Where the hell do these come from?

Gun ban violation record: 1,969 arrested; 2,304 arms seized

With less than 15 days before the May 14 mid-term election, the Philippine National Police has arrested at least 1,969 violators of the Commission on Elections gun ban and seized a total of 2,304 various weapons.

Graft charges: Lacson vs Gonzalez

(UPDATE) Lacson files graft raps vs justice secretary

QUEZON CITY, Philippines -- Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday filed criminal charges against Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez for offering village officials in Iloilo P10,000 each in exchange for a landslide victory of the administration's TEAM Unity.

Half of Navotas to sink

Global warming threatens to sink half of Navotas

MANILA, Philippines -- Global warming threatens to submerge parts of Manila and wipe out entire islands, a conservation group warned, as it brought its campaign to cut carbon dioxide emissions to the Philippines.

Lowest wage hikes under Arroyo

Ibon: Workers had lowest wage hikes under Arroyo govt

Workers have had the lowest wage increases under the Arroyo government, and this has compounded their problems in the country's dismal labor market.

***Liar!  What wage hike are you talking about?  There was none.

No to Pinay DH?

Pinays discouraged from seeking work as DH

The Philippine government is trying to discourage women workers from leaving the country and work as domestic helpers overseas, Philippine Consul General Antonio Curameng said in Dubai as the consulate prepares for the repatriation of 65 runaway Filipinos there to Manila.

***And what do you want them to do here?

1. Die of hunger?

2.  Remain as public school teachers, with below-poverty salary that is often delayed?

I myself do not want our kababayans to be slaves for foreigners with IQs just half of theirs.  But this is what we can tell you: Shove your consulate bullshits up your ass.  Get real, brother. 

Woman Suffrage Day

Women reminded of day they got the right to vote

MANILA, Philippines -- Did you know that today, April 30, is Women’s Suffrage Day in the Philippines?

Now you know it, what would you do, Mr Recto?

1 of 5 companies violate minimum wage law--Recto

MANILA, Philippines -- Twenty percent or one out of every five companies in the country violate the minimum wage law, Senator Ralph Recto said Monday.

Because they are winning the surveys

GO scored for using surveys as ‘propaganda’

MANILA, Philippines -- It's a case of seeing the glass half full or half empty, TEAM Unity spokesman and Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano said of surveys and how candidates have used them to suit their purpose.

Poll casualty: Mayor dies

(UPDATE 4) San Carlos City mayor Resuello dies in hospital

MANILA, Philippines -- San Carlos City Mayor Julian Resuello, who was shot Saturday night in a fiesta, passed away at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City Monday, his son said.

Skills shortag looms

As Asia's job market surges, recruiters see shortages

SINGAPORE -- Vibrant growth across Asia has created hundreds of thousands of jobs and recruitment specialists say the labor market is staring at a serious skills shortage -- with big ramifications for the regional economy

27M for Joker

Kampi bankrolls Joker Arroyo's Senate bid to tune of P27M

REELECTIONIST Senator Joker Arroyo is getting financial help from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's political party, Kampi, which has so far bankrolled half of the maverick administration senator's television advertisements.

***I hate this.  Joker will win even without it.  But it has come to this, since election here is about who got all the dough.  I hate it that Joker is at the end of the financial help from the Administration. 

People are languishing in cold streets and hunger.  And 27 Million Pesos goes to Joker - of all people - for election campaign.  Fuck the system.

Conjoined twins pass away

Conjoined twins with one heart pass away

MANILA, Philippines--The little heart that had sustained Mary Grace and Mary Divine Asis for 18 days stopped beating at 10:20 a.m. on Sunday.

Agri-ecozones to be established

Gov’t to establish agri-ecozones soon

Industrial economic zones, IT parks and soon agricultural economic zones. Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila announced that the government is now working on the guidelines that would operationalize the conversion of huge tracts of land in different parts of the country into special agri-ecozones.

Philippine Agenda tackles hunger

Philippine Agenda: Hunger

In the Philippines, hunger is a reality many face each day. An estimated 3.4 million Filipinos have experienced having no food on the table for many different reasons. And as the population grows, the incidence of malnutrition and hunger also increases. This week’s episode showcases situations in a town in Zamboanga del Norte and in Masbate, two of the poorest areas in the country. Read More

***GMA tackles a perennial problem here in the Philippines.  I say again, with all my might: Poverty can be solved through education.  There will be enough for everybody if we start a genuine population control.  It should have started twenty years ago.  We have to do it now. 

When I first heard about the opening lines of Das Kapital: "I hate all the gods", I could not agree.  Even to read it.  It is indexed in my personal "Index of prohibited books".  Whoever says...etc....let him be anathema.

Now, I understand why Marx started his book thus.  There was a time when Plato (Republic) hinted on the preaching of a god - so as to tame the beast in man.  Augustine followed him in City of God.  Voltaire was trying to make a comic of himself: "If God were non-existent, it is necessary for man to invent him".

Those crap could not be applied now.

Let this be our statement now.  If god and his idea interferes with human life - and I mean "life to the fullest" - let him be anathema.  The furtherance of the human species, the propagation of his species, demands that population should be controled.  Else, we will experience hunger.  And hunger will kill this nation. and make it another Ethiopia. 

We are not allowing birth control because we foster pro-life.  Is hunger pro-life?  After the  "miracle of life" is born to this world, we kill it later by hunger. 

Justice for slain farmer

Govt scored for inaction over farmer’s slay in Bicol

Militant human rights groups scored the government over the weekend for its two-week silence on the murder of a farmer in Bicol last April 16.

***Poor people don't have a chance in this bourgeoise society. Problem is that 90% are poor. The divide is getting wider and wider. When the synthesis do happen, all hell will break loose. What prevents it from happening? Well, religion. No one will start a revolution without leaders. Leaders cannot thrive because they know they cannot stir the public to action.

And why? Because Filipinos are generally patient and sacrificial (a proper adjective for a lamb to be slaughtered). They believe that God will punish the evil and reward the good people. In the afterlife.

But such belief has pushed the Filipino people to inaction. The real problem is looking to the afterlife. Look to this day, says Kalidasa. Tomorrow is a vision. Yesterday, a dream.

Unite, oh dear people! Unite the divided clans and stand up against the oppression of the rich few.

Online filing system for IPO

Gov't website eyes trademark, patent applicants

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Intellectual Property Office or IPO says it hopes to increase the number of individual trademark applications through the the use of its online filing system.

***Great job!

Accidental shooting kills bet

(UPDATE 2) Congressional bet dies in accidental shooting

KIDAPAWAN CITY--She just had a haircut in a beauty salon. It was her last. Congressional candidate Solema Jubilan, 62, was inside her vehicle when the gun of her nephew, PO1 Zafiro Jubilan Moreno, went off, hitting her in the back, at around 7:45 p.m. Saturday.

Chemical waste threatens marshland

Battery dumping threatens Liguasan Marsh

PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao -- Chemical waste disposal from used batteries is threatening the Liguasan Marsh's biodiversity, according to local officials here.

***Corporate responsibility.   Sue the company.  Protect the environment.  What would happen here is that there will be investigations, afterwhich, the company will buy the investigators with money. 

Lacson grabs the incident for instant promotion

Lacson: 'Ill-fated chopper missed us by a few seconds'

(Update 2) The ill-fated Air Force helicopter that crashed late Saturday afternoon in Pajo village, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu narrowly missed Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson who was leaving the area after meeting with local leaders, according to a GMA News exclusive report.

***Is he telling us that he was being targeted?  Or, is it just a way for them to be in the news?  Either way, Filipinos who are not thinking will probably stuck this in their brains come election day.  So will the helicopter incident of Chavit (and the Ducat, plus his 50,000 agimat - which is lame and negative).  Again, so will the helicopter incident of Loren (I will not ride in a Philippine helicopter ...ever!) 

Hey, I was also in Cebu that time.  I was...missed by the helicopter crash by a hairline.  I eve n felt the whizzing air on my 1963 topdown Ferrari.  Didn't I tell you I was the one who bought that too? 

Poll violence continues

San Carlos mayor critical, aide killed in shooting

Weeks before he was shot and seriously wounded Saturday night, police in San Carlos City in Pangasinan had received reports of threats to the life of city mayor Julian Resuello.

