Archived News Headlines from September 1, 2018 to October 31, 2018
(Please note: some articles may have been removed by their respective publications)

Constitutionality of Duterte’s military takeover questioned
A number of critics and legal experts have questioned President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to place the Bureau of Customs under temporary military control. Duterte on Monday ordered a temporary military takeover of the BOC, with its police placed on “floating status.” He required the bureau’s members to report to him to directly.

Duterte swears in Lapeña, Guerrero
MANILA -- Newly-designated Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief Rey Leonardo “Jagger” Guerrero and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Isidro “Sid” Lapeña separately took their oath of office last Tuesday. President Rodrigo Duterte administered the oath of office to Lapeña and Guerrero five days after he announced their appointment ...

China’s top envoy presses for ‘code of conduct’ in the South China Sea
China wants to speed up the negotiations for a code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea and have it finalized within the Philippines’ three-year term as dialogue coordinator between Beijing and the Southeast Asian nations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday. But Wang was non-committal when asked if China would agree to a legally-binding code of conduct.

More college graduates under federalism: ConCom
MANILA -- There will be more college graduates in the Philippines once the country opts for federalism, members of the Consultative Committee (ConCom) said. In the ConCom’s draft Bayanihan Federal Constitution, basic education is a demandable right which all Filipinos are entitled to. Tuition fees, school infrastructures, books, teachers’ salaries, and electricity ...

P11-billion suspect turns witness
Former Bureau of Customs intelligence agent Jaime Guban has been admitted to the government’s Witness Protection Program, He declined to give details, however, on the sworn statement that Guban submitted to the Justice Department as part of the requirement for his admission into the program. Guban is considered a “vital witness” in the investigation into the P11 billion worth of shabu ...

Pagasa Island beaching ramp in Spratlys 40% complete — Lorenzana
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday that the beaching ramp at Pagasa Island (Thitu), the biggest Philippine-claimed outpost in the Spratly Islands, is 40 percent complete. The beaching ramp was originally targeted to be finished by yearend so the repair of Rancudo Airfield will begin in 2019.

10/29/2018

Duterte engaging China via backdoor diplomacy
China is now advancing its own “peace through strength” approach to the South China Sea, a combination of charm and militarism aimed at countering the United States in a front line theater in their emerging new cold war. As those great power tensions intensify and war rhetoric mounts, nearby claimant states to the strategic maritime area like the Philippines are increasingly being put in the precarious middle.

Quezon City on orange alert due to 'Rosita'
MANILA -- The Quezon City local government has placed all its disaster action teams on orange alert as Typhoon Rosita traversed Northern Luzon on Tuesday. Mayor Herbert Bautista on Monday afternoon ordered the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction Office and the City Engineering Department to set up evacuation centers in flood-prone areas ...

Accused of raping daughter of drug suspects, policeman replies ‘its nothing new’
The policeman who had allegedly raped an minor in exchange for the release of her parents who were apprehended for being drug pushers had responded to the police chief by saying what he did was “nothing new” in the police force. PO1 Edgardo Valencia’s response, aired on live television, was criticized on social media with many saying that these are indicative of the abuses ...

United States-Philippines partnership to grow stronger with Navy modernization
MANILA -- The partnership between the Philippines and the United States is expected to grow stronger as the Philippine Navy (PN) gains headway in its modernization program. This was emphasized by US Chief-of-Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson during a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday afternoon.

Duterte compared to Brazilian president-elect Bolsonaro
A number of foreign publications have drawn similarities between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Jair Bolsonaro, the controversial winner of Brazil’s recent presidential elections. Bolsonaro, a former military officer from the far-right Social Liberal Party won the second round of the South American country’s presidential race, winning 55.1 percent ...

10/27/2018

Philippine central bank beefs up cyber security rules
MANILA — The Philippine central bank said on Friday it has tightened reporting requirements for banks to beef up their cyber security surveillance and prevent widespread damage from online attacks to the financial system. Cyber attacks against banks have increased in numbers and sophistication in recent years, with criminals finding new ways to target banks ...

DOTr starts deployment of Dalian trains for MRT-3
MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) started the deployment of trains from Chinese firm CCRC Dalian on Saturday. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and other DOTr officials boarded the initial trip of a train set with three cars which completed its route from North Avenue to Taft Avenue.

Rehabilitated, reopened party-island Boracay has new rules, let’s count them
The ‘no casino’ policy as well as stricter measures against partying in tourist hotspot Boracay Island has been lauded by those fond of the island following its reopening after a six-month rehabilitation period. Among the new policies reportedly being enforced are a total ban on alcohol on the beaches and setting up of beds, tables and chairs and beach umbrellas ...

Customs employees ready to welcome new chief
MANILA — Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel are ready to welcome incoming Commissioner Rey Leonard Guerrero, who will replace outgoing Commissioner Isidro Lapeña. According to the Bureau of Customs Employees Association (BOCEA), they are looking forward to work with the new BOC chief.

‘Tokhang’ named word of the year
The term “Tokhang” has been chosen as Salita ng Taon at Friday’s Sawikaan 2018 at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The winning word was announced after deliberation among a group of academics at the university. “Tokhang” is the name of the Philippine National Police’s anti-drug campaign involving visits to alleged drug suspects at their homes ...

10/25/2018

Why Gloria Arroyo wants withdrawal from another international organization
House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s plan to recommend the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Inter-Parliamentary Union could lead to the country’s departure from an international body for the second time in less than a year. Arroyo on Monday said that the organization’s plans to probe the cases filed by the administration against opposition senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima ...

