Archived News Headlines from November 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015
(Please note: some articles may have been removed by their respective publications)

11/30/2015

President Aquino leaves for France, Italy and Vatican City
MANILA, Nov. 30 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III, together with the Philippine delegation, left the country on Sunday morning for his week-long visit to France, Italy and the Vatican City. President Aquino’s first stop will be in Paris, France, where he will be joining fellow world leaders ...

Abu Sayyaf man tagged in Sabah kidnappings nabbed in Sulu after road crash
MANILA - All military units went on alert Sunday for possible retaliation from the Abu Sayyaf Group ASG following the arrest of a key aide of two ASG believed behind a rash of kidnappings in Sabah. The suspect, Kadaffy Kamsa, was arrested Saturday inside a hospital in Barangay Asturias in Jolo...

Philippines must institutionalize climate change fight -- Ambassador Lazaro
PARIS, France, Nov. 30 -- President Aquino was able to put in place the principles and regulations addressing climate change in the country and the next leader should strengthen those guidelines, the country's ambassador to France said.

Filipino human rights lawyer among ASEAN Peoples’ awardees
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 24 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognized the recipients of the inaugural ASEAN Peoples’ Award on the sidelines of the 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here. Filipino Ray Paolo Santiago was one of the 10 recipients of the award which honors ...

Duterte bares 8 names he is endorsing for the Senate
DAVAO CITY - Presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte has bared the names of eight senatorial aspirants he is endorsing for the 2016 national elections. Duterte, in a chance interview Friday evening at the Matina Enclave Clubhouse here, named Reps. Martin Romualdez, Manny Pacquiao, ‎Samuel Pagdilao ...

Expansion of credit information system to boost credit for MSMEs
QUEZON CITY, 27 November 2015 – The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2015 has undertaken steps to bridge the wide gap between major creditors and small entrepreneurs among its member economies through the expansion of the credit information system.

Social Security System posts 10-percent growth in contributions
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 29 -- The Social Security System (SSS) collected P98.26 billion in contributions over the first three quarters of this year, higher by 10 percent from the P89.03 billion total for the same period in 2014, with the pension fund achieving growths in all four major segments of SSS membership.

11/29/2015

President Aquino to leave for three-state European trip
MANILA, Nov. 29 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to leave today for a three-state European trip that will bring him to France, Italy and the Vatican City. The President’s first stop will be Paris, where he will attend the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) for the United Nations Framework ...

PNoy to Bongbong: Read book on martial law, so you know what apology is for
MANILA - Despite doctor's advice for him to rest to recover from a worsening sore throat, President Benigno Aquino III went to the grave of his father Ninoy on the occasion of his 83rd birthday. He was accompanied by sisters Ballsy and Viel. They spent some minutes in prayer and then left ...

Science agency bets on biotech for food security, better healthcare
MANILA, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- With agricultural productivity, food security, and public health at the top of its agenda, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheads the celebration of National Biotechnology Week (NBW) 2015.

20,000 climate justice advocates march against coal
On the eve of the March for Climate Justice in the Philippines, the largest historic climate-related action in the country joined by 20, 000 avocates, 300 residents from coal-affected communities camped in Mendiola to end its five-day long protest caravan.

First five named in Rodrigo Duterte's senatorial slate
DAVAO CITY—Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday named five of 12 senatorial candidates of other camps that he wants to adopt as guests. These were Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao, Panfilo Lacson Jr., Rep. Samuel Pagdilao and Rep. Roman Romulo.

Sen. Escudero urges road board to use funds to promote motorcycle riders' safety
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero is urging the government to utilize the road users’ tax to mount a massive campaign promoting the rights of motorcycle riders on the road following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) discovery that 53 percent of road accident fatalities in the Philippines are motorcycle users.

DOLE chief sees more trade, more employment for Filipinos after APEC
Vibrant trade relations, initially among nine Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies, but expanding eventually to all its members, are expected to create employment opportunities for more Filipinos following the successful 2015 APEC Leaders’ Meeting which the Philippines hosted last week.

11/28/2015

Philippines' first 2 FA-50PH jet fighters arrive in Clark
CLARK AIR BASE, PAMPANGA, Nov. 28 (PNA) --- A deep-throated roar in the sky heralded the arrival of the country's first two FA-50PHs and return of the supersonic capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Saturday morning. The two aircraft, with tail numbers OO1 and 002, landed at Clark Air Base...

Indonesian jihadist’s ISIS links confirmed
THE Indonesian terrorist killed in an encounter with security forces in Sultan Kudarat is one of 10 jihadists with links to the Islamic State who are in the country for still unknown reasons, an intelligence source told The Standard Friday.

Rodrigo Duterte vows to deal with criminality, graft and corruption
DAVAO CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to ‎"simultaneously deal with criminality and graft and corruption" if he wins in the 2016 presidential elections. "I‎ can promise you a law-abiding, God-fearing, comfortable community," said Duterte in a chance interview Friday evening ...

Ahead of the Paris summit, Filipinos join the Global Climate March to demand climate justice
MANILA, 28 November 2015 – Around 10,000 advocates representing climate-impacted communities, religious groups, youth, labor unions, anti-coal and renewable energy campaigners, and other concerned citizens took to the streets to join the Global Climate March on the weekend before the Paris talks begin.

PAF readies airbases for FA50 jets; munitions to wait 3 years
MANILA - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) intends to station all 12 brand new FA-50 "Golden Eagle" lead-in trainer jets in three air bases fronting the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The first batch of two aircraft are expected to arrive on Friday on a touch-down basis at Clark Airbase, home of PAF's 1st Air Division in Clark Field, Pampanga.

AFP confirms Indonesian bomb expert among those killed in Sultan Kudarat clash
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- Military officials here on Saturday confirmed that one of the eight fatalities in Sultan Kudarat clash Thursday dawn was an Indonesian national who is said to be a bomb making expert.

Philippines to receive disaster response support from Australia
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 28 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Australian government are set to launch a partnership project that will enhance the DSWD’s capacity in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies.

