Sandiganbayan raffles off cases vs. JV Ejercito, co-accused

A division of the Sandiganbayan handling the cases of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada related to the pork barrel scam will be same division that will be handling a case against his half-brother, Sen. JV Ejercito, over the alleged anomalous purchase of firearms.
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No regrets in gov't response to Yolanda, says Roxas

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Friday said he has no regrets in how the government handled the Yolanda tragedy in 2013 even as his opponents continue to use the issue to attack his candidacy.
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Sotto, Drilon lead Pulse Asia’s senatorial prefence survey

Incumbent senators Vicente "Tito" Sotto and Franklin Drilon took the top spot in the latest Pulse Asia survey, conducted from March 15 to 20 using face-to-face interviews.
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Mag.-6.0 quake hits off Japan coast

A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's southwest coast on Friday, the US Geological Survey said, but local authorities said there was no danger of a tsunami.
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CBCP president: Even a candidate’s ‘silence’ can be a lie

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas on Friday called on Catholic voters to be wary of and not vote for "liars" in the May elections.
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Marcos, Escudero share top spot in vice presidential race —Pulse Asia

Senators Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Francis Escudero share the top spot in the latest pre-election survey conducted by pollster Pulse Asia for the vice presidential race .
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Poe leads March Pulse Asia survey, Duterte is 2nd

Senator Grace Poe led the presidential candidates in the latest Pulse Asia pre-election national survey conducted March 15-20.
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More than 2,000 Filipino nurses needed in Kuwait

More than 2,000 Filipino nurses are needed in Kuwait, according to Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI).
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Comelec's P26-M budget for vests questioned

Presidential candidates Senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte slammed the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) decision to purchase P26 million worth of uniforms for teachers serving as election inspectors in the May 9 polls.
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Street food vendor's daughter graduates HS valedictorian from Miriam

The parents of Meriza Mamaril — who sell a street food delicacy called kwek-kwek for a living —  could not afford to send her to a private school, but their daughter managed to get into Miriam College through a scholarship,
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PNoy has no political will — Duterte camp

Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's camp reacts as President Benigno Aquino III casts doubt that criminality and the illegal drug trade will be resolved in less than a year.
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Everyone’s happy with Mar Roxas’ komiks, Korina says on Instagram

Unfazed by the social media criticisms her husband Mar Roxas has received over the comic book that depicted how he supposedly helped save lives when super typhoon Yolanda hit in 2013, Korina Sanchez on Thursday posted pictures showing how some voters are all smiles while reading "Sa Gitna ng Unos."
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Poe to double efforts as campaign nears final stretch

With 38 days left before the May 9 polls, Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said she and her slate will double their efforts to reach more voters in various areas in the country.
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SWS mobile survey valid despite sampling challenges, say experts

Despite challenges in the sampling of respondents, the results of mobile surveys conducted by the Social Weather Stations should remain valid, according to experts.
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PNoy hits Duterte for supposed 'bahala na si Batman' attitude

“Lider ka, tumakbo ka na may pangako, at pag 'di mo natupad, ipapasa mo ang trabaho sa bise mo at sasabihing, iyon ang  sinasabi yata sa ating lahat ‘bahala na si Batman.’”
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Search on for two foreigners in $81-M money laundering case

Philippine authorities are now tracking down two foreigners named by junket operator Kim Wong as among those involved in the $81-million money laundering controversy.
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Marcos feels victory — if elections are clean

With 40 days left in the campaign period, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the chances of his victory in the vice presidential race remain strong as shown by recent pre-election surveys and the expression of support of several local leaders, including influential political families.  
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Another PHL boxer books ticket to Rio Olympics

Suarez shattered the nose of his Chinese opponent Jun Shan in the first round and forced his retirement before the start of the third in the semifinal round of the Asian boxing Olympic qualifiers being held in China.  
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Comelec to candidates: Keep noise down

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday appealed to candidates running in the national and local elections to  keep the volume of their speakers down when going around residential areas to campaign, noting that playing campaign jingles in high volume is already considered a nuisance.
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No insult meant in 'Muslim na mananakop' quip –Mar

COTABATO CITY — Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Thursday defended anew the “Muslim na mananakop” quip he made during the second PiliPinas Debates, this time in Cotabato City, one of the areas he visited for the Mindanao leg of his presidential campaign.
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Justice Carpio says militarization to escalate if tribunal will not rule on South China Sea disputes

Militarization in the Southeast Asian region will escalate if the international tribunal will not rule on the issue of China's massive claim over South China Sea, according to Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.
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Sandiganbayan junks Jinggoy's bid to attend canvassing of votes in May polls

The Sandiganbayan has denied the motion of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to participate in Congress’ canvassing of votes for the presidential and vice presidential posts after the May 9 elections.
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Grace Poe denies ‘on-the-job trainee’ tag

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga— Despite having fewer number of years in the government compared to her rivals in the , Senator Grace Poe on Thursday said that she was not an on-the-job trainee in public service.
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PHL should start beefing up military — Carpio

Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Thursday the Philippine government should start beefing up the country's external defense capabilities to effectively safeguard the country's territorial integrity.  
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BBL has better chances under Roxas’ presidency, says Murad

CAMP DARAPANAN—While the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) swears that it is non-partisan, one of its leaders said on Thursday that it shared a “common interest” with administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in seeing the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
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Duterte slams LP bets saying 4Ps won't continue if they don't win

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expressed dismay over reports that the national and local candidates of the ruling Liberal Party have been telling the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that the monthly cash grants will stop if they lose in the May 9 elections.
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Jinggoy seeks furlough to attend daughter Janella’s proclamation rally

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has asked the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division to allow him to leave his detention on Saturday to attend the proclamation rally of his daughter Janella Ejercito who is running as vice mayor of San Juan City in the May polls.  
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Poe: Friend or foe welcome in my Cabinet as long as qualified

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — In case she wins the presidency in the May elections, Sen. Grace Poe sees no problem with tapping the expertise of her political opponents if they have the right qualifications to become part of her Cabinet.  
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Pacquiao gets ready for final fight

"I'm expecting a more aggressive Bradley because of his new trainer Teddy Atlas," explained Manny Pacquiao, on Timothy Bradley's new style under Teddy Atlas, who formerly trained Mike Tyson.  
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Walden Bello slams Comelec for getting ‘intimidated’ by Pacquiao

Former Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello on Thursday slammed the Commission on Elections for allegedly taking a “cowardly stance” in connection with his petition for the poll body to stop the upcoming match between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr.
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Filipino boxer Ladon qualifies for Rio Olympics

Filipino boxer Rogen Ladon will go to the Rio Olympics after defeating a shifty Devendra Singh Laisham in India in the semifinal round of the AIBA Olympic Qualifiers in China.  
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Gov’t task forces to ensure power supply, security in May polls

The Department of Energy and two government task forces have been mandated to ensure the country's power supply during the elections and the canvassing of votes on May and onwards, GMA News TV's "New To Go" reported on Thursday.
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Walden Bello to Pacquiao: Postpone fight or expect criminal case

“I just want to warn candidate Pacquiao that immediately after the (Pacquiao-Bradley) fight on April 9, we will be filing a criminal case against him before the Comelec (Commission on Elections) Law Division and other relevant judicial institutions,” former Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello said.
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Poe: No hurt feelings over PNoy’s criticisms

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Senator Grace Poe has no hurt feelings towards President Benigno Aquino III despite being the subject of his criticism in recent days over her views on certain national issues.  
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Coach Freddie Roach keen as Pacquiao mulls Olympic bid

Veteran trainer Freddie Roach has vowed to back Manny Pacquiao if the boxer decides to take advantage of rule changes which could see professional fighters allowed to take part in this summer's Olympics.
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Pacquiao open to retirement U-turn

Manny Pacquiao said Wednesday he intends to stick to his plan to retire after a farewell fight against Timothy Bradley next week -- but admits he could be tempted into a rethink once he has hung up his gloves.
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Catholic priest questions timing of 'Yolanda funds' release

Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary Fr. Edwin Gariguez questioned the timing of the release of P24.7-billion fund for Yolanda victims during the election period.
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'The Church is in a new era of persecution' — CBCP