Duterte confers Ryan Cayabyab, 6 others as National Artists
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday handed National Artist awards to seven individuals led by popular composer and musical director Ryan "Mr. C" Cayabyab. Duterte conferred the Order of National Artist (ONA) upon recommendation by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

The case of Imee Marcos and her Princeton years resurfaces
After a supposed picture of aspiring senator Imee Marcos’ records on Princeton University went viral, questions about her educational credentials arose as she aims to occupy a seat in the upper house. Last week, a Filipino Reddit user shared an unverified scanned copy of the Ilocos Norte governor’s scholastic records that pertained to her enrollment in the prestigious university from January to May 1976.

Philippines, China enhance media cooperation
BEIJING, China — Officials of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing met with officials of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of the People’s Republic of China on Sept. 17 to discuss ways of enhancing media cooperation and strengthening partnerships in relation to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

DoJ to Trillanes: It ain’t over yet
The Department of Justice will file a motion for partial reconsideration of the ruling of Makati City Judge Andres Soriano, who found that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was able to prove he filed his amnesty application and had admitted his guilt in the coup d’etat case filed against him. The DOJ will file, not later than Friday, a motion for partial reconsideration of the order of RTC Makati City Branch 148 ...

10/21/2018

Battle-scarred Marawi still suffering wounds of war
One year after Philippine armed forces defeated Islamic State-aligned militants in a months-long siege that devastated the southern city of Marawi, a new contest for the residents’ hearts and minds has broken out between the United States and China. On October 16, the United States offered a new 1.35 billion pesos (US$25 million) aid package to help Marawi and its people rise from the ashes of war.

Palace to review proposed mandatory drug tests for 2019 poll bets
MANILA — Malacañang said it is currently evaluating Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) proposal to conduct mandatory drug tests on 2019 election candidates, noting that the proposal is “problematic.” “The Palace wishes to clarify that it does not dismiss in toto PDEA's proposal to conduct mandatory drug testing of political aspirants for next year's elections ...”

Philippines’ Sept. BOP deficit highest in nearly 5 years
MANILA — The Philippines posted its largest monthly balance of payments deficit in nearly five years in September, mainly due to the central bank’s foreign exchange operations and the government’s foreign debt payments, the central bank said on Friday. September’s balance of payments (BOP) deficit of $2.7 billion, which was the highest since January 2014 ...

Palace hails 'good' satisfaction rating of Duterte Cabinet
MANILA — Malacañang on Sunday lauded the "good" satisfaction rating received by the Duterte Cabinet in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. According to the SWS, the net satisfaction rating of the Cabinet soared from "moderate" or +25 in June 2018 to "good" or +32 in September. “Since the survey was conducted during the month of September when inflation was at 6.7 percent ...

Future lady cop targets Philippines' 7th Miss International crown
Bb. Pilipinas-International 2018 Ahtisa Manalo looked radiant and queenly as she faced members of the press at the send-off party organized by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) at the Novotel Manila, Araneta Center before her trip to Japan to compete at the 2018 Miss International pageant. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I’m not going in Japan to settle for anything less than the title ...

10/19/2018

Only one LTFRB official tried to block the jeepney fare hike
The approval of the P2 minimum jeepney fare hike has been opposed by even by some in the government. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board member Aileen Lizada was the lone dissenter in the transportation board’s decision to raise the the minimum fare for passenger jeepneys to P10 starting November.

Review of martial law extension in Mindanao still on: AFP
MANILA -- Troops in the field are still gathering data to determine whether martial law in Mindanao would again be extended, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, said Thursday. Detoyato said the review on the possible extension of martial law in the region had been ongoing since it was first implemented.

Jim Paredes calls out fake Tulfo over fake Boracay photo
Musician Jim Paredes slammed a dubious Facebook page for misusing a beach photo after it claimed that it was taken on Boracay to laud the administration’s recently concluded rehabilitation efforts. “Tulfo Brothers Page” on Facebook shared a photo of a beach shoreline with the caption “Ganito na kaganda ang Boracay. Salamat kay Tatay Digong.”

The Philippines, China reaffirm commitment to freedom of navigation
MANILA-- The Philippines and China have reaffirmed commitment to the principle of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea during their third bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) meeting, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday night. "Believing that the proper management of disputes in the South China Sea is vital in safeguarding regional peace and stability ...

PDEA suggests surprise drug tests on candidates
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Thursday proposed the conduct of a surprise drug test for aspirants in next year’s mid-term elections. “Wala naman plano. Bigla lang pumasok sa utak ko. [The drug test] should be a surprise, otherwise, we are not doing (it) properly. It doesn’t serve the purpose. Mas maganda surprise drug test sa lahat ng kandidato ...

10/17/2018

Philippines cuts 2018 GDP growth goal, raises inflation targets
MANILA — The Philippine government has shaved its economic growth target for this year and raised inflation forecasts for 2018 and 2019, reflecting caution as soaring consumer prices curb expansion in one of Asia’s fastest growing economies. The economy grew 6.0 percent in the second quarter, the slowest in almost three years ...

Palace dispels Joma remark on cancellation of talks
MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday refuted Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison’s statement blaming the government’s security cluster for the termination of peace talks. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the peace negotiations due to the communists’ failure to show ‘sincerity and commitment”.