New travel advisory against Sulu and Mindanao

US warns citizens vs Sulu, Mindanao visits

Citing threats of kidnapping and terrorism, the United States government issued a new travel advisory over the weekend, warning citizens not to go to Sulu and Mindanao.

***For the non-frequent travelers, this will be read as "Don't go to the Philippines".

Spending on health drops with Arroyo

IBON: Gov't spending for health drops under Arroyo

Health spending experienced possibly the steepest drop under the Arroyo administration and has forced Filipinos to pay more for badly needed health services, the independent think-tank IBON Foundation said.

Helicopter Crash Kills 7

Philippine Helicopter Crash Kills 7

An air force helicopter crashed on a busy street in a central Philippine city, pinning a motorcycle taxi and hitting another with its spinning rotors. At least seven people on the ground were killed, radio reports and police said.

***We should not fly helis anymore.  Friggin' stupids.

30k jobs available on May 1 fair

30k jobs available on May 1 at Manila jobs fair

On Labor Day (Tuesday), the Labor Department will offer jobseekers some 30,000 local and overseas job opportunities in a “mega fair" in Manila.

More exits in 2006

More OFWs went to US, Canada in 2006, says Brion

The number of Filipino workers who left for North America more than doubled in 2006 compared to the previous year, Labor Secretary Arturo Brion said on Friday.

***Everybody wants out. 

Hey, how 'bout our comfort women here?

60 years later, pain still fresh for WWII sex slave

She's 78, but for Lee Young-soo, life ended at age 15. That's when the Japanese government forced her to become a sex slave for its military during World War II. Now, with the Japanese prime minister in the United States, she and the estimated 300 survivors want an official apology for what happened to the approximately 200,000 women.

Australia warns its citizens anew

Australia warns citizens vs RP poll-related violence

Citing the volatile political situation in the run-up to the May 14 elections, the Australian government has warned its citizens to stay away from politically related violence.

***You cannot blame the foreigners.  If we don't want to get tagged like this, we should lessen the crimes.

Brownouts again

4-hour brownout hits Bacolod

A four-hour power interruption disrupted businesses in the downtown area of Bacolod City and in nearby residential subdivisions Thursday afternoon, Sun-Star Bacolod (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Friday night.

***This is becoming frequent.  I really think it is connected with the elections.  If it is not, then by George (by me!) fix it!

Suspect surrenders, confesses

Suspect in Campbell case surrenders, confesses to slay

(Update) Woodcarver Juan Duntugan has confessed to killing US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell, a regrettable act which he said was something that he never planned, television reports said.

***I sure hope that he is not a fall guy.

Son of God being wooed by candidates

Senatorial bets woo Davao’s ‘Son of God’

DAVAO CITY -- Guess who came to break bread with Davao’s self-proclaimed "Son of God" on his birthday where he announced that he would endorse his choice of candidates on May 6.

***See what politics do to intelligent people?  They don't have dignity now.  Going from church to church, denomination to denomination, just to get those votes.  They are selling their very souls just to win.  Who is the atheist?  They are just who they really are.  Pieces of shit. 

Fearless Forecast

I don't necessary believe on the following candidates. But it seems to me that they are going to win in the coming elections:

1. Loren Legarda
2. Manny Villar
3. Ralph Recto
4. Kiko Pangilinan
5. Migz Zubiri
6. Ping Lacson
7. Chiz Escudero
8. Joker Arroyo

I am afraid Pichay will win. I hope not, but I am afraid he will.

RP ahead in wireless broadband regulations

RP ahead in wireless broadband regulations -- NTC

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines is ahead of more developed countries like Taiwan and Australia in terms of regulations that govern broadband wireless access, according to a National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) official.

***Corporate efforts.  Corporate efforts.  Corporate efforts.  Leave it to the NTC, it will suck.  PLDT and Globe did most of the work, in a way.

No more of those holiday economics

‘No more holiday economics’

MANILA, Philippines It’s final -- the May 1 holiday stays. Malacañang has apparently gotten over its penchant for shifting holiday observances as part of its “holiday economics,” a term coined by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001 to boost tourism.

***She realized her folly.

Earthquake rocks Masbate

Magnitude 5.3 quake rocks Masbate

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Masbate province in Southern Luzon Thursday night and triggered quakes felt in Southern Luzon, Bicol and Western Visayas.

LTO - more e-patrols

LTO to deploy more 'e-patrols'

MANILA, Philippines -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will deploy more Internet-equipped mobile "e-patrols" that allow the agency to remotely deliver its front-line services.

***Wow!  Updating....

Vote-buyers galore

Pacman, JDV, Chavit, Atienza son face vote-buying charges

A Commission on Elections (Comelec) official said Thursday that the investigation into vote-buying allegation against Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez could also be expanded to look into similar complaints against other candidates.

Ricaforte nabbed in US

Yolanda Ricaforte nabbed in US – TV report

Yolanda Ricaforte, the alleged personal jueteng accountant of former President Joseph Estrada, was arrested in America after six years in hiding, GMA’s 24 Oras reported Thursday.

Brownout in Cebu

Cebu areas hit by hour-long brownout

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- Several areas getting power from the Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) grid experienced on Thursday hour-long power outages due to the tripping-off of three power plants in Malitbog, Leyte.

***Preparing for the "brownouts" on election day?  

Illegal abortion

Doctor nabbed while performing illegal abortion

MANILA, Philippines -- A doctor and professor at a Metro Manila medical school faces criminal charges after he and his assistant, described as a student of his, were caught finishing up an illegal abortion at their clinic in Caloocan City Tuesday night, police said Wednesday.

And why, may I ask?

Partylist groups to seek SWS help in explaining ratings drop

MANILA, Philippines -- Stumped by results of a survey showing a steep drop in Bayan Muna’s rating, officials of the leftwing party-list group said that this could be partly due to the media's sudden disinterest in its No. 1 nominee, Representative Satur Ocampo.

What the....? It reached 37?

Tuesday hottest day so far in Metro Manila this year

MANILA, Philipines -- The scorching heat in Metro Manila is getting more extreme, with the temperature shooting up to a record high 37 degrees Celsius last Tuesday.

***Feverish!

What a lolo! Go Raul!

‘Gag me, no Iloilo rally for TEAM Unity,’ Gonzalez warns

MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Wednesday warned that he would cancel the TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Unity rally in Iloilo City if Malacañang issues a “gag order” against him.

***Si Raul, o!

How did she die?

How did Julia die? Bag, crowbar, pants tell story

A native Ifugao bag, a crowbar, a wooden pestle and two pairs of denim pants similarly stained with blood, a hat, an umbrella and a digital camera. Thus far, these are the pieces of circumstantial evidence that investigators are putting together to unlock the mystery behind the killing of 40-year-old US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell.

Good news for sugar farmers

Muscovado eyed as the next big Philippine export

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- A region-wide consortium hopes to propel the production of muscovado sugar into a sunshine industry by serving an emerging global demand.

****I've got to tell this to Ama.

Why? Politics

April 30 a working day, May 1 a holiday -- Palace

MANILA, Philippines -- Monday, April 30, will be a regular working day while Labor Day, May 1, will be a non-working holiday, the Office of the Executive Secretary said Tuesday.

***They want the announcement of benefits for laborers be heard on the day of labor, for poetry's sake.  And that will stall the rallies if ever.

That is why they would not want to release him

Trillanes hopes to unseat Arroyo via impeachment if elected

MANILA, Philippines -- Ex-Navy Lieutenant Antonio Trillanes IV hopes to do in the Senate what he failed to accomplish four years ago -- unseat President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whom he called a "corrupt leader."

No comment?

Comelec execs on DoJ chief’s offer for votes: ‘No comment’

MANILA, Philippines -- Officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) refused to comment on Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’ offer of P10,000 for every barangay (village) captain of Iloilo City who delivers a 12-0 sweep for the administration senatorial slate.

***That's what you get.  These people should have at least said, "We will look into that".  Or, that there should be a formal complaint etc.  But saying it outright that they have no comment, means that they are either afraid of Gonzales, or they are politically tied to him, and would not want to to say anything that will harm the administration. 

But they are supposed to be impartial, right?

Question.  What if it is Erap who says something like this?  Will it be vote-buying?

Politicking time.

