Archived News Headlines from October 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015
(Please note: some articles may have been removed by their respective publications)

10/31/2015

US ambassador to the UN hails success of Bottom-up Budgeting
MANILA, Oct. 31 -- The Philippine’s open government reforms shone anew at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) global summit in Mexico City, with the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program being recognized by the American ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power.

European Union sides with United States on South China Sea incident
BRUSSELS - The European Union sided with Washington on Friday over a US-Chinese patrolling incident in the South China Sea, in a move that may affect Brussels' discussions with Beijing at next week's Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of foreign affairs ministers.

15 killed, 13 injured in Zamboanga City fire
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 31 (PNA) -- Fifteen people, including six children, perished while 13 others were injured in a fire that hit this city’s old public market Saturday dawn. Superintendent Dominador Zabala Jr., Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD) fire marshal, said the fire razed 350 stalls ...

PNoy expresses elation over U.N. Tribunal’s decision to hear Philippines’ case against China
ARTECHE, Eastern Samar, Oct 31 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said Friday he is glad that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has decided to accept the Philippines’ case against China on the South China Sea dispute. During an interview here, the President said that with the tribunal’s decision ...

Round 1 to Manila: United Nations asserts jurisdiction over PH case against China
THE Philippines won the first round of its legal battle against China after the arbitration tribunal in The Hague declared that it had jurisdiction over the case. In its Oct. 29 ruling, the Permanent Court of Arbitration unanimously resolved the issue of jurisdiction over the case in favor of the Philippines ...

Filipino still not academe's dominant language
MANILA, Oct. 31 (PNA) -- Is the academe using Filipino enough? Apparently not yet. Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) survey results released this week show the limited use of Filipino, the country's national language, in public and private colleges and universities nationwide and dominance of English ...

Public need to prepare for El Niño despite Typhoon Lando rains
MANILA, Oct. 31 -- The public should still prepare for the imminent effects of El Niño despite rains brought by Typhoon Lando. According to officials of National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) said conservation measures need to be in place because the El Niño event ...

10/30/2015

Philippines welcomes tribunal jurisdiction over its case against China
MANILA, Oct. 30 (PNA) -- The Philippines on Friday welcomed the decision of an international tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands to assume jurisdiction over its case against China, which seeks to invalidate Beijing’s massive claim in the resource-rich South China Sea.

Malacañang Palace: No reconciliation with Marcos kin
MALACAÑANG said Thursday that the Aquino family will not reconcile with the Marcoses if there is no justice. “President Aquino has said time and again that there can be no reconciliation without justice,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. during a press briefing in Malacañang.

Customs revenues grew by P2.4 billion year-on-year
MANILA, Oct. 30 -- The Bureau of Customs collected P268.229 billion from January to September of 2015, growing by P2.402 billion (0.9%) compared with the same period last year, but lower than the P314.171 billion target for the period by P45.942 billion (14.6%).

Duterte still won't run as prexy even with Diño’s COC withdrawal, says aide
DAVAO CITY, Oct. 30 (PNA) – Nothing has changed with the decision of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte not to run for president in the 2016 polls even with the withdrawal of Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) standard bearer Martin Diño from the presidential race.

Binay, Recto seek probe on 'laglag bala' modus at NAIA
After a series of incidents - suspected as an extortion spree - involving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to their host countries, Senators Nancy Binay and Ralph Recto on Thursday filed separate resolutions seeking to investigate the “Laglag Bala” modus operandi at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Martin Dino withdraws COC as PDP-Laban's standard-bearer, names Duterte as his substitute
Martin Dino, the standard-bearer of PDP-Laban Party on Thursday has backed out from the May 2016 presidential race. This, after he withdrew his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) which he submitted last Oct. 16, the last day of the five-day period ...

Philippines revives Joint Economic Committee with France
MAKATI CITY, Oct. 30 -- Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and French Minister of State for Foreign Trade Mathias Fekl met in Paris, France recently to reconvene the Philippines-France Joint Economic Committee (JEC) after a 12-year hiatus.

10/28/2015

UN report sees Asia Pacific as world's most disaster prone region
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 28 (PNA/Xinhua) -- The Asia Pacific is the world's most disaster prone region and needs regional cooperation to address cross boundary disasters, said a UN expert here Tuesday. "Asia (has) particularly high vulnerability to multiple hazards not least because of the ring of fire ...

Pangasinan Province, Dagupan City placed under state of calamity due to typhoon Lando
DAGUPAN CITY -- The city of Dagupan, which is outside the political jurisdiction of Pangasinan, is now also under the state of calamity following a resolution approved by the city council on Tuesday. Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo proposed the measure on account of the adverse effects brought strong winds ...

Extreme heat to reduce Southeast Asia labor productivity by 16% in 30 years
MOSCOW, Oct. 28 (PNA/Sputnik) -- Southeast Asia could lose 16 percent of current labor capacity due to rising heat stress over the next three decades. Singapore and Malaysia may face the biggest losses in productivity. Rises in global temperatures threatens productivity to drop in Southeast Asia by ...

