Better anti-trafficking laws, higher paying jobs to prevent another Mary Jane —senators

As the country celebrates Labor Day, at least two senators on Friday pushed for policies that they believe would prevent another Filipino migrant worker from being placed on another country's death row like Mary Jane Veloso.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Not just tolerance: CBCP head calls on Catholics to welcome those from other religions

The head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines wants Filipino Catholics to practice not just tolerance but also welcome those of other religions.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: Photo of Pacquiao lookalike Mexican revolutionary goes viral

Despite being labeled a Mexicutioner early in his career, Manny Pacquiao has carved out a niche among hardcore Mexican boxing fans for his relentless style inside the ring.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

PNoy: Govt responding to labor sector’s needs

President Benigno Aquino III pledged on Labor Day to listen to and build stronger ties with the labor sector.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Drilon: Senate to give special attention to BBL when session resumes

Once Congress resumes sessions on Monday, the Senate will give “special legislative attention” to the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to make sure that it will be constitutional, fair, and inclusive, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: Pacquiao posts photo of his ‘top dog’ trainer

With just two days to go before his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr., Philippine boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao posted Friday a photo of his top-dog trainer.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Group opposes DepEd’s 30-day extension plea on K-12 case

A group of teachers and school staff has opposed the Department of Education’s request to the Supreme Court for a 30-day extension to file a comment on a plea against Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Senator reiterates call to end age discrimination in work

A senator on Friday reiterated her call for an end to age discrimination in the workplace.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

FDA warns vs. 2 unregistered drug products

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday warned the public against at least two unregistered drug products.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mayweather, a perfect fighter but flawed man, cashes in

LAS VEGAS - Floyd Mayweather Jr. describes himself as a perfectionist and inside the ring the boxer known as the 'Money Man' is just that, his flawless professional record of 47-0 a monument to perfection.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Pacquiao, a man of multiple layers

LAS VEGAS - Very few sportsmen have pursued as many career paths as boxer Manny Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion who has also made his name outside the ring as a politician, philanthropist, lawmaker and singer.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Mayweather, Pacquiao fight for boxing’s future

LAS VEGAS - When Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao enter the ring on Saturday the stakes could not be higher, even for a bout already labelled the "Fight of the Century."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Pacman’s Marquez defeat no pointer to Mayweather outcome

LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao's knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez doesn't offer any pointer to how the Filipino great will fare against Floyd Mayweather, trainer Freddie Roach said Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Pacquiao has grand design for Mayweather

LAS VEGAS - Freddie Roach said Thursday he has devised an elaborate strategy that will deliver a decisive victory for Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao in his 'Fight of the Century' against Floyd Mayweather.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Mayweather, Pacquiao trainers engage in verbal sparring ahead of megabout

While trash-talking by the two fighters has been at a bare minimum ahead of Saturday's welterweight showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, their trainers engaged in a war of words on Thursday (Friday, PHL time).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Returning Customs chief Alberto Lina denies hand in investigator's transfer to a desk job

The new chief of Bureau of Customs, businessman Albero Lina, denied that he had anything to do with the transfer of the bureau's top investigator to another department on the very same day he took office. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

56 job fairs with 251k vacancies on Labor Day

More than 251,000 job opportunities will be up for grabs at 56 job fairs nationwide on Labor Day on Friday, the Department of Labor and Employment said.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Meralco suspends Sunday maintenance works for Pacquiao-Mayweather bout

The Manila Electric Co. is suspending its maintenance works for Sunday to ensure there will be no brownout during the fight between Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bettor bags P17.558M Superlotto 6/49 jackpot

A lotto bettor is now some P17.558 million richer after winning the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Superlotto 6/49 draw Thursday night.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mary Jane Veloso represented by human rights lawyers

Six human rights lawyers from the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) are fighting to make Mary Jane Veloso's temporary reprieve permanent as Indonesia's courts re-open the Filipina's case for investigation.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

DOF pegs annual economic losses due to natural disasters at P130B

BACOLOD CITY - About 1.1 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) or roughly around P130 billion is lost annually from the country's coffers due to natural disasters, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

‘Big brother’: AFP chief lauds US help in protecting PHL interests in sea dispute

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang on Thursday lauded the US for helping the country protect its interests in the middle of a dispute with China over territories in the South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy bats for Negros Island region

In a speech in Bacolod City, Aquino said uniting Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental in one region would facilitate the delivery of social services to the provinces.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: No selfies, no kissing, and other guidelines for Pacquiao visitors

With only days left before his mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather, the team of Manny Pacquiao is heavily restricting access to the Filipino ring icon. Check out the guidelines for those seeking an audience with Pambansang Kamao ahead of Sunday's bout.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

WATCH: Chavit Singson speaks at Pacquiao-Mayweather press conference

Apart from eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, there was only one other Filipino who gave a short speech in Thursday's final press conference before Sunday's mega-fight.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

PNP to find out which drug cartel gave heroin to Mary Jane Veloso

The Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force will try to investigate and identify the drug cartel that allegedly supplied the 2.6 kilograms of heroin that Filipina migrant worker Mary Jane Veloso brought to Indonesia.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy picks next BuCor chief but asks choice to think twice

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said somebody has already expressed willingness to be the next Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief. Aquino, however, said that he gave the BuCor chief aspirant time to ascertain if he really wanted the post.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: The early days of Manny Pacquiao

Before Manny Pacquiao became the boxing icon that he is today, he used to be the 16-year-old boy who did odd jobs in Malabon City after leaving his hometown General Santos City in Mindanao.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Over 2,000 pass Electrical Engineer Licensure Exams –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday announced that 884 out of 1,886 Registered Electrical Engineers and 1,134 out of 2,705 Registered Master Electricians successfully passed the Electrical Engineer Licensure Examinations given this month.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: Militants depict PNoy as Grim Reaper in Labor Day effigy

President Benigno Aquino III will be depicted as the Grim Reaper without the hood when militants parade his effigy on the streets to mark Labor Day on Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

No congressman asked for travel authority to watch Pacquiao fight —Belmonte

No one among the members of the House of Representatives asked Speaker Feliciano Belmonte for a travel authority to attend the much-anticipated fight between their colleague Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and undefeated world champion Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas. "If they requested, I would let them go to give moral support to our hero. But in fact no one asked for travel authority citing that as a reason. Anyway, everybody paid his own way," Belmonte told GMA News Online.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: Mayweather thanks Pinoy fans for supporting Pacquiao

Undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather thanked Filipino fans during his speech at the final press conference before he faces off against Manny Pacquiao on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Poorest congressman doubles net worth but still not a millionaire

The 54-year-old lawmaker explained that most of his cash were savings from his monthly salary of P60,000.“Yung savings ko ay mostly galing sa mas matinding pagtitipid ko sa food. Hindi na rin ako nagyoyosi, di ako bumibili ng mamahaling gamit, at sa mga rally, nakikisalo ako sa kung anong kinakain ng mga dumadalo,” he said.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Rude awakening for Veloso's recruiter as 2 more 'victims' surface

The recruiter of overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso is likely in for a rude awakening over a new set of criminal charges after two other supposedly victims claimed they were also recruited by the same person who is now in police custody.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy hopeful Petilla would stay as energy secretary

President Benigno Aquino III is hoping Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla will reconsider his irrevocable resignation from his post. In an interview in Bacolod City on Thursday, Aquino, however, said that he was already considering two possible replacements.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bayan Muna to Pacquiao: Hurry home after fight, investigate Mary Jane Veloso case

A party-list lawmaker on Thursday appealed to Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao to return to the Philippines as soon as possible after his highly-anticipated bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. to investigate the case of Filipina drug convict Mary Jane Veloso.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNP: Veloso's recruiter will help identify drug mules

The Philippine National Police believes the testimony of the alleged illegal recruiter of Mary Jane Veloso will help in identifying other drug mules hired by an international drug syndicate.   
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP chief dares China to prove PHL’s alleged reclamation in disputed territories

Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Thursday dared China to prove its allegation that the Philippines has reclamation activities in some areas in the West Philippine Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy: Next Comelec chair ‘relatively young’ legal luminary