Arroyo to bare non-wage benefits package on Labor Day

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will bare a package of non-wage benefits but no salary increase on May 1, Labor Day, Labor Secretary Arturo Brion said Tuesday.

Now, he makes me laugh.

Gonzalez: ‘I’ll sell chickens for admin sweep in Iloilo’

MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Tuesday said he would sell chickens, if he has to, to raise the P10,000 reward he has promised barangay captains in Iloilo City who can deliver a 12-0 sweep for TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Unity.

***I take back what I told about the man.  He is a clown.  Just a clown. 

GO bets drop in new SWS survey

Drop in new SWS survey gives GO bets pause

MANILA, Philippines -- Two Genuine Opposition (GO) senatorial candidates have taken a step back to analyze their campaign strategies after a recent survey showed them slipping down the rankings substantially.

***Hmmmm....  I do not believe in the methodology of these surveys.  They are politically motivated...and funded.

Mexico legalizes abortion

Mexico City to legalize abortion despite protests

MEXICO CITY -- Legislators in Mexico City were expected on Tuesday to pass legislation legalizing abortion in the megalopolis despite protests from the influential Roman Catholic Church and conservative politicians.

***Yeah, legalize everything.   For me, we should start with imposing the death penalty starting from the people who do not cooperate with the march of the State towards improvement.  Get rid of the obstacles.  Philippines needs a genuine population plan.  The Catholic Church merely gives us a Pharasaical view - pointing to the heavens.  We don't need the things we cannot see.  What we can see is genuine poverty and suffering from the people who are blinded with the hope of eternal life beyond the suffering brought about by people who teach them to believe in God.  If God is true, he should have taught the priests to value life to the fullest - meaning, to have a meaningful and prosperous life.  Can't do that without a genuine population control.  Open your eyes, you blind men!  Jesus said, "I came that you may have life, life to the fullest".  What you call life for the poor people in the slums of Manila and other parts of the Philippines, is not truly life. 

If you don't have an alternative plan for population control, then don't deter the government programs. 

The problem in our country is this - we have politicians who are concerned only of their public image.  If I am a public official, I will start with eradicating the useless people in the society.  Starting from those who don't cooperate in system.  Then, I will eradicate those who don't want to work.  I will put them on concentration camps and make them till the land from morning till evening. 

Then, I will enforce a two-child policy.  If your family exceed two babies, you will have to pay additional taxes for that.  That way, only the rich folks will attempt to exceed two. 

Honasan says sorry

Honasan says sorry for coup attempts

MANILA, Philippines -- Former senator Gregorio Honasan Monday said he was sorry for the coup attempts that he had planned and launched against the administration of President Corazon Aquino.

***I don't undertstand this country.  One man does not believe in the system, rebels against it, gets caught, lands in jail, files candidacy for senate, becomes senator.  We should make the populace think back over the folly of electing candidates who are not fitted to rule us.  We deserve the leaders we choose. 

DOJ chief: What's wrong?

DOJ chief gets more flak for remark on Campbell

"What's wrong with what I said? You try going to Ifugao alone." Justice Secretary stuck to his remark last Thursday on American Peace Corp volunteer Julia Campbell, who was killed while hiking in a mountain trail in Banaue, Ifugao, alone. But readers of GMANews.TV, who continued sending their own reactions on the matter, think Gonzalez's remark, even if he had a point, was insensitive.

***This is the true mark of an insensitive and egotistical, low-lying chauvinistic bastard. He is a pig too. Very old one. When all those words collide into the physical plane, I can only think of one man.

Defensor too talkative, says Chavit

Chavit scolds Defensor: ‘You’re too talkative’

Luis “Chavit" Singson hit his fellow Team Unity senatorial candidate Michael Defensor for the latter’s “talkativeness", which the Ilocos Sur governor said resulted in confusion over the issue on whether TU would junk a bet in favor of newly-freed Gregorio “Gringo" Honasan.

***Once again, a genius.  I would've voted for Mike Defensor.  But first, he smeared his image with an unforgettable commercial (meaning, it is so fucking ugly.  My daughter keeps on remarking, "Tol, your teeth are dirty"), then associated himself with actors/actresses who did not help his image-boosting campaign.  Then, he becomes so talkative.  He keeps on changing his commercial because he is all the more buried in forgetfulness.  Then, this stupid comment.  Chavit is right.  Defensor yaks like a freaking duck. 

Stupider answer to a stupid remark

‘Travel advisories give envoys a break’ -- De Castro

MANILA, Philippines -- Vice President Noli de Castro on Monday downplayed recent foreign travel advisories, saying ambassadors welcomed such notices because these mean less work for them.

Fire destroys 50 shanties in UPD

Fire destroys 50 shanties, displaces 200 families in Diliman

MANILA, Philippines -- Some 200 families lost their homes in an hour-long fire, which broke out in a residential area on the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City Monday afternoon.

Sweet reward for Chief Justice

Chief Justice gets sweet reward for fighting words

MANILA, Philippines -- Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno won praises for his fighting words in defense of human rights and the sweetest praise came from the Kabataan party-list group, which gave him a mocha cake.

School exec shoots self

PNP training school exec shoots self in Cebu

Instead of shedding light on a homicide case, an administrator of a regional police training facility in Cebu shot himself dead inside his quarters late Monday afternoon.

***Something fishy.

Graft raps versus Binay upheld

Sandiganbayan upholds graft raps vs Elenita Binay

The Sandiganbayan, for the second time, upheld the validity of the graft charges against former Makati City mayor Elenita Binay and four others for the purchase of overpriced furniture and other office fixtures amounting to P 13.25 million.

Now what?

Gonzalez to give away money for straight TU votes – report

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez will give away money to village captains if Team Unity secures a landslide victory in Iloilo City - the DOJ chief's place of origin, radio dzBB reported on Monday.

***Old man, retire already.

12.51 Billion Pesos, 84 laws. Average P148.94 M. Per law.

Congress passed fewer laws on bigger budget

PCIJ: A SINGLE law now costs the Filipino people about P148.94 million. That’s based on the budgetary allocation given to the present Congress, which is P12.51 billion, and the number of laws it has passed so far, which is 84.

***Shit.

Political Gimmick

De Castro: 12-0 target just a ‘gimmick’

MANILA, Philippine -- Even if he is with the administration, as far as Vice Noli de Castro is concerned, the administration’s 12-0 goal for its senatorial slate is a “political gimmick.”

***Don't think he should say that.  His fault.  Who cares?

Woodcarver hunted

Police hunt woodcarver tagged as Campbell killer

Police intensified Sunday a Luzon-wide manhunt for a 25-year-old woodcarver from Ifugao who was tagged as the killer of US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell.

Senatorial bets against CARP extension

3 senatorial bets oppose CARP extension beyond 2008

BACOLOD CITY — Three senatorial candidates from opposing camps are against the extension of the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program —a sensitive political issue here—beyond 2008.

PNR rehab to start September

PNR rail rehabilitation to start September

MANILA, Philippines -- THE PHILIPPINE National Railways (PNR) will start repairing and improving its North and South railways by September, PNR General Manager Jose Ma. Sarasola II said Friday.

***It should've started last January of 1989.  Christ.

Sulfur Dioxide levels still up

Phivolcs: Sulfur dioxide level still up at Bulusan

While the number of volcanic quakes has gone down, sulfur dioxide levels at Bulusan Volcano in Bicol are still above normal.

New York Times: Migrant workers in RP

A Good Provider Is One Who Leaves

Migrant workers from the Philippines send billions back to their country. But the Comodas family’s multigenerational experience with working abroad shows that the human cost is harder to calculate.

Bill Gates and Asian leaders talk of alleviating poverty

Arroyo, other leaders talk of alleviating poverty

In the presence of the world's richest man, Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates, President Goria Macapagal-Arroyo and Asian leaders admitted on Saturday that wiping out poverty throughout Asia and saving the environment from the evils of fast-moving economic engines were the greatest challenges confronting the region.

Lagman: Probe P150-M multimedia package of Dep Ed

Albay solon seeks House probe of DepEd computer project

LEGAZPI CITY-- Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the P150-million multimedia package procurement program of the Department of Education regional office in Bicol warrants a House investigation even though it was aborted.

Bludgeoned to death

Campbell was bludgeoned to death, says PNP crime lab

MANILA, Philippines -- United States Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell was bludgeoned to death, the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory said Saturday.