Opinion: A Yes Nod to the Synod
The Synod of Bishops on the Family had hardly concluded last Sunday, and both “conservative” and “liberal” camps raced to express their dissatisfaction over its balanced outcome. But this rejection from both camps is probably a good sign. It literally captures the Church being a “sign of contradiction” – that is a good thing.

Editorial: Fooling us all the time
FOOL me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Whoever thought up this old adage probably never had to deal with the Bureau of Immigration, which is making fools of us all the time, much to our eternal shame. This week, a South Korean fugitive escaped from his cell in Camp Aguinaldo—the nerve center of the Defense Department ...

The Philippines has just begun harnessing its potentials, says President Aquino
MANILA, Oct. 28 (PNA) -- Few months before stepping down from power, President Aquino said his administration has laid the ground work that future administrations could build on to further harness the country's potentials. "Looking back on everything that has happened over the course of my administration ...

DepEd to subsidize Senior High School fees through voucher program
PASIG CITY, Oct. 28 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) will be subsidizing fees of Grade 10 completers from public and private Junior High Schools (JHS) who want to enroll in a (1) private high school, (2) private university or college, (3) state or local university or college, or (4) technical-vocational school ...

10/27/2015

President Xi Jinping of China to consider Aquino's invitation on APEC meeting: spokesman
BEIJING, Oct. 27 (PNA/Xinhua) -- A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that he believes President Xi Jinping will consider Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III's invitation in response to a question about whether Xi will attend the APEC meeting next month in Manila.

PNoy belittles Bongbong Marcos
DESPITE surveys showing growing support for the vice presidential bid of Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President Benigno Aquino III dismissed suggestions that there is a resurgence of support for members of the Marcos family. “By appearing on a cover of a magazine this demonstrates a resurgence of support?

President Aquino: Gov't is studying Australia’s proposal that PHL host refugees
MANILA, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday that the government has not yet agreed to Australia’s proposal that the Philippines accept refugees since the country cannot accommodate those who want permanent residency.

Sen. Chiz Escudero wants policy reform to save dying coconut industry
Sen. Chiz Escudero is seeking policy reforms to help the Philippine coconut industry deal with the constant threat of climate change, infestation and ageing trees—challenges which are too big to be addressed under the 40-year-old law that created the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

Mar: Poe record 'leanest'
FOR the first time, the camp of Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II on Tuesday attacked Senator Grace Poe directly for her “lean” credentials for the presidency. “If you look at it from the perspective of credentials, she really has the leanest resume,” Team Daang Matuwid spokesman ...

APEC ministers see mental health as key element of socio-economic concern
CEBU CITY, Oct. 27 -- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has encouraged member economies to complete their strategic needs assessment on mental health in an effort to identify economy-specific focus areas to inform initial pilot collaborations in mental health that provide tangible benefits ...

Philippine Peso ends Tuesday weaker vs. US dollar
MANILA, Oct. 27 (PNA) -- Companies' month-end dollar demand along with the slower growth of Philippines imports in August 2015 dragged the local unit's performance Tuesday. The peso shed Php 0.18 and ended the day at 46.72 from Monday's 46.54 finish.

10/26/2015

Airport Authority reminds passengers to plan for trips in view of APEC
PARAÑAQUE CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA)--In view of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events in November, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) advised passengers to plan trips well ahead or after the meetings that will be attended by various heads of state.

Iglesia Ni Cristo leaders tagged in abduction, detention of ex-minister
MANILA -- Former Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) minister Lowell Menorca II on Sunday accused INC officials of masterminding his alleged abduction and illegal detention in the religious sect's central compound in Quezon City.

Government supports actions to stop violence against Lumads
MANILA, Oct 26 -- Malacanang welcomes and supports calls by local government units to stop the violence against Lumads in Mindanao, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on Sunday. The Palace official issued the statement during an interview over government-run Radio ng Bayan ...

Palace welcomes UN statement praising Philippine gov't for rapid, pre-emptive response to 'Lando'
MANILA, Oct 26 -- Malacanang on Sunday welcomed the recent statement of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction praising the Philippine government for its timely response which mitigated the impact of Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu).

Pope Francis: 'I have special admiration for Filipinos'
MANILA — Almost a year after his state and pastoral visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis praised the Filipinos faith and enthusiasm once more. The Pope said he continues to admire the Filipinos faith at a brief and casual meeting on Saturday with Filipino bishops who attended the recently concluded Synod ...

Typhoon Lando agriculture damage highlights need for wider crop insurance coverage, says Chiz
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the massive destruction caused by typhoon “Lando” on agriculture underscores the need to increase the coverage of crop insurance in the country. As of Friday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the cost of the damage has already reached P6.4 billion ...

Philippine government peace panel eyes BBL plebiscite in February 2016
MANILA, Philippines, 26 October -- There is still hope that the Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed by Congress in December, so that a plebiscite may be held in February next year. Philippine government peace panel chair . Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that even though the Comelec is busy preparing ...

10/24/2015

Comelec releases list of candidates for 2016 elections
BAGUIO CITY, Oct. 24 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections released the final list of candidates who filed their respective certificates of candidacy for the various elective positions in the 2016 local election. In Baguio City, incumbent Congressman Nicasion Aliping Jr. of the Liberal Party who ...

