Shabu lab raided

‘Shabu’ lab in Bulacan town raided

BALIUAG, Bulacan -- Chemicals and raw materials for “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth at least P1 billion were seized in a raid on a warehouse in Barangay (village) San Jose here at 9 a.m. Thursday, police said.

I won! I won! I....arrrgh!

Mayor-elect dies of cardiac arrest in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines -- Running unopposed during the May 14 elections, Mayor-elect Jaime Quibel of Antuequera town died Wednesday of cardiac arrest, a month before he could assume his post as municipal chief executive.

P4-B Philhealth scam

P4-B Philhealth scam bared

MANILA, Philippines -- Some doctors and hospitals have defrauded the government’s Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) by P4 billion in unnecessary or overpriced medical procedures since 1995, an official has disclosed to the Senate.

***It's a pity for such a good agency.  In all my years of dealing with the government, I was pleased for the first time when I went to Philhealth in Taft.  There were a lot of people, but my transaction was over in less than thirty minutes.  And it did not cost me anything.  Well, of course, there is still the problem of unsmiling staff but you can't win 'em all.

Everybody can be assasinated

(UPDATE 3) Police chief shot dead outside home in Laguna

STA. ROSA CITY, Philippines -- Four armed men gunned down the chief of police of Cabuyao, Laguna in front of his house inside a subdivision here at about 7 a.m., Tuesday, police said.

Negligence

Drugstore ordered to pay customer who was given wrong pill

MANILA, Philippines--A drugstore that mistakenly gave a customer sleeping pills instead of an anti-diabetic drug has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay damages after the error led to a traffic accident.

RP-Australia finalize defense pact

RP-Australia finalize defense pact, ‘ready for signing’

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines and Australia have finalized their first ever defense cooperation agreement, that will pave the way for joint training between the two countries' military forces.

15 insurance firms for suspension

15 insurance firms up for suspension

THE LICENSES of 15 insurance companies may be suspended following their failure to meet the P100-million capitalization requirement for 2006, the Insurance Commission said.

Pacquiao on poll defeat: My men deserted me

Pacquiao on poll defeat: �My men deserted me�

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has blamed his campaigners for his defeat in the South Cotabato�s first district congressional race against Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio.

Arroyo off to NZ, Australia for mining, climate change deals

Arroyo off to NZ, Australia for mining, climate change deals

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo left Sunday afternoon for New Zealand and Australia to lure businessmen there to invest in the country�s mining sector, radio dzBB reported.

Kidnap!

Mark Jimenez now cries kidnap

MANILA, Philippines -- Now it’s the camp of Mark Jimenez who is crying “kidnap.”

NBI rescues Mark Jimenez wife

NBI raids Parañaque drug rehab to "rescue" Mark Jimenez's wife

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation on Friday night raided a rehabilitation center in Parañaque in a bid to "rescue" the estranged wife of former Manila congressman Mark Jimenez.

Not yet paid

Many teachers haven't been paid yet for poll duty

MANILA, Philippines -- Nearly two weeks after the midterm elections, where they were cited by the Department of Education (DepEd) for their "excellent performance," many public school teachers nationwide have yet to receive their P3,300 poll duty allowance.

Man nabbed for fake research project

Man nabbed for fake research project scam

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday warned women about engaging in business opportunities with men they have only met through the Internet.

12 party-list groups assured of 19 seats

Namfrel tally: 12 party-list groups assured of 19 seats

At least 12 party-list organizations led by Buhay Hayaang Yumabong (Buhay) and the militant Bayan Muna are assured of obtaining seats at the House of Representatives for the incoming 14th regular session.

Metro mayors to ask for Estrada's release

Metro mayors to ask for Estrada's release

A PETITION seeking the immediate release of detained President Joseph "Erap" Estrada is now being prepared, according to reelected Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco.

84% of voters not influenced by SWS and surveys, says SWS

84% of voters are not influenced by surveys--SWS

ONLY 16 out of every 100 Filipino voters said election survey news affect the way they vote, according to a pre-election survey by the Social Weather Stations.

Election Fraud? NO!

Newsvine - Get Smarter Here

Elite members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force watch as a girl holds a "No To Election Fraud" placard during a protest outside a convention center in Manila, Philippines Monday, May 21, 2007 where the Commission on Election is...

Complete Story...

Abante will block gay bill

Homophobic solon vows to block gay rights bill in Congress

MANILA, Philippines -- Reelected Manila Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante said on Tuesday he would “always block” the gay rights bill whether or not he regains the chairmanship of the civil, political and human rights committee in the House of Representatives.

Now Mark turns on his own children

Mark Jimenez sues own children for selling Telecom firm

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Manila Representative Mark Jimenez has filed criminal complaints against three of his children and a son-in-law for their alleged unauthorized sale in 2004 of Meridian Telekoms Inc., which Jimenez owns, to Smart Communications Inc.

Japanese investors want RP-Japan trade pact ratified

Japanese investors want RP-Japan trade pact ratified

MANILA, Philippines -- Senate’s ratification of Manila’s trade pact with Tokyo will be a crucial factor for Japanese investors to do business in the Philippines, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila said Monday.

Bulusan causes raised alert

Phivolcs raises alert at rumbling Bulusan volcano

MANILA, Philippines -- State volcanologists raised the alert level to 2 at the volatile Bulusan volcano effective noon Sunday, warning about the “possibility of an explosive eruption.”

Double-digit drop for Excise tax collection

BIR's excise tax collection suffers double-digit drop

MANILA, Philippines -- THE BUREAU of Internal Revenue's excise tax collection suffered a double-digit drop in the first quarter from a year ago.

