De Lima admits ‘slight awkwardness’ with Ping, Joel at start of campaign

Already three weeks into the national campaign, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said all is well with fellow administration senatorial candidates Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and former TESDA chief Joel Villanueva.
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Miriam reiterates: No backing down in presidential race

BIÑAN, Laguna – Amid the issue of her frail health condition, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Tuesday declared before young voters here that she will not back out from her presidential bid in the May 9 elections.  
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Sotto: NPC members who won't support Poe-Chiz free to take a leave from party

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) who would not support the tandem of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero could 'take a leave' from the party but should not expect any backing for their candidacies, Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Tuesday.
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Hontiveros: High teen pregnancy rate due to gov't's failure to implement RH law

Administration senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday blamed the government's failure to fully implement the Reproductive Health Law to the the high incidence of teenage pregnancy in the country.
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Sans Comelec side, SC set to decide on plea requiring vote receipts

The Supreme Court has submitted for decision a petition seeking to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to activate the receipt-printing feature of the vote-counting machines for the May elections.
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Jaraula: Testimony of DBM exec cleared me

Former Cagayan De Oro representative Constantino Jaraula claimed Tuesday that the witness called up at his trial helped disprove his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam orchestrated by alleged mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.
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Ex-DILG chief Alunan to Imee, Bongbong: Rise above family interest, acknowledge Martial Law abuses

Senatorial candidate Rafael Alunan on Tuesday challenged Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos and  vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr to rise above their family's interest and acknowledge the mistakes of Martial Law.
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Mar: NPC support for Poe-Chiz tandem not a party stand

Administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Tuesday downplayed the endorsement of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) on the candidacies of Senators Grace Poe and Francis "Chiz" Escudero, saying the party's leadership is not solid behind the two candidates.  
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Poe's camp asks 'parties involved' not to preempt SC ruling on DQ cases

The camp of Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday asked parties involved in her disqualification cases to refrain from preempting the Supreme Court's decision and to give SC justices "space."
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Miriam Santiago vows infrastructure boom if elected president

BIÑAN, LAGUNA – Presidential candidate Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Tuesday said her administration will invest heavily on public infrastructure projects if she wins in the upcoming elections.
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NPC stalwart to Poe's rivals: Stop questioning party's unity

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Other political parties should stop doubting whether the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) will remain united following its endorsement of the tandem of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero, a party stalwart said Tuesday.
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Ombudsman sacks ex-PLM president over Starex van's procurement

The Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) acting president Jose Roy III and Vice President for Finance and Planning Angelita Solis over the irregular purchase of a Hyundai Starex van in 2006.
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Chiz: PGP won't accept LP members linked to Napoles

APALIT, PAMPANGA — Senator Francis Escudero on Tuesday said Liberal Party members with alleged links to alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles will not be accepted their camp.
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Poe, Escudero campaign in Gloria Arroyo's bailiwick

APALIT, PAMPANGA — Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero took their campaign Tuesday to the known bailiwick of detained former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
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MTRCB reminds parents: Pacquiao's April fight is Rated PG

The Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has reminded parents that Manny Pacquiao's fight on April 9 is Rated PG (Parental Guidance).
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Mayweather finds foes outside ring harder to tame

Floyd Mayweather has no plans to return to the ring after hanging up his gloves undefeated last September, but he is finding opponents as a promoter more difficult to manage.
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New rules on pros fighting at Olympics set for vote

Boxing's global governing body will vote within three months on proposals that would allow all professional fighters to compete in the Olympic Games, including in Rio, AIBA's president told AFP on Monday.
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China says will ‘not participate’ in West PHL Sea arbitration case

China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday it would "not participate" in an arbitration case lodged by the Philippines over a South China Sea dispute, hours after Manila asked Beijing to respect the case.
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PHL, Japan ink deal on transfer of defense technology, equipment

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa inked the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology that will provide framework for Japan to transfer defense equipment and technology.
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Bongbong Marcos to critics: Allow young voters to make own judgment

Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday called on his critics to just allow the youth to vote for candidates based on their track record and performance and rest the issue of him being the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
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Comelec en banc to discuss petition vs. Pacquiao fight on Tuesday

The Commission on Elections en banc is expected to discuss anew the petition seeking for clarifications on how the campaign rules will apply to senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao in light of his upcoming boxing match.
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After CHR, Tatad goes after ex-Chief Justice Panganiban for 'pressuring' SC on Poe cases

Former Sen. Francisco Tatad has once again filed a plea for indirect contempt with the Supreme Court, this time against former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.
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Marcos’ burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani hinges on HR victims’ law, says Poe

Any executive action on whether or not the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani should be consistent with the Human Rights Victims' Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, Senator Grace Poe has said.
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71,000 of 10.5M printed ballots need reprinting –Comelec spokesman

Some 71,000 of the at least 10.5 million official ballots for the May elections printed so far had to be reprinted due to misalignment, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday.
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Chiz: Poe and I to remain independent, won't join NPC

Senator Francis Escudero and his running mate, Senator Grace Poe, will remain independent candidates despite gaining the endorsement of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
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Swede lives off Pinoys’ kindness at NAIA after losing passport, cash

A Swedish citizen has been calling the arrival area of the NAIA Terminal his home for almost a week now after he lost cash and some of his belongings, including his passport, GMA News TV's Balitanghali reported on Monday.
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PHL asks China to respect outcome of arbitration in territorial dispute

The Philippines on Monday urged China, as a responsible member of the international community, to respect a forthcoming ruling by an arbitration court in the Hague on a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
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Rival camps say NPC not solidly behind Poe, Escudero

Camps of other presidential candidates on Monday downplayed the Nationalist People's Coalition's (NPC) endorsement of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero.
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Pinoys to get upset if Bradley fight isn’t aired live in PHL , says Pacquiao

Persons pushing for the non-airing in the Philippines of Manny Pacquiao's fight with American Timothy Bradley in April risk incurring the ire of most Filipinos, the country's eight-division world boxing champion has said.
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NPC adopts Poe, Escudero as its presidential, VP bets

The country’s second largest political party has thrown its support behind the candidacies of Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero. 
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Rizal province's Ynares family endorses Bongbong Marcos

The influential Ynares family of Rizal province together with other incumbent local officials on Monday officially endorsed the vice presidential bid of Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
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LTFRB warns UV Express drivers cutting trips

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board issued a warning to drivers of UV Express vehicles that they will be penalized if caught cutting trips, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.
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PNoy leads reinterment of Quirino's remains at Libingan ng mga Bayani

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led the transfer and reinterment of the remains of the late President Elpidio Quirino at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
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Pacquiao all-out in sparring session; boxing partner's lips bleed

Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao last weekend remained focused on training for his upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley in April, causing his sparring partner's lips to bleed, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.
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Bill filed strengthening ROTC component in NSTP

A lawmaker wants the service components of the National Service Training Program modified into “more relevant” areas to suit the defense needs of the country in the wake of growing security concerns in the West Philippine Sea.  
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Palace exec doubts Bongbong’s expressed aversion to iron rule

A Malacañang official on Sunday expressed doubts over Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s statements that he is not likely to restore authoritarian rule should he become president of the country.
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Santa Cruz stops Martinez in 5th to stay undefeated

Leo Santa Cruz stopped Kiko Martinez Saturday for his first defense of the WBA featherweight title, which could put him in line for a super-fight in one of boxing's strongest divisions.
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Gov't banking on ceasefire mechanisms to prevent extremist recruitment

Malacañang on Sunday admitted that Congress' failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law may be used by extremist groups to recruit new members.
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PHL government wants to ban US pop diva Madonna after flag furor

The Philippines said Sunday it was looking to ban Madonna from performing in the country after the US pop diva "disrespected" the country's flag during her concert in Manila last week.
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MILF: Group in Lanao not terrorists, disgruntled by peace deal's fate

A top Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) official on Saturday denied that the armed men involved in clashes with the military in Butig, Lanao del Sur are terrorists.
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TECO 'shocked' by Makati 'chop chop' case

