Duterte willing to withdraw from presidential race if Pope Francis was offended

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he is willing to withdraw from the presidential race if Pope Francis was offended by his profanity-laced pronouncements about the head of the Catholic Church during a speech on Monday.
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Palace: Roxas’ cursing in 2008 different from Duterte’s expletive vs. Pope

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s expletive directed at Pope Francis is different from administration candidate Mar Roxas’ cursing in a 2008 anti-Charter change rally, a spokesperson for President Benigno Aquino III said Tuesday.
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Marcos: Congress can still pass BBL if House has quorum to approve it

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said Congress may still be able to approve the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law if the House of Representatives can muster a quorum to tackle its own version of the bill.
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Ex-GSIS execs face graft raps over 2004 e-card project

Former Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Winston Garcia and 10 other former high-ranking officials of the agency have been charged with graft in connection with the alleged anomalous awarding of contract for an electronic membership card (e-card) project in 2004.
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SC issues TRO vs. Comelec’s ‘No Bio, No Boto’ policy

The Supreme Court has stopped the Commission on Elections from invalidating voters who were not able to get their biometrics for the 2016 elections.
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VP Binay scores in 23-year-old case vs. ex-Makati vice mayor Brillante

The Court of Appeals has dismissed a petition filed by a former Makati vice mayor in relation to the libel complaint filed against him by Vice President Jejomar Binay more than 20 years ago.
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CHR exec on Duterte’s willingness to kill wrongdoers: Part of political propaganda

Human Rights Commissioner Leah Tanodra-Armamento on Tuesday said the statements of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in his speech following his proclamation as presidential candidate of PDP-Laban were all part of his political strategy to get the voters' attention.
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Pemberton arrives at Olongapo court for promulgation

US Marine and murder suspect Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton arrived at the Olongapo City Hall of Justice shortly after noon Tuesday for the promulgation of his case.
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PHL asks court for a ‘truly just solution’ to its case vs. China

At the end of a week-long hearing on its maritime disputes with China in The Hague, the Philippines has urged the international tribunal to find a “truly just solution” against Beijing’s unilateral and expansionist moves in the South China Sea.
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CBCP president Archbishop Soc Villegas grieved over Duterte’s cursing of Pope

Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president Archbishop Socrates Villegas took to Facebook on Tuesday to say he is grieved over the remarks of presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte on Monday regarding Pope Francis' Manila visit.
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Court to rule if US Marine Pemberton guilty of murder

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court will decide on Tuesday whether a US Marine is guilty of murder in the killing of a transgender woman, a case that has reignited debate over the American military presence in the Southeast Asian country.
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Pemberton on the way to Olongapo for promulgation on Laude case

Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, the accused in the murder of transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude is on his way to Olongapo City on Tuesday morning for the promulgation of the case, a report on Unang Balita by Jay Sabale said.
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Palace confident in South China Sea arbitration case

The Philippines on Monday wrapped up a week of arguments before judges in its case against China over the hotly disputed South China Sea, at a hearing boycotted by Beijing.
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Escudero says running as Binay's VP was ‘not logical’

Senator Francis Escudero on Monday explained his decision to run alongside Senator Grace Poe in the 2016 national elections even though he supported another presidential contender, Vice President Jejomar Binay, in 2010.
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Robredo, Escudero joust over bilateral talks with China

Though both Senator Francis Escudero and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo backed the arbitration proceedings the Philippine government initiated against China over claims on the South China Sea, it became apparent during Monday's vice-presidential forum at the University of the Philippines-Diliman that they had opposing views on bilateral talks with Beijing.
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Don't vote for me if you won't vote for Alan - Duterte

While all eyes are on Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte, PDP-Laban's official presidential candidate himself put the spotlight on his running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
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Robredo defends Roxas' Yolanda performance, admits gov't shortcomings

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo believes Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II did his best to provide assistance to areas affected by typhoon Yolanda in its immediate aftermath, even though she thinks the government’s response could have been better.
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No comparison made between Naga and Davao –LP veep bet Robredo

In a vice presidential forum held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo said she did not compare Naga City and Davao City when she was asked if she was in favor of an iron-fisted style of leadership during an roundtable discussion with a newspaper last week.
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Duterte on cursing Pope Francis: He's compassionate, he'll understand

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte thinks Pope Francis will understand comments he made about the pontiff on Monday during his declaration speech as the standard-bearer of PDP-Laban.
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Pemberton camp confident of acquittal

The camp of US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton is confident that he will be acquitted in the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, a TV report said Monday.
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Archbishop Cruz scores Pope-cursing, womanizing Duterte

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz scored Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday after the latter's profanity-laced presidential declaration speech that included a curse directed at Pope Francis.
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7 in 10 Filipinos 'very concerned' about climate change

Most Filipinos are "very concerned" about the threats climate change brings, a recent gobal survey of a US-based think tank revealed.
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House panel OKs bill doubling veterans’ monthly pension to P10,000

The House committee on veterans affairs and welfare has approved a proposal to increase the old age pension of Filipino military veterans to P10,000 per month from the present P5,000.
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SET to tackle MR on Poe citizenship issue on Dec. 3

The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) will meet on Thursday, December 3, to tackle the motion for reconsideration filed by Rizalito David, who is questioning the citizenship of Sen. Grace Poe.
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Pope Francis not spared in Duterte's expletive-filled speech

In a speech on national television formally declaring his entry into next year's presidential race, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte did not shy away from his usual tough talk, peppering obscenities into an address where he boasted of killing kidnappers and cursing Pope Francis for traffic.
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For Chiz and Leni, VP post more than just spare tire

Though they are running against each other in the 2016 elections, both Senator Francis Escudero and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo believe that the vice presidency is more than just a spare tire.
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Robredo acknowledges PNoy admin's shortcomings in transportation

Despite being the ruling party’s vice presidential candidate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on Monday acknowledged the Aquino administration’s shortcomings in improving the transportation system in the country.
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Duterte: If I can love 100M Pinoys, I can love 4 women

Davao City mayor and presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte is torn between four lovers, and he's embracing the fact completely, even amid criticisms.
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Duterte boasts of killing kidnappers in Davao City

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday once again expressed that he is willing to kill wrongdoers.
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Duterte wants to be a hero for Pinoy fishermen in West PHL Sea

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is ready to be a hero in case China will once again show aggression toward Filipino fishermen in West Philippine Sea.
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Olongapo court to decide on Laude murder case Tuesday

The Olongapo court hearing the murder case filed against US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in October last year is set to issue a decision on Tuesday.
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Duterte: Federalism will bring peace in Mindanao

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte on Monday continued to push for a federal form of government during the PDP-Laban's formal proclamation of his presidency.
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34,010 pass licensure exam for secondary school teachers –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Monday announced that 34,010 secondary teachers out of 81,463 examinees, or 41.75%, passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T.) given on September 27, 2015 in Hong Kong and 26 testing centers all over the Philippines.
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Erice to members not supporting Mar: Leave LP

Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice on Monday dared Liberal Party members who will not be supporting their standard bearer Mar Roxas to resign from the party amid reports that some have jumped ship to support Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's presidential bid.
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21,461 pass licensure exam for elementary school teachers –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Monday announced that 21,461 elementary teachers out of 68,442 examinees, or 31.36 percent, passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T.) given on September 27, 2015 in Hong Kong and 26 testing centers all over the Philippines.
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PPA execs face graft raps over missing imported rice

A transparency advocacy group has filed a graft complaint against Philippine Port Authority (PPA) general manager Juan Santa Ana and assistant manager for operations Raul Santos for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of about 3,000 bags of rice imported from Vietnam early this year.
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PDP-Laban formally declares Duterte as standard bearer

The PDP-Laban on Monday formally declared Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as its standard bearer in the 2016 elections.
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Binay says PNoy admin affected with 'analysis paralysis'

