of certain cities and provinces.

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Political association with VP Binay a ‘kiss of death’ –critic

Open about his plans to run for president in 2016, Vice President Jejomar Binay has been under fire from critics, who even say that being associated with him in politics is a "kiss of death."

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Cayetano dares Binay: Open your bank accounts

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday dared Vice President Jejomar Binay to open his bank accounts after Binay said that his and his family are open to lifestyle checks "anytime."

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Palace says it’s not threatened by VP Binay’s party

Malacañang says it is not threatened by Vice President Jejomar Binay's move to formally turn the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) into a political party for the 2016 polls. During a press briefing on Wednesday, presidential spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda confidently shrugged off Binay's meeting with his political allies earlier in the day to set up the new party.

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Napoles’ acquittal in Kevlar helmets case haunts Ong

Dismissed Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong was the chairman of the Sandiganbayan's Fourth Division, which acquitted Janet Lim-Napoles in 2010 of the charge of conspiring with public officials in malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents and violation of Section 3 (e) of the RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft Law.

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Criminals have more fun in the Philippines, Sotto says

Senator Tito Sotto on Wednesday delivered a privilege speech urging his colleagues to bring back the death penalty, noting that criminals do not seem to fear the prospect of life imprisonment, currently the heaviest penalty meted on people convicted for heinous crimes.

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UNA members form new party for Binay candidacy in 2016

Members of the opposition have converted the United Nationalist Alliance into a political party, a report on GMA News TV's Balitang Pilipinas said on Wednesday.

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Justices weigh in on effect of Ong dismissal

Several justices on Wednesday welcomed the dismissal of Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong, saying government officials can pick up lessons from the case.

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Govt, MILF negotiators douse Bangsamoro fears

Negotiators from both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday allayed fears that the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will eventually lead to the breakup of the country.

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SC hopes to cut down trial from 5 years to 90 days with new system

The Supreme Court on Wednesday formally launched a "continuous trial system" that is expected to significantly cut trial duration from the usual three to five years to just around 90 days.

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NDRRMC: Damage from TS Mario breaches P1-B mark

The damage caused by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) breached the P1-billion mark as of Wednesday afternoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

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Pinoy kids to join in online discussion with UN Committee on Rights of the Child

At least two Filipino children will be among the representatives from 16 countries who will join a United Nations online activity that will mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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PNoy still not keen on reviving death penalty – Lacierda

President Benigno Aquino III remains unconvinced that death penalty should be revived in the country, his spokesman said Wednesday.

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PNoy willing to meet with Chinese president to improve ties –Palace

President Benigno Aquino III is open to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to improve ties between the two countries amid the dispute on parts of South China Sea, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Wednesday.

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Mar Roxas: DILG to probe donors in P11-M renovation of Purisima’s quarters

The Department of Interior and Local Governments is looking into the background of the donors that contributed resources for the renovation of the Philippine National Police chief's official quarters, or White House, inside Camp Crame.

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VP Binay’s net worth: From P2.5M in 1988 to P60M in 2013

Vice President Jejomar Binay's net worth rose from P2.5 million in 1988 when he was first elected mayor of Makati City to P60 million in 2013 three years into his vice presidency, documents presented by his camp on Wednesday showed.

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Miriam’s objection costs Comelec commissioner CA nod

New Commission on Elections commissioner Arthur Lim failed to get the nod of the Commission on Appointments Wednesday due to the objection from Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

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De Lima: Ong’s dismissal highlights ‘restrictions’ in judiciary members’ social life

Following the dismissal of Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong, members of the judiciary should be conscious of the “restrictions” in their social life, particularly in attending parties where the organizer is not their relatives, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Wednesday.

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China likely to reject arbitration decision on West PHL Sea —China think tank head

HAIKOU CITY, China - China will likely refuse to recognize any decision on the Philippines' arbitration case on the West Philippine Sea, the president of China's national think tank on the disputed area said.

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PNoy admin has done ‘little’ to improve bilateral relations with China –Chinese think tank

HAIKOU CITY, China — The National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS) on Wednesday said bilateral relations between the Philippines and China may improve in 2016, or when President Benigno Aquino III's term ends.

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PNoy: Out of character for PNP chief to live in luxury

President Benigno Aquino III has vouched for the good character of embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima, who is currently embroiled in a corruption controversy.

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Nancy Binay grills Roxas at Senate budget hearing

Showing some determination at the Senate budget hearing, Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday grilled Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II on the use of funds from the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program that were transferred to the Department of Interior and Local Government.

