Senators' signatures do not mean VP Binay is culpable - Quicho

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday belittled the signing by senators of the Blue Ribbon subcommittee report recommending the filing of plunder charges against the second-highest executive.
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Over 50 classrooms in Muntinlupa rendered useless due to fault

More than 50 classroom in three Muntinlupa schools have been rendered useless after they were found to be transected by one of the fault systems in Metro Manila.
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PNoy sees charges vs. Valenzuela officials over deadly factory fire

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday described the deadly Valenzuela factory fire last month as a  "tragedy waiting to happen," as he vowed to go after individuals responsible for the incident.
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De Lima finds replacement for resigned BuCor OIC

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has found a replacement for Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge Franklin Jesus Bucayu, who had earlier quit his post. De Lima, however, has yet to reveal who her choice is pending further discussions as regards the appointment.
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Sandiganbayan denies Jinggoy’s furlough plea

The Sandiganbayan has denied the request of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to leave his detention this week for his mother's 85th birthday.
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3 more senators to sign subcommittee report vs. VP Binay

A least three senators have expressed readiness to sign the draft nlue ribbon subcommittee report recommending the filing of plunder charges against Vice President Jejomar Binay and sevral others in connection with the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building II.
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BBL is non-negotiable, Muslim groups say

Solidarity Muslim groups on Monday warned lawmakers not to water down the Bangsamoro Basic Law draft but keep it faithful to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government peace panel.
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DepEd’s Luistro: Schools ‘better prepared’ for this year's opening

Education Secretary Armin Luistro on Monday said the opening of school year 2015-2016 was generally better than that of the previous years, with school administrators and teachers better prepared. 
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Ex-CDO Rep. Jaraula pleads ‘not guilty’ to ‘pork’ cases

Former Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula on Monday pleaded "not guilty" for the multiple charges filed against him in connection with his alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam.
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DepEd Sec. Luistro visits Sarangani Islands in Davao Occidental for school opening

Education Secretary Armin Luistro on Monday visited schools in Balut Island and Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental to observe this year's school opening.
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Over 5M voters’ IDs still unclaimed —Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said over 5.5 million voters' IDs are still not claimed by registered voters as of March 2015.
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Pinoy boxer Milan Melindo loses world title bid in Mexico

Word rated Filipino boxer Milan Melindo fell short in his second world title attempt, losing by a technical unanimous decision to IBF world light flyweight champion Javier Mendoza, Saturday (Sunday, PHL time), at Camp Nuevo Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico.  
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Cardinal Tagle pushes care for environment, others as part of disaster preparedness

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Sunday pushed for a mentality of caring for the environment and for other people as part of Filipinos' disaster preparedness efforts.
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Palace leaves review of laws on PCSO’s mandatory contributions to Congress

Malacañang is leaving it up to Congress to review laws requiring the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to provide mandatory contributions to various government agencies following the state lottery firm’s admission that it is now running out of funds to help indigent patients because of the compulsory funds it needs to shell out.
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No guarantee BBL will be passed by June 11 – House Majority Leader

The House of Representatives might not be able to approve the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before Congress adjourns on June 11 even if sessions for this week are extended for two more days until Friday, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said Sunday.
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Palace stresses adherence to Triple Action Plan to defuse tension in WPS

Malacañang on Sunday reiterated its commitment to resolve the escalating tension in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) through the Triple Action Plan (TAP) amid the sighting of mobile artillery weapons systems on a reclaimed island constructed by China in the area.
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Priest fears more school dropouts with K-12 program

While Catholic schools may be behind the government's K to 12 program, a Catholic priest still fears there could be more dropouts because of the program.
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Palace nixes ‘no-el’ scenario claims amid push for Cha-Cha

Malacañang on Sunday dismissed as baseless a youth lawmaker’s claim that the passage of the pending proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution will pave the way for a no-election (no-el) scenario next year.
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House leader eyes voting on Cha-Cha first over BBL

The resolution seeking to amend the economic provisions of the Constitution might be put to a vote for third and final reading ahead of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the House of Representatives if at least 250 of the 290 House members show up in the plenary, a House leader said Sunday.
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CBCP reminds netizens of social media’s moral consequences

Social media has a wide reach and should thus be used responsibly. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Social Communication and Mass Media issued the reminder in the wake of recent viral videos.
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Pimentel confirms plunder recommendation vs VP Binay

Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee chair Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel finally confirmed on Sunday that the subcommittee recommended in its partial report the filing of plunder charges against Vice President Jejomar Binay and some of his associates.
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260 students from fire-hit school won’t have textbooks when school starts

When the new school year starts Monday, some 260 students at the Shamrock Elementary School in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte will not have textbooks to use.
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Eco group asks schools to ban plastic bags, styro containers

An ecological group over the weekend appealed to schools to ban plastic bags and polystyrene (styro) containers from campus.
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PHIVOLCS: No tsunami threat from Japan earthquake

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology allayed fears of a tsunami from a powerful earthquake that hit Japan Saturday evening.
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Sen. Poe signed ‘highly partisan’ subpanel report ‘based on lies’ – Binay camp

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay has criticized Senator Grace Poe's signing of a Senate subcommittee report recommending plunder charges against the vice president, saying the report was merely based on lies. 
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Drilon prefers LP bet to lead administration's 2016 slate

The administration's standard-bearer should come from the Liberal Party, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Saturday, amid reports of a possible team-up with independent Sen. Grace Poe.   
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Some students to start classes on Monday in makeshift classrooms

As the new school year's classes begin on Monday, some students in various provinces will be enduring the hot weather in makeshift classrooms, a report from GMA's “Balitanghali” said Saturday.
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Pinoy fighter Melindo makes weight for world title shot at Mexican champ

Misamis Oriental native Milan Melindo and defending IBF world light flyweight champion Javier Mendoza successfully made weight for their world title clash on Saturday (Sunday PHL time) at Camp Nuevo Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico.
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Valte says PNoy may certify BBL as urgent, but not for SONA

President Benigno Aquino III will likely certify as urgent the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in keeping with the timetable for its enactment, a palace official said Saturday.
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Mayweather will be remembered for his character, not excitement - Hatton

Retired two-division champion Ricky Hatton has an idea how Floyd Mayweather will be remembered when all is said and done.
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Drilon eyes new deadline for proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

Unsure whether the Senate could meet its self-imposed deadline for the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Senate President Franklin Drilon on Saturday stressed the importance of having the measure enacted before October this year.
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PNoy to meet with investors during Japan trip

President Benigno Aquino III is also set to meet with Japan's business leaders during his state visit to the East Asian nation next week to strengthen cooperation in efforts to maintain security in the region.
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VP Binay camp’s claims vs. LP grossly unfounded —Drilon

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Saturday dismissed as "totally unfounded" the accusations of the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay that the administration party is using government agencies' resources, including the Anti-Money Laundering Council, in preparation for the 2106 polls.
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Missile cruiser USS Shiloh arrives in Subic Bay for port call

The United States' missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG-67) arrived Saturday morning in Subic Bay to make a port call, a television report said.
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US demands immediate halt to South China Sea reclamations

The United States on Saturday called for an "immediate and lasting halt" to reclamation works in disputed waters in the South China Sea, saying China's behavior in the area was "out of step" with international norms.
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Warship USS Shiloh making port call in Subic this weekend

The US warship USS Shiloh (CG-67) is due to make a port call in Subic Bay this weekend, the US Embassy in Manila said Friday.
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Hatton: Mayweather will be remembered for his colorful character, not exciting fights

Retired two-division champion Ricky Hatton has an idea how Floyd Mayweather will be remembered when all is said and done.
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Students get second chance at a college education

Failing the college entrance examinations means "end of the world" for some students but some two thousand students in Manila got a second chance at getting a college degree.  
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Ombudsmans suspends BIR officer for graft

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension of a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officer after it found probable cause to conduct an investigation on a graft complaint against her filed by the Department of Finance-Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF-RIPS).  
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Grace Poe: Loyalty should be to the people not friends