Child rights groups close ranks to save lumad schools
MANILA – Various child rights groups, advocates and concerned stakeholders have rallied behind the efforts of indigenous peoples in setting up and maintaining learning institutions, especially in far-flung areas in Mindanao, and in keeping these schools free from the presence of the military.

Tropical cyclones' threat remains amid El Niño
MANILA, Oct. 24 (PNA) -- People nationwide must still prepare for possible tropical cyclones (TCs) during 2015's remaining months despite the continuing strong and potentially record drought-driving El Niño phenomenon. State weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services ...

Philippine Peso recovers vs. US Dollar
MANILA, Oct. 23 (PNA) -- The Philippine peso recovered against the greenback Friday due to consolidation after several days of depreciation. It ended the week at 46.44, or 20 centavos better than the 46.64 on Thursday. A trader said the European Central Bank's (ECB) announcement that it was open to tap ...

Comatose teenage OFW in Riyadh hospital dies; Migrante urges probe
MANILA, Philippines -- A teenager from Maguindanao who had been comatose in a hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia since mid-September has died, the migrant rights group Migrante-Middle East said Saturday. Migrante-ME coordinator John Leonard Monterona said news of the death on Friday of "Rina," ...

Australian Gov’t provides assistance to typhoon Lando victims
MANILA, Oct. 24 (PIA) – The Australian Government will provide assistance to victims of typhoon Lando that recently lashed most parts of Central and Northern Luzon. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop announced the P33-million emergency relief supplies for the typhoon victims.

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific flights to Cotabato remained suspended due to haze
COTABATO CITY, October 24 (PNA) –- Domestic flights to and from Cotabato Airport remained cancelled for eight straight day today due to deteriorating skies of Mindanao island, the state weather bureau said Saturday. Charlene Jamero, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services ...

10/23/2015

Philippines welcomes global support for resolution of Maritime disputes
MANILA, Oct. 23 -- Following Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario’s recent call for the United Nations (UN) to affirm international law as the great equalizer among States, however powerful or weak, the Philippine Mission to the world body welcomed the international community’s ...

Supreme Court issues writs of habeas corpus, amparo for Iglesia ni Cristo member
MANILA - The Supreme Court (SC) has issued writs of habeas corpus and amparo in favor of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) member Lowell Menorca. Lowell's brother, Anthony Menorca, and sister-in-law, Jungko Otsuka, filed the petition for the issuance of these writs, claiming that Lowell was abducted and illegally detained ...

Nickel mines blamed for mud floods in Sta Cruz, Zambales after Typhoon Lando
Sta Cruz, Zambales – Thick red mud attributed to nickel mining continue to flood homes and streets of several barangays in the mining-host municipality of Sta Cruz, Zambales after Typhoon Lando passed through the region four days ago. Locals believe that the mud flood was caused by the destruction ...

Binay, Poe, Roxas to face PHL’s largest business group
MANILA, Oct. 23 (PNA) -- Candidates for presidential polls in 2016 including Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, and former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas are set to face members of the country’s largest business organization, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Bukidnon village chief makes good on threat to shut down lumad school
MANILA, Philippines - Felipe Cabugnason, the barangay captain of White Culaman in Kitaotao town, Bukidnon made good on his threat to shut down a tribal school in the village, leading around a hundred residents who broke down the fence and ordered the staff and students to leave Friday morning.

Flashflood inundates 4 Zamboanga del Sur towns; 1 dies, 1 missing
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 23 (PNA) – One person drowned while a child remained missing and feared dead when flashflood, spawned by inclement weather condition, inundated four towns in the province of Zamboanga del Sur. Ten people, including a public school teacher, who were swept by strong current ...

Damage to agriculture and infrastructure in Central Luzon breaches Php7-billion
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Oct. 23 (PNA) -–The estimated worth of damages in agriculture and infrastructure caused by the onslaught of typhoon Lando in Central Luzon has breached Php7 billion, making it the most devastating typhoon to hit Central Luzon this year.

10/22/2015

Military upgrade important, says Palace official
MANILA, Oct 22 (PNA) -- Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on Thursday the government recognizes the importance of upgrading the Philippine military so it would be on a par with its counterparts in the world. During a press briefing in Malacañang, the Palace official noted that 56 projects ...

Philippine Army among world's worst? Palace cites AFP upgrades
MANILA - Malacañang on Thursday said the Philippine government has taken steps to upgrade the military following an Internet report that branded the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the "sixth worst army in the world." The website "We Are The Mighty" (WATM), which describes itself as "the first ...

Philippines to turn over 2 Chinese diplomats who shot dead Chinese consulate staff in Cebu
MANILA, Oct. 22 (PNA) -- The Philippine government will turn over to China the custody of two Chinese diplomats who shot dead two staff members of the Chinese consulate in Cebu and seriously wounded the post’s Consul General, citing their right to diplomatic immunity.

Typhoon 'Lando' leaves 4 dead, 1 missing and one injured in Cagayan Valley Region alone
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Oct. 22 (PNA) -- Typhoon “Lando” has left Cagayan Valley Region with four casualties, one missing, one injured and a total of 42,608 families or 206,187 persons in 462 barangays affected in the Provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

Rodrigo Duterte: I cannot be the savior of this republic
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte once again doused speculations that he will be the substitute candidate for the presidential bet fielded by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban). In an interview in Davao City, Duterte said he is getting tired of responding to speculations that ...