11/27/2015

Rodrigo Duterte files CoC for president after withdrawing COC for mayor
DAVAO CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA) -- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for President with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila through his lawyer Salvador Medealdia at 11:55 Friday morning. This developed after Duterte withdrew his COC for mayor with the Comelec ...

Debate rages over Duterte's presidential bid
Election lawyers are now engaged in a debate over whether Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte can step in as the substitute of former Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) presidential candidate Martin Diño. Diño has since withdrawn his candidacy.

Arbitral Tribunal told: China’s claims over West Philippine Sea deprives Philippines of fishing rights
MANILA, Nov. 27 -- The Philippines discussed its deprivation of fishing and exploration rights during the second day of hearings on its case against China at the Arbitral Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

President Aquino, sisters visit Ninoy's tomb in commemoration of the former senator's 83rd birth anniversary
MANILA, Nov. 27 (PNA) -- President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and his two sisters on Friday visited the tomb of their late father, former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., to mark the latter's 83rd birth anniversary. Aquino with his sister Ballsy Cruz and Viel Dee gathered at the former Senator's ...

Grace Poe lawyer: SET ruling extinguishes election offense case
MANILA – The lawyer of Senator Grace Poe on Friday expressed the belief that the election offense case filed against her before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been effectively "extinguished" by the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) throwing out the disqualification case against her.

President Aquino appoints new Associate Justices for Court of Appeals
MANILA, Nov. 27 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Gabriel Robeniol and Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig as Associate Justices of the Court of Appeals. Robeniol took over Isaias Dicdican while Fiel-Macaraig replaced Rebecca de Guia-Salvador.

President Aquino expands coverage of National Greening Program
MANILA, Nov. 27 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued an executive order expanding the coverage of the government’s National Greening Program. Under Executive Order (EO) No. 193, the Expanded National Greening Program will cover all the remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands ...

11/25/2015

PHLPost issues special stamps featuring Philippine wildlife
MANILA, Nov. 24 (PIA) - The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) recently released new set of stamps featuring some of the endemic Philippine wildlife animals which are vulnerable from extinction. “PHLPost supports the education and information campaign of the government and the private sector ...

Auction houses ready Imelda Marcos jewels for possible sale
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine authorities on Tuesday showcased necklaces with diamonds the size of marbles and other jewels seized from the family of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in preparation for a possible multi-million-dollar auction.

Ranking NPA leader in Bicol nabbed in Cavite
MANILA, Nov. 25 (PNA) -- A ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) rebel group in Bicol was arrested by military and police units in a joint operation in Trece Martirez City, Cavite province on Wednesday morning.

Opening up economies would benefit everyone—APEC
MANILA, Nov. 25 -- When the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established 26 years ago, its foundation was laid with the vision of a region free from protectionism. In economics, protectionism is the complete opposite of free trade, the former being the policy of restraining trade between states ...

Mar Roxas: Who wants ‘foreign’ leader?
ADMINISTRATION candidate Manuel Roxas II took a swipe Tuesday at presidential survey frontrunner Senator Grace Poe by insinuating that she was not a natural-born citizen, just a few months after he failed to convince her to be his running mate.

President Aquino leads inauguration of new IT facility
PASIG CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA)--President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday led the inauguration of a new facility of Pointwest Technologies Corporation, one of the leading IT-BPM companies in the country. Pointwest Digital Center, located at the Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas ...

Floyd Mayweather wants fight between Nicaraguan 'El Chocolatito' and Cuban Rigondeaux
MANAGUA, Nov. 25 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Retired boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather wants to see a fight between Nicaragua's Roman "El Chocolatito" Gonzalez and Cuba's Guillermo Rigondeaux, local media reported on Tuesday. Nicaragua's official news portal El Pueblo Presidente published that the former U.S. champion ...

11/23/2015

President Aquino urges China to respect rule of law
President Benigno Aquino III once again apealed to China to respect the rule of law amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea due to Beijing’s massive land reclamation and use of force, which he said has threatened livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and damage the ecological environment in the disputed waters.

Duterte entry into the 2016 presidential race ‘changes game’
THE entry of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte into the 2016 presidential race is a game changer as he is likely to take votes away from Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II and hurt survey frontrunner Senator Grace Poe, political analysts said Sunday.

President Aquino joined ASEAN Leaders in signing Kuala Lumpur Declaration
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 23 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday joined his regional counterparts in signing the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community which will be launched on December 31.

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Royce on Strengthening U.S.-Philippines Ties
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued the following statement on the recent announcement that the United States will transfer a U.S. Coast Guard cutter and a research vessel to the Philippines.

Pinoy seafarer honored in UK for bravery at sea
MANILA - The International Maritime Organization (IMO) cited Filipino seafarer Vicente Somera for exceptional bravery at sea in saving a hypothermic sailor in 2014 who was trying to repair a leak on his vessel, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported Monday.

70 years of Philippine, Australia ties highlighted in a photo exhibit
Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis recently led the launch of the photo exhibit dubbed, “Philippines and Australia: The First Seventy Years.”

Palace thanks Filipinos for helping make the country's APEC hosting a success
MANILA, Nov. 23 -- Malacañang expressed its gratitude to millions of Filipinos nationwide who helped make the country’s recent hosting of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting and other related summits a huge success.

11/21/2015

Indonesia to voice concerns on China maritime claims at ASEAN Summit
JAKARTA, Nov. 21 (PNA/Kyodo) -- Indonesia will openly express its opposition to China's vast claims in the South China Sea when Southeast Asian senior officials, ministers and leaders gather over the coming days in Kuala Lumpur for a series of annual meetings, stressing that China's so-called "nine-dash lines" ...

Malaysia urges world leaders to confront Islamist extremists
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Prime Minister Najib Razak called on world leaders to confront Islamist extremism, saying its "barbaric acts" do not represent any race or religion, as he opened a regional summit overshadowed by a spate of attacks around the globe.

