Philippines breaking news: November 2010

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

WikiLeaks: 1,796 US memos from Manila

By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 1,796 of the more than 250,000 diplomatic cables sent by US embassies around the globe between 1966 and February this year – and made available online by WikiLeaks – came from Manila.

UN condemns shooting of Pinoy driver

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nation’s World Food Program ( WFP) condemned yesterday the killing of the Filipino driver of a truck laden with food supplies for displaced families in Lanao del Sur.

'Subpoena may compel Dinky to attend P10-B Peace bond probe'

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - A Palace official advised yesterday the House committee investigating the controversial P10-billion Poverty Eradication and Alleviation Certificate (PEACe) bonds to subpoena Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman so she would be compelled to attend the hearings on the issue.

Chiz wants roads in tourist areas to be national roads

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - In the aftermath of the fiasco over the new promotion slogan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) that President Aquino ordered cancelled, Sen. Francis Escudero pushed yesterday for more concrete measures to promote tourism in the country that includes the classification as national roads of all roads leading to tourist spots and seaports.

Bill filed to strengthen breastfeeding in country

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - In a bid to promote breastfeeding, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed a bill that will encourage and support breastfeeding initiatives in communities and health care facilities as well as in the workplace.

More overseas Pinoy workers hit by HIV

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

BY LLANESCA T. PANTI REPORTER

ONE out of every four Filipinos infected with HIV is an overseas worker, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) party-list reported Monday. TUCP secretary general and former Sen. Ernesto Herrera revealed that at least 1,501 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are infected with deadly disease, accounting for 26 percent of the 5,729 reported cases in the National AIDS Registry as of end October 2010.

Lacson’s lawyers want DOJ to review Dacer Corbito case

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

THE lawyers of fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Monday “new evidence should impel Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to take a closer look at claims linking the senator to the Dacer-Corbito case. President Benigno Aquino 3rd had ordered de Lima to review the case against Lacson.

‘Morong 43’ release rests with Malacañang

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

THE release or continued detention of the “Morong 43” health workers depends on President Benigno Aquino 3rd, Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada 3rd of the Liberal Party said Monday.

CA upholds suspension of cops in Failon case

By Edu Punay (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed an order by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) suspending six Quezon City police officers for six months last year for making illegal arrests as they investigated the suicide of news anchor Ted Failon’s wife.

Ivler files human rights case vs Phl before UN body

By Reinir Padua (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Road rage murder suspect Jason Ivler has brought his case before the United Nations, claiming his human rights were violated from the time he was arrested up to the present.

No date set for Vizconde convict's release - Bucor

By Aie Balagtas See (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – The release of former policeman Gerardo Biong, who was convicted for destroying evidence in the Vizconde massacre case, will be indefinitely postponed until the Supreme Court (SC) makes a ruling on his pending motion for reconsideration, the Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) said yesterday.

Congress to regulate review centers

By Jess Diaz (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives will most likely regulate review centers in the wake of at least two incidents of leakages of questions in professional licensure examinations in recent years.

House panel bats for electronic vehicle ID to ease traffic

By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – The House committee on Metro Manila development strongly pushed yesterday for using electronic vehicle identification technology to reduce the traffic problem in the metropolis and weed out illegal public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Belle eyes Macau firm as partner in $1-B project

By Zinnia B. Dela Peña, The Philippine Star
Posted at 11/30/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Belle Corp. may likely tap a Macau-based gaming firm as partner for its planned $1-billion entertainment complex to be built along a reclaimed portion of Manila Bay.

Regulator says toll hikes could take effect at the start of 2011

HIGHER TOLLS could take effect at the start of next year following the Supreme Court’s rejection of a legal challenge, a Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) official yesterday said.

‘Unified’ incentives bill to be offered

Finance, Trade agree on ‘key principles’

THE FINANCE and Trade departments, constantly at loggerheads over the grant of fiscal perks, plan to come up with a "unified position" contained in a new bill to be filed in Congress early next year.

