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January 5, 2012
Abalos, lawyer get 10 days in jail for 'malicious' bribery claim

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 5, 2011) - Found guilty of contempt for making malicious statements against the court, former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos and his lawyer were slapped a penalty of 10 days imprisonment or a fine of Php2,000.

Signed by Pasay Judge Jesus Mupas before he went on leave in the last week of December, an order cititing Abalos and his lawyer Brigido Dulay for contempt was sent by registered mail to the respondents. Copy of the order was also sent to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 5, 2011) - Found guilty of contempt for making malicious statements against the court, former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos and his lawyer were slapped a penalty of 10 days imprisonment or a fine of Php2,000.

Signed by Pasay Judge Jesus Mupas before he went on leave in the last week of December, an order cititing Abalos and his lawyer Brigido Dulay for contempt was sent by registered mail to the respondents. Copy of the order was also sent to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

January 2, 2012
2 SC justices may opt for early retirement

MANILA, Philippines - Feeling the heat after the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, two justices Supreme Court (SC) who were appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are reportedly contemplating of early retirement even if their term at the highest court go beyond that of Philippine President Benigno C. Aquino III, according to three separate sources of the Philippine Star.

The Philippine Star, however, is withholding the names of the two magistrates and the circumstances under which they would be retiring early by way of resignation.

MANILA, Philippines - Feeling the heat after the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, two justices Supreme Court (SC) who were appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are reportedly contemplating of early retirement even if their term at the highest court go beyond that of Philippine President Benigno C. Aquino III, according to three separate sources of the Philippine Star.

The Philippine Star, however, is withholding the names of the two magistrates and the circumstances under which they would be retiring early by way of resignation.

January 2, 2012
Fisherfolks ask SoKor govt to withdraw investment on Apeco project

MANILA, Jan. 1, 2012—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) appealed to the South Korean (SoKor) government to withdraw its funding for the Aurora Pacific Economic and Free Port (Apeco) as it would affect the livelihood of small farmers and fisherfolks living in the area where the port is located.

MANILA, Jan. 1, 2012—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) appealed to the South Korean (SoKor) government to withdraw its funding for the Aurora Pacific Economic and Free Port (Apeco) as it would affect the livelihood of small farmers and fisherfolks living in the area where the port is located.

December 29, 2011
On New Year’s Day STATE OF THE NATION 2011: THE GMA NEWS TV YEAREND REPORT

Heartbreaking tragedies and heartwarming tales of generosity and heroism.  Crippling crises and empowering developments.  Shameful scandals and inspiring comebacks.

All these characterized the news of 2011, a year that started with so much optimism and potential, yet would end with the country in a state of calamity. 

Heartbreaking tragedies and heartwarming tales of generosity and heroism.  Crippling crises and empowering developments.  Shameful scandals and inspiring comebacks.

All these characterized the news of 2011, a year that started with so much optimism and potential, yet would end with the country in a state of calamity. 

December 22, 2011
No Christmas furlough, cellular phone, laptop for detained Arroyo

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 22, 2011) – In one fell swoop Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Jesus Mupas denied the motions of detained former President Gloria Macapal-Arroyo for a Christmas furlough and use of cellular phones and laptop.

The former president had requested the court to allow her to spend Christmas in her Quezon City residence from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2 and to use a laptop and her mobile phone while detained at the government-run Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City. All these were denied as the court in effect sustained the stroung objection of the Commission on Elections  to Arroyo’s requests.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 22, 2011) – In one fell swoop Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Jesus Mupas denied the motions of detained former President Gloria Macapal-Arroyo for a Christmas furlough and use of cellular phones and laptop.

December 19, 2011
Faithful urged to spend more time in prayer, less in techie gadgets

MANILA, Dec. 17, 2011—Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle has urged the faithful to spend the days leading to Christmas as occasions to deepen one’s prayer life and worship of God.

He called on the congregation to “recover this sense of worship [and] resting in God, for us to relish the salvation that comes to us in Jesus.”

“We are asked during these days and on Christmas Day to be a worshipping people, to pray, to rest in God,” he said in his homily during a Mass he celebrated at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

MANILA, Dec. 17, 2011—Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle has urged the faithful to spend the days leading to Christmas as occasions to deepen one’s prayer life and worship of God.

He called on the congregation to “recover this sense of worship [and] resting in God, for us to relish the salvation that comes to us in Jesus.”

“We are asked during these days and on Christmas Day to be a worshipping people, to pray, to rest in God,” he said in his homily during a Mass he celebrated at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

December 13, 2011
Chief Justice Corona impeached

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 12, 2011) - With swiftness that suprised many including the senators, congressmen-allies of President Aquino moved yesterday to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona for alleged betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption.

In a dizzying turn of events, 188 congressmen – almost twice the minimum 95 signatures required for trransmittal to the Senate -  signed an impeachment complaint drafted by the committee on justice, leveling eight charges against Corona.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 12, 2011) - With swiftness that suprised many including the senators, congressmen-allies of President Aquino moved yesterday to impeach Chief Justice Renato Corona for alleged betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption.