President Benigno Aquino III has chosen a "relatively young" person with some considerable stature in the legal profession as the next chairman of the Commission on Elections.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jakarta NGO chief convinces Widodo to hold Mary Jane execution ‘until legal process in PHL is finished’

The head of the Jakarta-based pro-migrants group that helped convince Indonesian President Joko Widodo to grant temporary reprieve to Mary Jane Veloso said she told their top executive that it would be better to delay the execution until the case is settled in the Philippines.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Sandiganbayan allows ex-PNP official to be with sick dad over the weekend

For humanitarian reasons, the Sandiganbayan on Thursday allowed the request of detained former police Director Geary Barias to visit and spend some time with his ailing father in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

VP Binay pushes for higher tax exemptions to boost workers’ purchasing power

On the eve of the International Workers' Day, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday urged the government to move for higher tax exemptions for workers' income to boost their purchasing power.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

VP Binay’s wife gets third and last approval needed for travel to US

Former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, can now push through with her trip to California in the United States after Sandiganbayan Fourth Division granted her request on Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Dingdong, other senatorial bets to go through LP screening process

Actors-turned-local officials Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno as well as showbiz personality Dingdong Dantes will have to go through a vetting process before they are included in the administration's senatorial ticket in 2016.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy to name presidential bet end-June, confident of more allies for 2016 polls

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said he will name his bet for the 2016 presidential polls by end-June.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy not avoiding protests by holding Labor Day rites in Cebu –Palace

President Benigno Aquino III is not trying to stay away from protest actions by holding Labor Day rites in Cebu, Malacañang said Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Four environment execs face graft charges over building rehab project

Four officials of a regional office of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) are now facing graft charges over alleged several anomalous transactions relating to the rehabilitation and improvement project of its office building in 2004.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Davao City Jail inmates can watch Pacquiao-Mayweather bout for free

Inmates at the Davao City Jail will get to watch for free the mega-fight between boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. this Sunday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

FULL VIDEO: Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather press conference

For just the second time after their fight was announced, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather went face-to-face in a press conference ahead of their May 2 bout. The two fighters showed mutual respect during the event, perhaps saving all their animosity for when they climb on top of the ring.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

SWS: 69% Pinoys closely following Pacquiao-Mayweather bout

Nearly seven out of 10 Filipinos are closely following developments about this weekend's super-fight between Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Will Pacquiao someday seek the presidency? His camp thinks so

When boxing hero Manny Pacquiao finally calls an end to his historic career in the ring, he will have his eyes on a much bigger prize -- president of the Philippines.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mayweather, Pacquiao trade compliments not shots

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao appeared more focused on conserving energy and downplaying animosity than stirring the pot for their upcoming mega-fight as the two boxers eased their way through a low-key media conference on Wednesday (Thursday, PHL time).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

CBCP chief seeks end to fixed rates for sacraments

The head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Wednesday night pushed for an end to the system of charging fixed rates for sacraments, calling such a practice a scourge on the people and a shame on priests.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Subdued Mayweather might not show up, jests Roach

LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, has a theory on why the usually verbose Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been subdued during the buildup to Saturday's hotly anticipated welterweight bout at the MGM Grand.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

AFP sets venues for soldiers to watch Pacquiao-Mayweather bout

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has made arrangements for soldiers to watch the bout of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Sunday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Pacquiao ‘100 percent relaxed and confident’ for bout

LAS VEGAS - With just three days to go before his much hyped showdown with undefeated American Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao was ultra relaxed, confident and ever smiling as he spoke about his preparations.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Mega-fight with Pacquiao not good vs. evil —Mayweather

LAS VEGAS - Floyd Mayweather said Wednesday his long-awaited showdown with Manny Pacquiao isn't a battle of good and evil as the two rivals went eyeball-to-eyeball at their final pre-fight press conference.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

EPL: Chelsea on brink of title after win at Leicester

LONDON - Chelsea came from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 on Wednesday and move to within one win of clinching the Premier League title for the first time in five years.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Roach questions Mayweather drive

LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said Wednesday he's not sure Floyd Mayweather's heart is in his long-awaited showdown with the Filipino icon on Saturday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Pacquiao-Mayweather pay-per-view to KO records

The potential pay-per-view television revenue for Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao's blockbuster welterweight showdown with Floyd Mayweather is so stratospheric that with just four days to go, an actual figure is impossible to predict.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Mayweather-Pacquiao fight poised to shatter financial records

The welterweight title showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather is a lock to shatter financial records for a prize fight.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Mary Jane Veloso's kin, supporters celebrate her temporary reprieve

The announcement of Mary Jane Veloso's temporary reprieve was met with thunderous applause and cheers by supporters and kin of the 30-year-old mother who was slated for execution on Tuesday midnight.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ombudsman: Deadline to file SALNs on Thursday, April 30

Government employees and officials will have until April 30, Thursday, to file their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

US sharing PHL techniques in Balikatan with other allies

The United States troops are sharing whatever they learned from their Filipino counterparts in the Balikatan joint military exercises with their allies from other countries, a US military official said on Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bettor bags P14.705M Megalotto 6/45 jackpot

A lone bettor won the P14.705-million jackpot of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Megalotto 6/45 draw Wednesday night.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Timeline for Maguindanao Massacre resolution up to judiciary

Speaking at a forum marking World Press Freedom Day, Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. acknowledged public dismay with the snail-paced trial of the accused in the multiple murder case but said its resolution is now in the hands of the judiciary.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Petilla assures resignation won't affect power supply this dry season

Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla said he will leave the Energy department well-prepared for any possible power crisis in the coming weeks.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

To protect her from threats, PNP takes custody of Mary Jane’s ‘illegal recruiter’

The recruiter who allegedly tricked Mary Jane Veloso into bringing 2.6 kilos of heroin to Indonesia has been placed under the Philippine National Police's protective custody.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Still no new date for Veloso execution —Indonesian attorney-general

Indonesia's Attorney-General's Office has yet to reschedule the execution of Mary Jane Veloso after she was given a temporary reprieve at the last minute, an online news outfit reported in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

It’s not important who gets credit for Veloso’s reprieve –Palace exec

Malacañang on Wednesday brushed aside progressive groups’ refusal to give President Benigno Aquino III credit for securing a last-minute reprieve for Filipina death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso in Indonesia.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Don’t prejudge Mary Jane’s recruiter, PAO asks public

Chief Public Attorney Persida Acosta on Wednesday asked the public to refrain from prejudging the guilt of Maria Kristina Sergio, the alleged recruiter of Mary Jane Veloso.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Deal to target drug network, not the mule, saved Mary Jane Veloso

MANILA/JAKARTA – As the clocked ticked on Tuesday towards midnight, the hour when nine drug traffickers were expected to be executed on a high-security prison island in Indonesia, mandarins in the Philippines waited nervously for some word from Jakarta.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy to discuss South China Sea dispute with Canada

President Benigno Aquino III will discuss its territorial dispute with China when he meets Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his state visit to Canada next week.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

De Lima orders NBI to track down Jeane Napoles

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to track down Jeane Napoles, alleged pork barrel fund scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles’ daughter.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

De Lima: No takers yet for Bucayu’s BuCor post

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday admitted having a hard time looking for a replacement for Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Franklin Jesus Bucayu, who had “asked to be replaced.”
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Veloso’s recruiter brought to Camp Crame

The recruiter who allegedly tricked Mary Jane Veloso into bringing 2.6 kilos of heroin in Indonesia has arrived in Camp Crame in Quezon City late Wednesday afternoon.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao wants to visit Veloso, Widodo after fight

Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has expressed intention to visit Mary Jane Veloso and Indonesian President Joko Widodo after his anticipated fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., a report on "Balitanghali" said Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP: China’s concern over ASEAN statement on disputed sea ‘a good sign’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday said China's concern over the joint statement of Southeast Asian countries on the tension in the South China Sea should be taken positively.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jinggoy scores De Lima over ‘selective justice’

Detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday criticized Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for supposed selective justice when the latter said that the filing of third batch of cases on the pork barrel scam is no longer a priority.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Indonesia’s Widodo says execution of Mary Jane Veloso only postponed – report