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Jinggoy now at Cardinal Santos Medical Center for MRI

Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada arrived before noon Wednesday at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City for his magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure.

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CA confirms appointments of Gutierrez, Mejia as JBC members

The Commission on Appointments approved on Wednesday the nominations of retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez and Jose Mejia as members of the Judicial and Bar Council.

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Jinggoy convoy leaves PNP Custodial Center

A convoy believed carrying Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada left the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame Wednesday morning for the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

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PNP chief Purisima no-show at Senate hearing

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday questioned the absence of Philippine National Police chief, Director General Alan Purisima, at the Senate budget hearing.

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Drilon: Let debates on reimposition of death penalty start

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday said debates on the reimposition of death penalty should start to determine if it would really address rising crime incidents.

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BRP Alcaraz in Zamboanga for ‘show the flag’ mission

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the Navy's second frigate, is now in Zamboanga City for a "show the flag" activity to encourage patriotism and national pride.

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Activists disrupt PNoy talk at Columbia University

At least three activists on Tuesday disrupted an event at Columbia University in New York for President Benigno Aquino III.

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A thousand letters of street children ask Pope Francis to visit them

A thousand letters from street children, to be delivered by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, will ask Pope Francis to see them when he visits the Philippines in January.

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Mario death toll climbs to 16, damage nears P1B – NDRRMC

The death toll from Tropical Storm Mario climbed to 16, with another 16 injured and four missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said early Wednesday.

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PNoy urges international community to do ‘everything they can’ to address climate change

President Benigno Aquino III addressed the international community at the United Nations Climate Summit on Tuesday, pointing out that the Philippines bore a disproportionately larger burden when it came to climate change despite it not being a major emitter of greenhouse gasses.

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Pimentel: No word yet from VP Binay despite formal invitation to attend hearing

The Senate blue ribbon subcommittee investigating the alleged overpricing in the Makati City Hall Building II project has yet to hear a word from Vice President Jejomar Binay despite its invitation.

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UP students refuse to apologize to Abad

The group of students from the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman who allegedly mauled Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad inside the campus last week maintained that they will not apologize to the Cabinet Secretary, amid calls by some professors.

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Reservations raised as Senate panel tackles draft Bangsamoro law

Will the proposed Bangsamoro political entity be a state within a state? This was the question raised by Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday as the Senate started discussing the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law with the vision of passing it as soon as possible.

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De Lima delighted over Taguig judge’s delicadeza

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima welcomed the "delicadeza" exhibited by a Taguig judge who recused herself from the serious illegal detention case filed by television host and actor Vhong Navarro against those involved in his mauling last January.

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Sen. Tito Sotto renews call for return of death penalty

Acting Senate Minority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Tuesday reiterated his call for the re-imposition of death penalty for heinous crimes, particularly for cases involving big-time drug trafficking.

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Palace: PNoy not a vengeful President

Although he admitted wanting to avenge his father's death, President Benigno Aquino III did not carry this "rage" with him when he was elected to the country's top post, his spokesman said Tuesday.

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UNA: Aquino’s allies cornered lion's share of DAP for House members

The top 10 largest recipients of the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) from the House of Representatives are all members of the Liberal Party (LP), based on the data collated by the United Nationalist Alliance from the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) office.

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Subject all government officials to lifestyle checks—House leader

Amid calls for public officials to undergo a lifestyle check, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said any close scrutiny of personal wealth should cover all government officials, not just lawmakers.

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De Lima orders probe on leakage of NBI report on NFA ‘extort try’

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered an investigation into the leakage of an investigation report recommending graft charges against National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Arthur Juan and his assistant for allegedly extorting P15 million from a rice trader.

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Sandiganbayan says Justice Gregory Ong could appeal dismissal

While the Supreme Court decision dismissing Justice Gregory Ong from the Sandiganbayan is immediately executory, the anti-graft court on Tuesday clarified that the decision is not yet final.

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Palace has no problem with Binay’s potshots vs. hunger, poverty under Aquino

Malacañang will not take offense at portions of Vice President Jejomar Binay's speech last week highlighting hunger and joblessness in the country despite economic growth.

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PNoy won’t budge on opposition to Marcos hero’s burial —Palace

President Benigno Aquino III has already made up his mind on rejecting a hero's burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

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SC thumbs down special courts for pork barrel scam cases

The Supreme Court has junked a request to create special courts that would exclusively hear pork barrel fund scam-related cases being heard by the Sandiganbayan.