US solon asks GMA to free Beltran

US solon asks Arroyo to free Anakpawis’ Beltran

MANILA, Philippines -- An American congressman has written President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to appeal for the release of leftist lawmaker Crispin Beltran, who has been detained for more than a year on rebellion charges for his alleged role in a supposed plot to topple the government.

***Why do we have to heed this American meddler?  Free Beltran, but not because of him. 

Honasan is free

Ex-Sen. Honasan leaves Sta. Rosa detention

(Update) Former senator Gregorio Honasan was released early Friday night from his detention in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, GMA News 24 Oras reported.

DOJ chief 'careless' remark too careless

Pinoys score DOJ chief for 'careless' remark on Campbell

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez seems to have a knack for making careless statements. This time his statement that Julia Campbell, the slain American Peace Corps volunteer, was "careless" got the ire of some Filipinos here and abroad, including the party-list of the women's rights group Gabriela.

***This buffoon has to be retired already.  He is getting unruly.  Zoo vets, take charge.  Be gentle on the dinosaur.

Ping to give affidavit on spy case

Michael Ray lawyer to get Ping affidavit on spy case

A US district judge has allowed the lawyer of former police officer Michael Ray Aquino to travel to Manila and get the depositions of opposition senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson and other officials in relation to the espionage case pending in New Jersey, US-based Asian Journal reported on Friday.

Pacquiao endorses Lapid

Pacquiao endorses Lapid Makati mayoral bid

People’s champ Manny Pacquiao endorsed Friday the mayoral bid in Makati of Lito Lapid who will challenge incumbent Mayor Jejomar Binay.

***What the hell is he doing?  You're supposed to campaign for yourself kid.  You are being used by everybody.

Peace Corps volunteers won't be pulled out

No pullout or downgrade of Peace Corps programs in RP

MANILA, Philippines -- Peace Corps volunteers in the country won’t be pulled out in the wake of the suspected homicide of Julia Campbell, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured Friday.

Honasan: Ready to die for the country

Honasan: Ready to die for country

MANILA, Philippines -- "When I say that I am ready to die for my country, I really mean it," said detained former senator Gregorio Honasan in his response to one of the written questions by INQUIRER.net editors and reporters in lieu of their Eleksyon 2007 podcast.

Foreign Lawmakers arrive to probe RP human rights situation

Foreign lawmakers arrive to probe RP rights situation

MANILA, Philippines -- Foreign lawmakers arrived in the Philippines Wednesday to look into the human rights situation in the country, including the perceived persecution of leftist legislators and party-list groups.

Bomb Jokes = Jail. Simple as that.

2 Hong Kong-bound workers nabbed over bomb jokes

MANILA, Philippines -- It's no laughing matter, but it seems kidding about bombs has become the most favorite joke at the airport.

Power supply normalized

Luzon power supply begins to normalize after long brownouts

MANILA, Philippines -- The power situation in the Luzon grid has begun to normalize, following hours-long power outages implemented Wednesday morning due to the tripping of a generation facility in Bataan province, the National Power Corp. has said.

Japanese Researchers prove sex slavery

Japanese Researchers Rebut Premier’s Denials on Sex Slavery

The group’s public rebuttal was a rare protest in a country where the prime minister’s remarks had stirred little outcry.

Happy Birthday, Erap!

Palace wishes Erap good health on 70th birthday

Malacañang on Wednesday wished detained former president Joseph Estrada good health on his 70th birthday Thursday.

***Not my idol.  Just ran out of titles.

What a character

Bin Laden look-alike runs for election (AP)

AP - Philippine elections are largely a battle of name recall, so Agakhan Sharief has chosen a moniker that will surely capture the attention of voters well beyond his backwater southern province — Osama bin Laden.

Tax dodgers should not run

Gonzalez wants ‘tax dodgers’ barred from running

MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has asked Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos to determine if candidates with tax liabilities can be disqualified from running for public office.

SC: Drilon is LP president

(UPDATE) SC: Drilon is LP president

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has ruled that Senator Franklin Drilon is the legitimate president of the Liberal Party.

Rabies in Pampanga

Rabies passed on to 90 others in Pampanga

A 27-year-old man in Pampanga succumbed to rabies over the weekend, but is believed to have passed on the deadly disease to at least 90 other residents.

15 Million live in extreme poverty

1 in 5 Filipinos live in extreme poverty -- World Bank

WASHINGTON -- At least 14.8 million Filipinos survive on less than $1 a day, accounting for 1.5 percent of the people in the world currently trapped in extreme poverty, according to latest World Bank estimates.

Left-wing party-lists seen taking more House seats -- survey

MANILA, Philippines -- The left-wing party-list groups Bayan Muna (People First), Anakpawis (Toiling Masses) and Gabriela are likely to win three seats each, for a total of nine, in the House of Representatives during the May mid-term elections, an independent survey showed.

IBON says...

Oil firms owe public P4.40/liter of fuel

Despite initiating several rollbacks in recent months, oil firms still owe the public some P4.40 per liter of fuel, militant think tank IBON Foundation said on Monday.

JDV accused of vote-buying

De Venecia accused of vote-buying

MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia has allegedly resorted to vote-buying to ensure his victory this May in the province of Pangasinan, his main rival claimed in a statement released by the Genuine Opposition.

FG mass turns into campaign sortie

Mass for FG turns into Arroyo bets' campaign sortie

What started as a Sunday novena mass near the Smokey Mountain in Manila's Tondo district for the quick recovery of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo became a campaign sortie for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's senatorial bets under Team Unity.

***If I was evil, I would think that even the prolonged and dramatic news on FG's operation and health condition is part of the whole campaign propaganda.  Highlighting on suffering and pain.  Just for the vote.  I hate these guys.

Review Party-list Law

Ex-Comelec chief urges review of party-list law

The former chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged for the review of the party-list law, which he said was “bastardized" because the poll body accredited many party-list groups that allegedly do not represent the interest of marginalized groups.

***I don't see why some party-list can even afford to launch paid websites.  If you represent marginalized groups, you should at least "look" marginalized.

Missing in the Philippines

American Volunteer Missing in Philippines

Julia Campbell, an American Peace Corps volunteer, has been missing for nearly a week in a mountainous northern area.

More fires

1 hurt, hundreds homeless in QC Fire

MANILA, Philippines--After two weeks without electricity, a slum area in Quezon City was lit up Friday night by a two-hour fire that devoured some 50 shanties and left one person injured and around 200 families homeless.

2M more for capture of killer

Woman puts up P2M more for capture of sons’ killer

MANILA, Philippines -- The reward for the capture of the scion of a wealthy family wanted for murder has been raised to over P4 million.

600 residents to be evicted

Arroyo stays PNR plan to evict hippodrome folk

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gave 600 residents of Hippodrome area in Manila's Sta Mesa district a reprieve of sorts Saturday as she stayed a plan by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to evict them to make way for a park-and-ride project.

Ready to apologize if proven wrong

Report: AFP ready to apologize for 9-year-old's killing

After insisting the nine-year-old girl killed in an encounter in Compostela Valley last March 31 was a communist "child soldier," the military in the area said it is "ready to apologize" if it is proven wrong.

This is a very undemocratic remark for someone who is running for re-election

P1M offered to each Maguindanao mayor for 12-0 TU sweep

(UPDATE) DATU PAGLAS, Maguindanao -- Re-electionist Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. has offered P1 million to each of the province's 22 mayors if they can produce a 12-0 win for TEAM Unity in the May 14 senatorial elections.

***How can you "produce" 12-0?  By cheating?

50 centavos again.

Oil firms raise fuel prices again

MANILA, Philippines -- Amid rising international oil prices, local oil companies hiked gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices by 50 centavos a liter Saturday.

Draw inspiration from President Roxas - says Senator Roxas

Roxas asks voters to draw inspiration from his granddad

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Manuel Roxas III on Saturday asked voters to draw inspiration from his grandfather and namesake, the late President Roxas, and choose candidates with exemplary leadership and patriotic zeal.

FG out of danger

(UPDATE 2) Mike Arroyo now out of danger

FIRST Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is now out of danger, his main attending physician, Juliet Gopez-Cervantes, declared on Saturday.