Final - Custodio KOs Pacquiao

Pacquiao concedes as Custodio scores KO

MANILA, Philippines -- Manny Pacquiao has conceded to incumbent General Santos Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who is set to be proclaimed by the Commission on Elections a few hours from now.

Coconut pest infestation

Alarm raised over coconut pest infestation

MANILA, Philippines -- ABOUT 70,000 trees or 700 hectares of coconut plantation have already been infested with the coconut hispine beetle, which threatens to wipe out the country's $760-million industry in three years' time.

Farm sector still underfunded

Bank loans to farm sector remain marginal

MANILA, Philippines -- THE AGRICULTURE sector continues to receive a paltry amount of financing from the banking sector.

SunPower Philippines in Sta. Rosa City

Filipino youth shine with sun power

MANILA, Philippines—SunPower Philippines Manufacturing Ltd. in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, has a workforce of 1,600 Filipino engineers aged from 23 to 25. There are only three expatriates occupying the top management.

Voter turnout only 50%

Namfrel: ‘Voter turnout only 50%’

MANILA, Philippines -- Citing its own records, the National Movement for Free Election (Namfrel) said Saturday that voter turnout during the May 14 mid-term elections was only around 50 percent, way below the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) 60 to 70 percent announcement.

***Something fishy about the 10-20% differential

Filipino voters highly trust Teachers - SWS

Teachers enjoy ‘high trust’ of Filipino voters -- SWS

MANILA, Philippines -- As they trooped to the polls last Monday, more than two of every three Filipino voters "had much trust" for teacher-poll workers, according to pre-election surveys by the Social Weather Stations.

Namfrel tally - Legarda still at one

Villar now 4th in Namfrel count; Legarda still leads

MANILA, Philippines -- Senate President and Genuine Opposition candidate Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr. has climbed his way to fourth place in the 5:34 p.m. tally of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel).

Hacker-proof

‘Our computers are hacker-proof’ -- Namfrel

MANILA, Philippines -- The National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) assured the public on Saturday that its computer system is impenetrable to hackers, following reports that an attempt had been made Thursday night to break into the poll watchdog’s system.

Reality check for Raul Gonzalez

Comelec: GO leads in Iloilo City, dominates Oriental Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the lure of a P10,000 cash reward made by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez to barangay (village) chiefs who will deliver a 12-0 sweep for the administration's TEAM Unity, the Genuine Opposition (GO) has managed to stay ahead in Iloilo City.

Another priest fails to do a Panlilio in Zamboanga

Priest fails to do a Panlilio in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- Unlike Pampanga Governor-elect Eddie Panlilio, a Roman Catholic priest here has to pray hard for a miracle.

***What is happening to the clergy?  Next thing we will hear, a bishop runs for mayor

Pampanga priest's victory a big shame for lay people - Bishop Cruz

Pampanga priest’s victory ‘big shame’ for laity -- bishop

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines -- Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz wished Fr. Eddie Panlilio well as the governor-elect of Pampanga, but said the priest's victory was a "big shame" for lay people.

Asian currencies under pressure; peso an exception

Asian currencies under pressure; peso bucks trend

SINGAPORE -- Most Asian currencies fell against a broadly stronger dollar on Friday, but the Philippine peso was, once again, the exception to the wider trend, rising to a fresh six-year high.

Arson, murder versus cops in Batangas

Arson, murder raps set vs cops in Batangas school fire

TAYSAN, Batangas -- Charges of arson and murder will be filed next week against two members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who have been tagged by witnesses as among those who torched a school building in this town, PNP chief Oscar Calderon said Friday.

Gabriela leads

Gabriela leads women’s partylist count -- Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- The Gabriela Women’s Partylist continues to lead the partial, unofficial count of the Commission on Elections, with 12,664 votes, as of 1:30 p.m.

Fraud causes Filipinos lose faith in polls

Fraud causes Filipinos lose faith in polls--foreign watchers

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Violence and fraud marred last Monday's mid-term vote, which were held under a "climate of fear, unease and mistrust" of the electoral system, foreign observers said Friday.

RP ranks 4th in UN Human Rights Council elections

(UPDATE 2) RP ranks 4th in UN Human Rights Council elections

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite protests from various local and international human rights’ groups, the Philippines has won an extended three-year term at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs has said.

Legarda still leads in Comelec count

Legarda still leads Comelec count; Pangilinan up a notch

MANILA, Philippines -- Independent senatorial candidate Francisco Pangilinan has overtaken Benigno Aquino III in the latest partial official canvass of the National Board of Canvassers here at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Bus collision in Lucena City results in 5 deaths

(UPDATE 3) 5 dead, 19 hurt in bus collision in Lucena City

MANILA, Philippines -- Five people were killed and 19 others wounded when two passenger buses collided in Lucena City, Quezon province late Tuesday evening, a police official said.

Fire hits Bulacan capitol building

Fire hits Bulacan capitol building

MALOLOS CITY, Philippines -- Fire broke out at the Bulacan provincial capitol here on Wednesday morning.

***And it is right beside the Fire Department building.  Ironic.

Showbiz personalities lose luster in Philippine elections

Showbiz celebrities lose luster in polls

MANILA, Philippines -- It would seem that showbiz celebrities turned politicians have lost their luster in the current polls as two matinee idols, Richard Gomez and Cesar Montano, continue to languish in the cellar of the senatorial race.

***About freaking time.

3 Filipinas reach Everest summit

(UPDATE 2) 3 Filipinas reach Mount Everest summit

MANILA, Philippines -- A small window of good weather, a little good luck and a lot of determination gifted three Filipino women who belonged to a Philippine expedition the ultimate triumph of a mountaineer: the summit of Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain.