Social Welfare Department assures speedy delivery of relief supplies
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 20, (PIA) - -Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman announced on Monday that relief supplies for typhoon Lando affected families will be distributed at the soonest possible time.

Department of Public Works and Highways warns public of fundraising scam for relief program
MANILA, Oct. 22 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) emphasized that it does not demand its contractors, consultants and suppliers to provide monetary or material donations for a relief project in Maguindanao.

10/21/2015

Lando's death toll reaches 30; damages hit Php 5 Billion
MANILA, Oct. 20 (PNA) -- Thirty persons were killed while 36 others were wounded and three missing persons due to the onslaught of typhoon Lando in several areas of Luzon, separate reports from regional offices of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), show.

Ombudsman raps top PNP officials in AK-47 scam
MANILA - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has ordered the filing of Informations with the Sandiganbayan against top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their involvement in the anomalous issuance of firearm licenses for AK-47 rifles from August 2011 to April 2013.

Third disqualification case against Poe filed at the Comelec
MANILA, Oct. 20 (PNA) -- A third disqualification case has been lodged against presidential aspirant Senator Grace Poe before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday. In his 14-page petition for Cancellation of Certificate of Candidacy (CoC), Political Science Professor Antonio Contreras asked ...

Philippines, Vietnam to hold bilateral talks in Hanoi
MANILA, Oct. 21—Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario will lead the Philippine delegation to Hanoi, Vietnam for the convening of the Ministerial Meeting of the 8th Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation today (JCBC).

In the face of floods, a biologist advocates for rehabilitation of forests
The Philippines has again experienced severe floods due to Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu), which inundated north Luzon over the weekend. But unless there is an extreme amount of rainfall, healthy forests can prevent the floods that occur every time there is a typhoon.

Comelec eyes extension of voter registration in areas affected by typhoon 'Lando'
MANILA, Oct. 20 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is studying the possibility of extending the voter registration period in areas affected by typhoon “Lando”. “Given typhoon ‘Lando’, we will look into it and we will see whether it merits a special extension only for regions that were affected ...

Malacañang condemns murder of Agusan del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl
MANILA, Oct. 21 — The Palace condemns the murder of Mayor Dario Otaza of Loreto, a town in Agusan del Sur province, and his son Daryl, by armed men believed to be members of the New People's Army (NPA). The two were abducted from their home on Monday night and were found dead at 7 a.m. on Tuesday ...

10/19/2015

2016 Budget to Support Climate Change Projects worth P132 Billion
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said funds for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in the proposed 2016 National Budget have reached P132 billion to build the resilience of vulnerable communities against the devastating impact of climate change.

Kit Tatad files disqualification case vs Grace Poe
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/19/15/kit-tatad-files-disqualification-case-vs-poe

DSWD assures relief goods being loaded in trucks to be distributed to Typhoon 'Lando' affected families
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman Monday assured that all DSWD-Field Offices in areas affected by Typhoon "Lando" continue to repack relief supplies for immediate distribution to local government units (LGUs) when necessary.

APEC calls on member economies to support sustainable energy center
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu -- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are being encouraged to support the work of a new institution whose mission is to strengthen the pragmatic cooperation among APEC member economies through information sharing, technology transfer ...

Kennon Road, 28 other roads in CAR, Regions 2, 3 closed to traffic due to Lando
MANILA - Twenty-nine road sections, including eight in Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), seven in Cagayan Valley, and 14 in Central Luzon, are closed to traffic due to typhoon Lando, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a news release Monday.

Pangasinan asks help for search, rescue due to flashflood in Pangasinan-Tarlac border
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Ocf. 18 (PNA)--Gov. Amado Espino Jr. called on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (NDRRMC) to help in the search and rescue operations of residents affected by the flashfloods starting at 2:00 a.m. today (Monday) in Mangatarem, Aguilar ...

199 families evacuated in Pangasinan, 233 in Dagupan due to Typhoon 'Lando'
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Oct. 19 (PNA) -- A total of 199 families were evacuated in Pangasinan since early Sunday morning following strong winds unleashed by Tropical Storm Lando across the province. As of 11:00 a.m, Pangasinan was placed under Public Warning Signal No 3.

10/18/2015

Philippines wants ASEAN's collective decision on China's South China Sea naval drills
MANILA, Oct. 18 -- The Philippines wants Southeast Asian nations to discuss China's proposal of holding naval drills with the Association of Southeast Asian Nation countries in the South China Sea. "The Philippine position will be discussed in ASEAN.

Super Typhoon 'Lando' (Koppu) weakens slightly, threatens Cordillera
MANILA - Typhoon Lando slightly weakened after striking Aurora province and was threatening the Cordillera region with flashfloods and landslides, based on the latest forecast of PAGASA. In its 11 a.m. update, the state weather bureau said Lando was packing maximum sustained winds ...

Super Typhoon 'Lando' (Koppu) downs power supply in North, South Luzon provinces
Typhoon 'Lando' has incurred power outages in ten provinces located in North and South Luzon, the country's grid-operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said. In a statement Sunday, NGCP reported the provinces that had power interruptions ...

