Ruby Tuason has P200-M ‘Malampaya Mansion’ –Jinggoy

Detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday bared that pork barrel scam suspect turned whistleblower Ruby Tuason was one of those who profited greatly in the alleged anomalies regarding the use of royalties from the Malampaya gas project in Palawan.

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Reshuffle, drug testing eyed at NBP after seizure of marijuana, gadgets

A reshuffle of personnel and drug testing inside the New Bilibid Prisons are in the offing following the confiscation of marijuana leaves and various communication devices inside the national penitentiary over the weekend.

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12 NGOs linked to Napoles cornered P900-M Malampaya funds – COA

Twelve non-government organizations linked to alleged pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim-Napoles cornered the P900 million in royalties from the Malampaya gas fund released to the Department of Agrarian Reform, Commission on Audit chairperson Grace Pulido Tan said Monday.

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ER Ejercito cries foul over ‘unfair’ treatment of Aquino administration

Ousted Laguna Governor Emilio Ramon "ER" Ejercito expressed his anger toward President Benigno Aquino III for what he said was unfair treatment that he and his relatives have been getting from him just because they belong to the opposition.

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PNP issues dos and don’ts when riding taxis

Let family and friends know about the taxi you're riding, and don't sleep inside the taxi. These were among the do's and don'ts the Philippine National Police issued to the public as the holidays draw closer.

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House panel investigates alleged connivance between NBP officials, drug lords

The House of Representatives justice committee has scheduled a hearing this week in which New Bilibid Prison (NBP) officials will be given the opportunity to respond to allegations that prison official were involved in the illegal-drugs trade.

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UNA: Senate panel afraid to invite Napoles to Malampaya fund scam hearing

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) interim president Toby Tiangco expressed surprise that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has dropped controversial businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles from its roll of resource persons for the upcoming probe on the P900-million Malampaya Fund scam.

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Abad submits final version of proposed supplemental budget to Congress

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad has submitted the final version of the supplemental budget requested by Malacañang to fund, among others, the continuation of projects halted by the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), House appropriations panel chair Rep. Isidro Ungab confirmed Sunday.

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On Bonifacio Day, militants march vs Aquino

Thousands of people gathered at Liwasang Bonifacio on Sunday, to mark the 151st birth anniversary of revolutionary Andres Bonifacio, and to protest against President Benigno Aquino III and his policies.

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Magdalo solons seek probe into alleged P250-M ransom paid to Abu Sayyaf group

Magdalo party-list Reps. Gary Alejano and Francisco Ashley Acedillo have called for an immediate congressional inquiry into the alleged payment of a P250-million ransom to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group for the release of their two German hostages last October.

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Drilon says he might file perjury cases vs. Syjuco

Senate President Franklin is considering filing perjury cases against former Iloilo Representative Augusto Syjuco Jr. after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) junked the latter's vote-buying claims against the senator and several others.

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80K top HS grads seen to benefit from Iskolar ng Bayan Act

Around 80,000 of the country’s best-performing public high school students are now assured of scholarships in 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs) now that President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law the Iskolar ng Bayan Program, now Republic Act No. 10648.

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Pope Francis’ safety during PHL visit tops govt’s priorities

The safety of Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in January is a top priority of the government, a Malacañang official on Sunday said.

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Rape cases in 2014 may surpass 10k, lawmaker says

Makati City Rep. Abigail Binay on Sunday warned that the number of rape cases nationwide in 2014 may breach the 10,000-mark.

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Budget bill bicam panel to meet on Tuesday — Escudero

The bicameral conference committee that will reconcile the Senate and House versions of the proposed 2015 national budget will meet on Tuesday, the head of the Senate finance committee said on Sunday.

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Cops warned vs. ‘loaded’ holiday greetings

As the holidays draw closer, police in Metro Manila were warned against giving so-called loaded holiday greetings especially to traders and motorists.

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PNP warns public vs. ‘Pitas Gang’

As the holidays draw even closer, the Philippine National Police advised the public to be wary of the so-called Pitas Gang.

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PNP gets better technology in fight against crime

The Philippine National Police is shifting to more advanced technology as it continues to try to deter crime and solve crimes that get committed.

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CBS boss said he can deliver Floyd Mayweather - Roach

Bob Arum's quest to negotiate and materialize the much-awaited showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather is turning out to be positive so far.

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Aquino to lead kickoff ceremony on Monday for PHL hosting of APEC 2015

President Benigno Aquino III will kick off this Monday the Philippines' hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit for 2015.

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Nun warns vs. ‘hidden’ sexual abuse in family

Many victims of sexual abuse by immediate family members, would choose to suffer in silence because of lack of support in the family.

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MIAA: 4 PAL Express flights canceled due to bad weather

At least four more domestic flights were canceled due to bad weather, the Manila International Airport Authority said Saturday noon.

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Palace: Up to DOJ to allow jamming of cell signals at New Bilibid Prison

Malacañang on Saturday said it will leave it to the Department of Justice to decide whether to jam mobile phone signals inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to prevent drug lord-inmates from continuing drug-related transactions. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while such a proposal is sound, the final decision is with the DOJ, which has jurisdiction over the Bureau of Corrections that runs the national penitentiary.

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PNP draws up 12 safety tips for Christmas

December is almost here – and with many about to go partying and shopping, the Philippine National Police has drawn up 12 safety tips for the public.

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MIAA: 4 domestic flights canceled due to bad weather

At least four domestic flights were canceled on Saturday due to bad weather conditions, the Manila International Airport Authority said.

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NGCP, teachers disseminate public reminders on power line safety

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines is teaming up with teachers to educate students, parents, and residents on safety measures involving power transmission lines.

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Roach on Pacquiao-Mayweather: 'I think it's gonna happen

Talks of the much-awaited showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather just won't stop after the Filipino ring icon dominated Chris Algieri this month.

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WBC boss also pushing for Mayweather to fight Pacquiao

Like the rest of the boxing world, World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman is also pushing for Floyd Mayweather to finally fight Manny Pacquiao.

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MILF chair Iqbal: Bangsamoro entity still on schedule

The peace process between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remains on track even with the expected delay in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal said on Friday.

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Symbolic decommissioning of MILF firearms set in January

It's almost all systems go for the decommissioning of firearms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), with a symbolic turnover scheduled in January, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said Friday.

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AMLC: Court cannot order disclosure of probe report on Luy, other whistleblowers

The Anti-Money Laundering Council has asked the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division to nullify its order directing the council to produce the bank documents of five whistleblowers in the pork barrel scam.

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Cayetano on 2016 polls: ‘Hindi ako atat’

Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday said he is not in a rush to decide whether to run for president in 2016 even though he is reportedly being considered by his political party.

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Reg’l political party for 2016 Bangsamoro polls created

While Congress is still deliberating on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberaration Front (MILF) has created a new political party for the anticipated elections in the region in 2016.

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Govt launches ‘Justice Zone’ to speed up cases

The government on Friday launched its "Justice Zone" Project which aims to further speed up the resolution of cases by allowing courts, the police, and lawyers to coordinate more efficiently.