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday again took a jab at the current administration, saying its leaders are "affected with analysis paralysis.”
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Binay: Duterte is my friend

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday said he and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte are friends.
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Mar not affected by allies leaving LP for Duterte

Presidential candidate Mar Roxas on Monday said Liberal Party (LP) members are free to choose who they will support in the May 2016 elections.
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Binay praises Pacquiao for not leaving UNA amid pressure

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday lauded Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao for stricking with him amid alleged pressures to change his allegiance to other presidential aspirants.
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Wreath-laying, 21-gun salute done for Andres Bonifacio’s 152nd birthday

A 21-gun salute was done at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig in celebration of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s 152nd birthday, a television report said Monday.
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Solon wants gov't internship program for youth institutionalized

A lawmaker has filed a measure seeking to institutionalize the implementation of the government internship program (GIP) aimed at exposing the youth to public service by way of their participation in government programs and projects.
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'Freedom Voyage' to West PHL Sea to push through Tuesday

A youth group is pushing through with its trip to the West Philippine Sea this week despite strong opposition from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
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PNoy urges Filipinos to emulate Bonifacio’s courage

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday urged Filipinos to emulate the courage shown by Andres Bonifacio and do their own share in helping the country progress.
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PNoy arrives in Paris for climate summit

President Benigno Aquino III arrived in Paris, France at 6 p.m. Sunday for the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21), according to a report on GMA’s Unang Balita.
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Robredo says she needs to work hard to improve survey ratings

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo acknowledges she needs to work hard to improve her survey ratings, with recent popularity polls placing her near the bottom of the list of preferred vice presidential bets in next year's elections.
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House panel OKs bill on payment source for veterans’ benefits

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare has approved a substitute bill mandating the use of the proceeds from the development, lease or use of certain government properties for the payment of veterans' benefits.
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House panel OKs resolution urging HUDCC to regulate rental rates until 2017

The House of Representatives committee on housing and urban development has approved a resolution urging the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to extend rental regulation until Dec. 31, 2017.
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PNoy off to Paris, to share PHL's experience in natural disasters

President Benigno Aquino III left for Paris, France Sunday morning to attend the historic 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) where he will lead the meeting of developing countries most vulnerable to feel the effects of climate change.
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Boxing: Klitschko demands Fury rematch after bruising loss

Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko demanded a rematch minutes after losing his four world titles to British challenger Tyson Fury on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time) in a stunning unanimous points decision.
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Boxing: Briton Fury crowned world champion after beating Klitschko

Underdog Tyson Fury caused a huge boxing upset on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time), stunning Wladimir Klitschko with a points victory to snatch the champion's four titles and become the first Briton to hold a world heavyweight crown since 2011.
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Broadcaster files petition vs. Duterte’s presidential bid

A broadcaster has filed the first petition against Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's bid for the presidency under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
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PNoy to lead forum of 20 climate-vulnerable countries in Paris meet

President Benigno Aquino III will lead the meeting 20 "climate vulnerable" countries during the historic climate Conference of Parties (COP) in Paris next week.
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Aquino authorizes P44-B multi-year defense contract

President Benigno Aquino III has signed a proposal for the Department of National Defense to enter into a P44-billion multi-year contract for seven more military purchases starting this year, a defense official announced Saturday.
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2 new Philippine Air Force fighter jets arrive

The Philippine Air Force's (PAF) two FA-50 fighter jets purchased from South Korea arrived in the Philippines on Saturday morning.
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Slain Indonesian bomber was with Marwan in Mamasapano clash

The Indonesian bomb expert killed in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat last week was in Mamasapano, Maguindanao during the January 25 clash, where 44 members of the police's elite Special Action Force were killed.
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AFP chief Iriberri named respondent in arms smuggling, graft complaint

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri and two other high-ranking military and police officials are accused of arms smuggling and graft for allegedly allowing a local dealer to import high explosive ammunition without a valid permit.
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NAIA security finds ammo, magazine on Tacloban-bound traveler

A Tacloban City-bound passenger was stopped at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport's (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Friday after security officers found five .45 caliber bullets and a pistol magazine in his bag, GMA 7 news program “24 Oras” reported.
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PWD concerns to be addressed if voting conducted in malls —Comelec

Bound in her wheelchair, Charito Manglapus was at one side of the conference hall when she raised her concern at the Commission on Elections' public hearing on mall voting Friday.
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Sandiganbayan accepts Jinggoy’s counterevidence for bail plea

The Sandiganbayan has accepted all the exhibits offered by the camp of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for his petition to post bail for a plunder case in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
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Indonesian bomber among those killed in Sultan Kudarat clash with ISIS-influenced group –military

An Indonesian bomb expert was among those killed in the clash between government forces and members of the Ansural Khilafah Philippines, even as the military is denying the group's links with the international terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS).
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Senate bet Pacquiao to stay with VP Binay even with Duterte draft

Senatorial candidate Saranggani Representative Manny Pacquiao on Thursday said that he would stay with the team of opposition standard-bearer Vice President Jejomar Binay even if Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte included him in the new presidential aspirant's line-up.
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Two Philippine Air Force fighter jets arriving from South Korea

Two FA-50 fighter jets purchased by the Philippine Air Force are en route to the country from Korea, with the arrival expected on Saturday.
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People questioning timing of appraisal of Marcos jewelry —Bongbong

Some people have raised concern over the timing of the Bureau of Customs and Presidential Commission on Good Government's decision to have international auction houses appraise the jewelry seized from the Marcoses this week, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.
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AFP: No confirmed ties between PHL group, ISIS

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday clarified that the armed group that government troops encountered in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, on Thursday has no confirmed ties with international terrorist group ISIS.
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PNoy to report on PHL gains in climate change mitigation

President Benigno Aquino III will report the country's accomplishments in mitigating the effects of climate change when he addresses the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris next week.
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PCGG to launch website to search for Marcos paintings

A Philippine official says the government will launch a website next month to crowd-source tips on the whereabouts of some 200 missing art works, including paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt that were owned by former first lady Imelda Marcos.
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Antique solon, ex-governor face plunder raps over 'anomalous' projects

Two local journalists on Friday filed a plunder complaint against former Antique governor Exequiel Javier and his son, incumbent Antique Rep. Paulo Everardo Javier, in connection with various projects in the province amounting to at least P500 million allegedly done with anomalous biddings.
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Unbeaten Terrence Crawford waiting for a call from Manny Pacquiao

WBO world light welterweight champion Terence Crawford is eagerly awaiting a phone call from Manny Pacquiao, hoping that the Filipino ring icon will choose to fight him in his farewell fight.  
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DOJ starts prelim probe of 90 suspects in Mamasapano clash

The Department of Justice on Friday started its preliminary investigation of 90 people, including Moro rebel commanders, over the deadly Mamasapano encounter last January.
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PNoy, sisters commemorate 83rd birth anniversary of Ninoy

President Benigno Aquino III and sisters Ballsy and Viel went to Manila Memorial Park Friday morning to commemorate the 83rd birth anniversary of their father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr, a television report said.
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Duterte files COC for president

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Friday filed his certificate of candidacy for president in the 2016 elections, shortly after withdrawing his COC for re-election.
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Duterte to file COC for president on Dec. 10

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte announced he will submit his certificate of candidacy for president on Dec. 10, a report on Unang Balita on Friday said.
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PHL tells tribunal: China violated international maritime laws

The Philippines’ legal team on Thursday presented before  a The Hague-based tribunal several international maritime law violations of China, which include massive destruction of marine ecosystem, harassment of Filipino fishermen and the intentional ramming of Philippine vessels that caused near-collision with Chinese ships.
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Poe camp to seek dismissal of David complaint based on SET ruling