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Marcos-Aquino rivalry only in politics –Bongbong

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said there was never a time that his family went after the family of President Benigno Aquino III.

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No LP announcement of poll plans ‘til airports are fixed?

The Liberal Party will take its time before officially announcing its standard bearer in the 2016 presidential elections.

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Sandiganbayan justice dismissed over Napoles link

Voting 8-5-2, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Gregory Ong from service over his links with alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.

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NDRRMC: Local governments now better prepared for natural disasters

Even with 12 lives lost and damages worth more than P300 million left by Typhoon Mario, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Usec. Alexander Pama maintained that the government's disaster preparedness and response had significanlty improved this year.

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PNoy: Gloria Arroyo followed Marcos’ handbook in abusing power

President Benigno Aquino III, currently in the United States for a working visit, has once again criticized former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, this time comparing her to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

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Jinggoy bail hearing canceled as Luy’s blood pressure shoots up

The bail hearing of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada over plunder and graft charges in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam was canceled Tuesday after whistleblower Benhur Luy complained of nausea and dizziness.

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Bangsamoro police still to be part of PNP, BBL draft framers tell Senate

The local Bangsamoro police force to be formed when the Bangsamoro is formed “will still be part of the Philippine National Police,” a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Committee (BTC) explained to senators at a hearing on Tuesday.

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Davao-bound flight makes emergency landing at NAIA

A problem with its landing gear forced a Davao-bound flight of Philippine Airlines Express to make a U-turn and an emergency landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Tuesday morning.

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PNoy visits old Boston home, chats with Kennedy scion over pizza

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) continued his trip down memory lane in Boston by visiting the house where his family lived while his father, the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was on exile during the Martial Law years.

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Death toll from TS Mario up to 12, damage up to P389M

The death toll from Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) went up to 12 as of Monday night, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said early Tuesday.

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PHL, US forces to hold amphibious landing exercise starting Sept. 29

Philippine and US forces will hold amphibious landing exercises from September 29 to October 10 in Palawan and Luzon to bolster coordination between the two countries in regional issues and humanitarian disasters.

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Red alert up over Sabah vs. Abu Sayyaf’s Hapilon

A red alert is up in Sabah against Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon, following his declaration of support for the Islamic State (IS) movement, a Malaysian news site reported late Monday.

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Luy claims Ruby Tuason, Matt Ranillo were Jinggoy's ‘middlemen’

Primary whistleblower in the multimillion peso pork barrel scam Benhur Luy on Monday testified that Ruby Tuason and actor Matt Ranillo served as a go-betwen for Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.

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CA sustains deportation order against German implicated in €24M scam

The Court of Appeals has upheld the deportation order against a German businessman who is wanted in his country for defrauding investors of €24 million (P1.3 billion).

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493 of 1,368 pass Master Plumber Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Monday announced that 493 out of 1,368 passed the Master Plumber Licensure Examination given in Manila, Cebu and Davao this month.

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PNP chief Purisima told to explain wealth in Senate hearing

Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima is expected to bring to the Senate his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth and explain the multi-million properties which he allegedly owns as claimed by an anti-crime group.

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UNA on postponed Malampaya probe: Senate has lost propriety

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) on Monday dismissed the absence of resource persons from the Commission on Audit as an excuse cited by administration allies in the Senate to postpone the scheduled hearing on the alleged multimillion-peso Malampaya fund scam this week. "The Senate has lost all sense of propriety. There’s no pretension about it. Their priority is the political demolition of Vice President Binay," said UNA Secretary-General Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco in a statement.

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493 of 1,368 pass Master Plumber Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Monday announced that 493 out of 1,368 passed the Master Plumber Licensure Examination given in Manila, Cebu and Davao this month.

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Witness vs. Binays says disbarment case a form of harassment

Renato Bondal, a whistleblower in the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II, dismissed the disbarment case filed against him as a form of harassment.

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Govt feeding program aims to cover all ‘severely wasted’ public school kids

More than half a million severely wasted ("buto’t balat") public school children will benefit from the government’s feeding program next school year, Senator Grace Poe said Monday.

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VP Binay stands by old proposal: Bury Marcos in Batac with military honors

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday stood by his earlier recommendation to the Palace that the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos be buried in Ilocos Norte with military honors. "Sa aking palagay, pwede pa rin, tama pa rin 'yung aking naging rekomendasyon…. Meron dapat talagang dumisesyon diyan," Binay said.