Record score for Aquino gov’t

Net rating at ‘very good’ +64 from Arroyo administration’s final ‘bad’ -45

PUBLIC SATISFACTION with the government has hit a new high, bouncing back from depths plumbed during former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s term and erasing a record set during the Estrada administration.

ADB, France fund Cebu, Davao water supply dev’t study

THE ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) will provide a $2-million technical assistance grant that will lay the groundwork for projects to upgrade and expand water supply and sanitation systems in Cebu and Davao cities, the bank said in a statement yesterday.

Vista Land to spend P1-B in 6 mos for Alabang project

By Neil Jerome C. Morales, BusinessWorld

Posted at 11/30/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Villar-led Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. has started integrating its leasing and commercial ventures into a master-planned residential development.

SLEx toll hike made bigger by cost of graft

POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr. (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

CLARK FIELD (PLDT/WeRoam) — The Big Powers would not allow it, I am sure, but still this tired kibitzer insists on musing about the prospects of war and peace in the Korean peninsula.

More strategic and permanent relief plan

A LAW EACH DAY (Keeps Trouble Away) By Jose C. Sison (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

One of the outstanding traits of Filipinos admired all over the world is their community or bayanihan spirit. It is really admirable and inspiring to see Filipinos expressing their care and concern for those in need, their “pakikisama or pakikipagkapwa tao”.

What's the education budget cut ranting all about?

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR By William M. Esposo (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

“It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing” was how William Shakespeare described it and that applies to the recent ranting about the so-called budget cuts in state universities andcolleges (SUCs).

SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH By Ernesto M. Maceda (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda has come out with this Malacañang advise:

by Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/30/2010 1:34 PM | Updated as of 11/30/2010 2:11 PM

MANILA, Philippines – The latest guy to be romantically linked to 18-year-old international singing sensation Charice is none other than fellow singer David Archuleta, an “American Idol 7” finalist.

Sunshine Dizon's husband kills old woman in road mishap

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/30/2010

MANILA, Philippines – The husband of actress Sunshine Dizon was involved in a car accident that killed a 60-year-old woman in Pampanga province.

Court holds back $1.5 M of Pacman’s winnings

By Balitang America staff

Posted at 11/30/2010

CALIFORNIA - A Texas court issued a temporary restraining order on a portion of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao’s winnings from his most recent fight, after a Filipino promoter sued the boxer for over $1.18 million in damages, reports www.fightlawyerblog.com.

Special leave for women in gov't who undergo surgery OK'd

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/30/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Women working for the Philippine government who are scheduled to undergo surgery for gynecological disorders can now file for special leave.

Jose Rizal won the lotto, too -- in 1892

By Karen Flores, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/30/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Jose Rizal is not only a man of wisdom and courage. He's also one lucky guy.

Mini-Christmas village draws tourists in Bacolod

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/30/2010

MANILA, Philippines - With a miniature Christmas village right in his own home, it's almost Christmas every day in the house of artist Bamboo Tonogbanua in Bacolod.

Can Efren save the world? Pinoys in America think so

FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

A year after being hailed as CNN Hero of the Year for his mobile pushcart classrooms that provide thousands of street children an alternative to gangs and drugs througheducation in unconventional places like cemeteries and trash dumps,

Cinemanila opens foreign market for local actors

By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The tables are turned for the better. At least that’s what Tikoy Aguiluz of the 12th Cinemanila International Filmfest tells us.

National Open cycling road race to begin in QC

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The road race of the 2010 National Open Cycling Championships will begin in front of the Quezon City Hall on Dec. 11, taking the riders to a 165-kilometer journey all the way to Bugarin, Laguna and back to the city at the Amoranto Velodrome.

By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated November 30, 2010

Drian Francisco

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten Drian Francisco goes for broke in his overseas debut against local favorite Duangpetch Kokiet-Gym a they battle for the right to challenge WBA superflyweight champion Hugo Cazares in a 12-round bout at the Bueng Kan school in the northeast Thai province of Nong Khai today.