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) on Saturday said it was "shocked and saddened" by a Taiwanese man's gruesome killing of his wife in Makati City discovered Tuesday last week.
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Only model Filipinos deserve hero's burial, Marcos not one of them — Robredo

Only Filipinos who gave honor and served the country well should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos is not one of them, Liberal Party vice presidential bet Leni Robredo said Saturday.  
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DBM releases P24 billion to fund gov't employees pay adjustment

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release P24 billion on Monday to adjust compensations for civilian personnel and allow additional allowances for military and uniformed personnel (MUP).  
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Visit to MILF’s Camp Darapanan not part of political campaign —Duterte

Presidential aspirant Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said that his visit to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's Camp Darapanan in Maguindanao was not part of his campaign trail.
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Binay calls on PNP to safeguard 2016 polls

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to protect the nation's future by ensuring that the people would be able to choose their leaders freely in the coming May elections.  
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Palace tells judiciary: Speed up cases of media killings

Malacañang on Saturday urged the judiciary to speed up the resolution of cases involving the killing of journalists in light of the call of a United Nations body for the Philippine government to probe the recent killing of a radio reporter in Mindanao.   
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Palace belies claims PNoy sowing disunity, practicing selective justice

The EDSA People Power uprising in 1986, which turned 30 last Thursday, toppled strongman Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines.
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Late President Quirino's remains to be transferred to Libingan ng mga Bayani

The remains of the late President Elpidio Quirino will be transferred to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday.
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Failure to show credible election results to fuel political instability

Political instability could sweep across the country if the Comelec fails to show credible results of the May 9 automated elections.
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UNA seeks deaf-friendly presidential debate

The United Nationalist Alliance on Saturday urged the Commission on Elections to make the next presidential debate deaf-friendly.
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House bill seeks party-list solons' role in local housing program

The House of Representatives' Committee on Housing and Urban Development has approved for plenary approval a bill including party-list representatives in the implementation of the local housing program.
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Church leaders backs issuance of vote receipts

A network leaders from different religions asks the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to enable vote-counting machines to print vote receipts.
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BOC files raps for alleged P18-M illegal shipment

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday filed complaints against a company and a woman for P18-million worth alleged illegal shipment of used tires and for importing used tires and assorted jewelry.
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Husband says Miriam Santiago in good health, doing well

Former Interior undersecretary Narciso “Jun” Santiago Jr. on Friday said that his wife and presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was in good health and can handle the rigors of the campaign.
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LOOK: Most uttered words during first PiliPinas Debates 2016

The first presidential debate last February 21 in Cagayan de Oro City gave the Filipino electorate a chance to hear Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas speak about their track record and performance and the current issues the country is facing.  
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Fiery Miriam hits rivals for black propaganda, mistresses, lack of experience

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago came attacking on all fronts as she criticized her rivals for the presidency, saying they're not qualified to be the country's next leader.
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Distance is not standard to determine territorial sovereignty –Chinese foreign minister

Distance is not the standard to determine territorial sovereignty, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday at the US Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., refuting the disputed claims made by the Philippines on the South China Sea.
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Binay camp links two businessmen to 'Oplan Nognog'

Two businessmen linked to administration standard bearer Manuel Roxas II allegedly took part in a plot to destroy Vice President Jejomar Binay's chances of clinching the presidency in May.
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Roxas denies LP will junk Leni Robredo

PAGADIAN CITY - Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar’” Roxas II on Friday denied rumors that the ruling Liberal Party (LP) will drop Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo as their vice-presidential candidate for the May national elections.
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Ex-PDEA exec Marcelino willing to bare confidential info but only in private

Marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino on Friday is willing to disclose confidential information to prove he was doing undercover work when he was caught inside an alleged drug laboratory in Manila last month.
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Bongbong to PNoy: Let history judge Marcos era

Let history judge the administration of Ferdinand Marcos. Thus, said the son and namesake of the late dictator after President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday countered emerging perceptions that the Marcos administration was a "golden age" in the Philippines' history.
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Beating Bongbong, Chiz 'not impossible' — Robredo

Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo is determined to win the race for the vice presidency, saying “it’s not impossible” for her to beat Senators Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who are both leading in the surveys.
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Elections gun ban violators reach 1,485

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested 1,485 people for violating the election period gun ban, its spokesman said Friday.  
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Duterte to meet MILF officials in Maguindanao

Presidential candidate  Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to meet officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao on Saturday.  
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Over 7.8M ballots printed so far - poll exec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to finish printing the official ballots for the May automated polls before its deadline, despite several delays before it began.   
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Roxas: Why would LP offer wealthy Pacquiao P400M?

PAGADIAN CITY - Administration standard bearer Mar Roxas on Friday dismissed the claim of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's ally that the Liberal Party (LP) offered senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao P400 million to join their party.
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Another senatoriable asks SC to compel Comelec to print receipts for May polls

Another senatorial candidate has asked the Supreme Court to require the Commission on Elections to activate the receipt-printing feature of the vote counting machines to be used in the May 9 elections.
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Fact Check: Can people with illnesses still run for president?

In the first Pilipinas Debates 2016 held in Cagayan De Oro City on Sunday, presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago was asked why she still aspired for the highest office in the country despite battling lung cancer.  
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Tatad asks SC to hold CHR execs in contempt for stepping into Poe DQ cases

Former Senator Francisco Tatad on Friday asked the Supreme Court to cite officials of the Commission on Humans (CHR) for contempt for involving themselves in the plea filed by Sen. Grace Poe challenging her disqualification from the May presidential elections.
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Post grad students not covered by fare discount — LTFRB

Post-graduate students are not covered by the 20-percent student fare discount, an official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.  
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Gov’t cash doles to pay for poll watchers, VP Binay claims

TAYABAS, Quezon—Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday accused the administration of using the government's conditional cash transfer program to secure the votes for administration candidates in the May elections.
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2015 a 'difficult' year for Mindanao peace process –monitoring team

The past year had been a "difficult" year in terms of the implementation of the agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to the Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) in its latest report.
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Junjun Binay posts bail for graft, falsification raps over P2.28B building

Dismissed Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay on Friday posted bail for his provisional liberty while the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan hears the graft and falsification of public documents charges the Ombudsman filed against him earlier this month.
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Leo Santa Cruz eyes 'spectacular' defense against Kiko Martinez

Unbeaten Leo Santa Cruz is looking for a "spectacular" display in his World Boxing Association featherweight title defense against Kiko Martinez on Saturday that could put him in line for a title unification bout.
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File formal complaints vs. campaign violators – Comelec chief Bautista

While using social media as an instrument to gather reports of campaign violations, the Commission on Elections said complainants should file formal complaints if they have sufficient evidence against any candidate.  
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Miriam returns to University of Cebu for 4th appearance since campaign started

CEBU CITY — For her fourth public appearance since the campaign period started on February 9, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago picked a university here where she also campaigned in the 1998 presidential elections as venue.
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Sandiganbayan Third Division to handle graft raps vs. Junjun Binay

The Sandiganbayan Third Division will be handling the graft case filed against dismissed Makati City Mayor Erwin "Junjun" Binay and other city officials in connection with the alleged overpriced constuction of the Makati City Hall Building II.
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Poe camp says she last used passport in 2010, Luna says in 2011

The camp of Sen. Grace Poe on Friday insisted that she last used her US passport before she renounced her American citizenship.
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Enrile hits back at PNoy over speech on EDSA anniversary

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday lashed back at Benigno Aquino III over the President's remark during the 30th EDSA anniversary rites.
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Roxas-Robredo tandem campaigns in Zamboanga Peninsula

Administration candidates Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Leni Robredo are scheduled to campaign at the Zamboanga Peninsula on Friday.
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Ex-CHR chair to public: Don't allow a Marcos to return to Malacañang

