Archived News Headlines from October 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016
(Please note: some articles may have been removed by their respective publications)

10/30/2016

MANILA, Philippines – Former president Fidel Ramos urged the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to approve and ratify the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as any further delays would make Filipinos more prone to the effects of typhoons.

China ships still at Panatag shoal, but not harassing Philippine fishermen: DND
MANILA - Chinese coastguard ships are still patrolling the disputed Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal in the South China Sea but are not stopping Filipinos from fishing there, a Philippine defense spokesman said Sunday. The information -- from fishermen who have just returned from the shoal ...

PASIG CITY, Oct. 31 -- Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones on Wednesday urged the media to step up its role as partners of the education sector for change. During DepEd’s press conference with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ...

Dominguez tells Japanese investors it’s “fine time” to do business in the Philippines
MANILA, Oct. 31 - Now is a “fine time” to invest in the Philippines as Tokyo rekindles its ties with Manila and the Duterte administration has crafted a “business-friendly” socioeconomic agenda that underlines its readiness and capability to drastically reduce poverty and lift the economy to high middle-income status in six years’ time ...

Uncoordinated demolition led to traffic chaos at NAIA T3 - DOTr
MANILA - Heavy traffic congestion experienced by passengers of NAIA Terminal 3 last Friday, (October 28) was traced to the demolition - without due coordination with the Inter-agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) - of the existing Skyway ramp of NAIA-Ex, the Transportation department said Sunday.

National Food Authority buys storm-damaged palay
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 31 -- The National Food Authority has started buying storm damaged palay in Regions 1, 2 and 3 that were severely affected by Typhoons Karen and Lawin. NFA Officer In Charge Tomas Escarez has authorized its field offices ...

Beijing plays divide-and-rule on Taiwan
TAIPEI - China is embarking on a divide-and-rule campaign on self-ruled Taiwan, offering to boost tourism to pro-Beijing towns and counties while giving the new pro-independence government the cold shoulder, government officials and politicians say.

Bello bats anew for higher pay, living standards for workers
MANILA, Oct. 31 - Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III called on industry leaders anew to ensure that workers benefit from higher wages and better living standards as a result of their productivity. Bello made the call even as he urged employers ...

10/27/2016

Philippines and Japan issue joint statement
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and His Excellency Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a productive Summit Meeting in a friendly, forward-looking and constructive atmosphere. With a view to further promoting the "Strategic Partnership” of the Philippines and Japan ...

Roque proposes 'Libingan ng mga Bayani at Dating Pangulo'
MANILA, Philippines – To put a halt to the debates on whether former President Ferdinand Marcos may be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Kabayan partylist Representative Harry Roque has proposed a bill changing the name of the Heroes' Cemetery.

Philippines launches social security partnership with Denmark
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 28 - Filipino workers employed in Denmark will be entitled to social security benefits under the same conditions applicable to Danish nationals under the bilateral agreement signed by the two countries, according to the Social Security System (SSS) which led the negotiations for the Philippines.

DPWH creates right-of-way task force for urgent infrastructure projects
MANILA, Oct. 28 - A task force that will handle right-of-way acquisition has been created by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to minimize delay in project implementation. Under Department Order No. 203, series of 2016, DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar ...

Japan emperor's uncle dies; Akihito audience with Duterte cancelled
President Rodrigo Duterte's audience with Emperor Akihito of Japan, orignally set Thursday afternoon, was cancelled as the royal family went into mourning following the death of their oldest member, Prince Mikasa, the uncle of Akihito.

Philippines, Poland strengthen economic ties, hold business forum
MAKATI CITY, Oct. 28 - The Philippines and Poland are further strengthening their bilateral economic relations through mutual promotion of trade and investments, as the two countries conducted the Philippines-Poland Business Forum in Manila recently.

Sueno to LGU awardees: Let's journey towards federalism
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 28 - Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael ‘Mike’ D. Sueno has urged the 318 local government units (LGUs) which were conferred with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) and the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award (LTIA) to ‘look forward to new challenges under federalism.”

Duterte--Anti-business
President Rodrigo Duterte is the antithesis of a pitchman out to convince foreign businessmen to bet their luck on the Philippines. Instead of pleading the case of the Philippines as a worthy investment site and comparable with other destinations in Asia ...