Filipino Catholics are called on to pray for the victims of the Lahore terror attack and other Christians who face adversity for professing their faith.
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Aquino sneers at 'know it all' Poe over AFP modernization

While she was not directly named, Aquino criticized Poe for proposing the acquisition of surface-to-air missiles to improve the country’s air defense capabilities.  
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Binay on Roxas comic book: How shameful

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday took a swipe at former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas over the comic book that included how he responded when super Typhoon Yolanda hit Eastern Visayas in November 2013.   
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Prince of Monaco to visit PHL

Malacanang on Wednesday announced that His Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from April 6 to 7 upon the invitation of President Benigno S. Aquino III.  
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No Solid North vote for Bongbong Marcos, says FVR’s sis

ASINAN, Pangasinan-- Despite being a relative of the Marcoses, former senator Leticia Ramos Shahani believes there is no such thing as a "Solid North" voting bloc for Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
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Abduction of Indonesian sailors a diversion —AFP

The abduction of ten Indonesian sailors on board a tugboat off Tawi-tawi over the weekend was a tactic to divert the military's focus on its ongoing operations against lawless armed groups in Mindanao, a military official said on Wednesday.
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UP history profs warn public vs. 'golden age' claims under Marcos

History professors from the University of the Philippines on Wednesday belied claims of pro-Marcos loyalists that the Martial Law era was the "golden age" of Philippine history.
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Mar never claimed to be a hero, Roxas’ camp says

Even with a comic book on how he supposedly helped save lives when super typhoon Yolanda destroyed Eastern Visayas in 2013, Mar Roxas' campaign team said he never claimed to be "a hero" as one Catholic church official has said.
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Trial of Jeane Napoles' tax evasion case moved to May

At the scheduled trial at the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), state prosecutor Loverhette Jeffrey Villordon moved for the cancellation of the proceedings, saying the case was assigned to him only last Monday.
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Filipinos won’t vote for Marcos if they remember Martial Law —PNoy

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday expressed confidence that Filipinos will not vote for Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if they knew what life was like during the dictatorship of the vice presidential candidate's father and namesake.
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PHL to buy 2 anti-submarine, maritime surveillance helicopters

The Anglo-Italian AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters will be delivered in a little over a year, said Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo
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Roxas woos businessmen, spells out economic blueprint

Manuel Roxas II said he will continue to grow the economy based on three pillars: manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.  
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Ex-Comelec commish: Mar Roxas comic book should have ‘paid for by’ line

A former commissioner of the Commission on Elections pointed out that the comic book featuring Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas lacks the required “paid for and paid by” line required by the constitution.
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Comelec to pursue procurement of ‘child-friendly’ election scissors

The Commission on Elections on Wednesday said it will no longer buy plastic receptacles for voting receipts, but will pursue with the procurement of "child-friendly" scissors to cut vote receipts on election day.
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Letting Indonesian soldiers join hunt for Abu kidnappers violates Constitution — AFP

"Per our Constitution, we do not allow military forces here without a treaty," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.  
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Ex-Bukidnon congressman ordered nabbed over pork barrel scam

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the arrest of former Bukidnon Representative Candido Pancrudo Jr. and five other individuals in connection with the criminal cases filed against them over their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.
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PNoy fears Filipinos may vote on ‘human interest perspective’ of bets

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday expressed worry that Filipino voters would decide based on the “human interest perspective” of the presidential candidates and not on their qualifications.
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Aquino urged to declare Francisco Balagtas a hero

Francisco Balagtas, also known as Francisco Baltazar, considered one of the greatest Filipino literary laureates, wrote the epic Florante at Laura while in prison. He dedicated this masterpiece to his muse, Maria Asuncion Rivera, who was referenced in the epic as Selya.  
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PHL inks contract for purchase of two anti-submarine helicopters

The Department of National Defense (DND) has signed a P5.36-billion contract with an Anglo-Italian firm for the procurement of two anti-submarine helicopters, which would be the first of its kind in the Philippine military's armament.
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Next President can shape character of Supreme Court, says Roxas

Administration presidential candidate Mar Roxas on Wednesday reiterated the importance of wisely choosing the country's next president as the latter will have the chance to shape the character of the Supreme Court in the years to come.
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Duterte, Cayetano vow to distribute P71-B coco levy fund to farmers

“Sa unang 100 araw na pamamahala, sisiguruhin natin na mapapakinabangan ng mga magniniyog ang coco levy fund,” Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and his running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said in the manifesto they signed in Catanauan, Quezon.    
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Comelec to spend P26M on ‘bib vests’ for BEIs

Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) and support staff at polling places will wear "bib vests" as uniforms during the May 9 elections.
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Roxas says he tried to quit twice after Mamasapano tragedy

Administration presidential bet Mar Roxas admitted Tuesday that, at some point, he questioned President Benigno Aquino III's confidence in him after the Mamasapano incident in January 2015.
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PHL mulls buying submarines as maritime dispute simmers —PNoy

The Philippines may invest in its first ever submarine fleet to help protect its territory in the disputed South China Sea, President Benigno Aquino said Wednesday.
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Escudero asks: What has Bongbong done for Manila?

SANTA MARIA, Pangasinan — What has Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. done for Manila? Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday returned the question directed at him by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada after the former President endorsed Marcos’ vice presidential bid even if his preferred presidential candidate is Senator Grace Poe.
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Trial of Gigi Reyes, Janet Napoles’ plunder case deferred anew

The trial of the plunder case against Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes and Janet Lim-Napoles in connection with the pork barrel scam was suspended anew due to the prosecution’s unfinished marking of its documentary exhibits.
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Roxas wants clean Cabinet slate if elected President

Administration presidential bet Mar Roxas intends to have a clean Cabinet slate if he wins the May 9 polls.
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Poe on online bashing of son Brian: Everyone’s free to express their sentiments

SANTA MARIA, Pangasinan - Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday shrugged off the online bashing directed at her son, Brian Poe Llamanzares, as she reiterated that her husband and children are all natural-born Filipinos.
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Aquino: ‘Whole world stands to lose if sea dispute leads to war’

The “whole world stands to lose” if the territorial dispute over the South China Sea escalates to a war, President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday cautioned.
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PNoy laments media’s bias over ‘sensational candidates’

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday lamented the supposed bias of print media toward “sensational candidates” running in the 2016 national elections.
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Poe wants Malacañang reg’l office in FPJ’s home province

SAN NICOLAS, Pangasinan — Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday said she will push for the construction of a regional office of Malacañang in her father’s home province should she become the next president.
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4 Filipino boxers in Olympic qualifier semis

Four of the five Filipino boxers won their respective quarterfinals assignments with team captain Charly Suarez leading the way with another decisive win, this time over lanky Dheeraj of India with scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28.
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JV Ejercito, San Juan vice mayor face raps over P2.1-M firearms anomaly

The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday filed graft and technical malversation cases against Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito over the alleged anomalous purchase of high-powered firearms worth P2.1 million during his term as mayor of San Juan City.
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Govt working on repatriation of comatose OFW in Dubai

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is willing to help the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who has been confined in a hospital in Dubai for five months, according to a report on GMA 7's "Unang Balita."
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Church officials say Mar's comic book is mere political propaganda

Church officials criticized the comic book that portrays Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II as a "hero," according to a report posted on the CBCP news website.
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Poe protects anti-crime czar choice; Duterte denies taste for dictatorship

Presidential candidates Senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday responded to criticism leveled against them by President Benigno Aquino III.
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Duterte vows to build airport in Abra after 8-hour overland trip

Resuming his campaign in the "Solid North" province of Abra, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday promised the locals an airport if elected president.  
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Miriam vows more jobs in the countryside

Presidential candidate Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Tuesday vowed to create more jobs in the countryside if elected in the May elections. Santiago’s statement was in response to an online survey released by the Department of Labor and Employment in partnership with online employment company Jobstreet.com Philippines.
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Gov't employees reminded: You can't campaign for candidates, even on FB

Government employees are barred from campaigning for or against particular candidates — even on social media — but are free to share personal political views.
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Roxas camp to Duterte: Stop supporters from posting fake endorsements

