355k households to experience 12-hour water interruptions starting next week

Some 355,500 households in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will experience up to 12 hours of water interruptions starting next week due to the El Niño phenomenon, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said Tuesday. 
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VP Binay, son face charges for 'fraudulent' UMak-STI deal

Lawyer Renato Bondal on Tuesday filed plunder and graft charges against Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, for the alleged fraudulent deal between the University of Makati (UMak) and the Systems Technology Institute (STI).
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PNoy should speak up on ‘deal’ with Iglesia —political analyst

President Benigno Aquino III should not hide behind his spokespersons on the supposed agreement reached between the government and influential group Iglesia ni Cristo, a political analyst said Tuesday.
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Palace: Ombudsman can probe PNoy over DAP, but he’s immune from suit

President Benigno Aquino III cannot be sued while in office, Malacañang maintained Tuesday after Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales revealed that Aquino is being investigated for implementing the partially unconstitutional disbursement acceleration program (DAP).
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Ombudsman to appeal SC decision on Enrile bail plea

The Office of the Ombudsman is set to file a motion for reconsideration on the Supreme Court decision granting bail to Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile for his plunder case in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.
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One Dream execs snub DOJ probe anew

Top officers of multi-level networking firm One Dream Marketing Inc. has once again failed to show up at the Department of Justice's preliminary investigation on the syndicated estafa complaints against them.
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Bondal files malversation raps vs. Binay siblings

Lawyer Renato Bondal on Tuesday filed charges of malversation of public funds against Makati City Rep. Marilen Abigail Binay and brother, suspended Mayor Erwin Jejomar Binay Jr. before the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged misuse of the congresswoman's pork barrel funds in 2011.
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Ombudsman probing PNoy, Abad over DAP

The Office of the Ombudsman is currently investigating President Benigno Aquino III and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad over their alleged involvement in the implementation of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales confirmed Tuesday.
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De Lima: I’m not resigning; no deal with Iglesia ni Cristo

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she is not resigning and there was no deal struck with the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo.
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Erap to attend China World War II parade

Former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada will attend China's huge military parade this week marking Japan's defeat in World War II despite the territorial tensions between Manila and Beijing, his spokesman said Monday.
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Bettor from Sampaloc, Manila wins P91.4M lotto prize

A bettor from Sampaloc, Manila won the P91.4-million jackpot prize of the Super Lotto 6/49 on Sunday.
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Comelec still eyes use of some PCOS machines to 'decongest' clustered precincts'

To ease congestion in some voting precincts during the May 2016 elections, the Commission on Elections might deploy some of the PCOS machines bought back in 2012, the poll body's chairman said on Monday.
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Shops start selling Christmas wares as ‘ber months start

Vendors selling Christmas decorations at the Dapitan Arcade in Quezon City have started setting up their booths a day before the start of the “ber” months.
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#DeLimaBringtheTruth trends amid motorists, commuters’ ire vs. Iglesia ni Cristo

A hashtag indicating support for Justice Secretary De Lima was tweeted more than 200,000 times since the Iglesia ni Cristo started its protest over what it called the Department of Justice's meddling in the religious group's affairs.
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Missing 10-year-old girl found dead in near Tanay River

A 10-year-old girl in Tanay was found dead naked on Sunday, days after she was reported missing, GMA News' "24 Oras" has said.
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CA upholds Ombudsman’s dismissal of ex-CHR chair

The Court of Appeals has affirmed the dismissal of former Commission on Human Rights commissioner Cecilia Rachel "Coco" Quisumbing, who was accused of getting an employee's salary increase differential in exchange for a promotion.
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LP's Erice still not giving up on getting Poe as Roxas' VP candidate

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, Liberal Party vice chair for political affairs, has not given up hope that Sen. Grace Poe will agree to become Interior Secretary Mar Roxas' running mate despite reports she will declare her candidacy for president in mid-September.
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CA orders Janet Napoles to pay illegally dismissed whistleblowers

The Court of Appeals has affirmed a National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) ruling that found Janet Lim-Napoles’ JLN Corp. guilty of illegally dismissing two of its employees, who later turned into whistleblowers in the multi-billion-peso pork barrel fund scam.
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VP Binay defends Iglesia ni Cristo rallies; won’t say if he’s wooing group for endorsement

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday defended the Iglesia ni Cristo from criticisms that it inconvenienced the public after holding a protest along the busy thoroughfare of Edsa over the weekend.
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Catholics barred from attending same-sex weddings

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines called on members of the church to avoid taking part in ceremonies for same-sex unions, as it urged followers to oppose such partnerships.
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PAF earmarks P4.2M for purchase of C-295 spare parts

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has opened the bidding for the purchase of spare parts for the communication navigation and environmental systems of its recently acquired C-295 transport plane, which has a budget of P4.2 million.
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CA: Nothing wrong in gov't printing INC commemorative stamps

The Court of Appeals has affirmed the legality of using public funds to print more than one million postage stamps for the 100th founding anniversary of Iglesia ni Cristo in 2014.
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Admin stalwarts glad INC rally over but ex-PNoy ally wants answers

Administration allies at the House of Representatives on Monday cheered the end of the Iglesia ni Cristo's protest along EDSA and said they are confident an investigation into illegal detention charges filed by a former Iglesia minister will continue.
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Palace: No deal with Iglesia ni Cristo

Malacañang on Monday denied that there was an agreement made during talks between the government and the Iglesia ni Cristo.
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VP Binay camp wants De Lima to resign for prioritizing political ambition

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday said Justice Secretary Leila De Lima should resign from her post for supposedly prioritizing her political ambition over the filing of charges against those involved in the pork barrel scam and the Mamasapano massacre.
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Laude camp denies asking for P38M, six US visas to drop case vs. Pemberton

The camp of slain Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude has denied that they have asked for P38 million and six visas to the United States to drop the murder case against US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton.
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Int'l group urges Philippine gov't to protect Rizal Monument

The International Council on Monuments and Sites has encouraged the government to implement measures that would protect the Rizal Monument and its setting.
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Sandiganbayan issues hold-departure orders vs. Plaza, co-accused

The Sandiganbayan Second Division has issued hold departure orders (HDOs) against former Agusan Del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza and seven others in connection with their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
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Raffle for party-list ballot listing set on Dec. 5

The Commission on Elections is looking to finish its accreditation of party-list groups in the 2016 elections before Dec. 5, when it conducts its raffle for the order of listing in the official ballot.
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Comelec to bare OMR source code in September

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista on Monday said they will be more transparent in the 2016 elections to erase possible doubts on its outcome, starting with the early opening of the source code of the machines that will be used.
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Poe might have violated law when she urged DOJ to focus on other cases —lawyer

Sen. Grace Poe might have violated the law when she urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to just focus on other cases, instead of on the criminal complaints filed against officials and members of Iglesia Ni Cristo.
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Miriam tells Army: Explain undelivered military ammunition, equipment

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago wants the Philippine Army to explain the non-delivery of military ammunition and equipment despite the funds released for its purchase.
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Poe’s camp denies she tried to influence DOJ to stop probe vs. Iglesia leaders

The camp of Senator Grace Poe denied Monday the allegation of the lawyer of former Iglesia ni Cristo minister Isaias Samson Jr. that she tried to influence the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop the probe on the complaint against some of the church organization’s leaders.
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Some people wanted to exploit Iglesia ni Cristo protests —Mar Roxas

There were those who wanted to take advantage of the Iglesia ni Cristo's massive protest for personal motives, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said on Monday just hours after the politically influential group decided to call off its demonstrations on EDSA.
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Palace welcomes Iglesia ni Cristo order to end rally

Malacañang on Monday thanked the leaders of Iglesia ni Cristo for directing their members to withdraw from their gathering sites, after the gathering caused massive traffic gridlock in the affected areas.
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Traffic in areas affected by Iglesia ni Cristo protest back to normal

Traffic on EDSA, which was severely affected by the gathering of Iglesia ni Cristo members, returned to normal a few hours after the religious sect ended the peaceful assembly on Monday morning.
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Isaias Samson's lawyers: Be transparent on 'agreement' with Iglesia ni Cristo

The legal counsels of former Iglesia ni Cristo minister Isaias Samson called on President Benigno Aquino III and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to be transparent with the alleged agreement the government made with the religious group.
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Police still on full alert despite end of Iglesia ni Cristo protest