***No comment.  I will wait until he is really well.  Har har.

Go ads too hot

TV networks find GO ads too hot to handle -- TEAM Unity

MANILA, Philippines -- The country's broadcast giants have reportedly found the Genuine Opposition's political ads attacking the Arroyo administration too hot handle.

Magnitude-5 quake recorded off GenSan

Magnitude-5 quake recorded off GenSan

A magnitude-5 earthquake was recorded south of General Santos City Friday evening, the United States Geological Service (USGS) reported.

***US?  Poor RP.  We won't know if a freaking tidal wave w' hit us.

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Malacanang dismisses polls saying that Pinoys worse off

Malacanang dismisses polls saying that Pinoys worse off

Malacañang on Friday dismissed the results of a survey which showed that 54 percent of Filipinos believe that their lives are worse off now than in 2004.

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Arroyo to continue with China trip

Arroyo sets 12-hour China trip, then back to First Gentleman

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has set a 12-hour visit to China as she wants to return to husband First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, who has been confined in a local hospital since Monday after undergoing heart surgery, said Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr., chief of presidential protocol.

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Arroyo on First Gentleman: Saved by Lord from mortal danger

Arroyo on First Gentleman: ‘Saved by Lord from mortal danger

(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines -- Saying that her husband has been "saved by the Lord from mortal danger," President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thanked the Filipino people for praying for First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

Blogged with Flock

Human rights activist wounded in ambush, companions abducted

Human rights activist wounded in ambush, companions abducted

ILOILO CITY -- (UPDATE) An officer of a human rights organization was wounded in an ambush while his two companions were abducted by still unidentified men in a town near here Thursday night in what is seen as the first attack on political activists on Panay Island.

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Sonia Roco trapped 45 minutes in elevator at Makati building

Sonia Roco trapped 45 minutes in elevator at Makati building

MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition senatorial bet Sonia Roco does not only have to deal with the pressures of campaigning in the senatorial elections but also the hazards that go with it -- like being trapped in an elevator with 18 other people.

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‘Be vigilant against cheating’--Estrada

‘Be vigilant against cheating’--Estrada

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Former president Joseph Estrada has warned of possible vote snatching by the administration in the May elections to maintain control over Congress.

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Honasan answers questions

Gregorio Honasan, written answers to podcast questions

In lieu of a podcast for Eleksyon 2007, independent senatorial candidate Gregorio Honasan, who is detained while being tried on coup d’etat charges for his alleged role in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, has provided these written answers to questions sent to him:

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Atong seeks leave

Atong Ang seeks medical leave

MANILA, Philippines -- Charlie “Atong” Ang needs to get his heart checked soon, his doctor said Thursday.

Blogged with Flock

3 break out in GenSan jail

3 break out of General Santos jail

MANILA, Philippines -- Three detainees escaped from a jail in General Santos City before dawn Thursday, reports reaching Camp Crame said.

Military Politics

27 ex-soldiers, ex-cops poll bets, biggest batch in 20 years

Newsbreak: At least 27 former soldiers and policemen are running as candidates in the May 14 elections, the biggest batch of uniformed personnel to join electoral politics since 1987. The list includes an ex-Army colonel facing graft charges, five former mutineers, three former chiefs of the national police, a former aide of President Arroyo, and an ex-aide of former President Fidel Ramos.

Vandals deface EDSA banners of shampoo beauties

Vandals deface EDSA banners of shampoo beauties

Who would vandalize the advertising banners of shampoo beauties teeming along EDSA? Competitors? Disgruntled consumers?

***They must've thought that they were posters of Magsaysay.  "Tara lets...Tara Tara lets.... Head and Shoulders   Magsaysay, your guy sa senado."  God, I hate that ad.

Flash floods leave commuters stranded in Metro

Rains snarl traffic, leave commuters stranded

An evening downpour snarled traffic then stranded several commuters in Manila as flash floods hit several major thoroughfares of the city Wednesday.

***What the....?  Still happening in Metro?  How odd.  Especially a downpour that will cause flash floods.  And please!  It's friggin hot here in Laguna!  It has not rained in our place for centuries.  God Almighty!

MILF won't join May elections

MILF won't join May elections

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday reiterated its "standing policy" not to allow its leaders to participate in Philippine elections, the rebel group's Web site luwaran.com reported.

Pandacan oil depot safe from terror attacks

Pandacan oil depot safe from terror attacks -- oil firms

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- The country's three major oil industry players -- Shell, Petron and Chevron (formerly Caltex) -- allay fears that the Pandacan oil depot in Manila is a "ticking time bomb" vulnerable to a terrorist attack or any accident that would endanger the community around the facility.

Manotoc says sorry

Borgy Manotoc says sorry, but court battle looms

MANILA, Philippines -- A battle of two socially prominent mothers?

***Prosecute the bastard.  Really.

20 Emerging Markets To Watch

20 Emerging Markets To Watch

Some are more developed and stable than others, but all offer startups real potential five or ten years down the road.

***Asia's Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong are listed.  Even Samoa, Namibia.  Philippines?  Not yet emerging?  How pitiful.

Over 200 US replacement troops to arrive in Zamboanga

Over 200 US replacement troops to arrive in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A top US official announced the arrival of more than 200 American troops in the next few weeks even as some sectors question the continued presence of American soldiers in this southern city.

***Policeman of the world, indeed.  Unwanted, though they are.

SK gives trucks to military

South Korea gives trucks to military

MANILA, Philippines -- South Korea on Wednesday turned over 134 trucks and bulldozers to the poorly equipped Philippine military, highlighting close defense ties between the two countries.

Military Court Accepts 54 Officers' Plea Bargain

Military court accepts 54 officers’ plea bargain

MANILA, Philippines -- (3RD UPDATE) A military court trying junior officers involved in a failed 2003 mutiny accepted on Wednesday a plea bargain offer from 54 of the accused and then paved the way for their early release by cutting their seven years and six-month sentences by almost half.

DPWH execs leave posts

Suspended DPWH execs leave posts over lampposts scam

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- The Central Visayas regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the agency’s eight other officials vacated their posts Wednesday after being slapped with a suspension order over their alleged participation in Cebu’s lampposts scam.

Anakpawis on YouTube

Activist party-list group campaigns via YouTube

Hoping to take advantage of the influence and reach of cyberspace to the Filipino electorate, left-leaning party-list group Anakpawis posted their campaign message on popular video sharing website YouTube.com.

***Wrong move boys.  Anakpawis.  YouTube.  In the Philippines, right now, there is a great abyss that divides the two.  Come on. 

Pulse Asia Survey - Pinoys distrust GMA, FVR, Oreta the most

Pinoys distrust Mrs Arroyo, FVR, Oreta - Pulse Asia survey

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former President Fidel Ramos and administration senatorial candidate Tessie Aquino-Oreta recorded the highest levels of distrust in a Pulse Asia survey released Wednesday.

Red tide alert in Luzon, Mindanao

BFAR ups red tide alert in Luzon, Mindanao

Raising the warning on red tide in those areas, authorities warned residents Wednesday against gathering shellfish in at least four areas in Pangasinan, Bicol and Mindanao.

Junior Officers offer plea bargain

54 junior officers in foiled mutiny offer plea bargain

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Fifty-four junior officers facing court martial for a failed mutiny in July 2003 offered a plea bargain during a hearing on Wednesday.

Palace unconcerned on latest survey

Palace unconcerned on latest survey against TEAM Unity bets

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang has dismissed anew the latest survey, which showed administration candidates lagging behind the opposition, saying it is more concerned with the economy and in ensuring clean elections.

***Where are the marines?  Tell it to them.

Masbate rivals sign peace pact

Masbate’s political rivals sign peace pact

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- A peace covenant initiated by the Catholic Church was signed Tuesday afternoon by local politicians on Masbate island, a province in Bicol known as a hotbed of violence during elections.

Team Unity launches website

TEAM Unity launches website to reach out to more voters

MANILA, Philippines -- The TEAM Unity senatorial ticket is going cyberspace by launching its website aimed at reaching out to more voters as pro-administration candidates enter the homestretch of the campaign period for the May 14 elections.

75 Peso Wage Hike

Labor group eyes P75 wage hike two weeks before May polls

MANILA, Philippines -- The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines will ask regional wage boards to increase the minimum daily wage by P75, in time for Labor Day (May 1) or two weeks before the May elections, the labor group’s officials have announced.