The team of administration standard bearer Mar Roxas has dared Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to stop his supporters from spreading fake endorsements online.
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CA asked to strike down Comelec reso on shorter appointment ban

A petition has been filed asking the Court of Appeals to strike down a Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution shortening the period covered by the appointment ban from 60 days to 45 days.
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Grace America gives Roxas chance to crack joke at Grace Poe’s expense

INFANTA, Quezon—The name of Infanta, Quezon's mayor was apparently too much to pass up as a chance for administration standard bearer Mar Roxas to take a dig at Senator Grace Poe and her questioned citizenship.
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License plate sheets stolen from LTO compound during Holy Week

The Land Transportation Office lost millions of pesos worth of license plate sheets over the Holy Week break.
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SolGen asks SC to junk same-sex marriage petition

The Office of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss a petition seeking to allow same-sex unions in the Philippines, a divisive issue in the predominantly Catholic country.
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Senator to AMLC: We need to recover stolen money from Bangladesh bank

Senator Bam Aquino on Tuesday urged the Anti-Money Laundering Council to use the information given to them by Silverio Benny Tan, corporate secretary of Solaire Resort and Casino, to recover the money taken from the Bangladesh bank.
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Bongbong says he and Erap share advocacy for unity

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the endorsement of former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada of his vice presidential bid for the May elections.
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Ex-law dean wants SC ruling on Poe DQ case reversed

Former University of the East law dean Amado Valdez on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to reverse its March 8 decision allowing Sen. Grace Poe to run in the May 9 presidential race.
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VP Binay says he respects Erap Estrada’s endorsement of Grace Poe

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday said he respected the decision of former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada to endorse Senator Grace Poe instead of him.
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Sandiganbayan OKs another Japan, HK trip for Mike Arroyo

The Sandiganbayan has granted anew the request of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo to stay in Japan and Hongkong for a week.
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US says China risks confrontation with neighbors if it ignores tribunal ruling

China would face more conflicts with its Asian neighbors if it ignores an upcoming ruling of an international tribunal on the South China Sea disputes, a senior US State Department official said Tuesday.
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Poe: No ‘tactical alliance’ with Bongbong

SAN JUAN, Batangas — Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday denied the alleged “tactical alliance” between her and Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the May 9 elections, saying she continues to run solely alongside her running mate, Senator Francis Escudero.
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Mar comic book illustrator slams use of his work to bash Roxas

"Hindi komo sinabi kong si Duterte ang presidente ko e binibigyan ko na kayo ng karapatang BABUYIN ANG DRAWING KO! Hindi tayo magkakasundo diyan!"
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Comelec won’t stop Pacquiao-Bradley fight, Bautista says

The Commission on Elections is not in a position to stop senatorial candidate and eight-division world boxing champ Manny Pacquiao's fight against American boxer Timothy Bradley on April 9, Comelec chairman Andres Bautista told reporters on Tuesday.
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PCGG's virtual exhibit of recovered Marcos jewelry

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) has launched an online exhibition of jewelry owned by former President Ferdinand Marcos and his family.
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Mar Roxas says bashed comic book an effective campaign tool

NAKAR—Administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Tuesday said the comic book featuring his work during the deadly Typhoon Yolanda drew flak from supporters of his opponents in the presidential race because it was an effective campaign material.
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Poe says no special deal made about Jinggoy to gain Erap's endorsement

SAN JUAN, Batangas— Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday denied making a deal with Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada regarding the plunder case faced by his son, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, in exchange for his endorsement.
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Roxas belittles Erap's endorsement of Poe

NAKAR, Quezon - Administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Tuesday belittled the endorsement of former President and re-electionist Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada on the presidential candidacy of Senator Grace Poe.
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Sandigan reverses ruling, allows ex-Gov. Roy Padilla's detention in provincial jail

The Sandiganbayan First Division has reversed its earlier ruling ordering the detention of former Camarines Norte governor Casimiro “Roy” Padilla, eldest brother of actor Robin Padilla, at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
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44M ballots printed a month before deadline

More than three-fourths of the 55 million ballots for the May automated polls have been printed, a month before the deadline set by the Commission on Elections.
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Kim Wong, Angela Torres new resource persons in Senate money laundering hearing

The alleged mastermind of the $81-million Bangladesh Bank heist, businessman Kam Sin Wong alias Kim Wong, and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Jupiter Branch senior customer relations officer Angela Torres appeared as new resource persons in Tuesday's Senate hearing.
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DENR urged to hire more forest guards amid Mt. Apo fire incident

At least two senators on Tuesday urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local government units to assign additional forest rangers to monitor visitors at protected areas following the fire incident on Mt. Apo.
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Bishops voice alarm over gambling after $81-M heist

Catholic bishops in the Philippines expressed alarm on Monday over the spread of government-sanctioned gambling through casinos, after a mid-sized bank was dragged into one of the world's largest bank heists and a money-laundering scheme.
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DOH to kick off dengue vaccination program on April 4

The Department of Health will start giving free dengue vaccinations to public school students on April 4, a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday said.
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Erap endorsement not end of friendship - Rep. Binay

Vice President Jejomar Binay was mum Monday on former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada's endorsement of presidential bet Senator Grace Poe.
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Illustrator of Roxas comic book says he's for Duterte

Amid criticism over his work on a comic book featuring administration bet Mar Roxas, veteran comic book illustrator Karl Comendador said he was merely doing his job.
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PNoy casts doubts on Duterte, Poe, Binay’s promises, legacy

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday scored anew the rivals of administration standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II during the proclamation rally of the ruling Liberal Party's (LP) local candidates in Manila.
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Erap Estrada backs Grace Poe, Bongbong Marcos

Former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday ended months of speculation when he endorsed the presidential candidacy of Senator Grace Poe, Susan Enriquez reported on GMA News' "24 Oras."
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Roxas camp defends Mar comic book: Created by supporters to set Yolanda record straight

"Ginawa ang comics ay gawa ng mga supporters na gustong ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan ang ginawa ni Mar sa Yolanda."
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NPA urged to end violence ahead of May elections

As it marked its 47th founding anniversary, the New People's Army (NPA) was called upon on Monday to "end its violent struggle against the government," especially with barely more than a month leading to the elections.
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Duterte stays at home to rest on 71st birthday

Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte decided to just stay at home on Monday to spend his special day with his family.  
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Decades-old Australian ships bought by PHL for P240M arrive in Cebu

Three decades-old ships bought by the Philippines from Australia for P240 million have arrived in Cebu over the weekend, a military official said Monday.
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Comelec to candidates: Tell supporters to honor peace covenant

The Commission on Elections is urging candidates to honor their commitment to peacefull elections this year, not only by refraining from all forms of political violence and harassment, but also by telling their supporters about the peace covenant.
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PCGG puts Marcos jewel images online to teach about graft

Philippine authorities are staging an online exhibition of jewelry owned by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos and his family to try to educate a new generation about the corruption of that era.  
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Comelec downplays fears over poll system security

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday assured the public that the automated system that will be used in this year's elections is secure, after the poll body's official website was defaced late Sunday.
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Roxas ignores Duterte’s wish, greets Davao mayor on 71st birthday

Administration standard bearer Mar Roxas chose to ignore another wise crack from Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on his 71st birthday and just wished the PDP-Laban presidential candidate many happy returns.
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ER Ejercito's son runs to SC, wants name removed from ballot

The son of movie actor and former Laguna governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito has asked the Supreme Court to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to delete his name from the ballots for the gubernatorial race, where his father is also running.
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Ateneo campus declared safe as second sweep yields no bomb

The Ateneo de Manila campus in Quezon City has been declared safe after an alleged bomb threat caused a campus lockdown and the evacuation of staff and students on Monday.
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CA wraps up hearing on Menorca amparo plea

The Court of Appeals has wrapped up its hearing on a petition for a writ of amparo filed by former Iglesia ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca, who earlier left the country due to supposed death threats against him and his family.
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Roxas says Duterte-backed federalism would result in higher taxes

A federal form of government that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said could bring peace to Mindanao would result in higher taxes, administration presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said Monday.
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LLDA's Acosta convicted of graft for PDAF misuse