COMELEC: No specific investigation re President's SOCE
MANILA, Oct. 28 - The Commission on Elections clarified that all statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) submissions undergo a validation process, in response to reports that they are investigating President Duterte’s SOCE in connection with the alleged undeclared campaign contribution of Rep. Imee Marcos.

10/24/2016

No need for US to pull out businesses in the Philippines – Palace
MANILA, Oct. 24 (PNA) -- Malacañang on Monday allayed some US businessmen's worries about President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark that he is separating from the US, made last week during his state visit to China.

Plunder case filed vs Pagcor
THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption on Monday filed a P234-million plunder case against former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Celestino Naguiat and 10 other officials in connection with a lease contract they entered into with a private company for a non-existent casino.

PDEA, China's Anti-Narcotics body sign Protocol of Cooperation
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 25 - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have formed an alliance to effectively suppress and control drug crimes between the two nations.

Pres. Duterte has celebrity drug watch list, says Police chief
MANILA, Oct. 24 (PNA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa confirmed Monday that President Rodrigo Duterte has a celebrity drug watch list. Dela Rosa however said that there is still no "Oplan Tokhang" for the celebrities.

Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, 10 followers surrender in Basilan
SUMISIP, Basilan - A sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group, who is a relative of ASG leader Furuji Indama, has surrendered along with 10 of his followers including a 12-year-old boy, Major Felimon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said on Monday.

BDO Securities sees Philippine GDP growing at 6.3% in 2017
MANILA, Oct. 24 (PNA) -- The stock brokerage subsidiary of Banco de Oro (BDO) expects the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow slower at 6.3 percent in 2017 from this year’s projected 6.7 percent on the absence of election-related spending, but the economy will continue to outperform other economies in the region.

Cagayan placed under state of calamity after typhoon devastation
TUGUEGARAO City, Oct. 24 (PNA) -- Five days after Typhoon "Lawin" struck Cagayan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has officially declared the province to be in a state of calamity.

US envoy snubs Du30, airs concerns
A TOP US envoy visiting Manila, departing from usual practice, did not seek a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte, whose fiery rhetoric he said was becoming a growing concern around the world.

Ex-PCSO chair, 10 others rapped for drop in lotto revenues
MANILA, Oct. 24 (PNA) -- Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Erineo "Ayong" Maliksi and 10 others were charged before the Office of the Ombudsman with graft and breach of ethical conduct for the drop of lotto revenues from 2012 to 2015.

10/22/2016

BEIJING - China has slammed the US for sailing a warship near disputed territory in the South China Sea, saying the move was a "serious illegal act" and "deliberately provocative". In a statement on its website late Friday night, the country's defense ministry said ...

Foreign Affairs Sec. Yasay: ‘Letting go as interdependent brothers’
MANILA, Oct. 23 - "Philippine separation from the United States - economically and militarily" does not mean severance of relationship or terminating the special bond between our two nations, which remains firm notwithstanding the formidable but surmountable challenges ...

Former foreign secretary Del Rosario calls pivoting away from US a national tragedy
MANILA - A "national tragedy: is how former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario described President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement, in the Chinese capital Beijing, of a pivot away from certain alignments with the United States of America.

Duterte’s move towards ASEAN economic integration to open PHL to 1.8-B-strong market
MANILA, Oct. 23 —Two key members of President Duterte’s economic team said that President Duterte’s directive to his Cabinet to move “strongly and swiftly” towards the Philippines’ economic integration with its fellow-members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ...

Ifugao solon Teddy Baguilat calls for passage of pro-women bills
Ifugao Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat has urged Congress to immediately deliberate on and pass a slew of bills that are aimed at upholding and protecting the rights of women. Baguilat said his bill seeking to extend the maternity leave of female employees in the governemnt ...

Erap, claiming US hand in ouster, worries of same threat to Duterte over China shift
MANILA, Philippines -- Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada accused the US Saturday of involvement in his ouster and worried President Rodrigo Duterte could meet the same fate for shifting his foreign policy to favor China over the Americans.