The camp of Senator Grace Poe on Friday said they will be seeking the dismissal of the disqualification case filed by defeated senatorial candidate Rizalito David on the ground of the Senate Electoral Tribunal's decision favoring the lawmaker. 
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Lawyer assails Comelec policy on voting by detainees

A lawyer has asked the Supreme Court to prohibit detainees, including high-profile ones like former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, from voting in the May 2016 elections unless clear guidelines have been made on detainee registration and voting.
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DBM hits online misinformation on P10-k additional holiday pay for gov't workers

The Department of Budget and Management on Thursday branded as false the information spreading online about President Benigno Aquino announcing the distribution of P10,000 in additional holiday pay to government employees.
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BoC looking into disappearance of 24,000 bottles of imported wine

The Bureau of Customs is investigating the disappearance of 24,000 bottles of imported wine worth millions, a report on GMA's “24 Oras” by Jun Veneracion said Thursday.
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Smartmatic bags P500-M electronic results transmission deal

Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corporation has bagged the P500-million contract to provide the Commission on Elections with electronic results transmission services during the 2016 elections.
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Laglag bala victim seeks Senate help in dismissal of case

The family of Lane Michael White, the 20-year-old American victim of the alleged "laglag bala" scheme, has sought the Senate's help in the illegal possession of ammunition case filed against him by the Office of Transportation Security.  
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Debate expected if Duterte chooses Marcos as VP bet —Koko Pimentel

The tandem of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is still not a done deal as far as the presidential aspirant's PDP-Laban is concerned, party president Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said on Thursday.
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9,671 pass Criminologist Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday announced that 9,671 out of 29,591 passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination last October.
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Senate approves P3-trillion nat’l budget, gives P10-B hike to DND

The Senate on Thursday approved the P3-trillion national budget for 2016 with a P10-billion increase in the allocation for the Department of National Defense amid an ongoing dispute over claims in the South China Sea and what one senator said were threats to security at home and abroad.
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Bad weather delays delivery of two Korean fighter jets to PHL

The expected delivery of two FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea will not push through Friday due to bad weather there, a Philippine Air Force (PAF) official said Thursday.
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AFP official: Group's planned voyage to West PHL Sea provocative, against nat'l policy

The 30-day voyage to Philippine-held territories in the South China Sea being planned by a group is not in line with national policy of easing the tension with China and therefore should not be allowed, a military official said Thursday.
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Aquino admin's 2016 budget 'bloated, ambitious' —Miriam

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Thursday criticized the Aquino administration for proposing a P3-trillion national budget for 2016 despite its five-year streak of underspending. 
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Poe, Mar speak up on economic Cha-cha, foreign investments, tax reform

Presidential aspirants Mar Roxas and Sen. Grace Poe both said they are open to changing economic revisions in the Constitution, but shared differing views on what is holding back foreign investments in the Philippines.
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Senate to pass Bangsamoro law before campaign period —Drilon

Senate President Franklin Drilon has expressed confidence that the Senate will manage to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law before the campaign period starts in February.
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Mayweather: Pacquiao better than I thought he was

Retired undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. has advice for Terence Crawford if the latter faces Manny Pacquiao: the Filipino ring icon is no easy fighter.
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Gov’t, MILF peace panels ask Congress anew to pass BBL

With eight session days left this year for lawmakers to pass vital laws, top leaders of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panels appealed to Congress anew Thursday to fast track the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
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Alan Cayetano is my running mate —Duterte

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has declared that his running mate in the 2016 presidential elections will be Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
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Sandiganbayan defers arraignment of ex-Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca

The Sandiganbayan Second Division on Thursday deferred the arraignment of former Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca for her ethics violation case in connection with her alleged failure to file her statements of assets liabilities and net worth (SALN) for 2007 to 2010.
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After ‘No Bio, No Boto,’ 2.4M voters won’t be able to vote in 2016

Some 2.4 million voters will not be able to cast their votes in the 2016 elections after the "No Bio, No Boto" initiative of the Commission on Elections, a television report said Wednesday.
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DSWD pushes for metro-wide ban on street caroling

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is pushing for the ban on street caroling in Metro Manila to discourage the act of begging especially among children, a report on GMA News TV's News to Go said Thursday.
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Drilon pushes for P500M increase in Comelec budget for speedy result transmission

Senate President Franklin Drilon is pushing for additional P500 million in the 2016 budget of the Commission on Elections for the speedy transmission of next year's election results.
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Señeres open to allowing Duterte as substitute candidate

OFW Family Club party-list Rep. Roy Señeres on Thursday said he is open to the possibility of allowing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to replace him as a substitute candidate for president even though they belong to different political parties. 
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DOH: HIV cases could reach 133,000 by 2022

The total number of HIV infections could increase to 133,000 in the next seven years if the current trend of increase continues, the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau said in a forum Wednesday.
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Sandiganbayan sets trial of Ronnie Ricketts’ graft case in February

The Sandiganbayan will start hearing the graft case filed against Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman Ronnie Ricketts and his four co-accused in February next year.
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PNoy to meet Pope Francis in Vatican after climate talks in Paris

President Benigno Aquino III will hold three official working visits in Europe, including one in Vatican City where he will meet Pope Francis, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday. 
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Airport police linked to laglag bala modus to undergo lifestyle check

Members of the Aviation Security Group linked to the laglag bala modus will undergo a lifestyle check to be conducted by the Philippine National Police, a report on Unang Balita on Thursday said.
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PHL delegation to tribunal: China’s territorial claim ‘hopeless, indefensible’

China’s territorial claim within the so-called nine-dash line is “hopeless and indefensible,” a member of the Philippine delegation argued during the second day of the hearing on the merits of the case filed by the Philippines against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.
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PHL arbitration case a ‘political provocation under the cloak of law,’ says China

China has criticized the ongoing hearing by an international court on the Philippines’ arbitration case that seeks to denigrate its claim in the South China Sea, calling it a provocation under the guise of law.
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US raises military aid to PHL amid sea tension with China

The United States has raised its military aid to the Philippines this year to $79 million, the US ambassador said on Wednesday, as tension rises in the region over China's new assertiveness in the South China Sea.
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As Pemberton trial nears end, Goldberg assures US compliance with VFA

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on Wednesday assured the public of the US compliance with the Visiting Forces Agreement as regards US Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton's ongoing trial here for the alleged murder of a Filipino national.
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LTO: NBI, police clearances no longer needed to apply for driver's license

Drivers apply for or renewing their licenses with the Land Transportation Office need not bring clearances from the police and National Bureau of Investigation, the LTO said on Wednesday.
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US strategists to Pinoy pols: Give people a good reason to vote for you

Two people who played key roles in US President Barack Obama's successful 2012 reelection campaign in 2012 have a simple advice for Filipino politicians running in the 2016 polls: Give people a good reason to vote for you.
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Ambassador Goldberg denies US lobbying for EDCA

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg denied on Wednesday that they were lobbying for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which has is facing a legal challenge before the Philippines' Supreme Court.
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Camp of American with 'laglag-bala' case laments slow pace of PHL justice

The camp of US national Michael Lane White has expressed disappointment in the Philippines' justice system, which they perceive to be slow in resolving their "laglag-bala" case.
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Mar Roxas vows fairness if he wins and cases filed vs. PNoy

Administration presidential candidate Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Wednesday vowed fairness if he is elected president and his close friend and ally, President Benigno Aquino III, is stripped off his immunity from suit in 2016.
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Bicol NPA leader nabbed in Cavite —Army

Government forces on Wednesday arrested a ranking member of the New People's Army and another Communist rebel in Trece Martirez City, Cavite, the Philippine Army has announced.
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Sufficiency of proposed P116.2-B defense budget questioned

