MANILA, Dec. 9, 2009-A Catholic Church-backed poll watchdog is objecting the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao province until the May 2010 elections. According to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), military rule "in any form and in any place" is the very thing that it does not want to happen during election period.

MANILA, Dec. 11, 2009- Leaders of the influential Catholic Church warned the Arroyo government against a martial law spill over other parts of the country. Some bishops may have allowed it in Maguindanao due to its "complicated" situation there but imposing it in other areas is another story, retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz said.

LEGAZPI City, Dec. 9, 2009-The Province of Albay, famous for its Mayon Volcano, is in the thick of preparations to welcome its sixth bishop, the 55-year old Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, in fitting liturgical reception and canonical installation at the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral at 4:00 P.M. tomorrow.

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and long-time partner, PhilHealth, recently signed a memorandum of agreement whereby PVB will be providing PhilHealth Region 3 employees ATM and payroll services including PVB's unique "5-in-1" card that works as a company ID, ATM, timekeeping card, debit card, and discount card.

Since its inception in May 2004, the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) Chorale has continuously widened its turf and is now one of the most reputable names in the music industry. As its way of paying tribute to its members, the chorale, together with its original members will celebrate its 5th year Anniversary thru a concert comes December 20, 2009, 2pm at the UNEP Theater.

NAGA City (28 November) -- Tomas "Nonoy" Rentoy VII (30-199) and Irvin C. Ayo (30-54) last November 27 were elected as the new chapter president and chairman of the board, respectively, of the Kabalikat Bicol Naga City (KB30) Chapter effective January 1 - December 31, 2010.

MANILA - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's filing of her certificate of candidacy to seek the position of representative for the second district of Pampanga generated so much controversy. It overshadowed a similarly controversial attempt by former president Joseph Estrada's to take a second crack at the presidency. For sure, Arroyo's congressional bid would be the talk of the town up to the May 2010 elections or even beyond, if she wins.

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 11 -- At least 29 volcanic earthquakes jolted Mayon Volcano on Friday, the highest recorded seismic event this week indicating that the volcano's abnormality is still up, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

CAMP OLA, LEGAZPI CITY (11 December) - Seven suspected members of the communist New People's Army's "Celso Minguez Command" operating in Sorsogon province have been charged with Multiple Murder and Frustrated Murder.

Unpack your sack, St. Nikolaus I've been well-behaved, as everyone knows. I am an honest child - you know this for sure -