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Jinggoy says Guingona delaying Malampaya probe

The postponement of the scheduled hearing on the alleged Malampaya fund scam this week didn't sit well with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who is currently detained for allegedly earning kickbacks from the fraudulent use of his pork barrel funds.

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VP Binay still mum on attendance in Senate inquiry

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday kept his cards close to his chest on whether he would attend on Thursday the Senate Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee hearing on the alleged overpricing of the P2.7 billion Makati Parking Building II.

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MILF, govt peace panel exec dismiss reported ISIS recruitment in PHL

The heads of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panels dismissed on Monday the reported recruitment of the terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the country, particularly in Mindanao.

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Court allows Jinggoy to undergo MRI procedure

Due to pain on his left shoulder, detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday was allowed by the Sandiganbayan to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure.

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Govt to spend P14.8M for PNoy’s US visit

President Benigno Aquino III's four-day visit to the United States will cost the government some P14.8 million, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said Monday.

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It’s Sept. 23: Govt seeks to correct date for Martial Law commemoration

The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law on September 23, 1972 and not September 21 as traditionally believed.

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Govt, MILF to meet in Malaysia over decommissioning

The negotiating panels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will meet in Malaysia before the month ends to set parameters for the decommissioning of firearms of MILF combatants.

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Binay, family ready to undergo lifestyle check ‘anytime’

Vice President Jejomar Binay, currently at the receiving end of corruption allegations, on Monday said he and his family are willing to undergo lifestyle check “anytime.”

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NDRRMC: More than 1 million people affected by Mario

The number of people affected by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) breached the one million mark as of Monday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

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DPWH: 22 road sections in Luzon still closed in Mario wake

At least 22 road sections in parts of Luzon are still closed to traffic in the wake of Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong), the Department of Public Works and Highways said early Monday.

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PNoy recalls first winter, Martial Law in first Boston visit in 31 years

President Benigno Aquino III reminisced on his first winter in Boston and the Martial Law years on Monday (PHL time), during his first visit to the Massachusetts city after 31 years.

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84 PHL peacekeepers arrive home from Golan Heights

Around 84 Filipino soldiers who served as United Nations peacekeepers at the Golan Heights returned home, arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Sunday night.

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FDA warns against Taiwan food products tainted with recycled oil

Philippine health authorities on Tuesday issued an advisory against food products from Taiwan that may be tainted with recycled waste oil.

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NGCP completes restoration for power lines downed by Mario

Power should soon start returning to parts of Northern Luzon affected by Tropical Storm Mario (International Name: Fung-Wong) as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines completed restoration work on transmission facilities affected by the storm.

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PNoy chides SC anew, but hopes for compromise

President Benigno S.C. Aquino III chided the Supreme Court anew for having "too much" power, but said he hopes to find a "healthy compromise" with the high court.

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NDRRMC: Mario leaves 11 dead, thousands still in evacuation centers

As it continues to move away from the country, Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) claimed 11 lives, while thousands more are in temporary shelters, according to the latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC) Sunday evening.

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There’s time to approve national budget by Friday – House leaders

House Speaker Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II remains optimistic that the House of Representatives will be able to approve the proposed P2.6-trillion national budget for 2015 as scheduled despite the cancellation of the plenary session last Friday due to tropical storm Mario.

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Longer jail time sought for gov’t officials transferring ill-gotten property

Stiffer fines and a longer prison sentence await any government employee who helps a public official transfer properties acquired through ill-gotten wealth, under the amendments proposed by two lawmakers to Republic Act 1379 or the law forfeiting these possessions in the State’s favor.

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Walang Pasok: Classes suspended in some areas on Monday, Sept. 22

Some classes on Monday, September 22, will remain suspended in some areas in the country even as Tropical Storm Mario (International Name: Fung-Wong) moved farther away from the country.

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PNoy to address PHL territorial row with China on US trip

President Benigno S.C. Aquino will discuss the Philippines' territorial dispute with China during his five-day US visit after rallying European support for the use of international arbitration to resolve the issue, Manila's top diplomat in the US said Sunday.

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Lawmakers want application period for Martial Law victims extended to May

On the 42nd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, party-list lawmakers have urged Congress to extend the deadline – from November 2014 to May next year – for the filing of claims by victims of human rights violations during the Marcos regime.