De Lima has the right to file complaint vs President Duterte – Ombudsman Morales
LEGAZPI CITY, Oct 22 (PNA) -- Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said Senator Leila De Lima has every right to seek and consider any legal remedy by filing a case against President Rodrigo Duterte wherein the latter could not invoke presidential immunity.

Briones presents DepEd’s accomplishments, agenda beyond the first 100 days
PASIG CITY, Oct. 23– Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones marked her 100th day as Education chief by iterating the Department’s 10-point agenda before more than 190 education stakeholders and partners on Oct. 14, and to the DepEd Central Office employees ...

Duterte's blooming bromance
Davao City—After declaring in Beijing that he would align the Philippines with China and Russia “against the world,” President Rodrigo Duterte pressed his courtship of Moscow and said he cares little for the results of the US presidential elections and would rather bet on his favorite hero Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Jail Bureau inmates' designs featured in Design Week Philippines
MAKATI CITY, Oct. 23 - The Department of Trade and Industry’s Design Center of the Philippines (DTI- DCP), together with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), welcomes the participation of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology ...

10/19/2016

BEIJING - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte spent his first full day in China Wednesday, on a state visit that comes as he makes increasing overtures to Beijing while vocally scorning his US ally. Since taking office on June 30, Duterte has repeatedly denounced the US ...

Super Typhoon 'Lawin' makes landfall in Cagayan province
MANILA, Oct. 19 (PNA) -- Super Typhoon "Lawin" maintained its strength and already made landfall in Cagayan province on Wednesday evening, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Americans in country jittery over Duterte's anti-US tirades
OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines -- In a bar along Subic Bay owned by an American military veteran, the main topic of conversation is not the upcoming US election despite the Donald Trump coffee mugs, photographs and caps on display.

COMELEC welcomes signing of law postponing October 31 elections
MANILA, Oct. 20 - The Commission on Elections welcomes President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing into law the bill postponing this year’s October 31st elections to next year. Backed by a signed law, the Commission can now formally begin ...

Xinhua president meets Philippine presidential communications secretary
BEIJING, Oct. 20 (PNA/Xinhua) -- Xinhua News Agency president Cai Mingzhao met with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's communications secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday. Cai called Duterte's China visit a historic event in the China-Philippines relationship.

House okays P3.35-trillion budget for 2017
MANILA – With two months and a half before the end of the fiscal year, the House of Representatives gave its final approval to the proposed P3.35 trillion budget for 2017. A total of 243 lawmakers voted in favor of the budget, while five registered their opposition.

Sueno: MASA MASID volunteers to be subjected to background checking
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 20 - Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno clarified that not everyone who wants to join the Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga (MASA MASID) can participate in the program Secretary Sueno said ...

Continue entrepreneurial revolution, DTI says
PASAY CITY, Oct. 20 — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez challenged some of the country’s top franchisers to continue the entrepreneurial revolution in the Philippines, during the opening of the 15th Business and Franchise Expo at the World Trade Center on 14 October.

Philippine-Sino games ruled out: Duterte changes tack to avoid provocations
BEIJING—President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ruled out all joint military exercises with any superpower, be it the United States, China or Russia, to avoid further provocations in the South China Sea. 

10/16/2016

MANILA, Phililppines - (UPDATE, 8:04 P.M) President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday he would raise a controversial arbitral ruling on the South China Sea with China's leaders, and vowed not to surrender any sovereignty or deviate from the July award by the tribunal in The Hague.

Senate committee report on spate of killings out this week
MANILA, Oct. 17 - Terminating the investigation in aid of legislation conducted jointly by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the spate of recent and rampant killings after six hearings ...

Security forces arrest 12 members of elusive North Cotabato drug ring
MANILA - A composite team comprised of government security forces and elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) arrested 12 suspected members of the notorious "Masgal drug group" in a series of operations in Midsayad, Cotabato Province before the weekend.

Duterte vows to enhance trade relations as he leaves for Brunei, China
DAVAO CITY, Oct. 17 -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Sunday afternoon, left for his state visits to Brunei Darussalam and China where he will meet his fellow state leaders to discuss enhancement of special ties and trade relations between the Philippines and its neighbors.