The Philippine National Police on Monday morning said its entire force in Metro Manila is still on full alert despite the end of the the Iglesia ni Cristo protest actions.
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Solons seek remedial law to include party-list lawmakers in local absentee voting

Two party-list lawmakers have proposed a remedial measure to include, by law, party-list representatives in the coverage of the local absentee voting system.
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PNoy urges public to not just rant but stand up for others

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday urged the public to stand up for others instead of just ranting without offering any solution.
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Iglesia ni Cristo ends EDSA takeover

Iglesia ni Cristo members have begun leaving EDSA after three days of protests that occupied the main thoroughfare.
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PNoy leads National Heroes Day commemoration

President Benigno Aquino III has arrived at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday for the commemoration of National Heroes Day.
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Iglesia Ni Cristo spokesman: ‘Hindi po namin hinangad na pumunta sa EDSA’

"Hindi po namin hinangad na pumunta sa EDSA." This was the statement given by Iglesia Ni Cristo spokesman Edwil Zabala in an interview with radio dzBB on Monday.
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Iglesia Ni Cristo members gather anew at DOJ

Iglesia Ni Cristo members on Monday began gathering in front of the Department of Justice on Padre Faura Street in Manila.
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PNoy, cabinet hold meeting Sunday night

President Benigno Aquino III held a meeting with his cabinet members 11 p.m. Sunday night at the Bahay Pangarap, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III tweeted.
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Thousands troop to EDSA for third night of Iglesia ni Cristo protest

Traffic came to almost a halt at a busy intersection of Manila's main highway on Sunday as thousands of members of a Christian group occupied the road for a third night in a row to protest alleged intrusion by the government in church affairs.
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NPC to meet Mar Roxas, VP Binay, Duterte in coming weeks

The Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) will send on Monday invitations to three other potential presidential aspirants for meetings in the coming weeks after having a series of dinners and a lunch with Senator Grace Poe.
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Iglesia ni Cristo crowd swells to 10,000, renders EDSA-Ortigas impassable

Heavy rain on Sunday early evening failed to dampen the resolve of Iglesia ni Cristo members as the number of protesters at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue swelled to 10,000 early evening on Sunday, radio dzBB has reported.
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Pimentel eyes 2 to 3 more hearings before wrapping up Binay probe

The Senate blue ribbon subcommittee might hold two to three more hearings before wrapping up its investigation on the allegations of corruption against Vice President Jejomar Binay and his family, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Sunday.
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CBCP to pols: Don’t take advantage of Iglesia ni Cristo crisis

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Sunday warned potential 2016 candidates against taking advantage of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo, which is currently holding protests on the supposed violation of the separation of Church and state.
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Bishops to Catholics: Pray for peaceful resolution of Iglesia ni Cristo dispute

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Sunday called on the Catholic faithful to pray for the peaceful resolution of the Iglesia ni Cristo's issues with the government, that have taken thousands of it members to demonstrations on EDSA over the weekend.
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Akbayan rep urges politicians to speak up against Iglesia's 'bullying'

How politicians will respond to the Iglesia ni Cristo's protest against what it says is government meddling will be a litmus test to help voters find out what kind of leaders they are, a party-list lawmaker said Sunday.  
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Iglesia ni Cristo asks Mandaluyong for one-day extension of rally permit

The Iglesia ni Cristo has applied for a one-day extension of the permit given to the religious group to stage a rally at the corner of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard.
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Iglesia cannot invoke separation doctrine on DOJ probe, lawmakers say

Members of Iglesia ni Cristo cannot invoke the separation of Church and state in the investigation of the Deparment of Justice (DOJ) on the illegal detention charges filed by its former minister, lawmakers said Sunday.   
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House OKs bill requiring speed limiters in PUVs, trucks

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure that will require public utility vehicles and large motor vehicles such as cargo haulers to install speed limiters before they are allowed on the streets. 
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Iglesia disowns 'tagubilin' telling members to hold EDSA protest until Monday

Iglesia ni Cristo on Sunday disowned a "tagubilin" or advisory supposedly issued to its members to hold a massive protest on the violation of separation of Church and state.
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Palace: No violation of separation of Church and State in probe of Iglesia ni Cristo leaders

There was no violation of the doctrine on the separation of Church and State in the Department of Justice's investigation of the criminal complaints filed against some officials of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Malacanang said Sunday.
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NP senators have until end of September to firm up 2016 plans – Sen. Villar

The Nacionalista Party has given Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Alan Peter Cayetano and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. until the end of September to finalize their political plans so the party can come up with a decision regarding the 2016 elections.
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Iglesia ni Cristo crowd in EDSA-Shaw starting to grow

Hundreds of Iglesia ni Cristo members have started joining the protest action at EDSA-Shaw on Sunday afternoon.
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House approves bill making NCAE a prerequisite for tertiary education

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure mandating high school graduates to take the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) as a requirement for admission to tertiary learning institutions.
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More Iglesia ni Cristo members converge near EDSA-Shaw

Members of Iglesia ni Cristo coming from various areas in Manila have started converging at Nueve de Pebrero Street as they prepare to join the crowd at EDSA-Shaw.
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Iglesia ni Cristo member Anthony Taberna goes on leave, cites conflict of interest

ABS-CBN broadcaster Anthony Taberna has filed a leave of absence citing "conflict of interest" because he is an active member of Iglesia ni Cristo.
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Villar confident PNoy will sign SSS pension hike bill into law

Senator Cynthia Villar on Sunday expressed confidence that President Benigno Aquino III will sign into law a measure granting a P2,000 across-the-board increase in the Social Security System (SSS) members' pension.
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Senator says libel as criminal offense saves journalists' lives

Letting libel remain a criminal offense could help save journalists' lives amid the continued spate of media-related killings in the country, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Sunday.
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Fewer UPCAT takers this year

Thousands of graduating high school students on Sunday took the competitive University of the Philippines College Admission Test.
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Freddie Roach is my weapon against Alvarez, says Cotto

Miguel Cotto feels that his asset over Saul Alvarez won't be his renowned jab nor his trademark left hook to the body, but rather his Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.
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Berto: 'I'm as athletic as Mayweather'

Former world welterweight champion Andre Berto believes he has the skills and physicality to upset Floyd Mayweather in their upcoming fight on September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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Koko: DOJ probe on alleged abduction of ministers not attack on Iglesia

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III took up the cudgels for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Sunday as he disputed the allegation that the agency is meddling in the internal affairs of the Iglesia ni Cristo by investigating the illegal detention charges filed by a former minister against high-ranking church officials.
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Nancy Binay wants January 25 Mamasapano clash declared a holiday

A Senate bill seeks to declare January 25 as a special working holiday to commemorate the sacrifices of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) slain in the January 25 Mamasapano clash.
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Aquino signs EO extending life of Bangsamoro Transition Commission

President Benigno Aquino III has signed an executive order (EO) extending the life of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to "better facilitate an efficient transition" to the proposed Bangsamoro region.
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Palace extends condolences to kin of DepEd exec killed in road accident

Malacañang expressed its sympathies to the family of Department of Education Undersecretary Francis Valera, who died in a vehicular accident Saturday.
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More Iglesia ni Cristo members to join EDSA gathering Sunday

More members of the Iglesia ni Cristo are expected to join the gathering at EDSA-Shaw on Sunday, the religious group's fourth day of protest against Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's order to investigate the alleged abductions of their ministers.
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Prices of pork, potato down; highland vegetables' prices up

The prices of pork, potato and eggplant have gone down even after Typhoon Ineng lashed at provinces in Northern Luzon last week.
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Tingting Cojuanco speaks at INC protest

Former Tarlac Governer and President Benigno Aquino III's aunt, Margarita “Tingting” Cojuanco, spoke before Iglesia ni Cristo protesters Saturday night at the coner of EDSA-Shaw, Super Radyo dzBB's James Agustin reported.
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What govt officials are saying about the Iglesia ni Cristo issue

With the influential Iglesia ni Cristo mobilizing its members in protest against the Department of Justice, several top government officials have spoken out about the issue.
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The Iglesia ni Cristo Crisis

From a schism that began with a family feud to a protest action paralyzing one of Metro Manila's main thoroughfare's, here's a timeline of the recent events involving the influential Iglesia ni Cristo.
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DepEd undersecretary dies in road accident

The Department of Education issued a statement mourning the loss of Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Francis Varela, who passed away after a vehicular accident in Pilia, Rizal on Saturday.
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Early campaign ads earn potential bets ‘negative points’, bishop warns

A Catholic bishop is warning politicians that airing ads before the official campaign period for the 2016 elections may earn them "negative points" from the public.
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Petron to cut prices of petroleum products starting 12 p.m.