34 Days to go: Welcome foreign observers

Hotspots for foreign observers

On Tuesday, with 34 days left before the May 14 elections, Press Secretary Igancio Bunye said Malacañang welcomes foreign observers to monitor the exercise. These observers would probably find it interesting the election hotspots, where some people just couldn't hide their violent tempers.

Case against 26 in DPWH

Court won’t let go of case against 26 in DPWH scam

MANILA, Philippines -- The Sandiganbayan 4th Division will not let go that easily of the graft case against 20 former Department of Public Works and Highways officials and six private citizens implicated in the P139-million alleged vehicle repair scam of 2002.

Labor Chief Nominated to SC post

DOLE chief nominated to SC post

Labor chief Arturo Brion has been nominated to take the post of Supreme Court Associate Justice Romeo Callejo when the latter retires on April 28.

Grave Misconduct, Frozen Assets

SC freezes account of errant ex-judge

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme ordered the account of a retired trial court judge, who had been found guilty of grave misconduct, frozen.

Pulse Asia: 8-5-2 for GO

Latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey: 8-5-2 for GO

MANILA, Philippines -- The Genuine Opposition continues to dominate opinion polls, with the latest Pulse Asia Survey showing eight of its senatorial candidates among the 15 bets with a statistical chance of winning if the elections are held today.

Taiwan OFWs go for GO

Taiwan OFWs go 7-3-2 for GO

MANILA, Philippines -- Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan showed a strong preference for the Genuine Opposition, placing seven of its candidates in the “Magic 12” during mock elections organized by the group Migrante.

Coup Plotters Offered Freedom If...

Coup plotter offered freedom to turn state witness

TANAY, Rizal, Philippines -- Military Chief General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. has offered to release an Army Scout Ranger detained over his alleged involvement in the failed February 2006 uprising if he would testify against his accomplices, a brother of the officer has claimed.

RP, Malaysis Start Naval Drills

Philippines, Malaysia start naval drills

MANILA, Philippines -- Malaysia and the Philippines began joint annual naval drills Tuesday that will include live-fire exercises in waters considered a key conduit for al-Qaeda-linked militants, human traffickers and arms smugglers, officials said.

Of all the days... Why now?

Switch problem strands LRT passengers

An equipment upgrade on the aging Light Rail Transit (LRT) backfired as employees returning to work after an extended Holy Week break were stranded Tuesday during rush hour.

FG stable and resting

FG operation over; Arroyo 'resting' in recovery room

Doctors at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City on Tuesday said First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was in stable condition.

Blackout in Bukidnon

Blackout hits 6 Bukidnon towns

A burned power tower triggered a six-hour blackout that plunged six towns in Bukidnon province into darkness Monday, Sun-Star Cagayan de Oro (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Tuesday.

2 dead, 1 hut in Metro fires

2 dead, 1 hurt in Metro fires

At least two children were confirmed killed while more than 400 shanties were destroyed in a fire that hit the fish port in Navotas town before dawn Tuesday.

Bus terminals crowded

Bus terminals crowded as workers return to Metro

Traffic near bus terminals in several areas of Metro Manila was snarled even before dawn Tuesday, as workers ended their five-day "extended" Holy Week vacation and returned to work.

TV engineers survive as vehicle falls off Baguio road

9 TV engineers survive as vehicle falls off Baguio road

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -- A television engineer was hurt when the vehicle carrying him and eight other colleagues who man three relay stations of three TV networks, fell off the road that leads down from Mt. Sto. Tomas, Baguio City at 5 p.m. on Monday.

Labor department warns vs bogus London jobs

Labor department warns OFWs vs bogus London jobs

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s a scam. The high-paying jobs being offered to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by a London hotel were found to be spurious, said the Department of Labor and Employment on Monday.

Team Unity barred from using Kagitingan rites to campaign

TEAM Unity bets barred from campaigning at Kagitingan rites

PILAR, Bataan, Philippines -- Administration senatorial candidates were barred on Monday from attending the 65th Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites here by the Commission on Elections.

Days to probe chopper crash

Probe into Laguna chopper crash to take days -- ATO

MANILA, Philippines -- It may take around days up to two weeks to determine what caused a chartered chopper to crash right on top of a house in a Laguna subdivision as air crash investigators would have to rummage through the wreck for clues, Air Transportation Office (ATO) chief Nilo Jatico said on Monday.

***Pay up.  You destroyed property.  Where the hell would they sleep?

Presidential presence in Bataan rite

Fast facts on presidential presence in ‘Fall of Bataan’ rite

MANILA, Philipines -- Former presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada never missed attending the commemoration of the Fall of Bataan on April 9, except for that one time when Ramos re-scheduled the celebration to April 13 in 1998 because of a presidential trip to the United States.

FG undergoes high-risk surgery

FG is now under 'high-risk' surgery for heart aneurysm

(Update 3) First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo is undergoing what doctors at the St. Luke's Medical Center described as a "very high-risk surgery" due to heart aneurysm.

Indian Nationals detained for overstaying

3 Indian nationals detained in Zamboanga City - report

At least three Indian nationals have been detained in Zamboanga City for allegedly overstaying in the Philippines, The Mindanao Examiner newspaper reported, Monday night.

***The more they have overstayed, didn't they?

Climber's body retrieved

Climber’s body retrieved from Mt. Apo’s ‘enchanted’ lake

Scuba divers retrieved on Sunday, the body of a mountain climber who drowned in a lake below the peak of the majestic Mt. Apo in Davao City, GMA's 24 Oras reported on Monday.

46,003 candidates for electoral posts in May

46,003 candidates sign up for local, Congress posts in May

There are 46,003 candidates for the May 14 elections, or fewer than the 68,000 bets in the 2004 polls, election commissioner Resurreccion Borra said Monday.

Admin respects Shaddai decision on bets

Admin respects Shaddai’s decision to pick few TU bets

The administration would simply respect and accept the choices the of El Shaddai and its leader Brother Mike Velarde to endorse just a handful of the Team Unity candidates.

Lenten messages on radio

Report: Poll ban violations noted in Mindanao

By airing "Lenten messages" on radio last week, some candidates in Mindanao may have circumvented the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s Holy Week ban on campaigning.

Cebu archbishop will not cast vote.

Cebu archbishop not casting vote on election day

Saying he has a prior commitment in his home province, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal will not be casting his vote on Election Day, May 14.

***Bad example.

Government losing P13.2B

Study: Govt loses P13.2B/yr to smuggling of 'sin products'

A recent study by the Philippine government has showed that the country loses at least P13.2 billion in potential revenues every year to technical smuggling of products like tobacco and alcohol.

Hail PNP! Metro crime rate down by 20%

Metro crime rate down in Holy Week – PNP

Metro Manila's crime rate during the Holy Week dropped by 20 percent compared against the same period last year, statistics from the Philippine National Police showed Monday.

***Good job, PNP!

Infighting in Sulu rampage?

Infighting possibly triggered Sulu rampage, AFP says

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has not ruled out squabbling amongst its troops in Sulu as the cause for the Black Saturday shooting rampage that killed nine soldiers and a civilian.

HK mock elections: 10-1-1

Legarda, Villar top Hong Kong mock election

It’s 10-1-1 in favor of Genuine Opposition senatorial candidates in an Easter Sunday mock election among overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

She had to underline this for the Press

Arroyo skips Bataan event to be with sick First Gentleman

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will skip a speaking engagement in Bataan Monday morning to be with First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, who is confined at the St. Louis Hospital in Baguio City.

***She wants more time with him.  She does not live with him.  He he.

Search is on

Search on for 20 missing in ship collision in East China Sea

SHANGHAI, China -- Rescuers searched Monday for 20 crew members left missing when a Chinese ship and a foreign cargo vessel collided off the east China coast, officials said.

Trillanes will post bail next week

Alleged mutiny leader mulls posting bail

MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition senatorial candidate Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, who is in jail for allegedly leading a failed mutiny in 2003, is considering posting bail next week, his lawyer told INQUIRER.net.

Probe deepens on Sulu rampage

Probe deepens on Sulu rampage; troops recalled

MANILA, Philippines -- An alleged altercation could have sparked the shooting rampage at an Army patrol base in Sulu last week, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Monday, as he ordered an investigation into the incident.