Presidential adviser on environmental concerns and Laguna Lake Development Authority general manager Nereus Acosta has been sentenced to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment after being found guilty of one count of graft in connection with the misuse of his pork barrel funds as district representative of Bukidnon.
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Escudero wants special detention center for youth offenders

A separate detention facility exclusively for children and young people in conflict with the law should be constructed to better facilitate their rehabilitation, Senator Francis Escudero said Monday.
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UNA addresses Gringo’s lagging survey ratings

The United Nationalist Alliance has moved to boost the candidacy of its vice presidential candidate Senator Gringo Honasan after landing at the tail-end of pre-election surveys.
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18 dead, 64 hurt during Holy Week

A total of 18 people died and 64 more were injured during the Holy Week break, the government's disaster response agency reported Monday.
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22 hurt after jeep falls into creek in Bataan

Twenty-two people were injured after a jeepney fell into a stream on Saturday in Bagac, Bataan, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.
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People at Poe sortie leave ahead of her speech; Moreno blames heat

Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno blamed the heat for attendees' leaving the Kaagapay ng Manileño Foundation event early before presidential candidate Grace Poe's speech.
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Ex-congressman uses Poe ruling in questioning her DQ

Unseated Marinduque Rep. Regina Ongsiako-Reyes asked why the high court allowed a foundling who reacquired Philippine citizenship like Sen. Grace Poe to seek the presidency after earlier disqualifying a natural-born candidate in lower elective posts with previous dual citizenship and known parents like her.  
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13 dead, 42 hurt during Holy Week observance — NDRRMC

The incidents involved nine vehicular accidents; nine drowning incidents and one fire incident.  
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Palace sees nothing wrong with PH banana destruction in China

The quantity of Philippine bananas getting destroyed by Chinese customs authorities is "too small" to affect Manila-Beijing relations.  
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Tight security remains as Holy Week ends -- Malacanang

Security will remain a priority for the government to ensure safety of passengers coming from provinces.
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Filipino Catholics welcome Easter through traditional Salubong rites

Filipino Catholics joined the traditional Salubong on Sunday in observance of one of the core beliefs in Christianity —the Resurrection.
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Behold He makes all things new

It is when we work  in silent hiddenness  that the Easter glory  best shines in the Church.
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PNoy calls on public to ‘seek the light’ in final Easter message

In his final Easter message as head of state and government, President Benigno Aquino III hinted at the upcoming "crossroads" of the May 9 elections, and called on the public to "seek the light amidst the clouds of uncertainty."
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'God has truly triumphed! Evil will never win'

We cry with the earth as we cry with the poor. Yes we need to cry as we see and visit these tombs. But the Risen Lord changes the whole story.  
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What President Aquino did this Holy Week

In 2015, President Aquino spent his 'quiet time' praying for his critics. Has he done the same on his last Holy Week as President of the Republic? 
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Pacquiao, Bradley to hold media workout next week

Eight division champion Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley are set to hold their respective media workouts ahead of their third encounter on April 9 (April 10 PHL time) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  
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Amir Khan working on 'perfect' game plan to beat Canelo Alvarez

Amir Khan, who is moving up two weight divisions to challenge for Canelo Alvarez's world middleweight title at a catchweight of 155 pounds, says training camp is well ahead of schedule less than 60 days before the fight.  
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Pacquiao training like it's his last fight

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach still can't say for sure if his top pupil Manny Pacquiao would retire after his next fight, but he's more than certain that the Filipino boxing icon is training like it's going to be his last.  
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Campaign period for local bets begins

Candidates for local positions formally step onto the campaign trail for the May 9 elections on Saturday. In the Comelec's calendar of activities, the campaign was scheduled to begin on Mar. 25. However, that fell on Good Friday, when campaigning was prohibited.  
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DOTC plan to phaseout old jeeps needs president's approval – DOJ

The Department of Transportation and Communication’s plan to modernize the country’s public transport system by phasing-out old jeepneys still needs the approval of the president, according to the legal opinion of the Department of Justice.
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TRANSCRIPT: Second Leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016 in Cebu

Transcript of the Second of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the University of the Philippines in Cebu on Sunday, March 20.
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Mandaluyong, Bulacan areas to experience power interruption on Black Saturday

Portions of Mandaluyong City and Bulacan province are set to experience power interruption on Black Saturday due to maintenance works of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
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Archbishop Villegas asks Catholic devotees: What makes you happy?

Lingayen Archbishop Socrates Villegas lists down a number of material possessions, but reveals that there is only one thing that truly makes a person happy. He also discusses fear and sin, as well as the ultimate #travelgoal.   
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Filipinos mark Good Friday with crucifixions in Lenten penance

Christian devotees were nailed to crosses in the Philippines on Good Friday in an apparent display of extreme faith.
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Detained North Korean ship has left the Philippines — Coast Guard

The North Korean freighter M/V Jin Teng, which as detained by Philippine maritime authorities in accordance with United Nations sanctions, has left the country at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Coast Guard spokesman Commander Armand Balilio told GMA News Online on Friday.  
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Comelec urged to clarify statement on receipt receptacle bid

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said Friday he will seek clarification from the Commission on Elections regarding the scheduled bidding and procurement of voters receipt receptacle amounting to P27.9 million amid pronouncement that the poll body will just re-use the boxes used to pack the officials ballots.  
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Trash spoils Alay Lakad in Antipolo

As in past years, streets leading to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in  Antipolo City on Maundy Thursday turned into an open dumpsite as pilgrims joining the annual "Alay Lakad" throw their garbage everywhere along the way.
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Despite campaign ban, VP Binay seen among pilgrims on Good Friday

Although candidates are barred from campaigning on Holy Week, Vice President Jejomar Binay was spotted at Kinabuhayan, San Cristobal in Dolores, Quezon, on Good Friday -- but his camp said he was not there to campaign.
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VP Binay: No newbies in my Cabinet

There will be no political newbies and persons with questionable integrity in Vice President Jejomar Binay's Cabinet if ever he wins in the May 9 presidential race.
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PHL releases seized N. Korean ship

MANILA —The Philippines has released a North Korean freighter it seized nearly a month ago under tough new U.N. sanctions, after no contraband was found onboard and the ship was cleared by the United Nations, officials said on Friday.
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Drilon, Pangilinan share top place in Senate race —SWS mobile poll

Senate President Franklin Drilon and former senator Francis Pangilinan were tied on top spot for the coming May senatorial race, results of the Social Weather Stations mobile poll survey released last Thursday showed.
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Chiz, Bongbong share top spot in SWS mobile poll

It's still a neck-and-neck battle between Senators Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for the vice presidency, judging from the results of the mobile survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
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Roxas camp shrugs off SWS mobile survey; Poe 'overwhelmed'

The camp of administration presidential bet Mar Roxas on Friday downplayed the results of a survey showing Senator Grace Poe as the top choice among voters after the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 last Sunday.
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Poe top choice after Cebu debate -SWS mobile survey

Senator Grace Poe? ?is the top choice among voters according to a mobile survey by Social Weather Stations that was conducted after the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 last Sunday.
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Nokor ship Jin Teng free to leave PHL port, says DFA

The North Korean ship MV Jin Teng is free to leave the country after the United Nations Security Council removed it from the list of vessels that needed to be inspected following UN  sanctions related to Pyongyang's nuclear program.
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Cardinal Tagle washes, kisses feet of faithful at Manila Cathedral

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle washed the feet of Commission on Elections officials and representatives of youth, women, religious sisters, and people with disability at the Manila Cathedral on Thursday.
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No Church endorsement for candidates, CBCP says

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has denied that the Catholic Church is endorsing any candidate in the coming May elections, after posts circulated on social media claiming such for at least two presidential candidates.
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Long lines in bus terminals, ports on Holy Thursday as Pinoys head to provinces

Long queues greeted people on Maundy Thursday at bus terminals and ports as the Holy Week break began.
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Heavy traffic on NLEX, SLEX on Holy Thursday

As throngs of people get on their cars and go to provinces on Maundy Thursday for the Holy Week break, heavy traffic ensued on two expressways before 9 a.m.
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Higher vehicle volume expected during long weekend