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said their government only gave Filipino Mary Jane Veloso a temporary reprieve from her scheduled execution, a report from The Jakarta Post said Wednesday.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy stressed value of life in last-ditch efforts to save Mary Jane –Palace exec

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras on Wednesday said President Benigno Aquino III constantly reminded Cabinet officials the value of life as the government tried last-ditch efforts to save Filipina Mary Jane Veloso from execution in Indonesia.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

De Lima: NBI to take custody over Mary Jane’s illegal recruiter

The National Bureau of Investigation will take custody over Maria Kristina Sergio, the alleged illegal recruiter of overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Tax appeals court orders arrest of Napoles’ daughter Jeane

The Court of Tax Appeals on Wednesday ordered the arrest of Jeane Napoles, daughter of pork barrel mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, after she failed to attend her arraignment, a television report said.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

De Lima: ASEAN mutual legal assistance tready saved Veloso

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday revealed that a mutual legal assistance treaty among Southeast Asian nations paved the way for a reprieve for Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia, "just in the nick of time."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL govt shifts to pursuing drug syndicate after Veloso’s reprieve

The Philippine government is shifting its efforts to pursuing the drug syndicate that victimized migrant worker Mary Jane Veloso, who was granted a reprieve by the Indonesian government hours before her scheduled execution early Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ex-PNP official Barias asks court to allow him to visit dying father

The Sandiganbayan is set to hear Thursday the ‘extremely urgent motion’ filed by former police Director Geary Barias asking the court to allow him to visit his dying father in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, on Friday, May 1.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL press caught out by last-minute execution reprieve

Several Philippine newspapers were caught out Wednesday by a last-minute reprieve for a young woman facing execution in Indonesia, running front-page headlines bidding her farewell and accusing the government of failing to save her.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Regional police offices get P397M worth of off-roader jeeps

The regional units of the Philippine National Police are expected to have improved mobility and reach with more than 200 off-road patrol jeeps that were blessed in Camp Crame on Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Catholic church to continue prayers for Veloso until acquittal

While it is thankful for the reprieve granted by Indonesia to overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso, the Catholic Church will continue prayers for her until her innocence is established.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

ASEAN leaders waited for PNoy for only ‘less than a minute’ –Palace

Southeast Asian leaders waited for only "less than a minute" for President Benigno Aquino III to join them for their group photo at the recently concluded Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Chiz urges PHL to lead campaign against death penalty

Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday said the Philippines should lead the campaign for the abolition of death penalty as a punishment even as the government exhausts all means to commute the sentence on Mary Jane Veloso.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao, Mayweather again divided in fight buildup

LAS VEGAS - Four days before they meet in the ring for their highly anticipated showdown, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather marked the start of fight week at different events on Tuesday, with the Filipino southpaw a notable absentee from the 'Grand Arrival.'
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

PHL church launches fundraising drive for Nepal quake victims

The Philippine Catholic Church on Tuesday launched a fundraising effort for victims of last weekend's magnitude-7.8 quake in Nepal.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: Pacquiao goes through last-minute preps

After arriving in Las Vegas, Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao lost no time making last-minute preparations for his bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. this weekend.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Palace thanks Widodo, Indonesian govt for sparing Veloso from execution

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed gratitude towards the Indonesian government led by President Joko Widodo for sparing Filipina Mary Jane Veloso from execution.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao bout a family affair for Mayweathers

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his father have had a stormy relationship, but they are back together for the fighter's toughest test yet against Manny Pacquiao.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Sandiganbayan finds former Customs exec guilty of falsification

The Sandiganbayan has found the former head of the Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) guilty of falsification and sentenced him with imprisonment, the Office of the Ombudsman said Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao readies ‘killer instinct’ for Mayweather

LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao warned Floyd Mayweather he has been honing his killer instinct here Tuesday as he was welcomed to Las Vegas by a deafening horde of supporters.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Philippine Red Cross sending Typhoon Yolanda teams to Nepal

Red Cross teams in the Philippines with experience of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013 are being sent to Nepal to help victims of the deadly quake, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

SWS: About 9M adult Pinoys unemployed but jobless rate at lowest since 2010

About nine million Filipino adults are unemployed, though the unemployment rate has gone down to its lowest since 2010, a new survey by pollster Social Weather Stations showed.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Filipinos celebrate delay of Mary Jane's execution

Activists outside the Indonesian Embassy in Manila erupted in cheers on Wednesday (April 29) after learning about Indonesia's decision to delay the execution of a Filipina on death row.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: Protesters outside Indonesian embassy celebrate after learning Mary Jane spared

Protesters outside the Indonesian embassy rejoiced before dawn Wednesday after learning Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina facing execution for drug smuggling in Indonesia, got a reprieve.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mourning turns to joy: Mary Jane's mother thankful for 'miracle'

Mary Jane Veloso's family were already in mourning and consoling themselves with their memories of her. They were in a convoy of vehicles heading to Jakarta from Cilacap in Indonesia. Then at about 1:00 a.m. (local time) the bus stopped at a gasoline station and it was there that the Indonesia authorities on board announced the news that Mary Jane was not executed on Indonesia's prison island.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy's request spared Mary Jane Veloso's life — Indonesian Attorney General

A request from President Benigno Aquino III was instrumental in Indonesia's decision to grant a reprieve for Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina facing execution after being convicted of drug trafficking.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LISTEN: Interview with Mary Jane's family after they find out her life was spared

"Talagang may himala po palang dumating sa anak ko."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mary Jane Veloso spared from execution

Mary Jane Veloso has been spared from execution by Indonesian authorities early Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

DFA barred us from talking to media early, Mary Jane's sister says

The family of Mary Jane Veloso had known for a long time about some details about how their kin was snared by the human trafficking and drug smuggling ring, but the Department of Foreign Affairs told them not to go to the media about it.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Families leave for Indonesia prison island for midnight executions

A last group of people left for the Indonesian prison island of Nusakambangan on Tuesday (April 28), ahead of a planned execution that is scheduled to take place after midnight.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mary Jane supporters hold candlelight vigil outside Indonesian Embassy

Activists and supporters gathered outside the Indonesian Embassy in Manila on Tuesday (April 28) in a last-minute appeal for clemency for a Filipina facing execution.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Indonesia gears up for execution of Mary Jane, 8 others amid mounting international criticism

Widodo "wants to portray himself as a strong leader but by executing an innocent woman, he will portray himself as an evil man".
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL envoy: Indonesia AG said execution still on, surrender of Veloso recruiter had no effect

The Philippines' envoy to Indonesia said Tuesday evening that Indonesian officials did discuss the surrender of  Mary Jane Veloso's recruiter, Christine Pasadilla alias Kristina Sergio, but they still decided to push through with the execution.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: PNP OIC Espina leads police cheers for Pacquiao

Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina on Tuesday lead the police force in cheering for Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao in his fight against American boxer Floyd Mayweather evening of May 2 (morning of May 3 PHL time) in Las Vegas.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PROFILES: The foreign convicts set for execution in Indonesia

Here are brief profiles of the inmates, who include two from Australia, one each from Brazil and the Philippines, and four from Africa.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

All executions are gross human rights violations —CHR

All kinds of death penalties, whether through decapitation, hanging, lethal injection or firing squad are against human rights, the Commission on Human rights said in a report from GMA's “24 Oras” on Tuesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: Floyd Mayweather goes shopping days before Pacquiao fight

Floyd Mayweather isn't nicknamed "Money" for nothing. Days before he climbs into the ring against Manny Pacquiao, the unbeaten American champion spent sometime enjoying the finer things in life.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Sinag Pilipinas rolls past Laos, 124-37, for 2nd win in SEABA tilt

It was a walk in the park for Sinag Pilipinas on Tuesday as the national team rolled through Laos, 124-37, in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship in Singapore.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Bongbong says Senate version of BBL will protect IPs

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr assured the indigenous people Tuesday that the final Senate draft of Bangsamoro Basic Law will be embedded with provisions promoting the development of tribal groups.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Singapore’s Lee makes fun of PNoy’s seeming tardiness for ASEAN leaders’ photo