Aquino extends condolences to families of Malaysian beheaded in Sulu
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 21 (PNA) -- President Benigno Aquino III expressed his deepest regret and sympathy over the beheading of a Malaysian national in Jolo, Sulu last November 17. In reaction to the opening address of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak during the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Summit ...

ASEAN leaders convene to discuss community realization, development beyond 2015
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 21 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered here on Saturday to discuss the establishment of the landmark ASEAN Community by Dec. 31 this year and map out a plan for its further development to 2025.

NPA raids Ayala, Selecta properties on outskirts of Metro Manila - rebels
MANILA, Philippines -- The New People’s Army said it had raided properties of developer Ayala Land and the Selecta-Arce Farm in Rodriguez, Rizal, on the boundary with Caloocan and Quezon cities, Thursday and seized 14 firearms -- nine rifles and four pistols -- from security personnel.

President Aquino to thank fellow leaders as he attends his last ASEAN Summit
MANILA, Nov. 21 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III said he will bid farewell to his fellow leaders in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as thank them for their continuing support for the Philippines, when he attends the 27th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Philippines, Japan ink agreements on rail project, social security
MANILA, Nov. 21 -- The Philippines and Japan signed two agreements following the bilateral meeting between President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday. The first agreement was on social security, which aims to coordinate pension programs for people who live and work ...

11/20/2015

APEC leaders adopt Philippine-led initiative on micro, small, medium enterprises
MANILA, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- The leaders of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies on Thursday adopted the Philippine-led initiative that aims to put micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the forefront of regional and global trade by 2020.

Obama: US to work with Philippines on TPP agreement process
MANILA - United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday welcomed the Philippines' interest to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and expressed willingness to work with its ally in this initiative. Obama said he has already directed US Trade Ministers to initiate discussions about how TPP will be implemented ...

Government actions on Climate Change boost businesses—Obama
MANILA, Nov. 20 -- A vigorous action for climate change could generate enormous business in Asia and around the world, said United States President Barack Obama during the CEO gathering on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on Wednesday.

ASEAN economy to expand 5.6% annually through to 2019: Malaysian PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 20 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said here Friday that ASEAN economy is expected to expand 5.6 percent through to 2019 with the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Addressing at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2015, Najib said ...

Canada's Trudeau offers legislative solution to trash row
MANILA, Philippines – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered nothing but a "legislative solution" to the loud clamor for Canada to take back a cargo of allegedly toxic garbage shipment. The response from Trudeau virtually dumped hopes for a swift and concrete resolution to the issue.

Homeless families at Boystown now being assisted
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 20 -- A team of social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) continues to assist the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Manila in providing appropriate services to the homeless families who were brought to Boystown ...

Gains from Philippines' 2015 APEC hosting more than compensate for losses -- Palace
MANILA, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- Long-term advantages of the Philippines' hosting of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meetings surpass losses it incurred. This was stressed by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. Friday.

11/19/2015

President Aquino says Philippines welcomes defense agreement with open arms
MANILA, Nov. 19 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday said the Philippines welcomes the mutual benefits under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, even while it is being reviewed by the Supreme Court (SC).

Barack Obama, Benigno Aquino vow to stop Chinese
UNITED States President Barack Obama underscored Washington’s “rock solid commitment to the defense of the Philippines” as he and President Benigno Aquino III vowed to halt further Chinese reclamation in disputed territories in the region. The two leaders made the pronouncement after an hour-long meeting ...

Ombudsman orders filing of graft raps vs. ex-Muntinlupa mayor, 12 others
MANILA, Nov. 18 (PNA) -- The Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) has ordered the filing of graft charges against former Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and 12 others in connection with the alleged anomalous awarding of contracts for the construction of health and daycare centers in 2009 amounting to Php47.2 million.

Military partnership among topics in Philippine-Japan bilateral talks
MANILA, Nov. 19 (PNA) -- The Philippines and Japan are expected to finalize its military partnership when President Benigno Aquino III and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meet Thursday night here. "We will see how the two parties will continue on that discussion," said Yasuhisa Kawamura ...

PU...NIETO | Look! Torre de Manila photobombs Mexican president at Luneta
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto arrived in Manila on Tuesday afternoon, and immediately went to wreath-laying ceremonies at Luneta, to pay respects to Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Photos posted on Nieto's Facebook page showed the leader's great respect for the Philippine hero ...

DSWD to look into situation of homeless families taken to Boystown
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 19 -- The transfer of homeless families from Manila to the Boystown in Marikina City was solely an initiative of the local government of Manila, said Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman on Monday.

Feature: Philippine electronics industry received boost from APEC 1996
QUEZON CIY, Nov 19 -- The Philippine electronics industry benefitted much from the country’s first hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) in November 1996. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Chito Manalo said that free trade agreements among the 21-member APEC economies ...

11/18/2015

Filipina tells Obama, APEC CEOs: 'climate change is like cancer -- and the world is at stage 2'
MANILA, Nov. 18 (PNA) -- Climate change is like cancer and the world is at Stage 2, young Filipina entrepreneur Aisa Mijeno told United States President Barack Obama and participants in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit 2015 here Wednesday.

Grace Poe in close win with the Senate Electoral Tribunal
BY a close 5-4 vote, the Senate Electoral Tribunal on Tuesday dismissed the disqualification case filed against Senator Grace Poe that sought to oust her from the Senate for not being a natural-born Filipino. Those who voted to dismiss the case were Senators Vicente Sotto III, Bam Aquino, Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar and Loren Legarda.

US identifies 2 ships to be given to the Philippines
MANILA, Nov. 18 (PNA) -- The White House has identified the two ships US President Barack Obama has pledged to donate to the Philippine Navy shortly after his visit to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) Tuesday. These ships are the high-endurance US Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell and research vessel, R/V Melville.

Slow court action hinders government anti-corruption fight -- PNoy
MANILA, Nov 18 -- The government's anti-corruption efforts would be more effective if the court act more expeditiously especially in sending wrongdoers to jail, President Aquino said on Monday. President Aquino, in a Dialogue with CNN's Andrew Stevens, vented his frustration on the courts' inability to act quickly ...