Senator Grace Poe said Friday she still respects Vice President Jejomar Binay and acknowledges his loyalty to her late father, actor and one-time opposition standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr. But the senator said Binay still has to answer the corruption allegations hurled against him.
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Ruby Tuason received more than P41M from ‘pork’ scam – Luy

Self-confessed bagman Ruby Tuason got more kickbacks from the pork barrel scam than what she had returned to the government.   This was revealed by pork barrel scam primary whistleblower Benhur Luy at the continuation of the hearing of the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday.
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US says China has placed mobile artillery on reclaimed island

SINGAPORE  - The United States said on Friday that China had placed mobile artillery weapons systems on a reclaimed island in the disputed South China Sea, a development that Republican Sen. John McCain called "disturbing and escalatory."  
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Etta Rosales: Duterte has better chances in running for mayor

Former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Loretta Ann Rosales thinks Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has a better chance of winning a re-election than a presidential campaign in the 2016 elections.
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Makabayan bloc, national artist ask SC to stop K-12 Program

The Makabayan bloc of party-list lawmakers and national artist Bienvenido Lumbera on Friday filed the latest petition seeking to stop the implementation of the K-12 program under Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which added two more years in high school.
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AFP’s third highest ranking official retires

Armed Forces of the Philippines' deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Virgilio Domingo on Friday official retired from the military after 34 years of service.
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PNoy defends K-12: Gov't ready, additional years not a burden

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday defended his flagship education reform effort, the K to 12 program, from critics questioning its legality and government's capability to implement it.
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Ruby Tuason got P18M ‘rebate’ from Janet Lim Napoles —Benhur Luy

State witness Ruby Tuason, who confessed being the channel for payoffs in Janet Lim Napoles' alleged pork barrel scam, also received kickbacks from the Malampaya fund scam, a fellow state witness said on Friday.
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Ex-CHR chief's barbs may make me run - Duterte

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly denied planning to run for president in 2016, but now he says barbs thrown his way by former Commission on Human Rights chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales may change his mind.  
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Mar Roxas’ backers in House vow to woo Grace Poe

Members of the Liberal Party and other administration lawmakers on Thursday expressed their intention to woo Sen. Grace Poe to run for Vice President in 2016 under the ticket of the LP's presumptive standard-bearer Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.
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PNoy on critics: Minsan sila lang talaga ang anak ng Diyos

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday blasted his critics for their supposed sense of entitlement.
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Bongbong Marcos scores supposed lack of study on the impact of BBL on business and economy

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. scored Friday the government's supposed lack of serious study on the possible impact of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law on business and economy.
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Poe's support of Senate report saddens VP Binay--spokesperson

Vice President Jejomar Binay was saddened by Senator Grace Poe's decision to sign the Blue Ribbon subcommittee report recommending the filing of plunder raps against Vice President Jejomar Binay.  
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Amid growing China tensions, PNoy to seek stronger security ties with Japan in state visit

President Benigno Aquino III will seek stronger security ties with Japan during his state visit to the East Asian nation next week amid China’s increasing efforts to stake its claim on disputed territories in the South China Sea.
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Senate panel recommends allowing poll lawyers, electoral staff to be absentee voters

Aside from teachers, soldiers, members of the media, and overseas Filipino workers, election lawyers and electoral staff of national candidates and accredited national political parties could soon be allowed to vote before election day once a bill approved by a Senate committee is passed into law.
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PNoy defends K to 12: Govt ready, additional years not a burden

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday defended his flagship education reform, K to 12 program, from critics questioning its legality and the government's capability to implement it.
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LTFRB allows operators to use old school service vehicles for one more year

School service vehicles that are more than 15 years old may still be used for one more year, a report said Friday.
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Grace Poe confirms signing report recommending plunder raps vs. VP Binay

Senator Grace Poe on Friday confirmed that she has signed the blue ribbon subcommittee report recommending the filing of a plunder complaint against Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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DFA: No Pinoy killed or hurt in Baghdad car bomb incidents

The Department of Foreign Affairs said no Filipino was reported killed nor injured in the bombing incident in two Baghdad hotels, a television report said Friday.   The television report said DFA quoted the report of the Philippine embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.
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US, PHL begin talks over new security deal amid tensions in South China Sea

HONOLULU, Hawaii — As tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate, the Philippines and the United States have begun negotiations for a new deal to ensure security in the region.
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CBCP exec pushes networking among responders to prepare for big quake

A Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines official on Thursday appealed to private and Catholic hospitals and other responders to network and coordinate to prepare for a potentially catastrophic quake stemming from the West Valley Fault Line.
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Mayweather to blame for lackluster fight says Hall of Fame inductee Mancini

"He’s not gonna engage — he hasn’t engaged with a fighter in over ten years. He’s not gonna put it on the line, he’s gonna slap you around from the outside as long as can and get away with a victory," said Hall of Famer Ray Mancini of Floyd Mayweather.
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Boxing: Pinoy Milan Melindo doubly motivated for world title bid

Misamis Oriental native Milan Melindo is primed for his second world title attempt when he battles Javier Mendoza for the IBF world light flyweight title this Saturday (Sunday PHL time) at Camp Nuevo Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico.
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A healthy Pacquiao would have stopped Mayweather - Roach

Freddie Roach has no doubt that his top pupil Manny Pacquiao would have knocked out Floyd Mayweather if it wasn't for the Filipino's injury
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Subcommittee report seen to boost plunder case vs. VP Binay

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee's partial report on the allegations of corruption against Vice President Jejomar Binay would boost the plunder complaint now pending in the Ombudsman against the opposition leader.
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Seven-month-old baby, represented by parents, questions K-12 before SC

Another petition opposing Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which gave birth to the controversial K-12 Program, has been filed with the Supreme Court by a group of students and a seven-month-old baby, all represented by their parents.
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Solon urges students not to fall for scammers’ sweet talk on scholarships

The lawmaker whose name was used by a scammer to defraud a 15-year-old student and her family of P4,100 in cash in exchange for a fake scholarship has urged the public not to part with their money too easily for a chance to to study for free. 
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US stance against China in sea dispute now stronger —Gazmin

Defense Secretary Gazmin said the US government has made a stronger stance against China's activities in the West Philippine Sea.
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VP Binay to Grace Poe: I was loyal to FPJ

Vice President Jejomar Binay has claimed that he was a loyal stalwart of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. when the latter ran as the opposition's standard-bearer against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004, GMA News' "24 Oras" reported on Thursday. The opposition leader indicated that his loyalty was something that couldn't easily be seen in the other parties that want to draft the actor's daughter Sen. Grace Poe as part of their presidential slate in 2016.
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WATCH: After denying bid for national position, alleged Duterte campaign ad leaks online

Despite denying that he plans to run for a national position, an alleged campaign video of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for the 2016 elections has been posted online. 
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Solon seeks two-year moratorium on tuition hikes

A lawmaker on Thursday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to impose a two-year moratorium on tuition hikes in all private schools nationwide to ease the financial burden of parents who will need to shell out more money for their children’s basic education as a result of the K to 12 program.
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4 senators sign subpanel report recommending plunder raps vs. VP Binay, 19 others

The draft report of the Blue Ribbon subcommittee recommending plunder charges against Vice President Jejomar Binay and 19 others is now only five signatures short of the nine needed to make it official.
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Palace elated by reassurance of US’ ironclad support for PHL

The United States has always been consistent in showing its commitment to defending the Philippines, Malacañang said Thursday after US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter reassurance of “ironclad” support for the Southeast Asian nation.
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Vietnamese, PHL navies enjoyed Spratly games that irked China – AFP

Vietnamese Navy personnel enjoyed their engagement with Philippine counterparts during games in the disputed Spratlys on Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy Spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
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PHL tells China: Use defense capability to maintain peace in the region

Even as it is still studying China's more aggressive naval strategy in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines on Thursday called on Beijing to use its defense capability to maintain peace in the region.
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VP Binay's camp scores Mercado for ‘rehashing lies’ at Senate hearing

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday dismissed the presentation that former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado made before the Senate subcommittee as “a rehash of the lies and half-truths.”
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After Valenzuela fire, PNoy orders review of PHL’s workers' safety standards