More than 6,000 passengers stranded in various ports due to 'Lando' - PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said that the number of seagoing passengers stranded in various ports nationwide due to typhoon “Lando” have reached over 6, 000 as of noon Sunday. In its latest advisory, PCG said there are a total of 6,391 passengers ...

Taxes in PHL not just high; it's too tedious to pay them, says global study
The Philippines ranked a poor 127th among 189 economies reviewed by international audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in terms of ease of paying taxes for business, while its neighbors, Thailand and Malaysia landed on 62nd and 32nd respectively, Senator Escudero said Sunday.

Pasay City’s new Environmental Code will be strictly implemented- Calixto
PASAY CITY, Oct.16, Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto announced that the “Environmental Code of Pasay” recently passed by the City Council which took effect on October 6, 2015 will be strictly implemented. The code aims to ensure that the present and future generations ...

More flights cancelled due to Super typhoon 'Lando' (Koppu)
Bad weather brought about by typhoon “Lando” prompted the cancellation of 18 more flights on Sunday afternoon, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in an advisory. MIAA said that a total of 24 flights have been cancelled as of 3 p.m. Sunday.

10/17/2015

Nueva Vizcaya execs orders preemptive evacuation in low-lying areas
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Oct. 17 (PNA) -- Provincial officials here on Saturday ordered villagers in low-lying communities in the province to follow preemptive evacuation in the wake of typhoon ‘Lando’.

PNoy warns: Be on alert for strong typhoon; expect prolonged rains
MANILA - (UPDATED WITH VIDEO OF LANDO FORECAST) President Benigno Aquino III warned Friday a strong typhoon set to hit the disaster-plagued nation over the weekend could cause severe flooding and wind damage in rural northern regions home to millions.

World Bank upbeat about ending global poverty
ACCRA, Oct. 17 (PNA/Xinhua) -- The World Bank Group is optimistic that global poverty is on its way out, President Jim Yong Kim said here on Friday. This optimism comes because, for the first time in human history, the percentage of people living in extreme poverty has reduced ...

Update: Typhoon 'Lando' grounds over 3,000 passengers
MANILA, Oct 17 (PNA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday said that a total of 3,155 passengers remain stranded in various ports nationwide due to rough sea conditions brought by Typhoon “Lando”.

China wants naval drills with Southeast Asian nations in South China Sea
BEIJING - China's defense minister said on Friday that he is willing to hold joint drills in the disputed South China Sea with Southeast Asian countries, covering accidental encounters and search and rescue, striking a conciliatory tone over an increasingly tense spat.

DENR unveils new project targeting pollution caused by open burning
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 17 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday launched a new project aiming to reduce air pollution from open burning, which can cause serious health problems and damage the environment.

Moro National Liberation Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front forge unity to push passage of ‘undiluted’ BBL
CAMP DARAPANAN, Maguindanao, Oct. 17 -- The Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed on Tuesday a joint statement calling for the passage of the undiluted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

10/15/2015

Sen. Enrile urges defense officials to ask Palace to increase DND's budget
MANILA, Oct. 14 (PNA) – Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile urged the Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday to ask Malacanang to increase the budget for the improvement of the country’s defense capability against internal and external threats.

APEC seeks to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, double renewable energy, promote nuclear energy
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu -- The 21 member-economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) seek to phase out in the medium term “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies, double renewable energy use, and promote nuclear energy as a sustainable and clean energy source ...

President Aquino cites PHL's demographic advantage in sustained economic growth
MANILA, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday highlighted anew the advantage of having a young population vis-a-vis the growth of the economy. In an interview by Steve Forbes Jr., at the sidelines of the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Solaire Hotel in Paranaque City ...

Local governments to conduct early preparations for disasters
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 15 -- With the increasing frequency and severity of disasters which the country has experienced in the past years, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging all local chief executives (LCEs) to conduct early preparedness actions ...

Rodrigo Duterte to run for mayor, not president
Amid a "shave campaign" by his supporters, the camp of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte reiterated the mayor will not run for president in the 2016 polls. Instead, the tough-talking mayor will file his certificate of candidacy for mayor of Davao, according to his chief of staff Bong Go.

President Aquino appoints Caguioa as Secretary of Justice
MANILA, Oct. 15 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed on Monday Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel since 2013, as ad interim Secretary of the Department of Justice. Caguioa will be occupying the position previously held by Leila de Lima ...

Mandaue City is APEC's latest low-carbon model town
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- Considered the sixth smallest government unit in the Philippines in terms of land area, Mandaue City is now far bigger than anyone realizes. On Tuesday, during the 12th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministers' Meeting ...

10/14/2015

Philippine National Police submits video of Samal kidnap victims for verification
DAVAO CITY, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) submitted for verification the video of the three foreigners and Filipina snatched by armed men from the Holiday Ocean View Resort that surfaced in the video-sharing site Youtube dated Oct. 12.

Alma Moreno, Jacel Kiram, Francis Tolentino: A stream of Senate bets on Day 3
MANILA - A stream of senatorial aspirants flocked early to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila Wednesday for the third day of filing of certificates of candidacy. Actress Alma Moreno and Princess Jacel Kiram of the Sulu Sultanate were among ...