Oil player Petron Corp. announced on Saturday that it will implement rollbacks on prices of its petroleum products starting 12 p.m.
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Mayweather Promotions CEO hits Pacquiao while defending Berto

Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe hit Manny Pacquiao yet again while trying to justify Floyd Mayweather's decision to face Andre Berto on September 12 (September 13, PHL time) at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
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LPA near Catanduanes to bring light to moderate rain showers in Bicol

The low-pressure area state weather agency PAGASA spotted near Borongan City in Eastern Visayas earlier on Saturday will bring light to moderate rain showers and isolated thunderstorms over the Bicol region, and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon in Luzon.
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Pinoy priest in Oregon goes missing after hidden camera allegations

PORTLAND, Ore. — Authorities in the Philippines are searching for a Catholic priest from Oregon who went missing while facing criminal charges for allegedly hiding a camera in a church bathroom, officials with the Archdiocese of Portland said on Friday.
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Iglesia ni Cristo protesters turn EDSA-Shaw into concert grounds

(Updated 8:23 a.m.) What used to be a busy intersection in Metro Manila turned into an impromptu concert venue Friday night as Iglesia ni Cristo members flocked in protest.
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Central Luzon, Metro Manila will have isolated rains, thunderstorms

Central Luzon, Metro Manila and parts of CALABARZON region will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains and thunderstorms for Saturday, state weather agency PAGASA said.
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Inside the Iglesia ni Cristo rally at EDSA

A day after protests at the Department of Justice, Iglesia ni Cristo members moved their rally to EDSA to continue their mass action to decry the government agency's move to investigate allegations against church leaders. Here's an inside look at the the people at the protest from Friday night to early Saturday morning at the EDSA-Shaw intersection.
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Iglesia ni Cristo protesters intend to occupy EDSA until Monday

Protesters from the Iglesia ni Cristo currently massed at EDSA intend to occupy the thoroughfare until Monday.  
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Roxas: Iglesia ni Cristo's EDSA rally shouldn't impinge on others' rights

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Friday night said the government recognizes the Iglesia ni Cristo's right to protest, but reminded members of the influential sect that their right cannot trample on the rights of others.  
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Iglesia ni Cristo protests to test De Lima’s resolve ahead of 2016

The Iglesia ni Cristo's massive demonstrations against the Department of Justice's investigation of illegal detention and other charges filed against the religious group's leaders is expected to test the mettle of Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, a presumptive senatorial candidate in next year's polls.
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Iglesia ni Cristo protesters at EDSA

Calling for Justice Secretary Leila De Lima's resignation, members of Iglesia ni Cristo trooped to the EDSA-Ortigas and EDSA-Shaw areas on Friday to continue their mass action.  
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Iglesia ni Cristo protesters call for De Lima’s resignation at EDSA Shrine

Placard-bearing members of the Iglesia ni Cristo continue to hold a demonstration in front of the EDSA Shrine at the corner of Ortigas Avenue at past 9 p.m. on Friday, GMA News TV has reported.
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PNoy signs law allowing one-year residency rule for transferring student-athletes

President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law setting residency rules and allowable benefits and incentives for student-athletes.
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Spokesman cries separation of church and state as Iglesia vigil enters second night

The spokesman of the Iglesia ni Cristo on Friday insisted on the separation of church and state as the vigil by thousands of its members in front of the Department of Justice (DOJ) office in Manila entered its second night.
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Kin, supporters renew call for justice for Gerry Ortega

Family and supporters of environmentalist Gerry Ortega, who was gunned down in 2011, renewed their call on Friday for the government to hunt down and prosecute former Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and other suspects in his murder.
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DOJ resets prelim probe on Binay libel raps vs. Trillanes

Due to the rally by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo in front of the Department of Justice building in Manila, the scheduled preliminary investigation on Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV for the libel complaint filed against him by suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay was postponed.
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PHL, Thailand seek greater cooperation in teacher exchanges, fight vs. illegal drugs

The governments of the Philippines and Thailand on Friday agreed to work on strengthening their cooperation in the field of education and the fight against illegal drugs.
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Permit for Iglesia ni Cristo rally up to September 4 –MPD

The Manila City government has given permission to the Iglesia ni Cristo members to hold their protest rally outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) office until next week.
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Comelec, Smartmatic-TIM sign P1.7-B deal for 23k OMRs

The Commission on Elections and Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. have signed the P1.7-billion contract for the lease of 23,000 Optical Mark Readers that will be used in the 2016 elections.
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Business sector gives BOC anti-graft efforts 'very bad' rating – SWS survey

The Bureau of Customs is the only government institution that received the worst rating in terms of the sincerity in fighting corruption, according to the latest survey released by the Social Weather Stations. 
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Maximum tolerance for Iglesia ni Cristo rallyists, PNP says

The PNP is observing a policy of maximum tolerance as members of the Iglesia ni Cristo continue to block Padre Faura Street in front of the Department of Justice compound, to protest what they called government meddling in the affairs of the religious group.
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Palace to Iglesia ni Cristo: No govt meddling, just ensuring laws are followed

The government isn't meddling with the affairs of the Iglesia ni Cristo but only making sure the countries laws are followed, Malacañang said on Friday.
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Jujeath’s belt consigned to another person —Customs

Boxer and mixed martial arts fighter Jujeath Nagaowa's world championship belt was taxed almost P6,000 because the shipment was consigned to another person, the Internal Administration Group of the Bureau of Customs has said.
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De Lima no-show at DOJ office as Iglesia ni Cristo rally continues

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has chosen not to show up at the Department of Justice main office in Manila on Friday after members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo remained massed up along Padre Faura Street.
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Thai PM assures PHL: Situation in Bangkok ‘under control’ after deadly blast

Thailand’s Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha gave assurance on Friday that the situation in Bangkok is already “under control” following the bombing attack there earlier this month that left at least 20 people killed and more than a hundred others, including a Filipino, injured.
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Migrante holds 'zero remittance day' protest near Malacañang

Overseas Filipino workers on Friday gathered a few meters from Malacañang in Manila as part of the simultaneous "zero remittance day protest" on Friday.
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Defendants in P200-M damage suit filed by VP Binay ask court to junk case

The personalities facing the P200-million damage suit filed by Vice President Jejomar Binay from alleged libelous statements are asking the court to junk the case.
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‘Money’ Mayweather jabs back at Rousey

Verbal sparring between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Ronda Rousey continued Thursday as the unbeaten welterweight champ laughed off the mixed martial arts star's dig at his earning power.  
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PNoy, Thai PM hold bilateral meeting on trade and defense

President Benigno Aquino III is going to tackle defense, trade and tourism cooperation with Thailand's Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
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Iglesia ni Cristo members continue vigil in front DOJ for 2nd day

Members of Iglesia ni Cristo continued for the second day their vigil in front of the Department of Justice's compound in Manila on Friday.
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Mayweather insists Berto will be his last foe

Outspoken welterweight king Floyd Mayweather insists his September 12 showdown with Andre Berto will be his last bout.
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Gunmen shoot at Anthony Taberna's coffee shop in Quezon City

Two gunmen fired shots at the newly-opened coffee shop of ABS-CBN broadcaster Anthony Taberna along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City, before dawn Friday.
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VP Binay slams administration anew in Zamboanga del Norte speech

Vice President Jejomar Binay openly lambasted the Aquino administration once again during a visit to Zamboanga del Norte, a report from GMA's “24 Oras” said Thursday.
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Dellosa says graft remains at Customs; Lina dares him to name names

Bureau of Customs intelligence chief Jessie Dellosa on Thursday said that corruption continues to be a serious problem at the Bureau of Customs.
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Nancy Binay’s bro-in-law no longer controls Makati’s security contractor

An official of a security contractor for Makati City came forward to deny that his company received any favors in securing contracts from the local government.
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Jack Arroyo: Blue Ribbon panel has no authority to arrest me