Release of P10 Billion funds for Vet Pensions

Arroyo orders release of funds for veterans’ pensions

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo promised war veterans updated pension payments by next year and ordered the release of close to P10 billion for this purpose.

***Just before the elections.  Nice timing.

Fewer bets = peaceful polls

‘Fewer local bets in May mean more peaceful polls’ -- Borra

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) There are fewer candidates running for local positions this year, a Commission on Elections (Comelec) official said Monday.

***Borra, this is better, why fewer bets?  Because they've been killed already, stupid.

Singson hurt on accident

TEAM Unity bet hurt as chopper lands in Mountain Province

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) A senatorial candidate of TEAM Unity was hurt when the helicopter he was riding in crash landed at the Mountain province Monday, a police official said.

Clash for water

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Prison Chied Sacked

Davao prison chief sacked over communist rebels’ raid

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- The chief of the Davao penal colony, stormed at dawn Sunday by at least 20 suspected communist guerillas, has been relieved from his post to face criminal and administrative charges.

***What is more to do?

Areas of Immediate Concerns

Comelec weighing 'areas of immediate concerns'

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has instructed its election officers nationwide to “verify and consolidate” all election-related deaths and violence to help the poll body determine “areas of immediate concern,” a poll official said Monday.

Negros fire eats church. Reason: No fire truck

Fire destroys church in Negros town without fire truck

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines -- A one-hour fire razed the 50-year-old St. John the Baptist Parish Church at MH del Pilar Street in Ilog town, 103.7 kilometers south of here, Monday dawn.

Troubled provinces will be under Comelec control

Police to recommend Comelec control over troubled provinces

MANILA -- Some of the provinces or municipalities earlier identified by the Philippine National Police as election areas of concern may end up being placed under the control of the Commission on Elections.

Isabela clash

3 soldiers killed in Isabela clash with NPA rebels

ILAGAN, Isabela -- Three soldiers were killed while three others were wounded after their group clashed with suspected communist rebels in San Mariano town on Sunday, police said.

SC asked to rule on legality of 12 converted cities

SC asked to rule on legality of 12 converted cities

The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has filed before the Supreme Court a petition questioning the conversion of 12 municipalities into cities despite their lack of qualification.

Govt redefines veteran to limit claimants

Gov’t redefines ‘veteran’ to limit claimants

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved the redefining of the word “veteran" to streamline the roster of veterans claiming pensions and other benefits and eventually save the government billions of pesos, Malacañang said Sunday.

***Yeah.  Do that to the vets.  Don't streamline your corrupt officials.  What a government.

Law vs Civil Service Cheats

Arroyo inks law vs civil service cheats

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has signed into law the bill against those who engage in cheating in civil service examinations.

***So many laws.  So much corruption.

Bicol disaster units alerted

Bicol disaster units alerted for Bulusan

JUBAN, Sorsogon - Local disaster officials in Sorsogon and in neighboring town of Irosin placed on alert their respective disaster councils following another ash explosion from Mount Bulusan early morning Sunday.

38 convicts get executive clemency

38 convicts get executive clemency on Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has granted executive clemency to 38 convicts, three of them women, during the Holy Week, radio station dzBB reported on Sunday.

***Now she does another Pilate move.  If we can't punish them, just let them all go.  We are spending millions for these prisoners.  We spent a lot just for death penalty and now we have scrapped it.  What a bunch of hypocrites.  Stupid hypocrites.

Rebels assault Davao prison

NPA rebels assault Davao prison, seize over 100 weapons

DAVAO CITY -- (2ND UPDATE) Around 40 suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels, posing as soldiers, raided the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte at 1:30 a.m. Sunday and carted away over a hundred rifles, shotguns and pistols.

24 villages in three towns blanketed with ash

(UPDATE) Bulusan comes to life on Easter morning

JUBAN, Sorsogon -- At least 24 barangay [villages] in three towns were blanketed with ash after Bulusan Volcano exploded early Easter Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

Easter tragedy

Boy drowns during Easter outing

MANILA, Philippines -- A family outing turned to tragedy on the morning of Easter Sunday when an eight-year-old boy was found dead in a swimming pool in Marikina City, police said.

9 Soldiers, Civilian Killed

Philippines: 9 Soldiers, Civilian Killed

Nine soldiers and a civilian were killed in a clash in a small army camp on a southern Philippine island, the military said Sunday.

CPP - Girl was not an NPA member

CPP denies girl killed in clash was NPA member

Even as it condemned the incident, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) vowed "revolutionary justice" Saturday for the killing of a nine-year-old girl whom the military killed in a firefight in Compostela Valley last March 31.

Election Violence again

Kalinga gubernatorial bet shot dead while campaigning

BAGUIO CITY -- Kalinga Vice Governor Rommel Diasen, who was running for governor in the May 14 elections, was shot dead while delivering a speech at the barangay (village) hall of Magnao in the capital town of Tabuk on Saturday afternoon.

Aeta join OFW exodus

Aeta join OFW exodus

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Three Aeta men have left for Saudi Arabia as welders -- the first overseas workers in their tribe to be trained and sent abroad by the state-owned Clark Development Corp.

Bishop tells Clergy: Hands Off

Bishop tells Pampanga clergy: Don’t campaign for bets

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto steered the local clergy away from partisan politics as one of his priests heeded calls of the laity to run for governor and some priests were said to be rooting for other gubernatorial candidates.

***Bravo, Bishop.  Wish you could say that to all the clerics.  And pastors, for that matter.  Start with Catholic ones, like Mike.  Oh, is he still Catholic?

Pichay breaks rule?

Pichay breaks Holy Week ‘no campaign’ rule

BAGUIO CITY -- Members of Team Unity, who joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Cabinet retreat here, said they tried real hard to follow a circular that stopped them from campaigning on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

***Bah, if he can't follow a simple rule like that, we better send him back to school.  The kids will fare better.  Pichay, itanim sa kangkungan.

What a Character

Bro. Mike to back 18 bets

MANILA, Philippines -- El Shaddai leader Bro. Mariano "Mike" Velarde has a preliminary list of candidates configured 7-7-4.

***Mike, you should only list 12.  Your members might think that they are voting for 18.  Ha ha.

Comelec: Beware of Fake Release Orders

Comelec warns jail wardens vs fake release orders

Wary of politicians’ tricks with the elections just a month away, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered jail wardens to verify court orders for the release of inmates.

Taxpayers will shoulder Marcos debt until 2025

Taxpayers to shoulder Marcos debt until 2025 - Ibon

More than 20 years have passed since the late president Ferdinand Marcos was ousted, but governments after him continue to honor questionable debts his regime incurred. Militant think tank Ibon Foundation said Marcos’ debts will continue to haunt Filipino taxpayers until 2025.

Mandaluyong fire leaves 1,200 families homeless

Mandaluyong fire leaves 1,200 families homeless, 2 hurt

MANILA, Philippines -- More than a thousand families were left homeless in the wake of a six-hour fire that struck in Mandaluyong City early Saturday.

TU: Majority of the electorate will eventually vote for those who work for the economy...

: TU pooh-poohs surveys but...

The Team Unity on Friday pooh-poohed recent poll surveys that showed the administration candidates lagging behind the Genuine Opposition bets in the top 12 rankings, saying majority of the electorate will eventually vote for those who work for the economy.

Election violence

Masbate mayoralty bet’s supporters slain in ambush

SORSOGON CITY, Philippines -- Maundy Thursday turned bloody in Masbate province when supporters of a mayoralty candidate in the town of Batuhan were ambushed, leaving two dead and another wounded, police said.

No plate, no travel policy versus poll violence

'No plate, no travel' policy vs poll violence

In a bid to prevent poll-related violence leading to the May 14 elections, police in Western Visayas have started implementing an "intensified" no-plate, no-travel policy in the region.

***I don't know why we should "intensify" the implementation of a law that has long been promulgated. The law has to be implemented. No more, no less. It's either a yes or a no. Nothing in between.

Tacitus was right. Corruptissima republica plurimae leges. "When the republic is at its most corrupt the laws are most numerous". Not only are they most numerous, they are also most taken for granted.

PAF to get 26 trainer jets and 11 Hueys

PAF to get 26 trainer jets, 11 Hueys

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set beef up its aircraft inventory this year with 26 trainer jets and 11 UH-1H, or Huey, helicopters, its commander, Lieutenant General Horacio Tolentino, said.