Najib says kidnapped Malaysian killed by Abu Sayyaf
MANILA, Philippines -- Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, in Manila for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, said Wednesday that a Malaysian man held by Islamic militants in the southern Philippines had been murdered, condemning what he called a "savage and barbaric" act.

AFP, PNP condemn perpetrators behind atrocities in Davao City, Jolo
MANILA, Nov. 18 (PNA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) vehemently condemned the masterminds behind the bombing in Davao City and beheading incident in Jolo even as its forces are now pursuing perpetrators behind the atrocities.

Security Task Force appeals for public’s understanding, cooperation on traffic schemes for APEC
MANILA, Nov.18 (PIA) -- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Security Task Force has appealed for the public’s utmost understanding and cooperation brought about by inconveniences of the stop and go scheme and road closures for the Economic Leaders’ Meeting this week.

11/16/2015

The Philippines remains attractive to APEC investors – CEO survey
MANILA, Nov. 16 (PNA) -- The Philippines remains an attractive investment destination among companies from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member-economies, given its large domestic market and highly talented labor pool.

At APEC, President Aquino blames Gloria Arroyo
SPEAKING to world business leaders at the Apec CEO Summit Monday, President Benigno Aquino III again blamed detained former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the poverty that prevails in the Philippines, referring to her term as the “lost decade.”

Chiz: Who's really in charge of airport security?
With fingers pointing in different directions at the Senate inquiry into the “tanim-bala” extortion racket in airports, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero wants the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to clarify their exact roles in airport security.

No terror threat during APEC -- Philippine National Police
MANILA, Nov. 16 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has dispelled rumors that terrorists are planning to stage an attack when leaders from the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which include US President Barack Obama, descend in Manila for a two-day summit that opens Wednesday.

Hong Kong employer reconsiders, to rehire Ortinez; OFW vows to pursue fight vs 'tanim bala'
MANILA - (UPDATE 8:04 PM) Filipino migrant worker Gloria Ortinez has received assurances from her Hong Kong employer she will be rehired, hours after being told she had lost her old job over the October airport incident that thrust her to national attention as the poster person for OFW victims ...

Protection of environment part of APEC agenda—DFA spokesperson
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 16 -- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is concerned not only with economic prosperity, but also with environmental issues. Department of Foreign Affairs assistant secretary and APEC spokesperson Charles Jose said APEC has an Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade ...

APEC CEO Summit opens in Manila
MANILA, Nov 16 (PNA) -- The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit 2015 has started in Manila on Monday. The three-day summit gathers business leaders in the region putting forward discussions concerning the economic growth of the Asia Pacific.

11/14/2015

France touched by expressions of support in the Philippines
MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- France has expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its expression of sympathy following last Friday’s deadly attacks that left more than 100 people killed in Paris. “We are deeply touched by the heartfelt expressions of support in the Philippines extended by President Benigno S. Aquino III ...

Why is FOI still in limbo? 'Congressmen don’t want it' - Robredo
MANILA, Philippines -- Why does the Freedom of Information Bill continue to languish in legislative limbo at the House of Representatives? Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, the administration’s vice presidential bet next year, has a simple answer: many of her colleagues do not want to pass the measure ...

Scorching heat likely in run-up to 2016 polls
MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- Preparations for the May 2016 national and local polls are expected to continue intensifying and so is temperature amid the potentially record-strong El Nino phenomenon. State weather and climate authority PAGASA predicted a maximum temperature nationwide to mostly exceed averages ...

Overseas voter registration surpasses the 1.4 million mark of active registered overseas voters
MANILA, Nov. 15 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS), announced on Thursday, 12 November 2015, that after receiving the final tally reports, for the recently concluded 2014-2015 overseas voting registration/certification period last 31 October 2015 ...

Filipino in ‘bala’ incident loses Hong Kong job
A Filipino worker overseas Gloria Ortinez has lost her job in Hong Kong after suffering the traumatic experience of having to be questioned and be detained for two days by airport officers over the so-called “tanim-bala” (planting-bullet scheme) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Academic collaboration could prop up innovation, says foreign expert
MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- Greater collaboration between colleges and universities will make new ideas being developed to reach more people and eventually turning innovation to produce profit, a researcher and a member of the New Zealand private sector, said on Friday.

Security measures in place for APEC economic leaders’ summit
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 15 -- Security measures are in place for the country’s hosting of the 2015 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week on November 18 to 19 in Manila. During the weekly Kapihan sa Media ng Bayan, Padilla said the country’s preparations began when the country first hosted the APEC Summit in 1996.

11/13/2015

No Filipino casualty reported yet in Paris attacks -- DFA
MANILA, Nov. 14 (PNA) -- No Filipino casualty has so far been reported in Friday’s coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris that left more than 140 people dead and dozens others injured. “So far there are no reports of Filipinos affected by the incident in Paris. Our embassy continues to monitor ...

Obama’s Asia tour to tackle sea row
TERRITORIAL disputes will be a “central issue” when US President Barack Obama meets Asian leaders next week, the White House said Thursday, but it played down hopes for a “code of conduct” to ease tensions. National Security Advisor Susan Rice said territorial claims in the South China Sea—which have put the United States ...

Mexico to call for deeper economic integration at APEC Summit
MEXICO CITY, Nov. 14 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Mexico will participate in the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the Philippines on Nov. 18-19, with the intention of promoting "regional economic integration" among the 21 APEC members.

DTI braces for the impact of El Nino
DAGUPAN CITY, November 14 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) braces for the impact of the El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to peak from October this year to January 2016. Provincial Director Peter Mangabat of DTI-Pangasinan advised consumers and business establishments ...

Sea row dispute should be resolved peacefully so as not to impede regional devt - APEC spokesman
MANILA - The territorial dispute in the South China Sea should be resolved in a peaceful and rules-based way so as not to impact on trade and investments in the Asia-Pacific region, the spokesperson of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) said Friday.