‘Red December‘ plot emerges as new threat on Du30—military
The Palace said Tuesday it was not surprised to hear possible destabilization moves against President Rodrigo Duterte as the military again warned that communist rebels were planning another ouster plot by December. “I am not surprised that they have a plot because that is precisely the rationale of the creation of the Communist Party of the Philippines―to oust the government ...”

Ex-Comelec chair Brillantes seeks revision of party-list law
MANILA – Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. on Tuesday said it is about time to revise the entire party-list law stressing that there were too many candidates who want to be party-list representatives but do not meet qualifications. “It’s about time we revise the entire party-list law and come out with a new law where the jurisprudence will be incorporated.

Trump slay plot foiled in Manila—Secret Service
When United States President Donald Trump visited the Philippines in November last year, the US Secret Service had to deal with one credible assassination threat against him, the British newspaper The Telegraph said. Quoting a National Geographic documentary titled “United States Secret Service: On The Front Line,” the newspaper said US agents tracked a man ...

10/15/2018

Filipinos deeply conflicted on Rody’s drug war
Jailed drug user Bitoy Paras perks up when describing his support for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on narcotics, an unlikely fan of a campaign that has left Filipinos deeply conflicted. “Duterte talks tough, saying he will get rid of addicts... I am happy he’s doing that,” he told AFP at Manila’s main jail, which is packed with drug suspects.

Sister Fox to contest deportation order before CA
MANILA -- Australian nun and activist Patricia Fox on Monday said she plans to question the government’s deportation order before the Court of Appeals (CA) in case the Department of Justice (DOJ) rules against her. Fox filed her reply to the DOJ accompanied by around 20 members of the left-leaning Anakpawis party-list group.

Binay vs Binay scenario in Makati mayoral race close to becoming reality
The city of Makati is headed for a possible face-off between members of the Binay political family, after former vice-president Jejomar Binay Sr., the family’s patriarch, said that he will not intervene in the growing schism between his children Abigail “Abby” Binay-Campos and Jejomar “Junjun” BinayJr. The older Binay in a statement to the media on Monday said that he respected the decision of his children ...

PAL warns public vs. online ticket scam
MANILA -- Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is warning the public against an online ticket scam, wherein victims are eventually offered fake IDs to use at the airport check-in counters. PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said there has been a trend now that people are invited to purchase "cheap" tickets via social media sites.

Roque makes U-turn by withdrawing defense of Duterte’s Korea kiss
Newly resigned presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has admitted that President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial public kiss with an overseas Filipino worker was “inappropriate,” months after defending the president’s actions. Roque during an interview with comedian Vice Ganda on the show “Gandang Gabi Vice” aired on Sunday evening admitted that he found his former boss ...

10/13/2018

US, Philippines tacitly realign against China
If and when the United States sails warships and flies fighter planes in a massive and potentially provocative show of force near China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, the Philippines will be there in spirit though not in force. The US Navy’s Pacific Fleet recently drew up a classified proposal to carry out several missions over a week in November as a warning to China ...

Clear line of succession to presidency ‘important,' Palace says
MANILA -- Malacañang said Friday it does not matter who succeeds the President should there be a shift to a federal system of government, so long as there is a clear line of succession. Newly-designated Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the remark in reaction to the House of Representatives' draft charter that places the Senate President and not the Vice President next in line to the President under federalism.

China leaves Duterte’s dream train at the station
Soon after winning the presidency in mid-2016, Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte vowed to build a modern railway across the underdeveloped southern island of Mindanao, a promise that drew loud applause from the well-dressed audience invited to his first State of the Nation Address. Duterte’s dream of a Mindanao train line, an ambitious project ...

JV Ejercito may be disqualified if he uses 'Estrada' surname: Comelec
MANILA — Reelectionist Senator JV Ejercito might be "inviting" anyone to file a nuisance case against him in case he pushes through with his plan to use the surname of his father, Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, in his senatorial bid in the 2019 elections. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez made this remark Friday, following reports that the reelectionist senator ...

Philippines’ politics-stained cinema in Busan Int’l Film Festival spotlight
The Philippines’ rich history of political and socially conscious cinema was on display this week at Asia’s largest movie gathering, shadowed by the controversy over President Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly drug war. Busan International Film Festival delivered a record number of features from the nation, which has a turbulent political past, widespread poverty and is in the international eye due to condemnation of the president’s narcotics crackdown.

10/11/2018

House’s draft charter returned to committee to return VP in line of succession
The House of Representatives on Wednesday returned to the Committee on Constitutional Amendments its draft federal charter to amend the transitory provision skipping Vice President Leni Robredo in the line of succession to the presidency. During the plenary session, the House approved the motion of Cebu City Representative Raul Del Mar to recommit Resolution of Both Houses ...

Pimentel, Aguilar seek Senate seat; 'earliest birds’ at COC filing
MANILA — Re-electionist Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and singer Freddie Aguilar are the first ones to file their Certificates for Candidacy (COCs) for senator at the start of the five-day filing period at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Manila Thursday morning.

Philippines skips war drill on China concerns
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., said the Philippine agreed not to join the naval exercise during President Rodrigo Duterte’s meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua on Monday afternoon. “China expressed concern over a naval... a military exercise that the United States will be conducting in the area at about the same time that the Chinese President will be in the Philippines ...”

PCOO exec wants age limit for statutory rape raised
MANILA -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy has underscored the need to raise the age limit for statutory rape to protect young people from sexual abuse and exploitation. “It’s now high time to address child abuse and exploitation, like the most worrisome now is our definition of statutory rape.