One of Vice President Jejomar Binay's alleged dummies has written the Senate  Blue Ribbon committee asking it to repeal an arrest order issued against  him, saying the committee does not have the power to do so.
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Retired Sandiganbayan justice wants gag order on Leonen, Bersamin

The judiciary’s reputation might suffer unless the Supreme Court issues a gag order on its two associate justices who are bickering over the decision to grant Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile’s bail plea, a retired magistrate of the Sandiganbayan said Thursday.
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NP to endorse no one if Alan, Bongbong, Trillanes all run for VP

The three senators stand to lose the support of the NP if they all end up running against each other, said Senator Cynthia Villar, wife of NP leader and former Senate President Manny Villar.
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Sereno refuses to discuss case of Enrile bail

During her third annual press conference in Manila, Sereno remained especially tight-lipped on the SC decision allowing the 91-year-old senator to post a P1.4 million bail, a ruling that had resulted in supposed disagreements between two associate justices. Sereno was also mum when asked about the implications of granting Enrile's bail plea on humanitarian grounds.
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Palace’s surveillance spending doubled in 2014 —COA

Confidential expenses spent by the Office of the President (OP) in 2014 more than doubled from the previous year to P315 million, a Commission on Audit (COA) report released Wednesday said.
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PHL seeks ‘real-time’ US help in disputed South China Sea

The Philippines has sought help from the United States to monitor "real-time" developments in the South China Sea, providing surveillance and reconnaissance, a military spokesman said on Thursday, amid China's rapid expansion in the area.
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Iglesia ni Cristo members stage rally at DOJ, blocks De Lima’s convoy

Hundreds of members of the Iglesia ni Cristo gathered in front of the Department of Justice on Thursday to protest what they indicated was Justice Secretary Leila De Lima's meddling in the internal affairs of the religious group.
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Belmonte: Roxas' popularity improving after PNoy endorsement

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. believes the endorsement of President Benigno Aquino III has done wonders for the popularity of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas even if pollsters have yet to conduct the latest round of voter preference surveys.
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‘Bickering’ over decision on Enrile bail petition normal – Chief Justice

The perceived spat between Supreme Court justices Lucas Bersamin and Marvic Leonen over the granting of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile's bail plea, is completely normal, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno said Thursday.
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AFP official: West PHL Sea issue tackled in meeting with visiting USPACOM chief

US Pacific Command chief Adm. Harry Harris spent the third and last day of his Philippine visit meeting with an Armed Forces commander supervising military operations in the West Philippine Sea, a part of the vast South China Sea being claimed by the Philippines.
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Lina asks NAIA district collector to explain P6,000 tax on boxer’s title belt

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina has ordered the customs authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to submit a report on the almost P6,000 tax allegedly slapped on the championship belt brought home by Filipina boxer and mixed martial arts fighter Jujeath Nagaowa.
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Belmonte cool to punishing absentee House colleagues

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. is not keen on imposing sanctions on absentee colleagues despite sessions frequently bogging down for lack of a quorum on the floor.  
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PNoy: More informal settlers to receive housing units from govt next year

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday vowed to turn over more housing units next year to informal settler families living along waterways—a project that will cost the government over P415 million.
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Sereno to next admin: Be fool hardy, but you can’t unravel SC reforms

The next set of officials who will get elected and appointed after the 2016 elections can try all their best to derail reforms in the judiciary, but they would surely fail.
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Solon wants probe of DSWD’s evaluation of households for CCT program

A lawmaker has asked Congress to probe the allegedly selective process of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in implementing the second nationwide assessment for beneficiaries of the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
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Grace Poe and NPC have similar advocacies, party stalwart says

A member of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) on Thursday said that the principles of the party are in line with the advocacies of Sen. Grace Poe.
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Pinay boxer hurt by Customs’ P6,000 tax on championship belt

A Filipina boxer felt hurt after learning that she had to pay an almost P6,000 tax to get her championship belt from the Bureau of Customs.
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De Lima won’t confirm Senate run but asks for support in ‘next, higher level’

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima stopped short of an expected declaration to run for the Senate on her 56th birthday but wished her friends and supporters to continue helping her in the journey to the "next higher level... like from point J to point S."
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Sereno: I gave ‘unqualified concurrence’ with Leonen’s dissent on Enrile bail

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Thursday said she gave her "unqualified concurrence" to Associate Justice Marvic Leonen's dissent from a Supreme Court ruling allowing Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail.
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Leni Robredo: Poe’s citizenship case different from Jesse’s

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo has disputed Senator Grace Poe’s claim that the citizenship issues being raised against her are similar to the one faced by her husband. the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.
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Ex-Sandiganbayan justice: SC ruling on Enrile might benefit Gloria Arroyo

The camp of former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could use the Supreme Court’s favorable ruling on Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile’s bail petition to secure temporary liberty on humanitarian grounds, a retired Sandiganbayan magistrate said Thursday.
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Still too early to say who LDP will support in 2016 —Sonny Angara

One of the political parties that coalesced with the ruling Liberal Party (LP) coalition in the 2013 elections has yet to decide who among the potential presidential candidates will receive its support in 2016.
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Solon presses live PTV coverage of House sessions

A party-list lawmaker has reiterated his call for the House of Representatives to allow the live broadcasting of all House proceedings over the state-owned People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI) so the public can monitor lawmakers’ performance.
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GMA News’ Micaela Papa among 27 new Filipino Chevening scholars

Twenty seven Filipinos, including GMA News reporter Micaela Papa, have been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarships by the United Kingdom government for the coming academic year.
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Angara challenges 2016 aspirants: Back measures for lower income taxes

Senator Sonny Angara on Thursday challenged potential presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the 2016 elections to take a stand on proposals to lower personal income tax rates.
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VP Binay camp hits back at Senate witness: Settle P2M unliquidated cash advances

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday accused the latest witness of the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee of failing to submit liquidation documents for cash advances he made over 10 years ago.
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NBI ordered to go after Gloria Arroyo’s stem cell doc

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into claims that the stem cell doctor of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo continues practicing alternative medicine despite facing murder and syndicated estafa cases.
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Amir Khan vows to help Pakistan produce boxing champions

KARACHI - British boxer Amir Khan on Wednesday vowed to help Pakistan produce champion pugilists with a network of academies in his family's country of origin.
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PNoy's opposition to Arroyo bail plea ill-advised –ex-DOJ chief

A former Justice Secretary believes President Benigno Aquino III may have been ill-advised when he reiterated his opposition to the proposal to place his predecessor, incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, under house arrest.
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Roxas visits Benguet, Ilocos Sur; Poe goes to Pangasinan

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas went to the province of Benguet and Ilocos Sur following his recent trip to Cebu to check on the locals there about a week after Typhoon Ineng battered the two regions. Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe visited a number of universities in vote-rich Pangasinan to have dialogues with the youth in the province.
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SC asked to cite Comelec, Smartmatic in contempt over 2016 polls deal

The Supreme Court on Wednesday was asked to cite in contempt the Commission on Elections and Smartmatic-TIM over the P300-million diagnostics and repair of the 80,000 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) for the 2016 polls.
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De La Hoya tells Mayweather: 'You're not the best ever'

Retired six-division champion and Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya vehemently rejects Floyd Mayweather's claim that he's the best fighter to ever lace them up.  
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Former INC minister sues church execs over illegal detention; INC fires back

A former minister of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has lodged a criminal complaint against INC officials for allegedly harassing and illegally detaining him and his family. In a statement written in Filipino, Iglesia Ni Cristo said it was but right for their church to enforce discipline in accord with their rules after Samson and other now-dismissed ministers had sought to sow discord.
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Duterte warns of ‘bloody presidency’

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte once again talked tough against criminals in the context of a possible presidential candidacy, GMA News TV's "State of the Nation" reported on Wednesday.
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Solon: Encouraging signs point to NUP supporting Mar Roxas

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, the party’s vice president for external affairs, said there are “very encouraging” signs that the NUP will back Roxas in the presidential race even if the members have yet to hold a formal discussion on who it will endorse.
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Prelates express concern over passage of partial divorce in House

Catholic bishops have expressed concern over the latest development on the partial divorce measure, which was approved on third and final reading at the House of Representatives.
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Australian falls in shallow hole as NAIA-2 floor gives way

An Australian traveler fell through the floor of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in July, media learned this week, GMA News' "24 Oras" has reported.
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MMDA chief says no politics in personally directing traffic