The Gift(ed)

Malay

By VIM NADERA

The Week for the Gifted—from November 21 to 27—interestingly falls after National Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week and within the Philippine Book Development Month which will end tomorrow!

6 Pinoys killed in Japan mishap

By Rainier Allan Ronda (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Six Filipino workers were killed and 22 others injured when a bus collided with a trailer truck at an intersection of Kameyama in Mie prefecture, western Japan yesterday morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported.

'No permanent deployment ban to Korea'

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang denied yesterday reports that there is a total ban on sending Filipino workers to South Korea, clarifying that labor deployment has merely been suspended until hostilities ease on the Korean peninsula.

Supreme Court junks petition vs SLEX toll hike

By Edu Punay (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has junked the petition of Albay Gov. Joey Salceda seeking to stop the implementation of an increase in toll rates at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Palace bullish on economic prospects in 2011

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Following the restoration of investor confidence in the country, Malacañang remains upbeat about next year’s economy, predicting that more investments will be coming in that would generate jobs and reinvigorate the economy.

AFP to recommend holiday truce with NPA

By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will recommend to President Aquino the suspension of military operations (SOMO) against communist rebels during the holiday season, a senior military officer said yesterday.

'Do not proclaim 3-term barangay executives'

By Cecille Suerte Felipe (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo yesterday reiterated his call for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) against proclaiming the winning barangay officials who had already served three consecutive terms.

Palace: Not all DOH funds will go to contraceptives

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday assured Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III that the entire budget of the Department of Health (DOH) would not be allotted solely for the purchase of contraceptives, but only a portion of it.

DENR to raise P500 million for Ninoy Aquino Park redevelopment

By Marianne V. Go (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to raise P500 million to redevelop the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center (NAPWNC) into a world-classecological tourist attraction.

Bulusan ashfalls trigger fish kill

By Cet Dematera (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippies – After tons of dead tilapia floated in Buhi Lake in Camarines Sur two weeks ago, another fish kill hit the Bicol region, this time in rivers and fishponds in Sorsogon, attributed to ashfalls from Mt. Bulusan since Nov. 6.

2 Rizal lawmen in slay try on witness charged

By Non Alquitran (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Calabarzon police has filed criminal and administrative charges against two policemen nabbed for the slay try on a pregnant woman, a witness in an extortion case against them, in Laguna last Thursday.

Central Luzon farmers get insurance benefits

By Ding Cervantes (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – At least 1,103 farmers from the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan and Tarlac whose crops were destroyed by typhoon “Juan” last Oct. 18 were able to collect crop insurance totaling P9.59 million from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).

Commission on Audit questions Bataan project

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Audit (COA) has uncovered allegedly questionable practices in the implementation of a multimillion-peso housing project in Bataan during the term of former governor Ding Roman.

Senator seeks ban on motorbike rides for children

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III is calling for a ban on children being allowed to ride with their elders on motorcycles.

PNP to enlist security guards in fight vs crime

By Non Alquitran (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) will enlist the help of security guards in the fight against criminal syndicates, an official said yesterday.

No junk food, just poor diet

By Roel Pareño (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - There’s no such thing as junk food, only a poor diet, a health expert said regarding a bill filed by Sen. Lito Lapid seeking to ban the sale of junk food in schools.

3 firms to join bid for Army computer hardware

By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Three companies have expressed interest to bid for the procurement of hardware for the Army’s Command and Control Communication, Computer Intelligence and Geographic Information System, which will allow the military to monitor the movement of armed groups and to coordinate the deployment of soldiers.

Quezon City seniors granted free admission to cinemas

By Reinir Padua (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The National Cinema Association of the Philippines has agreed to grant senior citizens in Quezon City free admission to two film screenings in all NCAP theaters in the city during Mondays and Tuesdays.