The Senate Committee on Finance has submitted for plenary consideration the Department of National Defense's P116.2-billion budget for 2016 amid questions on whether it is sufficient amid perceived security threats at home and abroad.
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Group questions constitutionality of Comelec's ‘No Bio, No Boto’ before SC

A coalition of youth groups on Wednesday questioned the constitutionality of the “No Bio, No Boto” policy of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) before the Supreme Court.
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Traffic never discussed in PNoy’s Cabinet meetings —VP Binay

A former member of President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday said the persistent problem of traffic congestion in Metro Manila was never taken up in any of the Cabinet meetings.
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Roxas on gov't officials riding the MRT: I started it, others copied me

Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II claimed he rode the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) daily when he used to work as secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) more than a decade ago in Makati, with other politicians following his lead.
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Duterte repeatedly said I’m his VP bet, Alan Cayetano says

Senator Alan Cayetano on Wednesday expressed confidence that he would be Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's running mate in the 2016 elections.
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VP Binay: Grace Poe should be disqualified from running for president

Senator Grace Poe should be disqualified to run for president in next year’s elections, her presidential rival Vice President Jejomar Binay said Wednesday.
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Solon: Congress can override PNoy's veto of tax reform bill

A party-list representative on Wednesday said there is still hope that proposed measures lowering income tax rates may still become a law.
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Bongbong Marcos says talks with Duterte continue

Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said his camp continues to talk with that of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who recently announced supposedly with finality that he was seeking the presidency in 2016.
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Roxas’ hashtags: #AsaPaMore for Duterte, #SecondChance for Poe, #PushPaMore for Binay

While it was all #LoveLoveLove for his wife Korina Sanchez, 2016 administration candidate and former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas took an apparent swipe at Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who recently affirmed his decision to run for president.
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AFP accused of blocking group’s 30-day voyage to West PHL Sea

The military is discouraging the group Kalayaan Atin Ito from pushing through with its planned 30-day voyage to Philippine-held territories in the South China Sea, saying this may provoke China.
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PolSci prof: Poe may have 'pattern to misrepresent factual things'

One of the petitioners against the candidacy of Senator Grace Poe for president on Wednesday alleged that the 2016 presidential candidate may have a "pattern to misrepresent factual things."
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One-stop shop for gun license renewal eyed in January 2016

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is planning to set up a one-stop shop for gun license renewal early next year in response to gun owners' complaints regarding the current slow process for renewing their licenses.
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US Embassy closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving

The US Embassy in Manila and its affiliated offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26, in observance of the American holiday, Thanksgiving, the embassy has announced.
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Palace: No comment on Duterte as substitute presidential bet

Malacañang on Wednesday refused to comment on the scenario that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte runs for president as a substitute candidate in the 2016 race.
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House panel tells DOTC, CAAP to come up with master plan for using Clark

The House of Representatives transportation committee on Wednesday urged the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to come up with a master plan about the use of Clark International Airport as an alternative airport amid the runway congestion affecting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
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Plaza pleads not guilty to graft, bribery raps

Former Agusan Del Sur Representative Rodolfo Plaza on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to the multiple counts of graft, malversation and direct bribery in connection with his alleged involvement in the multi-billion-peso pork barrel fund scam.
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PHL 'concerned' over Turkey's shooting down of Russian warplane

The Philippines on Wednesday said it is "concerned" over Turkey's shooting down of a Russian warplane near the Syrian border on Tuesday.
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First round of oral arguments in PHL vs. China case at The Hague

The first round of oral arguments for the hearing on the Philippines' case against China's territorial claims began on Tuesday at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands. 
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PNP on heightened alert for Christmas season

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez on Wednesday announced that the whole police force is on a nationwide heightened alert status.
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Ex-Rep. Valdez seeks furlough to attend son’s wedding

Former APEC Party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez on Tuesday filed an amended motion to attend his son's wedding in December.
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Comelec denies Poe's appeal to consolidate DQ cases

The Comission on Elections Second division on Wednesday denied the motion filed by the camp of Sen. Grace Poe to consolidate all four disqualification petitions filed against the her.
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China no show at Hague court

China has continued to snub the arbitration proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.
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Cebu grad tops close to 4,000 passers in Civil Engineering Licensure Exam –PRC

A graduate from Cebu topped the close to 4,000 passers in the latest Civil Engineering Licensure Exam, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
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Poe has 5 days to answer MR on SET's disqualification case ruling

The Senate Electoral Tribunal on Wednesday gave the camp of Sen. Grace Poe five days to comment on the motion for reconsideration filed by losing 2013 senatorial candidate Rizalito David.
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PHL argues at Hague court: China deprives us of fishing, exploration

The Philippine delegation argued before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands that China’s nine-dash claim has deprived the Philippines of fishing in disputed territories.
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Disposal booths for bullets, other banned items installed at NAIA

Disposal booths have been installed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to give passengers a chance to rid their bags of items banned in the airport.
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Arbitral tribunal allows interested states to observe hearings on West PHL Sea claims

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, which started hearing the first round of oral arguments in the case the Philippines filed against China over claims on the West Philippine Sea, said in a news release dated November 24 that delegations from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam would be allowed to observe the hearings.
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COA criticizes NIA for continuing failure to irrigate farmlands

The Commission on Audit (COA) criticized the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for allegedly failing to meet farmland-irrigation targets for the past five years.
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BI holds Afghan, Chinese during APEC week

An Afghan and a Chinese were held during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week due to security reasons.
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Presidential bets are no-shows at disaster risk reduction forum

Some of the presidential candidates skipped a forum on disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation, instead sending representatives who read out their statements.
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Marlene Aguilar’s passionate defense of son Jason Ivler through the years

Marlene Aguilar continued to deny all charges against her son, Jason Ivler, despite the Quezon City Regional Trial Court convicting him of murder on Tuesday.
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Roxas' allies in Congress: Duterte bid to have 'minimal' impact on PNoy's anointed

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez cast doubt on Duterte’s eligibility to run for president even as other allies of administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II believe the mayor’s possible candidacy would have minimal impact on the bid of President Aquino's anointed.
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Airport security office has cash reward policy for discovery of contraband, officials confirm

A memo from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) dated June 3, 2015 shows the OTS has a cash reward policy for finding contraband items such as weapons and explosives at security checkpoints.
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Sandiganbayan wants bail hearing of ex-Rep. Valdez finished before yearend

The Sandiganbayan on Tuesday ordered the prosecution panel to finish within the week its presentation of evidence against former congressman Edgar Valdez in connection with his petition to post bail for a plunder case over his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
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Jason Ivler gets up to 40 years for road rage shooting

Six years after the road rage shooting incident, Jason Ivler was convicted of murder charges on Tuesday in connection with the killing of Renato Victor Ebarle Jr., son of former Presidential chief of staff Renato Ebarle Sr
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DOTC assures: No MRT, LRT fare hikes in 2016

The Department of Transportation and Communication on Tuesday assured there will be no fare increase in any of its train services such as the Light Railway Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) next year.
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Marlene Aguilar sees ‘CIA’ hand in son Jason Ivler’s conviction

Jason Ivler's conviction for murder is the handiwork of the CIA, his mother Marlene Aguilar said on Tuesday afternoon after a Quezon City Regional Trial Court sentenced him to a maximum 40 years in prison.
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Senators push DOTC to suspend NBI clearance requirement

As the Department of Transportation and Communications' P42-billion remained pending on the Senate floor, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya upon the prodding to senators suspended a Land Transportation Office administrative order requiring police and NBI clearances from those renewing or applying for drivers' licenses.
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Victim's dad on Ivler's conviction: 'I have redeemed my promise to my boy'

Former presidential chief of staff Renato Ebarle Sr. on Tuesday welcomed the ruling of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) finding Jason Ivler guilty for the killing of his only son, Renato Victor Ebarle Jr., in 2009.
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Legalize drugs in boxing, says world title challenger Fury