UN affirms appointment of Filipino auditor Heidi Mendoza as oversight chief
MANILA, Oct. 14 -- The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon of Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi S. Mendoza as Under-Secretary General of the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services.

World's iconic monuments to light up in UN Blue as UN marks anniversary
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 14 (PNA/ITAR-TASS) -- The State Hermitage Museum in Russia's St. Petersburg, the New York's Empire State Building, the Tower of Pisa and around 160 iconic monuments in 50 countries will light up in blue, the UN colors, to mark the 70th anniversary ...

Francis Tolentino on 'twerk' scandal: We have to move on
MANILA - Senatorial aspirant Francis Tolentino on Wednesday said it is already time to move on from the "Playgirls" controversy, adding that he still enjoys the support of President Benigno Aquino III. “I think so. When I resigned, the president issued a statement ...

COMELEC extends deadline for reactivation of overseas voting records
MANILA, Oct. 14 (PIA) – The Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) announced that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has extended the period of filing for Application for Reactivation until December 9, 2015.

APEC energy ministers highlight importance of low carbon development
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) energy ministers have reaffirmed the importance of low carbon development to achieve individual and regional economic aspirations. "We commend the significant progress of the APEC Low-Carbon Model Town Project ...

10/13/2015

Rodrigo Duterte not running for president, to seek re-election in 2016
DAVAO CITY, Oct. 12 (PNA) -- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Monday afternoon announced with finality that he is not running for president. “..this is indeed a beautiful day to end a wild dream,” Duterte said at the end of his unsigned press statement, which will be read, too by a broadcaster ...

Leyte Rep Romualdez files CoC for senator, cousin Bongbong to file VP bid
MANILA, Philippines -- Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, who is running for the Senate, filed his certificate of candidacy Tuesday morning, with his cousin, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expected to file his bid for vice president after lunch.

Laguna Lake nears tipping point, needs more local green action
Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta raised urgency for more local action on saving the Philippines' largest lake Laguna de Bay from further environmental degradation, noting latest data show this 98,000-hectare water body is already approaching its tipping point.

Heidi Mendoza to head UN's internal oversight services
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 13 (PNA/Xinhua) -- The United Nations General Assembly approved the appointment of Heidi Mendoza, top auditor of the Philippines, as the new head of its internal oversight body, the Office of the Internal Oversight Services (IOS) said.

Filipina domestic in US sues Uber, Airbnb execs for unfair labor, sexual harassment
MANILA - A Filipino migrant worker has sued her former employers, executives of Uber and of Airbnb, before the San Francisco Superior Court for wage theft and sexual harassment. Julieta dela Cruz Yang filed the complaint against Cameron Poetzscher, head of corporate development ...

Department of Foreign Affairs intensifies overseas voting awareness campaign
MANILA, Oct. 13 (PIA) – With more than two weeks to go before voter registration period ends, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Overseas Voting Secretariat, further intensified its overseas voting awareness campaign.

Bishop calls on faithful to use social media for change
A Catholic bishop called on the faithful to use social media for change. In the recent 4th Catholic Social Media Summit (CSMSv4), San Pablo Bishop Buenaventura Famadico said that in the age of modern technology, social media is increasingly playing a critical role ...

10/12/2015

Philippines eyes to attract renewable energy investments through APEC hosting
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Oct. 12 (PNA) -- With the goal to triple renewable energy-based capacity by 2030, the Philippines will take advantage of its Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) hosting to promote renewable energy investments here.

6 things to know about Jejomar Binay
Vice President Jejomar Binay has been a household name in the Philippines since the 1980s, having been a human rights lawyer during the martial law period and mayor of Makati City from 1988 until 1998 and 2001 to 2010. Here are some interesting things you might not know ...

Energy Department hopes APEC meeting on Energy could bring in new technologies
LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU, Oct. 12—The Department of Energy said on Sunday that it hopes the meeting of APEC energy ministers here could also lead to the country's adoption of new technologies for sufficient power supply and cheaper electricity prices.

12 aspirants for 2016 polls file COCs early at Comelec main office
MANILA, Oct. 12 (PNA) -- Twelve aspirants running for national positions of president, vice-president and senator in the 2016 polls trooped to Intramuros during the first hour of the start of the five-day filing period of the submission of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) ...

Panfilo Lacson taking another shot at Senate
MANILA - Former senator and rehabilitation czar Panfilo "Ping" Lacson is again taking a shot at the Senate. Lacson was among the first to arrive at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila Monday to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator ...

Agriculture Budget not enough to support sector says Sen. Escudero
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the government should give the agriculture sector a bigger share of the budget if it wanted to boost food production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported grain, particularly rice ...

St. Luke's Medical Center to hold free clinic for QC indigents
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA)--The St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) is set to hold free clinic for indigent Quezon City residents. At least 2,000 indigent patients will benefit from the free clinic services set on October 11 at the Quezon City Hall.