Tetangco offers 2.0-2.9% forecast for November

Inflation to keep falling -- BSP

INFLATION WILL LIKELY continue to fall this month with a strong peso offsetting higher food and utility prices, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

Country sets financing focus for climate change meet

BY JUDY T. GULANE, Sub-Editor

THE PHILIPPINES will push for climate change adaptation financing at the Cancun talks that begin today, emphasizing the need for measures to deal with the phenomenon’s adverse effects.

Meralco looking to offer electric tricycles

BY JESSICA ANNE D. HERMOSA, Senior Reporter

THE COUNTRY’S largest power distribution utility, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has gone into developing electric tricycles on top of its recent entry into power generation, a ranking official said late last week.

Noche buena profiteers face penalties, DTI warns

RETAILERS WERE WARNED over the weekend to sell "noche buena" products at prescribed prices or else face profiteering probes.

‘Hot money’ surges through November

FOREIGN PORTFOLIO investments surged nine times to hit a net of $3.446 billion as of Nov. 12, latest available data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Former economic planner cites focus for new mid-term plan

A FORMER socioeconomic planner said over the weekend that the government should not forget the need to develop human resources and should ensure concrete results in its priority infrastructure projects under the 2011-2016 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP).

GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

If the Bangko Sentral won’t do it, then Congress might shield consumers from abusive credit card companies.

A LAW EACH DAY (Keeps Trouble Away) By Jose C. Sison (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

The proponents and supporters of the RH bill repeatedly point out and continue to harp on our alleged overpopulation problem as the main reason why the bill should be enacted into law.

COMMONSENSE By Marichu A. Villanueva (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

The cat is now out of the bag. Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Jose Melo will make an early retirement on Jan. 31 next year, or four years ahead of his scheduled retirement. Melo’s term of office is supposed to end in February 2015. But he decided to cut short his fixed term of seven years in office as provided for in our country’s 1987 Constitution.

by Bernie Franco,PUSH.com.ph

Posted at 11/29/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Puspusan na ang paghahanda nina Kristine Hermosa at Oyo Boy Sotto sa kanilang nalalapit na kasal sa 2011, pero limitado lamang ang kanilang inilalabas na detalye sa publiko lalo pa’t gusto nila itong gawing pribado.

by Nikki delos Santos, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/29/2010

MANILA, Philippines- Saying that she’s more comfortable with her body now, television host and actress Iya Villania has decided to drop her sweet and wholesome image.

by Bernie Franco,PUSH.com.ph

Posted at 11/29/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Sa pagbabalik ni Korina Sanchez sa “TV Patrol” ay sinabi niyang hindi naman siya nahirapan sa pag-aadjust matapos ang halos isang taong pagkawala.

By Gerry Carpio (The Philippine Star) Updated November 29, 2010

GUANGZHOU – From the quaint billiards halls and noisy arenas of combat sports, from the bowling lanes and dance halls to the hilly fairways by the banks of a beautiful lake, two teams and 13 individuals played hard, played well and played to win.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/29/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Religious organizations and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recently teamed up in an effort to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the country.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/29/2010

MANILA, Philippines - As we celebrate World AIDS [Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome] Day on December 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) renews its call to raise awareness about the disease and demonstrate solidarity in the face of the pandemic.

Asian parliamentarians push for greater efforts to reduce disasters

By Marvin Sy (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Asian parliamentarians led by Sen. Loren Legarda have agreed to push for greater efforts to institute disaster risk reduction in the policies and programs of the national government, including allocating at least one percent of the national budget to this effort.

P-Noy suspends OFW deployment to Korea

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has suspended the deployment of Filipino workers to South Korea while the government assesses the situation in the Korean Peninsula.

P10K bonus OK'd for government workers

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has authorized the granting of a P10,000 Productivity Enhancement Incentive to state employees on top of their Christmas bonus and 13th month pay.

Ex-justice secretary named JBC member

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino has appointed former justice secretary Artemio Tuquero as member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), Malacañang said yesterday.

AFP now drafting reintegration policy for mutinous soldiers

By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is drafting a reintegration policy on the possibility that Congress would concur with the presidential proclamation granting amnesty to rebel soldiers.