A former Martial Law victim on Thursday appealed to the public not to give the Marcoses a chance to return to Malacañang.
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Martial Law horrors still vivid for human rights victim

More than 40 years after she and her husband were arrested in 1974, Marie Hilao-Enriquez remains adamant against a repeat of the widespread human rights violations committed during the Marcos dictatorship.
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Imelda accidentally attends Mass for Martial Law victims

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos found herself in an awkward position on Wednesday when she attended a Mass intended for the victims of the authoritarian rule of her late husband, Ferdinand Marcos.
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Ombudsman asks court to junk Corona motion vs. subpoena on bank execs

The Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to junk ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona's motion to quash the subpoena issued on several bank officials in connection with his and his wife's P130-million civil forfeiture case.
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PNoy’s sis believes Bongbong should be kept from vice presidency

President Benigno Aquino III's eldest sister believes Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should not be given a chance to hold the highest elective post in the land.
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Walt Disney joins #EDSA30 frenzy

Walt Disney Studio Philippines celebrates freedom and asks the youth to, pardon the pun, "maki-BAKA."  
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SC affirms victory of Antique governor Javier in 2013 polls

The Supreme Court has affirmed with finality the victory of Antique governor Exequiel Javier in the May 2013 elections.
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Filipino people the real heroes of EDSA, say RAM boys

Thirty years after history was made, prominent figures from the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) spoke about the 1986 People Power Revolution, detailing their first-hand accounts on the foiled plan to oust late President Ferdinand Marcos and talking about how young Filipinos can learn from the Martial Law era.  
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Filipino, Vietnamese activists condemn missile deployment in Paracels

Dozens of Filipino and Vietnamese activists rallied outside the Chinese consulate in Makati City on Thursday to condemn Beijing's radar and weaponry deployment in the West Philippine (South China) Sea.  
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SC ruling disqualifying Lanao mayor for using US passport now executory

The landmark Supreme Court ruling that upheld the disqualification of a mayor who still used his foreign passport after renouncing his US citizenship has just become final and executory.
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Mount Pulag closed on Thursday due to weather, effects of forest fire

Park management of Mount Pulag, Luzon's highest peak, closed down the mountain for trekking and camping on Thursday due to bad weather and the effects of a forest fire.
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Binay shows why Cory Aquino has edge over Grace Poe as newbie official

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday cited the difference between former President Corazon Aquino and the inexperienced presidential candidate he has been criticizing on the campaign trail.
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Amnesty Int’l: Torture, impunity persisted in PHL in 2015

Human rights group Amnesty International said problems such as torture, ill treatment, and other abuses continued to persist in the country over the past year.
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Binay laments lack of role, recognition in 30th EDSA anniversary

CANDELARIA, Quezon—Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Gringo Honasan, two of the participants at the EDSA Revolution in 1986, on Thursday said they were not invited to the government's commemoration of its 30th anniversary on EDSA.
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Martial law victims get special honors on 30th EDSA anniversary

Victims of martial law were given special honors on the 30th anniversary of the People Power uprising that won for the country its freedom from the dictatorial regime of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
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PCG to augment West Philippine Sea defense by September ‘if needed’

The Philippine Coast Guard will send the new vessels that it will acquire from Japan later this year to the West Philippine Sea to augment security in the disputed seas "if needed."
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VP Binay, Honasan skip EDSA anniv rites, woo vote-rich Quezon instead

TIAONG, Quezon — Instead of joining the 30th anniversary of People Power Revolution on EDSA, Vice President Jejomar Binay, his running mate Sen. Gringo Honasan, and their senatorial slate decided to woo  vote-rich Quezon province.
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Ombudsman affirms filing of graft raps vs. ex-PhilPost execs for illegal appointment

The Office of the Ombudsman has affirmed its ruling finding probable cause to charge former Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) postmaster general Hector Ronald Villanueva with graft for the alleged illegal appointment of a Malacañang official into the agency.  
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LP says DILG award to Davao City did not cover peace and order

The Liberal Party on Thursday hit back at Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is again in the middle of a word war with administration standard bearer Mar Roxas regarding the supposed proliferation of illegal drugs in Davao City.
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70% of Filipinos believe democracy still works —SWS

Seven of 10 Filipinos are still satisfied with the Philippine brand of democracy won 30 years ago by the historic People Power uprising that toppled strongman Ferdinand Marcos, a recent Social Weather Stations survey showed.
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GMA Network answers Binay complaint on subjects discussed in presidential debate

GMA Network on Thursday clarified that the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay and those of the four other presidential candidates were informed ahead of time of the subjects to be discussed during the first leg of the presidential debates on Feb. 21.  
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Over 1,700 MILF fighters repositioned to help AFP in campaign vs. BIFF –OPAPP

Over 1,700 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters are assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines in pursuing the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other lawless elements in Maguindanao, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said Thursday.
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PNoy speech at the 30th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution

President Benigno Aquino III led the start of the 30th anniversary celebration at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Thursday morning. 
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PNoy: Marcos years not ‘golden age’ of PHL

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday morning lashed out at those saying the Marcos years were the "golden age" of the Philippines.
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AFP planes leave trail of colors in the sky during EDSA 30 rites

Armed Forces of the Philippines' planes leave a trail of colors in the sky over the EDSA People Power Monument during the opening rites of the 30th anniversary celebration of the People Power uprising of 1986.
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FVR, military, nuns join ‘Salubungan’ for 30th anniversary of EDSA People Power

Former President Fidel V. Ramos joined members of the military and some religious nuns on Thursday morning to reenact the "Salubungan" for the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.
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Young and old alike troop to EDSA for 30th anniversary of People Power revolution

Students who were not born yet when the People Power Revolution occurred in 1986 on Thursday morning joined those who took part in that event 30 years ago.
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PNoy leads #EDSA30 celebration

President Benigno Aquino III led the start of the 30th anniversary celebration at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Thursday morning.
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Parade of men in high heels to highlight women's month launch

The National Youth Commission (NYC) in Northeastern Mindanao will join the launch of women's month celebration in Cagayan de Oro City, the Philippine Information Agency Region 10 reported.
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#EDSA30: Church group tells Filipinos to remember Marcos regime victims

The late President Ferdinand Marcos did not spare the church and even persecuted those who were steadfast in their faith and clamor for justice, said an ecumenical church group.
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War over West PHL Sea, far-fetched — Justice Carpio

Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said a war between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea is far-fetched, but he warned that with the latter’s massive reclamation in the disputed territory the Philippines stand to lose its sovereignty over a maritime area larger than the country itself.
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Remind candidates about people's sacrifices at EDSA - FVR

Former President Fidel V. Ramos said those who fought against the Marcos regime were ready to die in the name of democracy, just like former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. whose death triggered events that led to the 1986 People Power Revolution along EDSA in Quezon City.
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Teach the youth about 1986 People Power Revolution — FVR

Former President Fidel Ramos, one of the key players of the 1986 People Power Revolution that ousted the regime of late President Ferdinand Marcos, reminded parents that it is their responsibility to tell their children about the Marcos years.
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DBM green-lights adjustment in government workers, soldiers' pay

The Department of Budget and Management on Wednesday released a budget circular green-lighting the implementation of the first tranche of compensation adjustment for government employees and the giving of additional allowances to the military, police and other uniformed services personnel.  
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College students stage protest rally vs tuition hikes

Students from different colleges and universities joined a nationwide walkout to protest tuition hikes, according to a report on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas" on Wednesday.
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Carpio to presidential bets: How do you solve a problem like China?