Tyson Fury, the British heavyweight boxer who fights for the world title in Germany on Saturday (Sunday, PHL time), says boxing has a "big problem" with doping and that the only way to combat it is to make drugs legal in all sports.
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Enrile questions ‘huge’ proposed PNP budget for 2016

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday questioned the "huge" P88.26 billion budget that will be provided to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2016, noting its alleged failure to address the recent killings in the country.
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SC junks Laude family's bid to have Pemberton transferred to regular jail

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed the petition filed by the family of slain transgender Jennifer Laude seeking the transfer of Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton to a regular jail.
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PNoy meets with lumads in Malacañang

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday met with a group of lumads in Malacañang.
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Cayetano, Escudero trade barbs on SET decision on Poe

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Francis Escudero, who are both running for vice president, continued to trade barbs Tuesday on the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s decision on the disqualification case filed against Senator Grace Poe.
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AFP informants receive a total of P22.5 million reward

Nine informants of the Armed Forces of the Philippines received a total of P22.5 million in cash as rewards on Tuesday.
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SC junks ex-US senator's petition vs. EDCA

The Supreme Court has denied a former US senator's petition to declare the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) unconstitutional.
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Advocacy cannot be set aside in deciding on Poe’s DQ case —Cynthia Villar

Senator Cynthia Villar said Tuesday the senator-members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal could not separate their advocacies from their person when they decided on the disqualification case filed against Senator Grace Poe.
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SC extends suspension of Arroyo plunder trial

The Supreme Court has extended for 90 days the status quo ante order that suspends the trial for plunder of former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in connection with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office fund scam, GMA News' Julius Segovia reported on Tuesday afternoon.
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Pinoy fighter Vic Saludar gets crack at world title in Japan

Another Filipino pug is slated to have a rare chance of bidding for a world title when hard-hitting prospect Vic Saludar squares off against WBO world minimumweight champion Kosei Tanaka on December 31 at Aichi Prefectural Gym in Nagoya, Japan.
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NBI clearance now a requirement for professional drivers –LTO

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a new administrative order mandating drivers applying for and renewing their professional driver's license to submit NBI and police clearances, a report on New to Go said Tuesday.
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PNoy just wanted proper perspective on laglag bala —Palace

Malacañang on Tuesday denied that President Benigno Aquino III was being insensitive when he indicated that the reports of alleged laglag bala extortion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport were overblown by the media.
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Solon wants monthly pension of veterans doubled

The P5,000 monthly pension that Filipino veterans are getting may soon be doubled if the bill now pending in Congress becomes a law.
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PNP: No reason to raise alert level

The Philippine National Police said Tuesday it sees no reason to raise the alert level in the country in connection with the increasing activity of jihadists group Islamic State.
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‘Problematic’ process, but Duterte can join prexy race as substitute –poll lawyers

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte may file his certificate of candidacy for president as a substitute, but not without hurdles to surpass, two election lawyers interviewed by GMA News Online said Tuesday.
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Poe thanks PNoy for letting people decide on her fate in 2016

Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday thanked President Benigno Aquino III for giving primacy to the decision of the people.
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Contraband items found anew at New Bilibid Prison

Prohibited items such as an improvised grenade, sharp objects and a cal.-45 pistol were found during a surprise inspection at the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison Tuesday.
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PNP to focus on security preps for May 2016 polls

After the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last week, the Philippine National Police said it is now shifting its focus on preparing for the May 2016 elections, a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday said.
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Arbitral tribunal oral arguments on West PHL Sea issue starts Tuesday

The first round of oral arguments in the case the Philippines filed against China on the West Philippine Sea issue starts Tuesday at The Hague, Netherlands, a report on Unang Balita said.
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Alvarez beats Cotto to win WBC middleweight title

Mexico's Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez beat Miguel Cotto on a unanimous points decision to win the WBC world middleweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday.
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Roxas: No one wants a foreigner as president

While refusing to comment directly on eligibility issues hounding presidential rival Grace Poe, administration standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II said he agreed with the assertion that no one wants a foreigner occupying Malacañang Palace.
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Poe not surprised by Duterte's candidacy: 'Dati na siyang desidido'

Count Senator Grace Poe among those who aren't surprised that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is joining the 2016 presidential race.
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Roxas welcomes Duterte's bid, touts own law enforcement record

Administration standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Monday welcomed the possible entry of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte into next year's presidential field even while touting his own record in law enforcement as Interior and Local Government Secretary.
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Kin of Maguindanao massacre victims urge NAPOLCOM anew to resolve case vs 62 cops

On the sixth anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, families of the victims have asked the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to resolve the administrative case against the 62 police officers implicated in the worst election-related violence in the Philippines. 
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Tough-talking Duterte finally gunning for presidency

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has announced that he is, in fact, pursuing the presidency in 2016, after a litany of refusals in the past.
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Enrile bats for bigger OVP budget in 2016

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Monday proposed to increase the budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2016 by over 50 percent, saying the amount proposed by the House of Representatives was "so small."
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STL operators remiss paying P2.9B in taxes from 2006 to 2015 –PCSO

Operators of the Small Town Lottery (STL) have been remiss in the payment of P2.9 billion in taxes for close to a decade, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas admitted Monday.
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Grace Poe waiting for results of DNA tests with 3 other possible relatives

To end questions about her identity and citizenship, Senator Grace Poe is awaiting the results of three more DNA tests involving three individuals that could be her relatives.
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Duterte guarantees presidential bid with a pinky swear

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday affirmed his decision to run for president in 2016 — this time with a "pinky swear" to reporters covering his press briefing to show he will not back out from his plans.
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'Duterte is my president,' says Pia Cayetano despite SET vote for Poe

Despite voting in favor of Senator Grace Poe as part of the Senate Electoral Tribunal, Senator Pia Cayetano on Monday reaffirmed her support of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's candidacy for president next year.
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Duterte doesn't want to join presidential debates

After announcing that his presidential bid is now on the table, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday expressed his lack of interest in joining debates with other aspirants for the country's top post.
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Cayetano: Sister, 4 senators want to be 'in good graces' with Poe

Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday said that her sister, Pia Cayetano, and the four other senator-members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal want to be "in good graces" with Sen. Grace Poe, who has been leading the presidential preference surveys.
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Sandiganbayan finds probable cause to hold Lito Lapid on trial

The Sandiganbayan First Division has ruled to proceed with the trial of the graft charges against Sen. Lito Lapid in connection with his alleged involvement in the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.
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SC condemns killing of Northern Samar judge

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed "outrage and sadness" over the killing of a judge in Northern Samar over the weekend.
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AFP: No terror threat but public should remain vigilant

There is no existing terror threat in the country but the public should remain vigilant against any possible attacks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Monday.
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Belmonte eyes review of House committee structures ahead of 17th Congress

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. is considering a review of the structures of the chamber's committees as the 16th Congress nears its end to help the new batch of lawmakers pass measures that will help promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Prosecution ends presentation of evidence vs. Masbate gov

After six months of hearing, the prosecution panel on Monday formally terminated the presentation of evidence against Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lante in connection with her petition to post bail for a plunder case over her alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
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Duterte on SET ruling on Poe: ‘Don’t mess with the Constitution’

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday once again expressed his disappointment over the dismissal of Senator Grace Poe's disqualification case by the nine-member Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).
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Palace to voters: Focus on platforms, not personalities

Instead of talking about personalities, the electorate should focus on the campaign platforms of candidates running in the 2016 elections, Malacañang said Monday, following Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that he is joining the presidential race.
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Palace also seeking closure to Maguindanao massacre

Six years after the bloody Maguindanao massacre, Malacañang said it continues to find closure on the case, and that its hands are practically tied with the trial ongoing before the judicial branch.
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Petitioners, Poe camp: SET decision won’t affect cases at Comelec

Petitioners questioning the candidacy of Senator Grace Poe at the Commission on Elections -- and even her lawyer -- said they do not believe the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) will affect the cases filed against her before the poll body.
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PNoy: Why leave fate of BBL to next admin?