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino said there was no politics involved when he personally directed traffic in Mandaluyong on Wednesday.  
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Roach wants Garcia, not Khan for Pacquiao's next fight

Freddie Roach wants a tough, exciting opponent for his top pupil Manny Pacquiao when the Filipino returns atop the ring next year.  
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Approved BBL version should prohibit recruitment of minors as child-soldiers –solon

A children's rights group on Wednesday called on legislators to pass a version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will prohibit the recruitment of minors as child-soldiers and protect children affected by armed conflict in the region.
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Forwarder reveals details of Customs bribery system for balikbayan boxes

A freight forwarder has stepped forward and revealed that there was indeed a “tara” or bribery system they adhered to with the Bureau of Customs for the faster processing of balikbayan boxes in ports.  
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Poe-Chiz tops Magdalo survey

Senator Grace Poe topped the presidential survey conducted by the Magdalo group of former military officers led by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, GMA News' 24 Oras reported on Wednesday.
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VP Binay, former Martial Law human rights lawyer, visits Marcos country

Saying he has moved on, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday visited Ilocos Norte, the bailiwick of the Marcos family, to check on areas affected by Typhoon Ineng and enhanced monsoon rains.
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Customs employee who defended balikbayan box checks seeks NBI help

The Bureau of Customs employee who received hundreds of negative comments after she defended the agency's random inspection of balikbayan boxes on Facebook has sought the help of National Bureau of Investigation.
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VP Binay camp wants ‘accusers’ to take deposition

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday filed with the Makati Regional Trial Court a motion for eight personalities to take deposition in connection with the P200-million damage suit Binay filed against those accusing him of corruption.
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2,491 pass Physician Licensure Exam –PRC

A total of 2,491 out of 2,921 passed the Physician Licensure Examination given in the cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao this month, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Wednesday.
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US plans more Asia-Pacific drills to counter China reclamation

The United States plans to increase the number of military and humanitarian drills it conducts in the Asia-Pacific as part of a new strategy to counter China's rapid expansion in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said on Wednesday.
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Nancy Binay says bro-in-law no longer controlled security agency in 2006

Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday cried foul over a GMA News report that her brother-in-law was able to secure millions of pesos worth of contracts with the city government of Makati in 2006.
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CHED: Solons can endorse scholars for P1-B fund in 2016

A P1-billion allocation for scholarships in the proposed budget of the Commission on Higher Education for 2016 has been branded as a pork barrel fund after the CHED chairman confirmed that lawmakers may endorse beneficiaries from their respective constituencies.
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Baligod: Gigi Reyes won’t benefit from Enrile victory in SC

Lawyer Levito Baligod does not think Jessica Lucila "Gigi" Reyes stands to benefit from a Supreme Court ruling allowing her former boss, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, to obtain a bill of particulars for his graft and plunder trial.
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Solon seeks LEDAC meeting on lower income tax measure

Marikina City Rep. Romero Federico Quimbo on Wednesday appealed to Congress leaders to urge President Benigno Aquino III to immediately convene the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council  to tackle the lowering of income taxes.
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Group asks SC to order probe of PDAF, DAP authors, implementors

A group asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to order the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute all the authors, proponents and implementors of both the pork barrel system and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
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Abi Binay: Nothing irregular with PDAF coursed through MSWD head

Makati Rep. Abigail Binay on Tuesday dared Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to show the 15 checks she allegedly issued to Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) officer-in-charge Ryan Barcelo.
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US Pacific commander, AFP chief discuss issues on West Philippine Sea

United States Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris on Wednesday arrived at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to meet with Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Hernando Iriberri.
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Bongbong mulls higher office in 2016

Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos on Wednesday said he may run seek higher office in next year's elections, offering his once-exiled family the chance of the ultimate political comeback.
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Coalition holds rally for ‘FOI Bill death’

The Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition held an indignation rally on Wednesday marking what the group labeled as the “death” of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill.
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Zero-remittance day to cost PHL P3.1B, senator says

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday warned that the economy stands to lose some P3.1 billion if the “zero-remittance day” pushes through on August 28.
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Trillanes: Up to public to judge value of year-long Binay inquiry

It is up to the public to judge whether the year-long inquiry into the allegations of graft against Vice President Jejomar Binay will slowly drift into irrelevance, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said on Wednesday. Trillanes made the remark a day after opposition leader Senator  Juan Ponce Enrile, an ally of Binay, said that the inquiry was already losing its value because of the number of hearings already held.
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Ex-AFP, PNP officers ask De Lima to file Mamasapano cases before pursuing political plans

A group of former military and police officials in Congress urged Justice Secretary Leila de Lima Wednesday to expedite the filing of cases against those involved in the Mamasapano clash before setting her sights on an elective office.
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Trillanes vows protection for Limlingan

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday vowed to provide protection for Gerardo "Gerry" Limlingan Jr. should he decide to show up at the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee's hearings on the corruption allegation against Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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Palace: Congress should review rules on balikbayan boxes

After the Bureau of Customs (BOC) drew flak for its plan to conduct physical inspections on balikbayan boxes, Malacañang said Wednesday that it is high time for Congress to review existing rules on these packages.
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Trillanes: VP Binay earned P2B in kickbacks from service deals

Vice President Jejomar Binay pocketed some P2 billion from the salaries of alleged ghost personnel in Makati City and contracts entered into by firms owned by his supposed dummies, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Wednesday.
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Palace defends Customs, MMDA chiefs amid resignation calls

Malacañang on Wednesday defended Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief Alberto Lina and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chief Francis Tolentino amid calls for them to resign from their respective posts.
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Firms with same incorporators got service deals in Makati

The city government of Makati may have favored several firms for its service contracts for the past 10 years, an acting official told the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee investigating the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday.
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City official: At least 40% of Makati senior citizens cannot be found in residence, voter’s list

An average of at least 40 percent of senior citizens listed among blu card holders in Makati City are ghost beneficiaries, a city official said Wednesday, citing findings from surveys they conducted in several barangays in the city.
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Trillanes: Ex-Makati official got 15 checks from Abi Binay’s pork barrel

A former department head at the Makati City Hall received 15 checks from the priority development assistance funds of Rep. Abigail Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejomar Binay, documents obtained by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV shows.
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Ex-Makati city official belies claim of ‘ghost’ seniors

The former officer-in charge of the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) appeared before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee investigating the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay and denied that there are “ghost” senior citizens enrolled in the city government’s program for the elderly.
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Enrile: FVR, Mar Roxas among my frequent visitors

Former President Fidel Ramos and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II were among the frequent visitors of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile while he was under hospital arrest, the 91-year-old senator said.
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Forensic expert: Jennifer Laude did not die from drowning

Forensic expert Raquel Fortun testified that transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude died from strangulation, not from drowning.
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Binay pocketed P400M from services contracts —Trillanes

Vice President Jejomar Binay pocketed at least P400 million from contracts entered into by the city government of Makati with his alleged dummy firms, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said.
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Pemberton's confession will not lead to homicide downgrade – De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima explained on Tuesday that Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton's admission that he choked and dragged Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude across the room, would not lead to a downgrade of his murder charge to homicide.
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Sen. Poe lays out plans for Mindanao if she becomes president

Though she has yet to decide whether she will run for a higher post during the 2016 national elections, Senator Grace Poe nevertheless laid out her platform for Mindanao during her Tuesday Zamboanga City visit.
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Baby-slapping mom aware of her actions but could not stop, examining psychologist says

The mother who was seen in a viral video repeatedly slapping her newborn baby last week knew what she was doing, but could not stop herself, said the psychologist who interviewed her in a report from GMA News' late afternoon newscast, “QRT” on Tuesday.
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Facebook post on Customs’ P16,000 tax on bag sent from London goes viral

A Facebook post about a woman's complaint over a P16,000 duty that the Bureau of Customs levied on her branded bag has gone viral.
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Ranking US military official in PHL for 3-day visit

A ranking US military official arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday for a three-day visit, which will include meetings with top Philippine military officials.
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House members differ on how to discipline absentees

A lawmaker wants his colleagues in Congress to be slapped with drastic sanctions and even expelled if they keep on skipping plenary sessions as the House of Representatives continues to be plagued with quorum woes. But another legislator believes it will be difficult to enforce the House’s own rules its members are equals.
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Mar Roxas to meet NUP members Wednesday night