Some 10, 532 workers regularized by 195 establishments, in just 100 days
MANILA, Oct. 17 - The efforts of the government to end illegitimate forms of contractualization, including ‘endo’, is gaining ground as 10, 532 workers were voluntary regularized by 195 employers after the conduct of consultations and assessment ...

Authorities bust cocaine-carrying Brazilian woman at NAIA
MANILA - A Brazilian woman carrying 5.2 kilogram of cocaine was arrested Saturday afternoon by authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

NDRRMC places all agencies on 'red alert' for 'Karen'
MANILA, Oct. 16 --- As of 12 noon Saturday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed all of its attached agencies in "red alert" in line with efforts to ease the damage that might be caused by Typhoon "Karen".

DSWD, JICA, ACTION expand training program for house parents, social workers to push for quality childcare in the Philippines
QUEZON CITY, Oct 16 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with Japanese non-profit group, A Child’s Trust is Ours to Nurture (ACTION), signed a capacity building program ...

TYPHOON KAREN | Storm leaves Aurora heavily damaged, without power; Dingalan isolated
BALER, Aurora, Philippines - (UPDATE, 4:45 P.M.) Strong winds brought by Typhoon Karen, which made landfall at this province in the wee hours Sunday morning, uprooted trees and peeled away tin roofs, as residents sought shelter in temporary evacuation centers.

Pres. Duterte signs EO on Ambisyon Natin 2040 to eliminate poverty
MANILA, Oct. 16 – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order No. 05 approving and adopting Ambisyon Natin 2040, a 25-year plan to eliminate poverty and hunger in the country.

10/14/2016

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands -- The International Criminal Court may have the jurisdiction to prosecute perpetrators of thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines' crack down on drugs, the chief prosecutor at the Hague-based tribunal said.

No change in US-Philippines relations whoever wins in upcoming US presidential polls - Goldberg
MANILA, Oct. 14 (PNA) – United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on Friday assured that whoever emerged as the winner in the coming US presidential elections in November, it will not change US relations with the Philippines.

Thailand's King Bhumibol dies after long illness
Bangkok, Thailand - Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-serving monarch, has died at the age of 88, the palace announced Thursday, leaving a divided nation bereft of a rare figure of unity. His 64-year-old son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is his named successor.

President Duterte to boost ties with Brunei and China
MANILA, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- President Rodrigo Duterte will undertake state visits to Brunei and China next week to strengthen bilateral relations with the two nations. “Both visits are expected to enhance our friendly relations with both countries ...

MMDA notes faster travel along EDSA during dry run of 'no window' hours policy
MANILA, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) flagged down more than 2,300 vehicles as travel became faster along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) during the three days of dry run of the "no window" hours policy for private vehicles.

Carpio: With Malampaya gas gone in 10 years, the Philippines must assert EEZ control in West Philippine Sea
MANILA - The Philippines must assert its claim over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) now more than ever, as it has to begin looking for a substitute to the Malampaya gas field, which supplies 40 percent of Luzon's energy, and will run out of gas in 10 years.

Philippines affirms the multilateral treaty process towards the rule of law cites UNCLOS
MANILA, Oct. 14 (PNA) -- The Philippines described the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a “distinct achievement” of the international community, the “key to ensuring global and regional peace in the just and sustainable use of the world’s oceans and its resources.”

Electronics top Philippines exports; East Asia market expands
MAKATI, Oct. 15 - Electronic products remained to be the country’s top exports as the sector grew by 11.6% from US$2.359 billion in 2015 to US$ 2.633 billion this year accounting for 53.7% of the total export revenues in August 2016, according to the recent report issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

China armed forces warn Japan against South China Sea patrols
BEIJING - Japan is "playing with fire" with plans to step up activity in the contested South China Sea through joint training patrols with the United States, China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday, warning it would not sit watching from the sidelines.

Foreign selling abates—Department of Finance
MANILA, Oct. 16 - Foreign funds leaving the stocks listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) have slowed down since the first week of September as the economy remains fundamentally strong, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

10/12/2016

MANILA – Under fire for allegedly enabling the prison drug trade in her time as Justice secretary, Senator Leila De Lima on Tuesday said she will file before the Supreme Court a petition for twin Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data against President Rodrigo Duterte ...