President Benigno Aquino III appealed to Congress not to “risk” the possibility of establishing peace in Mindanao by delaying the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) until the next administration.
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Koko believes no backing out this time, Duterte will run for president

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will no longer back out from the presidential race, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) president, said Monday.
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Number-coding exemption, free parking for senior citizens sought

Senior citizens could soon enjoy exemption from the number-coding scheme and free parking spaces in all establishments if a bill now pending in Congress becomes a law.
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AMLC prober pins ex-Rep. Valdez in ‘pork' scam anew

A bank investigator from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) on Monday insisted that former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) representative Edgar Valdez received money from the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles.
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PNoy says China’s Xi elated on APEC visit, wants to come back to PHL

President Benigno Aquino III said Chinese President Xi Jinping would like to return to the Philippines amid the two countries' territorial dispute over the South China Sea.
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David seeks reconsideration of SET ruling on Poe DQ case

Rizalito David has filed a motion for reconsideration on the disqualification case he filed against Senator Grace Poe with the Senate Electoral Tribunal, according to Joseph Morong's report on Balitanghali on Monday.
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Ex-Albay solon faces graft raps over ‘pork’ scam

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft charges against former Albay Representative Reno Lim in connection with the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel in 2007 amounting to P27 million.
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Poe: I didn’t ask to be Duterte’s VP

Senator Grace Poe on Monday denied that she had asked Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to have her as his vice presidential bet in the 2016 elections.
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PNoy reiterates: 'Grace wants to run; let the people decide'

President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday reiterated his stand on the disqualification cases filed against Sen. Grace Poe, who is running for president in 2016.
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PNoy returns from ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

President Benigno Aquino III arrived in Manila around 2:30 a.m. Monday, having just come from the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Brion: Poe can’t claim to be natural-born citizen as parents are unknown

Senator Grace Poe cannot claim to be a natural-born Filipino citizen since the identity of her parents are unknown, Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) member and Supreme Court Associate Justice Arturo Brion said.
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House leaders vow passage of salary hike for gov’t workers

House leaders have vowed to prioritize the passage on third and final reading of the Salary Standardization Law, which increases the salaries and benefits of government employees.
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Palace: PHL can present very good case at 1st hearing vs. China

Malacañang on Sunday expressed confidence the Philippine government will be able to present a "very good case" before the international court during the first hearing of its complaint against China.
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Power punching Alvarez beats Cotto by decision

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez was crowned as the new WBC world middleweight champion after beating Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto by unanimous decision, Saturday (Sunday PHL time) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
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NPC wants to hear Duterte's plan for country

The Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) has expressed interest in hearing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's platform of governance and plans for the country a day after he declared his openness to run for president.
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Palace: Ordinary Filipinos can contribute to global fight vs. terrorism

Malacañang on Sunday said that ordinary Filipinos can contribute to the global fight against terrorism by simply being vigilant and cooperative.
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Poe camp welcomes Duterte's possible presidential bid

The camp of Senator Grace Poe welcomed Sunday the possible entry of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte into the 2016 presidential race even as it expressed sadness over the local executive's belief that she is not a natural-born Filipino citizen.
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Rigondeaux stays unbeaten with UD win over Pinoy boxer Drian Francisco

Guillermo Rigondeaux has successfully maintained his unbeaten record by defeating Batangas native Drian Francisco by unanimous decision on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Saturday (Sunday PHL time), at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
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Solon says large-scale agri smuggling an act of economic sabotage

Marikina City Rep. Romero Federico Quimbo is pushing for the declaration of large-scale smuggling of agricultural products as an act of economic sabotage punishable by hefty fines and up to two decades in jail.
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Justice de Castro: Poe’s citizenship claim constitutionally objectionable

Senate Electoral Tribunal member Associate Justice Teresita de Castro maintains that presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe's citizenship claim is constitutionally objectionable.
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Mayor Duterte says presidential run ‘now on the table’

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said that, given the Senate Electoral Tribunal's decision on Sen. Grace Poe, his running for the presidency was a now possibility.
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Carpio: Poe is Filipino but not natural-born

Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe is a Filipino but not a natural-born one, Senate Electoral Tribunal chairman Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said.
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Vote counting machines all in by March —Comelec

A total of 40 vote counting machines (VCMs) are already in the country, while the bulk of the units are expected to arrive starting later this month and until January 2016, the Comelec said.
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PNoy at ASEAN meet: China's land reclamation threatens stability in the region

President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday told his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that China's reclamation in the South China Sea threatens stability in the region.
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Immigration to get info on foreigners joining anti-APEC rallies —PNP

No foreigners were arrested at protest rallies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila, but authorities said they will forward to the Bureau of Immigration all inflammation they have gathered about foreigners who joined militants in the streets.
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Turkish police detain suspected IS scout in Paris attacks -report

ISTANBUL - Turkish police have detained a Belgian man of Moroccan origin on suspicion that he scouted out the target sites for Islamic State in attacks that killed 129 people in Paris a week ago, the Dogan news agency said on Saturday.
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SET makes public dissenting opinions on ruling favoring Poe

The Senate Electoral Tribunal on Saturday made public the separate dissenting opinions of the three Justices in the nine-member election court after it junked on November 17 the petition to disqualify Senator Grace Poe over citizenship issue.  
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California man paid Pinoy parents to make child pornography - report

A 55-year-old man who allegedly paid Filipino parents to produce child pornography has been charged in California.
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UN unanimously approves 'all necessary measures' to fight IS

The UN Security Council on Friday authorized countries to "take all necessary measures" to fight the Islamic State group in a resolution that won unanimous backing a week after the Paris attacks.
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Filipino hospitality on full display during APEC 2015

The APEC traffic lanes were not the only perks the APEC National Organizing Committee (APEC-NOC) gave their guests to show how Filipinos roll out the red carpet.
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APEC leaders post messages after summit

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting may have concluded but some leaders had more to say online about the two-day event held in Manila.
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4 airport screeners face administrative charges over procedural lapses

Some four Office of Transportation Security (OTS)-airport screeners face suspension or outright dismissal after an investigation into the "laglag-bala" scheme revealed they committed procedural lapses, GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" reported Thursday.
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APEC tweets peaked when Justin Trudeau landed in PHL

From November 13 to 20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila earned a total of 680,000 tweets. The APEC topics peaked on November 17 at 6:19 p.m., garnering 290 tweets per minute. It was around the time Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Manila at 5:40 p.m.
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Street dwellers return to Roxas Boulevard after APEC summit

Street dwellers returned to Roxas Boulevard to resume their livelihood as soon as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was over on Friday.
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Why you can’t buy #APECHotties’ rides in PHL

Car enthusiasts hoping to boost their charm levels by owning the BMW machines that drove Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto around Manila Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will be disappointed to know that they are not for sale.
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Bets should be ready but wrong to bash Alma Moreno for interview —VP Binay

Candidates should prepare themselves whenever they face the media for interviews,  Vice President Jejomar Binay said in a forum at the University of Batangas on Thursday.
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Senator wants audit of APEC 2015’s P10-B tab

Senator Francis Escudero is calling for an audit of the almost P10 billion that was spent for the country's preparations and actual hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings over the past year.
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PHL asks Japan for large ships to patrol South China Sea

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may consider a request from the Philippines for large coastguard ships to patrol the disputed South China Sea, after the two allies reached a deal on defense equipment and technology.
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Comelec invites political parties, public to hearing on voting in malls