***Oldies coming from you-know-where.

GO identifies poll cheating hotspots

GO claims to identify poll cheating ‘hotspots’

MANILA, Philippines -- The Genuine Opposition (GO) has claimed to have identified possible “hotspots” where cheating may occur in the May elections.

***These are the spots where they are weak.  Lol.

Bishop gives Arroyo the dilemma

Bishop asks: Killings continue, is Arroyo in control?

Amid the relentless murders of activists, has the commander-in-chief effectively lost control over her police and military forces? Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said President Arroyo must reflect on this question as the killings of activists go on despite Malacañang’s ceremonious denouncements.

***Good question, bishop.  Either the government (military) is doing the killing, or the government is not in control. 

IBON dares government

IBON dares gov't: Plug holes in tax collection

Instead of blaming tax cheats for its debt burden and loss of revenue, the government should start plugging up the holes in its revenue collection system starting with big corporations.

Complaints on official receipts swamp BIR

Complaints on official receipts swamp BIR

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) receives at least 70,000 complaints weekly against entities that refuse or fail to issue official receipts.

996 bets running in Pangasinan

: A thousand bets running in Pangasinan

DAGUPAN CITY – As many as 996 candidates are gunning for various elective public offices in Pangasinan, the SunStar-Dagupan reported Thursday.

UK mayor donates 2000computers to 33 schools in RP

UK mayor donates 2,000 computers to 33 schools in RP

MANILA, Philippines -- A United Kingdom mayor has donated 2,000 computers to 33 schools for the underprivileged children in the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

'Judge' bares mass grave

Ex-communist ‘judge’ bares Zamboanga del Sur mass grave

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- Bothered by conscience and sleepless nights for 25 years, sixty-six-year-old Jose Eulalio decided to come out in the open to locate the mass grave of alleged victims of a communist purge in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Arroyo, Cabinet members listen to God's message

Arroyo, Cabinet members listen to God’s message

MANILA, Philippines -- On a respite from the campaign and from the political issues, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, members of her Cabinet, and several administration candidates took time to reflect and listen to God's message at an annual retreat in Baguio City.

***And the message is, "Resign, GMA, resign!"

Koreans top visitors to RP

Koreans remain top visitors to RP

MANILA, Philippines -- Koreans have remained the top visitors to the Philippines, making up 23.1 percent or 120,312 of the 520,256 tourists that flew in during the first two months of the year, the Department of Tourism said.

Bush Contradiction

Bush acknowledges Americans weary of Iraq war (Reuters)

Reuters - President George W. Bush admitted on Wednesday that Americans are weary of the Iraq war and defended his decision to send more troops to Iraq before a number of soldiers about to deploy there.

***I don't understand why they voted for this guy.

White House denounces top US lawmaker's Syria trip

White House denounces top US lawmaker's Syria trip

FORT IRWIN, California -- The White House on Wednesday sharply condemned US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria, saying the road to Damascus was "lined with the victims" of Syrian-backed extremists.

Airport rules on liquid

Filipinos traveling HK reminded of airport rules on liquids

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino visitors returning from Hong Kong are reminded of new security rules at the Hong Kong International Airport, restricting the amount and kind of liquids one may bring out of the former crown colony.

Accused Woman Posed as Teen Boy

Police: Accused Woman Posed As Teen Boy

She met him at the mall, the older teen orphaned by the terrible deaths of his parents. They talked on the phone and went on a date, and soon her family let him move in. Now a year later, the family has received stunning news from police: Mark, the 14-year-old's boyfriend, isn't an orphan, or even a boy at all. He is a 30-year-old woman. And that 30-year-old woman beat and sexually molested the young, trusting girl, according to court papers filed this week.

12-0? Survey thinks not.

: GO wallops TU anew in survey

The 12-0 sweep predicted by candidates of Team Unity appeared a long shot if the latest survey result of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) will be used as basis.

Bulacan Confusion: Lakas versus Kampi

Pagdanganan is Lakas gov bet in Bulacan - Ermita

A senior Malacañang official said Wednesday former Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC) president Roberto Pagdanganan is Lakas-CMD's official candidate for Bulacan governor.

Iran frees detained Britons

Iran frees detained British sailors

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran on Wednesday freed the 15 detained British sailors and marines in what President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called an Easter gift to the British people. Prime Minister Tony Blair said he bore "no ill will" toward the Iranian people.

Iraq loses $8 billion through corruption

Iraq loses $8 billion through corruption (AP)

AP - Iraq's top corruption fighter said Wednesday that $8 billion in government money was wasted or stolen over the past three years and claimed he was threatened with death after opening an investigation into scores of Oil Ministry employees.

Mayor chases rival's wife over poster

Mayor chases rival's wife over sign (AP)

AP - Mayor Tom Clauder was so upset when he saw a woman pull one of his campaign signs out of the ground near City Hall on election day, that he chased the woman's car in his pickup truck. When he called police about the matter, he learned the woman was his opponent's wife.

Bush bypasses Senate

Bush bypasses Senate to name ambassador (AP)

AP - President Bush named Republican fundraiser Sam Fox as U.S. ambassador to Belgium on Wednesday, using a maneuver that allowed him to bypass Congress where Democrats had derailed Fox's nomination.

OFWs may not be allowed to vote

OFWs in country may not be allowed to vote -- Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections said Wednesday about a fifth of the half-million registered overseas absentee voters may not be able to cast their ballots in the coming May elections, either because they may have returned to the country or moved to other places of work.

Arroyo party to get only 4 to 5 seats.

Survey: Arroyo party to only get 4 to 5 Senate seats in polls

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s prediction of total victory for the senatorial bets of Team Unity (TU) will not come true, if the latest survey result of the Social Weather Stations will be used as basis.

Happy Birthday, GMA

Opposition gift to Arroyo: Poor man’s instant noodle

Opposition stalwarts know that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is getting older Thursday, and it will be a fitting occasion for them to remind her she is not growing up--governance-wise, that is.

***She does not eat that.  She is the reincarnation of Marie Antoinette.

12-0 only a battle cry

Palace: TU 12-0 claim only a battle cry

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Wednesday the administration party’s political machinery cannot guarantee the victory of its candidates as he clarified that the 12-0 victory claim by Team Unity is only a “battle cry."

***Ha ha ha.  What the... Ha ha... 

Bar's 8th ranked eyes political career

Bar’s 8th ranked Cebuano eyes political career

CEBU CITY, Philippines -- One of the two Cebuanos who landed on the Top 10 list of successful examinees in the 2006 bar exams plans to go into politics in the future.

***At least we are sure he knows the law.  This should be a requirement, darn it.

Malaysia blasts RP for illegal migrants

Malaysian state blasts Philippines on illegal migrants

KUALA LUMPUR -- A Malaysian state has accused the Philippines of hampering efforts to deport thousands of illegal Filipinos as local residents Wednesday said their presence led to crime.

Elderly activist leader abducted in Cavite

Elderly activist leader abducted in Cavite

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna -- An elderly woman who headed an association of informal settlers was abducted by four unidentified armed men believed to be military agents in a slum area in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Tuesday, a church-based group said Wednesday.

Tax Evasion vs CAP

DOJ orders filing of tax evasion cases vs CAP

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of tax evasion and estafa charges against College Assurance Plan Inc. and Comprehensive Annuity Plans and Pension Corporation as well as its officials before the Court of Tax Appeals.

Arroyo calls for sacrifice

Arroyo calls for sacrifice this Lenten season

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called on all Filipinos to sacrifice this Lenten season so that the nation could be saved from deeper poverty and disunity.

***Arroyo does not understand poverty.  She asks for more sacrifice from a nation that has not not felt decency of living for centuries.  When was the last wage hike again?

Legarda partially drops election protest versus De Castro

Legarda partially drops election protest vs De Castro

MANILA, Philippines -- Former senator Loren Legarda has withdrawn “most” of her protest against the election victory of Vice President Noli de Castro in 2004 from the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).

***The verb "drops" is for reason's sake.  She's running for senator and she's protesting for an election result that has been long accepted.

The adverb "partially" is for her politicking.  She wants the people not to completely drop the memory that she was (allegedly) "cheated" in the vice presidential election.  Filipinos love underdogs.  Heck, Filipinos love losers.  Sometimes they do.  Look at the representatives they are voting.