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong played the guessing game on his Facebook account on Tuesday, asking his FB friends which southeast Asian leader was apparently running late for the traditional leaders' photo. Lee may have placed a playful smiley after his hashtag "guess who" but his post certainly drew angry comments directed at President Benigno Aquino III who was nowhere in the picture.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ex-Marine officer urges public to join protest trip vs. China aggression in WPS

A former Marine officer urged the public to join him in a trip around the country to inform Filipinos about China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy's advice to Manny Pacquiao: Retire after fighting Mayweather

“May naipon ka na. May naitabi ka na. Ma-enjoy mo naman sana ‘yon. Ma-enjoy ng pamilya mo ‘yon. Ma-enjoy niyo ang isa’t isa.”
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Grenade launcher ammo recalled after Mamasapano clash –Espina

Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina on Tuesday said all the ammunition for M203 grenade launchers have been recalled and will soon be replaced for being defective.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy: Presidential bets should state positions on PHL-China territorial row

Presidential candidates in the 2016 polls should state their positions on the Philippines’ territorial row with China, President Benigno Aquino III said Tuesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LISTEN: Mary Jane Veloso's sister recounts their last moments together

In a live interview on Radio dzBB on Tuesday, Marites Veloso recounted her final moments with sister Mary Jane, who is on death row in Indonesia over drug trafficking charges.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Church bells ring for Mary Jane Veloso

Some churches rang their bells at 12 noon Tuesday to signify their call to the Indonesian government to spare Mary Jane Veloso from the death penalty.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LISTEN: PNoy discusses Veloso case in speech upon arrival from ASEAN summit

Preside Aquino talked about his meeting with Indonesian president Joko Widodo where they discussed the fate of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina facing execution in Indonesia.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy notes ‘substantial progress’ in ASEAN talks on South China Sea dispute

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said Southeast Asian leaders made "substantial progress" in discussing the South China Sea dispute, with more states becoming more vocal about the issue.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

DOJ schedules preliminary investigation on Mary Jane’s recruiter, cohorts

The Department of Justice's preliminary probe on overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso's illegal recruiter and her two cohorts is set to begin next week.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

China ‘extremely concerned’ by ASEAN statement on disputed sea

BEIJING - China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it was "extremely concerned" after leaders of Southeast Asian countries expressed worry about land reclamation and navigational freedom in the disputed South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LP belies Tiangco’s claim that Sevilla was pressured to raise P3B for admin’s campaign

Ranking Liberal Party officials on Tuesday slammed  Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco for alleging that resigned Customs commissioner John Phillip Sevilla quit his post due to pressure for him to produce P3 billion for the ruling party’s campaign funds next year.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

349 pass Librarian Licensure Examination –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Tuesday announced that 349 out of 742 passed the Librarian Licensure Examination given in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Legazpi this month.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

P1.14-B fund for govt’s peace program ‘all accounted for,’ says OPAPP

The P1.14-billion fund allocated for the government's Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan program are "all accounted for," the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said Tuesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Laude's family seeks P200M in civil damages from Pemberton – lawyer

The family of slain Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude is seeking P200 million in civil damages from suspected killer Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton of the US Marines.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy: Energy chief Petilla, BuCor chief Bucayu offer to resign

After a massive power outage in Mindanao and with thin power reserves in Luzon, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla has offered to resign, President Benigno Aquino III confirmed Tuesday.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

4,337 pass Criminologist Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Tuesday announced that 4,337 out of 14,696 passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination given in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this month.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

NBI in hunt for source of drugs in Mary Jane Veloso’s luggage

The National Bureau of Investigation is now looking for the "African-looking" cohort of Maria Kristina Sergio, the recruiter who allegedly tricked overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso into sneaking drugs into Indonesia. Veloso is scheduled to be executed today by firing squad.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

3rd batch of pork scam cases, Malampaya fund mess not on DOJ’s priority list

With only a little over a year before the Aquino administration ends, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday said the Department of Justice was busy squeezing in as many "urgent" cases to resolve as possible.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao sees God delivering win over Mayweather

Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is confident he can beat American arch-rival Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on Saturday with the power of God, after abandoning a life he said was packed with sin condemning him to hell.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Sandiganbayan finds only P70,000 in Jinggoy’s bank accounts

After combing through bank accounts owned by detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the sheriff’s office of the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday revealed that so far it has only found a measly P70,504.10 in one of the senator’s accounts.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Edita Burgos to PNoy: Order military to produce Jonas

On the eighth year of Jonas Burgos’ disappearance, his mother on Tuesday urged President Benigno Aquino III to order the Philippine Army to produce her son and “return Jonas to the family, at whatever state he is in.”
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Almendras seeks legislation to prevent repeat of port congestion

To prevent a national problem caused by actions of local government officials, like last year's Manila truck ban that helped to worsen the port congestion, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras asked the Senate to come up with legislation restricting the powers of local government units.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Laudes ask SC to allow media coverage of Pemberton trial

If it can be done in the five-year-old Maguindanao murder trial, it can also be done in the Pemberton trial.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao packs a pricey pay-per-view punch

Guadalupe Jaimes, a Chicago roofing supply salesman, calls the $100 pay-per-view price tag for a high-definition broadcast of Saturday's boxing mega-match "ridiculous."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Pacquiao-Mayweather megafight numbers add up to new sporting landscape

"It is precedent setting and it breaks every financial model known to man," Rick Horrow, sports lecturer at Harvard Law School, told Reuters. "The pay-per-view is $100, the tickets are almost unaffordable for even the millionaire fight fan.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Widodo to PNoy: Veloso execution will be enforced

Malacañang said Indonesian authorities will enforce the execution ruling of their courts on Filipina human trafficking victim Mary Jane Veloso. Having received word of the result of his meeting with Indonesian President Widodo, President Aquino "instructed the Philippine ambassador in Indonesia to communicate with Mary Jane and find out what may be done to address her concerns for her family."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Senator Pia Cayetano's mobile phone snatched in Madrid, Spain

Senator Pia Cayetano shouted for help moments after her mobile phone was snatched while she was walking along an alley in Madrid, Spain last Sunday. Fortunately for her, some able-bodied bystanders nearby sprung to action to help her.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: In ESPN special, Manny Pacquiao talks about best friend dying in the ring

"Even though he died already, I will continue our dream. I will continue our battle."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

AFP: No ISIS militants in the Philippines

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Monday maintained that no Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants operate from the Philippines.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Catapang: AFP ready to send troops to help in post-earthquake Nepal

The Philippines is ready and willing to send troops to assist in the rescue efforts in quake-hit Nepal, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said on Monday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

INFOGRAPHIC: Countries that still impose the death penalty and how they do it

While almost all countries in the past have used the death penalty as punishment for crimes, the current trend is towards its abolition, human rights watchdog Amnesty International said in its global report on capital punishment.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Peace Council proposes minor changes to ‘unconstitutional’ clauses in draft BBL

The Peace Council that Malacañang tasked with reviewing the Bangsamoro Basic Law has proposed changes to certain provisions in the bill that some lawmakers have deemed unconstitutional and want to delete.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

INFOGRAPHIC: The biggest victories of Manny Pacquiao

Throughout his career, Manny Pacquiao has fought the best fighters of his generation.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Koko keen on probing Sevilla's resignation despite denial of Palace involvement

Despite the denial of resigned Customs Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla that he was pressured by Malacañang to quit his post, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III is keen on pursuing a Senate investigation on the former’s earlier claim.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNP spokesman gets back old post as director for intelligence

The Philippine National Police has assigned a new spokesperson on Monday as Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. takes back his old post as the chief of the Directorate for Intelligence.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

INFOGRAPHIC: Manny Pacquiao's road to the Mayweather fight

It has been weeks since the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight has been announced. What has the past two months been like for our Pambansang Kamao? Here's a look back at what Pacquiao has been doing inside the gym and out.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