People continue to flock to transport terminals in Metro Manila on Wednesday to observe Holy Week in their respective provinces, according to reports on GMA 7's "24 Oras."
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Aquino creates task force to tackle dispute over West Philippine Sea

President Benigno Aquino III has created a task force aimed at "achieving unified action" as part of efforts to find a resolution to the country's territorial dispute with China on the West Philippine Sea.
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FACT CHECK: Roxas on Yolanda rehab, Poe on Philcoa funds, Duterte on PHL's carbon footprint

GMA News continues to fact check the declarations made by presidential candidates during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday.
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PHL bishops offer prayers for victims of Brussels attack

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has extended condolences with the victims of the terrorist attack on Brussels airport and train station.
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Traffic at NLEX, SLEX yet to reach peak as of early Wednesday night

GMA News continues to fact check the declarations made by presidential candidates during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday.
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DOJ: PNOC can build Batangas-Manila pipeline sans Congress’ franchise

The Philippine National Oil Company is authorized to undertake the creation of the Batangas-Manila Natural Gas Pipeline and tap a private concessionaire to operate it even without a legislative franchise, according to the Department of Justice.
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Aquino approves pay hike for GOCC workers

President Aquino on Tuesday signed  Executive Order 203 approving a Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) for government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that is reasonable and competitive with the private sector.  
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Pimentel believes Comelec can make polls 'most transparent'

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III believes the Commission on Elections may still be able to fulfill its promise of making the May 2016 elections the most transparent in the country’s history amid some glitches it now encounters.  
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PHL reiterates call for self-restraint in South China Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reiterated its call for self-restraint when it comes to actions in the South China Sea.
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Lawmaker dares Bongbong Marcos to explain campaign funds

Where is Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. getting the money he has been spending for personnel and campaign ads? Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares wants to know.
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'Paigtingin ang pagmamahal sa kapwa at lagi tayong pumanig sa tama at makatwiran'

Full text of President Benigno Aquino III's Lenten Message dated March 23, 2016 and released by the Presidential News Desk.  
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Bongbong: Next president should order EDCA's review

Vice Presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged the five presidential candidates to order the review of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement whoever among them will win the upcoming elections.
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DOLE reminds employers of pay rules on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

Employees who will report to work on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are entitled to receive a 200-percent of their usual pay for reporting on regular holidays, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday.
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Palace assures gov't working to prevent terror attacks in PHL

Malacañang assured Wednesday concerned agencies are doing their job to prevent terror attacks in the country by sympathizers of the Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday.
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Surge in Duterte's ratings not surprising, says Pimentel

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III was not surprised with the rise in the survey ratings of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, standard bearer of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) which he heads, saying his ratings will further increase in succeeding polls.  
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Comelec to voters: Know process , vote faster

Commission on Elections chief Andres Bautista on Friday appealed to voters to familiarize themselves with the voting process ahead of May 9 to make the elections quicker in the wake of recent developments.
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Scenes at the NAIA amid heightened security after Brussels attacks

NAIA has been placed on Alert Level 1 or under heightened security following the terror attacks in Brussels on Tuesday.
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Duterte camp claims being barred from holding rally in Camiguin

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's camp on Wednesday claimed being barred by a political clan from holding a campaign rally in Mambajao, Camiguin.
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Canelo vows not to underestimate Khan

World middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is a palpable favorite over Amir Khan in their upcoming title fight on May 7 (May 8 PHL time) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  
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Masbate Gov. Lanete cites re-election bid to prove she's not a flight risk

Dismissed Masbate governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete has maintained that the Sandiganbayan must grant her petition to post bail for a plunder case in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.
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Bradley admits: Pacquiao going to be the same dangerous fighter we've seen

Timothy Bradley isn't expecting to see anything new from Manny Pacquiao when they meet inside the ring for the third time on April 9 (April 10) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  
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No reason to fear Belgium terror attacks happening in PHL – DOTC

Filipinos need not worry that the latest bombing attacks in Belgium could erupt in the Philippines, according to the Department of Transportation and Communications.
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Prosecution asks Sandiganbayan to reverse bail grant to ex-police official

Government prosecutors has asked the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division to reverse its ruling promulgated early this month allowing former Philippine National Police (PNP) director Geary Barias to post bail for a complex crime of malversation through falsification of public documents.
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PHL condemns Brussels attacks as 'the very definition of cowardice'

Malacañang on Wednesday condemned the coordinated terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium, as a "senseless" act of violence as it assured the Philippines' support in the global fight against extremism.
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Comelec: Voting on May 9 will start at 6 a.m.

Voting on May 9 will start at 6 a.m., an hour earlier than the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) scheduled voting period.
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Comelec to spend additional P2B for vote receipt printing

The Commission on Elections will have to spend an additional P2 billion to print and issue vote receipts during the May 9 polls, the poll body's spokesperson James Jimenez said.
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Lawmakers hit Comelec plan in case poll precinct runs out of vote receipts

Lawmakers are apprehensive about the continuity plan by the Commission on Election in case a polling precinct runs out of thermal paper for printing the vote receipt.
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Abaya inspects NAIA 3 security measures

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya on Wednesday inspected Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as part of Oplan Ligtas Byahe of the Department of Transportation and Communications.
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Bautista vows to make 2016 polls most transparent in PHL history

Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista on Wednesday vowed to make the May 2016 polls the most transparent elections in the country’s history.
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Be at NAIA early due to heightened security, MIAA advises passengers

The Manila International Airport Authority on Wednesday advised passengers with flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to arrive early.
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Manny Pacquiao's boxing training continues

With 18 days to go before his re-match with Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquiao focuses his sights on training.
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FACT CHECK: Duterte on police control, Binay on coco levy fund, Poe on BUB

After presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte promised that he would rid the country of illegal drugs in three to six months, administration standard bearer Mar Roxas pointed out that Duterte's city has yet to be spared from the drug menace.
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PNoy orders tighter security at airports, ports and terminals

Following the airport and metro explosions in Brussels, President Benigno Aquino III has tasked the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to beef up security measures implemented in all airports, sea ports, and mass transport terminals, Malacañang said Tuesday.
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Bongbong seeks One Cebu's endorsement

Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said his communication with the Garcia family of One Cebu remains open in connection with his bid to get the local political party's support for the upcoming elections.
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AFP, PNP: Security on heightened alert even before Brussels blasts

Philippine police and military on Tuesday said they have heightened the security alert even before the twin explosions in Belgium that left over a dozen people dead.
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Poll chief reminds candidates: No campaigning on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

Candidates seeking national posts will have to step away from the campaign trail for two days, with prohibition in line with the Holy Week.
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Duterte-Cayetano tandem eyes creation of ‘Department of Fisheries’ if elected

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and his running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano will create a department solely dedicated to the concerns of small fishers if ever they get elected in the May 9 elections.
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Security at NAIA heightened after Brussels blasts

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Tuesday afternoon heightened security measures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following deadly explosions at the Brussels airport.
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Ex-finance chief Teves optimistic of VP Binay win in Negros Oriental

Former Finance secretary Margarito Teves expressed optimism Tuesday that Negros Oriental voters will favor Vice President Jejomar Binay this time unlike in the 2010 elections.
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Corona’s frozen bank money stands at P15K

Nearly two years since the Sandiganbayan ordered P130-million worth of the alleged ill-gotten wealth of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona to be frozen, a measly amount of P15,000 has so far been seized by the court’s Sheriff Office.
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China: Philippine fishermen used fire bombs in South China Sea

BEIJING — Philippine fishermen threw fire bombs at Chinese law enforcement vessels in the South China Sea, China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, after Philippine media said fishermen had been struck by bottles hurled from Chinese coast guard ships.
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Comelec asks SC to reverse Grace Poe decision

The Commission on Elections on Tuesday formally asked the Supreme Court to reverse its controversial decision allowing Sen. Grace Poe to run in the May presidential elections.
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Sandiganbayan issues HDO vs. Pangasinan Gov. Espino, 13 others

The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has issued a hold departure order (HDO) against incumbent Pangasinan governor Amado Espino Jr. and 13 other individuals in connection with their graft case.
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Three NPA rebels killed in military ops in Cam Sur, Oriental Mindoro