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Pinoys in Boston welcome PNoy ‘home’

President Benigno Aquino III arrived in Boston, Massachusetts late Saturday evening (Sunday morning in Manila) to begin his four-day working visit to the US after concluding his four-nation Europe trip.

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Mayweather's dad admits: More than likely Pacquiao is not next for Floyd

Floyd Mayweather's father and trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr. wasn't able to escape the Pacquiao related questions following his son's dominant victory over Marcos Maidana this past weekend.

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Top Rank officially announces Donaire versus Walters

Top Rank Promotions has officially announced in Los Angeles the world featherweight championship showdown between Nonito Donaire Jr. and Nicholas Walters of Jamaica.

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NDRRMC: Death toll from TS Mario rises to 10

The death toll from Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) rose to 10 as of early Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

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Where was Bongbong Marcos when martial law was declared in 1972?

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was just 15 and in school in the United Kingdom when he received a call that martial law was declared in the Philippines in September 1972.

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Lone bettor wins nearly P23 million in Lotto 6/42

A lone bettor won nearly P23 million Saturday night in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Lotto 6/42 draw.

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PNoy defends anew decision to cancel 2010 Laguna flood control project

President Benigno Aquino III defended his decision to axe the Laguna Lake Rehabilitation project, which aimed to alleviate flooding in Metro Manila by dredging Laguna de Bay.

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PNoy awarded Freedom Medal in Germany for 'successful reforms'

President Benigno Aquino III was presented the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Freedom Medal in Berlin on Saturday during his official visit to Germany.

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Extra pay for employees who worked during Mario is companies' call, says DOLE

Employees from the private sector who reported for work last Friday, September 19 may or may not receive extra pay, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

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On eve of martial law anniversary, VP Binay warns against clipping powers of judiciary

Vice President Jejomar Binay urged support behind an independent judiciary in a message on Saturday, the eve of the 42nd anniversary of the declaration of martial law of former president Ferdinand Marcos.

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2 more flights canceled due to TS Mario

At least two more flights were canceled on Saturday due to bad weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong).

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Voter registration centers now open to SK applicants

Registration centers in the country opened to Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) applicants during the first day of the 10-day registration period in connection with the SK polls next year.

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Pinoys pick up pieces after storm leaves five dead

Thousands of people displaced by floods triggered by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) returned to their mud-caked homes in the Philippine capital Saturday, as the death toll from the disaster rose to five, officials said.

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Vice President Binay's camp takes no offense from Belmonte's retort on building comparison

Vice President Jejomar Binay's camp conceded to the statement issued by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. that the Batasang Pambansa that serves as the premises of the House of Representatives is totally different from the controversial Makati City Hall Building II.

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DOTC: At least 2 flights canceled due to bad weather in Laoag

At least two flights were canceled Saturday due to the weather condition in Laoag in Ilocos Norte, the Department of Transportation and Communications said.

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18 Chinese nationals die in 2014 while in PHL, sudden spike alarms China

CHENGDU CITY, China – Eighteen Chinese citizens have died so far this year in separate incidents in the Philippines. A Chinese official said the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Manila is alarmed by the development.

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4 dead, 1 missing, 513k affected in Tropical Storm Mario wake

At least four people were confirmed dead while one was reported missing in the wake of Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday night. In its 10 p.m. update, the NDRRMC also said Mario affected 114,250 families or 513,361 people in Central and Southern Luzon, Central Visayas and Metro Manila.

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PNoy given warm welcome by (ex-)UP student... in France

After his budget secretary was nearly mobbed by students at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, President Benigno Aquino III received a warm welcome from a UP alumnus in France. Following a speech and a forum at the French Institute for International Relations, or Institut Français des Relations Internationales (IFRI), Aquino got a pleasant surprise after a tall Frenchman greeted him in Filipino.

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Yellow, orange and red: PAGASA’s bright colors mean wet and dreary

As heavy rains affect the country even without a weather disturbance and typhoon warning signals, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) releases a color-coded rainfall warning which indicates the amount of rain expected in an hour.

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Two dead, one missing due to TS Mario

At least two people were killed while one is still missing in the wake of Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. The NDRRMC also said at least three people were injured while one person remained missing, according to a report on "24 Oras" Friday evening.

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Start of registration for SK polls to push through Saturday

Despite the heavy rainfall in some parts of Luzon and Visayas due to Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) and southwest monsoon on Friday, the start of the registration for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will push through on September 20.

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DOH exec comes up with tips as Luzon deals with floods anew

Residents affected by heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) should make sure their drinking water is properly boiled for it to be safe for drinking.

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Residents near rivers urged to stay alert even if rains subside

Residents near rivers should stay alert even if rains brought by Tropical Storm Mario and the southwest monsoon subside, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Friday.

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Walang pasok: Classes suspended on Saturday, Sept. 20 in some areas

Classes will remain suspended in some areas on Saturday, a day after Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) paralyzed Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon.

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Coast Guard: 440 stranded due to Mario

At least 440 people were stranded Friday due to bad weather conditions brought by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong), the Philippine Coast Guard said.

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List of cancelled flights on Sept. 19

The following flights have been cancelled on Friday, September 19. Data compiled from announcements from Manila International Airport Authority and Department of Transportation and Communication.

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Tropical Storm Mario: Quick Links

GMA News Online compiled these links for easy access to information as the nation deals with Tropical Storm Mario and its aftermath.

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SC: Judiciary offices under red rainfall alert suspended

The Supreme Court on Friday suspended judiciary offices in areas under red rainfall alert, amid heavy rain from Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong).

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SWS: Personal optimism improves slightly at end-June

Filipinos felt slightly more optimistic about their personal prospects at the halfway mark of 2014, according to a new survey by Social Weather Stations.

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Palace suspends govt work in NCR, 15 other provinces due to Storm Mario

Malacañang on Friday suspended work in government offices in Metro Manila and 15 other provinces due to inclement weather caused by Tropical Storm Mario.

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Complainant says case vs. Binay will stand in court

Lawyer Renato Bondal, a whistleblower in the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II, on Thursday insisted that the plunder case he filed against Vice President Jejomar Binay was strong and would guarantee Binay's prosecution and conviction.

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Jinggoy, Sotto, Enrile got biggest DAP funding –DBM data

Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Juan Ponce Enrile received the biggest funding for projects under the Aquino administration's Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), data from the budget department culled by GMA News Research revealed.

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Brillantes: PCOS machines counting non-existent votes only in isolated cases

Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. admitted Thursday there were instances the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines counted votes not shaded by the voter but said it was an isolated case.

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Manny Pangilinan says no to vice presidential run

Business magnate Manny V. Pangilinan on Thursday said he was not interested in running for public office despite despite reports that he is being eyed as a possible running mate for opposition leader Vice President Jejomar Binay in 2016.

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DPWH exec: Iloilo convention center much cheaper than Makati building

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday sought to disprove allegations of overpricing in the construction of the P2.7-billion Makati City Hall Building II by saying it was only slightly more expensive than the P68,140 per square meter cost of the Iloilo Convention Center. The director of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Western Visayas said Binay's figure was off by several thousands, adding the Iloilo complex's cost per square meter was only around P63,000 or cheaper.

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Whistleblower reveals photo of Revilla staffer with Napoles employees

To prove that she knows and has transacted with Richard Cambe, whistleblower Marina Sula on Thursday brought out a group picture in which a smiling Cambe posed with all three pork barrel whistleblowers.

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VP Binay won’t file charges vs. accusers –spokesman

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay has no plan of filing charges against personalities implicating him in the alleged overpricing in the Makati City Hall Building II project.

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Palace dares opposition: Prove new DAP list was sanitized

The opposition should substantiate its accusation that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)'s list of lawmakers who endorsed projects under the disbursement acceleration program (DAP) has been sanitized, Malacañang said Thursday.

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Tiangco gives Abad till midnight to produce full DAP report

in a show of “good faith,” United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Secretary General Rep. Tobias “Toby” Tiangco has agreed not to question the quorum at the plenary deliberations on the proposed 2015 national budget Thursday—but he’s not about to let Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad off the hook just yet.

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DFA ignores Sino newspaper’s editorial on PHL as ‘quasi-rogue’ state

The Department of Foreign Affairs has chosen to ignore a Chinese newspaper's editorial that called the Philippines a “quasi-rogue state,” saying there were more pressing issues—such as Beijing’s recent travel ban on the country—that both nations should focus on.

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DBM list confirms DAP used for projects, not for bribes – Palace

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM)'s detailed list of projects under the disbursement acceleration program (DAP) endorsed by lawmakers confirmed that the controversial spending mechanism was used to benefit the public and not to bribe senators, Malacañang said Thursday.

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Abad to tell UP admin about rowdy students

Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad said Thursday that he would formally inform the administration of the University of the Philippines about how he was nearly mobbed by student-activists on Wednesday night after he took part in a forum at the Diliman campus.

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