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Wednesday called on the five presidential aspirants to present their respective plan on how the country will assert its sovereign rights over its claims in the West Philippine Sea.
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Bongbong dismisses late dad's critics; insists no need to say sorry for Martial Law atrocities

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday dismissed calls for him to  apologize over the human rights violations committed during the martial rule of his father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.  
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Jim Paredes on singing anthems vs. Marcos: ‘You can get killed’

Filipino musician Jim Paredes is one of the artists behind the moving post-EDSA anthem "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" and its music video that filled the airwaves and TV screens shortly after People Power forced Ferdinand Marcos out of power 30 years ago on Thursday.
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Binay, Santiago back AI Philippines’ human rights agenda

Only Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago have so far expressed support for the human rights agenda put forward by Amnesty International, the human rights watchdog group said on Wednesday
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SolGen hits Comelec for discriminating foundlings like Poe

Solicitor General Florin Hilbay has criticized the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for denying Sen. Grace Poe, a foundling, the chance to vie for the presidency, as he urged the poll body to present a compelling reason to justify its decision.
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VP Binay was giving out 'pamasko,' viral video is old, Nancy says

The viral video of Vice President Jejomar Binay giving away cash to people in a queue was taken during Christmas Day of either 2010 or 2011, his daughter Senator Nancy Binay told reporters on Wednesday.
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Belmonte to electorate: Choose candidates who will continue EDSA gains

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. urged voters Wednesday to choose leaders who would continue the gains of the 1986 People Power Revolution over candidates who have no regard for democracy.
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Duterte asks Roxas: Why give me an award if I failed on drugs?

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday once again hit out at presidential rival Mar Roxas, asking why the Liberal Party standard bearer gave him an award if he had failed in curbing drugs in his hometown.
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Binay complains over questions on property, political dynasty in PiliPinas Debates 2016

Vice President Jejomar Binay has taken exception to the questions he was asked during the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016, the first presidential debate in 24 years.
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Saudi Arabia seeks additional security due to possible threats

Saudi Arabia has requested the Philippine government to provide “heightened security measures” to its embassy, personnel and flag carrier, citing “possible threats” against them and other Saudi interests in the country, a senior Foreign Affairs official confirmed on Tuesday.
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Comelec law dep't to study petition vs. upcoming Pacquiao bout

The Commission on Elections law department has been ordered to study and make recommendations on a senatorial candidates' request to check if Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao's upcoming fight violates election rules.
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PHL still seeks $1B in Marcos wealth 30 years after his ouster

The Philippines is still seeking to recover about $1 billion worth of assets accumulated by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos through 100 court cases at home and overseas, a government official said on Wednesday.  
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Poe: Bongbong can't be forced to acknowledge Martial Law atrocities

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. cannot be compelled to acknowledge—much more apologize for—the atrocities committed during Martial Law, Senator Grace Poe said.
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Grace Poe vows to fulfill 30-year promise of EDSA Revolution

Presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday vowed to continue pursuing the unfulfilled promises of EDSA Revolution when it ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos 30 years ago.
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Duterte assures he won't declare Martial Law

While he keeps on saying that he will use the police and the military to fight crime and drugs, presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that he will not allow the police to abuse their power.
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CHR tells SC: Foundlings are Filipino citizens

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has sided with Sen. Grace Poe in her battle against her disqualification from the presidential race that is now with the Supreme Court.
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Mike Enriquez proud of the first PiliPinas Debates 2016

Muling pumirma ng kontrata bilang isang Kapuso ang batikang mamamahayag na si Mike Enriquez noong Miyerkules, Pebrero 24.   
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Ronda Rousey no longer a Pacquiao fan after gay slur

Mixed martial arts champion Ronda Rousey gave her two cents on Manny Pacquiao's anti-gay comments.  
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Images of EDSA from the three days that ousted Ferdinand Marcos 30 years ago

The four-day coverage started with the press conference of two of Ferdinand Marcos' top security officials withdrawing support from the dictator. It ended with millions of people on EDSA forcing the strongman out of Malacañang.
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Candidates urged: Make human rights a core value of governance

Human rights groups on Wednesday called on all candidates in the May 9 national and local elections to make human rights as one of the core values of their platform of governance.
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Miriam faults government for attacks on IPs

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on Wednesday condemned the attack on a refugee site in Davao City, saying the incident highlights the government's failure to protect indigenous peoples.
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Comelec ‘leaning’ towards enabling onscreen verification for voters — poll chief

After its decision to disable the receipt feature of the vote counting machines, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reconsidered its position to do the same for the units' onscreen verification feature.  
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Comelec mulls ballot receipts for overseas voters

The Commission on Elections is considering issuing ballot receipts to overseas absentee voters, Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said on Wednesday.
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VP Binay: Next admin should fight for economic freedom

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday said that the key to addressing the "abject poverty" present in the Philippines is the redistribution of economic opportunity.
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China's Wang blames PHL anew for South China Sea tension

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assailed the Philippines on Tuesday as the instigator of tension in the South China Sea.
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Leni: I didn’t join Liberal Party for money

LAUR, Nueva Ecija - Administration vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo on Wednesday said there is no truth to a report that she received P500 million to run alongside standard bearer Mar Roxas.
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Roxas accuses Escudero of misleading voters on effect of PNoy’s endorsement

LAUR, Nueva Ecija—Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Wednesday scored Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero for supposedly misleading the public into thinking that President Benigno Aquino III’s endorsement of candidates led to the belief that cheating could happen in the May elections.
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Poe bats for credit assistance, tax incentives for OFWs

Senator Grace Poe has proposed granting credit assistance and tax incentives for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who would go into business to encourage them to become entrepreneurs upon returning to the country.
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Roxas claims he informed Duterte of Davao’s drug problem

LAUR, Nueva Ecija - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was made aware of the proliferation of illegal drugs in his city even before the presidential campaign, administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II claimed on Wednesday.
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Mar Roxas: Shun candidates who want martial law return

LAUR, Nueva Ecija - Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Wednesday urged the public to shun candidates running in the national elections who want to return to an abusive dictatorship.
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Ex-Marine execs get 6 years for illegal disposition of firearms

Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division on Wednesday convicted former Philippine Marines assistant chief of staff Colonel Cesar dela Peña, former Philippine Marines commandant Brigadier General Percival Subala and four other individuals for illegal disposition of high-powered firearms in 2000.
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Sandiganbayan orders suspension of re-electionist South Cotabato congressman

The Sandiganbayan has ordered South Cotabato 1st District Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. suspended for 60 days in connection with the lawmaker's graft trial.
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Poe hits back at critics: If they're so good, why are we stuck with the same problems?

BAGUIO CITY— Senator Grace Poe took a jab at her critics highlighting some of the country’s most pressing problems, which she said is reflective of incumbent officials’ brand of leadership.
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New group vows to push ‘social protection agenda’ among candidates

A newly-launched coalition is calling on all candidates for the May 9 elections to adopt a social protection agenda, especially in the face of widespread poverty aggravated by the impact of climate change.
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China sends fighter jets to contested island in South China Sea - report

China has deployed fighter jets to a contested island in the South China Sea, the same island where China has deployed surface-to-air missiles, Fox News reported on Tuesday, citing two US officials.
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Be wary of the ballots' no-write zones, says Comelec

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez on Tuesday said the rejected ballots are the biggest issue in the preparations leading up to the May polls.
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Poe responds to ‘OJT’ criticisms with her own put-downs

Presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe is not one to let things go. Two days after the PiliPinas 2016 presidential debate, Poe is still smarting from the criticisms of  administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II who insinuated that the senator lacked the experience to steer the country, and that the presidency was no place for “on the job training.”
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‘Comelec 35’ asks Filipinos to keep watch over automated elections

The computer programmers and technicians who walked out of the Commission on Elections' Quick Count center following the snap elections in 1986 have called on Filipinos to be watchful and ensure the integrity of the national and local elections in May, GMA News' "24 Oras" reported on Tuesday.
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DOH to start dengue immunization in 3 regions

The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that dengue vaccine administration will start in three regions with the highest number of dengue cases in the country.
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Comelec asks SC to lift TRO on Grace Poe’s disqualification

The Commission on Elections has asked the Supreme Court to lift the temporary restraining order on the Comelec's en banc resolutions canceling the certificate of candidacy for president of Senator Grace Poe.
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Presidential bets bare details of aircarft use during campaign