10/10/2015

House passes bill prohibiting overbooking of airline passengers
Bayan Muna Paty-list Rep. Neri Colmenares over the weekend said that the recently approved House Bill 6191, or the Airline Passengers Bill of Rights, is unprecedented in airline legislation because it is the first bill that outrightly sides with airline passengers ...

China completes construction of lighthouses in South China Sea
SHANGHAI -- China has completed the construction of two lighthouses in the disputed South China Sea, the official Xinhua news agency reported, as tensions in the region mount over Beijing's maritime ambitions.

Groups demand poll bets' environmental platforms
MANILA, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- Various environment watchdogs are challenging all candidates in next year's national and local elections to bare their respective environmental platforms. Ecowaste Coalition president and Mother Earth Foundationchairperson Sonia Mendoza noted ...

Pantawid Pamilya mothers become entrepreneurs
Assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), 60 Pantawid Pamilya mothers in Negros Oriental have been provided skills training and seed capital of P600,000 to start their chosen enterprise.

Suspect in Italian ex-priest's kidnapping arrested as cops identify gang leader
A suspect in the kidnapping of Italian former priest Rolando del Torchio was arrested in Pagadian City Friday night while a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf allegedly involved in the 2002 kidnapping of Jehovah’s Witnesses was captured in Zamboanga City Saturday morning, police said.

Department of National Defense chief vows to support PVAO initiatives to uplift veterans' well-being
As the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) celebrates its 43rd founding anniversary Friday, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin pledged to support all initiatives that will uplift the welfare and well-being of the veterans and their families.

Quezon City and Chiba City, Japan strengthen ties, cooperation
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 10 (PIA)--Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Mayor Toshihito Kumagai, of Chiba City, Japan recently signed a Reaffirmation of Friendship to strengthen their ties as sister cities.

10/9/2015

Ugandan exec yields Php 250-M worth of illegal drugs
SANTA ROSA City, Laguna, Oct. 8 (PNA) -- The Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency- Calabarzon (PDEA 4A) seized Php 250-million worth of illegal drugs during a raid of an African illegal drug syndicate's lair in an exclusive subdivision here Thursday morning.

U.S. to sail warships near disputed S. China Sea islands: Financial Times
The United States is expected to sail warships close to China's artificial islands in the South China Sea within the next two weeks to signal it does not recognize Chinese territorial claims over the area, the Financial Times reported, citing a senior U.S. official.

Dipolog City mayor: Abduction of Italian priest ‘an unfortunate incident’
DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, Oct. 8 (PNA) –government authorities have mobilized its resources as “law enforcement agencies are already pursuing leads and conducting follow-up operations” for the safe recovery of a former Italian priest abducted in this city.

First woman pilot of Vietnamese airline is a Filipino
MANILA, Oct 8 (PNA) -- Filipino pilot Capt. Antonette Ortiz Parocha has made history by being the first female co-pilot of Vietnam’s privately-owned new-age airline, Viet Jet Air (VietJet), airport authorities said on Thursday.

Joker Arroyo: A man beholden to no one except his country
He was the man who dared to question before the Supreme Court the legality of a proclamation that put the country under Martial Law. Steadily, the lawyer known as Joker Arroyo, built a reputation as a staunch defender of human rights.

Makati promotes cleaner air
MAKATI CITY, 8 Oct. (PIA) – The City Governmnet of Makati has partnered with the private sector and transport groups in order to lessen air pollution and carbon emissions in the city. The city hopes to promote cleaner air through the use of cloud technology and electric-powered ...

Applications for 2015 YSEALI fellowship programs now open
MANILA,Oct. 9 (PIA) – The United States Embassy Manila is now accepting applications to the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) 2016 Fellowship programs. Academic Fellowships are intensive, short term programs in the United States that provide young leaders ...

10/5/2015

Senate approves bill declaring agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage
Voting 12-0-1, the Senate on Monday passed on third and final reading a bill seekig to declare large-scale agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage. Senate Bill No. 2923, introduced by Senators Cynthia Villar and JV Ejercito, penalizes illegal importers of agricultural products ...

Leila de Lima to run for senator
MANILA – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday categorically announced that she will run for senator in 2016. Speaking to ANC's "Headstart", de Lima said she did not hesitate to reveal her inclusion in the Liberal Party's senatorial lineup since this is already widely known.

Fiscal reforms bolster Philippines' competitiveness upgrade
MANILA, Oct. 6 -- Budget Secretary Florencio 'Butch' Abad hailed the Aquino Administration’s governance and fiscal reform efforts as the Philippines leaps five notches in the global competitiveness ranking.

Adopt-an-Estero program a success
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urging more organizations and companies to join the government’s “Adopt-an-Estero” Program, which has proven to be effective in improving the local environment and promoting public health and safety.

Global poverty rate to fall below 10 percent for first time in 2015 - World Bank
WASHINGTON - The number of people living in extreme poverty around the world is likely to fall to below the 10 percent of the global population in 2015, according to a forecast released by the World Bank Sunday.

Philippine Peso improves vs USD on lower non-farm payrolls in September '15
MANILA, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- The Philippine peso rallied against the US dollar Monday, in line with regional currencies, following the below-expected rise in US non-farm payrolls for September 2015.