Miriam seeks greater transparency in government transactions

By Marvin Sy (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago has called for greater transparency in all government transactions and the use of funds under the national budget.

Palace assures public: No fuel shortage

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang reassured the public yesterday that there would be no shortage of fuel supply in the country that could lead to an increase in oil prices.

DOH to expand coverage of family planning program

By Shiela Crisostomo (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – While supporting the need to limit the size of families, the Department of Health (DOH) will also help married couples with fertility problems have children.

KMP scores demolition of farmers' houses in Pangasinan

By Rhodina Villanueva (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - In anticipation of Human Rights Week, militant farmers said it will intensify their call against landgrabbing and demolition of farming communities following a recent incident where 50 houses of farmers in Sta. Barbara town of Pangasinan, have been knocked down.

High school library in Maguindanao torched

By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The unchecked rampage of unidentified armed men in Maguindanao has again resulted to the burning of an entire high school library in a village of South Upi town.

Phivolcs records 11 volcanic quakes in Bulusan

By Evelyn Macairan (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday said that the Bulusan volcano registered 11 volcanic quakes during the past 24 hours and one of them was classified as an explosion-type earthquake.

Loren to fund 'green schools'

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines -Following her proposal to allocate at least one percent of the national budget for disaster risk reduction, Sen. Loren Legarda said Friday she will commit a significant portion of her P200-million Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) under the 2011 budget bill for the construction of “green schools.”

NLEX expansion to affect 1,300 families in Valenzuela

By Pete Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) expansion program, scheduled to start next year, would hit at least four villages in Valenzuela City and affect more than 1,300 families, an official said yesterday.

MMDA eyes Jakarta bus lane system for EDSA

By Mike Frialde (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is looking into the possibility of adapting Jakarta’s TransJakarta express bus lane system to address the problem of congestion along EDSA.

International aviation body resets audit of CAAP

By Rainier Allan Ronda (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has postponed its audit of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to next month, an official said Friday.

Noy tells government executives: Fly economy class

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino, in line with his administration’s austerity measures, has issued a memorandum advising government officials and employees to choose economy class seats when traveling.

State firms remit P11.4B in 10 months

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Dividends remitted by state-run firms and government financial institutions (GFIs) inched up three percent in the first 10 months of the year on the back of stable earnings as the domestic economy recovers, the Bureau of Treasury reported over the weekend.

DA adopts 'demand management' strategy in rice program

By Marianne V. Go (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture is adopting a “demand management” strategy as part of its overall rice self sufficiency roadmap.

HGC in dire financial straits - COA

By Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Home Guarantee Corp. (HGC), the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) tasked to operate a credit guaranty program in support of government’s effort to promote home ownership, has been losing billions during the last nine years.

Sun Life sees 35% growth in 2010 premium income

By Ted P. Torres (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Sun Life Financial (SLF) Philippines said it expects its total premium income from its life insurance business to grow 35 percent this year, and 15 percent in 2011.

Schneider Electric offers smart grid solutions to Meralco

By Donnabelle L. Gatdula (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, plans to offer its smart grid solutions to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s biggest power distributor.

San Miguel Properties books over 3-fold income increase to P885M in 9 months

By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Properties Inc. (SMPI), the real estate development arm of diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp., reported a more than three-fold jump in its net earnings in the first three quarters of the year, mainly boosted by gains from the sale of assets.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – Pop Superstar Beyonce has named 8-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao as one of her favorite athletes.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – Young actress Erich Gonzales denied speculations that she and the “Chiurigogobashu” girls have disbanded.

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MANILA, Philippines - Actor William Martinez is fast recovering at the hospital after suffering from a stroke early this week, his wife, Yayo Aguila, said Friday.

POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr. (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

CHARITY: I beg to disagree a bit - without meaning to be disagreeable with Margie Juico, the charming chair of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

Over a month before the New Year’s Eve revelry, a woman has died and at least eight people wounded in explosions in firecracker factories.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines - With Christmas in the air, one theme park in Laguna is out to make sure families and barkadas will have a great time together.