Presidential candidates on Tuesday further revealed details about their use of private aircraft as they hit the campaign trail.
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Laguindingan, airport roads are fruits of Daang Matuwid, says Mar Roxas

Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas was referring to both the Laguindingan Airport and the roads leading to the Misamis Oriental air terminal when he cited infrastructure gains during the first leg of the PiliPinas Presidential Debates.
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Poe: I channeled no one else but FPJ during first PiliPinas debate

Senator Grace Poe channeled her father FPJ during the debate, she said.
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Kiram vows to push for PHL's claim over Sabah if elected senator

LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental — Senatorial candidate Princess Jacel Kiram vowed to push for the Philippines' claim over Sabah if ever she wins in the May 9 elections.
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Poe optimistic of favorable verdict in disqualification case

Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Supreme Court will issue a favorable decision in her disqualification case and remove all legal impediments to her presidential bid.
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Miriam camp seeks ‘constant assurance’ that party included on ballot

The camp of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said it hopes to be assured that the ballots being printed now has her political party's name beside her name.
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Chiz: Still no to death penalty

Senator Francis Escudero on Tuesday reiterated his opposition to the death penalty amid following Pope Francis’ appeal for its abolition worldwide.
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Palace belies VP Binay’s claim admin did nothing to ease power shortage in Mindanao

Malacañang on Tuesday dismissed the claim of Vice President Jejomar Binay that the Aquino government failed to address the power crisis in Mindanao.
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Jojo Ochoa joins Mar Roxas’ campaign in Bulacan

MALOLOS—Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on Tuesday went on the campaign trail as he joined the sortie of former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and other candidates of the Daang Matuwid coalition.
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SC orders Bautista to comment on Rappler’s suit on broadcast rights

The Supreme Court has ordered Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista to comment on the suit filed by the news website Rappler as regards the exclusive broadcast rights given to the country's top networks to air the Comelec's PiliPinas Debates 2016.
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All bets treated fairly during debate, says Comelec spokesman

Even with instances of candidates being able to put in a word or two after their alloted time, the Commission on Elections on Tuesday said first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 was conducted with fairness.
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Poe denies 'Garci' is her consultant

BAGUIO CITY— Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday denied any ties to former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano after he was sighted over the weekend at the hotel where she was staying for the first PiliPinas 2016 presidential debates.
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SC upholds disqualification of Sabio, 4 other presidential aspirants

The Supreme Court (SC) has denied with finality the petition of former Presidential Commission on Good Government Chairman Camilo Sabio to reverse the Commission on Elections' decision not to include him in the list of candidates for president in the May 9 elections.
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SC orders Comelec to comment on petition requiring ballot receipts

The Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to comment on the petition seeking to compel the poll body to print vote receipts during the May 9 elections. 
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Poe names San Miguel, Helitrend Corp. as owners of leased jets for campaign

BAGUIO CITY—Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday named San Miguel Corporation one of the companies from which she leases private aircraft for her election campaign.
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Leni burning up with fever in Bulacan campaign

MALOLOS, Bulacan - Despite feeling unwell, Liberal Party vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo on Tuesday spoke for about 15 minutes at the campaign rally of the Daang Matuwid Coalition here.
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Duterte can't pass his failures on to Mar – LP

The camp of administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Tuesday hit back at Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for supposedly passing the blame on to Roxas regarding the problem of illegal drugs.
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Issuing vote receipts to make elections 5 to 7 hours longer, Bautista says

Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista on Tuesday said that printing vote receipts would add five to seven hours to the voting process on Election Day.
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Roxas camp: Mar was responsible for making Laguindingan Airport operational

The camp of Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Tuesday claimed that the administration standard bearer was responsible for making the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental operational during his stint as Department of Transportation and Communication secretary.
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PHL to raise China missiles on Woody Island in Asean meet in Laos

Defying China’s opposition, the Philippines will raise the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Beijing’s installation of surface-to-air missiles on the disputed Woody Island when Southeast Asian ministers meet informally in Laos this week.
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PNoy’s endorsement of candidates caused belief in potential poll fraud, Chiz Escudero says

BAGUIO CITY—President Benigno Aquino III’s endorsement of national candidates has led almost four out of ten Filipinos to believe that cheating could happen in the May elections, Senator Francis Escudero said Tuesday.
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Gatchalian favors ROTC revival amid PHL-China row

Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian on Tuesday said he is in favor of reviving the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) as a pre-requesite for  graduation for male college students.
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Pacquiao not in talks to sign with Under Armour —US report

After Nike severed its connection with Manny Pacquiao over controversial comments about gay marriage, the Filipino ring icon was recently spotted wearing a pair of Under Armour shoes for a pickup basketball game.
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Binay still mum on performance at PiliPinas Debates 2016

PANTAO RAGAT—Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday continued his silence as regards his assessment of the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday.
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Martial Law still haunts us, says Leni Robredo

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son and namesake of the late strongman, should stop painting a rosy picture of Martial Law, administration vice-presidential bet Leni Robredo said on Tuesday.
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Poll chief: We're working to change 'negative' image of Comelec

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista on Tuesday said they are working on improving the public's trust, a day after the release of the results of a Pulse Asia survey showing many believe cheating will occur in the May 9 elections.
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Mar Roxas asks gov't to ensure credible May polls

San Miguel, BULACAN – The government must ensure a clean and credible elections, presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said Tuesday, following a Pulse Asia survey showing nearly four in 10 Filipinos expect cheating to happen in May.
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Don't use graduation rites for campaigning, candidates told

Education officials have appealed to politicians, particularly those running in the May elections, not to use graduation rites and commencement exercises in schools for campaigning.
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VP Binay to set up 'Malacañang in Mindanao'

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday vowed to set up a Malacañang in Mindanao to personally see and address the concerns in southern Philippines.
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Mar Roxas promises ‘BuB pa more’ to farmers as he takes campaign to vote-rich Bulacan

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan - Administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on Tuesday took their campaign in the vote-rich province of Bulacan.
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VP Binay finds allies in Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte

PANTAO RAGAT, Lanao del Norte - Vice President Jejomar Binay found allies on Tuesday among officials and residents of Pantao Ragat in Lanao del Norte, particularly Mayor Eleanor Dimaporo Lantud, a former Liberal Party member.
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Pacquiao unfazed by DQ threat, will spar with Congolese boxer

Boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday appeared unaffected by the petition filed by former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello on Monday asking the Commission on Elections to see if the boxer's upcoming fight violates election rules.
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Poe wants schools built nearer to IP communities

Senator Grace Poe plans to build schools within a five-kilometer radius of indigenous peoples (IP) communities should she become the next president to improve children's access to education.
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Dipolog diocese opens cause for beatification of Italian Jesuit

Dipolog Bishop Severo Caermare has officially opened the diocesan process for the beatification and canonization of an Italian Jesuit missionary who worked in Mindanao, according to a post on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines news website.
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Indonesia sinks 27 foreign boats, including those from PHL, to stop illegal fishing

JAKARTA - Indonesia sank 27 impounded foreign boats on Monday, a minister said, as the world's largest archipelago nation stepped up a campaign against illegal fishing in its waters.
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Eco-group calls for ‘people power’ vs. illegal, indiscriminate dumping of garbage

A chemical safety and zero waste advocacy group has called on Filipinos to choose politicians who will protect pubic health and the environment.
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CBCP defends Pope Francis statement on Zika virus issue

Archbishop Socrates Villegas clarifies the statement of Pope Francis on efforts to curtail the spread of the Zika virus.
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Fact Check: 'Hindi po totoo na ako po ay maraming lupa' - Binay

During the PiliPinas 2016 Debates on Sunday, Vice President Jejomar Binay was grilled about the real estate properties that he owned.
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Torture victims vow to derail Bongbong's campaign

 Angry victims of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos vowed on Monday to derail his son's vice-presidential bid as they demanded long-delayed retribution.
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Is the PNoy administration responsible for the Laguindingan Airport?