SC dismisses petition against Dual Citizenship Law

SC dismisses petition against Dual Citizenship Law

MANILA, Philippines -- The Supreme Court has dismissed for lack of merit a petition seeking to stop the implementation of Republic Act 9225 or the Dual Citizeship Law.

BSA - RP piracy losses up

RP piracy losses jump to $119M in 2006

MANILA, Philippines -- Software piracy in the Philippines resulted in financial losses valued at $119 million last year, according to the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

Foreign Observer - RP polls worse than Afghan elections

Polls ‘worse than Afghan elections,’ says foreign observer

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- Bomb explosions and the sight of uniformed armed men in polling places during Monday's elections made a foreign observer think the country's latest political exercise was worse than Afghanistan’s.  (Inquirer.net)

Foreign Observer - RP polls worse than Afghan elections

Polls ‘worse than Afghan elections,’ says foreign observer

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- Bomb explosions and the sight of uniformed armed men in polling places during Monday's elections made a foreign observer think the country's latest political exercise was worse than Afghanistan’s.  (Inquirer.net)

2 NY radio hosts fired for Asian slur

2 New York radio hosts fired for Asian slur

NEW YORK -- The CBS network has fired two "shock jocks" over an on-air slur against Asians, US media reported Monday, weeks after another radio host was sacked for making a racist remark.   (Inquirer.net)

2 teachers killed in torching of Batangas school

(UPDATE 5) 2 teachers killed in torching of Batangas school

LIPA CITY, Batangas -- Two teachers were killed and at least five other people injured when fire engulfed a school building in Taysan town early Tuesday after unidentified armed men poured gasoline inside ballot boxes and set these ablaze, police said.  (PDInquirer.net)

Garci concedes defeat

Garcillano admits defeat in Bukidnon congressional race

MANILA, Philippines -- Former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano has conceded defeat in the congressional race in the province of Bukidnon. In a live interview on television, Garcillano said he gave up the fight against Malou Acosta, sister of incumbent Congressman Nereus Acosta, as early as Monday night.

More high-grade gold deposits discovered in RP

More high-grade gold deposits discovered in RP

LONDON (Thomson Financial) -- Medusa Mining Ltd. said deep drilling at the Co-O mine in the Philippines showed further high-grade gold deposits. The drilling also outlines the "significant" potential of numerous parallel veins, the company added.   (PDInquirer)

Jawo leads over Eusebio in Pasig

Jaworski leads Eusebio in Pasig mayoralty race

MANILA, Philippines -- Congressman Robert Jaworski Jr. is leading over Roberto "Bobby" Eusebio, son of incumbent Vicente Eusebio, in the mayoralty race in Pasig City, according to a report on GMA Network Tuesday.

Philippines: Mobile TV, here we come

Analysts expect mobile TV to click in Philippine market

With slower-than-expected ramp-up for 3G technology, mobile TV could be the next killer application in the Philippines after text messaging, analysts said at the HP Mobility Summit recently held in Shanghai.  (Inquirer)

Nuclear still being studied

To curb rising power prices, DoE views nuke option

Going into nuclear power generation may be a feasible way to bring down power rates, but human resources, with enough technical capabilities and support, will have to be developed first to determine such feasibility, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

***Decades after!  Indecision is the height of stupidity.

Binay should apologize - Macalintal

‘Binay should apologize to poll watcher’ -- Macalintal

MANILA, Philippines – Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay should apologize to the poll watcher he arrested for wearing a Kampi (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino or Partner of the Free Filipino) shirt at a polling precinct, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said.  (Inquirer)

Lapid prepares contingency plan

Win or lose, Senator Lapid says he has ‘contingency plan’

MANILA, Philippines -- Win or lose, administration Senator Manuel "Lito Lapid," who is seeking the mayor's seat of Makati City, has a contingency plan.

Fears of cheating and vote-buying raised in Visayas

Fears of cheating, vote-buying raised in Visayas

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- Fears of massive electoral fraud were raised in Iloilo and Negros Occidental amid alleged maneuvering, and incidents of cheating or attempts to cheat in some towns and cities in the Visayas.

Rampant vote-buying reported in Southern Tagalog and Bicol

Vote buying reported rampant in Albay, Catanduanes, Quezon

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -- Monday’s mid-term balloting generally went on peacefully in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions but there were reports of massive vote buying in Albay, Catanduanes and Quezon and ethnic Mangyans were herded to polling places in Mindoro.

TU claims victory in local polls

TEAM Unity claims victory in local polls

MANILA, Philippines -- Even before the Commission on Elections could start its official count, TEAM Unity is already celebrating its victory in the local elections, saying that 95% of its candidates nationwide ran unopposed.

Less than 20% OAV

(UPDATE2) Less than 20% OAV turnout seen as polls end -- DFA

MANILA, Philippines -- Only 71,668 of the 504,110 registered Filipino overseas voters had cast their ballots by the time the polls officially ended at 3 p.m. on Monday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

***If they are shunning the elections, we have a problem.  One of the major forces of our economy is abstaining on the power to change the Filipino system.  Aye, they are giving up their right, over those people who are easily swayed because of extreme poverty.

Osmena fumes over Escudero

Osmeña fumes over Escudero backing for foe

MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition senatorial candidate John Osmeña is fuming over his fellow candidate, House Minority Floor Leader Francis Escudero, for allegedly supporting his foe in Cebu.

Senior citizen vote, deciding factor in Makati?