PHL embassy staff asked to stop escorting politicians on vacation

The staff of the country's embassies should stop serving as tourist guides for government officials on a vacation in their respective posts, a senator said on Monday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: Caskets, crosses readied for Veloso and others on Indonesia death row

Caskets and crosses are being readied for Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso and other convicts facing execution in Indonesia on Tuesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Filipino fisherman blames Chinese Coast Guard for damaged boat, lost catch

The Chinese Coast Guard has harassed more Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, this time damaging a fishing vessel with water cannon. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

GRP-NDFP talks may resume in May; NDFP sets conditions

Peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines may resume in early May, the chairman of its negotiating panel said Monday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ombudsman charges former DOTC officials with graft

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft charges against two former officials of the DOTC for complicity in awarding a P24.8-million contract covering the procurement and installation of equipment for the Iloilo Toll Center constructed in 2006 without a public bidding.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy rallies ASEAN leaders to unite amid China’s reclamation work

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday rallied fellow Southeast Asian leaders to take a common stand to protect freedom of navigation and commerce in the South China Sea amid Chinese reclamation work in disputed waters.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jinggoy decries delays in bail petition

Detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday expressed frustration after his bail hearing was canceled anew to give way to an event justices has to attend.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Comelec looking into options after SC ruling to void deal for PCOS repair, diagnostics

The Commission on Elections is looking into its options for the 2016 elections, after the Supreme Court voided an agreement it had with Smartmatic-TIM for the P300-million diagnostics and repair of the 80,000 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy spokesman says Petilla still quiet on reported resignation

Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla has yet to respond to Malacañang's inquiry whether he has resigned from his post as reported over the weekend, presidential spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda said on Monday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Biazon, Loong once on opposing sides in Mindanao conflict, now pushing for peace

Former enemies in Mindanao now find themselves on the same table pushing for peace in Mindanao and the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

De Lima denies resign plan, but waits for LP invite

Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday denied rumors that she was planning to resign from the Department of Justice in preparation for a supposed senatorial bid, reiterating she does not have any 2016 plans yet.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

House panel head firm on unconstitutionality of some BBL provisions

The chairman of the House panel deliberating on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Monday stood firm on the necessity of removing provisions in the measure providing for the creation of the Bangsamoro region’s own constitutional bodies.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Davide: No need to amend Constitution for BBL

There is no need to amend the 1987 Constitution for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr said Monday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

NBI says Veloso victim of deception; DOJ probes recruiter for crime raps

The Department of Justice is studying the National Bureau of Investigation's recommendation to criminally charge the recruiter of overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso, who is set to be executed by firing squad in Indonesia.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ex-envoy: PHL’s ASEAN standing in peril if Congress fails to pass Bangsamoro law

The Philippines' standing in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will be adversely affected if Congress fails to pass the creation of a new Bangsamoro political entity and war erupts anew between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a former diplomat said on Monday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Gov't to shell out only P10.5B more for Bangsamoro region – Peace Council

The envisioned Bangsamoro region will only receive an additional P10.5 billion from the national government once the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed, as the rest of the so-called “block grant” is already part of the existing annual appropriations to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Peace Council tasked by Malacañang to review the measure said Monday
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL to offer aid to quake-hit Nepal

The Philippine government will offer aid to Nepal in the wake of the powerful earthquake that hit the country over the weekend.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Iloilo power firm working to ensure no blackout on Pacquiao-Mayweather fight

An electric utility firm in Panay Island is taking extra steps to make sure there will be no power outage  ob May 3, the day of the fight between boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Ex-BOC chief Sevilla denies he was pressured by Malacañang to quit post

Resigned Customs commisioner John Sevilla on Monday denied rumors that he quit his post due to pressure from Malacañang, after he refused to appoint lawyer Teddy Raval as head of the bureau's security division.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pope may no longer return to PHL in 2016 for eucharistic congress, says archbishop

Pope Francis may no longer return to the Philippines this coming January for the International Eucharistic Congress, a senior Catholic Church official said over the weekend.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Peace council did not hear the poor in its BBL review--Monsod

The poor was not represented and heard in the review of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, lawyer Christian Monsod, former Commission on Elections chairman and a member of the peace council said Monday.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao a national symbol of hope in PHL

Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao is idolized by tens of millions in the Philippines both for his punching power and as a national icon of hope after rising from the streets to the pinnacle of world boxing.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Bistek, Dingdong, Isko eyed by LP for its 2016 senatorial slate

Showbiz personalities Dingdong Dantes, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista are among the individuals eyed by the Liberal Party for the administration’s 2016 senatorial slate.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

BBL complies with 1987 Constitution – peace council

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is compliant with the 1987 Constitution, the peace council tasked by President Benigno Aquino III to review the draft bill said Monday. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Peace council urges Congress to pass BBL

The distinguished civil society leaders comprising the Peace Council on Monday called on Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law during the Aquino administration, saying it would be “foolhardy” to postpone its approval and put to waste 17 years of negotiations.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mayweather: Boxing’s polarizing pound-for-pound king

Floyd Mayweather, the world's highest-paid athlete and self-styled "Money Man," will hit the Las Vegas jackpot once again when he puts his unblemished record on the line to fight Manny Pacquiao on May 2.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

PNoy, Vietnam PM voice concern over Chinese ‘harassment’ in disputed territories

President Benigno Aquino III has joined forces with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in voicing concern Chinese “harassment” in the South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Chinese actions ‘may undermine peace’ in South China Sea —ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese island-building efforts "may undermine peace, security and stability" in the disputed South China Sea, said a statement by Southeast Asian leaders meeting for a summit on Monday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Boxing: Heavyweight appetizer sets up Mayweather-Pacquiao

Wladimir Klitschko joined Joe Louis in the record books with his title bout on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) but the event took a decided back seat to boxing's latest 'Fight of the Century' -- Mayweather v Pacquiao.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Iglesia ni Cristo has sway in government agencies, Osmeña admits

Senator Sergio Osmeña III on Sunday acknowledged the influence of Iglesia ni Cristo in government agencies as he lamented the resignation of Customs Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla, who did so citing political pressure.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mar Roxas will need popularity boost ahead of elections – Osmeña

Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II will need a situation that will boost his popularity to overcome his dismal performance in pre-election surveys, Senator Sergio Osmena III said Sunday
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Congress eyes BBL passage before PNoy's final SONA

The chairman of the House panel deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has assured the measure will be passed by both chambers of Congress before President Benigno Aquino III gives his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ochoa: P11.8M set aside for Aquino's trip to ASEAN summit in Malaysia

The government has set aside P11.8 million for President Benigno Aquino III and his 64-member delegation to the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said on Sunday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: Pacquiao sends message of sympathy and support to Nepal quake victims

Champion boxer and legislator Manny Pacquiao on Sunday sent a message of sympathy to those affected by the killer magnitude-7.8 quake that hit Nepal over the weekend.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Pacquiao tells Roach: "I will knock Mayweather out'

Pacquiao has been known not to make bold predictions ahead of a fight but that won't be the case this time around when he battles Floyd Mayweather on May 2 (May 3 PHL time).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Beijing poised for ‘de facto control’ of South China Sea —PHL

Beijing is poised to take "de facto control" of the South China Sea, the Philippines warned on Sunday as it called on fellow Southeast Asian countries to "finally stand up" to their massive neighbour.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

House bill seeks to turn Arroyo's La Vista home into ‘sub-jail’ under BJMP

Even before the Sandiganbayan has ruled on former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s plea for house arrest, a lawmaker has proposed turning her La Vista residence into a sub-jail so she can be detained there.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNP reminds public: Dugo-Dugo Gang targeting children too

The Philippine National Police reminded the public against the wiles of the Dugo-Dugo Gang, which it said is not limiting its targets to household helpers.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy leaves for ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday left for Malaysia to attend a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Look: Pacquiao celebrates son Israel’s birthday

Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao on Sunday took time off from his training to celebrate the birthday of his youngest child.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: 2k people watch Pacquiao train at Pan-Pacific Park

Some 2,000 people gathered at Pan-Pacific Park to watch Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao train for his fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. next week.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Palace reminds new lawyers of role in good governance