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas will meet with members of the National Unity Party (NUP) Wednesday night in a bid to court its members’ support for his presidential bid.
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Bersamin: Leonen dissent violated SC rules on confident en banc sessions

Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin has accused fellow magistrate Marvic Leonen of violating Rules of Procedures of the Supreme Court when he revealed details of a supposedly confidential en banc deliberation on the bail plea of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.
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SolGen finally faces SC, wants Torre de Manila demolished

For the first time since oral arguments on Torre de Manila started in July, Solicitor General Florin Hilbay finally faced the Supreme Court on Tuesday to support the demolition of the 49-storey Torre de Manila building for marring the visual corridor of the Rizal Monument.
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House probe on BOC’s policy on balikbayan boxes to push through

The investigation by the House of Representatives on the rationale behind the Bureau of Customs’ plan to randomly open and inspect balikbayan boxes will continue even if the agency has already dropped the plan, upon orders from President Benigno Aquino III.
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House OKs wider PhilHealth coverage for dialysis treatment

The House of Representatives has approved the bill mandating PhilHealth to provide a wider coverage for dialysis treatment.
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Enrile prefers legislative work than talk 2016 - Sotto

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile would rather focus on his legislative work than play an active role in the 2016 national elections, his close ally said.  
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Why PNoy wants Grace Poe as Mar Roxas’ VP bet

Why is President Benigno Aquino III still hoping for Senator Grace Poe to agree to be Interior Secretary Mar Roxas’ running mate even after failed attempts to convince the current survey frontrunner?
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Pemberton should be charged with homicide, not murder – legal expert

Lawyer and dean of the Ateneo School of Government said on Tuesday that Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton's crime was an act of homicide, not murder.
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Senate body probing Binay wants 7 individuals arrested, cited for contempt

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Tuesday requested that seven individuals supposedly involved in the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay be arrested and cited for contempt.
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Kiko Pangilinan to announce 2016 plan after 'ghost month'

Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has yet to decide if he will run again for senator in the 2016 elections.
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‘Hand of God’ untangles traffic mess

Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales came to the rescue of thousands of stranded motorists over the weekend after single-handedly untangling a traffic jam in Batangas during a downpour.
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Nancy Binay claims Malacañang behind BOC’s balikbayan box policy

Senator Nancy Binay believes it was Malacañang that gave the instruction to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to implement the random inspection of balikbayan boxes.
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Lawyer asks BOC chief Lina to resign

The lawyer representing the winning bidder in the controversial P650-million contract on the integrated window processing system pf the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday called for Commissioner Alberto Lina to resign from his post.
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Defense to present forensic expert as last witness in Laude murder case

The defense for Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton will present Tuesday forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun as its last witness, in the hopes of establishing that the US servicemen did not kill the Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.
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Valisno bus owner still a no-show at LTFRB hearing

The owner of Valisno Express Liner, whose unit was involved in the deadly crash in Quezon City last August 12, was again a no-show in the second hearing at the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday morning.
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Typhoon Ineng's death toll rises to 21; 15 still missing

A total of 21 people have been confirmed killed and 15 others remain missing due to Typhoon Ineng, which battered provinces in Northern Luzon with heavy rains and strong winds.
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Bert Lina: No politics behind PNoy’s order to stop checks on balikbayan boxes

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina denied that the government's change of heart on the issue of random inspection of balikbayan boxes is connected to the 2016 polls.
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Cebu university bars media from covering Grace Poe on campus

The University of San Carlos on Monday steered clear of partisan politics as it barred the media from covering Senator Grace Poe's activities inside the campus in connection with its Foundation Week celebration.
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Common LP, NPC senatorial slate possible, key members say

The Liberal Party might consider having common senatorial candidates with the camp of Senator Grace Poe should she run for president in 2016, an administration stalwart said Monday.
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VP Binay visits far-flung barangays in Toledo City, Cebu

Vice President Jejomar Binay included remote barangays in Toledo City in his trip to the vote-rich province of Cebu, a report on "24 Oras" said Monday.
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PNoy stops Customs inspections of balikbayan boxes

President Benigno Aquino III has given instructions for the Bureau of Customs to stop the physical inspections of balikbayan boxes unless X-ray and K-9 examinations give rise to suspicions that they contain prohibited items.
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House OKs bill simplifying remarriage for divorced Filipinos

A bill simplifying the process of remarriage for Filipinos who have been divorced from their foreign spouses is closer to becoming a law after the House of Representatives passed it on third and final reading Monday night.
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Customs employee hit for defending balikbayan box inspections on Facebook

A Facebook user who defended the Bureau of Customs' more stringent inspection of balikbayan boxes has incurred the ire of more than a thousand netizens.
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House musters quorum for 3rd time, but not for long

The House of Representatives on Monday succeeded in mustering a quorum, but not for long, and the backlog of pending bills to approve prevented it from tackling the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
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PNoy not giving up on Poe as Mar’s VP

CEBU CITY, Cebu — Although Senator Grace Poe already said the administration should explore other options for Interior Sec. Mar Roxas’ running mate for the 2016 polls, President Benigno Aquino III is not about to give up.
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NDRRMC: 17 dead, 14 missing in Typhoon Ineng’s wake

A total of 17 people have been killed, while 14 others are still missing, after Typhoon Ineng enhanced the southwest monsoon over Luzon and caused heavy rains, flash floods and landslides in at least five regions.
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Trillanes: Binay dummies cornered P1B in Makati City deals

Around P1 billion worth of contracts were awarded by the city government of Makati to alleged dummies of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Monday.
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Bersamin accuses Leonen of 'gross distortions' in Enrile bail case

Supreme Court Justice Lucas Bersamin on Monday accused fellow justice Marvic Leonen of committing "gross distortions" that could adversely affect the integrity of the magistrates who voted in favor of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile's bail plea.
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Solons seek House probe on BOC's random balikbayan box inspection

Two lawmakers have asked the House of Representatives to investigate the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) plan to randomly open balikbayan boxes, saying the move may be prejudiced against overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
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PNoy spearheads administration's show of force in Visayas

CEBU CITY, Cebu – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led the administration's show of force in the Visayas, as he gathered Cabinet and local government officials in this vote-rich province.
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Relief aid flown to evacuees as Ineng death toll rises

Philippine Army helicopters on Monday airlifted food, water and relief supplies to thousands of families who fled their homes during a typhoon as more bodies were pulled out from under landslides, disaster officials said.
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We’re just enforcing law in balikbayan box inspections —Bert Lina

The Bureau of Customs is simply implementing the law in the inspection of balikbayan boxes to address technical smuggling, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina told GMA News Online on Monday.
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PNoy rejects house arrest for Gloria Arroyo: ‘Rule of law over sympathy’

CEBU CITY, Cebu – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday rejected calls from some lawmakers to place former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under house arrest.
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Out on bail, Enrile returns to work at the Senate

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile returned to work Monday after he was granted temporary liberty by the Supreme Court (SC).
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Amid quorum woes in the House, PNoy reminds lawmakers of duty to make laws

CEBU CITY—As quorum woes continued to hound the House of Representatives, President Benigno Aquino III on Monday reminded House members of their primary task of crafting laws.
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Senate to grill Bert Lina on Customs’ inspection of balikbayan boxes

Senator Grace Poe is seeking an investigation on the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) random inspection of balikbayan boxes amid the public outrage over the new policy.
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PNoy thumbs down call to be Mar's VP

CEBU CITY, Cebu – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday rejected an administration lawmaker's call for him to be Interior Secretary Mar Roxas' running mate for the 2016 polls.
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PNoy: SC ruling on Enrile bail not grounded on laws

CEBU CITY, Cebu -- President Benigno Aquino III on Monday hit the Supreme Court's decision to grant bail to Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, saying the ruling didn't have lawful grounds.
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Govt seeks P38.9B for calamity funds in 2016

The government is asking Congress for P38.9 billion next year to prepare and respond to calamities, as well as to rehabilitate the areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.
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PNoy: It doesn’t make sense for LP to attack Poe

CEBU CITY, Cebu – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday denied Senator Grace Poe's claim that administration allies are behind the attacks against her.
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Pemberton admits strangling, dragging Jennifer Laude

Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton on Monday admitted that he strangled Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, a report said.
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PNoy takes swipe at Binay for ‘playing blind’ to govt support for Cebu projects

CEBU CITY, Cebu -- President Benigno Aquino III on Monday took an apparent swipe at Vice President Jejomar Binay for supposedly playing blind to the support being given by his government to infrastructure projects in Cebu.
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SET to discuss petition vs. Grace Poe in closed-door meeting Monday

Members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) are scheduled to meet Monday noon to discuss the quo warranto petition filed against Senator Grace Poe.
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Pemberton to testify in Laude murder case

Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton is set to take the stand on Monday in the case against him regarding the murder of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, a live report on News To Go said.
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Ilocos Norte under state of calamity in Ineng's wake

Ilocos Norte is still under a state of calamity, suffering severe damage to agriculture and infrastructure, even after typhoon Ineng (international name Goni) left the Philippine area of responsibility around midnight.
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All roads lead to Cebu: PNoy, Binay, Roxas, Poe hold events in vote-rich province

LAPU-LAPU City, Cebu – President Benigno Aquino III and three possible presidential candidates will hold events in this vote-rich province on Monday, over a month before the official filing of candidacies for the 2016 elections.
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14 dead as Typhoon Ineng moves away from PHL – NDRRMC

Fourteen people have died in the Mountain Province, Benguet, and Ilocos Norte because of Typhoon Ineng, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Sunday night.
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WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions for Monday, Aug. 24

Classes in the following areas and schools have been suspended because of the effects of Typhoon Ineng. Please check this page for more class suspension announcements.
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Arroyo camp hopes SC will allow bail after Enrile decision

The camp of former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is hoping that the Supreme Court (SC) will also grant their client temporary liberty following its ruling on Senator Juan Ponce Enrile's bail petition.
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No politics in Roxas' attendance at El Shaddai event, lawmaker says

YACAP party-list Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez said that it is in Roxas' character to attend events he has been invited to, whether they are organized by friends or by popular personalities.
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Lawmakers want hearings on Customs plan to inspect balikbayan boxes

Two progressive lawmakers will ask Congress to investigate the Bureau of Customs' (BOC) impending implementation of a more stringent inspection of balikbayan boxes to determine if it should be stopped.
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PNoy to El Shaddai at anniversary celebration: Help guide voters in 2016

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday called on the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai to "guide" the public in choosing the next president in 2016.  
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LP's ‘selective treatment’ neglected Cebu's infrastructure needs, VP Binay claims

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday scored the ruling Liberal Party (LP) for its supposed "selective treatment" on the implementation of major infrastructure projects in provinces. 
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No public funds used for PhilHealth TV ad, Hontiveros camp says

The camp of PhilHealth director and Akbayan party-list chair Risa Hontiveros clarified Sunday that no public funds were used for the television ad featuring her even as it defended its release, saying it is aimed at raising awareness of the agency's programs.
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JV: Enrile to play crucial role in BBL, budget deliberations

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito expects Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to play a crucial role in the deliberations of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and the 2016 national budget when he goes back to work in the Senate after posting bail.
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Solon: Palace’s plan to clarify SC decision on Enrile bail ‘frightening’

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito described on Sunday as “frightening” Malacañang's plan to clarify the Supreme Court's decision allowing Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who is facing plunder and graft charges, to post bail.
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VP Binay confident he will get Cebuanos’ vote in 2016

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday expressed confidence he would get more votes from Cebuanos in the 2016 presidential polls.
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UP Visayas names Miriam lifetime achievement awardee

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Sunday received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (Iloilo Chapter).
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House probe on suspected gambling activities in economic zones sought

A party-list lawmaker has asked Congress to probe into possibly rampant illegal gambling activities in special economic zones with high concentration of foreigners.
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Ineng may exit PAR Sunday night

Typhoon Ineng (international name Goni) continues to pull away from the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said Sunday morning.
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Malacañang: SC ruling on Enrile bail should be clarified

Malacañang on Saturday said that the Supreme Court's decision allowing Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail should be clarified.
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PHL, Malaysia to hold naval drills

The navies of the Philippines and Malaysia will conduct a joint training exercise from Aug. 24-28, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), which will host the maritime training activity said Saturday.
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Palace welcomes APEC delegates for 3rd Senior Officials’ meeting in Cebu

Malacañang on Saturday welcomed the delegates for the ongoing technical working group (TWG) meetings related to the third Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Senior Officials' Meeting in September.
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LIST: Impassable roads, power outages for August 22

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council issued a list of impassable roads, bridges, and areas experiencing power interruptions on Saturday (August 22) due to the effects of Typhoon Ineng (Goni).
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1-yr-old Senate probe on VP Binay must end now —legal experts

Two legal experts on Friday called on the Senate to end its investigation on the alleged corrupt prat ices of Vice President Jejomar Binay and his family, saying that the one-year-old probe is an exercise "in aid of election."
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DSWD takes into custody mother seen slapping baby in viral video

Social welfare workers in Pasay City have taken into custody a mother seen in a viral video slapping her newborn baby at the Pasay City General Hospital.
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Two domestic flights canceled due to bad weather

Two domestic flights have been canceled due to bad weather conditions, airport authority said Saturday morning.
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Typhoon Ineng's death toll rises to 9

Four more people have been confirmed killed in landslides in Benguet province as Typhoon Ineng lashed areas in Northern Luzon with heavy rains and strong winds.
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WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions on Saturday, Aug. 22

The following local governments have suspended classes on Saturday, Aug. 22, due to heavy rains and flooding.
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DSWD may take custody of baby repeatedly slapped by mom in video

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon 'Dinky' Soliman confirmed on Friday that a social worker was sent to assess the mother seen slapping her newborn child in a video that went viral on social media the previous day.
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At least 4 dead, hundreds flee as heavy rains hit northern Luzon

(UPDATED 8:04 p.m.) At least four people were killed and more than 700 displaced as the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Ineng brought heavy rains over northern Luzon, civil defense and police officials said on Friday.
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Comelec now ready to choose dominant admin and opposition parties

The Commission on Elections is now ready to accept petitions for the dominant majority party, dominant minority party, 10 major national parties, and two major local parties in next year’s elections.
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Sotto: Enrile ‘to help minority like before’ when he returns to Senate

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile's expected return to the Senate will help the minority in examining and supervising pieces of legislation there, acting Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said Friday.
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SC ruling granting Enrile bail must be applied in similar cases - legal expert

After allowing Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail for humanitarian reasons, the next challenge for the Supreme Court is to ensure that its ruling would also be applied to other equally deserving accused.
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Mar Roxas, Elenita Binay attend mass for Ninoy, Butz Aquino

Politicians from opposing parties gathered on Friday at the La Salle Green Hills chapel in Mandaluyong to hear Mass for the late Senators Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and Agapito “Butz” Aquino.
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Ninoy's ideas influenced peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution – ex-DILG chief

Rafael Alunan, who served as secretary of the Interior and of Tourism, attributed the event's success and general peacefulness to the ideas of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. 
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Trembling hostages recall escape from Abu Sayyaf captivity

Two Philippine Coast Guard men on Friday trembled and cried as they recalled their harrowing four-month captivity under Islamic extremists who beheaded one of their fellow hostages.
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PHL calls for de-escalation of tensions in Korean Peninsula

With an estimated 43,000 Filipinos in South Korea, the Philippines called for calm and de-escalation of tensions on Friday amid renewed hostilities in the Korean Peninsula.
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SC upholds first ever Anti-Hazing Law conviction

The Supreme Court has upheld a Laguna trial court's conviction of two suspects in the 2006 death of UP Los Baños student Marlon Villanueva - the first ever conviction under Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law.
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Ex-DILG chief Alunan: PInoys need self-transformation

Many hailed the Philippines for peacefully ousting dictatorship and restoring democracy in 1986. But an activist during the Martial Law era reminded that there's still more work to be done. The revolution is still ongoing, and Filipinos need self-transformation.
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House passes bill fast-tracking reverting of idle fishponds to forestlands

The House of Representatives passed on third and final reading a bill that would shorten the process of reverting abandoned fishponds into forestlands.
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Out-on-bail Enrile visits still-detained Jinggoy, Bong Revilla

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile on Friday dropped by the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame to visit Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr., who continue to be detained on plunder and graft charges related to the P10-billion pork barrel fund scam.
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Ineng leaves 2 dead, 1 missing in Ilocos Friday afternoon

The Region 1 Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has confirmed two deaths in Ilocos Norte and a missing person in Solsona, a report from GMA's “Balitanghali” said Friday.
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PNoy offers prayers before martyred father’s tomb

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday offered prayers before the tomb of his father, Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., as the nation commemorates the late lawmaker’s 32nd death anniversary.
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Groups remember Ninoy Aquino at tarmac where he was killed

Groups on Friday paid tribute to the late Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. at the exact spot where he died 32 years ago.
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Grace Poe’s text to LP stalwart Erice: ‘May I ask who this is?’