Philippines lags behind powerhouse SEAG foes

By Gerry Carpio (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

GUANGZHOU – Southeast Asian Games powerhouses Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore finished among the top 16 with gold medal performances that are expected to boil over to next year’s Southeast Asian Games in Bali, Indonesia.

By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez will have Manny Pacquiao at the back of his mind when he faces Michael Katsidis today in Las Vegas.

QCIM traffic advisory out

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Organizers of the second Quezon City International Marathon yesterday issued the event’s traffic advisory a week in advance to enable motorists and commuters alike to plan ahead of the running event firing off at dawn on Dec. 5 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Noynoy wants concrete evacuation plan

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino wants a more concrete evacuation plan for Filipino workers in the event of a full-blown war in the Korean peninsula.

Quiet celebration for Ninoy birthday

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Various groups will observe the birth anniversary of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. today.

De Lima, Brillantes among contenders for top Comelec post

By Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and election lawyer Sixto Brillantes are being floated as possible replacement for Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo who is set to resign in Jan. 31, 2010.

Justice chief orders re-filing of P417.8-M tax evasion case vs De la Fuente

By Edu Punay (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered the re-filing of a P417.8-million tax evasion case against veteran singer and bus operator Claire de la Fuente.

DOH insists on P880-M budget for family planning program

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday insisted on its P880-million budget for the government’s family planning program and purchase of contraceptives next year.

2 cops nabbed for slay try on 'hulidap' witness

By Arnell Ozaeta and Non Alquitran (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Two Rizal policemen are now behind bars for the attempted “salvaging” (summary execution) of a pregnant woman, who is a witness in a case of robbery-extortion, or “hulidap” in police parlance, against them.

NBI agents transfer 'Florence' to another safe house

By Edith Regalado (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) transferred “Florence,” the volunteer nurse raped in Maguindanao, to another safe house the other day following reported leaks on her whereabouts.

Pacman vows first Sarangani hospital

By Edith Regalado (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010 1

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – World boxing sensation and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao vowed to facilitate the construction of the first provincial hospital in his province.

DOJ OKs release of cop in Vizconde case whitewash

By Edu Punay and Aie Balagtas See (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday she has approved the release of Gerardo Biong, a former Parañaque policeman who was convicted for whitewashing the investigation of the Vizconde massacre in 1991.

Palace tells SUCs: Basic education first

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang yesterday told students of state universities and colleges protesting budget cuts that the government will focus first on basic education and that SUCs have sufficient funds.

Car smoke test firms defend LTO direct access project

By Rainier Allan Ronda (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – A group of private emission testing centers (PETCs) defended the Direct ConnectFacility of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), saying it is a more efficient and effective means of ensuring the integrity of the emission testing process.

Imports growth hits 24.6% in September

MERCHANDISE imports rose by 24.6% in September, the fastest growth rate since May this year, on the back of sustained demand for electronic products and higher global oil prices, the government said on Friday.

Factory output growth slows to nine-month low

Growth in factory output moderated to a nine-month low in September, the government reported on Friday, results economists said were reflective of a slowdown in economic activity.

Legislative-Executive coordination body could convene before yearend -- President

BAGUIO -- President Benigno S. C. Aquino III said here on Friday that he may convene the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) before the year ends, but after the Congress passes the proposed 2011 national budget.

Jollibee opens 700th store in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY -- Leading fast-food chain Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) opened its 700th store for the country in the Summer Capital Friday.

San Miguel sets sights on other Indonesia coal mines

DIVERSIFIED FIRM San Miguel Corp. is looking to either enter into a joint venture or acquire other coal mines in Indonesia, the company’s chief executive said Monday.

FIRST PERSON By Alex Magno (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

We do not need to be told that air quality in the metropolitan area is bad. We find that out each time we clean our noses.

FROM A DISTANCE By Carmen N. Pedrosa (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

Volunteers for Gibo in Negros invited this column for four days last week. Most of them were women but there were men too, so I could not really call them as women in search of a cause.