DOT eyes Pacman fight in the Philippines
MANILA, Oct. 12 -- Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo has expressed optimism that Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao might be able to stage a boxing bout in the Philippines, which will be a big boost to the Philippines’ sports tourism.

Ronnie Dayan’s family pleads that he be arrested alive
MANILA, Philippines - Now that the House of Representatives has ordered the arrest of Ronnie Dayan, his family is pleading that the former driver and alleged lover-bagman of Sen. Leila De Lima, when she was still Justice secretary, be arrested alive.

Lawmaker pushes for extension of passport validity to benefit OFWs
MANILA, Oct. 11 (PNA) -- Laguna 3rd District Rep. Sol Aragones on Tuesday called on Congress to prioritize the passage of measures that would extend the validity of passports to 10 years.

Baguilat seeks rights protection for mental health patients
Ifugao Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat has filed a bill seeking the creation of a Philippine Mental Health Council and a National Mental Health Care Delivery System to promote mental health protection and improve mental health services.

At end of PHIBLEX joint drills, SC Justice Carpio balks at suspending joint patrols in WPS
MANILA, Philippines - It is vital to communicate to the United States the importance of protecting the Philippines’ economic zone and the international arbitral court’s decision in the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute, said Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio ...

PCO Sec. Andanar's statement on the President's excellent trust rating
MANILA, Oct. 13 -- The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing President Rodrigo Duterte enjoying excellent trust rating clearly affirms the Filipino people’s faith and confidence in his leadership.

President Duterte on Agot Isidro: “She should enjoy her right to expression”
MANILA, Oct. 11 (PNA) – Actress Agot Isidro continued to draw flak from netizens but not from President Rodrigo Duterte for calling the Philippine leader ‘psychopath’ for his latest tirades against the United States and international bodies.

Leila, 7 others sued over drugs
AN ANTI-CRIME watchdog on Tuesday filed a complaint for drug trafficking against Senator Leila de Lima and seven others, in connection with their alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

DTI assists outbound trade mission to Canada
MAKATI CITY, Oct. 12 -- As a prelude to the re-opening of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Toronto (PTIC-Toronto), the Department of Trade and Industry will assist the 4th Outbound Trade Mission to Canada on October 16 ...

10/11/2016

MANILA - The government of President Rodrigo Duterte has been a "huge disappointment and letdown", a former president and one of Duterte's mentors said, bucking popular sentiment and a high poll rating for his first 100 days in office.

Palace respects former President Ramos' comment
MANILA, Oct. 11-- Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said on Monday that the Palace respects the opinion of former President Fidel V. Ramos saying his observations are worth looking into.

Diplomacy, the President and damaging possibilities for the Philippines
Amidst President Duterte's tirades against the US and EU, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez defended the President's brand of diplomacy. The Speaker recalled in an interview that the President said, "you have elected a president. Hindi daw diplomat.

Palace on actress’ ‘psychopath’ comment: ‘It’s really going to the edge’
MANILA, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- Malacanang admitted on Monday that "psychopath" term that actress Agot Isidro reportedly used to describe President Rodrigo Duterte is “going to the edge.” ”It’s really going to the edge,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella replied ...

Leptospirosis cases surge in Pangasinan by 80% with 18 deaths
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- Health authorities in Pangasinan expressed alarm over the sudden upsurge of leptospirosis cases which already ballooned to 129 with 18 death so far registered from January 1 to date.

How the drug trade is conducted at Bilibid
MANILA, Philippines - With mobile phones and prison guards who take bribes, drugs lords will always make hay, so to speak, churning up millions from their illegal trade right from within the walls of New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

More witnesses testify vs De Lima for her involvement in Bilibid drug trade
MANILA, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- More witnesses on Monday testified against Senator Leila de Lima for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade that thrived inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during her stint as Justice secretary.

Use of mother-tongue in teaching proves effective
PASIG CITY, Oct. 11 10, 2016 – Learners begin their education in the language they understand best—their mother tongue—and need to develop a strong foundation in their mother language before effectively learning additional languages.