Malacañang on Saturday reminded the country's new lawyers of their role in good governance by helping push reforms in the judiciary.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mar mum on 2016 but ‘ready to take on any role’ in government

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, the likely presidential candidate of the administration Liberal Party, said Saturday that he is prepared to fulfill any role in the government.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

INFOGRAPHIC: How Pacquiao-Mayweather compares with other big money fights

Manny Pacquiao's bout with Floyd Mayweather on May 2 (May 3 PHL time) promises to be the richest fight in the history of boxing. Just how rich? Check out the infographic below to find out.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Freddie Roach will be Pacquiao's edge against Mayweather, says Cotto

"Working with Freddie Roach the past two fights, I know what he is capable of doing and I think he is going to get Manny to see Floyd's mistakes and Manny is going to take advantage of them."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Mosley, Hatton agree: Pacquiao hits harder than Mayweather

"Having felt both guys punch, Pacquiao is the harder puncher because I went down. I was dizzy when I got up. I felt in that fight I didn't have a chin anymore."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

INFOGRAPHIC: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Tale of the Tape

How does Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather stack up against each other? Check the infographic below to find out.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

US seeks access to Philippine bases as part of Asia pivot

The United States has asked for access to Philippine military bases in eight locations to rotate troops, aircraft, and ships as Washington shifts its forces to Asia and as China expands its military presence in the South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: Freddie Roach highlights as a boxer

When Manny Pacquiao climbs into the ring against Floyd Mayweather on May 2 (May 3 PHL time), one of his biggest weapons will be the presence of Freddie Roach in his corner. But before going on to a lengthy a Hall of Fame career as a trainer, Roach laced up the mitts himself. Check out some highlights of Roach in the ring below.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Palace: No info on legal counsel’s reported resignation

Malacañang on Saturday said it has no information on the reported resignation of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Benjamin Caguioa.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Palace: PNoy may have chance to discuss Veloso case with Indonesia leader

President Benigno Aquino III may have a chance to discuss with Indonesian leader Jokowi Widodo the case of Mary Jane Veloso, the overseas Filipino worker facing execution for a drug-related case in Indonesia, Malacañang hinted Saturday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Mayweather's violent history ignored, women's advocates say

While world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather prepares for his May 2 (May 3, PHL time) bout against Manny Pacquiao, women's advocates believe his history of domestic violence is merely a footnote to the biggest fight in years.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Palace announces new appointments to govt posts

Malacañang on Saturday announced new appointments to government posts including six to the Inter-Country Adoption Board and 10 to the National Meat Inspection Service.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy transfers disaster rehab and recovery powers to NEDA

President Benigno Aquino III has transferred the powers of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery to the National Economic and Development Authority, Malacañang said Saturday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Boxing-Bouts from different eras can't be ranked – Arum

Next week's fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is expected to be the most lucrative ever in boxing but that does not necessarily make it the biggest of all time, veteran promoter Bob Arum told Reuters.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

ES Ochoa tried to influence appointments at Customs, sources say

It was Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa who tried to get John Sevilla, who resigned as Customs commissioner on Thursday citing political pressure, to appoint Teddy Raval as head of the bureau's intelligence service, sources have told GMA News. Sevilla had said earlier that the request for him to appoint Raval, the Customs Intellectual Property Rights Division head, as head of the Enforcement and Security Service was an example of the political pressure he faced at the bureau.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Conflict of interest: Lina firm under investigation at Customs, say sources

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, who took his oath of office on Friday, will divest himself of shares in customs brokerage service AIR21 to avoid conflicts of interest, but GMA News sources say he also owns a company under investigation by the bureau he now heads.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

INFOGRAPHIC: Who's on Team Pacquiao, Who's on Team Mayweather (Celebrity Edition)

The whole world is gearing up for Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather's mega-fight on May 2 (May 3 PHL time) in Las Vegas. Even the world's celebrities couldn't help but pick sides. Who's on Team Pacquiao and who's on Team Mayweather?
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Sandiganbayan affirms conviction of ex-QC officials over Ozone Disco tragedy

The Fifth Division of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has affirmed its earlier ruling finding seven former Quezon City officials and two private individuals guilty of graft for the 1996 fire, dubbed the “Ozone Disco Tragedy”, that left 162 people dead.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

How Pacquiao can beat Mayweather, according to Roy Jones

Long before Floyd Mayweather built up his legend, Roy Jones was atop the boxing world's pound-for-pound list for his preternatural skills and undefeated record.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

WATCH: Keanu Reeves' message to Manny Pacquiao

Keanu Reeves was a trending topic on Twitter for most of Friday after paying a visit to Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. The Hollywood star reportedly visited Pacquiao to ask the fighter to join his new television show, and even left a message for Manny ahead of his fight with Floyd Mayweather.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

SC justice to 1,126 new lawyers: Have clean conscience, moral fitness

The 1,126 passers of the 2014 Bar examinations on Friday took their oaths as new lawyers, taking home with them a reminder from a Supreme Court justice to have a clean conscience and moral fitness in their law practice.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Choice of Pacquiao-Mayweather referee 'absolutely' favors Floyd, says De La Hoya

The choice of Kenny Bayless to referee Manny Pacquiao's fight against Floyd Mayweather on May 2 (May 3 PHL time) is not without its critics.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

BFAR chief sounds global alarm over coral reef damage due to Chinese reclamation work

The whole world should be concerned over the damage to coral reefs being caused by Chinese reclamation work in disputed territories in the South China Sea, the head of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

SC: Comelec can still 'directly contract' PCOS repair, diagnostics despite voided deal

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) can still enter into a direct contract with any service provider for the diagnostics and repair of the 80,000 precinct count optical scan machines for the 2016 polls after all, the Supreme Court ruled.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Agri chief denies benefiting from P14.4-B projects questioned by COA

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on Friday categorically denied pocketing government funds from the P14.4-billion projects of his department recently questioned by Commission on Audit (COA).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

For friends and fellow congressmen: Pacquiao spends P220 million on fight tickets

Manny Pacquiao spent $5 million, or nearly P220 million, for tickets he could give away to family and fellow congressmen for his fight against Floyd Mayweather on May 2 (May 3 PHL time).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Business exec hopes govt can keep its best people, cites resigned BOC chief

With the resignation of Customs commissioner John Sevilla, a Makati Business Club official on Friday said he hopes the government finds a way to keep its best people from leaving their respective posts.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Napoles to share cell with murder, homicide convicts

Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged mastermind of the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam and recently convicted for serious illegal detention, will soon be sharing a cell with hardened criminals, a jail officer siad Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Napoles, Luy to face each other soon

Detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and her nephew-turned-accuser Benhur Luy will soon face each other in court.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

LOOK: Keanu, Stallone, and other celebs supporting Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao has been enjoying a lot of support from local and international celebrities, getting visits and well-wishes from the likes of actor-rapper Mark Wahlberg, Black-Eyed Peas member apl.de.ap, and former Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

PNoy appoints Ninoy’s ex-aide to Martial Law advisory panel

President Benigno Aquino III has appointed a former aide of his father, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Jr., to the Martial Law historical advisory committee.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

SC looks forward to CA report on Trillanes bribe claims

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Friday said the Supreme Court would be looking forward to the findings of the Court Appeals' investigation on the bribery claims made by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV against two CA justices.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Miriam wants elected officials who barricade office to resist suspension punished

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago wants Senate to come up with a punishment scheme for elective officials who set up barricades around their offices to resist suspension orders against them.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Alberto Lina returns to Bureau of Customs as commissioner

Alberto Lina on Friday took his oath anew as commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, taking the helm following the resignation of John Sevilla. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Indonesia orders execution of Mary Jane Veloso and 9 others

The Attorney General's Office (AGO) of Indonesia released a letter ordering the execution of 10 convicts with drug-related charges on Friday, the Jakarta Post reported. AGO Spokesperson Tony Spontana said the letter was dated April 23.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