Soldiers on Monday killed three members of the New People's Army who were allegedly planning to attack military detachments in Camarines Sur and Oriental Mindoro, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday.
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Comelec to file appeal vs. SC ruling on Poe DQ case today

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will file Tuesday its appeal against the Supreme Court's ruling reversing the disqualification of Sen. Grace Poe from the presidential race.
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Leni Robredo to start campaigning more in Luzon

Following the latest pre-election survey ranking her third among vice presidential candidates, administration bet Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo said she intends to focus her campaign in areas in the Luzon region.
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PNoy says he's leaving behind AFP with 'high morale'

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday attended for the last time as commander-in-chief the founding anniversary of the Philippine Army, saying he is leaving behind the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with “high morale.”
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GMA dominates 10th UPLB Gandingan Awards

GMA Network dominated this year's Gandingan Awards, raking in 22 recognitions in the annual ceremony given by the UP Community Broadcasters' Society to honor outstanding people, programs and materials.
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CA junks Junjun Binay contempt plea vs. Roxas, Ombudsman, De Lima

The Court of Appeals has junked dismissed Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay's contempt charges against former Interior Sec. Mar Roxas, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and several others for defying a restraining order against his suspension last year.  
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Sotto regains top spot in latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey

Senator Vicente Sotto III regained his lead as the most preferred senatorial candidate for the May 9 polls, the latest Pulse Asia survey results released on Tuesday showed.
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Chiz, Bongbong remain statistically tied in Pulse Asia survey

Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Francis Escudero remained statistically tied in the latest vice presidential preference survey Pulse Asia released on Tuesday.
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Poe, Duterte statistically tied in latest Pulse Asia survey

Senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte now share the top spot in the presidential race, according to the latest  Pulse Asia survey released Tuesday.  
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Malaysia, Australia urge freedom of movement in South China Sea

Malaysia and Australia's defense ministers are calling for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea amid growing regional concerns over China's military build-up in the disputed waters.
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30,000 policemen deployed nationwide for peaceful Holy Week

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it will deploy 30,000 policemen to nationwide to ensure a peaceful Holy Week.
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Archbishop Villegas calls on people to do more than just pray

The observance of Holy Week for most is spent in prayer and offering sacrifices, but Archbishop Socrates Villegas is asking the faithful to also do charitable work.
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UP, ADMU, DLSU featured in QS World University Subject rankings

The University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and the De La Salle University, between them, placed seven times in the 2016 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
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Poe on LP's ceasefire call: I'm just responding to attacks against me

Senator Grace Poe said on Monday that she was puzzled by the Liberal Party-led coalition’s appeal to all presidential candidates to observe a political ceasefire this Holy Week, given that the coalition had started the attacks against her.  
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Grace Poe says still much to discuss after two debates

Presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe said that while they were given more time to answer questions during the second PiliPinas Debate 2016, there were important matters still undiscussed.
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VP Binay continues attacks on rivals Poe, Roxas

Vice President and presidential candidate Jejomar Binay on Monday continued his attacks on his rivals, Senator Grace Poe and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.
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Papers VP Binay wanted to present during PiliPinas Debates 2016

The second PiliPinas Debates 2016 was delayed for an hour and a half because Vice President Jejomar Binay insisted on bringing some papers with him during the debate, to the opposition of his rivals. On Monday morning, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) candidate showed these documents to news organizations during a news conference in Mactan, Cebu.
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Poe on a hurt VP Binay: I was just responding to his claims

Senator Grace Poe said on Monday did not regret taking the offensive against Vice President and rival presidential candidate Jejomar Binay during the second PiliPinas 2016 presidential debates, explaining that she only spoke the truth.  
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Presidential debate long on entertainment, short on substance —analysts

Much still needs to be done in elevating the discourse on the presidential candidates’ respective policies and platforms of governance, two political analysts said on Tuesday.
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FACT CHECK: Binay on COA Special Audit, Roxas on Zamboanga siege

During the second leg of Pilipinas Debates 2016 on Sunday in Cebu City, Vice President Jejomar Binay said the Special Audit of the Commission on Audit (COA) showed no irregularities in the construction of the controversial Makati City Hall Parking Building II.
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Poe defends, elaborates on response to China-attack question

Senator Grace Poe on Monday defended her proposed response in case China attacked Philippine Navy ships, insisting that her plans would rightly address the situation.
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VP Binay wants debate rules in black and white

Vice President Jejomar Binay wants a written agreement on the parameters in the next presidential debate to avoid confusion as what happened during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday.
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US to send rocket launcher to PHL for military exercises

The United States military will be deploying its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to the Philippines for this year's Balikatan exercises — a first in the history of the annual event.
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China says PHL-US base deal raises questions

BEIJING - China said on Monday agreements by the United States and the Philippines allowing for a US military presence at five Philippine bases raised questions about militarization in the South China Sea.
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No offense meant for Muslims in ‘mananakop’ remark —Roxas

Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Monday explained his  “Muslim na mananakop” quip during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates after drawing flak from netizens.
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What the presidential candidates said on various issues

There were a lot of fireworks from the second leg of the presidential debates in Cebu, which is good for journalists and good for television.
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Alleged Panatag harassment not tackled during Almendras' meeting with Chinese envoy

The alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese Coast Guard off Philippine-claimed Scarborough Shoal iwas not taken up during Beijing’s envoy meeting with newly-installed Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Almendras on Monday.
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LP wants signed set of rules for final presidential debate

Following the confusion over the bringing of notes during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016, the ruling Liberal Party (LP) is proposing that a set of agreed rules be signed by all concerned parties for the last leg of the debate scheduled next month.
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Menorca skips CA hearing anew; Iglesia Ni Cristo wants case rendered moot

Expelled Iglesia Ni Cristo minister Lowell Menorca has skipped anew a hearing at the Court of Appeals, two weeks after he was reported to have flown to Vietnam amid supposed threats to his and his family's lives.
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No UNA mouthguard for Pacquiao —lawyer

The camp of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has denied that the boxing champ will use a mouthguard bearing the logo of his political party, the United Nationalist Alliance, during his fight with Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas on April 9.
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Army general blamed for SAF deaths to receive award

An Army general accused of not providing immediate support to the embattled Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during the infamous Mamasapano clash is among the 25 individuals to be awarded on the Army's 119th foundation anniversary.
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Poe’s camp confirms ‘informal talks’ with One Cebu

The camp of Senator Grace Poe on Monday said it has begun exploratory talks with One Cebu party, which has withdrawn support for Vice President Jejomar Binay's presidential bid.
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Abaya shrugs off Poe’s ‘selective justice’ remark

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya on Monday shrugged off the allegation of Senator Grace Poe during Sunday's presidential debate that the administration is practicing selective justice.
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VP Binay signs waiver of bank secrecy rights, asks rivals to do the same

In a press conference in Cebu City on Monday, Vice President Jejomar Binay said he already signed a waiver of his bank secrecy rights and asked that other presidential candidates to do the same.
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Spectators want more platforms, less personal attacks next time

With a freer debate format and an option to raise points as often as permitted, presidential candidates had a more interactive discussion on Sunday afternoon.
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Tanggol Wika: Teddy Boy should apologize for 'belittling' Filipino language

An alliance of educators and individuals promoting the Filipino language on Monday scored former Makati representtive Teddy "Boy" Locsin Jr. for his alleged rants against the Filipino language on social media.
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Like in Grace Poe case, K-12 critics want speedy resolution of plea

If the Supreme Court did it in the Grace Poe case, so can it in the consolidated pleas against Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which paved the way for the controversial K to 12 program.
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LP-led coalition to observe Holy Week ceasefire, calls on rivals to do the same

The ruling Liberal Party on Monday said it would observe a political ceasefire this Holy Week as it urged the opponents of their standard bearer, former Interior Sec. Manuel “Mar” Roxas, to do the same.
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Robin Padilla’s brother to spend time at New Bilibid Prison for misuse of .45 pistol, bullets

The First Division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has junked the motion of former Camarines Norte Governor Casimiro “Roy” Padilla Jr. to be detained in a provincial jail, and instead ordered his transfer at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
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Palace official likens presidential bets to ‘Fantastic Four’