Feel the Force: Kenneth Cobonpue unveils Star Wars furniture
Renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue has released the designs for his much-awaited Star Wars-themed furniture collection. The award-winning designer and manufacturer revealed in a Facebook post the designs included in the collection. Among the first he revealed was an easy chair inspired by the helmet of cinema’s favorite villain, Darth Vader.

10/9/2018

Duterte creating cracks in his military’s command
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s authoritarian lurch is testing the boundaries of civil-military relations in ways that could have implications for stability if a new balance isn’t achieved soon. While the tough-talking leader has repeatedly challenged the military to overthrow his elected government in recent weeks, including one speech where he implored “just get it over with” ...

10th Infantry Division commander eyed as next Army chief
DAVAO CITY – The incumbent commander of the Army's 10 Infantry Division is one of the contenders for the highest position in the Philippine Army when Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista bows out of the military service this month. Maj. General Noel Clement, 10ID commander, said on Monday he is honored to be considered as commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Philippine resort city chooses ‘morally correct’ low-carbon path
PUERTO PRINCESA — When Theresa Walgraeve and her husband set up their 15-room resort in Puerto Princesa, a city on the Philippine island of Palawan, they worried about mosquitoes and monsoon damp and the high cost of electricity. That’s when the island’s Zero Carbon Resorts programme approached them with suggestions on how to save energy and costs from solar panels and LED lights ...

'Master forger' of documents for US visa nabbed
MANILA -- A suspected forger specialized in faking supporting documents for applicants for US visas has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Officials of the NBI Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-AOTCD) presented to the media on Tuesday, Manuel "Nonoy" V. Bala, who has gained the monicker, "The Man with the Golden Hands" ...

Philippines’ rice imports may hit 2.4 million tons, second biggest on record
MANILA—The Philippines will allow major rice retailers to import up to 350,000 tons of the grain, its agriculture secretary said on Monday, potentially bringing the country’s total purchases this year to 2.4 million tons, the second highest on record. The Philippines, which buys rice from neighbors Vietnam and Thailand, is aggressively boosting purchases ...

10/7/2018

Manila, seven other coastal cities at risk
Paris—Governments must provide “major” investment in flood risk reduction to save coastal cities around the world, a charity said Friday, as rising seas and sinking urban areas pose unprecedented threats to millions of homes. Cities such as Jakarta—which is sinking 25 centimeters (0.8 feet) each year—Bangkok, Houston and Shanghai risk being inundated within decades ...

War between MILF, military ‘over’: AFP chief
COTABATO CITY -- The decades-old armed fighting days between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are over. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr. made this remark in a visit on Saturday to Camp Darapanan, the MILF’s main encampment situated in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Wife of Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib charged with money laundering
KUALA LUMPUR—The wife of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak was charged with 17 money laundering offences on Thursday, as anti-graft agents investigate billions of dollars missing from state coffers. Rosmah Mansor, criticized for her extravagant lifestyle as first lady of Malaysia, and Najib, are at the centre of a wide-ranging graft probe launched after Prime Minster Mahathir Mohamad’s stunning election victory in May.

Andanar says no to Senate run in 2019; cites achievements in PCOO
MANILA -- Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday said he never had ambitions of running for senator, amid reports that at least six members of the Duterte cabinet will be seeking a local or national post in the 2019 midterm elections.

The real deal with Glutathione-drips and why a lawmaker is under fire
A complaint has been filed against MATA party-list representative Tricia Velasco-Catera for allegedly holding Glutathione-drip sessions in her office during working hours by watchdog Pinoy Aksyon for Governance and the Environment. The complaint did not specifically state if she was the one undergoing the Gluta-drip sessions or if she was providing it to others in her office.

10/5/2018

Korean ex-president jailed for 15 years
Seoul―Former South Korean president Lee Myung-bak was jailed for 15 years for corruption Friday, becoming the latest of the country’s ex-leaders to be sent to prison. The 76-year-old CEO-turned-president, who served from 2008 to 2013, was found guilty on charges including bribery and embezzlement and ordered to pay a fine of 13 billion won ($11.5 million) by the Seoul Central District Court.

Only 67 Boracay establishments follow environmental law
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan -- Only 67 Boracay establishments have so far complied with various environmental laws, the Environmental Management Bureau in Western Visayas (EMB-6) has said. Sophie Manuel, Regional Director of EMB-6, presented these data during the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) meeting here on Friday.

Women with ‘monthly period’ submit to airport security, Bertiz told
A man explained his outburst caught in a viral video as akin to a woman having her “monthly period.” “For the past three years that I’ve been a member of Congress, once a year I experience a monthly period… I can’t help being human, breakable and hot-headed. I also get stressed with work,” Rep. Aniceto “John” Bertiz III (ACT-OFW party-list) said at a press conference on Monday.

UK energy services firm eyeing PH solar farm projects
MANILA -- United Kingdom-based energy services firm, Wood Group Plc., is looking into investment opportunities in local solar farm projects, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez disclosed on Friday. In an interview, Lopez said the Wood Group is among the British companies that expressed interest in the Philippine market during a recent trade and investment roadshow in London in September.

‘Me too’ at Ateneo: University says probe has been launched
After one its faculty members was accused of sexual harassment and misconduct, the Ateneo de Manila University said it is taking measures to prevent similar incidents from happening. Maria Luz Vilches, vice president for the university’s Loyola Schools, in a letter released on Thursday said that the school administration is conducting an official investigation into the sexual complaints ...