‘Drug money for Leila’ Sebastian tags senator as protector inside NBP
INMATE Jaybee Sebastian on Monday testified before a congressional panel that he raised P10 million in campaign funds from the sale of illegal drugs in the New Bilibid Prison for Senator Leila de Lima when she was still Justice secretary.

Gov. Espino confirms multi-billion dollar investments coming to Pangasinan
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Oct. 10 (PNA) -- Governor Amado Espino III has confirmed that a Quatar-based multi-billion dollar company has presented a formal proposal to the province to build an Energy City Project in Sual town.

10/09/2016

MANILA - A French newspaper put President Rodrigo Duterte on its front page with the tag of "Serial Killer President," sparking protests from Filipinos and prompting the Interior Secretary to rue the failure of some western leaders and media to understand the nature and extent of the Philippines' problems.

Philippine National Police: 54 celebrities in 'drug list'
MANILA, Oct. 9 (PNA) -- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Sunday disclosed that there are 54 celebrities included in their updated drug list. According to NCRPO Director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde, the names in the list were based on the information ...

Duterte dares CIA to 'oust' him
MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday dared the United States' CIA spy agency to try and oust him, as he branded Western critics of his deadly crime war "animals" and vowed many more killings.

Amnesty for detained rebels up with President Duterte --OPAPP
OSLO, Norway, Oct. 9 (PNA) -- Philippine Government panel member Angela Librado-Trinidad said they have already submitted a draft amnesty proclamation to the Office of the President a week before leaving for the second round of the peace talks which began here on Thursday, Oct. 6.

8,428 drug suspects nabbed, PHP8.21-B worth of narcotics seized during President Duterte's first 100 days -- PDEA
MANILA, Oct. 9 (PNA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has nabbed around 8,500 drug offenders and seized more than PHP8 billion worth of illegal drugs during the first 100 days of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Suspected Malay-Indonesian terrorist nabbed in QC raid
MANILA - Police intelligence agents arrested Saturday a suspected international terrorist of Malay-Indonesian descent who is allegedly linked up with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). A statement Sunday by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) ...

President Duterte set to distribute farm implements in Basilan tomorrow
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan, Oct 9 (PIA) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to visit Lamitan tomorrow (October 10) for the “Tapatan ng Gobyerno at Mamamayan.” The President will arrive at around 1pm at the Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LARBECO) plantation.

Shabu prices more than doubled as war on drugs intensifies -- PDEA
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 9 -- As the war against illegal drugs intensifies in the country, the cost of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, the primary drug of choice among abusers, has more than doubled its street price, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

‘Serial killer’ tag draws Palace flak
THE Palace on Sunday slammed the French newspaper Libération for calling President Rodrigo Duterte “a serial killer” as the death toll continued to rise in his bloody war on drugs. “I think it’s irresponsible. It’s irresponsible the way they have said it ...

The earth rumbles: 3,000 Moro and Indigenous Peoples march to Manila
On the 100th day of the Duterte administration, Moro and Indigenous peoples from communities all over the country are set to come to Manila to assert their long-trampled right to self-determination and to push for a genuinely independent foreign policy.

10/07/2016

MANILA - The Philippines can do without a defense cooperation treaty and the military aid coming from the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, as the two countries experience “bumps on the road” that call for a “reassessment” of their ties.

Palace clarifies President Duterte’s dare to US to withdraw aid to Philippines
MANILA, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- Malacanang on Friday clarified the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte to the United States and foreign institutions to withdraw aid to the Philippines if they cannot understand his war on drugs.

Amid the harsh words, Goldberg underscores strong US-Philippine ties
MANILA — US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg, who is soon ending a three-year tenure just as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte mounts a continuing tirade against Washington, chose to focus on the strength of seven decades of cooperation ...

Agriculture: China plans to lift import ban on PHL bananas, pineapples
MANILA, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects China’s plan to increase the volume of fruit, fish and fishery product imports from the Philippines to boost the country’s agriculture.

DOH does not see the need for legalizing marijuana; says compassionate use of it is on the FDA law
MANILA, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) does not believe that legalizing marijuana is necessary in the midst of the claims of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez that he is using marijuana to help prevent cancer.