Following the Valenzuela factory fire earlier this month that killed 72 people, President Benigno Aquino III has directed government agencies to conduct a “comprehensive” review of occupational safety standards in the country.
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Mercado asks AMLC to look in VP Binay's bank accounts in Hong Kong

Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado on Thursday asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council to probe the other alleged bank accounts in Hong Kong of Vice President Jejomar Binay and personalities linked to him.
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Like Erap, ailing Gloria deserves house arrest - lawyers

If former President and Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada was granted house arrest by the Sandiganbayan for a mere knee injury, then there is no reason for the court not to allow the plea of former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be detained in her residence, her lawyers said.
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Roach: People feel Pacquiao won against Mayweather

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach has been approached by many boxing fans to tell that his top pupil Manny Pacquiao was robbed of a win against Floyd Mayweather earlier this month in Las Vegas.
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UNA to Grace Poe: LP cheated, tormented FPJ in 2004 polls

A spokesman for opposition leader Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday warned Sen. Grace Poe that she would be running "with the very same people [who] tormented her father" if she chose to run with the Liberal Party in the 2016 elections.  
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Poe: We need more women in politics

Senator Grace Poe, the potential running mate of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas in the 2016 elections, on Thursday urged the Filipino electorate to put more women in government positions.
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Limlingan sister-in-law appears before Senate, denies her company’s connection with VP Binay

Marita Limlingan, sister-in-law of alleged Vice President Jejomar Binay’s dummy Gerry Limlingan, denied any involvement in the supposed anomalous transaction between the Boy Scouts of Philippines and Alphaland.
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Juan Manuel Marquez: Mayweather 'protected' in Vegas, can only be beaten by KO

"How can you knock out an opponent who does not want to fight, who doesn't throw punches, and hits you with a jab and you may have won the round but they still give it to him?"
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Treason raps filed vs. govt panel over MILF peace deal

Two party-list lawmakers have filed criminal charges against the government peace panel for allegedly acceding to all the demands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the peace talks, resulting in a “one-sided” and unconstitutional draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
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Mar Roxas confirms ‘chance’ dialog with Grace Poe on 2016 polls

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Thursday confirmed meeting Sen. Grace Poe last week but chose not to give a categorical answer on whether he asked her to be his running mate in the 2016 elections.
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40-member party-list bloc defers making a stand on BBL

The 40-member coalition of party-list lawmakers in the House of Representatives will await the termination of plenary debates on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before making a stand on the measure.
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US hopes Chinese island-building will spur Asian response

WASHINGTON - By releasing video of Beijing's island reclamation work and considering more assertive maritime actions, the United States is signaling a tougher stance over the South China Sea and trying to spur Asian partners to more action.
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Think before you speak, Poe tells UNA spox

Think before you speak. This was the response of Senator Grace Poe to the statement of lawyer JV Bautista, a spokesperson for the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), that the ruling Liberal Party (LP) is composed of politicians who "tormented" her father, the late actor-turned-presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr.  
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Boy Scouts to clean up ranks if they find proof VP Binay used them

The leadership of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines expressed readiness Thursday to clean up their their ranks if they find  proof that Vice President Jejomar Binay used them for his personal gains.
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8 alleged VP Binay’s dummies appear at Senate hearing

Eight alleged dummies of Vice President Jejomar Binay ordered arrested by the Senate showed up Thursday in fulfillment of their promise to attend the continuation of the hearing on alleged anomalies in Makati City.
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Binay camp: Why does Senate subcommittee recommend plunder?

Vice President Jejomar Binay's camp on Thursday questioned the recommendation of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee for the filing of plunder charges against him and 19 others over the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building II.
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Mayweather looms over Khan-Algieri matchup

Britain's former world champion Amir Khan is aiming to punch his ticket to a bout with Floyd Mayweather on Friday with a victory over Chris Algieri in a non-title welterweight fight.
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Caritas Philippines condemns ‘violent’ dispersal of farmers at Batasan

The Philippine Catholic Church's social action arm on Wednesday condemned what it considered violent dispersal of farmers who picketed the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
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Bishops caution public vs. jumping into same-sex marriage ‘bandwagon’

Catholic bishops on Wednesday cautioned the public against jumping into the so-called same-sex marriage "bandwagon," after other countries recently allowed it.
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US affirms ‘ironclad’ promise to defend Philippines

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told his Philippine counterpart on Wednesday that Washington's pledge to defend the Pacific nation remains "ironclad" and called for an end to land reclamation in the South China Sea, officials said.
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Senate sub-panel recommends plunder charges against Binays, 18 others

The Senate blue ribbon subcommittee's draft report recommended the filing of plunder charges against Vice President Jejomar Binay, his son Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, and 18 others over the allegedly overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building II.
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Napoles’ kids petition Sandiganbayan for reduced bail

Janet Lim-Napoles's children Jo Christine and James Christopher, themselves facing multiple graft cases over the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam, on Wednesday asked the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to lower the bail amount for their temporary liberty.
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China's West PHL Sea activities could be part of ‘Great Wall’ plan – analyst

A defense analyst on Wednesday said that China's activities in the West Philippine Sea could be the beginning of a "Great Wall of the Seas" plan which would create a security barrier around islands and waters China is claiming. 
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UNICEF expresses concern over naked child on a leash

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the case of a naked 18-month old child who was placed on a leash and seemingly treated like a dog by his mother. Photos of the incident was posted on social media and has since gone viral.
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De Lima: Final recommendation on third batch of ‘pork’ cases expected this week

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday said she is expecting this week the final recommendation on who to charge in the third batch of cases they will file in connection with the alled pork barrel scam.
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PNoy appoints new sectoral representatives in anti-poverty body

President Benigno Aquino III has appointed new representatives of marginalized sectors to the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
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Palace: Senators won’t be bribed, blackmailed to pass BBL

Malacañang on Wednesday said it will not resort to bribing or blackmailing senators to ensure the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s passage at the Senate.
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De Lima: Probe on Duterte, Davao Death Squad not related to 2016 polls

Justice Sec. Leila de Lima on Wednesday countered Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's claim that the Department of Justice's investigation of his alleged links to the vigilante group Davao Death Squad was connected to his perceived plan to run for higher office in the 2016 elections.
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De Lima unfazed by Duterte: ‘He can continue to insult me for all I care’

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday said she would not be "cowed" by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's insults, and will continue to speak against the alleged Duterte-sactioned summary executions in the southern Philippine city.
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VP Binay: What’s wrong with UNA alliance with Lakas-CMD?

Vice President Jejomar Binay sees nothing wrong with the opposition United Nationalist Alliance entering into a coalition with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's party Lakas-CMD. "Ano bang masama doon kung mag-coalition kami?” Binay told reporters.
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Court junks Jeane Napoles’ motion vs. tax case

The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) on Wednesday denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Jeane Catherine Napoles, daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, seeking to junk her P17.46-million tax case.
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Inmates with ‘lavish kubols’ to be returned to simpler cells in Bilibid –De Lima

The inmates who were found to have put up "lavish" kubols (makeshift shelters) inside the maximum security unit of the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) will be returned to a simpler facility currently being renovated, Justice Sec. Leila de Lima said Wednesday.
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Japan, Philippines to deepen ties as China asserts sea claims

TOKYO/MANILA – Japan and the Philippines are set to bolster security ties when President Benigno Aquino III visits Tokyo next week, the latest move by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to beef up cooperation with Southeast Asian nations facing China's growing naval ambitions.
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PHL not solely relying on US on territorial row with China —Palace

The Philippines is not solely relying on the United States to address its territorial row with China over parts of the South China Sea, Malacañang said Wednesday.
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Execs resign from Tiu-owned firm dragged in Binay probe

Top executives of AgriNurture, Incorporated (ANI), the agricultural company owned by controversial businessman Antonio Tiu, have resigned from the firm effective this month. 
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Poe says Mar offered her to be his running-mate

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the Liberal Party's presumptive standard-bearer for the 2016 elections, has supposedly told Sen. Grace Poe that it would be better for them to be together for next year's polls.
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Jeane Napoles refuses to enter plea before CTA

Jeane Catherine Napoles on Wednesday refused to enter a plea during her arraignment before the Court of Tax Appeals, citing the advice of her lawyers.
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PHL, Vietnamese troops play soccer and sing on disputed island

Vietnamese and Philippine troops played soccer and sang karaoke on a South China Sea island on Wednesday in a sign of the growing security ties between the two Southeast Asian nations most at odds with Beijing over the contested waterway.
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FULL LIST: 313 schools with tuition, other fee increases approved by CHED

The Commission on Higher Education has approved the request of 313 schools to hike their tuition and other fees for school year 2015–2016.
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DFA chief still richest Cabinet exec; Mar’s net worth declines

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario was still the richest Cabinet official last year, and he’s getting richer.
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PNP to VIPs: Security cops aren’t your kids’ drivers, nannies

Just weeks before the opening of classes, the Philippine National Police reminded VIPs and their respective police security detail that bringing the children to school was not part of the police officers' duties.
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Schools near quake faults to be vacated

The Department of Education (DepEd) will be asked to vacate school buildings that are near earthquake faults, Malacañang said Wednesday.
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Duterte hits back at De Lima over ‘attacks’

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte hit back at Justice Secretary Leila de Lima over what he perceived as her attacks on him over his alleged links to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS).
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Bongbong suggests backchanneling to defuse tension in WPS

Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday urged the Aquino government to explore backchannel diplomacy to defuse the tension between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea. 
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DFA chief still richest Cabinet exec; Mar’s net worth declines

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario is still the richest Cabinet official last year, and he’s getting richer.
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Jinggoy asks for 5-hour furlough on mom's birthday

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to leave his detention for five hours to attend the 85th birthday party of his mother, former Senator Loi Ejercito-Estrada next week.
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Farmers group seeks CHR help after violent dispersal

Farmers from Luzon and Visayas on Wednesday sought assistance from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) after they were violently dispersed by policemen while holding a rally in front of the House of Representatives the previous day.
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DFA: No deadline set on temporary reprieve for Mary Jane Veloso

The Indonesian government did not set a deadline on the temporary reprieve it granted to Mary Jane Veloso to give way to the investigation of her case here in the Philippines, a representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
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Senator pushes for amendment of BBL preamble to protect minority

Senator Teofisto Guingona III on Wednesday called for revisions in the preamble of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to ensure the protection of minority communities living in areas covered by the planned autonomous region.
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Osmeña’s fear of bribery in Senate over BBL baseless —Drilon

Senate President Franklin Drilon dismissed as mere speculation and baseless the statement of Senator Sergio Osmeña III that pork barrel funds could be dangled before senators when President Benigno Aquino III meets with them to discuss the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
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PNoy swears in 50 newly-appointed AFP officers

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday swore in 50 newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
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BOC chief Lina hints at impending appointment of ESS director

The impending appointment of a controversial lawyer, supposedly backed by a powerful religious group, may be coming soon even if it remains to be seen, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina said on Wednesday.
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11 senators sign Santiago’s report on BBL

At least 11 senators have already signed the committee report drafted by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago stating that the Bangsamoro Basic Law should be substantially revised if it is to withstand legal scrutiny before the Supreme Court.
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PHL rejects Taiwan's resource-sharing plan to solve sea dispute

The Philippine government is not keen on adopting Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's proposal to resolve the territorial dispute in the South China Sea through resource-sharing. Taiwan's proposal is similar to a 2012 proposal for the East China Sea, which allowed Taiwan and Japan to jointly fish in the contested waters.
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Duterte: I don't want a national position

In an interview on GMA News' State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Tuesday evening, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte categorically said that he does not want and is not running for any national position in the 2016 elections.
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Duterte: Sabi nila diktador ako...so be it!

"I have never ordered the killing of anybody," Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said in an interview on GMA News' State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Tuesday evening as his response to backlash from Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and others on his admitted link to the Davao Death Squad.
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Pacquiao should have kept quiet about shoulder injury, says Roy Jones

Former four-division champion and HBO boxing analyst Roy Jones has nothing but utter respect for Manny Pacquiao for fighting through his shoulder injury to face Floyd Mayweather inside the ring earlier this month.
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Pinoy fighter Warlito Parrenas gets world title shot in Mexico

Hard-hitting Negros Occidental native Warlito Parrenas will get a crack at the interim WBO world super flyweight when he battles David Carmona on June 20 in Mexico City, Mexico.
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Bongbong Marcos open to meeting PNoy on BBL but not to pressure, deadline

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that he was willing to discuss with President Benigno Aquino III the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law but added that the latter should not pressure him into having it passed without any amendment. “As I said before, if we are going to discuss with the President the various issues directly related to BBL and if he has suggestions for us we would certainly listen because his inputs are important,” Marcos said.
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Rematch with Mayweather? Juan Manuel Marquez wants one final fight before retirement

Juan Manuel Marquez wants to showcase his talent one last time before finally calling it a day in a professional prizefighting career that has spanned three decades.
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DepEd: 140 public schools located in barangays straddling Valley Fault System

At least 140 public schools, the Department of Education said on Tuesday, are located in the barangays straddling the Valley Fault, which the PHIVOLCS has said can generate a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. 
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Prosecution blocks convicted LP exec’s bid to travel to Italy

Government prosecutors have blocked the motion of Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali to travel to Milan, Italy, following his recent conviction for a graft case.
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Poe wants to remain independent if she runs in 2016

With or without the support of the ruling Liberal Party (LP), Senator Grace Poe is keen on running as an independent candidate if she decides to pursue a higher position in the 2016 national elections.
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House panels approve taxation, funding provisions in Bangsamoro law

Less than a week after getting the nod of the House ad hoc committee, the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is set to move to plenary after the House committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations approved the taxation and funding provisions of the measure on Tuesday.
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Int’l school in hot water after student’s suicide

Senate discussion on the bill seeking to recognize the British School Manila as an educational institution of international character has been put on hold Tuesday following the suicide of one of its students last February.
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Palace to Duterte: Respect the rule of law

Malacañang on Tuesday reminded Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to follow the rule of law after the local official admitted links with vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS).
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Gloria Arroyo to prosecution: Stop turning a blind eye to plight of ‘sick, old lady’

Former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through her legal counsels, insisted on the need for her to be placed under house arrest and called on the prosecution team to “stop turning a blind eye” to her plight as a sick woman in her 60s.
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Palace dismisses China’s warning that incident with US could lead to war

Malacañang on Monday said it was not concerned with a Chinese state paper’s warning that the recent incident involving China and US in disputed areas in the South China Sea could lead to war.
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Rep. Rodriguez denies BBL approval was rushed

The leader of the House ad hoc committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Tuesday denied allegations his group rushed the approval of the measure. 
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Roxas confirms meeting Duterte, Quiboloy in Davao City

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II has confirmed meeting Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to discuss, among others, the elections in 2016. Pictures were taken of Roxas, Duterte and Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy during a dinner at Quiboloy's compound in Davao City.
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Buildings compliant with structural code can resist up to magnitude 8.4 quake –expert

Buildings that are designed in accordance with the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) are safe no matter their proximity from a fault line, according to an engineer who specializes on earthquake-resistant infrastructures.
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50 new AFP generals, flag officers to take oath before PNoy

At least 50 newly appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are set to take their oaths before President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday.
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PHL should ‘get out of the way’ amid US-China tension, says analyst

A political analyst deemed it best for the Philippines to "get out of the way" of China and the United States as tension rises between the two countries over the disputed waters in the South China Sea.
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DSWD: Man in elderly abuse video face up to 12 years in prison

The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Tuesday said the man who was caught on camera abusing an elderly lady may face imprisonment and be made to pay a fine of P100,000 to P300,000.
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Pacquiao bucks Sarangani's possible inclusion in Bangsamoro territory

Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao opposed the possible inclusion of his district in the Bangsamoro region in the future because of the opt-in provision included in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
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Osmeña warns colleagues vs. meeting with PNoy on BBL

Senator Sergio Osmeña III on Tuesday warned senators against attending a meeting with President Benigno Aquino III regarding the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) if they do not want to be under suspicion.
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Supreme Court asked to allow same-sex marriage in PHL

Days before Ireland voted to allow gay marriage, a young Filipino lawyer asked the Philippine Supreme Court to allow same-sex unions.
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42 Visayan solons to vote as a bloc on BBL

Crossing party lines, the 42-member Visayan bloc in the House of Representatives will vote as one on  the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the plenary.  
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De Lima: DOJ not dropping ‘Napolist’ probe

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday denied reports that the Department of Justice has dropped its investigation on “Napolist,” a list of names of individuals involved in the alleged pork barrel scam.
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Surigao town mayor denies benefiting from ex-solon’s ‘pork’

An incumbent mayor of Mainit town in Surigao del Norte on Tuesday denied receiving agricultural assistance from a supposed project of former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez during the latter's incumbency as congressman.
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PNP willing to assist DSWD in probe of viral photo of abused child

The Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit on Tuesday said it is willing to assist the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the investigation of a viral photo of a child being abused.
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Defense chief Gazmin says govt hoping for ‘very positive verdict’ on EDCA

Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin said they are hoping for "a very positive verdict" on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), especially in the light of the dispute with China over territories in the West Philippine Sea.
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Senate to probe suspicious P2B Philhealth claims

The Senate is set to investigate the alleged anomalous and fraudulent claims by accredited hospitals and clinics to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) amounting to P2 billion.
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Drilon says stick to peaceful means in resolving sea dispute

Citing the Philippines' weak military capability, Senate President Franklin Drilon said the Philippines should stick to a peaceful resolution of the territorial dispute with China amid the latest developments involving the United States.
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Drilon will consult Bongbong Marcos if there is a need to meet PNoy on BBL

Senate President Franklin Drilon said Tuesday he has yet to decide whether there is a need for President Benigno Aquino III to meet with senators regarding the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
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Drilon: Next leader should have integrity

Without naming names, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Tuesday that integrity is the most important characteristic voters should look for in choosing the country's next leader.
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Angat Dam plunges below critical irrigation level

The water level at Angat Dam in Bulacan breached the 180-meter critical level for irrigation as it fell anew Tuesday morning, state weather agency PAGASA said.
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SWS: 42 percent of Pinoys expect life to improve in next 12 months

Personal optimism among Filipinos hit a record high, with some 42 percent of Filipinos expecting their quality of life to improve in the next 12 months, according to a new survey by Social Weather Stations. But the same SWS survey conducted March 20 to 23 also indicated fewer Filipinos were as optimistic about the economy into 2016.
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Lotto bettor bags P14.971M megalotto jackpot

A lotto bettor is now nearly P15 million richer after bagging the jackpot in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Megalotto 6/45 draw Monday night.
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Pinoys' optimism highest since June 2010; 32% say lives better now than 12 months ago

There are more optimistic Pinoys now than way back June 2010 and even farther back in March 1987, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on how Filipinos feel about their lives now and how their quality of life might turn out to be in the next 12 months.
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House FOI bill seen making it to Second Reading before Congress adjourns June 10

The Freedom of Information (FOI) bill in the House of Representatives is now House Bill No. 5801, which that chamber's committee on public information has endorsed for plenary action on second reading before Congress ends its current session on June 10.
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UPCAT application forms available for downloading in June

UPCAT (University of the Philippines College Admission Test) application forms will be available for downloading "between the first and second week of June," the state university said via Twitter on Monday.
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DepEd approves tuition, fees hikes in 1,246 private schools

The Department of Education has approved tuition and miscellaneous fees increases by 1,246 private schools that offer basic education. 
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Ombudsman to file graft charges vs Muntinlupa ex-mayor, 11 others

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file graft charges against former Muntinlupa City mayor Aldrin San Pedro and 11 incumbent city officials in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of P20.8-million worth of trolley bags for public school students in 2008.
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Prosecution, Jinggoy Estrada camp blame each other for delays in court proceedings

Government prosecutors and the lawyers of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Monday got into heated debates on the presentation of a witness to the court and other procedural matters that further delayed the proceedings.  
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Houses, low- and mid-rise buildings more vulnerable to effects of earthquake –PHIVOLCS

Houses, as well as low- and mid-rise buildings, are more at risk of damage or collapse during a strong earthquake than high-rise structures, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday.
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4 alleged Binay dummies surface in the Senate, vow to attend hearings

Four alleged dummies of Vice President Jejomar Binay appeared at the Senate early Monday evening and promised to attend the next hearings on alleged anomalies in Makati City.
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Gazmin: PHL wants to know extent of US support in sea dispute with China

FORT SAN FELIPE, Cavite City — Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday said he will meet with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter later in the week to discuss the situation in the West Philippine Sea, in light of China's continued aggressiveness in an ongoing maritime dispute. 
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Getting to know Gerry Limlingan, Jr.

A lot of people would like to hear from Gerardo Simpao "Gerry" Limlingan Jr.
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VP Binay’s net worth remains at P60 million

Vice President Jejomar Binay's net worth remained at P60 million for 2014, one of his spokesmen said on Monday. Joey Salgado, the chief of Binay's media affairs office, said the Vice President's net worth went up by a little more than P132,000 to P60.25 million for 2014 from the net worth of P60.12 million he declared for 2013.
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AMLC investigator claims signatures of Jinggoy’s alleged dummy are dissimilar

A witness from the Anti-Money Laundering Council on Monday testified before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s alleged use of dummy accounts in transactions with Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind.
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PHL concerned over China telling US patrol plane to leave South China Sea – Gazmin

FORT SAN FELIPE, Cavite City – Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday said the government is concerned over China's sending away a US surveillance airfract conducting drills over the West Philippine Sea.
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Senate approves bill extending prescriptive period for graft cases to 20 years

Voting 17-0, the Senate approved on third and final reading Monday an amendment to the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act extending the prescriptive period for graft cases from 15 to 20 years.
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Velosos: Sergio, Lacanilao twisted facts to evade charges

Alleged illegal recruiters Ma. Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao have twisted facts about the case of overseas Filipino workers Mary Jane Veloso to save their own neck.  
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Senate OKs bill extending financial assistance to poor college students

Voting 17-0, the Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to extend financial assistance to poor but deserving college students until they finish their chosen courses in either private or public university.
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Roger Mayweather: Boxing doesn't care if Floyd retires undefeated

Floyd Mayweather puts a lot of value on his unblemished record, but his own uncle and trainer Roger Mayweather believes the sport and its audience hardly cares if his nephew walks away from professional prizefighting undefeated.
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De Lima on Duterte: Don't idolize him

Don't idolize Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
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AMLC investigator details money trail from Napoles to lawmakers

A witness from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) on Monday corroborated the testimonies of whistleblowers that Janet Lim-Napoles owns fake non-government organizations (NGOs) where the pork barrel of several lawmakers were coursed through.
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House bill seeks imprisonment, 100k fine for cyber bullies

Imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of as much as P100,000 await Internet bullies if the bill filed by Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. becomes a law
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PNoy to lawmakers: Don’t use BBL to further political plans for 2016

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday told lawmakers not to use deliberations on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to further their political plans for the 2016 elections.
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Tiu, three others present selves to Senate to avoid arrest

Four of the 17 people ordered arrested by the Senate last week have appeared before the Blue Ribbon Committee, promising to testify at the hearing on alleged anomalies in Makati City.  
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PNoy: VP Binay’s chances in 2016 depend on how he’ll answer corruption allegations

Vice President Jejomar Binay’s responses to corruption allegations being hurled against him will make or break his chances in the 2016 presidential polls, President Benigno Aquino III said Monday.
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OPAPP's stubbornness on BBL delayed deliberation - Escudero

The passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law would have been easier and faster if the government peace panel has been open to the amendments and admitted its shortcomings earlier on, Senator Francis Escudero said Monday.
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BJMP building under construction is on top of a fault line - Phivolcs

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum confirmed today that part of a building being constructed in Taguig by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology sits on top of the West Valley Fault. 
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PNoy says Mar tops his list of presidential choices in 2016

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday revealed that Interior Secretary Mar Roxas is "on top of the list" of his choices for his preferred presidential bets for the 2016 polls.
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LTFRB ban on old school service vehicles to push through

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday said it will implement the ban on 15-year-old school services when classes start this June.
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Aquino: PHL to defy China’s claim on airspace over disputed territories

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday said the Philippines will defy China's claim on the airspace over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
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PNoy checks preparations for class opening next week

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday checked preparations for the opening of classes in public schools next week.
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Sultanates, IPs given chance to air sentiments at Senate hearing on BBL

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr started hearing Monday the voices of different sultanates and indigenous people in Mindanao who were allegedly not consulted by the government when it created the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
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Sen. Miriam Santiago calls for probe into tuition hike

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago said she will file on Monday a resolution to call for a Senate inquiry to look into the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) approval of tuition increase for more than 300 colleges and universities.
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PNoy, Liberals to support same bets in 2016 elections – LP execs

The Liberal Party and President Benigno Aquino III, the administration party's chairman, will support the same presidential candidate in the 2016 elections, Iloilo City Rep. Jerry Treñas of the LP said Sunday.
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Senators urge bilateral talks with China on West PHL Sea dispute

Senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Francis Escudero on Sunday urged Malacañang to start talks with China to find a peaceful solution to competing claims in the West Philippine Sea, the part of the South China Sea inside the country's exclusive economic zone. Marcos said the Philippine government should utilize both diplomatic and back channels in talking to China.
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Palace disagrees with group's scenario of 1M dropouts because of K to 12

Malacañang on Sunday dismissed a militant youth group’s warning that an estimated 1 million students might be forced to drop out of school with the implementation of the K to 12 program next school year.
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Comelec to party-list groups: Pick genuine sectoral advocates as nominees

The Commission on Elections reminded party-list groups to make sure that the nominees they choose are genuine advocates for the sectors they represent.
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Bongbong wants opt-in provision removed from BBL

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday said he will seek the removal of the controversial opt in provision reinstated by the House ad hoc panel in the version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) it passed last week because he believes it might lead to the “creeping expansion” of the new region in the future.
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Two high school studes win in their first out-of-school bouts, show older fighters how to fight

Two young high school students won in their very first out-of-school fights as amateur boxers in the Ultimate Knockout Challenge at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque last Saturday. They were among the 300 boxers who fought in 150 two-round bouts of the UKC XVII.
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Lawmaker wants review of Labor Code's ‘contractualization’ provisions after Kentex fire

The deaths of 72 people in a fire at a Valenzuela City slipper factory have exposed the need to review the the country’s Labor Code and plug up loopholes that have allowed businesses to hire contractual workers, a lawmaker said Sunday.
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House leader eyes ratification of BBL on day of PNoy's last SONA

With less than a month left for Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the measure might only be ratified hours before President Benigno Aquino III gives his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA), a House leader said Sunday.
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Peace with MILF will hold even if deadline to pass BBL lapses – AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines does not expect the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to resort to violence in case the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law flounders in Congress, its spokesman said Sunday. 
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Palace stresses anew its readiness to help Rohingya ‘boat people’

Malacanañg on Sunday stressed again its readiness to provide humanitarian relief to thousands of the  Rohingya "boat people” from Myanmar and Bangladesh adrift in the Andaman Sea.
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Solon wants to make disaster preparedness drills mandatory at schools

A lawmaker has proposed a mandatory and regular conduct of disaster risk reduction drills in schools all over the country, amid renewed public interest in preparedness against calamities.
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Nat’l ID system law not on Palace’s priority list

A national ID system law is not on the list of the Aquino administration’s priorities, a Malacanañg official said Sunday, days after the House of Representatives passed its version of the measure.
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Experts: Soft drinks, coffee, alcohol bad summer quenchers

While they may hit the spot at first, soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks may not be the best items to quench your thirst this dry (summer) season.
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Possible rollback in diesel, kerosene; hike in gasoline prices

Motorists using diesel and kerosene may finally get relief from fuel price hikes in past weeks, though those using gasoline may have to brace for another price hike this week.
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Phivolcs asks priests: Preach about preparations for quake, too

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is seeking the Catholic Church's help in getting people prepared against a potentially catastrophic quake stemming from the West Valley Fault Line.
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Militants mourn passing of economist Alejandro Lichauco

Militants over the weekend mourned the passing of economist and retired University of the Philippines professor Alejandro Lichauco.
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Hatton: Pacquiao-Mayweather did more harm than good to boxing

Retired two-division world champion Ricky Hatton is one of the many observers who feels that the mega fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather did more harm than good to boxing.
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Mayweather made Pacquiao look like an amateur, says former world light middleweight champ

Former world light middleweight champion Austin Trout thinks Floyd Mayweather showcased such excellent boxing skills to a point that it made Manny Pacquiao look like an amateur when the two pound-for-pound superstars fought earlier this month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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As Duterte says no to VP run in 2016, UNA may link up with Arroyo's Lakas

As Sen. Grace Poe expressed reluctance at being Vice President Jejomar Binay's running mate in 2016, Binay has hinted Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is a good potential vice presidential candidate.
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BRP Lake Caliraya, Navy's first oil tanker, joins Philippine Fleet

A former tanker of the Philippine National Oil Company was commissioned into the Philippine Navy in rites at Fort San Felipe in Cavite City on Saturday.  
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Militant solon sounds alarm as House ‘quietly’ passes National ID System bill

While the whole country watched a House committee pass its version of the Bangsamoro basic law, the House of Representatives on the past week passed on third and final reading a bill providing for a national ID system. The Filipino Identification System Act was quietly passed on Tuesday, prompting a militant lawmaker to express fears over the possibility of intrusion by government into the privacy of citizens
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After 16-year detention, Japanese fugitive finally deported

After a long 16-year wait, a Japanese fugitive has finally been deported to his home country, the Bureau of Immigration said Saturday.
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CEAP: PHL has to face K to 12 challenges

The Philippines cannot run from the challenges posed by the K to 12 program that will add two years to basic education, a group of Catholic educators said.
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Arum shoots down rumors of negotiations for Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum assured fans that negotiations for a rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather aren't underway yet, contrary to various reports.
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15 years later, priest’s martyrdom by Abu Sayyaf in Basilan remembered

Some 15 years after his gruesome death in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo was remembered as a martyr in Basilan.
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PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC officials urge public to know duck-cover-hold moves in case of earthquake

Those "duck, cover and hold" moves during earthquake drills may be "corny" or made light of by some, officials of PHIVOLCS and NDRRMC acknowledge, but they assert that those moves and the drills they are part of will save lives when quake disasters strike.
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WATCH: US surveillance plane over South China Sea told to ‘go away’ by China

A United States P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft conducting flight drills over the South China Sea on May 20 was told to leave the area by an unidentified Chinese unit in a video taken by US Navy PO2 Joshua Scott.
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‘Clash of Clans’ addiction cost man his live-in partner

A man's addiction to the video game “Clash of Clans” has prompted his live-in partner to end their six-year relationship, a report on “24 Oras” said Friday.
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Probers establish fire safety violations in Valenzuela warehouse

Authorities have established several violations of fire safety regulations at the Kentex Manufacturing Corp. factory and warehouse that was gutted by a seven-hour fire last week.
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PNP: DNA test results confirm death of Basit Usman

The Philippine National Police on Friday confirmed the death of suspected terrorist and bomb-maker Abdul Basit Usman, citing the results of DNA tests.
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From boxing to MMA, Pinoy fighter Roy Doliguez set to face toughest career test

Like many Filipino fighters, Roy Doliguez fell in love with boxing the moment he saw the sweet science on display. There was no other explanation. Doliguez started to lace them up when he was in grade four, before competing in the amateurs at 12.
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Prosecution opposes Japan, HK trip for Mike Arroyo

Prosecutors have opposed a motion by Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo’s , husband of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, asking to be allowed to travel to Japan and Hong Kong, saying he is a flight risk.
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Koko: No indication yet that Limlingan will surface

Vice President Jejomar Binay's alleged finance officer, Gerry Limlingan, has yet to give any indication that he will surface to face the accusations against him.
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MMDA identifies evacuation sites in a major earthquake

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has identified several open spaces which can be used as an evacuation site in case of a strong earthquake.
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VP Binay says Gatchalian, Duterte among choices for running-mate

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday rattled off two names he said he is considering as his running-mate in the 2016 elections.
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Napoles secured P25-M project using a fictitious person, Luy claims in court

Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged mastermind of the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam, was able to secure a P25-million project from a lawmaker’s Priority Development Assistance Fund by using the name of a fictitious person, whistleblower Benhur Luy claimed in court.
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PHIVOLCS' Solidum: Get kids involved in quake preparedness plan

With seeming low preparedness in Filipino homes, PHIVOLCS head Renato Solidum, Jr. suggested Friday that children be given an active role in gearing up for natural disasters like earthquakes.
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CHR to probe alleged torture inside Cavite police station

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will investigate the alleged torture of a detainee in a police station in Carmona, Cavite, after a video of which was leaked to the media.
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De Lima: PHL to attend regional meet in Bangkok for Rohingyas

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Friday confirmed that the Philippines will send a contingent to a regional meeting arranged by the Thai government to discuss the plight of thousands of Burmese and Bangladeshi nationals who fled their countries but had been turned away from neighboring countries.
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PHL asserts freedom to fly aircraft over disputed territories

The Philippine government on Thursday asserted its freedom to fly its aircraft over disputed territories, after China reportedly shooed away a US spy plane flying over artificial islands Beijing is creating in the South China Sea.
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Lawyer denies Limlingan, brother were VP Binay’s ‘henchmen’

The lawyer of Gerry Limlingan has denied that the businessman and his brother were “henchmen” of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is currently embroiled in a corruption controversy.
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Bacolod Mayor Puentevella arraigned for graft

Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella has been arraigned today at the Sandiganbayan on charges of graft in connection with the alleged anomalous procurement of computers and software worth P26 million.
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Senators call for review of occupational safety and health standards

Three senators want a review of the country's fire code and occupational safety and health standards to prevent a repeat of the tragic fire that hit a slipper factory in Valenzuela City, killing 72 people.
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Mandaue children’s choir gets heroes’ welcome after topping intl singing tilt in Germany

The Philippines was again honored on the international stage after the Mandaue Children's Choir from Cebu topped an international choir competition in Germany last week.
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CBCP chief pushes tough action vs. modern-day slavery in wake of Valenzuela factory fire

The head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Friday pushed for tough action against what he called modern-day slavery following the fire that hit a Valenzuela City slipper factory and left 72 people dead earlier this month.
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US planes keep distance from Chinese ‘islands’ in Spratlys — for now

WASHINGTON - US surveillance aircraft and naval ships have yet to test China's territorial claims around artificial islands built in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), but the Pentagon warned Thursday that could be "the next step."
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US vows to continue patrols after China warns spy plane over Spratlys

WASHINGTON - The United States vowed on Thursday to keep up air and sea patrols in international waters after the Chinese navy repeatedly warned a US surveillance plane to leave the airspace over artificial islands China is creating in the disputed South China Sea.
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US citizens warned vs travel to Sulu, parts of Mindanao

American nationals in the Philippines were warned this week against traveling to Sulu and some parts of Mindanao due to the "high threat of kidnapping" and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there.
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LP's Evardone: Poe could be administration standard-bearer in 2016

The Liberal Party welcomed Senator Grace Poe's statement that she does not see herself as the running mate of Vice President Jejomar Binay in the 2016 elections, saying the neophte senator could still be the administration party's standard-bearer in the coming elections.
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Classroom, teacher shortages to welcome new school year, lawmaker warns

A shortage of more than 200,000 classrooms and 100,000 teachers faces students in elementary and high schools this coming school year with the implementation of the K to 12 program, a lawmaker said.
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FULL LIST: How rich is your representative based on House SALNs?

The House of Representatives on Thursday released the summary of the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth of all 290 House members and as expected boxing champion and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao topped the list with a net worth of almost P1.7 billion.
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VP Binay respects Grace Poe's ‘refusal’ to be his 2016 running mate

Vice President Jejomar Binay has accepted Senator Grace Poe's implied refusal to become his running mate in the upcoming 2016 presidential elections in light of her jabs at the vice president's reluctance to face allegations of graft that the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee.
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PNoy meets legal team to discuss possible action vs. China’s reclamation

President Benigno Aquino III has met with his legal team to discuss possible actions to address China’s reclamation work in the South China Sea.
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Guingona suspends arrest order vs. 5 VP Binay ‘dummies’

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee, suspended on Thursday the arrest orders against five people who were accused of being dummies of Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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WATCH: Inside USS George Washington

A year after the United States started its pivot toward Asia, GMA News was invited by the US Embassy in the Philippines in October 2012 to tour the Nimitz Class super carrier USS George Washington, which was at that time sailing toward Manila from Vietnam.
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Before cakes there were flowers: COA document details old Makati anomalies involving funeral wreaths

Before cakes there were flowers: COA document shows Makati gov’t involved in anomalous practices in the ‘90s involving funeral wreaths
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PHL working with UNCHR on concrete steps to help ‘boat people’, Palace says

The Philippine government is working with the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNCHR) to come up with concrete steps to help the group of Rohingya "boat people” adrift at sea, Malacañang said Thursday.
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Miriam's report on BBL justifies ‘delay’ on controversial bill – Bongbong

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Thursday welcomed the report of the Senate committee on Constitutional Amendment and Revision of Codes, headed by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, that said the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law needs thorough scrutiny and amendment.
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Pacquiao hikes net worth to P1.7B, still the House’s lone billionaire

World boxing great Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao's net worth increased by more than P300 million in 2014 to remain, based on the lawmakers' Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, the House of Representatives' wealthiest member for the fifth straight year.
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DOTC, LTO officials grilled on new license plates

Senators on Thursday grilled the officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications and Land Transportation Office on their decision to replace the license plates of all motor vehicles without clear benefits for the paying vehicle owners.
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Palace firm on draft BBL’s constitutionality

Malacañang on Thursday stood firm on the constitutionality of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) after Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago warned of legal questions that may be raised against the controversial measure before the Supreme Court.
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SC: DOH has no authority over tobacco promos

The Department of Health (DOH) does not have the authority to regulate sales promotion for tobacco products, the Supreme Court has ruled. 
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LIST: 29 online courses offered for free by TESDA

Jobseekers and students looking to expand their skills may now take any of the 29 online courses being offered for free by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
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INFOGRAPHIC: VP Binay’s ties that bank accounts bind, according to AMLC

Amid investigations over alleged corruption, the Court of Appeal last week froze 242 bank accounts and insurance policies under the names of Vice President Jejomar Binay, some members of his family, and close associates suspected of being his dummies. The 33-page decision from the appellate court's First Division gave weight to the findings of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which is looking into Binay's financial transactions and those of entities being linked to him and his family.
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DepEd dismisses alleged Harry Potter, Gilgamesh textbook errors

The Department of Education dismissed the alleged errors in textbooks that are distributed to public schools in the country.
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It’s final: Bong Revilla to remain at PNP Custodial Center

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., detained in connection with the pork barrel scam, will be staying at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame while his plunder and graft cases are pending with the Sandiganbayan.
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Bong Revilla open to running for higher office in 2016 polls

Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., detained in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam, on Thursday said he is open on the possibility of running for higher office in the 2016 elections.
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239 out of 405 pass Chemical Engineer Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday announced that 239 out of 405 passed the Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Chemical Engineering in Manila this month.
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Gerry Limlingan can be state witness, but time is running out —Cayetano

Vice President Jejomar Binay's supposed finance officer Gerry Limlingan may be considered a state witness if he surfaces and testifies against the Vice President, but he must do so soonest, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday.
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Bong Revilla wants to join Senate debates, vote on BBL

Detained Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. wants to take part in the Senate deliberations  and cast his vote on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
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Passing an ‘unconstitutional’ BBL to ‘spark’ SC case – Miriam

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Thursday urged the Senate and House of Representatives not to approve the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law in haste in its present form which entails constitutional problems.
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Bong Revilla’s plunder case trial not to commence anytime soon