The Commission on Elections is inviting political parties and the general public to a public hearing on the proposed mall-based satellite voting in the May 2016 election next week at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) head office in Intramuros, Manila.
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Veloso kin welcomes Indonesia’s move to stop prioritizing executions

The family and lawyers of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina convicted in Indonesia for drug smuggling, expressed hope Friday that Indonesia’s decision to stop prioritizing executions will lead to the permanent abolition of death penalty or her clemency this Christmas.
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AFP: No sail, no fly zones rule for APEC lifted except for general aviation

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that the no sail- and fly-zone policies due to the holding of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila have all been lifted except for the general aviation sector where some restrictions remain.
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PNoy to raise sea row at ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

President Benigno Aquino III is expected to raise the territorial dispute in South China Sea, parts of which Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea, at the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit Friday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 
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Japan, South Korea, Taiwan leaders leave Manila after APEC summit

The leaders of Japan, South Korea, and a representative of Taiwan left Manila Friday following their attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference  leaders’ summit held from November 18 to 19.
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Palace: Losses due to APEC are recoverable

Malacañang on Friday defended the country’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit that inconvenienced businesses and the general public in Metro Manila.
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AFP thanks public for support in APEC Summit

The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed its gratitude to the public for their cooperation in observing the policies laid out during the country’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
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NBI seeks more time for laglag bala probe results

The National Bureau of Investigation has requested more time to investigate the alleged "tanim or laglag-bala" racket—also called the TaLaBa extortion scheme— at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
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New Zealand PM leaves PHL after APEC summit

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key left the Philippines shortly past noon Friday after attending the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila.
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Duterte says option to seek presidency now a possibility

Disappointed with the Senate Electoral Tribunal's decision favoring Sen. Grace Poe, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has raised the possibility of him seeking the presidency in the 2016 elections. 
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Roach calls Cotto vs. Alvarez 'fight of the year', wants Miguel to get rematch with Mayweather

 While it was Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather who broke financial records in boxing history last May,  Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach is calling Miguel Cotto vs. Saul Alvarez the fight of the year ahead of their middleweight showdown on November 21 (November 22, PHL time) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
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After KO loss, Mayweather offers to help Rousey with boxing

They've been trading verbal jabs for months, but that didn't stop Floyd Mayweather from offering former UFC champ Ronda Rousey a helping hand when it comes to honing her boxing skills.
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Obama concludes APEC visit, flies to Malaysia for ASEAN

US President Barack Obama left the Philippines shortly after noon on Friday, ending his three-day sojourn to Manila for the 2015 APEC Leaders' Meeting.
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Poe camp to complainant David: Move on

The camp of Senator Grace Poe on Friday slammed defeated senatorial candidate Rizalito David for saying the decision of Senate Electoral Tribunal was a “political accommodation” and urged him to move on.
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PHL secures deals, commitments with APEC leaders for further cooperation

Taking the opportunity to meet with world leaders in the country, the Philippines secured agreements and commitments for further cooperation on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.  
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Canadian PM Trudeau leaves PHL after APEC summit

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau left the Philippines Friday morning, after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila, held from 18 to 19 November.
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PHL bets on appeal of education to fight child labor

SAN MIGUEL, Samar - An estimated 5.5 million children aged 5 to 17 in the Philippines work—nearly 20 percent of the country's youth.
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Trudeau: ‘Canadian solution’ being developed about trash exported to PHL

Newly installed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said a solution is "being developed" on the part of his government to address the issue of the waste exported by a Canadian company to the Philippines.
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Int'l journalists covering APEC laud Filipino hospitality

Around 3,000 foreign journalists from the Americas, Europe, and Asia converged in the Philippines to cover the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this week. 
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APEC and Manila in the eyes of foreign leaders and their social media

Barack Obama, Shinzo Abe and other Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders had their respective photographers and social media handlers covering their participation in the recently concluded APEC Summit.
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PNoy, Abe meet on enhancing defense relations

President Benigno Aquino III and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met Thursday night and agreed on enhancing its defense and security relations amid the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
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Japan's First Lady Akie Abe moved to tears in visit with Manila streetchildren

Japan's First Lady,  Akie Abe, was moved to tears Thursday when Filipino street children serenaded her and shared their life stories during her visit to their foster care shelter in Blumentritt, Manila.
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South China Sea dispute left out of APEC meetings —Paynor

The dispute over territories in the South China Sea was never mentioned in any of the conversations—whether formal or informal—among the leaders of the member-economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the APEC national organizing council director general said on Thursday.
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Singapore’s Lee bids Manila goodbye after APEC Summit

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong left Manila early Thursday evening after attending the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM).
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Chile President leaves PHL after APEC, sharing thoughts on women power

President Michelle Bachelet of Chile left Manila early Thursday night after attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting.
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Grace Poe tags Justice Carpio for selective application of int’l law

Senator Grace Poe took on Thursday took what seemed like a jab at Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio's alleged selectivity in applying international laws in legal issues confronting the country.
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Vietnamese President Truong leaves after APEC, signing pacts

After attending the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), Vietnam President Truong Tan Sang has left Manila.
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#APECHottie Nieto leaves PHL after APEC, state visit

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto left Manila Thursday evening after attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting (AELM).
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Alma Moreno hurt by Internet bashing over controversial TV interview

Parañaque councilor and senatorial aspirant Alma Moreno on Thursday admitted being hurt by the public's harsh reactions to her controversial TV interview last week. 
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PNoy: APEC leaders praised Pinoys’ welcome

Leaders of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies only have good words for the Filipinos who welcomed them in Manila during the recently-concluded summit. 
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APEC leaders vow to advance interests of poor, vulnerable

Leaders from the member-economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation have committed to advance policies aimed at advancing the interests of the poor and other vulnerable sectors in their meeting this year.
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Kris Aquino to public: Think of APEC benefits to PHL

Actress-host Kris Aquino on Thursday appealed to Filipinos inconvenienced by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to think of the benefits the Philippines may reap from hosting the event.
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Japan wants PHL-China maritime dispute peacefully resolved

Amid talk of possible military aid, Japan prefers the territorial dispute between Philippines and China resolved in a peaceful manner.
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Chinese vessel spotted near PHL-occupied island during APEC

The mayor of Kalayaan municipality in Palawan on Thursday bared that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel was spotted near the Philippine-occupied Pag-Asa Island, where it stayed for "more than a week."
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AFP belies cancellation of regional ops for APEC

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday said there was no truth to reports that it canceled regional operations to augment security efforts for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
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PNP: Injured cops can file charges vs. protesters

Policemen injured in violent dispersals of anti-APEC protesters in Manila can file charges against activist groups, a top police official said Thursday.
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President Aquino’s speech at the opening of Retreat I of 23rd APEC summit

Full text of President Benigno Aquino III's speech at the opening of Retreat I of the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held at the PICC on Thursday, November 19, 2015.
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APEC hosting generally peaceful, PNP claims

The Philippine National Police has indicated that the country's hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation has been generally peaceful even with the attempts of militant groups to hold protest actions near the APEC venues.
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PNP still won't confirm if Malaysian captive has been murdered

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it was not yet sure if the Abu Sayyaf Group has murdered Malaysian captive Bernard Ghen Ted Fen.
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‘Illegal’ protesters may face arrest –PNP

Protesters near the venues used for the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting could face arrest for “illegally” occupying parts of Roxas Boulevard Thursday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
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APEC leaders condemn terrorism

APEC leaders condemned all acts of terrorism and urged for closer global cooperation in the fight against extremist violence.
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Japan’s First Lady Akie Abe visits Payatas

Japan's First Lady Akie Abe visited Payatas in Quezon City on the sidelines of activities for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meet.
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PNoy to moderate closed-door meeting with APEC leaders