Lawless armed group tried, but failed, to overrun Army base in Maguindanao
COTABATO CITY, Nov. 13 (PNA) – Outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) tried but failed to overrun an Army base in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Friday morning, the military here said. Colonel Edgar Delos Reyes, commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion based in Shariff Aguak ...

Singapore's PM to attend G20, APEC summits
SINGAPORE, Nov. 13 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will attend the G20 summit as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting starting from Nov. 15, announced the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Friday.

11/12/2015

Russian President Putin called up President Aquino to discuss his inability to attend APEC summit – Palace
MANILA, Nov. 13 (PNA) – Malacanang has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin called President Benigno Aquino III last Thursday night to discuss the Russian leader’s inability to attend the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting slated Nov. 17 to 20 at the Philippine ...

Cagayan De Oro vice mayor takes oath as city chief exec
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines -- Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas took his oath as mayor of Cagayan De Oro City Thursday evening after the Department of Interior and Local Government served the Ombudsman’s order dismissing Oscar Moreno as chief executive Thursday evening.

Customs prepares for ASEAN Single Window program
MANILA, Nov. 13 -- In preparation for the country’s launch of the ASEAN Single Window, Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 39-2015 sets to pilot test the implementation of the electronic application and issuance of preferential and non-preferential Certificate of Origin (e-CO) to help in the formulation ...

DepEd, groups strengthen commitment to Indigenous Peoples' education
BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 13 -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and indigenous peoples’ (IP) groups nationwide gathered together on Thursday to strengthen partnership for IP education (IPEd) through the symbolic signing of affirmation of commitment ...

Senators Roast NAIA’s Honrado
MANILA International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado got a dressing down from Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Thursday for washing his hands of the widening “tanim bala” extortion mess and any other problems at the airport.

Cagayan De Oro City mayor refuses to step down
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 13 (PNA) –- Ousted City Mayor Oscar Moreno refused to step down from his office until the Court of Appeals (CA) ruled on his application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). In a press conference Friday morning, Moreno said that his case remains an “unfinished business” ...

Show APEC delegates our brand of hospitality, Filipinos told
MANILA, Nov. 12 (PNA) -- The government is encouraging Filipinos to proudly "show the brand of hospitality that we are well-known for" to the 21 heads of states, including President Benigno S. Aquino III, plus the leader of a guest country, and the thousands of delegates who will attend ...

11/11/2015

The Philippines tells China: Arbitration a peaceful, enduring solution to sea row
MANILA, Nov. 11 (PNA) -- The Philippines on Wednesday said it is determined to see through the conclusion of its arbitration case that seeks to invalidate China’s huge sea claim amid Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s accusation that Manila’s legal challenge has strained ties between the two countries.

Supreme Court rules to do away with 'Aguinaldo' condonation doctrine
MANILA - In a move that will be applauded by anti-corruption advocates, the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ruled to finally do away with the "Aguinaldo doctrine" that has to do with the condonation of re-elected officials for past administrative offenses committed in previous terms.

Three ex-Pampanga execs, 3 others indicted over fertilizer fund scam at Sandiganbayan
MANILA, Nov. 11 (PNA) -- The Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) has ordered the indictment before the Sandiganbayan of three former Pampanga officials and three other private individuals for their alleged involvement in the fertilizer fund scam.

Philippine peso regains strength versus US dollar
MANILA, Nov. 11 (PNA) -- The Philippine peso recovered against the greenback Wednesday buoyed by profit-taking on back of the US dollar's recent rally. It ended the day at PhP46.95 after dropping to its six-year low of PhP47.26 Tuesday.

999 domestic, 235 international flights cancelled due to APEC summit
MANILA - A total of 999 domestic and 235 international flights were cancelled in view of the latest information on the movement of world leaders and economic ministers attending the forthcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila.

Malacañang sets pace for gov’t solar power and energy savings project
MANILA, Nov. 11 -- As Philippine officials prepare for the Paris summit on climate change, they will depart with an additional feather in the country’s mitigation program—the increasing use of solar energy and more efficient lighting systems in the nation’s seat of power.

Pay of teachers, nurses to double under Salary Standardization 2015
MANILA, Nov. 11 -- Public school teachers and nurses will be paid twice more compared to their private counterparts under the proposed Salary Standardization Law of 2015 (SSL 2015), according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

11/10/2015

Proposed pay hike for public sector to up salary by 45%
MANILA, Nov. 10 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced yesterday plans for a new round of compensation adjustments that would raise the basic salaries and benefits of the 1.3 million government workers by up to 45 percent. The proposed pay hike shall be implemented in four tranches ...

Activists slam govt 'overkill' in APEC hosting
MANILA, Philippines -- Activist groups on Monday slammed government for “going overboard” to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit “at the expense of its own citizens.” “From hundreds of cancelled flights, lost incomes due to cancelled workdays, lost school days, heavy traffic due to road closures ...

ASEAN leaders urge self-restraint to cool South China Sea tension
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 10 (PNA/Kyodo) -- Southeast Asian leaders are to call for self-restraint to avoid escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, according to a draft obtained Monday of a document expected to be released at the end of a regional summit meeting later this month.

APEC to hold first SME Summit in the Philippines
MANILA, Nov 10 (PNA) -- The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has partnered with APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) to hold the first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Summit on November 17 in Makati City. To be held during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW), the APEC SME Summit will have ...

Jejomar Binay hit for blaming shelter woes on Mar Roxas
AN ALLY of the ruling Liberal Party on Monday slammed Vice President Jejomar Binay after he blamed former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II over the housing backlog for the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda.” “The Yolanda housing was principally handled by the NHA [National Housing Authority].

Chiz Escudero hits double standard in helping homeless
There is something severely wrong when the government can provide immediate financial assistance for the relocation of Manila’s street dwellers who could prove to be “eye sores” in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting, while more than 200,000 families who survived Super Typhoon Yolanda ...

Navy AW-109Es likely to be deployed for APEC security work
MANILA, Nov. 10 (PNA News Feature) --- There is a huge possibility that the Philippine Navy (PN)'s five brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" naval helicopters will be deployed to provide additional security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Metro Manila next week.