10/2/2018

Lawyers claim Duterte’s ‘admission’ on extrajudicial killings is evidence
A number of legal experts are claiming that President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent statements calling the series of extrajudicial killings in the country his “only sin” is evidence that can be used against him. Former Bayan Muna Party-list representative and human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares said on Twitter that even though Duterte said that there was “no evidence” against him ...

PNP task force to probe La Union mayor ambush
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed a task force to probe the ambush-slay of Mayor Alexander Buquing of Sudipen town, La Union on Monday night. “While we are saddened by this unfortunate incident, we would like to assure the families of the victims that the PNP are committed in getting into the bottom of this case ...

U.S. warship sails near disputed South China Sea islands -U.S. official
WASHINGTON — A U.S. Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a U.S. official told Reuters, potentially angering Beijing at a time of tense relations between the two countries. Beijing and Washington are locked in a trade war that has seen them impose increasingly severe rounds of tariffs on each other’s imports.

2-million tourists visit Cordillera in 2017
BAGUIO CITY – Close to two million tourists, mostly Filipinos, visited Cordillera in 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in the region said Monday. PSA-Cordillera Regional Director Villafe Alibuyog said 1.86 million of the total 1.97 million tourists were from other parts of the Philippines. The remaining 110,000 are foreign visitors, mostly Americans, French, Koreans, Chinese, and Germans.

Filipino gets restaurant to reduce plastic waste
A Filipino in Abu Dhabi and his co-workers have made a deal with a restaurant to serve their meals in reusable containers to help reduce plastic waste in the environment. Norman Laquian, a medical-procurement supervisor at the British Veterinary Centre, said that when he and his co-workers saw pictures of plastic waste washed up on the shores of Manila Bay ... 

09/29/2018

Unable to look into EJKs herself, Callamard speaks out on Twitter
Her attempts to investigate questionable killings in the Philippines might be a off-chance with Malacañang setting conditions. But United Nations Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard continues to observe developments in the Philippines, having condemned recent statements of President Rodrigo Duterte on Twitter.

Malacañang respects court’s deferment of Trillanes arrest
MANILA -- Malacañang on Saturday said it respects the decision of a Makati court to defer its ruling on the coup d'etat charges filed against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. “That is court decision we respect and defer to,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a message sent to media.

Ballet dancer takes a big step to embrace his cultural roots
A ballet dancer raised in the United States is on a journey to discover his cultural heritage after he was selected for a starring role in a Philippine production of Cinderella which will be staged this weekend. Kristoffer Reyes, 26, was born into a Filipino family in Sacramento and has only been to his parents’ homeland once before: when he was a child he spent two years living with relatives in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija ...

Cayetano assures UN of PH commitment to human rights
MANILA-- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday (Manila time) underscored anew the country's commitment to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights. In his speech at the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York, Cayetano said the Duterte administration is one with the UN in being "uncompromising on the issues of rule of law ...

Backlash against China could jeopardize its ‘free ride’
On a recent official visit to China, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad criticized his host country’s use of major infrastructure projects – and difficult-to-repay loans – to assert its influence over smaller countries. While Mahathir’s warnings in Beijing against “a new version of colonialism” stood out for their boldness, they reflect a broader pushback against China’s mercantilist trade, investment and lending practices.

09/27/2018

Trillanes’ arrest: More legal questions raised over Makati court’s order
The Makati Regional Trial Court’s order of the arrest of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has been criticized by a number of legal experts and political critics alike. In his resolution for warrant, Judge Elmo Alameda of the Makati RTC Branch 150 wrote that President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 572 nullifying the amnesty granted to the former mutineer and ordering his arrest was valid.

Duterte unsure peace talks can be resumed
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday said he was unsure if peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) would resume any time soon, admitting that he was “not ready” to talk to them yet. “I don’t know if it could be revived. But I am not ready at this time to talk about talking to the communist(s),” Duterte said ...

One super typhoon after another within PAR: Surely this isn’t normal?
Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) left billions of damaged properties and many casualties at its wake. As soon as it left, Typhoon Paeng (Trami), another powerful cyclone, just entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Both have been categorized as super typhoons by the Hawaii-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center of the United States Navy.

OFW in Saudi shot dead after allegedly stabbing co-worker, boss
MANILA -- An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was confirmed dead by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) late Wednesday after being shot for allegedly stabbing his employer and co-worker. The agency did not identify the OFW pending notification of kin. Initial reports from the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah said the Filipino allegedly stabbed ...

Duterte picks a fight with his military
Days after his return from a historic trip to the Middle East, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte also arguably made history at home in a national address that vented his exasperation with the armed forces. In an hour-long têtê-a-têtê televised interview this month with his chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo, Duterte lamented how he had “reached the limit” of “my persona” ...

09/25/2018

There are more Metro Manila road mishaps daily than you’d think
As traffic continues to pervade the metro, more and more people are getting involved in road accidents at most of the city’s major thoroughfares, prompting several advocates of road safety to discuss solutions on preventing fatalities. According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2017, 34 Filipinos on average lose their lives daily due to vehicular collision.

Court of Appeals stops auction, sale of Banco Filipino
MANILA -- The Court of Appeals has stopped the auction and transfer of properties of the defunct Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank (Banco Filipino). In a decision penned by Associate Justice Ronaldo Roberto B. Martin, the CA’s 10th division ruled to allow the plea of the Banco Filipino’s stockholder, Ekistics Philippines, Inc., challenging the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC)'s actions ...