University of the Philippines hosts launching of climate change #NowPH Campaign
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the National Youth Commission (NYC), are launching today, October 6, a youth-led campaign that calls for a positive outcome during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France this December.

10/4/2015

Chiz proposes inter-agency body to address impacts of El Niño
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero is proposing the creation of an inter-agency body to study and address the impacts of El Nino on farmlands and households, which are now experiencing water shortages.

Leni Robredo to announce VP bid on Monday
MANILA - Three years after Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo's death, his wife is now poised to take an even bigger role in the political arena, according to members of the administration Liberal Party.

Department of Health closely monitoring incidence of dengue –Palace
MANILA, Oct. 4 (PNA) – Malacanang assured on Sunday that the Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring the incidence of dengue in the country. ”There is no reason to be alarmed because the DOH is closely monitoring this incidence of dengue,” Presidential Communications ...

Free admission to Philippine museums, galleries this October
MANILA, Oct. 5 (PIA) – In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month this October, everyone is invited to come and visit the National Museum in Manila and regional museums and galleries for free.

65.5% of DILG disaster funds unused in Roxas term - report
MANILA - An audit report shows roughly two-thirds of disaster risk reduction and management funds that could have beefed up local government's preparedness went idle during the term of Mar Roxas as Interior secretary, indicating, says the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay ...

Palace proud of Gilas Pilipinas’ silver medal in the 2015 FIBA Asia championship
MANILA, Oct. 5 -- Malacañang joined the entire Filipino nation last Saturday in congratulating the men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, for winning the silver medal in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

Gilas Pilipinas fails to get Rio Olympics slot; bows to China
MANILA, Oct. 4 (PNA) – Gilas Pilipinas fought hard but it was not enough to get China out of the way in the Philippines’ bid to book ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics Games. China defeated the Philippines, 78-67, last Saturday night to win the gold of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship ...

10/3/2015

APEC environment and agriculture ministers to meet on food security, ‘blue’ economy
Environment and agriculture ministers and officials from 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will meet in Iloilo City from October 4-6 to discuss policies on the conservation of ocean and coastal resources while ensuring food security.

Iba na ngayon: Pinoys won't choose Jejomar Binay, Trillanes says
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is confident that Vice President Jejomar Binay will fail in his bid to win the presidency in 2016. Trillanes, who intends to run as vice president, reasoned that the public's vigilance will prevent them from succumbing to empty rhetoric and electing Binay.

New SC Complex soon to rise in BGC in Taguig
TAGUIG CITY, Oct. 3 (PIA)—A new Supreme Court Complex is soon to rise on the 21, 463 sq.m property located at the former Philippine Army Security Escort Group Area in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

US sports envoys in Manila for outreach activity
MANILA, Oct. 2 (PIA) - American volleyball coaches Eric Hodgson and Michelle Goodall are now in Manila for an outreach event today at the Asilo de San Vicente de Paul Orphanage in Paco, Manila.

What Greenpeace says on PH's emission cut offer
While surprised by the Philippines' pledge, Greenpeace official Jasper Inventor said the country's proposal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 70 percent come 2030 is a "transformational" action.

Government continues to pursue Bangsamoro peace process
MANILA, Oct. 3 -- While there is a growing serious concern from stakeholders in the Bangsamoro peace process over the delay in the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the government is committed to continue its relentless efforts to secure its enactment into law ...

Reforms improve labor market efficiency
MANILA, Oct. 3—The latest World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index ranking placed the Philippines’ labor market efficiency in 47th place out of 140 economies, raising it by 5 notches since 2014.

10/2/2015

Philippines determined to achieve top one-third of global competitiveness ranking -- Palace
MANILA, Oct. 1 (PNA) -- The administration of President Benigno Aquino III remains focused and determined to achieve the top one-third of 140 countries in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness ranking, said Presidential Communications Operations Office ...

3 airport screeners in trouble over OFW's bag
MANILA - The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has cancelled the access of three airport security screeners accused of stealing the backpack of a returning overseas Filipino worker (OFW). Sources disclosed that investigators from the Police Intelligence and Investigation ...

Philippines submits initial global commitments to address climate change
The Philippines’ initial commitments to help achieve a below two degree Celsius increase in global temperatures were transmitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change today as part of the nation’s contributions to the climate negotiations this year.

MMDA, police support deployment of double-decker buses along EDSA
To address heavy traffic along the 23.8-kilometer Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) support the the deployment of double-decker buses along EDSA.

Osmena wants to merge bills to protect credit card holders, issuers
MANILA – Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmena III on Wednesday convened representatives from the local credit card industry and state banks to consolidate various bills aimed at prohibiting them from harassing debtors and imposing extra charges to holders who use the plastic money

President Aquino approves submission to UN of PHL’s initial global commitment to address climate change
MANILA, Oct. 1 (PNA) – President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday approved the submission of the Philippines’ initial global commitment to help achieve a below two degree Celsius increase in global temperatures to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The best of Pinoy culture, food shine in festival in Japan
The best of Filipino culture, hospitality, food and entertainment were highlighted in the recent Philippine Festival held at the Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, Japan. Representative Manny “Pacman” Paquiao was the special guest during the event organized by the Philippine Embassy ...

Previous month's headlines