The four presidential candidates who faced off in the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 in Cebu City were like the “Fantastic Four,” a Malacañang official said Monday.
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SC suspends work in courts on Holy Wednesday

Work at the Supreme Court and other courts in Manila will be suspended on Wednesday, in light of Holy Week.  
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UNA loses major ally in vote-rich Cebu

The United Nationalist Alliance has lost a major ally in vote-rich Cebu. UNA officials, however, said this will not hinder Vice President Jejomar Binay's programs in the province.
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Delayed flights this Holy Week? Know your rights, says Sec. Abaya

Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya on Monday said flights may be delayed during the Holy Week not only because of the influx of people but also due to problems with airlines as well.
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UP denies declaring Duterte persona non grata

The University of the Philippines has denied rumors on Facebook that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has been declared by the university as persona non grata.
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Nearly 80,000 passengers monitored in ports nationwide since Palm Sunday

Hundreds of thousands of passengers have trooped to ports nationwide as the Holy Week started on Sunday.
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Duterte, Poe, Roxas in entertaining ‘warm-up’ during debate delay

It is a rare occurrence to have presidential candidates up on one stage, thus the appeal of gathering them for a debate. But a real treat was seen before broadcast of the second PiliPinas 2016 Presidential Debates, when the candidates entertained the audience while organizers and the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay settled a "mix-up" over a debate rule.
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Duterte asks Poe: What would you do if China attacks Coast Guard?

Pressed what she would do on that night when she's told of an attack on Philippine coast guard vessels, Grace Poe told Rodrigo Duterte she'd have to get up.
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Why Duterte was against Binay's documents at debate

CEBU CITY - Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said his problem with Vice President Jejomar Binay bringing documents to Sunday's Cebu leg of the presidential debates wasn't about the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) candidate referring to it for his notes.
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Binay on overpricing allegations: Makati entitled to buy 'mamahalin' items

Presidential candidate Vice President Jejomar Binay Sr. on Sunday maintained that he is innocent of the corruption allegations against him during his term as the mayor of Makati City.
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Despite calling Mar 'a fraud': Duterte says Roxas remains his friend

"Gusto ko na ngang sabihin na bugbugin na lang namin si Binay."
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Roxas on why rivals 'ganged up' on him in debate: 'Sa akin sila takot'

His rivals ganging up against him at one point during the PiliPinas Debates 2016 is a proof that he is the biggest threat in the presidential race, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas told reporters after the second leg of the presidential debate.
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Duterte, Roxas continue feud in second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

In several instances, Rodrigo Duterte called Mar Roxas pretentious and even a fraud. The former secretary of the interior countered by saying Duterte's brand of justice was one in which falsehoods are taken to be true just because the Davao mayor believed them.
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Poe takes Mar to task on Mamasapano, Zambo siege: Why should Filipinos trust you?

Why should the Filipino trust you when no less than President Benigno Aquino III didn't trust you in the botched Mamasapano operation and the Zamboanga siege?  
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Bets clash during 2nd leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

Heated exchanges among the participants marked the second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday as the four candidates in attendance hurled tirades at each other.
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Binay, Duterte favor of Marcos burial at Libingan Ng Mga Bayani; Poe, Roxas against

Presidential candidates Jejomar Binay and Rodrigo Duterte are in favor of burying the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the heroes' cemetery, while their rivals Grace Poe and Mar Roxas are against the idea.
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Albay among 20 new sites to UNESCO list of biosphere reserves

The United Nation's cultural body UNESCO has added 20 new sites, including Albay in the Philippines' Bicol region, to its network of protected biosphere nature reserves.
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Fireworks in Cebu debate as presidential bets tangle on, off camera

Verbal fireworks flew during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday in Cebu as the four candidates hurled tirades against each other, both on and off camera.
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Binay vs. Poe is most tweeted moment in second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

The heated exchange between Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Grace Poe on renouncing one's citizenship and stealing from the country's coffers got the most mentions on Twitter during the second leg of the Pilipinas Debate 2016.
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Junjun Binay on bank secrecy waiver: Na-AMLC na kami 'di ba?

In response to challenges that Vice-President Jejomar Binay's family waive their rights to bank secrecy for the sake of transparency,  the VP's son and former-Makati Mayor Junjun Binay on Sunday countered that his family's bank accounts had been scrutinized by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
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VP Binay claims Mar Roxas has links to corruption

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday contested administration standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II's supposed corruption-free record.
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Rivals question Mar Roxas’ performance in gov’t

Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II’s performance in the government came under close scrutiny during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 in Cebu City on Sunday.
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Who is Joseph Goebbels and why did VP Binay keep mentioning him in the debate?

During the Cebu leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 on Sunday, Vice President Jejomar Binay kept mentioning Joseph Goebbels, saying that his rivals Grace Poe and Mar Roxas were disciples of the man.
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Poe denies being Danding's puppet on coco levy issue

Senator Grace Poe said she is not a puppet of her political supporters including influential businessman Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr.
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Poe to name Medal of Valor awardee as anti-crime czar if she becomes President

Ariel Querubin is a retired Marine colonel who is considered one of the most decorated officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He is reportedly now connected with San Miguel Corporation.
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Four presidential candidates not in favor of divorce

Four of the five presidential candidates will not be pushing for the passage of a law that would pave the way for divorce in the country if any of them wins in the May elections.
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Poe hits scrapping of missile procurement in exchange of vests, helmets

Senator Grace Poe scored Sunday the Aquino administration's failure to push through with the planned procurement of surface-to-air missiles, which could have enforced the country's defense capabilities amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
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Roxas: 93% of DILG projects for Yolanda completed

Presidential candidate Mar Roxas on Sunday claimed that the Department of the Interior and Local Government was able to complete about 93 percent of projects intended for the rehabilitation of areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) during his term as the secretary of the agency.
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Junjun says VP Binay’s ‘notes’ are documents to prove innocence vs. corruption allegations

CEBU CITY — Dismissed Makati Mayor Junjun Binay came to his father's defense, saying that the "notes" that caused the delay of the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 were "documents" Vice President Jejomar Binay wanted to present.  
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VP Binay gets most Twitter mentions during debate’s delay

Vice President Jejomar Binay more than 90,000 mentions on Twitter during the delay prior to the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the University of the Philippines in Cebu on Sunday.
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Binay on Duterte: We're both qualified to be President

After his camp accused Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of fund misuse last week, Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday was all praises for the mayor, saying he finds him as equally qualified as he is for the presidency.  
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What does the word abjure really mean?

Vice President Jejomar Binay repeatedly translated abjure to Filipino as "ikinahihiya" as he attacked Sen. Grace Poe's citizenship during the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 in Cebu City on Sunday.
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Roxas shields PNoy admin's anti-corruption record

Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Sunday parried criticisms from his rivals that the Aquino administration's anti-corruption drive spared political allies.
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Poe, Duterte favor revival of death penalty

Senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte are in favor of reviving the death penalty in the country.
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TV5 apologizes for delayed start of 2nd PiliPinas Debates 2016

The network host has apologized for the delayed start of the second leg of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) presidential debates in Cebu City on Sunday afternoon.
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Poe’s rule of law retort prompts Binay to attack her citizenship

Senator Grace Poe's remarks on Vice President Jejomar Binay's need to follow the rules of the debate prompted the opposition standard bearer to accuse the independent candidate of being ashamed of her roots.
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Duterte hits Al Gore, UN for hypocrisy on renewable energy

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday hit Al Gore for allegedly preaching about climate change when the former United States Vice President cannot make his own country to stop using coal-powered plants.
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Presidential bets' supporters troop to UP-Cebu to watch 2nd debate

Supporters trooped to the University of the Philippines campus in Cebu City to watch their candidates during the second part of the Commission on Elections' presidential debate series on Sunday afternoon.
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Poe: Roxas dangling BuB promise to win support of LGU officials

Senator Grace Poe on Sunday questioned the campaign promise of one of her rivals for the presidency, former Interior Sec. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, to expand the Aquino government's bottom-up budgeting program (BuB) by P100 billion, saying it is meant to win the support of local government officials.  
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VP Binay's bank waiver gambit causes uproar

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday dared his rivals in the presidential race to sign a waiver on national television so the Anti-Money Laundering Council can investigate their bank accounts.
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Cayetano chides Binay: You're running for president but you can't debate without notes?