Makati senior voters a force to reckon with

MANILA, Philippines -- The gray-haired and the wrinkled proved themselves a force to reckon as voters trooped to San Antonio High School in Makati City Monday, a seeming testament to the existence of a "senior citizen vote."  (Inquirer)

***As of the initial tally, Binay is leading over Lapid.  This proves the force of the senior votes, among others. 

Aquino leads unofficial count as of 5:50PM

Aquino leads AMA unofficial count, as of 5:50 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Congressman Benigno Simeon Aquino III of the Genuine Opposition leads the AMA unofficial quick count as of 5:50 p.m. with 10, 370.  (Inquirer)

No-el in some areas in Laguna and Mindanao

No elections in some areas in Laguna, Mindanao provinces

MANILA, Philippines -- Elections were not held in 17 precincts in Biñan, Laguna, 10 towns in Lanao Del Sur, six precincts in Basilan, one precinct in Lanao Del Norte, one town in Datu Shariff Kabunsuan, and two villages in Zamboanga Del Norte, the Commission on Elections has said.

Failure of elections in 8 ARMM towns

Failure of elections declared in 8 ARMM towns

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declared a failure of elections in eight towns in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

De Venecia decries dirty polls in his district

De Venecia decries ‘dirty polls’ in his district

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines -- House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. on Monday said black propaganda and alleged massive vote buying had made congressional elections in Pangasinan's fourth district "destructive, very dirty, even poisonous."

***It is dirty because he is there.

Opposition to focus on canvassing

Opposition to focus on canvassing of votes--lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- Rather than worry about conduct of the elections, the Genuine Opposition is saving its energy on the canvassing where cheating is more likely to occur, its lawyer said Monday.

Anomaly in Pandacan

PPCRV decries poll anomaly in Pandacan

MANILA, Philippines -- The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) sought the help of the Comelec on Monday following reports that some election officers in the Bagong Diwa Elementary School in Pandacan, Manila, were asking voters to sign blank sheets of paper before allowing them to vote.

Abalos says first 3 hours was confusing

‘Overall confusion’ in first 3 hours of voting -- Abalos

MANILA, Philippines -- “Overall confusion” marked the first three hours of Election Day due to the massive turnout of voters, Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos said Monday.

Dep-Ed sets up call center for teachers

DepEd sets up election call center for teachers

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Education (DepEd) has set up a round-the-clock operations center at its head office in Mandaluyong City which includes a call center with 150 agents working in three shifts.

Cebu will not go 12-0

Cebu can only carry 8 or 9 TEAM Unity bets--spokesman

MANILA, Philippines -- The province of Cebu can only carry eight or nine TEAM Unity candidates, the group’s spokesman and Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano has said.

Confusion in Batangas

Vilma Santos still in race for Batangas governor -- report

MANILA, Philippines -- Batangas gubernatorial bet Vilma Santos has not withdrawn her candidacy, according to radio dzBB amid reports that she has pulled out of the race.

Namfrel is ready and waiting

Namfrel is ‘ready and waiting’

MANILA, Philippines -- The main war room of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) in La Salle Greenhills, San Juan is quiet Monday morning with only a handful of volunteers watching over the facility.

More than 2,000 firearms siezed during campaign

2,176 loose firearms seized during campaign period--police

MANILA, Philippines -- The campaign against loose firearms in the 2007 elections has so far resulted in the recovery of 2,176 firearms, 195 explosives, and 303 bladed weapons, police records showed. The campaign has also led to the arrest of 2,301 suspects, according to the same records.

JV erases namesake of Cayetano

San Juan deletes Joselito Cayetano from ballot

MANILA, Philippines -- The name of nuisance candidate Joselito Cayetano has been stricken from the list of senatorial aspirants in the municipality of San Juan, a known opposition bailiwick, according to a report on radio dzBB.

It's SC should Alan Peter Cayetano loses

GO to seek SC help if Alan Peter Cayetano won’t win--lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- If opposition senatorial candidate and Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano will be removed from the Magic 12, the Genuine Opposition will go to the Supreme Court to try to recover all Cayetano votes that have been taken away from him because of a pending case involving his namesake.

It's 140PM and elections have not started in ARMM towns

(UPDATE) Polls yet to start in 4 ARMM towns

MANILA, Philippines -- Three hours before the polls are scheduled to close at 3 p.m. Monday, elections have yet to start in four towns of the Autonomous Region in Muslim (ARMM), the police commander in the region said.

Over 3,000 ballots missing

Over 3,000 ballots missing in Lanao Norte town

MANILA, Philippines -- A total of 3,702 ballots are missing in Pantao, another town in the province of Lanao Del Norte, the Commission on Elections has disclosed.

It's SC should Alan Peter Cayetano loses

GO to seek SC help if Alan Peter Cayetano won’t win--lawyer

MANILA, Philippines -- If opposition senatorial candidate and Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano will be removed from the Magic 12, the Genuine Opposition will go to the Supreme Court to try to recover all Cayetano votes that have been taken away from him because of a pending case involving his namesake.

219 foreign observers accredited by Comelec

219 foreign observers accredited by Comelec

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accredited 219 foreign observers, including a Spanish senator, television reports said.

Polls open in Philippines

Polls open in Philippines (AFP)

AFP - Voting began Monday in the Philippines under tight security in national mid-term elections marred by a bloody three-month campaign that left at least 113 people dead.

Alan Peter Cayetano's problems are not over

Alan Peter Cayetano’s problems far from over

MANILA, Philippines -- Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate Alan Peter Cayetano's woes seem far from over.