CITIZEN Y By Yoly Villanueva-Ong (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

My protective family and friends have advised me to steer clear of the contentious subject at least until the furor blows over.

By Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/27/2010

MANILA, Philippines -- Action star Robin Padilla, the Philippines' most popular condom endorser, finally reacted to the statement of Pope Benedict XVI supporting condom use to prevent diseases like AIDS.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda, revealed on Friday that one of the best possible gift he would want this Christmas would be the reconciliation of actresses Mariel Rodriguez and Toni Gonzaga.

By Gerry Carpio (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

GUANGZHOU – The national chess players provided the last medal of the Philippine contingent – a silver – following a .5-3.5 loss to world No. 3 China but the medal was not enough to keep the Philippines at 17th place at the close of the XVI Asian Games.

Newly minted hero ready to chase Olympic dream

By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated November 27, 2010

GUANGZHOU – A day after winning the gold medal in the Asian Games, Rey Saludar has trained his sights on the London Games in 2012, hoping to deliver the country’s first-ever Olympic gold.

By Karen Flores, abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines - International singing sensation Charice and her idol, Lea Salonga, now have one award in common.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines - Nike aims to help sports-loving Filipinos celebrate Christmas in style by offering new and limited edition merchandise.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/27/2010

MANILA, Philippines - There's a new way of getting from point A to point B, and it's attracting more and more young people.

Erap selling Polk residence - Jinggoy

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Joseph Estrada is putting up his family residence on Polk Street, Greenhills in San Juan for sale to pay off huge debts, his eldest son, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada disclosed yesterday.

Senate hearings begin live streaming

By Marvin Sy (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - For the first time in the country’s history, anyone with access to the Internet can now watch what goes on in Congress.

Palace panel scouting for new Comelec chief

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday activated its search committee to scout for the replacement of Jose Melo following his resignation as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

WHO lauds Pope on condom stand

By Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday welcomed the relaxation of the Vatican’s stance against condom use.

Palace to protect PCSO integrity

By Aurea Calica (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang justified yesterday its decision to return the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to the Office of the President (OP) as it vowed to protect the integrity of the agency.

US-Korea drill worries Phl

By Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is worried that a joint United States-South Korea military exercise scheduled on Sunday might heighten tensions in the region and stir anxieties among civilians, including Filipino workers in the Korean peninsula.

Cagayan de Oro revenue officer flunks lifestyle check

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - A revenue officer of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) who has been in public service for 29 years and now assigned in Cagayan de Oro City, flunked the reinvigorated lifestyle check of the Department of Finance (DOF)

Kidnapped Basilan woman seeks help

By Roel Pareño (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A 60-year-old businesswoman, being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf, called up the Basilan provincial peace and order council last Wednesday night and sought help for her speedy and safe release, Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul said.

Tarlac fiscal junks libel case vs GMA Network

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines - The city prosecutor’s office of Tarlac City has dismissed the libel complaint filed against GMA Network by a man whose land distribution scheme was featured in the May 30, 2009 episode of GMA’s public affairs program “Imbestigador.”

State schools stage protests over budget cut

By Rainier Allan Ronda and Sandy Araneta (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Students and faculty members from state colleges and universities in Metro Manila staged simultaneous rallies and walkouts yesterday to protest a government proposal to reduce the P24-billion budget of the country’s 110 SUCs in 2011 by P1.1 billion.

House eyes bill on 10-year passport

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives foreign affairs committee will most likely endorse a bill giving Filipinos the option of getting a passport valid for 10 years instead of the current five-year passport.

Bus firms have new take on 'strike'

By Reinir Padua (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – Some of the buses that were supposed to ply their routes on Nov. 15, the day of the supposed strike, went back to their garages because they were blocked by groups of men along Litex Road in Quezon City,

Growth slower than forecast

Business World

Q3 result surprises but gov’t, analysts still expect full-year goal to be topped

RESTRAINED state spending and a protracted dry spell put the brakes on third-quarter economic growth but the Philippines remains on track to exceeding this year’s target, the government yesterday said.