ASEAN summit to urge ‘self-restraint’ in South China Sea dispute

KUALA LUMPUR - A Southeast Asian summit will urge "self-restraint" in the South China Sea but avoid directly criticizing Chinese actions that have fanned tensions in the contested waters, a diplomatic source with knowledge of a draft statement said Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP accuses China of ‘aggressive actions’ against Navy plane in West PHL Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has accused China of committing aggressive actions by flashing powerful lights at a Navy airplane on patrol in the West Philippine Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL won’t heed China’s call to stop fishing in Panatag Shoal

The Philippines will not heed China’s call to stop fishing activities in Panatag Shoal, even after a Chinese Coast Guard vessel used a water cannon to drive Filipino fishermen away from the disputed area.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

New Customs chief divesting from brokerage firm – Palace

Newly-appointed Customs chief Alberto Lina is divesting from his brokerage firm in line with his acceptance of the appointment, Malacañang said Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Hot weather shrinks eggs in Ilocos poultry farms

The higher the mercury, the smaller the eggs. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Denied bail, Arroyo runs to SC

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ran to the Supreme Court for help after her supplemental bail plea was denied by the Sandiganbayan.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ex-Palawan lawmaker faces malversation charges over ‘fertilizer fund scam’

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the filing of malversation charges against a former lawmaker and several others in connection with their alleged involvement in the fertilizer fund scam, which was one of the corruption scandals that rocked the Arroyo administration.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: In funny new ad, Manny Pacquiao left confused about Mayweather fight

Manny Pacquiao follows up his hilarious Foot Locker ad last November.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Ex-SC justice to magistrates: Don’t scold lawyers

A retired Supreme Court justice Thursday advised his fellow magistrates to refrain from scolding lawyers during oral arguments, especially when the lawyers are merely citing an established legal doctrine.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao-Mayweather weigh-in tickets to cost $10

Promoters of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather mega fight have taken the unusual step of charging for the weigh-in after a limited number of tickets for the fight were snapped up almost immediately on Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Napoles says Makati judge promised promotion for convicting her

Embattled businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains behind the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam, on Friday alleged that Judge Elmo Alameda was promised promotion by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in exchange for her conviction for serious illegal detention.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ilocos Sur resto to serve favorite dishes of Pacman, Mayweather on fight day

When boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao mixes it up with Floyd Mayweather on May 3 (PHL time), a restaurant in Vigan City in Ilocos Sur will be serving guests the two boxers' favorite dishes.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

PNoy to meet Abe in Japan amid countries’ territorial rows with China

With both their countries locked in territorial disputes with China, President Benigno Aquino III will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Japan this June to discuss ways to enhance the states’ strategic partnership.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

SC allows Napoles to attend 'pork' hearings at Sandigan

Businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles may be brought out of jail to attend hearings at the Sandiganbayan on the P10-billion pork barrel fund case.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Business groups urge gov't to address concerns over K to 12

Business groups supporting the K to 12 program urged the government to proactively address, through continued dialogue with stakeholders, the concerns of the public over the implementation of education reforms.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Singing pastors off to US for Pacquiao-Mayweather fight

A group of singing pastors who will sing the Philippine national anthem during Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao's fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. are set to fly to the United States Friday night.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Sandiganbayan holds Napoles bail hearing in Mandaluyong detention facility

The Sandiganbayan Third Division held on Friday its first hearing for Janet Lim-Napoles' bail petition inside a detention facility in Mandaluyong City.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Group: Use urine to water plants as part of conservation efforts

With the hot weather expected to last until about June, one could use urine to water plants.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao-Mayweather bout delivers knockout ticket prices

Tickets for the megafight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao finally hit the market on Thursday and unless your name is Warren Buffet or Madonna, you will probably have to watch the May 2 bout on pay-per-view.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Mayweather, Pacquiao bout delivers knockout ticket prices

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is expected to pack in close to 16,500 for the fight but estimates had only 500 to 1,000 tickets going on sale to the public with the rest earmarked for the two fighters, the casino, sponsors and promoters.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Tickets for Pacquiao-Mayweather bout sold online all gone in 60 seconds

All tickets made available online for the May 2 bout between undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. and boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao were sold out in just 60 seconds on Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Floyd Sr admits: Mayweather not the same fighter but will still beat Pacquiao

After spending 19 years in the professional boxing arena, Floyd Sr. argues that his son was bound to lose something through the years.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

LOOK: Keanu Reeves visits Pacquiao 1 week before bout with Mayweather

One week to go before his bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr., boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao got a visit from versatile Canadian actor Keanu Reeves.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Chinese warship warns PHL patrol plane in disputed sea

A Chinese warship stationed near a reclaimed reef in a disputed part of the South China Sea aimed a "powerful light" at a Philippine military plane on a maritime patrol, Philippine military sources said on Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy to visit Canada in May

President Benigno Aquino III will go to Canada for a visit in early May, the office of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

VP Binay open to exploring for oil with China in disputed sea

JAKARTA - Vice President Jejomar Binay, considered a front-runner for the presidency in 2016, said on Thursday he would welcome a joint venture with China to explore for oil and gas in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

MILF response to DOJ report dictated by protocols with the GPH – Iqbal

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said on Thursday that because the MILF's relationship with the Philippine Government was political in nature and not a legal one, the MILF did not automatically have to obey the Justice Department's recommendations in its report on the Mamasapano clash.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

COA report says DA misused P14B in public funds

The Department of Agriculture headed by Secretary Proceso Alcala misused some P14 billion in public funds, including more than P6 billion for farm-to-market roads which were never built, the Commission on Audit said in a report.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

MILF disputes DOJ report's conclusions on the Mamasapano clash

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar on Thursday contested the findings of a Department of Justice (DOJ) report on the Mamasapano clash, especially the conclusion that some members of the MILF committed murder.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Carpio: China’s reclamation poses ‘national crisis’ for PHL

China's aggressive reclamation over the West Philippine Sea may result in a national crisis for the Philippines, Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL accuses China coast guard of armed robbery

The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard on Thursday of robbing Filipino fishermen at gunpoint during a series of confrontations at a disputed shoal in the hotly contested South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

VERA Files: PHL, Vietnam to hold naval drills, scientific research in South China Sea

The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to conduct joint naval drills and scientific studies amid concerns over China’s intensified reclamations in the South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

House BBL panel: Who will have authority over Bangsamoro police?

Laws concerning the Philippine National Police came under scrutiny Thursday as Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez — chairman of the panel deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law — quizzed National Police Commission Commissioner Eduardo Escueta on how the Bangsamoro chief minister and local chief executives will exercise operational control and supervision over the Bangsamoro police.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Sandiganbayan Fifth Division approves Elenita Binay’s request for US travel

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Thursday allowed Dr. Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, to travel to California in the United States although she still needs to get permission from two other divisions of the anti-graft court.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bongbong open to becoming VP Binay’s running mate

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday that he is open to becoming Vice President Jejomar Binay's running mate when Binay runs for president in 2016.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Arroyo asks to be detained in Pampanga

Even before the Sandiganbayan could decide on her request for house arrest, former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has asked the anti-graft court to allow her to be detained in her hometown.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

882 pass Midwife Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday announced that 882 out of 1,968 passed the Midwife Licensure Examination given in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Legazpi, Lucena, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this month.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Former BOC commish Albert Lina to replace Sevilla as Customs chief

Businessman and former Customs Commissioner Albert Lina is set to replace John "Sunny" Sevilla as Bureau of Customs chief, after the incumbent official on Thursday announced he filed his resignation before President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday because of difficulties in implementing reforms.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

After Mamasapano, solons wary of coordination clause in Bangsamoro bill

The proposed coordination protocols for the movement of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the proposed Bangsamoro region might make the police's work more difficult as they will have to pass through a certain “intergovernmental relations mechanism” first, lawmakers warned Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

WATCH: Manny Pacquiao guests on Jimmy Kimmel, talks to Dr. Phil

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday (PHL time), taking some time off his training for his megafight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 (May 3, PHL time).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Legal experts: SC justices shouldn't appear siding with a party

Supreme Court magistrates should refrain from "appearing" in favor of a party in a case, to avoid being accused of pre-judgment, according to a law dean.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Iqbal to reveal real name after BBL is passed