During Sunday's presidential debate in Cagayan De Oro City, administration bet Manuel "Mar" Roxas II cited the nearby Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental as an example of the infrastructure gains of President Benigno Aquino III's administration.
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Fact Check: Did Miriam's son no longer run for another post?

During Sunday's presidential debate, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago countered an assertion by Vice President Jejomar Binay that she had a son holding an elective position.
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VP Binay still in debate mode in Iligan sortie

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — A day after a presidential debate, Vice President Jejomar was still in offensive mode against two of his rivals in the presidential race during a campaign sortie here.
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Sen. Alan Cayetano: VP Binay ‘big loser’ at first PiliPinas Debate

For VP hopeful Sen. Alan Cayetano, Vice President Jejomar Binay was the "big loser" during first PiliPinas Debate.
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LGUs hit Miriam proposal to abolish real estate taxes

The proposal of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago to abolish real estate taxes was met with opposition by local government units (LGUs), which said that the move would undermine their authority and worsen the current conditions.
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DOJ starts preliminary probe on Kentex fire

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday started its preliminary investigation of several fire officials and company officials of Kentex Manufacturing Corporation over the May 2015 fire at a two-storey slipper factory in Valenzuela City that left 72 people dead.
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Sandigan denies Cedric Lee's motion to dismiss graft, malversation raps

The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the motion of businessman Cedric Lee to dismiss his graft and malversation cases in connection with his alleged receipt of payment for a public market project in Mariveles, Bataan, that never commenced.
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TV5: Pacquiao video clip ‘minimally edited in good faith’

The 29-second online video in which Manny Pacquiao says that gay people are worse than animals was only "minimally edited in good faith," TV5 said.
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Grace Poe case at SC submitted for decision

The Supreme Court on Monday submitted for resolution the petitions of Sen. Grace Poe challenging her disqualification from the presidential race by the Commission on Elections.
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Ruling coalition ‘solid’ behind Mar – Palace

The administration coalition led by the Liberal Party remains “solid” behind standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, a Palace official said Monday.
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Palace: Budget for EDSA anniv rites not lavish

Malacañang on Monday defended the government’s allocated budget for the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution to be commemorated on Thursday, February 25.
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LGU, PNP top Ombudsman's list of agencies with most number of complaints

For the fifth straight year, local government units and the Philippine National Police (PNP) topped the Office of the Ombudsman’s list of groups and agencies facing the most number of complaints before the anti-graft body.
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Grace Poe psyched by first presidential debate

Senator Grace Poe’s enthusiasm to reach out to voters in campaign sorties has heightened following the positive feedback about her performance in the first presidential debates sponsored by the Commission on Elections.
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Palace mocks VP Binay as decisive in setting aside integrity

Malacañang on Monday mocked the opposition standard bearer, saying the Vice President showed “great decisiveness in avoiding personal integrity as a qualification for the presidency.”
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Who did Miriam, Duterte think was the best among their rivals in PiliPinas Debates 2016?

Although sparks flew at the first PiliPinas 2016 presidential debate, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte still had nice words to say about the rivals they sparred with on stage.
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SC asked to resolve one-year-old petition vs. K to 12 program

A group of teachers and school staff on Monday asked the Supreme Court to finally resolve its one-year-old petition against the government's controversial K-12 program, which added two more years in high school education.
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VP Binay cites admin's failure to address power crisis

Lugait, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Aquino administration has failed to address the problems of Mindanao, particularly the power crisis, presidential hopeful Vice President Jejomar Binay said on Monday as he wooed the votes in this province.
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Comelec asked to see if Pacquiao's fight violates election rules

Former Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello has formally requested the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to see how the campaign limits on airtime would apply to the upcoming fight of boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, who is running for senator.
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Bongbong Marcos worried about possible brownouts on election day

Vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed alarm over the series of bombings of transmission lines in Mindanao and north Luzon, saying he could not help but suspect that they may have something to do with the May 9 elections.
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Ex-MMDA chief Tolentino washes hands off metro traffic woes

Former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino on Monday defended himself from observations that he failed to solve Metro Manila's traffic woes during his stint at MMDA.
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Mark Lapid defends TIEZA funding of P4.1-M school projects

Former Pampanga governor Mark Lapid on Monday defended the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority’s decision to spend P4.1 million for the construction of two public school facilities which the Commission on Audit said were outside its mandate.
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Amid reports of burning of Nike shoes, Pacquiao tells supporters: Don’t be mad

In the midst of the controversy regarding his comments on same-sex marriage, boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao appealed to his fans and friends not to get mad but to turn to prayer, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.
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Duterte vows to rid country of illegal drugs, corruption in 3-6 months

After the Sunday's PiliPinas Debate 2016, presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte made his way to Cagayan de Oro City's downtown area where he spoke to a crowd of around 3,000 and promised to rid the country of illegal drugs and corruption in three to six months.
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Bettor wins P15M Lotto 6/42 jackpot

A lone bettor won the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Lotto 6/42 jackpot worth P15,293,772 during Saturday night's draw.
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Presidential hopefuls banter, joke around during breaks

Exchanges may have been heated during Sunday's first PiliPinas Debate, but once the broadcast went to a commercial breal the candidates turned into affable, exchanging banter and funny stories with each other and the moderators.  
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Candidates take on issues and each other in first of PiliPinas Debates

The country witnessed its first presidential debate in 24 years on Sunday as Mindanao hosted its first ever.
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Duterte generates most buzz on Twitter

The Pinoy Twitter-verse was in full force on Sunday for the first presidential debate, with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte generating the most buzz during the two-hour event.  
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Duterte generates most buzz on Twitter

The Pinoy Twitter-verse was in full force on Sunday for the first presidential debate, with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte generating the most buzz during the two-hour event.
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Presidential debate lauded but longer period to speak sought

Though generally lauded, the first edition of the presidential debates for the May elections could've benefitted from longer time.
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Watch the closing statements of the five presidential candidates

After sparring with each other for three rounds in the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016, the five people vying for the presidency had one final shot to convince Filipinos to give them their vote. Check out their closing statements below.
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Miriam, Duterte exchange praises, not barbs at debate

While there was sparring among some of the other candidates during Sunday's Pilipinas Debates 2016, there was nothing but love between two bets.
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Mar Roxas: I want Filipinos to experience the life I live

Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Sunday vowed to give Filipinos a comfortable life if he becomes president.
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Netizens ‘love’ Miriam, Duterte; ‘angry’ with Binay, Roxas; ‘neutral’ with Poe

For the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016, netizens were given a chance to share how they feel towards each of the presidential aspirants through GMA News Online’s emojimeters.  
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Duterte says he's running for president out of 'love' for country

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said that his love for country and its people led him to enter the presidential race.
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Santiago, Poe agree US after own interest in West PHL Sea

Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Grace Poe on Sunday agreed that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) the Philippines inked with the United States should have been scrutinized by the Senate first.
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Duterte 'to stake' life, honor, position for crime-free PHL

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is willing to relinquish his post and put his life and honor at stake – as the newly elected President – if he fails to eliminate crime and rice cartels in three to six months.
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Comelec chief Bautista 'very satisfied' with debate

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andres Bautista on Sunday said he was "very satisfied" with how the first edition of the presidential debates for the May elections turned out.
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Supporters of presidential bets show their best behavior

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – More than a thousand supporters of the five presidential candidates converged at the Capitol University for the first 2016 PiliPinas Debates on Sunday.
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Poe vows to push for freedom of information in first EO

Sen. Grace Poe on Sunday said her first executive order if she wins president in the upcoming elections would push for freedom of information.
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Sparks fly as presidential bets spar at historic Pilipinas Debates 2016

The five people vying for the country's highest post faced off for the first time on Sunday — and it didn't take long before sparks began to fly.
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VP Binay questions admin’s leadership, Roxas points to ‘poor’ Makati

Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas found themselves in a verbal tussle onstage over the issue of drugs.
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Binay on anti-political dynasty bill: Why prevent qualified bets wanted by people?