As Duterte told him to 'go to hell', Obama celebrated Filipino American history
This week, President Obama kicked off Filipino-American History Month with a special message celebrating the countless ways Filipino Americans have helped move our country forward. This development comes closely at the heels of President Rodrigo Duterte's almost daily tirades ...

More than fifty percent of the nation’s labor force are in the National Capital Region (NCR)
QUEZON CITY, Oct. 7 (PIA) --- More than fifty percent of the country’s labor force can be found in Metro Manila. Records from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that 63.7% of the 42.5 million persons ...

Sec. Bello: OFWs may avail of P2-M livelihood loan via DOLE-OWWA–DTI program
MANILA, Oct. 8 -- Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families can now avail of livelihood loan assistance amounting to 100 thousand pesos and up to 2 million pesos. This was announced by Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III ...

SWS Survey: Duterte’s anti-drug war gets ‘excellent’ score
MANILA, Oct. 7 (PNA) -- ??President Rodrigo Duterte’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs scored “excellent” ratings in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on October 6.

10/05/2016

Manila, Philippines - The Philippines and the United States launch war games on Tuesday against the unusual prospect of American forces possibly being ejected from the Southeast Asian nation as its firebrand leader pivots to China.

Duterte personally apologizes to Jewish Community
MANILA, Oct. 6 - President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his sincere apology to the Jewish community as he attended the Rosh Hashanah at Beit Yaacov Synagogue in Makati City on Tuesday, October 4.

Gordon effectively dismisses Matobato as witness in EJK probe
MANILA – The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights has effectively dismissed confessed killer Edgar Matobato as witness in the ongoing congressional inquiry on alleged extra-judicial killings in Davao City decades ago, effectively throwing the man in limbo.

Ceasefire, amnesty up in Oslo 2nd round of talks
MANILA, Oct. 5 - Negotiating panels of the Philippine government (GRP) and the communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) are expected to exchange drafts on the proposed bilateral ceasefire and craft an amnesty proclamation as peace talks are set to resume in Oslo ...

Business throws full support vs. illegal drugs and crime war
MANILA, Oct. 6 - Filipino businessmen have expressed full support for administration’s campaign against illegal drugs and criminality. At a press briefing in Malacañan on Tuesday October 4, leaders of the country’s top business organizations ...

Matobato a no-show at arraignment, court set to issue warrant of arrest
DAVAO CITY - The Presiding Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 3 here is set to issue a warrant of arrest for confessed Davao Death Squad member Edgar Matobato after his failure to appear before the court on Tuesday’s arraignment.

“Making a lot of people happy” RB Balanza on Filipino traditions of sharing and helping people
Shouldering his tennis gear, RB returns home from a match with a spring in his step. Originally from the Philippines, the 73-year-old came to the US in the 1970s to pursue his own American Dream. “This is, I believe, the best place to better your life”, he says.

Ifugao mayor calls for stronger partners with the people
ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, Oct. 5(PIA) - - Mayor Glenn Prudenciano is calling on all employees of the different national agencies and the community for a stronger and more serious service for the attainment of good governance for the development of the municipality.

US warns Duterte: ‘No free pass’ on cusswords
THE US State Department said that no head of state would get a free pass on “unhelpful rhetoric” but said Philippine-American ties remain strong, even after President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama to go to hell.

Benguet State University pushes for commercialization of researches
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Oct. 5(PIA) - - Research studies in the state university here will not just land in archives or book shelves but will find their way out to captive markets soon.

10/02/2016

MANILA/BEIJING - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte travels to China next month on a visit that could redraw alliances in East Asia after his incendiary comments about the United States and active courting of Washington's chief rivals.

Former Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago laid to rest at Marikina's Loyola Memorial Park
MANILA, Oct. 2 (PNA) -- Former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who died on Sept. 29, was laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on Sunday. According to Santiago’s verified Twitter account, which is managed by her relatives ...

Duterte hints at move to cancel EDCA, saying it's 'not signed by the President'
MANILA - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday issued a qualified apology to Jews for his remarks about Hitler, but continued to lash out at Western critics and warned he was willing to kick all American troops out of the Philippines.

Senate inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings to resume on Monday
MANILA, Oct. 2 (PNA) -- The Senate inquiry into the purported extrajudicial killings, which will be attended by alleged members of the so-called vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS), will resume on Monday.