Italians, Filipinos charged with illegally recruiting seamen
Two Italian businessmen and three Philippine nationals have been charged with running an illegal recruitment agency that hired out seamen to foreigners despite having no operating permits or licenses. The National Bureau of Investigation said Filipinos Henry James Avecilla, Judith Cabrera and Lucky Philip Cabrera and Italians Sergio Constantini and Maurizio Caselli were arrested.

National Food Authority Council okays more rice imports
MANILA -- The National Food Authority (NFA) Council has set measures to ensure sufficient and affordable rice as it allowed importation of 750,000 metric tons of rice for sale to markets nationwide at prices lower than commercial counterparts, Department of Agriculture (DA) Sec. Emmanuel Piñol said. "We'll bring in rice that's cheap," he said Monday ...

Python shocks commuters at bus terminal in Manila
Traffic was brought to a halt on a busy road in the Philippines capital, Manila, by the unwelcome appearance of a 3.5-meter python. In a video uploaded by Maryann Te on Facebook, the python was seen during rush hour in front of a bus terminal on Taft Avenue in Pasay City on Thursday, halting shocked traffic and commuters.

09/23/2018

Five women rule poll of senate bets
Five women—three incumbent senators, a member of the House of Representatives and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio—are leading in the list of possible winners for the Senate in the May 2019 midterm elections. In the latest Pulse Asia survey report released Saturday, incumbent Senator Grace Poe topped the list of possible winners—if the May elections were held this month.

Duterte slams EU for ‘int'l governing’
MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte took a swipe at the European Union (EU) anew, claiming that it is into "international governing” by criticizing his crackdown on illegal drugs. “Who are you to run my country? That’s the problem with the European Union. They are into international governing,” Duterte said during the Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology ...

Listen to accounts of Martial Law torture victims with ‘Memory Project’
A team of journalists has presented a compiled digital recording of the testimonies and affidavits of human rights abuse victims during Martial Law being read. News editor Roby Alampay uploaded the three-minute recording which contained the recordings on Friday to mark the 46th anniversary of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ Proclamation 1081 declaring Martial Law in the Philippines.

Boracay can’t accommodate everyone, Duterte asserts
MANILA -- With only more than a month until Boracay Island reopens to the public, President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday emphasized the importance of limiting the tourist destination’s carrying capacity. “Not all Filipinos and all tourists can go to Boracay. It cannot accommodate everyone,” Duterte said in Cebuano during his visit to landslide victims in Naga City, Cebu province.

Death toll in Itogon, Benguet now at 69
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The death toll in Itogon, Benguet has climbed to 69, Cordillera regional police said on Saturday, September 22. Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana said in an update sent to reporters that of the total number of fatalities in Itogon town due to Typhoon Ompong, 44 were from Barangay Ucab. The latest figures were as of Saturday, 8:30 pm.

09/21/2018

Legal case builds for trying Duterte at the ICC
The International People’s Tribunal (IPT) handed down a symbolic guilty verdict in Brussels against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for gross human rights abuses, adding to the rising chorus for the populist leader to be referred to the International Criminal Court at The Hague for his various scorched earth policies.

PAL raises flight frequencies in int'l, domestic routes
MANILA -- Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will increase flight frequencies in many of its domestic and international routes from Oct. 28 to December, spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said on Thursday. "We've already increased flight frequencies in some of the routes, while most of the expanded flight frequencies are slated to start in October," she told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

‘Ompong’ death toll rises to 88; Itogon searchers step up rescue
Recovery efforts continued Thursday in areas hit by landslides in the wake of Typhoon “Ompong.” Police counted 88 confirmed fatalities and said 64 were missing. Of the total deaths, 72 were from the Cordillera region. In the town of Itogon, Benguet alone, 57 people remained trapped under the mud, where a landslide buried bunk houses for miners, Mayor Victorio Palangdan said on radio dzMM.

LRT-1 ridership reaches 14-M in August
MANILA -- Over 14 million people rode the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) last August, its highest ridership in a single month to date, according to its operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC). Passenger volume was recorded at 14.6 million passengers which has higher by 8 percent to 13.45 million passengers for the same month last year due to improvements ...

The long road to conviction of former Army general Jovito Palparan
Human rights groups and activist leaders are hailing the guilty verdict passed on retired Army general Jovito Palparan, who was charged with serious illegal detention and kidnapping in relation to the disappearance of student-activists Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan in 2006. Judge Alexander Tamayo of the Malolos Regional Trial Court found the retired Army officer guilty ...

09/19/2018

Philippines central bank flags 4th rate hike to fight inflation, help peso
MANILA — The Philippine central bank signaled a fourth hike in its benchmark interest rates this year, a central bank official said on Tuesday, as policymakers boost efforts to tame a nearly decade-high inflation and support the local currency. “We have to deliver a very strong rhetoric about having a strong follow through (policy action) ...

Peter Lim still in the Philippines, no need to ask Interpol help yet: DOJ
MANILA -- There is no need for now to seek assistance from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in locating businessman and alleged drug lord Peter Lim. “Too early to alert Interpol. No record that Peter Lim has left the country since his indictment,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a text message Wednesday.