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday said there was nothing wrong in members of political clans holding public office, so long as they have been installed through credible and clean elections.
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Poe on attaining peace in Mindanao: Include all groups

Presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe on Sunday said that real peace in Mindanao can be attained if peace talks and deals will include other sectors and groups other than the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
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Miriam: Next president should have 'academic, professional and moral excellence'

The next president of the Philippines should have academic, professional and moral excellence, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said during the first PiliPinas Debates 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.
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Binay: Stopping underspending key to development

Development will only take place if government underspending is stopped, Vice President Jejomar Binay said during the PiliPinas Debates 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.
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Miriam scores candidates for their 'promises in the sky'

Presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Sunday scored other candidates for making lofty promises about ending the country's poverty situation without going into the specifics on how to achieve such promises.
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Duterte wants more time to explain platform

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday requested for more time to explain to the people their platforms of government.
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Duterte scores administration's 'Tuwid na Daan': 'Puro kulubot 'yan'

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday scored the “Daang Matuwid” or straight path policy of the Aquino administration as he accused it of neglecting Mindanao regions in terms of infrastructure development.
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How supporters reacted during the PiliPinas Debates 2016

At least 1,500 supporters of the five presidential candidates in the May elections gathered at the Capitol University's gymnasium in Cagayan de Oro City to watch their bets during the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday afternoon.
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3 of 5 VP bets back standard bearers with presence at first leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

Only three running mates of presidential candidates lent support to their respective standard bearers by attending the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan De Oro City on Sunday.
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If elected, Binay to modernize PHL agriculture with private sector help

Vice President Jejomar Binay said his administration will tap the private sector to help modernize the agriculture sector through developing farm infrastructure.
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Watch the opening statements of the five presidentiables

For the very first time, the five people vying for the highest post in the land shared the same stage on Sunday's Pilipinas Debates 2016. Check out their respective opening statements below.
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Roxas: High-interest loans reason why fishermen among poorest in PHL

Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Sunday cited high interest loans as reason why fishermen are among the poorest people in the country.
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Grace Poe wants free lunch for students, more funds for agri sector

To end hunger in the Philippines, Sen. Grace Poe plans to give free lunches to students and pour more budget to the agriculture sector, particularly in rice and coconut farming.
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Binay earpiece only for audio, not for coaching

During the Pilipinas Debates 2016 on Sunday, netizens posed questions about the ear monitor that Vice President Jejomar Binay was wearing during the debates.
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Round 1 of the first PiliPinas Debates 2016

The five presidential candidates in the coming May elections answered personal questions and talked about their track records during the first round of the PiliPinas Debates 2016.
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Roxas defends self on Yolanda response, disowns MRT contract mess

Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Sunday defended himself over his alleged incompetence in dealing with the Yolanda crisis in Tacloban and the maintenance contract mess over the Metro Rail Transit operations.
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Poe admits short on experience, but believes she can lead country

Despite being short in experience in government service, Senator Grace Poe believes she already possesses the skills required to lead the country as president.  
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Duterte on being a womanizer: ‘It’s biology’

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said his being a womanizer is due to biology.
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Presidential bets' supporters cheer as PiliPinas Debates 2016 starts

Supporters of presidential candidates cheered as the start of the first PiliPinas Debates 2016 was announced.
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Miriam on cancer questions: The law, my guardian angel allow me to run

Presidential candidate Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Sunday maintained that she is qualified to run for the highest office in the country despite her battle with cancer, pointing out that there is no provision in the 1987 Constitution that prohibits a person from running due to health.
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VP Binay maintains he has no ill-gotten wealth

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday maintained that he has no ill-gotten wealth, saying all his properties are either bought using his own money or inherited from his parents.
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Photo highlights of the first PiliPinas Debates 2016

Five presidential candidates face off in the first of the three-series PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.
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Roxas takes swipe at opponents at start of PiliPinas Debates 2016

Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas did not waste time in taking a swipe at his opponents in the presidential race during the start of "PiliPinas Debates 2016" on Sunday afternoon.
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Bets cordial, engage in small talk before first leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

The five presidential candidates were cordial Sunday afternoon when they met each other minutes before the start of the first presidential debate at Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro.
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Moments before 5 presidential bets face off in PiliPinas Debates 2016

The five presidential candidates shared light moments as they were briefed before their faceoff in the first of the three PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday afternoon.
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Presidential candidates arrive at the debate venue

The five presidential debates arrived ahead of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 to be held at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday afternoon.
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360-degree video of Capitol U gym where supporters will watch PiliPinas debate

More than 1,800 students and supporters of candidates are expected to watch the proceedings of the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University gymnasium.
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A tour of Capitol University before the first leg of #PiliPinasDebates2016

Hours before the first presidential debate for the May elections, take a sneak peek behind the scenes of the last-minute preparations of Commission on Elections, GMA Network, and Philippine Daily Inquirer.
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Palace: Millennials should avoid 'repeating past mistake'

The 30th commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution aims to make millennials understand the lessons of Martial Law and how Filipinos fought an abusive dictatorship, Malacañang said Sunday.
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VP Binay first to arrive for the presidential debate

CAGAYAN de Oro City — Vice President Jejomar Binay arrived at the Capitol University before 3 p.m. Sunday, two hours ahead of the presidential debates.
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Traditional Mindanaoan music to greet candidates, participants in tonight's debate

Members of the Capitol University Dance Troup all set to welcome candidates, participants in tonight's debate with traditional music from Muslim Mindanao.
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GMA News anchors Mike Enriquez and Jessico Soho rehearsing for tonight's debate

ONGOING: GMA News anchors Mike Enriquez and Jessica Soho rehearsing for tonight's debate at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City.
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Palace welcomes new funding for CCT program

Malacañang on Sunday welcomed the $450-million (about P21 billion) financing package from the World Bank that would support the government's Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.
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Palace defends Roxas, says banter vs. Chiz part of political campaign

A Malacañang official on Sunday defended administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II who earlier resorted to name-calling to hit back at Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
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Comelec: 2.2 million ballots printed since Feb. 18

The Commission on Elections has produced a total of 2.2 million ballots since printing began last February 18.
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Last minute preparations at Capitol University for PiliPinas Debates

Last minute preparations are being done at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City for the first of the three PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday afternoon.
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Five presidential hopefuls faceoff in Cagayan de Oro

Filipinos will witness on Sunday afternoon the first of the three-series presidential debates in the country where five candidates vying for the highest post in the land will face off and probe each other for the first time since the campaign period started.
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VP Binay arrives in Cagayan de Oro, walks through debate venue

Presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay arrived in Cagayan de Oro City early Sunday morning for the Comelec-organized presidential debates to be held in the City later in the afternoon.
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Batangas gas facility fire continues to rage

The municipality of Calaca in Batangas is now under a state of emergency after a fire that struck a liquefied petroleum gas facility continues to rage for over six hours as of posting time, a report by GMA News reporter Vonne Aquino who is now on the fire scene said.   
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World Bank approves $450 million funding for Philippine anti-poverty program

The World Bank on Saturday approved $450 million of funding for the Philippines' flagship anti-poverty program, which will provide basic healthcare and education to millions of families until 2019.  
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Sneak preview of Sunday's Mindanao-leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016

GMA News reporter Joseph Morong gives a sneak preview of Sunday's Mindanao-leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City.
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Filipinos deserve a spontaneous face-off — Mike Enriquez

The moderators of the first round of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 are hoping for a productive and enlightening discussion among the five presidential candidates who will face each other for the first time on Sunday.
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Comelec downplays claim VCMs are hackable

The Commission on Elections on Saturday downplayed the claim of an expert that the vote-counting machines (VCMs) to be used in the 2016 elections are hackable.
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Duterte is Mindanao's best hope for president, says Pimentel

Why did PDP-Laban choose Davao City's ruthless mayor as its standard bearer for the May elections?  
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GMA Network mounts first ever 360-degree livestream of a live event in the Philippines for PiliPinas Debates 2016

In the spirit of Serbisyong Totoo, GMA Network is pulling out all the stops in bringing the most comprehensive coverage of the highly anticipated first leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016 to be held tomorrow, February 21, in Cagayan de Oro City.  
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Where does Miriam Defensor Santiago stand on issues?