President Benigno Aquino III will lead discussions in the closed-door leaders’ retreat of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies Thursday morning.
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Donaire gets co-main event slot in Puerto Rico

Former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire will get the co-main event slot in his third ring appearance this year against Cesar Juarez on December 11 (December 12, PHL time) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Pinoy boxer Drian Francisco to battle Guillermo Rigondeaux

Batangas native Drian Francisco is set to compete in the toughest fight of his boxing career when he takes on Cuban sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Saul Alvarez on November 21 (November 22 PHL time) at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
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Roach agrees to Pacquiao vs. Crawford but still hopes for a Mayweather rematch

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach sees no problem in letting his top pupil Manny Pacquio fight a dangerous foe in Terence Crawford for his farewell bout.
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Colombian president leaves Manila after attending APEC meet

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos left Manila on Thursday morning after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting on Wednesday.
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Rizalito David to appeal SET ruling on Grace Poe's case

Rizalito David, the petitioner in the disqualification case filed against Sen. Grace Poe before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) said the senators who voted to junk his complaint just voted due to "political accommodation" and not based on legal issues.
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3-year-old girl kidnapped, released after ransom payment

A three-year-old girl was kidnapped last Thursday and later released after the victim's family paid an undisclosed amount of ransom, GMA News reported on Wednesday on the newscast, “24 Oras”.
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Joint Press Conference of President Benigno Aquino III and US President Barack Obama

US President Barack Obama said on Wednesday China must stop land reclamation in the disputed South China Sea and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the defense and security of the Philippines, one of the parties to the dispute.
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PNoy toasts to inclusive growth in APEC dinner

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday night raised a toast to inclusive growth, the main theme of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
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Defense cooperation taken up in PNoy’s talks with APEC powers

Defense cooperation figured prominently in President Benigno Aquino III's bilateral talks with heads of states at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Wednesday.
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Obama’s panel discussion with Jack Ma and Aisa Mijeno

US President Barack Obama moderates a discussion with entrepreneurs Jack Ma, founder of the e-commerce firm Alibaba, and Aisa Mijeno, a Filipino engineer.
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Some major roads to remain closed on Thursday for APEC meet

Some major roads will be closed at different periods on Thursday, November 19, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, according to the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group.  
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Canada trash issue not discussed during PNoy-Trudeau bilateral talks

The dumping of Canadian trash in the Philippines was not discussed in the bilateral meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is in Manila to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
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PNoy briefly chats with Chinese President Xi

President Benigno Aquino III had a brief two-minute chat with Chinese President Xi Jinping before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit was officially kicked off at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Wednesday. 
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Poe continues to lead in latest Pulse Asia survey

Senator Grace Poe continued to lead in Pulse Asia's presidential preference surveys.
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President Aquino’s speech at the 2015 ABAC dialogue with Leaders

President Benigno S. Aquino III's speech for the opening of 2015 APEC Business Advisory Council dialogue with Leaders, delivered at the PICC on November 18, 2015. 
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NBI report on laglag bala probe expected Wednesday night –DOJ

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is in the final stages of preparing its investigation report on the "laglag-bala" extortion scheme and is expected to submit it to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday night.
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APEC 2015 thanks Pinoys for ‘patience and understanding’

APEC thanked Filipinos for their "patience and understanding" over the inconvenience brought about by the security measures implemented for the world leaders attending the APEC Summit in Metro Manila this week.
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Obama skips APEC welcome rites, afternoon session

US President Barack Obama was absent during the welcome ceremonies for the 21 leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation's member-economies at the Philippine International Convention Center.
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PHL Navy: Ships from US for patrol, counter-terrorism ops, research

The Philippine Navy on Wednesday said that it is looking forward to the two additional ships that United States President Barack Obama promised to donate to the country.
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Groups hold protest actions amid Manila’s hosting of APEC Summit

While 21 economic leaders are expected to begin their Asia-Pacific Economic (APEC) leaders' meeting on Wednesday afternoon, a number of groups staged protest actions in different parts of Metro Manila.
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PNP chief: Davao blast, Sulu beheading 'very separate' from APEC summit

The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said it is not disregarding the bombing in Davao City and the Abu Sayyaf Group's beheading in Sulu of their Malaysian captive even as it is busy securing world leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
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LP didn’t try to influence my vote in Grace Poe case —Bam Aquino

Senator Bam Aquino said Wednesday that the Liberal Party didn't try to influence his vote on the disqualification case filed against Senator Grace Poe before the Senate Electoral Tribunal.
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Malaysia PM: Hostage held in PHL is murdered

Prime Minister Najib Razak said Wednesday that a Malaysian man held for months by Islamic militants in the southern Philippines had been murdered, condemning what he called a "savage and barbaric" act.
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US President Barack Obama’s speech at the APEC CEO Summit

In a speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama said an "accord" between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping sends "a pretty strong signal" to the rest of the world that climate change must be addressed and used as an opportunity in business. Here is the full text of that speech.
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PNP chief Marquez satisfied with APEC security efforts

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Ricardo Marquez on Wednesday said he was satisfied with the combined security efforts of the police, military and other government agencies for the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC).
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PNoy picks 3 judges, UST law prof as new CA justices

President Benigno Aquino III has appointed three judges and a law professor from the University of Santo Tomas as the newest Court of Appeals (CA) justices.
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US-China pact shows climate action an opportunity —Obama

US President Barack Obama on Wednesday said an "accord" between him and Chinese President Xi Jinping sends "a pretty strong signal" to the rest of the world that climate change must be addressed and used as an opportunity in business.
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HUDCC told to refund P9.6-M bonuses, incentives given to officials, employees in 2014

The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered the Housing and Urban Development and Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to refund more than P9.693 million in alleged unauthorized bonuses and incentives awarded to its officials and employees in 2014.
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Mindanao bombings, beheading not related to APEC –military

The military on Wednesday said the beheading of a Malaysian hostage by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, as well as the bombings in Davao City, have nothing to do with the country’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit.
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PHL, Australia talks focus on defense cooperation

Bilateral talks between the Philippines and Australia on the sidelines of the APEC Leaders' Meeting on Wednesday focused on defense cooperation.
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Obama, Turnbull agree 'int'l norms, rule of law' should resolve sea row

US President Barack Obama and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull have agreed that the territorial disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved by "international norms and rule of law."
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Japanese PM Shinzo Abe arrives in Manila for APEC

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Manila Wednesday morning to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference Leaders’ Meeting.
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Obama: China must stop land reclamation in South China Sea

US President Barack Obama said on Wednesday China must stop land reclamation in the disputed South China Sea and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the defense and security of the Philippines, one of the parties to the dispute.
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Obama: We have ‘rock solid commitment’ to PHL defense

President Barack Obama on Wednesday said the US government has a “rock solid commitment to the defense of the Philippines” as the validity of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement hangs before the Supreme Court.
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Singapore Prime Minister Lee arrives in Manila for APEC leaders’ meeting

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong touched down in Manila on Wednesday morning just a few hours before the start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. 
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Obama commits to enhanced US-PHL alliance amid sea row

President Barack Obama on Wednesday committed to enhance the US government’s strong alliance with the Philippines amid the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, parts of which Manila refers to as the West Philippine Sea.
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PNoy, Obama hold bilateral talks at APEC sidelines

President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with US President Barack Obama Wednesday morning at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
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Russian Prime Minister Medvedev arrives in Manila for APEC

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Manila  on Wednesday morning for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting.
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Peruvian President Humala arrives for APEC Summit

Peru President Ollanta Humala arrived in Manila early Wednesday morning for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 18 and 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
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US, China vie for influence at APEC summit

Asia-Pacific leaders will meet in Manila Wednesday for a summit meant to forge trade unity but with the spotlight instead on a tense contest for territory in the South China Sea.
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