Why UP President declared Sept. 21 a ‘Day of Remembrance’
University of the Philippines President Danilo Concepcion declared September 21, also the 46th anniversary of the martial law proclamation, as the Day of Remembrance of the University of the Philippines. This came shortly after Concepcion reaped criticisms for his presence at the anniversary of the Marcos-backed Kabataang Barangay last August 25, wherein Ilocos Norte Governor Imelda “Imee” Marcos was the guest of honor.

After Ompong, Monde Nissin, JBC Food Corporation top plastic waste count in Pasig River
17 September 2018, Manila, Philippines – After the rains brought by the tail end of Typhoon Ompong caused flooding, plastic pollution once again became more apparent in our streets and waterways. Greenpeace Philippines sampled the plastic wastes in Pasig River and found Monde Nissin, JBC Food Corporation and 7-Eleven, among others, as the top plastic polluters in a brand audit conducted today.

Duterte’s repression meets military resistance
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had the limits of his executive power exposed after a recent botched attempt to imprison without an arrest warrant his chief opposition critic, ex-soldier Senator Antonio Trillanes. The incident has put the populist leader at dangerous loggerheads with his security forces and could later legally redound on him through counter charges of executive abuse of power for ordering an illegal arrest.

09/17/2018

At least 25 dead after Mangkhut tears through northern Philippines
Super typhoon hammers island of Luzon, killing many in landslides and swamping large sections of farmland in northern Philippines before barreling toward southern China. Super Typhoon Mangkhut slammed into the Philippines on Saturday, killing at least 25 people and swamping large sections of agricultural land before continuing its destructive path toward Hong Kong and southern China.

Bureau of Immigration denies Fox’s missionary visa extension request
MANILA -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) rejected the request of Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox for the extension of her missionary visa. BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval said BI denied the request in a two-page order signed Thursday, citing the deportation order that was previously issued against the Catholic nun.

Typhoon ‘Ompong’ leaves 59 dead
The death toll from Typhoon “Ompong” rose to 59 Sunday, after the storm ripped a swathe of destruction through Northern Luzon before exiting toward Hong Kong and China. Rescue workers stepped up their efforts as dozens of people remained missing, two days after Ompong made landfall in Cagayan province. The world’s biggest storm this year left large expanses in Northern Luzon ...

Philippines accedes to Apostille Convention
MANILA -- The Philippine government acceded to an international convention that allows the country to issue a security certificate called "Apostille", which simplifies the authentication of public documents to be used abroad. “The Apostille Convention cuts down the procedure for the processing and use of foreign public documents, which helps facilitate cross-border trade ...

New health cards with Bong Go, Duterte’s faces spotted at the Philippine General Hospital
Tarpaulins and health cards bearing photos of President Rodrigo Duterte and his aide Secretary Bong Go were spotted at the Philippine General Hospital. These were seen following the appearance of the special assistant to the president at the launching of Malasakit Center, a one-stop center that aims to assist less fortunate Filipinos on their health concerns and medical expenses.

09/15/2018

It’s a trap? Why Sen. Trillanes won’t leave the Senate just yet
The Supreme Court has denied Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s plea for a temporary restraining order on Proclamation 572 which directs his arrest but it also took notice of Duterte’s pronouncement that there will be no arrest until a warrant has been issued. So why is Trillanes still in the Senate building in Pasay city?

'Ompong' plunges parts of Quezon, Cavite into darkness
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – As Typhoon “Ompong” flogged Calabarzon Region with heavy rains copuled with gusty winds, around six eastern and island towns of Quezon province were plunged into darkness starting 5 p.m. Friday, while temporary power glitches were reported in two Cavite upland towns.

Govt looking into exploitation of Filipinos in New Zealand
The Philippine government announced that it is looking into a report that said Filipino construction workers in New Zealand are being exploited. On Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the Philippine Embassy in Wellington is coordinating with trade unions in New Zealand and Migrante Aotearoa, a Filipino migrants organization ...

25,000 residents in Aurora displaced by 'Ompong'
BALER, Aurora – Some 6,924 families or 25,601 individuals were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong in this province. Based on the report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by Acting Governor Rommel Rico T. Angara, out of the total affected people, some 4,459 families or 16,578 individuals are temporarily staying ...

Fast as a speeding bullet, Superman gets the jump on Phelps
A 10-year-old Filipino-American boy has broken a swim record set by Michael Phelps more than 20 years ago, earning a surprise message of congratulations from the most successful Olympics athlete in history. Clark Kent Apuada, who not surprisingly carries the nickname Superman, set a new time of 1:09.38 when he won the 100 meters butterfly ...

09/13/2018

For nth time: Duterte claims opposition, Liberal Party, communists plotting to oust him
Opposition leaders are denying President Rodrigo Duterte’s most recent accusations of an ouster plotted by the camp of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and allies in the Liberal Party and Communist Party of the Philippines. Duterte said during his one-on-one interview with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Tuesday that he had evidence of an ouster being plotted by Trillanes ....

Trillanes’ amnesty, one of Aquino's ‘glaring mistakes’: Duterte
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said the amnesty granted to Oakwood mutineers, including Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, was one of the glaring mistakes of the previous administration of former president Benigno Aquino III. “Pagka mali is mali. Hindi mo talaga ma-correct ‘yan (If it is wrong, it’s wrong. You cannot correct that) and one of the glaring mistakes ...

Proud Pinay in Victoria’s Secret model lineup
Kelsey Merritt, a proud Filipino-American, is set to conquer the runway. Merritt, who has always been vocal about her love for the Philippines, has been officially introduced as Victoria’s Secret model, an iconic lingerie brand, as one of its runway models on Wednesday. Merritt thus became the first Filipina to walk in the highly-coveted Victoria’s Secret fashion show ...