Liberal Party stalwart Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice on late Wednesday night sent a text message to Senator Grace Poe to deny that there were ruling party members who doubt her Filipino citizenship and to ask for a meeting to discuss whatever differences they have.
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How Supreme Court Justices voted on Enrile bail petition

The Supreme Court on Thursday promulgated its decision granting the petition of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail. How did the individual justices vote? See below.  
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PNoy hits ‘epal’ politicians: I am not like them

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday criticized “epal” politicians, or those who seek media attention to grab credit for government projects.
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Probe on VP Binay led to tax case, suspensions, BSP payments

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said that as a result of the hearings, other government agencies initiated actions in connection with what has been revealed in the hearings.
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Aug. 18 now Jesse Robredo Day

President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law declaring August 18 of every year as Jesse Robredo Day, a special working holiday.
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US government, police working on counter-drone system – sources

WASHINGTON - As concerns rise about a security menace posed by rogue drone flights, US government agencies are working with state and local police forces to develop high-tech systems to protect vulnerable sites, according to sources familiar with the matter.  
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Out on bail, Enrile expected to attend Senate session Monday

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday night received his provisional liberty after posting a bail of P1.45 million and presenting himself to the Sandiganbayan after leaving hospital arrest in Camp Crame.
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DOLE reminds firms of pay rules for Ninoy Aquino Day

Employees of private firms who report for work on Friday, a special non-working holiday, should get 130 percent of their daily rate, the Labor department said.
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No abandonment of ARMM employees during transition to Bangsamoro – panel

Plans are in place to protect the rights and welfare of civil servants in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao when a proposed Bangsamoro entity is created, a panel tasked with the transition to a new government said.
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Enrile leaves Camp Crame to post bail at Sandiganbayan

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile left Camp Crame Thursday night to post bail before the Sandiganbayan for the plunder and graft charges he is facing in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.
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Alan Peter thanks Belmonte for VP push, but no decision yet

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday thanked House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. for recommending him as a possible running mate of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas in next year's national elections.
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Justice Leonen scores SC majority for granting Enrile bail

A Supreme Court associate justice has scored his colleagues who voted in favor of allowing Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail in the graft and plunder charges he is facing in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.
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VP Binay camp scores govt ‘insensitivity‘ to country's traffic woes

The presistent traffic problem in the country is a sign of government's insensitivity and incompetence, a spokesperson for Vice President Jejomar Binay claimed Thursday.
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Erap teases goddaughter Grace Poe as ‘susunod na...’

Former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was among officials and friends present at the commemoration of action king Fernando Poe Jr.'s 76th birth anniversary, which also saw a gathering of supporters for the late actor's daughter, Sen. Grace Poe.
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Sandiganbayan receives SC decision on Enrile bail petition

The Sandiganbayan Third Division on Thursday afternoon officially received the Supreme Court decision allowing Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile to post bail.
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VACC files complaint vs. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda for failure to submit SALN

Non-government organization Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Albay Governor Joey Salceda for his alleged failure to submit his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for three years.
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Enrile ‘well enough’ to return to Senate – lawyer

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile will report for work at the Senate after he posts bail. Asked if the senator is not too weak to return to work, lawyer Eleazar Reyes said: "No, besides, his personal philosophy is he will keep on working while he is alive."
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Give PNoy chance at a love life, says ally

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice on Thursday asked those pushing Aquino to run for vice president to spare the 55-year-old bachelor Chief Executive from a possible six more years of full-time government service, radio dzBB has reported. "Bigyan natin ng panahon si PNoy para magka-lovelife. Dapat magkaroon siya ng anak at asawa.... Sayang naman ang genes niya," Erice said.
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Still no decision, but Grace Poe thankful to groups pushing for 2016 bid

While she is still making up her mind on whether to pursue higher office in 2016, Sen. Grace Poe on Thursday said she recognizes the support she has been receiving from various groups.
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Enrile has settled hospital bills, PNP doc says

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile has settled all his bills incurred during his stay at the Philippine National Police Hospital in Camp Crame.
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US-funded program aims to reduce child labor in sugarcane farms

A US-funded program called for policy changes to reduce the number of children engaged in high-risk work in sugarcane farms after its four-year research project revealed a cycle of poverty and helplessness.
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Pimentel wants nationwide manhunt for ‘missing’ Limlingan

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III on  Thursday called for a nationwide manhunt against Gerry Limlingan, an aide of Vice President Jejomar Binay who has been missing since the Senate started its hearings on alleged corruption involving the Binays last year.
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Drilon twits party mate for asking Senate to remove Poe, Chiz’s chairmanships

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Thursday scored his party mate Oriental Mindoro Representative Reynaldo Umali for allegedly interfering in the internal affairs of the Senate.
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Enrile lawyer says delay in release of SC order ‘out of the ordinary’

The legal counsel of detained Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday said the Supreme Court's delay in the release of its resolution granting the senator's bail petition "is a little bit out of the ordinary."
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Erice: No one in LP is questioning Grace Poe’s citizenship

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice has asked Senator Grace Poe for a meeting to personally deny that members of the ruling Liberal Party were behind efforts to disqualify her on the basis of a questioned citizenship and an alleged lack of residency.
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FOI bill is dead under Aquino gov’t, advocates say

Despite continued assurances from President Benigno Aquino III’s spokespersons that he is committed to passing the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, advocates of the proposed legislation on Thursday gave up hope that the measure will be passed into law under this administration.
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Supreme Court ruling on Enrile bail petition

Two days after announcement its ruling, the Supreme Court on Thursday has released its promulgated decision to grant Senator Juan Ponce Enrile's petition to post bail.   
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‘Ghost’ senior citizens cost Makati P367.5 million –official

Some P367.5 million in funds for senior citizens in Makati City were allegedly missing due to "ghost" beneficiaries, a city official said Thursday during the resumption of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing on alleged anomalies linked to Vice President Jejomar Binay.
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Sandiganbayan affirms ruling: Ompong Plaza to face ‘pork’ trial

The Sandiganbayan Second Division has upheld its earlier ruling finding probable cause to proceed with the trial for the multiple charges against former Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel fund scam.
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NDRRMC braces for typhoon Ineng

Under Red Alert status, the NDRRMC continuously monitors and disseminates weather advisories, 24-hour public weather forecasts, gale warnings, and general flood advisories to all regional DRRMCs (RDRRMCs) and Office of Civil Defense regional centers (OCDRCs).
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VP Binay denies allegations Makati City has ‘ghost’ senior citizens

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday denied the allegations of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV that there are "ghost" senior citizens in Makati City.
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SC transmits decision on Enrile bail petition to Sandiganbayan

The Supreme Court on Thursday noon officially transmitted to the Sandiganbayan Third Division its decision granting the bail petition of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, who is facing charges in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.
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Alleged VP Binay dummy snubs Senate hearing despite subpoena

An alleged dummy of Vice President Jejomar Binay did not show up at the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on Thursday. 
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Grace Poe recalls lessons from dad on FPJ’s birthday

Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said she learned a lot from her father, action king Fernando Poe Jr., and tries to live by his example in everyday decisions. 
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Makati senior citizens in Senate to watch hearing

Some senior citizens of Makati City arrived at the Senate Thursday morning to watch the hearing to be conducted by the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee.
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Class suspensions as of August 20

Classes are suspended in multiple provinces in Northern Luzon because of public storm signal warnings raised by Typhoon Ineng.
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Erice says he’s not behind citizenship issue, seeks audience with Poe

“I am not part of those who question your being a Filipino.” This was the message sent by Rep. Edgar Erice, the vice president for political affairs of the Liberal Party, to Sen. Grace Poe amid rumors linking him to the disqualification case filed against the senator.
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