***Blame it on the incompetent people in Comelec, who have no balls to make a firm stand against Malacanang

Technology trickling down to farmers

Technology trickling down to the farmers

MANILA, Philippines -- Technology is coming to farmers’ doorsteps. Experts at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have started inviting themselves to farmers’ fields to spread the “gospel” of rice science and technology.

Elections remind them of their hopelessness, says poorest

Elections only remind us of our hopelessness--RP's poorest

MANILA, Philippines--Even as the campaign battle cry of fighting poverty can be heard throughout the Philippines, housewife Florentina Salvador says no candidate has set foot on the reeking garbage dump that she mines for salvageable junk.

Pacquiao cowers in fear again

Pacquiao shelves GenSan campaign rally

A day after a campaign supporter of his electoral rival was reportedly murdered, boxing icon and congressional bet Manny Pacquiao on Friday cancelled his campaign rally in General Santos City because of an alleged bomb threat.

No San Juan vote for Erap

Erap can't vote in San Juan, only in Tanay

The Sandiganbayan on Friday ruled that detained former President Joseph Estrada won’t be allowed to vote in his own polling precinct in San Juan on May 14 due to security reasons.

More than P100M to be spent on military helis

More than P100M to be spent on military helicopters

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines is to spend more than P100 million on helicopters as part of a long overdue upgrade of its military, Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said Friday.

Losing better than jail - Chavit

Singson unfazed over losing, says not as bad as jail

MANILA, Philippines -- Although facing defeat in the senatorial elections, as his arch nemesis former president Joseph Estrada wants, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson is unfazed and counters that no fate can be worse than languishing in jail for plunder.

Youth group endorses 10 senatoriables

Youth group endorses 10 senatorial candidates

MANILA, Philippines -- Ten senatorial candidates have been endorsed by a youth partylist group, saying it believes that they will serve as the “youth’s voice” in Congress.

Youth partylist group Kabataan (The Youth) has endorsed 10 senatorial candidates whom they believe will serve as the “youth’s voice” in Congress. (Inquirer.net)

Here is their list:

1. Francis “Chiz” Escudero
2. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Jr.
   
3. Sonia Roco
   
4. Dominique “Nikki” Coseteng
   
5. Manuel “Manny” Villar
6. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan 
7. Joker Arroyo
   
8. Ralph Recto
   
9. Alan Peter Cayetano
10. Loren Legarda
    

Arroyo orders 10% reduction in SLEX toll rates

Arroyo orders 10% reduction in SLEX toll rates

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered a 10 percent decrease in toll rates at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to start this Friday, her spokesman Ignacio Bunye said.

OAV turnout a miserly 14%

OAV turnout target plunges from 65% to 14%

PASAY CITY, Philippines -- The original 65 percent turnout target for this year’s overseas absentee voting has been drastically scaled down to 14 percent, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

Wtf? Why did he become mayor in the first place?

SC unseats Pampanga mayor for exceeding term limit

MANILA, Philippines -- With a few days to go before the May 14 elections, the Supreme Court ordered the mayor of a Pampanga town to vacate his seat for exceeding the three consecutive terms limit on elected officials.

Legarda is new dancing queen

Legarda does ‘victory dance’ over SWS survey

MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition senatorial candidate former senator Loren Legarda danced in elation after learning that she had topped the Philippine Daily Inquirer-Social Weather Stations survey on senatorial candidates with a good chance of winning in next week’s elections.

***Pathetic.  She used to have class.

DepEd taps lawyers, police to secure teachers

DepEd taps lawyers, police to secure teachers in polls

MANILA, Philippines -- As part of its preparations for next week’s elections, the Department of Education has enlisted the help of the Philippine National Police and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in protecting the teachers against violence and legal suits.

Teachers not enough for election

450,000 teachers on May 14 not enough--education exec

MANILA, Philippines -- Although over 450,000 teachers have been tapped to serve as election officials in the May 14 elections, there is still a shortage of 150,000, an education official said.

Filipino immigrants in squalor - Malaysian officials

Filipino immigrants in squalor -- Malaysian officials

KUALA LUMPUR -- Generations of Filipino immigrants are living in squalor in Malaysia and the government must act or face a humanitarian crisis, a lawmaker and official said Wednesday.  (Inquirer.net)

Pay hike in Taiwan is not 75% - only 7.5%

OFWs in Taiwan: ‘Pay hike not 75% but only 7.5 to 9.5%’

MANILA, Philippines -- Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan on Thursday said the increase in their salaries comes to only between 7.5 to 9.5 percent and not 75 percent as earlier announced by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Rosalinda Baldoz.

Finally

Registration of teachers transferred to poll duty areas

MANILA, Philippines -- All public school teachers on poll duty will have their voters' registration automatically transferred to the places where they are assigned, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos said Thursday.

***About time

Toll in Philippine Election Violence now at 100

Newsvine - Toll in Philippine Election Violence 100

Is this another Iraq?

Residents of a squatters' community of Parola in Manila's Tondo district, back to camera, shoo away protesters as they try to picket the military detachment to protest the deployment of government troops in slum areas of metropolitan Manila Wednesday, May 9, 2007 in Manila, Philippines. The protesters withdrew following the confrontation Wednesday which coincided with the troops' withdrawal in the wake of charges they were being used to influence next Monday's midterm elections. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

What a choice for Arroyo

Dismissed DPWH exec is Arroyo bet in Bulacan

MANILA, Philippines – A dismissed official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) facing several graft cases is setting his sights on a congressional seat in Bulacan under the administration party Kampi.

Perjury rap versus Lapid

Perjury rap filed vs Pampanga gov

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Pampanga Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao on Wednesday filed a disqualification case against reelectionist Gov. Mark Lapid for perjury, or for “falsely stating” his civil status as single when he was actually married to and has a daughter by a Korean woman.