Duterte to lead command conference for 'Ompong'
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte will hold a command conference to make sure that the government’s readiness for the forthcoming Typhoon Ompong (international name Mangkhut) is at the highest level. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the command conference will be held at the headquarters of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) ...

Duterte and Panelo’s têtê-a-têtê falls short of expectations
Filipinos expressed their dissatisfaction over President Rodrigo Duterte's one-on-one with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo as he failed to deliver concrete solutions to the country's economic woes. President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘national address’ that was done through a têtê-a-têtê has left some people dissatisfied ...

09/10/2018

Filipinos’ trust in Duterte falls to lowest level – survey
MANILA — Public trust in Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte dropped to the lowest of his presidency, a survey showed on Saturday, although he still maintained a rating of “very good”. Trust is used by independent pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) to gauge public opinion with a president’s personality.

Special registration for Bangsamoro plebiscite starts Tuesday
MANILA -- The three-day special satellite registrations in connection with the plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law will start on Tuesday and will be held until Thursday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday. In a statement, the poll body said registration will be conducted in sixteen venues in the provinces ...

Rodolfo Biazon fears ‘domino effect’
Former Armed Forces chief Rodolfo Biazon said Sunday that if President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to revoke the amnesty of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is upheld, then the amnesties granted to his comrades who joined him in his coup attempts might be thrown out as well. Biazon, a former senator, said he believed there was no legal basis for the President’s revocation of Trillanes’ amnesty.

Philippines to get 2 Cobra helicopters from Jordan
MANILA -- Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher "Bong" Go on Thursday said the Philippines will get two Cobra helicopters from Jordan. Go relayed this information to Palace reporters through text message, saying the second-hand helicopters will be delivered in July next year after the training of the Filipino pilots.

Where in the world is Rodrigo Duterte during major national events?
President Rodrigo Duterte was out of the country during a few significant events that occurred in the country. The latest incident is Duterte’s order to revoke Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s amnesty before he left for a “historic” trip in Israel to seek a “stable and secure” friendship with the country.

09/05/2018

Reasons why Duterte’s revocation of Antonio Trillanes’ amnesty doesn’t make sense
Those questioning the Palace order voiding the amnesty granted by the previous administration to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV are decrying the ‘message’ being sent by the administration and the effects the move could have on future jurisprudence. Several critics from the opposition spoke out against Proclamation 572 which ordered the nullification of the amnesty granted to Trillanes ...

Military police to be in charge of Trillanes once arrested: DND
MANILA -- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV will be immediately turned over to the military police once he is arrested following the invalidation of his amnesty, which reverted his status to an active military personnel, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Tuesday.

Explained: The story and history behind Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ amnesty revocation
Malacañang’s revocation of the amnesty granted to Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV by the previous administration has revived the discussion on his past charges and how the amnesty paved the way for his government service. Proclamation 572 circulated on Tuesday morning claimed that Trillanes’ amnesty was being revoked on account of his alleged non-compliance with the “minimum requirements ...

Duterte wants the Philippines to replicate Israel’s disaster response system
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte lauded the disaster response and rehabilitation presentation and viewing of equipment of Israel on Tuesday, saying he was inspired to replicate it in the Philippines. The Magen David Adom is the State of Israel’s national organization responsible for emergency, disaster response, pre-hospital care ...

Trillanes vows to void ‘stupid EO’
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV told reporters on Tuesday he has instructed his lawyers to study ways “to void this stupid executive order” of President Rodrigo Duterte revoking his amnesty for a failed coup attempt over a decade ago, adding it “has no basis whatsoever.” “This is a clear case of political persecution, but I will not cower.

09/04/2018

Harry Roque’s campaign jingle in Boy Scouts’ event sparks criticism
An apparent campaign jingle of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. was played at an event of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Botolan, Zambales, sparking criticism from a scout coordinator. Scout coordinator Janus Munar of Sta. Rosa, Laguna shared a video on Facebook of a campaign jingle being played during the camping activities of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

Too early to talk about Martial Law extension: AFP spokesperson
MANILA -- Despite the second improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) believes that it is still early to talk about extending Martial Law in Mindanao. "It's too early for us (AFP) to talk about that, ang pwede ko lang sabihin sa inyo ay patuloy ang ginagawang pag-aaral, pag-assess sa ating ...

Why Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te has resigned from his post
Veteran lawyer Theodore Te is receiving much praise following his decision to resign from his post as Supreme Court spokesperson on Monday morning. Te in his letter addressed to Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro expressed his desire to retire from his position as assistant court administrator and chief of the public information office of the high court.

Duterte, Netanyahu hold bilateral talks
MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in bilateral meeting on Monday as part of efforts have a broader cooperation between the two countries. The meeting, held at Netanyahu’s office, was “restricted” and not open to media coverage. Duterte and Netanyahu also witnessed the signing of three agreements ...

‘Siling labuyo’ shoots up to P1,000/kg at wet market
The wet market price of “siling labuyo”—the chili variant used to spice up sauces and dips in many Filipino homes skyrocketed to as much as P1,000 per kilo on Monday, which vendors blamed both on rising inflation and recent inclement weather that flooded farms and ruined the country’s supply of vegetables. ‘Siling labuyo’ shoots up to P1,000/kg at wet market.

09/02/2018