World Bank report lauds Philippine PPP framework
MANILA, Oct. 3 -- The World Bank (WB) released a report entitled “Benchmarking Public-Private Partnerships Procurement 2017” giving the Philippine Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program high scores in preparation and procurement of PPPs.

Solons regroup over Sen. De Lima ‘sex video’
THE 55-member House committee on justice will divide the house to decide on whether or not to allow the showing of the sex video allegedly involving Senator Leila De Lima and her alleged ex-lover Ronnie Dayan.

3rd 'narco-list' set for release by President Duterte this week --DOJ Chief
MANILA, Oct. 2 (PNA) -- The third list of "narcotics politicians" and other personalities allegedly linked in the illegal drug trade is expected to be released by President Rodrigo R. Dutere this coming week, according to Department of Justice ...

Dureza highlights role of the bigger peace table and the youth in the peace process
MANILA, Oct. 3 -- Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza emphasized that while the government negotiates with the different revolutionary groups in the formal peace tables, he stressed the importance of engaging "the bigger peace ...

Cops tagged as Davao Death Squad members attending Senate hearing on EJKs: Lacson
MANILA – Policemen tagged by confessed hitman Edgar Matobato as alleged members of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) will attend the resumption Monday (Oct. 3) of the Senate hearings into extra-judicial killings, the chairman of one of two panels in the joint inquiry said.

10 senior citizens with outstanding contributions to the society cited
MANILA, Oct. 2 (PNA) -- The Coalition of Services of the Elderly Inc. (COSE), in highlighting the 2016 Elderly Week Celebration, awarded 10 senior citizens on Sunday for their outstanding contribution to the society.

10/01/2016

THE United Nations on Saturday called out President Rodrigo Duterte for likening his war on drugs to Adolf Hitler’s efforts to exterminate Jews, calling them “inappropriate” and “deeply disrespectful.” But Malacañang, responding to criticisms against the President ...

Former DFA Sec. Del Rosario explains needs for military exercises
MANILA, Oct. 1 (PNA) -- The Philippines needs military exercises to strengthen ties between nations and armed forces and develop the capabilities of our military to independently deal with a wide variety of challenges, former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said over the weekend.

Richard Branson calls out PH drug killings
MANILA - The English business tycoon and philanthropist, Richard Branson, weighed in Friday in his blog to say, in plain unminced words, that President Duterte’s war on drugs "is not the answer."

PNP deploys 1,555 policemen to secure 2016 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 1 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) have deployed 1,555 policemen to ensure a peaceful celebration of the 2016 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival that reeled off Saturday.

Philippines captures three silver medals in pencak silat in Asian Beach Games
MANILA, Oct. 1 (PNA) -- The Philippines captured three silver medals from pencak silat on Saturday in the 5th Asian Beach Games at the coastal city of Da Nang in Vietnam. Jaciren Abad, Princesslyn Enopia and Jefferson Rhey Loon Jr. did their best but were outclassed ...

Lagman: Duterte's words go from reckless to culpable, accusations to confession of guilt
MANILA - Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay province on Saturday remarked that President Duterte's rhetoric "has worsened from recklessness to culpability, from accusations to confession of guilt."

Palace: Philippines recognizes Jewish experience
MANILA, Oct. 1 (PNA) -- Malacañang emphasized on Saturday that the Philippines recognizes the tragic experience of the Jews during World War II. In a radio interview, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign ...

Duterte assures full protection of OFWs from abuses
HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 2 -- Citing their invaluable contributions to nation-building, President Rodrigo Duterte has promised to shield overseas Filipino workers from abuses and corruption. During his meeting with the Filipino community here on Wednesday night ...

Duterte's men insist he was rejecting Hitler, as UN expresses 'alarm'
MANILA - Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella has released a statement elaborating that President Rodrigo Duterte, in recent pronouncements from Davao City, was simply addressing the negative comparison that people made between him and Adolf Hitler.

Philippines, Vietnam to level up bilateral trade
HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 2 -- The Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to further beef up its bilateral trade during the first official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte here. In a press briefing on Thursday, September 29, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said ...

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