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Radio enthusiast flown out of Pag-asa Island for medical treatment

A member of ham radio Mabuhay DX Group was flown out of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday after suffering an infection from drinking highly saline local water.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy, the mechanic? Aquino jokes about alternative job to avoid critics

To avoid his critics, President Benigno Aquino III is thinking of shifting careers from politics to mechanics.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

UN Arbitral Tribunal to decide if it can handle PHL protest vs China

The United Nations' (UN) Arbitral Tribunal is set to hold a hearing in July to decide if it should handle the Philippines' protest against China over the latter's alleged unlawful claims in the South China Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Senators ask MILF leaders to help find justice for SAF 44

Senators on Thursday urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to cooperate with the Department of Justice in pursuing justice for the victims of the Mamasapano clash.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Napoles’ bail hearing to be held at Women’s Correctional

The Sandiganbayan Third Division will conduct the bail hearing of Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains behind the pork barrel scam, at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City on Friday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Palace admits reforming Customs ‘a big challenge’

Following Customs chief John Phillip Sevilla’s resignation, Malacañang admitted Thursday that reforming the bureau is a “big challenge” for the administration.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL as ‘cute little submissive’ of US? China stoops to name-calling —DFA

In the latest trade of diplomatic barbs with China, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday brushed aside a Chinese media editorial calling the Philippines a “cute little submissive” of the United States.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bongbong wants assurance Bangsamoro territory will remain part of PHL

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is keen on including in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law a provision that would state that the Bangsamoro political entity will remain part of the national territory of the Philippines.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

DAR already addressed COA findings on delayed projects —Palace

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) already addressed delays in the implementation of its multibillion-peso projects pointed out by the Commission on Audit (COA), Malacañang said Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bongbong urges Sevilla: Name personalities pressuring you

A lawmaker on Thursday challenged resigned Customs chief John Sevilla to name personalities exerting "political pressure" that forced him to quit his post.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Pacquiao-Mayweather tickets finally go on sale

Tickets for the megafight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are finally set to go on sale on Thursday (Friday PHL time), erasing any doubts that the bout will push through on May 2 (May 3, PHL time).
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Gloria Arroyo’s health steadily deteriorating, says lawyer

Former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has not been well, her lawyers said Thursday. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

2 more incidents of harassment on Filipino fishermen reported in Panatag

The government has received reports of two new incidents of harassment on Filipino fishermen in the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Lawmakers oppose giving primary responsibility over public order, safety to Bangsamoro govt

The ad hoc committee deliberating on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law in the House of Representatives is bent on removing the primary responsibility over public order and safety within the envisioned new political entity from the Bangsamoro government.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Trillanes commends VP Binay;VP meets Indonesia counterpart to plead for Veloso's life

Taking a break from criticizing Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV commended the vice president for his efforts to save the life of Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso who faces the death penalty in Indonesia for drug trafficking. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy: Govt accomplishments outweigh all the insults

Faced with record-low ratings, President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday once again enumerated his administration’s gains, saying these outweigh all the criticisms and insults being hurled towards him.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Marine scientist pegs losses from China’s reclamation activities at $350k

A veteran marine scientist on Thursday pegged to at least $350,000 the total value of coral reefs destroyed in the ongoing reclamation works of China in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Customs chief Sevilla quits post

Just over a year after his appointment, Bureau of Customs Commissioner John "Sunny" Sevilla resigned from the post, announcing his resignation during a press briefing on Thursday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bishop prays for Indonesian authorities’ change of heart to spare OFW Veloso

A senior Catholic Church official on Wednesday offered a prayer to spare Filipina Mary Jane Veloso from execution in Indonesia.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ali? I’m the best, says Mayweather

Never one to talk himself down, Floyd Mayweather declared Wednesday that he isn't just good, he's better than Muhammad Ali, the man many call "The Greatest."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

Subdued Mayweather sure he has winning ticket

With tickets to his May 2 mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao set to fetch jaw-dropping prices, Floyd Mayweather felt no need to add to the hype on Wednesday, avoiding controversy with the same ease with which he evades punches.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

LOOK: Pacquiao posts conditioning pics ahead of bout with Mayweather

With just barely a week to go before he faces Floyd Mayweather Jr, boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao on Thursday (PHL time) posted photos of his conditioning workout.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / Sports / Boxing

SWS: Poe tops list of 'top-of-mind' veep bets

If the 2016 vice presidential elections were held now, Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares would be the most likely to emerge as the winner, a new survey by Social Weather Stations showed.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Two Korean fugitives nabbed, will be deported – Immigration bureau

Two Korean fugitives were arrested in separate operations, GMA News' “24 Oras” newscast reported on Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP admits lack of resources to secure West Philippine Sea

Simple and minimal are the Philippines' installations deployed in the South China Sea, but the military's spokesman said they will still do what must be done when they are faced with a situation that calls for forceful action.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL FDA warns vs 6 unregistered drug products

In an advisory posted on its website, the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines said six unregistered products "pose potential danger or injury to the consuming public."
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

3 Iloilo cops sacked for grave misconduct; case took 7 years, appealable

Three Iloilo police officers were dismissed from the service for detaining a man for two days without filing appropriate charges against him in 2008. In its decision, the National Police Commission scored the three for grave misconduct over the arrest of Alejandro Gayanoche.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Aklan transport group objects to DOTC-LTO-LTFRB speedometer inspections

Members of an Aklan-based transport group on Wednesday held a protest caravan against the inspection of their vehicles' speedometers as mandated by a joint administrative order of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Land Transportation Office and Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Bayan Muna asks ERC to stop power rate hike in Meralco's April billing

Bayan Muna petitioned the Energy Regulatory Commission on Wednesday for a temporary restraining order on the rate hike reflected in the April 2015 billing of the Manila Electric Company. 
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

DOJ refrains from looking into PNoy’s liability in Mamasapano clash

Contrary to other investigating bodies that have released reports on the Mamasapano incident, the Department of Justice (DOJ) refrained from looking into the possible liability of President Benigno Aquino III in the botched operation that left over 60 people dead.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL gov’t urged to launch propaganda blitz vs. China

The Philippine government should launch a propaganda blitz against China to get greater international support on the territorial dispute between the two countries, Senator Francis Escudero proposed on Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

NP to discuss 2016 options during Japan cruise –Trillanes

The Nacionalista Party would most likely have an idea who its presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial candidates for next year's elections would be after its Japan cruise scheduled later this month, Senator Antonio Trillanes  IV said Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Usman spotted at Umbra Kato’s funeral –military

Suspected terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, a target in the ill-fated police operation in Maguindanao last January 25, attended the funeral of the late rebel leader Ameril Umbra Kato, the military said Wednesday.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

FULL TEXT: DOJ report on Mamasapano clash

The Department of Justice on Tuesday released a report from its joint National Bureau of Investigation–National Prosecution Service Special Investigation Team on the Mamasapano clash. The report recommended the filing of criminal charges against 90 people for murder and theft in connection with the death of the 35 members of the 55th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force.  
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNP-SAF men fired first shot at MILF fighters in Mamasapano — DOJ report

Police commandos from the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force 55th Special Action Company fired the first shot at Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Department of Justice.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

After 5 years, QC court denies Andal Ampatuan Sr.’s bail plea

Clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr., the principal suspect in the Maguindanao massacre, will not be able to enjoy temporary freedom. This was after Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Regional Trial Court Branch 221 denied Ampatuan’s bail plea, after more than five years of hearing the murder case.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Chiz to AFP chief: Refrain from commenting on West PHL Sea issue

Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday said Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. should refrain from making statements regarding the country’s territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP thumbs down military escorts for Pinoy fishermen in West PHL Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday said it cannot send Navy escorts to Filipino fishermen in the dispured West Philippine Sea as it would worsen to already volatile situation there.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Solons say PNoy also accountable for P14B DA fund mess

Two militant lawmakers on Wednesday said President Benigno Aquino III should be held accountable for the P14 billion allegedly misused by the Department of Agriculture because he continues to keep DA Secretary Proceso Alcala in the cabinet despite allegations of wrongdoing against him.
Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation