FDA: Batches of green tea products recalled

The Food and Drug Administration advised the public against buying specific batches of a green tea product that had been recalled.
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Nabubuwiset na talaga ‘ko!: Ombudsman Morales dares Binay camp to file impeachment complaint

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Wednesday maintained that she acted in accordance with the law and the evidence when she issued the suspension order against Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and 14 other city officials.
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SC consolidates 6 petitions vs. K-12 Program, seeks comment from govt

The Supreme Court has decided to consolidate a petition from teachers and students of the Manila Science High School with five other pleas against Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which paved the way for the controversial Kindergarten to Grade 12 or K to 12 program.
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Ombudsman indicts ERC chair Ducut, ex-Rep. Ruffy Biazon, 4 others for graft

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file graft, malversation, and direct bribery charges against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chief Zenaida Ducut and five former members of the House of Representatives.
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Aquino to AFP: Modernization to stop without ‘Daang Matuwid’

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday challenged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to sustain his reforms in what sounded like his valedictory speech as the military's commander-in-chief.
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Toby Tiangco: VP Binay’s affidavit enough to answer allegations before Senate

The affidavit is enough.  UNA interim president and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco on Wednesday said that while Vice President Jejomar Binay did not appear before the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, he had submitted a sworn statement in which he told the "truth."
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Senate to gather documents in city hall vs. Binays — Trillanes

Makati Mayor Junjun Binay's decision to temporarily leave city hall and abide by the six-month preventive suspension of the Ombudsman will allow the Senate to gather more proof in connection with the corruption allegations his family is facing, Senator Antonio Trillanes said Wednesday.
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Prosecution to Gloria Arroyo: Stop abusing the court’s compassion

Government prosecutors have once again expressed their “vehement opposition” to the motion of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be placed under house arrest, saying the incumbent Pampanga lawmaker should stop using her health condition in “abusing” the court’s compassion.
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CA defers action on Junjun Binay’s petition to stop suspension

The Court of Appeals deferred taking action on the petition of Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. to stop his suspension from office.
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Makati Mayor Junjun Binay says he would temporarily leave his post

Makati Mayor Junjun Binay on Wednesday told his supporters he would temporarily leave his post pursuant to the suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsaman.
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Gabriela pushes for the immediate approval of ‘Filipino-style’ divorce bill

Gabriela party-list Rep Luzviminda Ilagan said on Tuesday that her party and other pro-divorce advocates were preparing for the public hearings on House Bill No. 4408 or “An Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines” once Congress resumes sessions in July.
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VP Binay claims no traces of corruption in housing projects

Vice President Jejomar Binay said the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) was able to implement housing projects worth almost P270 billion with not a single hit from the Commission on Audit.
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Bettor bags P16M Superlotto jackpot

A bettor is now P16 million richer after hitting the jackpot of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Superlotto 6/49 draw Tuesday night.
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Lawyer questions validity of COA report on Masbate Gov. Lanete’s pork cases

The camp of Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete on Tuesday questioned the validity of the Commission on Audit's Special Audit Report on the allocation of Lanete's pork barrel when she was a congresswoman for the province.
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LOOK: Jojo Binay and Koko Pimentel’s letter war

Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III have taken their political word war to the formal level with official letters addressed to each other. But just because they're on paper doesn't mean the messages aren't scathing.
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Chinese reclamation in disputed territories illegal –DND

The Department of National Defense said anew that China's reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea are  illegal after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement that some reclamation works were completed.
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Angeles City mayor offers P100k reward for info on slain bank teller's ex-husband

Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan has offered a reward of P100,000 to anyone who can help police arrest the estranged husband of Tania Camille Dee, the bank teller who was found dead on Sunday.  
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Cedric Lee asks Sandiganbayan to defer his warrant of arrest

Businessman Cedric Lee on Tuesday asked the Third Division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to defer the issuance of an arrest warrant against him for his graft and malversation cases in connection with the alleged anomalous release of local funds for a public market project.  
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In the eyes of the law, I’m acting mayor of Makati —Kid Peña

Makati Vice Mayor Romulo "Kid" Peña Jr. on Tuesday said the camp of suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay should recognize the legality of his assumption of mayoral duties.
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Ombudsman Morales maintains legality of suspension order vs. Mayor Binay

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Tuesday maintained that the issuance of suspension order against Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and 14 other officials of the city government was in accordance with the law and not due to any political pressure from the administration as alleged by Binay’s camp.
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DND to China: PHL sea row documentary is the truth

The Department of National Defense has hit back at China after being accused of spreading misinformation through a documentary about the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
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Koko Pimentel hits back at VP Binay: ‘Si Binay gumanda ang buhay’

"Kay Binay Gaganda Ang Buhay"? More like "Si Binay Gumanda Ang Buhay." Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III had this to say about Vice President Jejomar Binay's campaign slogan after Binay sent a strongly-worded letter accusing Pimentel of conducting a demolition job against him.
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UNA still hopeful Erap will attend party launch

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) is keeping its fingers crossed that former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada will attend the party’s launch on Wednesday.
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Miriam submits resolution to SC saying EDCA needs Senate concurrence

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has submitted to the Supreme Court a resolution signed by her and 12 other senators saying the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States is invalid and ineffective unless submitted to the Senate for its concurrence.
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Ombudsman dismisses Purisima, 10 others over 'anomalous' PNP contract

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima and 10 other PNP officials for entering into an anomalous contract with courier service Werfast Documentary Agency (Werfast) in 2011.
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After Binay’s critical speech, Palace lists how PNoy ‘lived up’ to campaign promises

After Vice President Jejomar Binay delivered a scathing speech on the administration’s supposed failures, Malacañang on Tuesday enumerated how President Benigno Aquino III “lived up” to his campaign promises.
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Voters told: Shun corrupt candidates

Don't vote for the corrupt. This was the advice Tuesday of former Comelec chairman Christian Monsod, now the leader of an election watchdog group, at the launch of a coalition promoting voter education for the 2016 elections.
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Days after US ruling, SC seeks comment on same-sex marriage petition

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Civil Registrar-General to comment on a petition seeking the striking down of allow same-sex unions in the country.
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Comelec declares failure of bidding for PCOS refurbishment

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday declared a failure of bidding for the refurbishment of 81,000 vote-counting machines for next year's elections.
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Cop to press charges vs. VP Binay over Monday night scuffle

The police officer who got involved in a confrontation with Vice President Jejoamr Binay late Monday night is bent on pressing charges against the Vice President for allegedly threatening his men to leave the premises of the Makati City Hall amid the political standoff in the area.
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PNoy swears in allies in key govt posts

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday swore in some of his political allies to key government posts.
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Jardeleza likens Sereno, Carpio to ‘sharks, bullies’ in speech before UP law grads

Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza took an apparent swipe against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Senior Associate Justice Antonio Caprio during a recent speech, likening them to “sharks and bullies” for trying to prevent his appointment to the high court.
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WATCH: VP Binay confronts officer for blocking Junjun’s supporters

On Monday night, Vice President Jejomar Binay trooped to the Makati City Hall to ask the police to allow supporters of his family inside the compound as they waited for the issuance of the second suspension order against his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay.
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PNP to probe confrontation between policemen, Binay supporters –Roxas

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Tuesday said the Philippine National Police (PNP) will launch an investigation into Monday night's confrontation between policemen and Vice President Jejomar Binay's supporters.
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Takeover of Makati City is LP’s ‘grand plan,’ Junjun Binay says

Makati Mayor Junjun Binay has blamed the ruling Liberal Party (LP) for the political standoff after Vice Mayor Kid Pena took his oath as acting mayor on Tuesday.
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Palace on Junjun Binay’s suspension: Nothing political, just the rule of law

Malacañang on Tuesday called on Makati Mayor Junjun Binay to follow the suspension order issued against him by the Office of the Ombudsman for his supposed involvement in anomalies in the construction of a Makati Science High School building.
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Don’t believe LP demolition job, Binay tells bishops

Vice President Jejomar Binay has appealed to the influential Catholic Church not to believe the supposed "demolition by perception" being allegedly conducted against him by his political detractors.
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Roxas tells Junjun Binay: ‘Step down, you're not special’

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Tuesday dared suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay to cease with his "drama" and step down from office, saying he is not "special."
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Commander of police units at the Makati City Hall claims VP Binay threatened him

A senior police officer in charge of police units stationed around the Makati City Hall where Mayor Junjun Binay is holed up said in a radio interview that Vice President Jejomar Binay had confronted and threatened him Monday night.
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Boxing: De La Hoya says has decided against making a comeback

Boxing Hall of Famer and former Olympic champion Oscar De La Hoya, after pondering a return to the ring, said on Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) that he would remain retired.
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China tries to lure Taiwan with business, jobs, visa-free travel

Pingtan, the largest island in Fujian province and the fifth largest island in China, is closest to Taiwan island proper, as it borders on the Taiwan Strait in the east and just 126 kilometers from Hsinchu, Taiwan. China has already put in 150 billion RMB from 2010 to 2015 for the development of Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone.
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Bongbong: Alternative BBL an ‘improvement’ of Palace version, not a new bill

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said the alternative measure he is drafting to replace the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not an entirely new bill but an improvement of the version that Malacañang submitted to Congress.
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Lawyer fined P500 as tempers flare at Jinggoy Estrada’s bail hearing

Tempers flared at the continuation of the testimony of pork barrel scam whistleblower Ruby Tuason before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division. One lawyer was even fined P500 for continuing to speak loudly even after being admonished by one of the justices to stop and take his seat.
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Mayweather, Pacquiao top Katy Perry, One Direction on Forbes highest-paid celebs list

The fight of the century may not have lived up to its hype in terms of action, but it certainly lived up to box-office expectations.  
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PHL gov’t: Sea row documentary wasn’t made for China

Malacañang on Monday brushed aside a Chinese foreign ministry official's criticism of the airing of a Philippine government-sponsored documentary on the territorial dispute between the two countries. In a text message, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the three-part documentary "Karapatan sa Dagat" was not made for, and was not expected to get support from, China.
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Timothy Bradley open to a third fight with Manny Pacquiao

Given the chance, Timothy Bradley would love to settle the score with Manny Pacquiao by going against the Filipino ring icon for a third time.  
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Amir Khan says Floyd Mayweather 'disrespecting fans' by not fighting him

Former world light welterweight champion Amir Khan firmly believes that Floyd Mayweather will only damage his legacy should the latter pursues his plan to face either Andre Berto or Karim Mayfield in his final fight in September.  
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Sandra Cam: DOJ ‘has double standards’ when dealing with witnesses

The head of the Whistleblowers Association of the Philippines on Monday said she agrees "101 percent" with Sen. Nancy Binay's accusation that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has "double standards" when dealing with individuals seeking admission into the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
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SC seeks side of Sandigan, AMLC in Jinggoy plea vs plunder case

The Supreme Court has ordered the Sandiganbayan and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to comment on a petition filed in May by Senator Jinggoy Estrada seeking to prevent an AMLC report from being used as evidence in the plunder case against him stemming from the P10-billion pork barrel fund scam.
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Belmonte: PNoy holds no sway over Ombudsman, has no hand in Binay suspension

President Benigno Aquino III had no hand in the Ombudsman's suspension of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay this time in connection with the graft case related the alleged overpricing in the construction of a building at the Makati City Science High School, a leader of the administration said on Monday.
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Binay backing Tiangco as next House speaker ‘not good’ – Speaker Belmonte

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. believes Vice President Jejomar Binay committed a tactical blunder when he announced that United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) interim president and Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco will be the next speaker of the 17th Congress.
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DILG appeals to Mayor Binay: Abide by suspension order

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday appealed to Makati Mayor Junjun Binay to abide by the preventive suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with his alleged involvement in the supposedly overpriced Makati Science High School building.
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Mary Jane Veloso’s kin fears she’d be slated for execution after Ramadan

Mary Jane Veloso's family has expressed fear that the Filipino on Indonesia's death row might again be scheduled for execution after the Muslim observance of Ramadan ends in the middle of July, if the Philippine government fails to resolve to resolve the cases against her alleged recruiters Ma. Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao.
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PNoy insulted by claims that LP will use public funds for 2016 polls

President Benigno Aquino III is insulted by accusations that the administration Liberal Party will use public funds to pay for its campaign for the 2016 national elections.
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Jinggoy's lawyers hit Ruby Tuason for alleged involvement in Malampaya scam

A heated word war between the lawyers of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and government prosecutors marked the second time whistleblower Ruby Tuason took the witness stand as the defense panel repeatedly brought up her alleged involvement in the P900-million Malampaya fund scam.
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Junjun Binay to defy Ombudsman’s 2nd suspension order

Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and his supporters will again dig in at the Makati City Hall as he vowed to refuse the latest suspension order the Ombudsman imposed, this time in connection with graft raps related to an allegedly overpriced building at the Makati City Science High School.
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Bongbong and ‘sis’ Grace Poe take urban legend in stride

Though they have different surnames, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has taken to calling Senator Grace Poe his “sis” nowadays.
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Amid sea row with China, PHL gets seat in UN agency on maritime policies

Amid China’s massive island building in the South China Sea, the Philippines was elected to a key United Nations policy-making body that crafts guidelines on promoting marine biodiversity, protection of oceans and international cooperation on disaster risk management.
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NBI checking if Limlingan, Baloloy used backdoor exits to flee PHL

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is checking whether the two people identified with Vice President Jejomar Binay and being sought by the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee have used "backdoor channels" to flee the country.
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Napoles transferred due to feud, not VIP treatment – De Lima

Alleged pork barrel fund scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles was transferred to the "mother and child" ward of the Correctional Institution for Women not as a special treatment but after she figured in an "altercation" with fellow inmates.
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VP Binay behind alleged departure of two aides, Trillanes claims

Vice President Jejomar Binay arranged the departure of two of his closest aides from the country to prevent them from possibly testifying against him, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed on Monday. 
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Visibility is not acceptance: Govt should recognize our rights – LGBT group

Following the landmark decision of the US Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states, LGBT group And Ladlad said Monday that it will not relent in its fight to be recognized by the state. 
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Ombudsman orders Junjun Binay’s suspension due to Makati Science HS building case

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales has approved the preventive suspension of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and 14 other officials of the Makati City government in connection with their supposed involvement in the alleged anomalous construction of a ten-storey building in Makati Science High School.
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Bongbong Marcos: NP still undecided whether to field standard-bearer in 2016

Just three months before the filing of certificates of candidacies in October, the Nacionalista Party has yet to decide whether to field its own standard-bearer in the 2016 elections, a party stalwart said on Monday.
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China angered by Philippine documentary on South China Sea

BEIJING - China on Monday accused the Philippines of spreading misinformation and "creating the illusion of the victim" in their dispute over the South China Sea after Manila aired a three-part documentary defending its position.  
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Palace to VP Binay camp: Bring it on

Malacañang on Monday put its game face on after consistent attacks from Vice President Jejomar Binay's camp the past few days. "We say to his (Binay's) camp in dishing out lies against the President: Bring it on," presidential spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.
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FULL TEXT: CBCP’s statement on the US Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage

Here is the full statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on the recent US Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states of the USA.
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CBCP to study US SC decision on same-sex marriage

Philippine Catholic Church officials will study the implications of the United States Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states there.
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PHL halts repairs on Spratlys airstrip ahead of UN suit

The Philippines has halted the repair of its airstrip in the disputed Spratly islands due to its pending suit at The Hague challenging China's claim over the waters, a presidential spokesman said Sunday.
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Lawmaker: Let P2,000 hike in SSS pension be early Christmas gift for retirees

A progressive lawmaker on Sunday urged senators to give nearly 2 million Filipino pensioners an early Christmas gift by approving a P2,000 hike in the pension given by the Social Security System (SSS).
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UNA execs hit admin over DAP, alleged non-disbursement of IRA

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) on Sunday slammed the Aquino administration for supposedly prioritizing the provision of funds for its allies through the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) over anti-poverty programs.
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Chiz to Cabinet officials: Resign now if you plan to run

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Sunday urged Cabinet officials who are certain of their plans to run for office next year to quit their posts now so they can avoid accusations of using public funds to further their political ambitions.
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Chiz: No need for special audit of gov’t housing agencies

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero sees no need for a special audit to be conducted for the government shelter agencies that Vice President Jejomar Binay used to head.
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Chances Congress will legalize same-sex marriage: Slim and none

Congress isn’t keen on passing a law legalizing same-sex unions despite the growing acceptance for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) in the Philippines.
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Priest hopes papal environment encyclical will lead to political reforms

Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment "Laudato Sii" can get people together not only to protect the ecology but also to effect reforms in politics, a priest chairing an ecological group said.
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LP exec hopeful Duterte will back Mar after shelving own presidential bid

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte might end up backing the presidential bid of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas now that he has closed his doors to running for the highest office in the land, a ranking official of the Liberal Party said Sunday.  
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PHL will not recognize same-sex marriages performed in other countries – Palace

The Philippines will not recognize the union of same-sex couples wed in the United States and foreign countries where gay marriage is legal, a Malacañang spokesperson said Sunday.
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Binay aides Baloloy and Limlingan have fled PHL, says Trillanes

Two people who have been closely associated with Vice President Jejomar Binay and who are being sought by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee have fled the country, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Sunday.
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Belmonte: UNA stalwarts in House majority bloc ‘valuable allies’

Despite their differences in political affiliation, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr still finds Vice President Jejomar Binay's supporters in the majority bloc as valuable allies, and said he won't ask them to leave the coalition in the House of Representatives.
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Militants ready nationwide protests for Aquino’s last SONA

Militant groups have started preparing nationwide protests – including areas near the Batasan Complex in Quezon City – to coincide with President Benigno Aquino III's last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.
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Pinoy boxer John Riel Casimero loses world title bid in Thailand

Unbeaten IBF world flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng successfully defended his crown for the fourth time by defeating his Filipino challenger John Riel Casimero in an ugly affair on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.
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CBCP exec: Church should participate in procedures ‘before, during, after’ 2016 polls

The Catholic Church should actively participate in election-related processes in the May 2016 polls, an official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines stressed.
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Roxas to VP Binay: Don't twist my words; face corruption allegations instead

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas has hit back at Vice President Jejomar Binay in a brewing spat between the two, who are seen as potential rivals for the presidency in 2016.  
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Valte to VP Binay appointees in housing agencies: Courtesy resignation is the norm

A Malacañang spokesperson on Saturday reminded appointees of Vice President Jejomar Binay in housing agencies of the "norm" to submit their courtesy resignations, now that Binay has resigned from those agencies.
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Poverty alleviation takes time, Palace exec admits in wake of IBON survey

Poverty alleviation takes time and cannot be solved in three months. This was Malacañang's reply to a survey by independent think tank IBON Foundation showing many Filipinos do not believe poverty or corruption had gone down in the last three months.
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DFA condemns terror attacks in France, Tunisia, Kuwait

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday condemned the terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia, and Kuwait, even as it urged the international community to continue the war on terror.
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Palace asks Congress, judiciary: Help address human rights problems

Malacañang on Saturday asked Congress and the judiciary to come together with the executive branch of government and explore ways to address human rights issues being raised in the US State Department's 2014 report on the Philippines.
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Mayweather wants "easy way out" for last fight says De La Hoya

"He wants the easy way out as usual," said Oscar De La Hoya of Floyd Mayweather's proposition to fight either Andre Berto or Karim Mayfield.
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Revision of laws needed to legalize same-sex weddings in PHL – Atty. Kapunan

For same-sex marriage to be legal in the Philippines, some laws need to be changed and public consultations in Congress are necessary, according to Atty Lorna Kapunan, who has represented a transgender client who wanted to be legally recognized as a female in his civil registry.
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Readers believe the PHL is responsible for sea tensions – China news site

Majority of their readership believes that the Philippines, and President Benigno Aquino III in particular, as well as influence from the United States, were responsible for the tensions over the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, the editor of a state-owned Chinese news website said Friday.
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De Lima to look into Napoles' transfer to CIW Mother's Ward

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Friday that she was looking into why alleged pork-barrel-scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles, who is serving a life sentence for a serious illegal detention conviction,  was moved to the Mother's Ward of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW).
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Caloocan City man gets one year in prison for Harry Potter piracy

A man who pleaded guilty to illegally recording the film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in 2010 was was sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of P50,000 this week.
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DND: COA did not suspend acquisition of aircraft from SoKor, Canada

The Department of Defense (DND) on Friday denied a newspaper report that the Commission on Audit (COA) has suspended the department's acquisition of aircraft from South Korea and Canada.
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DPWH hiring 1,396 civil engineers

The Department of Public Works and Highways is looking for 1,396 civil engineers for its regional and district offices nationwide.
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No special treatment at Correctional Institution for Women – Napoles lawyer

The lawyer of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles on Friday denied a report that the businesswoman is getting special treatment at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City where she is being detained.
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Cedric Lee says Ombudsman probe ‘biased’

Controversial businessman Cedric Lee on Friday slammed the Office of the Ombudsman’s alleged biased investigation on a complaint that eventually led to the filing of a graft case against him and the former Mayor of Mariveles, Bataan.
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CHR renews call to surface 2 UP students missing since 2006

The Commission on Human Rights on Friday renewed a call to surface Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan, 2 University of the Philippines students who have been missing since 2006.
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VP Binay to Roxas: Ordinary Pinoys' everyday plight no laughing matter

Vice President Jejomar Binay has shot back at Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, saying the plight of ordinary Filipinos is no laughing matter.
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VP Binay: Cabinet execs recently treated me like a leper

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday said he was recently treated “like a leper” by his fellow Cabinet officials.
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Baligod, 2 legal experts think Aquino admin guilty of ‘selective justice’

Selective justice exists in the Aquino administration, at least three legal experts said Friday, citing the P10-billion pork barrel scam case as an example.
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‘Hypocrite’ VP Binay chaired agencies that got P11B from DAP – Abad

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad on Friday pointed out that Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has attacked the administration's controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), chaired two agencies that got P11.45 billion in DAP funds in October 2011.  
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OMB chairman Ronnie Ricketts posts bail for graft case

Even before the court orders his arrest, Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts on Friday posted a bail bond amounting to P30,000 in exchange for his temporary liberty.
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Palace: Budgets, poverty figures disprove VP Binay’s claim of neglect of poor

Just look at the numbers. This was how Malacañang on Friday countered Vice President Jejomar Binay’s claim that President Benigno Aquino III’s administration is neglecting poor Filipinos.
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PHL hits back at China: It’s not our fault that other countries support us

Malacañang on Friday hit back at China after Beijing's accusation that the Philippines is trying to “rope in” other non-claimant countries in the dispute over resource-rich parts of the South China Sea.
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Sandiganbayan raffles off cases of Cedric Lee, Ronnie Ricketts, others

The Sandiganbayan has raffled off the fresh batch of cases lodge before against public officials and personalities including the cases of controversial businessman Cedric Lee and action star Ronnie Ricketts.
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CA affirms dismissal of PRC exec over P400K extortion

The Court of Appeals has affirmed the dismissal of a ranking official of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for alleged extortion activities involving more or less P400,000 in 2012.  
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Parishes tapped to help in ‘No Bio, No Boto’ campaign for 2016 polls

Efforts to have Filipino voters have their biometric data taken in time for the 2016 elections will get a big boost at the parish level.
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'Mayweather is avoiding me' - Amir Khan

Amir Khan has been chasing a big money fight with Floyd Mayweather for many months. So when he heard that the brash American is choosing between Andre Berto and Karim Mayfield for his next opponent, Khan immediately came to the conclusion that Mayweather is dodging him.
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Palace seeks justice for slain CNN-PHL employee

Malacañang on Friday joined calls for justice for CNN Philippines assistant cameraman and driver Jonathan Oldan, who was gunned down in Cavite on Thursday.
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FDA warns vs. 5 unregistered drug products

The Food and Drug Administration warned the public against five unregistered drug products that may be sold in the market.
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Intl media group scores killing of CNN Philippines assistant cameraman

An international media group on Thursday condemned the killing of CNN Philippines assistant cameraman Jonathan Oldan in Cavite, and called for immediate Philippine government action.
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SWS: VP Binay satisfaction rating bounces back to 'good' +42

After falling for several months, Vice President Jejomar Binay's satisfaction rating bounced back a bit in the second quarter of 2015, to a "good" net rating of +42, according to a new survey by Social Weather Stations.
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Kin of abducted Coast Guard men plead to save loved ones

The relatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) men who were abducted by an unidentified armed group asked for help save their loved ones. 
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China: PHL trying to 'rope in' others to sea dispute

BEIJING - China's military on Thursday accused the Philippines of trying to "rope in" other countries to the dispute over ownership of the South China Sea and stir regional tension after Japan joined a military drill with the Philippines.
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LP stalwarts urge Binay's 'proteges' to resign, too

Government officials whose appointments were supposedly backed by Vice President Jejomar Binay should quit their posts out of delicadeza or propriety now that he's no longer in the Cabinet, Liberal Party stalwarts said Thursday.
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2 bettors win PCSO lotto jackpots

Two lotto bettors are now more than P80 million richer each after they won separate jackpots in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's lotto draws Thursday night.
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Elenita Binay opposes bid to have ex-Makati Vice Mayor Mercado testify at her trial

Elenita Binay, the wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, is opposing government prosecutors' motion to have former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado testify at her graft trial before the Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division.
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Kris Aquino stands by PNoy in brod’s rift with VP Binay

Outspoken television personality Kris Aquino is standing by her brother, President Benigno Aquino III, in the brewing word war between the Chief Executive and family friend Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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Philippines pushes for Japanese arms in face of China dispute

The Philippines said Thursday it wants to acquire defense equipment from Japan, as the two allies strengthen defense ties in the face of China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
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‘It makes me laugh’: Mar Roxas scoffs at VP Binay’s speech vs. PNoy govt

Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Thursday lashed out at Vice President Jejomar Binay over the resigned Cabinet official's tirades against the Aquino administration.
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PNoy could be impeached over peace deals with MILF, ex-solon says

President Benigno Aquino III could be impeached for entering into allegedly disadvantageous peace agreements with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a former lawmaker said Thursday.
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Abad disputes VP Binay’s claim: LGU funds not withheld in 2013

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad on Thursday disputed Vice President Jejomar Binay’s claim that local government funds were withheld in 2013.
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Espina giving tips as PNoy interviews two more PNP chief hopefuls

Barely a month before Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina retires from the service, President Benigno Aquino III interviewed two more candidates as he has yet to pick the next PNP chief.
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Bishop warns vs. blindly following poll surveys

A Catholic Church official on Thursday warned Filipino voters against blindly following trends in survey related to the upcoming polls in May 2016.
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Thai champ tells Pinoy challenger Casimero: Don't worry about hometown decision

Defending IBF world flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng told his Filipino title challenger John Riel Casimero not to worry about hometown cooking despite having their fight in his Thailand.  
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VP Binay’s swipe at Grace Poe’s citizenship a ‘cheap shot,’ says Chiz Escudero

Vice President Jejomar Binay's reference to himself in nationally televised speech as a "true Filipino" weeks after his spokesmen cast doubt on Sen. Grace Poe's citizenship didn't sit well with Sen. Francis Escudero.
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Chiz: VP Binay cutting ties with admin ‘expected’, unlikely to boost chances in 2016

Sen. Francis Escudero on Thursday said Vice President Jejomar Binay's verbal attack on the Aquino administration was an "expected move," though it is unlikely that it will help him in the 2016 elections.
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Ombudsman prober: No evidence directly linking Lanete to ‘pork’ scam

A field investigator from the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday admitted before the  Sandiganbayan that there was no evidence directly showing that Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete had transactions with alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.
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‘Magpaka-lalaki ka’: VP Binay dares Koko Pimentel on audit of housing agencies

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday dared Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III to "man up" and push through with his plan to ask for an audit of the government shelter agencies that Binay oversaw as housing czar.
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De Lima: VP Binay resigned out of political expediency, not 2016 polls

Vice President Jejomar Binay only resigned from his Cabinet posts so he could go "full blast" in attacking the Aquino administration, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Thursday.
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CJ Sereno, Leonen laud ex-UP dean’s election to ICC

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Associate Justice Marvic Leonen both expressed on Thursday their delight over the election of former UP law dean Raul Pangalangan to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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Final answer? Duterte says no to the presidency

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday shut down the possibility of him joining the 2016 presidential race.
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Trillanes says he’s 100% sure on 2016 vice presidential bid

From a military officer to senator to vice president? On Thursday, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said he is 100 percent sure in seeking the vice presidency in 2016.
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Tony Meloto pushed to replace Binay as housing czar

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, chair of the House committee on Metro Manila development, said Meloto is a fitting choice to become the new housing czar because of his “impeccable track record as an anti-poverty activist.”
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De Lima defends admin from VP Binay tirades

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Thursday advised Vice President Jejomar Binay to look in his own backyard first before accusing the administration of being a "failure" and implementing "selective justice."
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Graft raps filed vs. Optical Media Board chair Ronnie Ricketts, 4 others

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft charges against Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts and four others for allegedly allowing the return of confiscated pirated DVDs and VCDs to its owner company in 2010.
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Trillanes: VP Binay should be last person to say admin is ‘manhid, palpak’

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said Vice President Jejomar Binay was "not the perfect spokesman" to say that the Aquino administration was callous and a failure.
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PNoy fires back at VP Binay: Is this what I get for treating you right?

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday lamented how Vice President Jejomar Binay openly attacked his administration after supposedly being treated well for the past five years.
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US envoy reiterates US support for peaceful end to PHL-China dispute

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on Wednesday reiterated the US' support for a peaceful settlement to the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China.
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Binay camp hits Mar Roxas for ‘lame’ and ‘insignificant’ comments to VP speech

The response of Cabinet member Mar Roxas to former Vice President Jejomar Binay's critical speech against the present administration was "lame and insignificant" as expected, his spokesperson said Thursday.
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Grace Poe gets 93-percent approval rating in Pulse Asia poll

After topping the most recent presidential and vice-presidential preference polls, Senator Grace Poe also got the approval of almost all respondents for her job as a lawmaker in the latest Pulse Asia survey.
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'Fans are going to miss me' says Mayweather of impending retirement

Mayweather plans to fight one last time in September, and though he doesn't hold a reputation of being an exciting fighter atop the ring, he feels that the fans are bound to miss him when he calls it a day.
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DND eyes Japan's P-3C Orion spy plane

The Department of National Defense is interested in acquiring Japan's P-3C Orion surveillance plane as soon it gets replaced with the more advanced P-8 Poseidon, DND Undersecretary Peter Galvez said on Wedmesday.
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DepEd readies P14B for 'incentive' for teachers, personnel

Qualified Department of Education teachers and personnel may soon get their Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) equivalent to one month's salary.
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Zambales fishermen ask the UN to intervene, stop China 'harassment' in West PHL Sea

Thirty-eight Filipino fishermen from Zambales on Wednesday sought help from the United Nations against Chinese maritime personnel who have allegedly been physically harassing them since April 2012 while trying to fish at Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.
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Bettor wins P9M in Megalotto draw

A lotto bettor is now P9 million richer after winning the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Megalotto 6/45 draw Wednesday night.
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China to widen draft security law to cover space, sea, polar interests

BEIJING - China will add its assets and activities in space, the deep sea and polar regions to its pending national security law, state media said on Wednesday, the latest changes to the sweeping and controversial draft legislation.
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Nursing board topnotcher prefers to work in PHL, if he can find work here

Benedict Rey M. Serrano, Bicol University nursing graduate and topnotcher of the latest nursing licensure examination, prefers to settle in a stable job here in the Philippines, rather than work abroad.
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New coaches for EDSA MRT to arrive in Jan 2016, DOTC says; delivery delayed

Commuters taking the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will likely endure the same long lines and glitches until the yearend, as the delivery of 48 new coaches was moved three months past the original schedule.
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PCG confirms hostages in viral video are coast guard men

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo confirmed on Wednesday that the men who pleaded for help in a viral video were indeed the Coast Guard men and barangay captain who were abducted by bandits in Dapitan City last month.
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Bitter or brave? Netizens react to VP Binay’s speech

Some netizens took to Twitter on Wednesday to express their disappointment over the speech delivered by Vice President Jejomar Binay, explaining why he quit the cabinet earlier this week.
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VP Binay’s speech ‘an act of desperation’ –Trillanes

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday described the speech of Vice President Jejomar Binay — his first since he resigned from the Aquino Cabinet — was "an act of desperation."
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Bitter or brave? Netizens react to VP Binay’s speech

Some netizens took to Twitter on Wednesday to express their disappointment over the speech delivered by Vice President Jejomar Binay, explaining why he quit the cabinet earlier this week.
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Napoles lawyer says whistleblower’s testimony worked to their advantage

A lawyer of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles on Wednesday said the testimony of whistleblower Marina Sula has worked to his client’s advantage as it proved that she has no control over the fake foundations being linked to the scam.
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Defense chief: PHL needs to strengthen ties with Japan through VFA

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Wednesday highlighted the need for the country to have a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Japan, even as he admitted that they are considering China's activities in the West Philippine Sea as a threat.
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LP expels Camarines Norte gov over sex scandal

Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado was ousted from the ruling Liberal Party a year after he was embroiled in a controversy over an alleged extra-marital affair last year.
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‘Selective justice’ prevailing in Aquino government –VP Binay

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday assailed the "selective justice" of the Aquino administration, accusing it of turning a blind eye on the corruption allegations against its allies while harassing the opposition with criticisms.
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Opposition solons call for resignation of Cabinet execs who want to run in 2016

Cabinet officials who are interested in running for elective posts next year should emulate Vice President Jejomar Binay and resign from their posts even if they have yet to officially announce their candidacy, opposition lawmakers said Wednesday.
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Palace: VP Binay had 5 years to air gripes with PNoy

“An unfortunate choice.” This was how Malacañang on Wednesday called Vice President Jejomar Binay’s combative speech enumerating supposed shortcomings of President Benigno Aquino III.
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FULL TEXT: Speech of Vice President Jejomar Binay on why he quit Aquino’s Cabinet

The following is the full text of Vice President Jejomar Binay's speech two days after quitting the Aquino Cabinet.
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VP Binay calls Aquino administration ‘a failure, callous’

Saying that the Aquino administration has become a failure and callous, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday dared the stalwarts of the government to face him in the 2016 presidential elections instead of attacking his character and his family.
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Supporters gather at Makati City Hall ahead of Binay’s speech

Supporters of Vice President Jejomar Binay have gathered at the grounds of Makati City hall hours before Binay's press conference 4 p.m. today.
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SC orders admin charges vs. judge who granted Korean fugitive’s amparo bid

The Supreme Court has ruled that a Korean fugitive wanted for stealing $200 million is not entitled to protection under the writ of amparo.
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LP stalwarts say Mar Roxas should stay in the Cabinet

Liberal Party stalwarts have criticized calls for Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to follow Vice President Jejomar Binay's move and similarly resign from the Cabinet, saying his expertise is still needed in helping the Aquino administration carry out the necessary projects and reforms.
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VP Binay, 20 others face preliminary investigation over Science HS

The Office of the Ombudsman is now conducting preliminary investigation on the allegations of graft against Vice President Jejomar Binay, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and 19 others in connection with the alleged overpricing in the construction of a ten-storey building at the Makati City Science High School.
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Mayor Binay suspension not due to ‘overpriced’ school building —Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday clarified that it has not issued a suspension order against Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and other officials of the city government in relation to an alleged overpriced school building.
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PHL not provoking China through military exercises with Japan –Palace

The joint military exercises between the Philippines and Japan, which included air patrols over disputed areas in the South China Sea, is not an act of provocation against China, Malacañang said Wednesday.
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Militant solons want joint military drills with Japan stopped

Progressive lawmakers on Wednesday called on the government to immediately stop the ongoing joint military exercises between the Philippines and Japan, saying it is unconstitutional and violates Philippine sovereignty.
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Cabinet officials shouldn’t act like they’re politicking –Palace exec

Malacañang on Wednesday reminded Cabinet officials who plan to run in the 2016 national elections to be mindful of their actions, lest they be accused of early politicking.
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Philippines, Japan defy China with second spy plane flight

Japan and the Philippines flew patrol planes near the disputed South China Sea waters for the second straight day on Wednesday, defying Chinese warnings.
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On first year of detention, Enrile, Revilla, Estrada visited by Chiz

Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday said he visited three of his colleagues who have been in detention for a year now in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam. 
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Govt appointees running in 2016 need not resign prior to filing of COC —Comelec

The Commission on Elections on Wednesday clarified that appointed officials who intend to run in the 2016 elections need not file their resignation before they file their Certificates of Candidacy or COC.
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Chiz: No 2106 plans yet for me, Grace Poe

Sen. Francis Escudero on Wednesday said he and Sen. Grace Poe have no definite plans in so far as the coming 2016 national elections are concerned.
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Australia cautions nationals vs. dangers, pollution in PHL coastal areas

Australia on Tuesday advised its nationals in the Philippines to be careful when swimming in coastal areas, citing the dangers of undercurrents and pollution there.
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SWS: Sen. Grace Poe tops VP choices for 2016 polls

Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares has emerged not just as the top choice for president in 2016 but also for vice president, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey done earlier this month from June 5 to 8. The survey results showed 21 percent of 1,200 respondents said they would likely vote for Poe as vice president.
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Water allocation of Metro Manila households to be cut come July 1, but relief in sight

Metro Manila households will experience a reduction in their water allocation starting July 1 as the water level at Angat Dam goes down by a daily average of 27 to 30 centimeters, but authorities said relief may come very soon because they expect rain to replenish the dam in the rainy months. The two cubic meters per second cut in the water allocation is equivalent to 860,000 drums of water a day.
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Prosecutors move for suspension of officials linked to Benguet rep's ‘pork’ case

Government prosecutors on Tuesday asked the Sandiganbayan's Third Division to suspend the 14 government officials who were co-accused along with former Benguet Rep. Samuel Dangwa in multiple pork-barrel scam graft cases.
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Mayweather insists his last fight will be in September

Unbeaten pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather reiterated that September will mark the final fight of his boxing career.
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Gloria Arroyo's wealth grew by P9.7M in one year

In a span of one year, the wealth of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ballooned by P9.7 million, despite her detention at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.
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Even torture of terrorists unacceptable —CBCP president Villegas

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Tuesday branded as unacceptable the use of torture even to interrogate suspected terrorists.
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Sources in Binay camp expects VP to put on old ‘fighter’ self

After resigning from President Aquino’s Cabinet, sources said the public may soon expect Vice President Jejomar Binay to be more aggressive in criticizing the administration. The same well-placed sources from Binay’s camp were quick to point out that this should not be seen as Vice President coming up with a new image since he will just be putting back his old “fighter” self.
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PNoy’s silence on attacks vs. VP, pushed Binay to resign —sources

President Benigno Aquino III's silence on the corruption controversies hounding his friend, Vice President Jejomar Binay, apparently pushed Binay to resign from his Cabinet positions; aside from the fact that he feels left out of the president's official family, sources told GMA News.
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Human rights advocate slams Soliman for comments on IP kids at rallies

A human rights advocate slammed Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman for condemning non-government organizations and faith-based groups for bringing indigenous children to rallies in front of Department of Education office in Davao Region.
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Bicol University-Legazpi tops May 2015 nursing board exams

A student from Bicol University in Legaspi topped the Nursing Board Examinations conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in May.
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Probers say ex-BOC inspector banked P9M in seven months

A former employee of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) allegedly made deposits amounting to P8.9 million in a span of seven months despite his monthly salary of only P23,000, a “24 Oras” report said Tuesday.
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FULL LIST: Successful examinees in the May 2015 nursing board exams

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results of the May 2015 Nursing Board Exam online on Tuesday, revealing 9,707 passers out of 17,891 examinees for the exams given nationwide last May.
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LOOK: VP Binay's one-sentence resignation letter

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday informed President Benigno Aquino III of his resignation from the Cabinet through a simple, one-sentence, straight-to-the-point letter.
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Ombudsman recommends graft cases vs VP Binay, Mayor Binay over Makati Science HS building

The Field Investigation Office (FIO) of the Ombudsman recommended on Tuesday to file a number of cases including graft against Vice President Jejomar Binay and Makati Mayor Junjun Binay because of the allegedly overpriced Makati Science High School building. 
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PNP to seek Ombudsman advice regarding suspended official’s status

The Philippine National Police (PNP) may seek advice from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the status of Chief Supt. Raul D. Petrasanta, who is among those being floated as next PNP chief, after he finished serving his suspension next month.
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Clean air advocates file graft raps vs. DTI execs

It has been 16 years since the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 was signed into law, and yet the mandated nationwide program for the proper inspection of the carbon emissions of motor vehicles has yet to be implemented, an environment advocacy group has said.
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Suspek, huli sa Safe Kam sa pagnanakaw ng bisikleta

Naaresto ang isang 46-anyos na lalaki matapos mahagip sa Safe Kam ng Philippine National Police sa akto ng pagnanakaw ng bisikleta. 
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Koko Pimentel wants an audit of agencies VP Binay used to lead

Senator Aquiliino Pimentel III urged Tuesday an audit on the agencies handled by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who resigned from the Cabinet Monday.
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House panel to recommend stop in issuance of new car plates

The House committee on Metro Manila development has joined mounting calls for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to stop the issuance of new car plates as questions linger about their purpose and functionality.
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Kentex factory fire probe to continue even after settlement –Palace

The government will continue its investigation on the deadly Kentex factory fire in Valenzuela last May even after some of the victims’ relatives agreed to settle with the company, Malacañang said Tuesday.
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VP Binay’s daughter, other UNA stalwarts to remain in House majority

At least for now, members of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) will stay with the majority coalition in the House of Representatives even with the resignation of its standard bearer, Vice President Jejomar Binay, from the Cabinet.
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PNoy endorses TESDA chief for ‘bigger responsibility’ in govt

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday heaped praises on Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief Joel Villanueva, saying he said should have a "bigger responsibility" in government.
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JV Ejercito to Cabinet members planning to run in 2016: Resign now

Out of delicadeza, Cabinet members who are planning to seek elected posts in next year’s election should follow Vice President Jejomar Binay’s move and resign too, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said on Tuesday.
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Two bettors split P9-M jackpot in 6/45 lotto

Two lucky bettors will share P9 million after winning the jackpot of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Megalotto 6/45 draw on Monday evening.
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Due to Sol-Gen’s sea dispute case, SC puts off hearing on Torre de Manila

Solicitor-General Florin Hilbay will now have more time to prepare for oral arguments in the Netherlands over the Philippines' claims in the South China Sea in July. The Supreme Court sitting en banc on Tuesday granted Hilbay's request to reset oral arguments on a petition seeking to have DMCI's Torre de Manila demolished, scheduled on June 30.
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SC junks plea vs. BBL, calls it premature

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking to declare as unconstitutional the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is currently still being deliberated in Congress.
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Jinggoy, JV reconciliation in the offing?

It seems a reconciliation between Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada is in the offing.
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Espina: Mamasapano has nothing to do with BBL

Outgoing PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Dir. Gen. Leonardo Espina on Tuesday said the bloody January 25 Mamasapano clash should not get in the way of the peace process, including the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).  
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Outgoing PNP OIC Espina says he’s not running in 2016 polls

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Deputy Dir. Gen. Leonardo Espina on Tuesday he will not be running in the 2016 elections.
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Boycott of Chinese products not backed by PHL government, says DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said the Philippine government does not support the planned boycott of Chinese products by some groups, but called their action a “right to freedom of expression.”
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Binay can now strengthen UNA, lead the opposition - JV Ejercito

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito expressed hope Tuesday that the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) will now be able to consolidate its forces after the resignation of Vice President Jejomar Binay from the Cabinet.   
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Palace: VP Binay wasn’t administration’s punching bag while in Cabinet

Malacañang on Tuesday countered Makati Rep. Abigail Binay’s claim that his father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, became the subject of attacks from the administration during his stint as Cabinet member.
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De Lima orders new BuCor chief to make Bilibid drug-free

Retired Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III on Tuesday was sworn in as the new director general of the Bureau of Corrections, which maintains the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
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PHL buys 100 patrol boats to combat poachers

The Philippines is buying nearly 100 new patrol boats to protect its fisheries, an official said Monday, in a substantial expansion from its current fleet of 20 as it responds to poaching by Chinese and Taiwanese vessels.
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PAGASA: Start of rainy season to raise dam water levels, help irrigation

The start of the rainy season may mean a stop to the drop in water levels at Angat Dam in Bulacan and other major dams in Luzon, state weather agency PAGASA said Tuesday.
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Boxing: Britain's Groves suffers head injury in boating accident

British boxer George Groves suffered a minor head injury in a boating accident on Monday (Tuesday, PHL time) but the incident will not impact his Las Vegas fight with Badou Jack for the WBC super-middleweight title, his management said.
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Homeless but not totally: An urban poor family copes via mobile lifestyle

Natalia did not own a house, but she had a fleet of around 10 vans she rented out to tourists and production crews. In the face of the emotional and financial burden of losing a home three times in a row, she had an idea.
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Belmonte to Mar: Don't make PNoy's endorsement ‘major consideration’ in 2016 plans

President Benigno Aquino III's endorsement should not be the deciding factor in whether or not Interior Secretary Mar Roxas runs for president in 2016, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Monday. 
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Binay milestones and controversies as housing czar

With his resignation from President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet on Monday, Vice President Jejomar Binay will be stepping down as chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).
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Natural for political scions to enter politics, Bongbong Marcos’ son says

Although he has yet to decide if he will enter politics, the eldest son of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Monday there should be no limit as to whatever profession a person would want to take.
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VP Binay topped the polls until Building II controversy took its toll

After his victory in the 2010 elections, Vice President Jejomar Binay has maintained high marks from the public, as reflected in his ratings from periodic surveys over the past five years.
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De Lima to assess if Wang Bo needs to be deported

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is expected to decide on Tuesday whether or not to finally deport Chinese gambling lord Wang Bo after he appeared before a congressional inquiry on supposed bribery to support the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.
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PNoy and VP Binay's parting of ways 'inevitable'

The resignation of Vice President Jejomar Binay from the Cabinet is seen by many merely as a formality of the parting of ways between him and President Aquino. It was "inevitable," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigal Valte said as early as three years ago. 
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Poe must settle qualification issues before court, Comelec –legal experts

No matter how many times she dominates preferential surveys, it's still Sen. Grace Poe's residency and citizenship qualifications that would make or break her possible 2016 presidential bid, according to two law experts.
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If it rains on Graduation Day, UP to announce degrees through text

In case of inclement weather on June 28, the administration of the University of the Philippines in Diliman is considering conferring the degrees of its graduating students through text messages.
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Part 2 of PHL documentary casts doubt on China’s claims in sea dispute

The Philippines on Monday launched the second part of its documentary on the South China Sea, underscoring how history backs the Philippines' territorial claims and raises questions on China's massive claim that virtually eats up the entire resource-rich waters.
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PNoy accepts VP Binay’s resignation from Cabinet

President Benigno Aquino III has allowed Vice President Jejomar Binay to resign from his Cabinet posts, Malacañang said Monday.
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Pope asks for forgiveness from Waldensian Protestants for past persecution

Pope Francis asked forgiveness on Monday for the Roman Catholic Church's "non-Christian and inhumane" treatment in the past of the Waldensians, a tiny Protestant movement the Vatican tried to exterminate in the 15th century.
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VP Binay felt tired, wanted to be free to criticize Aquino administration – Rep. Binay

Vice President Jejomar Binay resigned from President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet because he felt "tired" and wanted to be "liberated" from the administration, her daughter said Monday.
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Qutting Cabinet means VP Binay has given up on PNoy endorsement – House leader

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Monday said Vice President Jejomar Binay's decision to resign from the Cabinet shows that he has "given up on hopes for PNoy's endorsement." 
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De Lima: Pulse Asia poll results a ‘really big factor for me’

A recent survey showing her in the Top 10 preferred senatorial bets will be a "big factor" when Justice Secretary Leila de Lima decides if she'll seek an elected post in the 2016 elections.
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VP Binay’s resignation signals the start of election season —senators

The resignation of Vice President Jejomar Binay from the Aquino Cabinet signals the start of the election season, senators said on Monday.
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VP Binay quits Aquino’s Cabinet

(Updated 4:25 p.m.) Vice President Jejomar Binay has tendered his irrevocable resignation from President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet, a statement from his office said Monday. Joey Salgado, head of the Office of the Vice President media affairs, said Binay's resignation was effective immediately.
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Ombudsman files raps vs Cedric Lee, former Mariveles mayor

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft and malversation charges against the controversial businessman Cedric Lee and a former Mayor of Mariveles town in Bataan in connection with the supposed construction of a P14-million public market project.
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PNoy to pick next PNP chief based on merit –Lacierda

President Benigno Aquino III will choose the next Philippine National Police chief based on merit, his spokesman said Monday amid some politicians’ reported lobbying for certain police officers for the top PNP post.
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Manila Science HS teachers, students to file latest plea vs. K-12

Teachers and students from the Manila Science High School are set to file on Tuesday a sixth petition against Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which paved the way for the controversial "Kindergarten to Grade 12" or K to 12 program.
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Ex-Negros Occidental town mayor convicted for illegal dismissal

The Sandiganbayan has found a former mayor of Escalante City in Negros Occidental guilty of illegal termination of 11 permanent employees of the city government in 2002.
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Duterte says he will now ‘consider’ presidential bid

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is now considering running for president in the 2016 elections.
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Father’s Day dinner downs Bongbong Marcos

Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was not able to attend an event at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Monday morning due to food poisoning.
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SolGen prioritizes sea row over condo dispute

Solicitor General Florin Hilbay has asked the Supreme Court to push back the oral arguments on Torre de Manila since he is busy preparing for a “more crucial" hearing in the Netherlands to defend the Philippine claim over the South China Sea.
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Drilon: PNoy’s endorsement value boosted by recent Pulse Asia survey

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday said President Benigno Aquino III's endorsement value for the 2016 elections has been boosted by the jump in his trust ratings in the latest Pulse Asia survey.
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VP Binay most trusted gov’t official; PNoy is second —Pulse Asia

Vice President Jejomar Binay is the most trusted top government official, as he and President Benigno Aquino III bounced back in their ratings based on the latest Pulse Asia survey results released Monday.
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PNoy praises DPWH: ‘From corruption poster boy to model agency’

President Benigno Aquino III was all praises for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during its anniversary on Monday, even calling it a model agency.
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Drilon: Petitions vs. Bangsamoro deals are premature

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday described as premature the petitions filed before the Supreme Court against the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
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PHL steps up drills with US, Japan forces near South China Sea

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY– The Philippines will hold separate naval exercises with US and Japanese forces this week on a Philippine island that is not far from the disputed Spratly archipelago, where China's rapid creation of seven island outposts is stoking regional tensions.
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Official backed by Iglesia ni Cristo is new ESS chief of Customs

A controversial figure purportedly endorsed by a powerful religious organization is now the new chief of one the most coveted offices in Bureau of Customs.
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PNoy should use last SONA to discuss resolving major issues, Lacson says

President Benigno Aquino III should use his final State of the Nation Address to explain how he intends to resolve the major issues confronting the country in the remaining months of his term, former senator Panfilo Lacson said Sunday.
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Lacson still keen on presidency but open to Senate run if ratings stay low

Despite faring poorly in pre-election popularity surveys, former Sen. Panfilo Lacson isn’t closing the doors on running for president in 2016 but said he is also open to making a comeback at the Senate.  
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SC likely to junk petitions to void Bangsamoro deals, House leader says

The Supreme Court will likely dismiss for lack of merit the petitions seeking to declare as unconstitutional the peace agreements that the government entered into with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) because the pacts have yet to be implemented pending Congress’ passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a House leader said Sunday.
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Group warns vs. smuggled insecticides with cypermethrin

An ecological group early last week warned the public against 14 unregistered insecticides, most of them from China, containing cypermethrin.
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Cebu seeking 300 volunteers for APEC hosting

Cebu is looking for 300 student volunteers who will help show Philippine hospitality in the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference activities in Cebu from August to October, the provincial government said.
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Palace: Government open to resuming peace talks with CPP-NPA-NDF

The Aquino government is open to resuming peace negotiations with Communist rebels, a Malacañang spokesperson said Sunday.
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Party-list solon asks DFA to explain P8-B e-passports printing deal

A lawmaker is asking the Department of Foreign Affairs to explain its decision to transfer  the printing of e-passports from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to a privately-owned firm that supposedly has no established track record in printing security documents.
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Cutdown, increase in fuel prices seen this week

Motorists using diesel fuel may have a slight relief this week as oil firms are likely to implement a cutdown, but not so for gasoline and kerosene users.
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Labor group backs House bills making overtime pay, night differential tax-free

A labor group on Sunday urged the House of Representatives to pass a proposed law exempting overtime pay and graveyard shift differential from the computation of income taxes.
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Mindanao archbishop: MILF decommissioning simple but significant

Last week's act of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front towards decommissioning process may seem small but its significance should not be ignored, a Mindanao archbishop said.
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Lucky 6/55 Grand Lotto player wins P274M jackpot

A lucky Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office 6/55 Grand Lotto player won the P274,176,956 jackpot in Saturday night's draw with the winning numbers 35-01-08-27-30-06.
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PHL reiterates serious concern at China reclamation in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine government on Saturday reiterated its serious concern over China's reclamation activities in a disputed part of the South China Sea that Manila calls the West Philippine Sea. It called on China to "heed calls from the region and the international community to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the [2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea ]."
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Labor group slams Senate for delay of law protecting HIV-positive OFWs

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Saturday criticized the Senate for "dilly-dallying" on the chamber's version of the House bill protecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals from discrimination, especially during hiring.
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Palace to BBL critics: Consider bigger picture on Mindanao peace efforts

Malacañang on Saturday appealed to critics of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to look at the bigger picture in Mindanao and see the sense of urgency in having the measure passed in Congress soonest.
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Despite drop in support, govt sticking to rules-based approach to dealing sea dispute

Despite a drop in public support for the government's handling of the maritime row with China in the West Philippine Sea, Manila will stick to its "rules-based" approach on the matter, Malacañang said Saturday.
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Palace: No need for travel advisory over MERS-CoV, for now

At least for now, Malacañang sees no need to issue a travel advisory to Thailand – or to South Korea – due to the possible threat of being infected with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
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Bishop to PNoy: Cosider letting Congress in next admin tackle BBL passage

President Benigno Aquino III may have to consider letting the next administration push for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress, a Catholic bishop said Friday.
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US govt lists NPA, Abu Sayyaf, JI among foreign terrorist organizations in PHL

The Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah and Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army are among the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) operating in the Philippines, the US State Department said.
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Filipinos fear 'armed conflict' with China over sea row, SWS poll finds

Eight in 10 Filipinos are worried a festering South China Sea territorial dispute could lead to "armed conflict" with the world's most populous nation, an independent polling outfit said Friday.
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Expulsion for liable frat men, Rep. Quimbo says on latest UP frat violence

Expulsion is the penalty the University of the Philippines administration must mete out to the fraternity members liable for the latest on campus violence at UP Diliman, Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo said in an interview with GMA News' late evening newscast, "Saksi", on Friday.
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Lone bettor gets P36.2-B jackpot in 6/45 Megalotto draw

A lotto bettor is now some P36.24 million richer after hitting the jackpot of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Megalotto 6/45 draw Friday night.
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Sen. Villar: NP can adopt Grace Poe but not VP Binay

The Nacionalista Party, led by billionaire and former Senate President Manny Villar, is inclined to support Senator Grace Poe, if ever she decides to seek the presidency, but not Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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Mar Roxas' ‘dependence’ on PNoy endorsement may harm presidential bid – analyst

With voters looking for independent-minded people in government, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas' "dependence" on President Benigno Aquino III's endorsement in 2016 may put him at a disadvantage, an analyst said.
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De La Hoya rejects Mayweather's rematch proposal

Retired six-division champion Oscar De La Hoya had been teasing about a boxing comeback for weeks, and when the word reached the world's highest paid athlete Floyd Mayweather, the brash American said he's willing to give the Mexican-American a rematch in September.  
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UST tops licensure exams for architects

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Friday announced that 1,201 out of 1,964 passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) given by the Board of Architecture headed by its Chairman, Arch. Rolando L. Cordero and board member Arch. Fidel Jose R. Siapno. The University of Santo Tomas topped the examination.
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Prosecutors ask Sandiganbayan to suspend Bacolod mayor Puentevella

Government prosecutors asked the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan to suspend Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella pending the litigation of his graft case in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of computer and software amounting P26 million.
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Ex-Cainta mayor Mon Ilagan is UNA and VP Binay's new spokesperson

Former Cainta mayor and broadcaster Mon Ilagan is the new spokesperson of the opposition’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and Vice President Jejomar Binay.  
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Rizal descendant defends Lim in Torre de Manila issue

A descendant of Jose Rizal on Friday defended former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in the controversy involving the construction of the Torre de Manila condominium, which supposedly ruins the panoramic view of the Rizal Monument.
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Bayanihan: PHIVOLCS urges engineers to check houses for free

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) director Renato Solidum on Friday asked engineers to offer their services for free to residents along West Valley Fault who cannot afford to have their homes checked and made earthquake-ready.    
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Senate performance, FPJ magic propping up Grace Poe

Sen. Grace Poe's performance in the Senate and the opposition taking issue with her being a foundling helped the first-termer take the lead in presidential preference surveys, political analysts said on Friday.
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Napoles lawyers question accuracy of Luy’s ledgers on ‘pork’ scam

The lawyers of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the pork barrel scam, on Friday tried to cast doubt on the accuracy of the documents held by primary state witness Benhur Luy that supposedly detail transactions pertaining to the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam.
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MILF decommissioning will speed up BBL passage – Third Party Monitoring Team

The Third Party Monitoring Team (TMPT), which monitors, reviews and assesses the implementation of signed agreements between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, believes the decommissioning process will help speed up passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
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China says island-building in South China Sea won’t destroy ocean ecology

BEIJING - China's construction on disputed reefs in the South China Sea will not destroy ocean ecology, the country's maritime regulator said, in the face of complaints from the Philippines that the work is damaging coral in the area.
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Drilon assures Marcos there will be no Senate revamp to hasten BBL passage

Senate President Franklin Drilon has assured Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr that there will be no reorganization in the Senate to hasten the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
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Ex-solon asks SC to void Bangsamoro deals

Former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras on Friday asked the Supreme Court to nullify the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) for allegedly violating the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
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Miriam laments Senate inaction on bills vs. ‘epal’ politicians, political dynasties

Senator Miriam Defensor said Friday that she is disappointed at the failure of some Senate committees to act on bills she filed, adding some of her colleagues may fear the effects her proposed measures will have if enacted.
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PHL bishops invite non-Christians to study pope’s new environment encyclical

Philippine Catholic Church officials on Friday invited non-Christians to join them in studying Pope Francis' new encyclical on caring for the environment, and find ways how to practice it.
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Solon says Angara bill vs. ‘bully’ teachers may be unnecessary

Senator Sonny Angara's bill seeking to penalize teachers and other school personnel who bully students may be unnecessary, a party-list lawmaker said Friday, citing existing laws protecting children from abuses in schools.
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PHL won’t allow dispute to turn into a war with China —Palace

Malacañang on Friday sought to allay the fear voiced out by most Filipinos in a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) that the dispute over territories in the South China Sea will result in a war with China. "Iyon din ang iniingatan ng pamahalaan na ayaw nating magkakaroon ng insidenteng magkakaroon ng tendency to escalate,” Usec. Abigail Valte told reporters.
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PNoy values integrity more than poll ratings —Palace

President Benigno Aquino III believes in a candidate's integrity rather than his or her rankings in the presidential preference surveys, one of his spokespersons said on Friday.
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Sandiganbayan justice orders prosecution to ‘produce everything’ in Luy’s hard drive

The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday directed the prosecution team to submit printed copies of all the files contained in the external hard drive of Benhur Luy, the primary whistleblower in the pork barrel scam.
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Grace Poe humbled by SWS survey result

Senator Grace Poe on Friday said she was “truly humbled” by the latest result of a Social Weather Stations survey on preferred presidential contenders showing her in another lead over Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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VP Binay needs to change tack in answering corruption allegations –analyst

Vice President Jejomar Binay will have to change tack in defending himself against the corruption allegations being hurled against him and his family if he wants to regain the top spot in surveys leading to the 2016 elections.
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PNoy formally appoints Hilbay as SolGen

President Benigno Aquino III has formally appointed Atty. Florin Hilbay as the country’s Solicitor General.
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Palace on petition vs. peace deals: Why only now?

Malacañang on Friday questioned the timing of the petition filed with the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to void the government's peace deals with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
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PNoy’s improved rating to benefit his chosen one, spokesman says

President Benigno Aquino III's improved satisfaction rating will benefit the presidential candidate he will endorse next month, his spokesman said Friday.
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Sereno hubby cut ties with Consunji firm 26 years ago –SC spokesman

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno's husband was once connected with a Consunji-owned company, but he had resigned from the post more than two decades ago, SC Public Information Office chief and spokesman Theodore Te said Friday.
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Group asks Supreme Court to void Bangsamoro deals

The Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) on Friday asked the Supreme Court to declare as unconstitutional the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Areement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
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VP Binay’s camp still optimistic amid drop in survey

The camp  of Vice President Jejomar Binay remains optimistic amid the drop in the latter's ratings.
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PNoy thankful after recovery of public satisfaction rating – Palace

President Benigno Aquino III is thankful for the recovery of his net satisfaction rating after it fell to its lowest last March, a Malacañang spokesperson said Friday.
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PNoy approval rating up 10 percentage points

President Benigno Aquino III's public satisfaction rating, as measured by the Social Weather Stations, rose 10 percentage points since last March, but most of the gains came not from Metro Manila but from Mindanao, the rest of Luzon and from the Visayas.
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Sen. Poe zooms past VP Binay in latest SWS poll; Roxas at 3rd, Duterte close at 4th

Senator Grace Poe now has a lead of eight percentage points over Vice President Jejomar Binay, who slid to second place in the latest presidential contenders poll of the Social Weather Stations. The same SWS survey also has Interior Secretary Mar Roxas gaining six percentage points.
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Senate better venue for probe on House BBL ‘payola’ allegations – lawmaker

A lawmaker wants the House of Representatives to pass on to the Senate the task of investigating a Chinese fugitive's alleged attempt to bribe members of the House to vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to ensure the probe will be neutral.
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Pinoy fishermen tell of aggressive Chinese navy in West PHL Sea; Magdalo urges PHL ship patrols

Diplomatic protests are not enough to stop Chinese navy ships' harassment of Filipino fishermen, the Magdalo partylist said on Thursday as fisherfolk from Bataan and Iloilo told GMA News of recent and ongoing Chinese intrusions into their fishing grounds.
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LP stalwarts still upbeat with Mar Roxas’ chances in 2016

High-ranking officials of the Liberal Party continue to have a rosy outlook for Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II's candidacy even if he was in a tie for fourth place in the latest Pulse Asia survey on potential presidential candidates for the 2016 elections.
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UNA solons unfazed by dip in Binay's ratings

The United Nationalist Alliance is maintaining a brave front despite the continued decline in the ratings of Vice President Jejomar Binay, its standard-bearer in the 2016 polls.
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China tells builders to make civilian ships suitable for military use

The government of China has approved a plan requiring all civilian shipbuilders to design their new vessels to be "suitable for military use" in case of an "emergency," a state-owned newspaper said.
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DOJ backs senior citizens’ discount for power use over 100 kwh

The Department of Justice has expressed support for a House measure that would allow senior citizens to enjoy a five-percent monthly discount on their electric bills even if they exceed the 100 kilowatt-per-hour (kwh) cap.
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Sandiganbayan OKs ex-Comelec chief Abalos' trip to Colombia, US

The Fourth Division of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has allowed former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos to travel to Colombia and the United States from June 20 to July 5.
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Heavy downpour floods parts of Metro Manila

The sudden heavy downpour brought about by thunderstorms Thursday night flooded anew several roads in Metro Manila.
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Roxas thankful for increase in Pulse Asia survey ratings

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said Thursday he is thankful for the increase in his Pulse Asia survey ratings on preferred presidential candidates. 
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Incumbent, ex-lawmakers dominate Pulse Asia survey on senatorial candidates

Incumbent and former members of Congress dominate the Pulse Asia survey on preferred senatorial candidates released Thursday.
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Bongbong calls Duterte-Marcos tandem viable

Nothing is definite but anything is possible, including running with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 presidential elections, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.
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PHL has history in leveling eyesores that mar heritage sites

The Supreme Court has issued an order stopping work on the Torre de Manila condominium being built by DMCI Homes Tuesday. As the issue heats up, some netizens are asking whether a building may be demolished through a government action.    
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