11/09/2015

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte vows to pass “Salary Standardization Law of 2015”
MANILA, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.on Monday vowed to immediately enact into law the proposed Php226 billion four-year “Salary Standardization Law of 2015,” which offers 14th month pay for 1.53 million state workers and officials on the first year of implementation in 2016.

Philippine Peso hits 6-year low of 47.16
The peso fell to a six-year low Monday, losing 0.5 percent to close at 47.16 against the US dollar, as the possibility of US Federal Reserve increasing interest rate before the end of the year boosted the greenback. Data showed the peso lost P0.22 from Friday’s closing of 46.935 against the greenback.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit the Philippines
BEIJING, Nov. 9 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay a working visit to the Philippines on Tuesday at the invitation of his Philippine counterpart Albert Del Rosario, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei announced on Monday.

APEC not just a talk shop
MANILA, Nov. 10 -- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is not just a talk shop, Philippine organizer for APEC 2015, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario, said on Monday. The APEC has been where ideas incubate, del Rosario said, citing two instances of the successful transformation ...

Ahead of Palace-Congress meeting, DOF shuns tax reform without bank secrecy lifting
MANILA - The Department of Finance (DOF) is standing pat against "piecemeal" and "politically-charged" solutions of lowering the income tax rates, saying such could stunt the country's growth momentum. "The Department of Finance is, and always has been, in favor of reforming the tax system.

PHLPost to issue special APEC 2015 stamps
MANILA, Nov. 10 -- The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) will issue a special stamp featuring the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting that the country will host this month. The APEC stamp can be purchased starting Tuesday, November 10 and will be available at PhlPost ...

Security for APEC Leaders’ Meet most challenging aspect of hosting summit, says organizing council chief
MANILA, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- The director-general of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 National Organizing Council (NOC) on Monday asked for public understanding for the security measures being undertaken to prepare for the APEC Leaders’ Summit next week.

11/08/2015

International Tribunal decision to handle PHL case against China, a welcome development -- ex-Guam governor
ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA, Nov. 8 (PNA) --- Two-term Guam Gov. Carl T. C. Gutierrez welcomed the decision of the decision of the International Tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands to assume jurisdiction over the Philippines' case against China.

US Pentagon: China reclamation in disputed waters could trigger conflict
SIMI VALLEY, United States - The United States is "deeply concerned" that land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea could trigger conflict in the region, Pentagon chief Ashton Carter said Saturday. "The United States joins virtually everyone else in the region in being deeply concerned ...

Governor Vilma Santos Recto: Country Needs a Mother like Leni Robredo
MANILA, Nov. 8 (PNA) -- Star for all seasons and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto on Sunday said the country needs a mother like image of Daang Matuwid Vice Presidential candidate Leni Robredo. "The country needs a mother like Leni Robredo." Santos-Recto said.

Foreign donors clarified they coursed their donation to eight counterpart agencies
TACLOBAN City, Nov. 8 (PNA) -- Dignitaries of the international community clarified on Sunday that the millions of dollars worth of foreign donations which are being questioned did not pass through the national government. Michael Harper, chief mission of the German Embassy, said his country has donated PhP5 billion ...

Lazada CEO starts Online Revolution
Inanc Balci, the 30-year-old investment banker from Turkey who helped establish Lazada in 2012, is starting an online revolution in the Philippines. Balci, who has a double degree in Industrial Engineering and Economics from Purdue University in the United States, overseas a team of 1,800 young Filipinos ...

Palace asks Filipinos to support DOT’s ‘Visit the Philippines Again 2016’ campaign
In a radio interview on Saturday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte mentioned the DOT's launch of the ‘Visit the Philippines Again 2016’, the DOT's tourism promotion campaign next year. She also said the Department of Tourism also launched a contest of "epic picture failures...

Old Philippine ‘money’ valid until December 31 – BSP
MANILA, Nov. 7 (PIA) – With less than two months before 2016, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) again reminded the public that the old ‘money’ or banknote series launched in 1985 can still be used for daily transactions up to December 31, 2015 only.

11/07/2015

Inter-Agency Team to assist OFWs who are victims of “laglag bala”
MANILA, Nov. 7 -- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday created a DOLE Inter-Agency Team to monitor and respond on reported cases of overseas Filipino workers who are alleged victims of the “laglag bala” or “tanim bala” modus operandi in international airports.

Next president should stay the course vs China on maritime row - Carpio
MANILA (UPDATED WITH VIDEO)- Whoever succeeds President Benigno Aquino III should uphold the country’s claims against China over territories in the West Philippine Sea or end up a laughingstock, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said.

China resolute in boosting friendly cooperation with ASEAN
SINGAPORE, Nov. 7 (PNA/Xinhua) -- China supports the growth of ASEAN and is resolute in boosting friendly cooperation with the Southeast Asian bloc, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Saturday. In a speech at the National University of Singapore, he noted that by the end of the year the ASEAN ...

Comelec sees social media as game changer in PHL elections
MANILA, Nov. 7 (PNA) -- An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) admitted that many people talk about the forthcoming elections on social media but how it would translate into actual votes remains to be seen.

Philippine Army seeks to hide truth with threat to deport foreigners in lumad fact-finding mission - Karapatan
MANILA, Philippines -- The Army’s threat to seek the deportation of foreigners who joined a recent fact-finding mission on atrocities against lumad in Surigao del Sur is part of military efforts to divert attention from its complicity in the continuing human rights violations committed against indigenous people ...

Nine minors rescued from online trafficking
Five people were arrested on suspicion of child trafficking and sexual exploitation. The arrests were made on November 3, 2015 in Purok 9, Tambacan by various units of the Philippine National Police. In the course of the arrest, nine minors (ages 6 to 17 years old) and one adult were rescued ...

Tanauan town lines up simple activities for ‘Yolanda’ commemoration
TANAUAN, Leyte, Nov. 7 (PNA) – This town will commemorate the 2nd anniversary of supertyphoon “Yolanda” by remembering those who perished in the 2013 catastrophe and a celebration of life for survivors. Mayor Pelagio Tecson said the activity on Sunday morning would kick off with wreath laying ceremony ...