INC vote known

: The Iglesia vote

Some candidates can smell the air of victory Wednesday after they got wind of the list of candidates the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo would support on May 14 elections.

Carlo Brown files charges against Borgy

Brown files charges against Borgy Manotoc

MANILA, Philippines -- A month after he was allegedly beaten up by commercial model Borgy Manotoc and other men outside a bar, Carlo Brown filed charges of serious physical injuries against his attackers in the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday.

PCSO now under health department

PCSO placed under health department

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has placed the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) under the supervision and control of the Department of Health (DoH).

Bank robbers hijack armored van

Bank robbers hijack armored van; inside job eyed

Bank robbers struck again in Metro Manila Wednesday, this time driving off with the armored van of a bank in Makati City, with police suspecting an inside job.

Ban on Erap bio-pic

CA to MTRCB: ‘Explain ban on Estrada bio-pic’

MANILA, Philippines -- The Court of Appeals has ordered the Office of the President and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to explain their decision banning the public showing of deposed president Joseph Estrada's bio-documentary film, "Ang Mabuhay Para Sa Masa" (To Live for the Masses).

Figment of their imagination - Ermita

Oplan Mercury Rising ‘figment of imagination’ -- Ermita

MANILA, Philippines -- A fresh plot to rig the May 14 mid-term elections is "just a figment of some people's imagination," a senior Malacañang official has said as he assured the people that the Armed Forces would not be involved in poll fraud.

Returned to sender

Thousands of overseas ballots returned to Comelec

PASAY CITY, Philippines -- Between 26,000 and 34,800 overseas absentee voting ballots have been returned to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) because the addresses of the voters are not longer current.

Binay squeezes Arroyo bets

Binay squeezes Arroyo bets - INQUIRER.net

Mayor says President is his campaign manager By DJ Yap
Inquirer
Last updated 01:39am (Mla time) 05/08/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- A day after Malacañang retreated from its efforts to unseat him, an indignant Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay rode the wave of public sympathy and called on voters to spurn administration candidates on May 14.

Doctor kills wife, self

GMANews.TV - Doctor kills wife, then self in Michigan -

A distraught member of the Filipino community in Michigan killed his 58-year-old wife in her sleep and then took his own life on Monday.

Rolando Santa Ana, 63, is a pediatrician and retired US Army colonel with three children living in California.

Suspected bomb hits Philippine market

World - AFP on Yahoo! News

Suspected bomb hits Philippine market 12 minutes ago

COTABATO, Philippines (AFP) - A powerful explosion tore through a packed public market in the southern Philippine city of Tacurong Tuesday, leaving an unknown number of people dead and wounded, an official said.

John Estrada held at airport for bomb joke

GMANews.TV - John Estrada held at airport for bomb joke

Actor John Estrada was briefly held by airport police in General Santos City on Monday morning for joking that he was carrying a bomb in his luggage, according to a GMA News flash report.

Police Chief Superintendent Atillano Morada, director of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, said Estrada had refused to let his luggage be searched, saying he was carrying a bomb. 

***Once again, actors prove their stupidity.

219 foreigners to observe polls

GMANews.TV - 219 foreigners to observe May 14 polls

The Commission on Elections said Monday that 219 foreign observers from 12 countries and 7 organizations will monitor the May 14 elections.

Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said foreign observers can monitor the conduct of the elections but are banned from entering polling precincts.

2 cops repulse attack by 50 NPA rebels

2 cops repulse attack by 50 NPA rebels - INQUIRER.net,

Guerrillas suffered 3 casualties, say police By Joey A. Gabieta, Carla Gomez
Visayas Bureau
Last updated 04:36am (Mla time) 05/07/2007

TACLOBAN CITY -- At least 50 communist New People’s Army members raided the police compound of Paranas town in Samar province Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three rebels and the wounding of the town police chief.

Binay remains suspended

Binay remains suspended, says DILG exec - INQUIRER.net

‘What has been deferred was turnover’ By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 04:25pm (Mla time) 05/07/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has been suspended since Friday night as far as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is concerned, an official has said.

***Yet, he holds office there.  He led the city flag raising today.  This creates confusion.  If he is suspended, he should leave the city hall

Watchdog: Pichay, Villar overspent

Watchdog says Pichay, Villar have overspent for campaign ads - INQUIRER.net,

By Michael Lim Ubac, Nikko Dizon
Inquirer
Last updated 06:22am (Mla time) 05/07/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- An election watchdog group Sunday charged administration senatorial candidate Prospero Pichay and reelectionist Manuel Villar with spending more than the campaign expenditure ceiling allowed by law.

Death and Philippine politics

AFP Features on Yahoo! News

Death and violence, politics Philippine style Sun May 6, 6:38 PM ET

MASBATE, Philippines (AFP) - When Maloli Espinosa told her boss she was leaving her well paid corporate job in Manila to run for Congress he asked her: "Why expose your daughters to this bloody heritage?"

***Again.  So embarassing.

Cash, food used to woo Filipino voters

Reuters Features on Yahoo! News

Cash, food, knickers used to woo Philippine voters Sat May 5, 10:59 PM ETSAN ISIDRO, Philippines (Reuters) - Campaigning for local and congressional polls is rolling into its final week in the Philippines with candidates dispensing cash, food, mascots and even their own brand of underwear to woo voters.

***This is Reuters news.  So sad and embarassing to be a Filipino, huh?

Vets will protest Bush opposition to equity bills

GMANews.TV - Filipino vets to protest Bush opposition to equity bills

Filipino World War II veterans in the US and their supporters will hold a rally on Monday at the San Francisco Fort Miley VA Medical Center to protest the Bush administration's opposition to the Equity Bills, seeking to provide full benefits to Filipino war veterans, GMANews.TV learned Sunday.