Conditions mute interest in trade deal

Business World

BY JESSICA ANNE D. HERMOSA, Senior Reporter

PHILIPPINE INTEREST in a multiparty trade pact which includes the United States has been tempered by the steep market opening commitments required by current negotiating parties, a Trade official yesterday said.

Final approval secured for bond swap -- Purisima

Business World

A DOMESTIC debt exchange that seeks to swap shorter-dated papers for 25-year bonds has been approved by the president, a Cabinet official yesterday said.

NG borrowings up by a third

Business World

BORROWINGS by the national government (NG) rose by more than a third in the 10 months to October on higher issuance of securities and a dollar bond swap, data the Bureau of Treasury released on Wednesday showed.

Filinvest Development gets approval to increase authorized capital to P17B

BusinessWorld

GOTIANUN-LED holding firm Filinvest Development Corp. has secured minority approval for several fund generation schemes, the company said yesterday.

Imports rise to four-month high in Sept.

BusinessWorld

November 26, 2010

MERCHANDISE imports rose by 24.6% in September, the highest since May this year, on the back of sustained demand for electronic products and higher global oil prices, the government said on Friday.

GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

Many were stunned when Tourism Undersecretary Vicente Romano resigned and took blame for the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” fiasco. That’s because he showed delicadeza, rare among government appointees today.

A LAW EACH DAY (Keeps Trouble Away) By Jose C. Sison (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

Once more Congress is deliberating on the RH Bill. In the Lower House it is entitled “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2010” (HB 96) while in the Senate it is SB 2378 entitled an “Act Providing

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

Stock markets fell worldwide and global economic growth forecasts revised downward after North Korea launched an artillery attack, killing two Marines and two civilians, on a South Korean island last Tuesday.

ABS-CBN dominates 19th KBP Golden Dove Awards

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/26/2010

MANILA, Philippines – The Kapamilya network dominated the 19th Golden Dove Awards arranged by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP).

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/26/2010

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN filed on Wednesday a P127 million copyright infringement case versus its former talent, Willie Revillame, his production outfit (WilProductions, Inc.), and ABC5 , now known as TV5, before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC).

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/26/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Actor John Lloyd Cruz and TV host-actress Toni Gonzaga said they are game to do the part 2 of their first team-up movie, or to shoot a new movie altogether.

By Gerry Carpio (The Philippine Star) Updated November 26, 2010

GUANGZHOU – Rey Saludar fought bravely and well in a savage exchange from the opening bell and crushed the greatest wall, China’s Chang Yong, on his way to a glittering gold in the XVI Asian Games last night.

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/26/2010

MANILA, Philippines - With Christmas just around the corner, technology companies are adding some festive cheer by unveiling their newest products to consumers here in the country.

By Charity Jayne J. Temple, ABS-CBN News

Posted at 11/26/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Why dream of a white Christmas when you can have one with a more relevant color? This year, let’s celebrate a green Christmas with these eco-friendly gift suggestions from "Umagang Kay Ganda".

Why mixing alcohol and caffeine is so deadly

AMERICANS love their caffeine—in coffee, colas and now in their alcohol.

But mixed, particularly in high volumes, the combination of caffeine and alcohol can be deadly.

Bong Revilla lambasts Hayden Kho anew

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/25/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. lambasted Hayden Kho, partner of celebrity cosmetic doctor, Vicky Belo, over the Kho's statement last Sunday that he is "narrow-minded."

abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 11/25/2010

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang reporters got a sneak peak of the new peso bills that bear President Benigno Aquino III’s signature when Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. presented to President Aquino a set of the new peso bills on Thursday.

P-Noy takes over PCSO

By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 25, 2010

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino yesterday took back control and supervision of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) from the Department of Health, which was the arrangement during the time of his predecessor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Nation

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Friday, November 26, 2010