11/06/2015

Electoral tribunal's ruling on Grace Poe's disqualification case out on Nov. 17
MANILA, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) is set to render its decision in the disqualification case filed by Rizalito David against Senator Grace Poe on Nov. 17. During the meeting of the SET in a hotel in Manila, the tribunal set the date to make the voting on the case.

Editorial: Hiding the homeless from APEC
The Palace has denied it is shelling out money to hide away street children in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to be held later this month. This was in response to the claim of Manila Archbishop Broderick Pabillo that the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development ...

Iglesia Ni Cristo hierarchy fail to appear at DOJ probe on serious illegal detention row
MANILA, Nov. 5 (PNA) -- The respondents in the complaint of serious illegal detention filed by former Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Minister Isaias Samson failed to appear at the hearing of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday.

Asian Development Bank to lend USD 20 million for Burgos Wind Farm
MANILA, Nov 6 (PNA) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has entered into a financing agreement with the lenders of the Burgos Wind Farm, amounting to USD 20 million. Energy Development Corp., the operator of the 150-MW farm, said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Friday that "the Burgos lenders ...

Post-Yolanda: More than 60 rape cases recorded in Tacloban
More than 60 cases of child abuse and rape have been recorded since super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) ravaged Tacloban City in Leyte province early November 2013. The number of rape cases recorded in Tacloban from January to September this year has reached 31 ...

Palace: NBI conducting own probe into ‘bullet-planting’ scam
MANILA, Nov. 6 (PNA) -- Malacañang on Friday said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now looking deeper into the proliferation of alleged ‘bullet-planting’ incidents at Manila airport and determine whether there are groups behind the scam.

Philippines’ PPP program showcased in international conference
TORONTO, CANADA, Nov. 6 -- The Philippines’ Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program was featured in the recently concluded 23rd Annual Canadian Council for PPPs National Conference on PPPs in Toronto, Canada last November 2-3.

11/05/2015

PHLPost to launch Mahaguyog Festival stamps
MANILA, Nov. 5 -- The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), in cooperation with the Municipality of Sto. Tomas in Batangas, will launch tomorrow (November 6) the special stamps featuring the Mahaguyog Festival, showcasing the town’s bountiful harvest of agricultural crops.

Ashton Carter urges China to stop militarization of South China Sea; US, Japan bent on sea operations
WASHINGTON - China and other countries must end their quest to take control over islands in the South China Sea, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter told Chinese Defense Minister General Chang Wanquan in Kuala Lumpur. "He [Carter] called on all parties to permanently halt reclamation and militarization activities ...

Philippines, UNESCO reaffirm partnership
Head of the Philippine delegation to the 38th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Secretary Sonny B. Coloma Jr., of the Presidential Communications Operations Office called on Director-General Irina Bokova on Monday at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

No proof ‘Laglag Bala’ scheme done by syndicates –DOTC
MANILA, Nov 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) on Wednesday said that there is no proof that the extortion scheme called ‘Laglag Bala’ or bullet-planting is caused by syndicates. “We have yet to get any fact that there are syndicates that operate this (scheme) ...”

MAR HITS SMEAR: Calls ‘tanim-bala’ a demolition job
THE Liberal Party candidate for president Manuel Roxas II scored critics of the administration Wednesday and suggested that the “tanim-bala” scandal may be part of a demolition job against the government days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

President Aquino receives credentials of four new envoys
MANILA, Nov. 5 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed four new ambassadors to the Philippines who presented their credentials in Malacañang on Thursday. The President, together with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, met Aruni Ranaraja of Sri Lanka, European Union (EU) head ...

Philippines told: Ensure 'inclusive development' for citizens; refrain from 'uncritically' jumping into APEC's 'trading bandwagon'
MANILA, Nov. 4 (PNA) -- A leading socio-political analyst has reminded the Philippine government to ensure "inclusive development" for Filipinos during discussions at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM).

11/04/2015

Bottom-up budgeting cited as best practice in fiscal transparency
MANILA, Nov. 4 -- The Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT) recognized the Philippine government’s Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program as one of five Best Practices in Fiscal Transparency from around the world during the Open Government Partnership (OGP) summit in Mexico City last week.

Asia-Pacific defense chiefs scrap joint statement over South China Sea woes
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- (UPDATE 2 - 11:06 a.m.) A meeting of Asia-Pacific defense ministers has scrapped plans for a joint declaration after the Chinese delegation lobbied to block mention of Beijing's island-building activities in the disputed South China Sea, a US defence official said Wednesday.

US defense secretary urges China to stop militarization of South China Sea
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 (PNA/Sputnik) -- China and other countries must end their quest to take control over islands in the South China Sea, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter told Chinese Defense Minister General Chang Wanquan in Kuala Lumpur.

Taiwan President Ma to hold historic meeting with Chinese President Xi
TAIPEI, Nov. 4 (PNA/Kyodo) -- Taiwan's Presidential Office said Tuesday night that Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou will travel to Singapore this weekend to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, in what will be the first meeting of leaders from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait since they split amid a civil war in 1949.

United Nations Advises Staff to Mind Luggage
THE United Nations has advised all its personnel who have to use airports in the Philippines to secure their luggage amid fears of a scam in which bullets are planted in travelers’ bags as part of an extortion racket. The advisory was first reported by Floyd Whaley, a senior correspondent of The New York Times, in his Twitter account.

Comelec approves in principle mall voting
MANILA, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Juan Andres Bautista said that mall voting was approved in principle by the commission en banc. “Kumbaga in principle, the idea of mall voting was approved by the commission, voting 6-1,” he said in a regular press briefing on Tuesday.

DepEd strengthens protection for children-at-risk and in conflict with the law
PASIG CITY, Nov. 4 -- During the celebration of Juvenile Justice and Welfare Week, the Department of Education (DepEd) emphasized the need to ensure protection for children-at-risk and children in conflict with the law especially those vulnerable to exploitation.