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. would have to endure more months or even years in detention as the start of the trial proper of his plunder case in connection with the pork barrel scam was reset to not earlier than September this year.
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Pacquiao unlikely to make ring return this year - Arum

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum isn't optimistic about Manny Pacquiao's chances of returning inside the ring this year.
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Phivolcs: No tsunami threat from Sta. Cruz Islands quake

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Thursday allayed fears of a tsunami in the Philippines following a magnitude-6.9 quake in the Sta. Cruz Islands.
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Juana Change, activists barred from entering Batasan

Actress and comedienne Mae Paner, more popularly known as “Juana Change,” has been barred from setting foot in the House of Representatives after she and 51 other activists and militant leaders were blacklisted by the Legislative Security Bureau (LSB).
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PHL Catholic Church launches ‘zero hunger bill’ petition

The Philippine Catholic Church's social action arm has launched a petition to support the passage of a bill that seeks to end hunger in two years.
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Senate bill seeks to deduct tertiary education tuition, fees from parents' taxes

Senate Bill 2228, authored by Senator Sonny Angara, proposes that a parent or anyone who is sending a child to a higher education institution can deduct at most P40,000 for every student. The bill limits a person's tax deduction up to four children every year.
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Earthquake resiliency confab finalizes recommendations on Friday

Familes should be first responders. This was just one of the many conclusions in the on-going Earthquake Resilience Conference at the Manila Polo Club in Makati where private companies and government agencies are discussing ways to respond when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hits Metro Manila.
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Bishop calls for aggressive info drive on quakes

A Catholic Church official pushed for an aggressive information drive on the dangers of earthquakes, following the release of an atlas of a fault that could generate a potentially catastrophic quake in Metro Manila.
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Sotto says Lacson could be ‘dark horse’ if he decides to run in 2016

Acting Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday said former Senator Panfilo Lacson could be a dark horse in the upcoming presidential race if ever the latter decides to run in 2016.
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LOOK: How House panel members voted on the Bangsamoro Basic Law

After days of marathon hearings, the House Ad Hoc Committee led by Cagayan De Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez approved the Bangsamoro Basic Law on Wednesday with 50 members voting yes, 17 voting no and one choosing to abstain. Here is a list of the members and how they voted.
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Ex-Ombudsman exec guilty of making staff member his house helper, bank account dummy

The Internal Affairs Board (IAB) of the Office of the Ombudsman has found a former high-ranking officer guilty of grave misconduct for making an employee of the Office his house helper and bank account dummy.
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Mar Roxas expects more talks with PNoy, Grace Poe regarding 2016 polls

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas expects more discussions with President Benigno Aquino III and Sen. Grace Poe as regards the administration's next steps in the run-up to the 2016 elections.
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17 people in Binay graft issue can contest Senate arrest order –law dean

The 17 people linked to corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay can contest before a court the Senate order to arrest them for snubbing its hearings, a legal expert said on Wednesday.
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Return of opt-in clause opens up more provinces for inclusion in Bangsamoro

Even the provinces that voted not to be part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) may end up able to join the Bangsamoro region under a clause in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) approved by a House committee.
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Kentex operated without fire safety clearance – BFP

Kentex Manufacturing Corporation, the company that owns the gutted two-storey slipper factory where 72 workers died, was operating without a fire safety clearance, an official of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.  
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Lawmakers grill DOLE execs over issuance of compliance certificate to Kentex

Lawmakers on Wednesday grilled Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials for allegedly being lenient in the issuance of labor compliance certificate to Kentex Manufacturing Corporation, owner of the gutted slippers factory in Valenzuela City where 72 people died.
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Grace Poe doesn't see herself as VP Binay’s running mate

Taking a not-so-subtle dig at Vice President Jejomar Binay's continued refusal to face allegations of graft before a Senate subcommittee, Sen. Grace Poe on Wednesday said she didn't see herself campaigning alongside the opposition's presumptive standard-bearer in 2016.
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Bongbong: BBL will not be railroaded in Senate

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed confidence that the approval of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will not be railroaded in the Senate like what happened in the House of Representatives ad hoc committee, as claimed by some progressive legislators.
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US says South China Sea reclamations stoke instability

China's land reclamation around reefs in the disputed South China Sea is undermining freedom and stability, and risks provoking tension that could even lead to conflict, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a conference in Jakarta.
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Almost there: ARMM Gov. Hataman urges Senate to take BBL 'into the homestretch'

After the House ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) approved the creation of a new political entity, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman urged the Senate Wednesday to do the same.  
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Palace defends Senate order to arrest 17 in VP Binay inquiry

It’s not politics. It’s about following the Senate’s rules. This was how Malacañang defended on Wednesday the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee’s decision to order the arrest of 17 people identified Vice President Jejomar Binay for failure to attend hearings on allegations of graft against him.
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Nora Aunor vows to support Poe if she runs in 2016

Actress Nora Aunor will give her 101 percent support to Senator Grace Poe if ever the latter decides to run for president in 2016.  
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Ping Lacson: VP Binay thought I was sympathetic to his plight

Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said he was more inclined to believe the Anti-Money Laundering Council's findings against Vice President Jejomar Binay than the latter's denials and pronouncements accusing the AMLC of being party to political persecution.
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Bradley praises Mayweather win over Pacquiao, calls Floyd 'best of generation'

Unbeaten pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather received all kinds of feedback after his triumph over Manny Pacquiao earlier this month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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PNoy didn’t offer money, political favors to solons for BBL’s passage –spokesman

President Benigno Aquino III offered neither money nor political favors to lawmakers during their weekend meeting in exchange for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), his spokesman said Wednesday.
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Palace: PNoy wants strong VP bet in 2016 for presidential run in 2022

President Benigno Aquino III already has the 2022 presidential elections in mind as he considers the administration's presidential and vice presidential bets in next year's polls, his spokesman indicated on Wednesday.
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House panel approves BBL

The House ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Wednesday voted to approve the measure formalizing the creation of a new political entity that will replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
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BIR employee says P1.2B chopper deal 'tailor-fitted' to favor certain supplier

A Bureau of Internal Revenue employee on Wednesday said the controversial procurement of the 21 helicopters by the Department of National Defense was “tailor-fitted” to favor the joint venture of Rice Aircraft Services, Inc (RASI) and Eagle Copters, Ltd.
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Lacson to base decision on presidential bid on results of next survey

Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday said he will once again try his luck for the presidency next year if he gets a double-digit rating in the next survey.
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House minority bloc to vote against BBL

The 19-member House Minority bloc on Wednesday announced their plan to vote against the final version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, even before the measure reaches the plenary.
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Ombudsman junks graft complaint vs. Drilon, others

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the graft charges filed against Senate President Franklin Drilon and other government officials in connection with the construction and development of the Iloilo Convention Center.
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Senate fails to arrest 17 individuals allegedly connected with VP Binay

The Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms failed to get any of the 17 people ordered arrested by the chamber for their repeated failure to attend the hearings on the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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Woman who alleged bribery in Ampatuan massacre trial sues Mangudadatu for illegal detention

A woman, who earlier came out with a notebook with names of people allegedly bribed by the Ampatuan clan, has filed serious illegal detention charges against Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.
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CBCP chief: PHL has moral duty to protect ‘boat people’ from harm

While the Philippines is not legally bound to grant asylum to a group of Rohingya "boat people," it has a moral duty to protect them from harm, including that posed by the high seas, the head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said.
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US may give PHL more support to counter pressure from China over sea dispute

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A think tank believed to be influential in the Obama administration has hinted of more support by the United States to the Philippines in order to counter further pressure from China over the Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) in the Spratlys in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
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Cardinal Tagle wants to take Caritas Internationalis to the streets

Taking the Catholic Church's social arm Caritas to the streets is one of the first aims of the international body's newly elected head.
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MILF pleased with House committee's draft BBL despite reservations

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was pleased with the way the House Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro was dealing with the Bangsamoro Basic Law given the similarities between the committee chairman's and vice chairman's working draft and the Bangsamoro Transition Committee's (BTC's) submitted draft, GMA 7 news program “24 Oras” reported.
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