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Whistleblower Sula willing to part with Napoles-given car

Pork barrel scam whistleblower Marina Sula on Thursday expressed willingness to surrender to the government the Toyota Innova given to her by alleged scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles while she was still her employee.

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CPP-NPA’s Tiamzons to be brought to Cebu for arraignment Dec. 1

Police and military officials in Cebu on Thursday mapped out security arrangements for the court appearance of two top communist leaders before a court there on December 1.

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Militants set protest actions vs. pork barrel, EDCA on Bonifacio Day

Sunday will be a day of protests by militant groups targeting the pork barrel and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Katipunan leader Gat Andres Bonifacio.

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Palace: Ona didn’t quit but will extend leave

Health Secretary Enrique Ona has not resigned but will extend his leave of absence, Malacañang said on Friday.

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COA orders 9 Metro Manila cities to return unused ‘pork’

The Commission on Audit has ordered at least nine city governments in Metro Manila to return to the National Treasury its unutilized Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or more commonly known as pork barrel.

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PNP pushes Oplan Lambat Sibat vs. criminality

The Philippine National Police is aiming to improve its performance in neutralizing criminality, with a plan that zeroes in on groups behind crimes such as robberies and holdups.

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Napoles did not issue written instructions to avoid paper trail –whistleblower

As advised by her lawyers, alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles did not issue written instructions to her staff regarding deals using government funds to avoid paper trail, whistleblower Marina Sula said Friday.

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CBCP offers spiritual help to peacekeepers in quarantine

Catholic bishops are offering spiritual support to more than 100 Filipino peacekeepers quarantined on Caballo Island following their return from ebola-stricken Liberia.

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Health chief offers courtesy resignation, says newspaper report

Health Secretary Enrique Ona has tendered his courtesy resignation at the end of his one-month leave, even as he belied a supposed irregularity in the purchase of medicines under his watch.

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NDRRMC: 12 casualties, 7528 affected in TD Queenie wake

At least 12 casualties were recorded while 7,528 were affected in the wake of Tropical Depression Queenie, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday.

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Bettor wins P20M Lotto 6/42 jackpot

A lotto bettor is now nearly P20 million richer after bagging the jackpot in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Lotto 6/42 draw Thursday night.

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TD Queenie leaves 4 dead

At least four people were reported killed in the wake of Tropical Depression Queenie, which dumped rain over parts of Visayas and Mindanao this week.

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Enzo’s dad: Dalia, alleged mastermind already engaged

Dalia Pastor, the wife of the slain of car racing champion Enzo Pastor, is now engaged with the alleged mastermind in his killing, Enzo's father alleged.

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Results of Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examinations out

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday announced the results of the Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examinations given earlier this month in Manila and Cebu.

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Pacquiao to star in 'Expendables' film with Stallone and Schwarzenegger?

Will Manny Pacquiao share the big screen with Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the next installment of the "Expendables" film franchise?

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House leader says chamber to vote on Cha-cha before Christmas break

The House of Representatives is expected to approve on second reading the controversial measure to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution before Congress adjourns for its Christmas break, Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said Thursday.

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DOJ enlists help of military to find rumored drug lab in Bilibid

Unable to find a drug laboratory supposedly operating inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has decided to seek the help of the military to stamp out the illegal drug trade at the national penitentiary.

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VP Binay, Pacquiao raise hands but champ says it’s not about politics

Vice President Jejomar Binay and world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao raised each other's hands during the hero's parade Makati City held for the fighter on Thursday.

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AFP to public: Pope’s safety during PHL visit is everyone’s responsibility

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday asked the public to cooperate in ensuring the safety of Pope Francis during his visit to the country early next year.

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PHL to China: The court has spoken on fate of Sino poachers

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said it could not intervene in the case of the nine Chinese fishermen who were found guilty by a local court of poaching in Philippine waters.

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Palace rejects China’s call for unconditional release of Chinese poachers

Malacañang on Thursday rejected China’s call for the unconditional release of nine Chinese fishermen found guilty of poaching in disputed waters.

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LP leader denies misuse of P315M worth of pork barrel funds

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II on Thursday denied misusing P315 million of his pork barrel fund allocation from 2007 to 2009 but expressed readiness to face the graft and plunder charges filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman by a multi-sectoral group called Sentinels of the Rule of Law.

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Custom-built ‘Popemobile’ to secure Pope Francis in PHL visit

The Philippines will custom-build a "Popemobile" for Pope Francis during his visit in the country in January next year, organizers said Thursday.

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Let SC resolve EDCA petition—Drilon

There's nothing the Senate could do as regards the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement if Malacañang doesn't want to submit the supposed executive pact for ratification as a treaty, Senate President Frankliin Drilon said on Thursday.

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Will Ona be back as DOH chief? Palace can’t say for certain

Health Secretary Enrique Ona’s month-long leave of absence will end on Friday, but his fate in President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet remains uncertain.

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DOJ wants raps vs. 59 suspects in Zambo siege dropped —source

The Department of Justice has recommended the dismissal of the criminal charges against 59 of the more than 200 alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) implicated in the Zamboanga crisis in September 2013, a reliable source said Thursday.

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Palace: EDCA talks can continue despite SC, Senate proceedings

Formal discussions between the Philippines and the United States on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) can continue despite legal questions the deal is facing before the Supreme Court (SC) and the Senate, Malacañang said Thursday.

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Chiz Escudero: Where did P137B for Yolanda rehab go? I don’t see it

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday questioned the government's handling of the P137-billion that Congress earlier set aside for the rehabilitation and reconstruction in areas affected by supertyphoon Yolanda.

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Miriam bares ‘red flags’ for choosing leaders in 2016

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Thursday urged the youth to support politicians who resist to make corruption a routine practice in the government.

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DOJ indicts importer of stinking shipment from Canada

The Department of Justice has recommended the filing of criminal charges against a company responsible for importing garbage from Canada to the Philippines.

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Miriam: Abad statement shows 2015 budget not free of ‘pork’

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Thursday said that despite Budget Sec. Florencio Abad's insistence that the proposed budget for 2015 is free of pork barrel, there are some indications that it is not.

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Senate hearing on EDCA set on Dec. 1

The Senate committee on foreign relations will discuss next week whether the chamber should concur with the controversial new defense agreement the Philippines entered into with the United States — an pact that, according to Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, could be a ground to impeach the president.

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Orphans, youths to welcome Pope Francis as he arrives in Manila

Some 1,200 youths led by two orphans will greet Pope Francis as he arrives in the Philippines at dusk of Jan. 15 for his four-day visit.

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Bureau of Immigration posts ‘no escorting’ signs at NAIA

With the holidays approaching, the Bureau of Immigration has posted signs in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport against "escorting."

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Walang Pasok: List of schools in Vis-Min with no classes due to TD Queenie

Classes were suspended in several areas affected by Tropical Depression Queenie.

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Phivolcs: No tsunami threat from mag.-7 quake in Indonesia

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Wednesday evening allayed fears of a tsunami from a magnitude-7 quake that hit Indonesia.

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PNoy signs law allowing tech-voc graduates to earn units for undergrad degrees

President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law enabling graduates of technical-vocational (tech-voc) schools to earn units for college degrees.

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SC asked to stop Comelec’s bidding for new counting machines

The Supreme Court on Wednesday has been asked to stop the Commission on Elections from conducting a public bidding for the purchase of additional and new counting machines for the 2016 elections.

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Belmonte: LP can ‘definitely’ choose an outsider to be its standard-bearer

Echoing the sentiments of some party leaders, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Wednesday that the Liberal Party need not limit the search for its standard-bearer in 2016 to within its ranks.

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With fight talks ongoing, Mayweather takes another jab at Pacquiao on social media

Floyd Mayweather hasn't expressed whether he would finally fight Manny Pacquiao, but the unbeaten American took another jab at the Filipino ring icon on social media.

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12,245 pass Criminologist Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Wednesday announced that 12,245 out of 28,187 passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination given last October.

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Pope Francis visit a ‘big challenge’ to security –Roxas

The five-day visit of Pope Francis in January next year will pose a “big challenge” to security, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas admitted Wednesday, noting the large number of Filipinos who want to see the pope in person.

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China silent on PHL protest on Kagitingan Reef activity – DFA exec

China seemed to have ignored a Philippine government protest over its ongoing reclamation activity on a Manila-claimed area in the disputed South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

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768 stranded due to Queenie

At least 768 people were stranded Wednesday due to bad weather conditions brought by Tropical Depression Queenie, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

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Belmonte: No railroading of P23-B supplemental budget

Although he is bent on approving Malacañang’s request for supplemental budget before 2014 ends, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Wednesday the proposal will have to go through the legislative mill just like other measures.

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Manny Villar asked if VP Binay probe had his go-ahead—wife

Certain personalities have asked the Nacionalista Party leadership whether the Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee's investigation into the alleged corrupt activities of Vice President Jejomar Binay had the blessing of NP president former Senate President Manuel Villar.

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Makati City throwing its own hero's parade for Manny Pacquiao

After coming home to a hero's welcome in General Santos City on Monday, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will get a victory parade in Makati City on Thursday.

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US Embassy in Manila closed Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving

The United States Embassy in Manila will be closed on Nov. 27, Thursday, in observance of Thanksgiving, a holiday in the US.

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Farmers hope PNoy will release P71-B coco levy fund, not just interest

Farmers who marched for 71 days from Davao to Manila on Wednesday voiced hopes the full P71-billion coco fund levied on them decades ago would be released in full, and not just the P3-billion interest their money gained after the government took control of it.

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‘There are offers but Manny Villar won’t run for VP’

Former Senate President Manny Villar has yet to say whether he'll make another run at the presidency in 2016 but he certainly won't run for Vice President, his wife Senator Cynthia Villar said on Wednesday.

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Ombudsman indicts ex-PCGG chair Sabio for influence peddling

The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted former Presidential Commission on Good Government chairman Camilo Sabio for graft after he allegedly tried to influence his brother, then a magistrate in the Court of Appeals, as regards an ownership row in the Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO) in 2008.

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List of flights canceled due to bad weather

At least two domestic flights were canceled Wednesday due to bad weather brought by Tropical Depression Queenie.

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Protesters from Mindanao vandalize AFP HQ walls in picket

Some of the militants demanded justice for alleged human rights violations committed by the military's Oplan Bayanihan.

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Jinggoy returns to PNP Custodial Center after therapy

Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada was returned to his detention facility shortly after noon Wednesday, after having therapy at a San Juan hospital.

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DOJ eyes ‘conspiracy’ between drug lords and officials in New Bilibid Prison

Authorities are looking into a possible conspiracy between officials at the New Bilibid Prison and drug lords who are able to continue their operations even in detention, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Wednesday.

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Pro-transparency group defends House version of FOI bill

Even though lawmakers under the Makabayan bloc have decried the recently-approved Freedom of Information (FOI) bill as “watered down” and “toothless,” a civil society coalition counters that the approved measure was a “genuine” and “strong” one that balances the peoples’ right to information and the interests of private individuals and the government.

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Manila prepared to secure Pope Francis, Erap says

The Manila city government is prepared to secure Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in January next year, former President and incumbent Mayor Joseph Estrada said.

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10 non-catholic leaders to meet with Pope Francis in PHL

Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines in January will indeed be an inclusive one, as far as religious groups are concerned.

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Jinggoy leaves Crame in convoy for therapy

Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada on Wednesday morning left the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame for physical therapy for shoulder pain.

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LP eyes De Lima, Lacson for admin's 2016 Senate ticket

The Liberal Party is considering Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson for the administration's 2016 senatorial slate, a ranking LP official said Tuesday.

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Mayweather pushing for rematch clause for Pacquiao fight, says Roach

After Manny Pacquiao's dominant win over previously unbeaten Chris Algieri this past weekend, the pressure to fight the Filipino ring icon is again on the shoulders of Floyd Mayweather.

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Algieri went down many times because he feared Pacquiao's power, Roach says

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach continued to fire shots at Chris Algieri even after his top pupil Manny Pacquiao won by a lopsided unanimous decision this past weekend.

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DOH reorganization had Ona’s blessing –Garin

Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin on Tuesday said the recent reorganization within the Department of Health (DOH) has nothing to do with the ongoing investigation on the agency's alleged anomalous purchase of vaccines in 2012.

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Protesters from Mindanao turn Mendiola into camping site

Members of indigenous groups from Mindanao and Southern Luzon held a protest march headed for Mendiola near Malacañang Monday and spent the night there.

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Why Pacquiao will beat Mayweather, according to Freddie Roach

“You know,Floyd about two years ago, I thought it’s about even. Now I think Manny will knock him out.”

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Erap sees investment boom in Manila after transfer of Pandacan oil depot

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to uphold his order to transfer the oil depot in the Pandacan district out of the city by January 2016.

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Belmonte on Miriam’s claim 2015 budget is pork-laden: That’s her opinion

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Tuesday brushed off Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago’s claim that the proposed P2.6-trillion national budget for 2015 is laden with hidden pork barrel or lump-sum funds that can be used at the President’s discretion.

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$100 million for Mayweather, $60 million for Pacquiao?

Talks about the possible Manny Pacquiao-Pacquiao Mayweather fight gained steam earlier this week after Top Rank CEO Bob Arum revealed that a group of businessmen, led by CBS Coproration boss Leslie Moonves, are brokering a deal that would put two of the world's greatest fighters on the same ring, probably at the massive Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

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Garin to detractors: ‘Let the DOH move on’

Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin on Tuesday appealed to their detractors to let the department "move on" and do its work "with or without" Secretary Enrique Ona, who is currently on leave.

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SolGen: EDCA not a guarantee of US defense if China attacks

The country's Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States carries no assurance that the superpower will come to the Philippines' defense if China attacks in connection with the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea, the solicitor general said on Tuesday.

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Pacquiao rates performance vs Algieri as '7,' wants to be at '10' vs Mayweather

HONG KONG — Manny Pacquiao vowed to be at his best when he battles Floyd Mayweather in a dream showdown that would go down as the biggest and the richest match in the history of professional boxing.

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Vietnam warships visit PHL amid South China Sea dispute

Vietnam on Tuesday showed off its two most powerful warships in the first-ever port call to the Philippines but an official said it was not trying to challenge China's superior naval forces amid tension in the South China Sea.

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China says Manila violated its sovereignty with fines on fishermen

China said on Tuesday that the fines imposed by a court in the Philippines on nine Chinese fishermen for catching sea turtles in a disputed shoal in the South China Sea had violated its sovereignty, in the latest row between the two over territory.

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Sandiganbayan allows Jinggoy to undergo therapy in Cardinal Santos

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Tuesday allowed detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to leave Camp Crame twice a week for two weeks to undergo physical therapy for shoulder pain.

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Palace: 2015 budget not for 2016 polls, follows SC rulings

Malacañang on Tuesday maintained that it followed Supreme Court rulings against the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) in crafting the proposed 2015 budget, which is now being questioned before the high court.

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Proposed 2015 national budget not riddled with ‘pork,’ Chiz insists

Senator Francis Escudero on Tuesday denied that the 2015 proposed national budget is riddled with "pork," assuring the public that the “lump sum” funds in the measure will not be a source of corruption.

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Pinoy peacekeeper back on Caballo Island after recovering from malaria –DOH

The Filipino peacekeeper from Ebola-hit Liberia who fell ill with malaria two weeks ago has been taken back to Caballo Island to complete the 21-day quarantine period, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

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BuCor director, prison guards get death threats from drug lord inmates —De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on Tuesday revealed that Bureau of Correction director Franklin Bucayu and prison guards have received death threats from drug lords inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

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If Mayweather backs out again, Roach wants Danny Garcia as next Pacquiao foe

In the event that the much awaited showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather still doesn't happen next year, Freddie Roach already has another opponent in mind for the Filipino ring icon.

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SC junks ER Ejercito’s motion vs. disqualification

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision unseating Laguna governor Emilio Ramon "ER" Ejercito.

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Resolution commending Pacquiao victory vs. Algieri filed in Senate

A resolution commending the recent victory of Filipino boxing pride Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao against American boxer Chris Algieri was filed in the Senate Tuesday.

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SC asked to declare proposed 2015 budget unconstitutional

Former Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco Jr. on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to declare the P2.606 trillion proposed 2015 budget unconstitutional for allegedly containing funds already declared illegal by the high court.

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DFA: Note verbale sent to China over reclamation activity on Kagitingan Reef

The Department of Foreign Affairs has already sent a note verbale to China protesting Beijing's reclamation activity on a Philippine-claimed reef in the disputed South China Sea.

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Ad hoc panel holds executive session on Bangsamoro bill

The ad hoc committee tackling the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) decided to hold a closed-door session for the first time Tuesday.

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Bongbong questions P12.9B budget for projects not under DILG’s mandate

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday night questioned the P12.9 billion allotment for water supply, low-cost housing and other projects to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which were contained in the errata submitted by the Department of Budget and Management.

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BI lifts ban on blacklisted HK journalists

The Bureau of Immigration on Tuesday lifted a ban on nine Hong Kong journalists, upon the recommendation of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

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Pag-IBIG clarifies: No multimillion-peso contracts with Omni Security

The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) on Monday disputed reports it gave multimillion-peso contracts to Omni Security Investigation Inc. whose officers were contributors to Vice President Jejomar Binay's election campaign in 2010.

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39% of Pinoys see their quality of life improving – SWS

Nearly two out of five Filipinos or 39 percent were optimistic that their quality of life would improve in the next 12 months, a 2014 third quarter poll taken by the Social Weather Stations found.

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Lone bettor bags P70.1-M Grand Lotto jackpot

A lotto bettor is now P70 million richer after bagging the jackpot in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Grand Lotto draw Monday night.

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Manny Pacquiao, tumatanaw pa rin ng utang na loob sa pamilyang unang kumupkop sa kaniya sa Maynila

Kahit sikat na sa buong mundo, hindi nakalilimot si Pambansang Kamao sa kaniyang pinanggalingan.

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Miriam links ‘lopsided’ 2015 budget to 2016 polls

Senate Miriam Defensor Santiago on Monday criticized the proposed 2015 budget, describing it as “very lopsided” and even linking it to the 2016 national and local elections.

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Jinggoy doubts authenticity of files in Benhur's hard drive

Benhur Luy, the principal witness in the 'Pork Barrel Scam' cases, admitted on Monday that for up to two weeks, he was not in possession of the hard drive that supposedly contains records of the alleged activities of lawmakers who transacted with businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

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Afternoon welcome, motorcade readied for Pacquiao in GenSan

An afternoon welcome and motorcade await boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao in General Santos City when he arrives from Macau Monday afternoon.

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Pacquiao explains why he wasn't able to finish Algieri with knockout

Manny Pacquiao sent Chris Algieri to the canvas no less than six times in the world welterweight title bout on Sunday.

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Mothers of missing UP students ask CA to transfer Palparan to regular jail

The mothers of missing University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan have asked the Court of Appeals to have retired General Jovito Palparan Jr. transferred to a regular jail, saying he should not be in military custody.

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UP Diliman grad tops list of Chemical Engineer Licensure Exam passers

A total of 596 out of 871 passed the Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination, with a graduate from UP Diliman topping the list, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Monday.

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Sotto finally shakes Acting Health Sec. Garin’s hand

After almost three hours of grilling the Department of Health, acting Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III finally shook hands with acting Health Secretary Janette Garin, but not without telling her to be more careful next time.

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Pacquiao arrives in GenSan to hero's welcome

Fresh from his conquest of Chris Algieri, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao arrived in General Santos City on Monday afternoon.

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Conviction of 9 Chinese poachers will not affect PHL-China ties –DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday defended a local court’s decision to convict nine Chinese fishermen of poaching in Philippine waters, but stressed it will not further strain Manila's ties with Beijing.

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Miriam: Let Senate examine EDCA

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Monday urged Malacañang to bring the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to the Senate for ratification after some Supreme Court justices said ruling on the deal would be premature.

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DFA verifying Chinese construction activity in South China Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday said it is verifying reports that China’s reclamation activity on a Philippine-claimed reef in the disputed South China Sea is already in its advanced stages.

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Pacquiao's message to his kids: 'Mahirap yung boxing, huwag nilang pasukin'

While he has gained acclaim worldwide as a boxer, Manny Pacquiao doesn't want his children to go into "the cruelest sport."

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House panel approves FOI bill

The House committee on public information approved on Monday the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill Monday, almost a year after a technical working group (TWG) began deliberating on the measure.

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Nine Chinese ‘poachers’ convicted despite Beijing’s warnings

A Palawan court on Monday found nine Chinese fishermen guilty of poaching and environmental crimes for fishing in disputed waters, in a case that has strained relations with China.

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DFA to ask for lifting of ban on HK journos

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it will ask for the lifting of travel ban on nine Hong Kong journalists who were barred from entering the country for heckling President Benigno S. Aquino III at an economic summit last year.

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Miriam urges colleagues: Reject House-approved definition of savings

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Monday urged her colleagues to reject the redefinition of ‘savings’ introduced by the House of Representatives, saying it is unconstitutional and diminishes Congress’ power over the ‘purse.’

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Sotto questions DOH’s plan to purchase ‘abortifacient’

Acting Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III on Monday questioned the inclusion of procurement budget for subdermal implants — which he claimed to be an abortifacient — in the proposed Department of Health (DOH) budget for 2015.

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Palace asks BI to review blacklist order vs. 9 Hong Kong journalists

Malacañang has already requested the Bureau of Immigration to review the blacklist order issued against nine Hong Kong television and radio journalists who allegedly heckled President Benigno Aquino III last year.

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Manny Pacquiao on Chris Algieri: 'Naawa din talaga ako sa kanya'

MACAU — A day after carving out an impressive win, Manny Pacquiao admitted feeling a tinge of pity for Chris Algieri.

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Pacquiao willing 'to give a little bit' to make Mayweather fight happen

MACAU — Manny Pacquiao is willing to go the extra mile just to turn his blockbuster showdown with Floyd Mayweather into reality.

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Acting Health Sec. Garin attends Senate budget deliberations

Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin arrived at the Senate Monday morning to attend the deliberations on the budget of the Department of Health amid concerns from senators.

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Pacquiao-Algieri fight DVDs sell for P25 in NCR

Here's something boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao could not seem to beat: producers of pirated copies of his bouts.

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Son of Taiwanese fisherman killed in 2013 encounter arrives in PHL for hearings

The son of a Taiwanese fisherman shot dead in an encounter between Philippine officials and a Taiwanese fishing boat off disputed waters in 2013 arrived in the Philippines over the weekend to testify in a court case against Coast Guard officers.

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Journalists remember 32 colleagues slain in Maguindanao Massacre

Dozens of foreign and local journalists lit candles on Sunday to remember the 2009 murder of 32 journalists in the southern Philippines, the biggest recorded killing of media workers in history.

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Treating churches like businesses scandalous, Pope Francis tells faithful

Pope Francis has criticized priests and laypeople who turn their parishes into a "business" by charging for baptisms, blessings, and Mass intentions.

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Freddie Roach reveals unusual tactic to get Pacquiao to try to knock out Algieri

Before Manny Pacquiao climbed the ring against Chris Algieri, Freddie Roach was raring for his ward to get a knockout win against the American fighter.

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Dallas Cowboys owner desperate to host Pacquiao-Mayweather superfight

With the possibility of a superfight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather open again, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is desperate for first dibs on hosting what could be the biggest boxing event in history.

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Govt vows justice five years after Maguindanao massacre

Top officials vowed on Sunday to deliver justice as the Philippines marked the fifth anniversary of a political massacre that killed 58 with no one yet convicted and several would-be witnesses murdered.

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Why Chris Algieri's gameplan didn't work against Manny Pacquiao

MACAU — Appearing in the post-fight press conference with a pair of dark sunglasses, Chris Algieri claimed that he was satisifed with the way the fight went despite failing to knock the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown off the head of Manny Pacquiao.

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Roach 'watching tape again' to prepare Pacquiao for Mayweather

Shortly after Manny Pacquiao's dominant victory over Chris Algieri on Sunday in Macau, the Filipino's trainer Freddie Roach has already shifted his focus to the possibility of the long-awaited showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr

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Jinkee Pacquiao on Manny's victory: 'Worth it yung pagod'

Unlike her mother-in-law Dionesia Pacquiao, Jinkee kept a comparatively low profile in supporting her husband Manny when he defended his welterweight title against Chris Algieri on Sunday in Macau

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Bob Arum on Pacquiao-Mayweather fight: 'No more excuses'

MACAU — Moments after Manny Pacquiao's successful defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown, his promoter Bob Arum revealed that he will sit down and wait for his phone to ring.

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Palace lauds victorious Pacquiao for exhibiting Pinoys’ unwavering spirit even amid adversity

Malacañang lauded Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao for his unanimous victory against undefeated American boxer Chris Algieri in their fight in Macau Sunday.

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Manny Pacquiao to Floyd Mayweather: 'It's time to say yes'

"It's been a long time since I wanted that fight."

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Algieri got schooled by Professor Pacquiao, says Freddie Roach

Prior to Manny Pacquiao's fight with Chris Algieri, the Filipino ring icon's trainer Freddie Roach was vocal in saying that the American fighter didn't stand a chance.

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After defeat, Algieri pays tribute to 'best in the world' Pacquiao

Chris Algieri had nothing but good things to say about Manny Pacquiao after losing to the Filipino champion via unanimous decision on Sunday in Macau.

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SC doing all it can to speed up Maguindanao Massacre trial – Chief Justice Sereno

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno assured the public Sunday that the Supreme Court is doing everything it can to speed up the Maguindanao Massacre trial

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Sereno: SC doing everything to speed up trial on Maguindanao massacre case

On the 5th anniversary of the worst election-related violence in Philippine history that left 58 people dead, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno assures the public that the high court is doing everything to fast-track the proceedings of the Maguindanao Massacre case, according to a "Balintanghali" report on Sunday.

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'Patok yung orasyon': Mommy D trends anew in Pacquiao win

Mommy Dionesia Pacquiao once again grabbed the attention of boxing fans as she prayed and gestured intensely while watching her son Manny dominate Chris Algieri on Sunday.

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'Mas pogi na si Manny': Pinoy fans celebrate Pacquiao win over Algieri online

Filipino boxing fans celebrated Manny Pacquiao's dominant victory over Chris Algieri on Sunday,

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After beating Algieri, Pacquiao tells Mayweather: 'I'm ready to fight'

"I think I'm ready to fight next year for him," said Pacquiao after his dominant victory, which saw him send Algieri to the canvas six times.

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Pacquiao dominates Algieri to retain world title

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao fashioned out a masterful unanimous decision, knocking down Chris Algieri six times on Sunday to retain the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title in Macau.

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Many jeers, some cheers for national anthem singers in Pacquiao-Algieri fight

The singing of the national anthems of both the Philippines and the United States for the Pacquiao-Algieri fight drew negative reactions from social media on Sunday.

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Boxing: Vargas retains WBA super lightweight crown in Macau

American Jessie Vargas outpointed his Mexican rival Antonio DeMarco Sunday to retain his World Boxing Association super lightweight title in a pulsating fight in Macau.

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LIVE RESULTS: Pacquiao vs Algieri round by round updates

Filipino fight icon Manny Pacquiao returns to the ring against unbeaten Chris Algieri. Can Pambansang Kamao cut down his taller for to bring back glory to the country once again?

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Soldiers’ kin gather at Camp Aguinaldo to watch Pacquiao bout

Families of soldiers on Sunday gathered at Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo to watch a televised bout of boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao against Chris Algieri.

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DTI steps up surprise inspections in provinces

With the holidays drawing closer, the Department of Trade and Industry stepped up its surprise inspections in stores selling Noche Buena items in the provinces.

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PhlPost issues Philippine festival masks stamps

Stamp collectors, get ready: The Philippine Postal Corp. has issued another set of stamps, this time celebrating the colorful Philippine festival masks.

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Algieri's difficulty making weight will haunt him in the ring – Pacquiao camp

MACAU - Chris Algieri's failure to make the weight will make him easy prey for the hungry predator that is Manny Pacquiao.

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WATCH: Pacquiao thanks fans for support, prayers on eve of bout

On the eve of his bout with Chris Algieri, Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao thanked his fans for their prayers and support.

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LOOK: Pacquiao has simple dinner on eve of fight with Algieri

While challenger Chris Algieri said he would relax in preparation for the fight, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao had a hearty but simple meal on the eve of their bout at the Cotai Arena at the Venetian Macao hotel on Sunday.

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Michael Buffer: Pacquiao-Mayweather fight would be ‘biggest in history’

MACAU — Count Michael Buffer in the long list of fans who want to see Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather in action.

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PHL can deny entry to foreigners who disrespect authorities – Immigration bureau

The Bureau of Immigration can blacklist foreigners for disresepcting symbols of Philippine authority but this can be subject to an appeal, a bureau spokespeson said Saturday.

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Pacquiao promises ‘great action from start to finish’ in high-stakes fight vs. Algieri

MACAU — The stakes are sky-high as Manny Pacquiao clashes with Chris Algieri to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at high noon Sunday at the Cotai Arena inside the sprawling Venetian Macao here.

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Chris Algieri makes weight after two tries

MACAU — Flamboyant Chris Algieri beat the catchweight at 144 pounds, formally removing a major roadblock to his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title showdown with Manny Pacquiao at the Cotai Arena inside the Venetian Macao here on Sunday.

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‘Concerned’ Hong Kong to contact PHL over reporters' blacklisting

Hong Kong authorities will contact their Philippine counterparts over the supposed blacklisting of nine Hong Kong journalists from covering the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that the Philippines will host in 2015.

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4 papal stamp tilt winners announced, may personally present work to Pope Francis

Four more lucky people may get to meet Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19.

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WHO briefs AFP chief Catapang on Ebola

World Health Organization representatives in the Philippines on Friday briefed Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on the Ebola virus disease.

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On eve of Maguindanao massacre 5th anniversary, Palace reassures victims’ kin govt continues to pursue case

On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, Malacanang reassured relatives of the 58 victims the government continues to do its “best” to push the case forward.

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Palace: Cops, DTI to provide twofold protection for Xmas shoppers

Malacañang on Saturday expressed confidence the Philippine National Police and the Department of Trade and Industry can provide two-fold protection for Christmas shoppers as the holidays draw closer.

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PNoy to consider best replacement for retiring Comelec chief

President Benigno Aquino III will consider the best replacement for Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. when he retires in February 2015, Malacañang assured the public Saturday.

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‘PacMom’ in red wows boxing fans in Cotai Arena

The lady in red was glowing as she makes her way into a packed arena. When the lights went on, it was Dionisia Pacquao, the celebrated mother of Manny Pacquiao who will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title fight against Chris Algieri at the Cotai Arena inside The Venetian Macao here on Sunday morning.

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Seasoned referee 3rd man in Pacquiao-Algieri bout

A seasoned referee in Genaro Rodriguez will be the third man in the ring when Manny Pacquiao defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Chris Algieri Sunday at the Cotai Arena inside The Venetian Macao here.

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UP-CMC laments culture of impunity beyond media killings

While many associate the culture of impunity with the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, such a culture goes way beyond the heinous murder that took place five years ago.

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Pacquiao-Algieri fight a go, after both make weight limit

Sunday's bout between Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and Chris Algieri is now all systems go, after both fighters made the 144-pound weight limit. Pacquiao weighed in at 143.8 pounds, while Algieri needed some extra time to shed some excess weight to meet the limit. Algieri as of 9 a.m. made the catch weight of 143.6 pounds, GMA News' Mav Gonzales reported.

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Pacquiao makes weight limit; Algieri given 2-hour grace period

Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao on Saturday made the 144-pound weight limit for his bout with Chris Algieri on Sunday.

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China building South China Sea island big enough for airstrip – report

Satellite images show China is building an island on a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands large enough to accommodate what could be its first offshore airstrip in the South China Sea, a leading defense publication said on Friday.

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Can Pacquiao finally get first KO in five years against Algieri?

On Sunday, Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Chris Algieri at Cotai Arena in Macau. Is Algieri an easy opponent for Pacquiao, as many observers believe? Will the unbeaten American fighter give "Pac-man" a run for his money? And could Pacquiao finally get the elusive knockout win after five long years?

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Palace on supposed APEC 2015 media blacklist: Accreditation hasn't even started

Malacañang on Friday denied that it is barring Hong Kong journalists who yelled at President Benigno Aquino III last year from covering the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be hosted by the Philippines next year.

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'Algieri has no chance against Manny' — Roach

MACAU — Freddie Roach has a brutal assessment of Chris Algieri's chances against Manny Pacquiao when they clash for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title showdown at the Cotai Arena inside The Venetian here.

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Ozone fire victims' 18-year wait for justice an isolated case—De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday said the delay incurred in the 18-year-old Ozone Disco fire trial was an "isolated case."

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Mercado challenges Binay to a debate

After backing out of a debate with Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday got another challenge from another of his critics—former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado.

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AFP chief to skip Pacquiao fight to honor fallen soldier

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. will skip the much-awaited fight between Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and American slugger Chris Algieri on Sunday to honor a fallen soldier.

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LOOK: What Mommy D plans to do again for Pacquiao-Algieri

Last April, Dionesia Pacquiao — better known as Manny Pacquiao's Mommy D — was the toast of the Internet after getting caught on camera gesturing during her son's fight against Timothy Bradley.

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Mommy D on Pacquiao foe Algieri: 'Pogi siya'

"Nakita ko siya sa TV. Pogi siya."

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Freddie Roach on Pacquiao-Mayweather: 'I don't think it's going to happen'

MACAU — Trainer Freddie Roach played down hopes of a Manny Pacquiao showdown with Floyd Mayweather and said unbeaten two-belt world champion Danny Garcia could be next for “Pacman” after he fights Chris Algieri on Sunday.

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Kin of Maguindanao massacre victims seek prayer from Pope

Families of Maguindanao massacre victims are asking Pope Francis to pray that justice be served for their slain loved ones as they prepare to commemmorate the fifth year since the multiple killings that shocked the nation.

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Maguindanao massacre victims’ kin write Pope Francis for justice

Two days before the fifth anniversary of the infamous Maguindanao Massacre, relatives of the victims turned to Pope Francis to help them get justice.

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QC court junks bail plea of cop suspect in Maguindanao massacre

A suspended municipal police chief said to be involved in planning the November 2009 Maguindanao Massacre will have to remain behind bars for the remainder of the five-year-old murder trial.

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Sparring partner confirms Pacquiao's power after getting knocked down twice

MACAU — Stan Martyniouk couldn't believe the power of Manny Pacquiao.

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Instead of resting, 'hungry' Pacquiao asks for extra workout session

MACAU — It was supposed to be a rest day, but Manny Pacquiao still asked for a last-minute workout.

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Beijing’s cold caught up with PNoy?

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday suffered a coughing fit while delivering a speech lauding the Araneta family of Quezon City.

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Get masterminds or kidnap groups will be ‘back with a vengeance’, group tells PNP

A crime watchdog group reminded the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group to go after the masterminds behind abductions — 43 incidents have been reported this year — to make sure kidnapping rings will not "come back with a vengeance."

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Odds show Pacquiao remains heavily-favored against unbeaten Algieri

MACAU -- Manny Pacquiao remains heavily favored to dominate Chris Algieri when they slug it out for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown this Sunday at the Cotai Arena inside The Venetian Macao here.

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PNoy goes to the mall

President Benigno Aquino III went to a Quezon City mall on Friday afternoon, a photo posted on Twitter by Radio Television Malacañang showed.

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PNoy wants to step up counter-terrorism efforts –Palace

President Benigno Aquino III wants security officials to step up counter-terrorism efforts, Malacañang said Friday, after the Philippines ranked higher in the Global Terrorism Index Report.

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PNP records 43 kidnap cases since January

A total of 43 kidnapping cases have been recorded in the country from January to November this year, according to records from Philippine National Police's anti-kidnapping unit, with most cases already solved.

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Floyd Mayweather 'definitely wants' to fight Pacquiao, says Showtime

Floyd Mayweather wants to get in the ring with Manny Pacquiao — at least according to the television network with whom the American boxer is signed to a fight deal.

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Former Senator Paterno dies

Former Senator Vicente Paterno passed away at 8:40 in the morning Friday. He was 89 years old.

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De Lima: Nothing wrong with Binay accuser leaving PHL

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima neither confirmed nor denied on Friday information that former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, a whistleblower against Vice President Jejomar Binay, has left the Philippines.

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Witness says Ong had Napoles acquitted for Kevlar mess

A witness in the multi-billion pork barrel fund scam on Friday said dismissed Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong was behind the acquittal of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles in the malversation case she faced in connection with the alleged anomalous sale of 500 Kevlar Helmets to the Philippine Marines in 1998.

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Mommy D ready to pray, inspire at Pacquiao-Algieri fight

Dionesia Pacquiao will once again be at ringside for her son Manny when he clashes with Chris Algieri in Macau on Sunday.

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Algieri camp denies spying on Pacquiao's training sessions

MACAU — There's nothing that could shatter the concentration of Team Algieri — not even an accusation that they were spying on the training of Manny Pacquiao.

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Laude killing highlights struggle for rights

The killing of a Filipina transgender woman, allegedly by a US Marine, has stoked nationalist outrage in the Philippines but activists say the spotlight should also be shone on "hate crimes" by locals targetting minority groups.

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Drilon: ICC construction hits snag due to Mejorada’s allegations

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Friday blamed the allegations hurled by former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada for the delay in the construction of Iloilo Convention Center.

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London-based group asks world leaders to stop ‘dangerous’ child labor

A London-based health and safety organization on Friday called on world leaders to stop children from "doing dangerous jobs."

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Ex-Makati vice mayor says he is in US, will return Nov. 30

Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado on Friday confirmed he is in the United States, but said he will return by Nov. 30.

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Intl media group scores govt failure to protect Maguindanao massacre witness

An international media group on Thursday scored the government for its failure to protect witnesses in the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre, after an ambush that killed one prospective witness.

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NAIA: 2 domestic flights canceled due to bad weather

At least two domestic flights were canceled Friday due to bad weather conditions, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport said.

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CBCP renews call to stop corruption for Year of the Poor

Catholic bishops made a fresh call to stop corruption as the Church prepares to open the Year of the Poor on November 30.

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WATCH: Pacquiao daughter dedicates ‘good vibe’ song to dad before bout

Two days before he faces Chris Algieri in Macau, Philippine boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao got a "good vibe" song from his daughter Princess.

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Ebola survivor backs DOH's quarantine protocol for PHL peacekeepers

A Liberian doctor who contracted the deadly Ebola virus and got well from it said that the Department of Health's protocol in dealing with Filipino peacekeepers who have returned from Liberia is correct.

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Trillanes to seek higher office in 2016

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV will run for a higher position in the 2016 presidential elections.

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Algieri will surely knock out Pacquiao, say American's trainers

MACAU — Three days before the biggest, and richest, fight of their career, the handlers of Chris Algieri made a pronouncement that moved the tectonic plates of professional boxing.

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Pacquiao-Algieri fight tickets nearly sold out

MACAU — Tickets for the Manny Pacquiao-Chris Algieri fight were selling like hotcakes.

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‘Cheap’ anti-Ebola suits for training purposes only – DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) has admitted that they used cheaper personal protective equipment (PPE) while training health workers expected to deal with Ebola.

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Algieri promises action-packed fight against Pacquiao

MACAU — Chris Algieri promises an all-out brawl when he challenges Manny Pacquiao for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown this Sunday at Cotai Arena inside The Venetian here.

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Ozone Disco survivor: ‘We’ve moved on but it’s good to know justice has been served’

Sherilyn Bruan, a production manader with GMA Network, was 18 years old and a second year college student during that fateful night in March of 1996. She was with her two cousins and two friends in Ozone Disco when tragedy struck.

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Manny Pacquiao tells Yolanda survivors: 'Para sa inyo ang laban na ito'

Three days before facing Chris Algieri in the ring on Sunday, Manny Pacquiao is dedicating his fight for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.

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Sandiganbayan employees join protest for P16k minimum wage

Several Sandiganbayan employees on Thursday joined the nationwide protest demanding a higher national minimum wage of P16,000 for all workers in the private and public sectors.

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Vatican wants PHL to spend less on Pope Francis’ visit

The Vatican wants the Philippines to keep to a minimum the expenditures for Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines this coming January, and instead give more resources to help victims of recent calamities, a member of the papal visit organizing committee said on Thursday.

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No ‘epal’ acts please on Pope Francis’ visit—organizers

Organizers of the Pope Francis' visit in January on Thursday called on the country's politicians to refrain from using the event to somehow promote themselves before the Holy Father and the public.

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De Lima: Mercado has admitted involvement in anomalies

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Thursday said it is but normal to discover irregularities or anomalies involving former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, as he had admitted to being part of some illegal activities in the past.

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Floyd Mayweather's son: 'My father is a coward'

It isn't a word usually associated with an undefeated professional boxer who has won championship titles across five weight divisions. But for a son who was a witness to his father's beating of his mother four years ago, "coward" is an apt term to describe Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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132 pass Aeronautical Engineer Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday announced that 132 out of 282 passed the Aeronautical Engineer Licensure Examination given in Manila in November.

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Calls for PNoy’s ouster over human rights record ‘unreasonable’ – Palace

Malacañang on Thursday described as "unreasonable" calls from some groups for President Benigno Aquino's removal from his post over his administration's human rights record.

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Security may be ‘challenging’ with ‘Pope of surprises’ – Church officials

Ensuring Pope Francis' security may be "challenging" during his visit to the Philippines in January next year since he is known for his spontaneity and his habit of breaking protocol in order to reach out to people.

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Tiangco: Miss Earth pageant should not be held at Mercado-owned resort

An ally of Vice President Jejomar Binay has asked the organizers of Miss Earth International pageant to reconsider using a resort in Coron, Palawan as the contestants' official residence, saying that the resort is part of the "ill-gotten wealth" of its purported owner, former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado.

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Makabayan bloc threatens to withdraw co-authorship of FOI bill

The seven-member Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has threatened to withdraw its co-authorship of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill if the public information committee passes what it calls a “watered down” and “toothless” measure.

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Guingona: Senators safe when Janette Garin attends budget debates

Department of Health officer-in-charge Undersecretary Janette Garin on Thursday found allies in Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senator Teofisto Guingona III amid the flak she received for visiting quarantined Filipino peacekeepers without any protective gear. In an interview with Senate reporters, Guingona said it was safe to shake hands with Garin when she attends the plenary deliberation on the budget of DOH on Monday.

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Is Algieri the real-life Rocky? Roach answers: 'This ain't a f—ing movie'

Seems like Chris Algieri's prefight talk is starting to get under the skin of Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach.

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5 years later, fate of Ampatuan patriarch’s bail plea known next month

After five years of hearing the high-profile murder case, the Quezon City judge in the Maguindanao massacre trial is finally set to decide whether or not to allow principal suspect and clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr. to enjoy tenporary freedom.

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Hard to distinguish between working and campaigning, VP Binay admits

Is Vice President Jejomar Binay already campaigning for the 2016 presidential polls? Maybe yes. Maybe not.

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Sandiganbayan suspends arraignment of Elenita Binay

The Third Division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan on Thursday suspended the arraignment of Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, on malversation and graft charges in relation to the alleged anomalous purchase of P45-million worth of hospital beds and medical supplies during her incumbency as the mayor of Makati City.

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Palace: No more family feud, but PNoy wants justice for Martial Law victims

Amid a renewed call to put the Aquino-Marcos family feud behind, a Malacañang official on Thursday said President Benigno Aquino III no longer harbor ill will against the Marcoses, but he wants justice for the victims of Martial Law.

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Senate may probe Binay accuser over unexplained wealth –Drilon

The Senate will investigate former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, chief accuser of Vice President Jejomar Binay, for alleged unexplained wealth once a resolution has been filed seeking for it, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Thursday.

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Govt working to thwart Islamic State recruitment in PHL – Palace

The government is exerting efforts to thwart reported recruitment activities of Islamic State militants in the Philippines, a Malacañang spokesman said Thursday.

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Preparations ‘on time’ for Pope Francis visit, say church officials

Church officials on Thursday said preparations are in place and are being followed on schedule so far for Pope Francis' visit in January 2015.

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Bong Revilla’s handwriting expert paid P200k

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. paid a former handwriting expert of the National Bureau of Investigation P200,000 to boost his case in the bail hearing in connection with the plunder charges filed against him in connection with the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.

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Bong Revilla says Sandigan may rule on his bail petition next week

Detained Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. on Thursday said the Sandiganbayan First Divison may decide on his bail petition as early as next week if the summation of the bail hearings finishes within the day.

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SC workers seek 16k minimum wage, oppose taxes on bonuses

Supreme Court employees on Thursday used a portion of their lunch break to hold a protest for a higher national minimum wage of P16,000 and against the imposition of taxes on their bonuses and allowances.

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AFP: Alleged involvement of Pinoy in beheading of Syrian soldiers may be ISIS propaganda

Claims that a Filipino was involved in the beheading of 18 Syrian soldiers may just be a propaganda by Islamic State fighters, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Thursday.

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Why Manny Pacquiao is selling mansion in Forbes Park

A few days before his fight against American boxer Chris Algieri in Macau, reports surfaced that Manny Pacquiao is planning to sell his house in Forbes Park in Makati City.

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Killing of Maguindanao massacre witness may have ‘adverse impact’ on the trial – media group

The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines on Thursday expressed concern over the killing of another potential witness in the Maguindanao massacre case, saying the incident may have an adverse impact in the trial.

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WATCH: 'He's going to fight me?!' Funny new Pacquiao ad pokes fun at Mayweather

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao stars in the latest of American sporting goods chain Foot Locker's series of funny commercials.

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Garin willing to step down as acting DOH chief if proven she put public at risk of Ebola

While defending her decision to visit the quarantined peacekeepers from Liberia, acting Health Secretary Janette Garin said she is willing to step down if proven she has put the health of the public at risk.

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Mejorada insists govt agencies violated procurement law by using value engineering

The accuser of Senate President Franklin Drilon insisted Thursday that government agencies violated the procurement law when it used value engineering in the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center.

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Argentine priest to concelebrate Mass with Pope Francis during PHL visit

Pope Francis will not be the only Argentinian celebrating Mass during his visit to the Philippines this coming January.

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Work on Quirino Grandstand peaks for papal visit

Work on repairing and sprucing the Quirino Grandstand in Manila started to peak Thursday, in preparation for Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines this January.

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‘Real-life Rocky’ Algieri faces daunting reality in Pacquiao

MACAU - Nine months ago, American Chris Algieri was fighting in a venue holding less than 2,000 spectators. On Sunday, he enters the big time when he challenges eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title at the Venetian Macao.

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P3.35B in lotto prizes were unclaimed from 2006-2013 – PCSO

A total of P3.35 billion worth of lottery prizes, accumulated from 2006 to 2013, were unclaimed from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), officials told lawmakers on Wednesday, during a House Committee on Games and Amusement hearing.

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Male domestic abuse unprotected by current laws – men's rights group

Men's rights group Diego Silang Movement has claimed that current laws were insufficient to protect male victims of domestic abuse, GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" reported on Tuesday.

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Filipino allegedly among ISIS fighters in beheading video

An online news website claimed in a November 18 post that a Filipino was among the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters seen in a video beheading a group of around 18 Syrian soldiers.

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Daughter of alleged Binay dummy denies condo was named after him

The daughter of one of the alleged dummies of Vice President Jejomar Binay denied the accusations of former Makati City mayor Ernesto Mercado that a condo unit was registered under her father's name for Binay.

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UNA dares Ernesto Mercado to undergo lifestyle check

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party said that former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado should undergo a lifestyle check, a report from GMA's “24-Oras” said Wednesday.

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Flavier family donates ‘abuloy’ to NKTI’s nephrology for kids

As they thanked Filipinos for their love and support, the family of the late former Sen. Juan Flavier will donate the monetary contributions they received to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. Flavier's daughter Joy said the contributions from kind-hearted people including friends and family amounted to some P349,150.

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United Nations, WHO, politicians commit to fight poor nutrition

International organizations and 170 governments committed to battling poor nutrition on Wednesday, saying that while hunger had dropped, half the world's population was in some way affected by nutritional problems.

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Palace on Ona’s fate: Let’s not jump the gun

"Let's not jump the gun." This was Malacañang's statement on Wednesday when asked about speculations that on-leave Health Secretary Enrique Ona will be eased out of his post.

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SEC finds inconsistencies in financial statements of Tiu firms

The Securities and Exchange Commission has found several inconsistencies in the financial reports of the companies of and linked with businessman Antonio Tiu, who claimed ownership of the sprawling property in Rosario Batangas but which critics said was owned by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

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