The veterans are seeking full recognition of their military service under the US flag during WW II, hoping they would get disability pensions.  (GMANews.tv)

BIR unfreezes Makati funds

BIR unfreezes Makati funds - INQUIRER.net

By Daxim Lucas
Inquirer
Last updated 08:34pm (Mla time) 05/06/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) softened on Sunday its hardline stance against the Makati City government for alleged unpaid taxes by unfreezing the city’s bank accounts not covered by tax claims.  (PDI)

***Why is everybody afraid of Binay?

Binay Defiance is Anarchy - Palace Exec

GMANews.TV - Palace exec: 'Binay defiance is anarchy'

Chief presidential legal counsel Sergio Antonio Apostol on Sunday said the suspension of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay would not result in sympathy votes for the Genuine Opposition (GO).

"I doubt it. How can you sympathize with a person like Binay who would like to defy the court?" Apostol said.  (GMANews.tv)

Binay suspension deferred

Binay suspension deferred through election period - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 01:44pm (Mla time) 05/06/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- In what he called the "interest of fair play," Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno has deferred the implementation of a preventive suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, at least throughout the election period.

Pacquiao is dead?

Text messages of Pacquiao ‘death’ swamp General Santos

By Aquiles Zonio
Mindanao Bureau
Last updated 04:49pm (Mla time) 05/06/2007

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines -- The camp of congressional candidate Manny Pacquiao denounced text messages that have swamped mobile phone users since Saturday claiming the boxing superstar was killed in an ambush.

***God, he must be shaking now.

Surprised it is mandatory

Philippines launches biofuel, motorists wait - Yahoo! News

MANILA, May 6 (Reuters ) - The Philippines' biofuels law came into effect on Sunday with little fanfare or information and only a partial rollout of the much-vaunted 1 percent coconut blend diesel.

Motorists were surprised to hear use of the cleaner fuel was now mandatory.

A deadly profession

Reporting a deadly profession in the Philippines

SOUTHERN LUZON, Philippines (Reuters) - The reporter's morning routine is the same as everyone else's except for one subtle difference, he scans his fellow commuters for would-be assassins.

Everything to win

PDI:  Aquino uses dad’s ‘Dear Noynoy’ letter in campaign

MANILA, Philippines -- "Live with honor and follow your conscience."

***I am squirming everytime there is an appeal to a dead person.  Like Osmena and Roco.  Noynoy has to admit he does not have the charisma of his dad.  And he might even lose this one. 

Legarda denies junking opposition bets

PDI: Legarda denies junking opposition bets

MANILA, Philippines -- Breaking her silence, opposition senatorial candidate and former senator Loren Legarda denied on Thursday junking her colleagues in the Genuine Opposition.

Stay away from Taal

PDI: Stay away from Taal volcano crater -- Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has cautioned the public, particularly tourists, on Thursday, against trekking up to the crater of the scenic Taal Volcano because of its above-normal eruptions.

Fire at Great Eastern Hotel

GMA News: AFP urged to send choppers to rescue trapped hotel guests

Officials of the Great Eastern Hotel on Quezon Avenue, which was engulfed by fire Thursday night, appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to send helicopters in order to rescue several people trapped in the upper floors of the building.

San Juan is still Estrada turf

San Juan still Estrada turf

MANILA, Philippines – The town of San Juan has long been known as Estrada country, with many residents who remain fiercely loyal to their favorite son, former President “Erap” Estrada, and his family.

***There are many reasons for this.  First, there are many stupid people in San Juan.  My brother won't approve of this because he lives there.  But that's true.  Second, there is no one courageous enough to stand up and rock the boat in San Juan.  If you have an asshole mayor like the bastard JV, then it should have started already.  But, no one is courageous enough.  Or, stupid enough to be stupidest among the bunch. 

Ok.  I lived in San Juan.  We were all anti-Erap then.  My grandmother - God rest her soul - is an Erap fanatic.  We didn't agree about San Juan politics.  But up until now, this is something we are sure and in agreement about - Erap made San Juan what it is now.  It is to his credit.  And, no one among his many sons - Jinggoy including - equalled his greatness and his charisma.  In San Juan or not.

That is why I hate Erap.  

He loves us so much - our family - so much that he went after us in Sta. Rosa.  He lives very near us now.  Say what?  He is jailed?  What?  For what?  Rofl.

Fuck Malacanang

Palace: Philippines still has Asia’s freest press

MANILA, Philippines -- Press freedom may be slipping in Asia, Latin America and the former Soviet Union, but the Philippines continues to enjoy the freest media in the Asian region, Malacañang said Wednesday.

***I am just demonstrating the freest press.

FG withdraws libel raps

First Gentleman orders libel raps withdrawn, seeks peace

MANILA, Philippines -- First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo has instructed his lawyers to withdraw all libel suits pending in courts, "taking in a genuine chance to make peace," Malacañang has said. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye read the statement from the First Gentleman to media Thursday.

Good. Election is coming.

Bicol in darkness as major power line gives

SORSOGON CITY, Philippines -- The Bicol region and parts of Quezon province were plunged into darkness Wednesday after a major power lines in Gumaca, Quezon that had been damaged by typhoon Reming last year bogged down, an official of the National Transmission Corp. (Trasnsco) said.

Not vote-buying

‘Arroyo promise of labor benefits not vote-buying’ -- Abalos

MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. brushed aside accusations that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo engaged in vote-buying on Labor Day, Tuesday, when she promised more workers’ benefits if the administration dominates the May 14 elections.