How does Santiago plan to tackle the issues that will be brought up in the PiliPinas 2016 Debates?
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Offended wrestling great Batista calls Pacquiao an 'idiot'

Former wrestling world champion Dave Bautista Jr. called Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao an "idiot" over his views on gay couples engaging in homosexual relations.  
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Where does Jejomar Binay stand on issues?

Repeatedly saying how he turned Makati from a debt-ridden town into a city with billions of pesos in the public coffers, longtime mayor Vice President Jejomar Binay is now telling the electorate in his campaign sorties how he intends to cause the same turnaround on a national level with the Philippines.
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Australia resumes talks with PHL to resettle asylum seekers — report

Australia is in talks with the Philippines and five other countries  to resettle asylum seekers detained in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific island nation of Nauru, the Sydney Morning Herald said on Saturday.
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Where does Grace stand on issues?

Wooed by President Benigno Aquino III to be the Liberal Party's vice presidential candidate, Senator Grace Poe opted to run as an independent presidential bet and went on to top some of the presidential preference surveys.
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Preparations in full swing for Sunday's presidential debate

Ongoing preparations for Sunday's PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City.
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Pacquiao's views on same-sex marriage won't hurt his legacy — Marquez

Manny Pacquiao's Mexican archrival Juan Marquez Marquez has spoken regarding the Filipino boxing icon's latest controversy involving the LGBT community.  
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Comelec, DOH to set up medical assistance stations at polling centers

The Commission on Elections and  the Department of Health will set up medical assistance stations in polling centers during the May 9 elections.
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Malacañang: Presidential, VP debates to help voters choose best bets

Malacañang on Saturday urged the voting public to watch the presidential and vice presidential debates organized by the Commission on Elections.
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Duterte back to full health, says PDP-Laban spokesperson

Davao City mayor and presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte is back to full health, PDP-Laban spokesperson Paula Alvarez said on Saturday.  
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Comelec's vote-counting machines, hackable, 'expert' claims

A man claiming to be an automated elections expert said the vote-counting machines (VCM) that will be used by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the May elections are vulnerable to hacking and manipulation.  
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Civil security official: Brawls likely to erupt during presidential debates

CAGAYAN DE ORO — Heckling may lead to brawls among supporters of the five presidential candidates attending the first leg of the Comelec-organized  presidential debates to be held in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.
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Where does Rodrigo Duterte stand on issues?

Ever since he officially declared that he is running for president in December 2015, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte repeated countless times that his administration would be about maintaining peace and order.
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Where does Mar Roxas stand on issues?

Over the first week of the national campaign, administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II would get the loudest cheer when he mentions the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a government initiative to fight poverty in the form of cash grants for the poorest households across the country.
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Long ARMM ballots slow down printing at NPO

The Commission on Elections on Saturday said that the printing of ballots at the National Printing Office has slowed down.
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VP Binay says to tell truth during first PiliPinas debate

LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental — Vice President Jejomar Binay said Saturday he will tell only the truth during the first presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.
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How will the first PiliPinas debate unfold on Sunday?

On Sunday, five people vying for the highest post in the land are going to face off in Cagayan de Oro City for the first round of the PiliPinas 2016 Debates.
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Bongbong thanks PNoy for noticing his dyed hair

Presidential candidate and son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. admitted on Friday that he dyed his hair black, and thanked President Benigno Aquino III for noticing it despite his busy schedule.
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Primers for the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016

On Sunday, the five presidential candidates — Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago — will face each other in the first leg of the PiliPinas 2016 Debates.
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Pacquiao cannot be disqualified from Senate bid over fight – lawyer

An election lawyer said on Friday that senatorial candidate and incumbent Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao cannot be disqualified from the May 9 elections because of his April boxing match with Timothy Bradley Jr.
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Comelec starts printing ballots for ARMM

The National Printing Office has started printing ballots for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
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Uncut version of Pacquiao's same-sex marriage interview sparks debate

An uncut version of Manny Pacquiao's views on same-sex marriage has emerged on social media and has gone viral, sparking a debate from netizens over whether his pronouncements were taken out of context.
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Comelec Chair Bautista puzzled by Rappler suit over debates: Why blame me?

"Maria Ressa signed it and now that they did not get what they want, they are unhappy."
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No security threats detected ahead of debate — Cagayan de Oro PNP

No security threat has been reported in connection with the first presidential debate for the May elections to be held in Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday.  
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Sorry not enough, LGBT group demands dialogue with Pacquiao

A lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) group said that an apology from Manny Pacquiao was not enough, after the Filipino boxing icon described gays as "worse than animals".  
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Binay camp says charges vs. Junjun 'follows pattern' of demolition job

Vice President Jejomar Binay's camp on Friday linked the filing of charges against Binay's son, dismissed Makati mayor Junjun Binay, to a demolition job against the elder Binay, a presidential aspirant in the May elections.
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Stage set for 5 presidentiables for Cagayan De Oro leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

The stage is literally set as Cagayan de Oro City prepares for the first presidential debate on Sunday.
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PHL says China aggravating tension with missile deployment

The Philippines on Friday expressed "grave concern" over China's reported deployment of a missile system in Woody Island, saying such action further raises tension in the South China Sea.
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Pilot takes photo of PNoy’s plane as fighter jets escort president

Malacañang and the Philippine Air Force on Friday took pride in the PAF's first presidential escort mission in more than ten years after the government decomissioned its F-5 aircraft in 2005.
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Manila should not be ‘reckless’ amid West PHL Sea tension — analyst

A political analyst on Friday said the Philippines should not be “reckless” amid growing tension in the disputed West Philippine (South China) Sea.
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Nine GMA programs named as finalists in 2016 New York Festivals

Nine programs and documentaries from GMA Network were named  finalists in the New York Festival's World's Best TV & Films competition for 2016.
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Media guidelines for PiliPinas Debates 2016 bared

With the first Commission on Elections debate featuring presidential candidates just two days away, organizers bared the guidelines for media covering the event in of Capitol University in Cagayan De Oro City on Sunday.
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Graft raps filed vs. Junjun Binay, 22 others before Sandiganbayan

The Ombudsman on Friday formally filed graft charges against dismissed Makati Mayor Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. and 22 others before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan over the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building II.
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Donaire worried Pacquiao comments could lead to violence

"I humbly pray that nobody takes the bible verse Pacquiao posted about 'put to death gays' LITERALLY. You don't need to accept their lifestyle but I'd rather not see it turned into actual action," Donaire said in his Facebook account.
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Pacquiao refuses to back down on gay slurs, says 'God is with me'

Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiao refused to back down Friday over gay slurs that have tarnished his reputation and cost him millions in sponsorship deals, insisting God is on his side.  
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Rizalito David asks SC to reverse decision upholding his disqualification

Rizalito David has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision upholding his disqualification as a nuisance candidate in the May 2016 presidential elections.
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PHL’s fighter jets escort PNoy’s flight over Polillo island

The country's two fighter jets escorted PR 001, the flight carrying President Benigno Aquino III and his official delegation from the US, over Polillo island as the aircraft made its approach before landing at the NAIA on Friday morning.
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Comelec told: Give detailed answers to voters’ questions

A former poll official said Friday that the Comelec needs to "go specific" when addressing questions about preparations for the May 9 elections, especially after delays and glitches marred the commission's tryouts in the past few days.
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Elenita Binay insists Ernesto Mercado not qualified to testify in her graft case

Former Makati Mayor Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay Sr., has urged the Sandiganbayan to reverse its ruling allowing former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado to testify in her graft case.
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