While organizers and the presidential candidates are arguing whether Vice President Jejomar Binay should use notes in the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano took the chance to slam the said "cause of delay".  
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Why the 2nd presidential debate was delayed

The moderator of the second leg of the Pilipinas Debates 2016 apologized for the mix-up about informing the candidates of debate rules, which pushed back the program by more than an hour.
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Amid debate delay, Duterte, Poe joke: Let's duet 'Bakit Ngayong Ka Lang?'

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Grace Poe turned to humor to deal with the delay in the start of the second Pilipinas Debates on Sunday at the University of the Philippines Cebu.
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VP Binay, Roxas camps bicker on bringing documents to the debate

The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Sunday said administration presidential bet Mar Roxas wanted to change previously approved agreements to bar Binay from bringing documentst to the debate. Roxas' spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said it was Binay who wanted to be exempted to the rule.
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Candidates’ concerns cause delay of second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

The start of the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 was delayed at least by 30 minutes on Sunday afternoon.
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Four presidential bets arrive at UP-Cebu for 2nd PiliPinas Debates 2016

Four presidential candidates participating in the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 arrived with their entourage at the University of Philippines in Cebu City on Sunday afternoon.
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Gov’t to start crack down on narco-politicians before elections —DDB

The government will start going after politicians who allegedly use drug money to finance their election campaign, the head of the Dangeroud Drugs Board said on Sunday.
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Why Comelec chose Cebu for second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

CEBU City — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista on Sunday said the city was the "obvious" choice for the Visayas leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016.
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Philippines says defense strengthened under US ‘rotational’ deal

The Philippines on Sunday hailed a new accord giving the US military access to five of its bases, saying this would strengthen its defensive capabilities and maritime security.  
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Poe needs to win before eligibility may be determined by PET —IBP panel

The mandatory bar association of lawyers in the country said Senator Grace Poe's eligibility for the presidential elections remains unsettled, despite a Supreme Court ruling reversing her disqualification.
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Presidential bets urged to make formal stand on climate change

CEBU City — An environmental advocate urged presidential candidates to make specific their pronouncements on climate change, ahead of the second PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Univesity of the Philippines-Cebu on Sunday afternoon.
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Palace clarifies ‘US travel advisory’ on PHL over Zika

Malacañang assured the public Sunday that the Department of Health (DOH) is doing its best to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne Zika virus, which is linked to birth defects, in the country.
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CBCP urges hasty probe into $81-M bank heist

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Sunday urged the government to act swiftly in resolving the $81-million Bangladesh Bank heist.
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Christians mark Palm Sunday

Catholic devotees waved palm fronds during a morning mass celebrating Palm Sunday in churches throughout the country.
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Poll chief: Mall voting ‘a go’

CEBU CITY — Mall voting will push through in 86 malls across the Philippines, Comelec chief Andres Bautista said Saturday.
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Fans unfazed by The Grove’s ban on Pacquiao in LA

Fans continue to support boxer and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao despite being banned from The Grove, a shopping center in Los Angeles, for his controversial statements against the LGBT community. 
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Environmental youth leaders troop to Cebu for presidential debates

Youth leaders from across the country assembled in Cebu City on the eve of the second leg of presidential debates for the May polls.
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Speaker Belmonte calls for ‘political ceasefire’ this Holy Week

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. urged all politicians running for elective posts to declare a "political ceasefire" this coming Holy Week and use the lull in their campaign periods to reflect and review their platforms.
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Coast Guard warns public against 'colorum' boats

The Philippine Coast Guard has issued a warning to sea travelers to refrain from patronizing fly-by-night or colorum inter-island passenger vessels this Holy Week and throughtout the summer season.  
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No such thing as 'new and improved' Bradley — Roach

A lot has been said about Timothy Bradley's in-ring improvements since linking up with Teddy Atlas in his last fight, but Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach thinks that the American fighter is just the same as he used to be.  
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UP Cebu students want presidential candidates to talk about education, health, environment issues

Students of the University of the Philippines Cebu want the presidential candidates to bare their plans on education, health, and environment.
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P30 taxi flag-down rate takes effect

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) boardmember Ariel Inton said the P30 flag-down rate is effective even if a taxi cab's meter has not yet been calibrated and sealed according to the new fare structure.    
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Palace defends Pampanga gov's support for Roxas

A Malacañang official on Saturday defended Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda's endorsement of the candidacy of administration party standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.   
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Lawyer who sought Poe's DQ now calls her a 'nuisance candidate'

The lawyer of a former senator who had sought the disqualification of Sen. Grace Poe in the presidential race on Saturday called her a "nuisance candidate" as he also criticized the Supreme Court justices who rules in the senator's favor for having "a false majority" and for anchoring their decision on their "pet advocacies".  
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LOOK: UP Cebu to roll out Sinulog-style welcome

The four presidential candidates participating in the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates can expect a colorful Sinulog-style welcome at the University of the Philippines - Cebu campus grounds on Sunday, March 20.  
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Candidates asked: You have great plans, but where will you get money for your planned reforms?

Former national treasurer Prof Leonor Briones on Saturday said candidates running for office in the May elections who have been presenting their respective plans for the country should be asked this important question: “Where are you going to get the money for your proposed platforms?”   
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Reforms being eyed for bank secrecy law — Palace

Lawmakers are laying out the groundwork for future reforms to the financial system including the Bank Secrecy Law before the end of their term, Communications Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III said on Saturday.  
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Palace urges public to switch off during Earth Hour

Malacañang urged the public to sustain efforts to generate awareness on climate change by taking part in the annual Earth Hour happening Saturday night.  
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Security plan for observance of Holy Week now in place —Palace official

A day before the start of the Holy Week, it's all systems go for Oplan Semana Santa to ensure the safety of passengers going on a holiday vacation.
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Bishop to faithful: Don’t spend Holy Week in places of material pleasure

An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philppine on Saturday reminded the faithful to strive to make the Holy Week meaningful by spending it on meditation and self-examination, and not on beach resorts, malls, theme-parks and other places of escape and secular pleasures.
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Behind the scenes of the second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

GMA News Online on Saturday went live behind the scenes of the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 in the University of the Philippines - Cebu.
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Candidates free to raise points anytime in Cebu debate

CEBU City — Presidential candidates will be allowed to raise their points on each other's answered all throughout the second leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 in Cebu City on Sunday.
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Floyd Mayweather Sr. sees no problem for another Pacquiao-Mayweather fight

If Floyd Mayweather Sr. can have his way, he'll have no problem putting his son and Manny Pacquiao in the same ring again.
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4 podiums on #PiliPinasDebates stage with Miriam's absence at Visayas leg

Four podiums will be onstage for the second leg of the 2016 PiliPinas Debates with the absence of presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
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Jabidah Massacre: Its social, economic costs the nation is paying

In the last 3 months leading to the end of the Benigno Aquino III's administration, the Philippine government retraced the events that led to the Jabidah Massacre, which it considered as one of the causes of the decades-long rebellions in Mindanao.
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100,000 pairs of scissors to avoid delays in May elections

The Commission on Elections is hoping 100,000 pairs of scissors would prevent delays in the May 9.
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Ex-Camarines Norte Gov. Padilla detained over malversation conviction

Former Camarines Norte Governor Casimiro “Roy” Padilla Jr. was detained over a malversation of public property conviction which was upheld by the Supreme Court, GMA 7 late night news program “Saksi” reported on Friday.
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Duterte on alleged fund misuse: 'Ang Makati hindi Davao ... hindi kami magnanakaw'

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte chides Vice President Jejomar Binay after UNA accuses the tough-talking mayor of misusing his city's Special Education Fund.
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UNA's corruption allegations rehashed — Duterte camp

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Friday denied the corruption allegations raised by the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).
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OFW support group asks for probe into Philrem

The Blas F. Ople Policy Center has asked Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct an in-depth probe into remittance agent Philrem Service Corporation for their involvement in the $81-million money laundering scheme.
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