***You can tell that to the Marines.  Perhaps, they will be nationalistic enough to blow your head off.

Congressional bet loses car

Manila congressional bet loses car to thief

MANILA, Philippines -- A sports utility vehicle owned by a congressional candidate in Manila was stolen early Wednesday in front of his house in Tondo.

IBON: What 1M jobs?

IBON twits Arroyo's 1M jobs claim

Malaca?ang may claim to create a million jobs a year, but the supposed gains are offset by unemployment and underemployment.

Political maturity of Filipinos ripening

Growing political maturity of Filipinos noted as viewers watch

A newspaper article noted Wednesday the growing political maturity of Filipinos as more television viewers opted to watch GMA’s “Isang Tanong" over the coronation night of “Miss Philippines Earth" aired on ABS-CBN.

What is he crying about?

What death threats against Pacquiao, PNP asks

MANILA, Philippiens -- The Philippine National Police denied on Wednesday it has received intelligence reports that the life of boxing champion and congressional candidate Manny Pacquiao may be in danger.

***Hey, I thought you said that politics is easier than boxing?  You are shaking, man.

Justice Chief hits back

Justice chief tags Lacson mastermind in Arroyo ouster plot

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez has tagged Senator Panfilo Lacson as the alleged mastermind in an attempt to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Ping hits back at Raul

Ping hits back at Raul: Why speak for US govt?

Unethical, improper and a big lie. This was how reelectionist senator Panfilo “Ping" Lacson described Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’s threat to have him extradited to the United States over an “espionage" case. He said Gonzalez’s claim is tantamount to “dictating" on the US government.

***Well, if indeed an espionage case looms - and it is already there, it's just a matter of pointing at the concerned people - then, Raul may be right.  Maybe that's the reason why he wants to be senator? Hmmm....

Pinays forced to sex work

Pinays forced into sex work in tropical paradise

GARAPAN, Saipan - Tourists consider Saipan a dream tropical vacation island — but Filipina workers looking for decent jobs there find themselves forced into prostitution.

Tards are fighting in the business district of RP

Binay, Lapid trade barbs over English

MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Lito Lapid is convinced he can get far with an English vocabulary composed of “yes,” “no” and “ladies and gentlemen” in the high-brow circles of Makati’s business district.

Honasan surges in poll survey

Honasan credits temporary freedom for surge in poll survey

MANILA, Philippines -- Independent senatorial candidate Gregorio Honasan, who is out on bail on coup d’etat charges, credits his having been able to personally campaign as the major factor in his eight-percentage-point surge in the most recent Pulse Asia senatorial preference survey.

150M for poll operations

PNP gets P150M for poll operations

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been given an initial P150 million for their operations during the May 14 elections Director General Oscar Calderon said Tuesday.

I am a believer

Big gains make Pichay believer of voter surveys

MANILA, Philippines -- TEAM Unity candidate Prospero Pichay is a believer of surveys, after all.

***Because he is winning this time. 

Non-wage benefits on Labor Day

Arroyo unveils non-wage benefits on Labor Day

(UPDATE 2) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has announced a package of non-wage benefits for workers on Tuesday, Labor Day and declared that aside from this, her administration had created more jobs than her predecessor and that interest rates for housing loans had been reduced to a historic low.

***And she used her announcement to politicize.  This is very lame. 

Arroyo not in control

Killings proof Arroyo ‘not in control’ -- Bishop Cruz

MANILA, Philippines -- The commander-in-chief is no longer in control. This was how outspoken Dagupan-Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz analyzes the continued killings in the country, regardless of whether these are extrajudicial executions or election-related mayhem.

***Once again, the bishop is right.

Mendiola closed to protesters

Protesters attempt to reach Mendiola

MANILA, Philippines -- Thousands of activists who staged their Labor Day protest at the Liwasang Bonifacio will attempt reaching the historic Chino Roces or Mendiola bridge Tuesday evening, officials said.

12 nations are on US copyright piracy list

12 nations put on US copyright piracy list

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration on Monday targeted China, Russia and 10 other nations for extra scrutiny in the piracy of American movies, music, computer programs and other copyrighted materials.

***We're not on the list.  Well, it's because of the open government policy against piracy.  Besides, the pirates here are from China.

No man's zone

Cops turn Mendiola into garrison for May Day

Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang Palace again became a no-man's zone Tuesday as police "secured" it from various groups holding their traditional "May Day" activities.

Disbarment of Secretary Gonzalez

Lawyer seeks disbarment of Secretary Gonzalez

MANILA, Philippines -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’s offer of P10,000 to Iloilo barangay (village) chairs who would deliver a 12-0 sweep for Team Unity’s senatorial candidates in their areas in the May 14 elections Monday drew a disbarment complaint and a corruption charge.

***Come on.  That's too much for the old guy.

Manalo wins in Florida 9-ball

Manalo prevails in Florida 9-ball tilt

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Marlon Manalo bounced back from the losers’ bracket to rule the 2007 Seminole Florida Pro Tour 9-ball stop in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Windfall from growth in Japanese IT market awaited

Philippine firms eye windfall in Japanese IT market

Philippine information technology services firms are eyeing a windfall from a projected growth of up to eight percent this year in Japan’s outsourced software development market through a trade show in Tokyo this month, an official said.

Cebu eyed as tourism hub

Cebu eyed as Southeast Asian tourism hub

The tourism industry in Cebu is positioning the province as a Southeast Asian hub, as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) anticipates an uptrend in visitor arrivals amid efforts toward economic and cultural integration, an industry official said.