11/03/2015

US pledges to continue military patrols in South China Sea
MOSCOW, Nov. 3 (PNA/Sputnik) -- Washington will continue its military patrols in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the US Navy's Pacific Command chief said Tuesday. Last week, China strongly criticized the United States after the naval destroyer USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles ...

Iglesia Ni Cristo leaders ask CA to throw out Menorca petitions for amparo, habeas corpus
MANILA - Saying a petition for habeas corpus and writ of amparo filed by ex-minister Lowell Menorca II had been mooted, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) leaders who are respondents in the case asked the Court of Appeals Tuesday to dismiss it.

Leni Robredo files measure vs 'Tanim Bala'
MANILA, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- In an effort to eradicate the "Tanim Bala" scam hounding the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a lawmaker has filed a measure to decriminalize the mere possession on Tuesday of not more than three bullets.

Student inventors find inspiration in tragedy, win science tilt
VALENZUELA CITY, Nov. 2 (PIA)--When a Grade 10 class at the Valenzuela City School of Mathematics and Science was looking for ideas for their Research subject, the local fire department had also just begun a large-scale inspection of local businesses, prompted by a recent fire in the city that killed more than 70.

Some South China Sea fish 'close to extinction'
HONG KONG - Experts said Tuesday that some fish species are close to extinction in the South China Sea due to over-fishing fuelled by a growing appetite for seafood. Lack of cooperation between nations which have competing claims to the sea is also contributing to the depletion, they said.

Pres. Aquino wants deeper probe in bullet-planting allegations at airport
MANILA, Nov. 3 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to investigate the bullet-planting incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

'Magsasaka Siyentista' shares durian vacuum packing can prolong preservation
MANILA, Nov. 3 (PNA) -- A "Magsasaka Siyentista" (MS) said vaccum-packing technology will not just prolong durian's shelf life, but will also address its oversupply during peak season. Severino Belviz, who got his MS title from Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium ...

11/02/2015

LTFRB sets hearing of 'Laglag Bala' modus of taxi driver
MANILA, Nov. 2 (PNA) -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to conduct a hearing on a taxi driver allegedly involved in the “Laglag Bala” modus. The Laglag Bala modus is known for planting a bullet in the luggages of passengers, making them liable for illegal possession of ammunition.

PNoy directs DOTC to probe, report on 'laglag bala' as OFWs set protests
MANILA - (UPDATE 4:55 P.M) President Benigno Aquino III Monday directed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to present within the week a full report on its investigation into the "laglag bala" (bullet frame-up) controversy that has caused jitters among foreign travelers and migrant ...

Philippines needs to leave positive impression in APEC hosting
MANILA, Nov 2 (PNA) -- The pressure is on the Philippine government to leave a positive impression to its guests in the concluding events of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 Summit this month. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said it is an opportune ...

Court of Appeals orders indictment of Kentex executives
MANILA, Nov. 2 (PNA) -- The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered the indictment of the executives of Kentex Manufacturing Corporation (Kentex) for trademark infringement after offering and selling to the public their sandals which are allegedly imitations or copies of the "Havaianas" sandals.

Bullet 'found' in bag of 65-yr-old on way to watch grandson play in Singapore
MANILA - 'You people don't just plant. You're magicians, too!' That was reportedly the angry reaction of a 65-year-old woman bound for Singapore after airport screeners at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 found a live .9mm bullet inside her shoulder bag Sunday morning.

Ex-Albay town mayor, 3 others convicted over anomalous 5 vehicle repairs
MANILA, Nov. 2 (PNA) -- The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Camalig, Albay Mayor Paz Muñoz and three other town officials of graft over anomalous maintenance contracts for the municipality's five service vehicles in 2003. Convicted along with Muñoz for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 ...

House bill seeks establishment of coastal greenbelts
MANILA, Nov. 2 (PNA) -- A bill in the House of Representatives pushes for the establishment of greenbelts of mangroves and beach forests along coastlines to effectively mitigate the damaging impacts of waves and storm surges. Rep. Rodel M. Batocabe (Party-list, Ako Bicol) filed House Bill 5948 ...

11/01/2015

APEC Business Council to meet in Manila
Business leaders of member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) who comprise the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) are scheduled to meet in Manila on November 13 for the 4th ABAC Meeting, where they will continue to develop their recommendations on ways to bring about greater prosperity ...

Cleaner natural gas backed over coal in new PH energy plan
MANILA - The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers’ Association (LPG-MA) supports a new energy development strategy that will increase the role of natural gas in the country’s fuel mix for power generation. “We should rely more on electricity from cleaner natural gas in the years ahead, and less on dirtier coal.

Palace renews call for passage of 2016 national budget, BBL as Congress resumes session on Tuesday
MANILA, Nov. 1 (PNA) – Malacanang renewed on Sunday the call for early passage of the 2016 national budget and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as the Senate and the House of Representatives resume session on Tuesday. In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said ...

Department of Health suggests: Visit early to cemeteries
MANILA, Nov. 1 -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reminded the public anew, especially parents and elderlies, to schedule their visits during hours where cemeteries are not yet congested. According to DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin, getting exposed to congestion where there is large volume ...

US Vows to send more Warships
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Tuesday the US Navy will send more warships to sail close to artificial islands built by Beijing in disputed areas of the South China Sea. “We will fly, sail and operate wherever international law permits and whenever our operational needs require ...”

Albay is 2016 Palarong Pambansa host
PASIG CITY, Nov. 1 -- After careful deliberation and tedious evaluation by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Legazpi City, Albay won the bid to host the Palarong Pambansa 2016. The province won over Tuguegarao City, Cagayan ...

Catholic priest clarifies difference between All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day
MANILA, Nov. 1 (PNA) -- A Catholic priest has urged the faithful to attend mass and pray on Nov. 2 (All Souls' Day) for the souls that are still in purgatory for them to go to heaven. “All Souls' Day is a celebration of us living, praying for those who are still in purgatory.

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