In a dizzying turn of events, 188 congressmen – almost twice the minimum 95 signatures required for trransmittal to the Senate -  signed an impeachment complaint drafted by the committee on justice, leveling eight charges against Corona.

December 13, 2011
GMA Network petitions damage suit vs. ABS-CBN with the SC

QUEZON CITY , Philippines (Dec 13, 2011) - Broadcast giant GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) to review the P100 million civil damages case lodged against ABS-CBN Corp. after the Court of Appeals (CA) upheld its ruling dismissing the same in a decision dated August 15, 2011.

The Network filed the complaint seeking damages against the Lopez-owned station on November 10, 2005 based the latter’s malicious statements which were intended to cast discredit and dishonor to GMA on live nationwide broadcast.

QUEZON CITY , Philippines (Dec 13, 2011) - Broadcast giant GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) to review the P100 million civil damages case lodged against ABS-CBN Corp. after the Court of Appeals (CA) upheld its ruling dismissing the same in a decision dated August 15, 2011.

The Network filed the complaint seeking damages against the Lopez-owned station on November 10, 2005 based the latter’s malicious statements which were intended to cast discredit and dishonor to GMA on live nationwide broadcast.

December 13, 2011
Impeachment tribunal vs Corona should not be an ‘Aquino court’—solon

ANTIPOLO City, Dec. 13, 2011—While it voted “yes” for the Chief Magistrate’s impeachment complaint, Kabataan partylist forewarned his fellow legislators not to make the Impeachment Tribunal against Supreme Court chief justice Renato Corona to be an “Aquino court.”

“The blind support of Chief Justice Renato Corona to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and by extension to the crimes of the latter against the people warrants an impeachment case on the basis of betrayal of public trust. But I stress my vote for Corona’s impeachment with a caveat against Palace machinations to establish an Aquino court,” said Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino in a statement sent to media.

ANTIPOLO City, Dec. 13, 2011—While it voted “yes” for the Chief Magistrate’s impeachment complaint, Kabataan partylist forewarned his fellow legislators not to make the Impeachment Tribunal against Supreme Court chief justice Renato Corona to be an “Aquino court.”

December 11, 2011
Pulse: 7 of 10 Filipinos don’t like Arroyo to leave

MANILA, Philippines – A Pulse Asia survey reveals that 69% of Filipinos like former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to stay in the country to face the criminal charges against her.

These charges include the non-bailable crime of electoral sabotaged for which the former president is now detained.

Sources privy to the results of the survey done by Pulse Asia said respondents were asked the question: “Do you agree or disagree that former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should be allowed to leave the country to be able to seek medical treatment even though there are plunder and electoral fraud cases that have been filed against her?”

MANILA, Philippines – A Pulse Asia survey reveals that 69% of Filipinos like former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to stay in the country to face the criminal charges against her.

These charges include the non-bailable crime of electoral sabotaged for which the former president is now detained.

December 7, 2011
Bishops call for truce between Aquino, SC

 

MANILA, Dec. 6, 2011—Catholic bishops called on President Benigno Aquino and some Supreme Court officials to end their recent war of words.

At least three bishops issued statements Tuesday to stress the need for Aquino and some SC officials to restrain comments after an unseemly public spat.

MANILA, Dec. 6, 2011—Catholic bishops called on President Benigno Aquino and some Supreme Court officials to end their recent war of words.

At least three bishops issued statements Tuesday to stress the need for Aquino and some SC officials to restrain comments after an unseemly public spat.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said the public officials should show gestures of peace and reconciliation especially that Christmas is fast approaching.

December 7, 2011
Executive Justice

President Aquinos’ continued tirades against our Supreme Court have hugged the headlines anew with the latest at the 1st National Criminal Justice Summit on Dec.5. But the president for his part has yet to report to his Boss his own responsibility for “executive justice.”

The administration of justice is not the exclusive domain of the courts. In fact, it is equally the job of the executive branch of our government. And if the president laments delayed justice, he might want to look first at his own executive agencies.

President Aquinos’ continued tirades against our Supreme Court have hugged the headlines anew with the latest at the 1st National Criminal Justice Summit on Dec.5. But the president for his part has yet to report to his Boss his own responsibility for “executive justice.”

The administration of justice is not the exclusive domain of the courts. In fact, it is equally the job of the executive branch of our government. And if the president laments delayed justice, he might want to look first at his own executive agencies.

December 7, 2011
P-Noy rallies partymates' support for lasting reforms

 

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 7, 2011) – President Benigno C, Aquino III rallies the support of  his partymates in the Liberal Party (LP) for lasting government reforms for the sake of the future generation.

At the LP Christmas party Monday night, the president urged his partymates to seize the opportunity to institute reforms in the country as they continue to enjoy the support of the people.

Aquino said he is effecting changes not for himself but for future generations as he reminded partymates that they must fulfill the promises they made to the people during the election campaign.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 7, 2011) – President Benigno C, Aquino III rallies the support of  his partymates in the Liberal Party (LP) for lasting government reforms for the sake of the future generation.

At the LP Christmas party Monday night, the president urged his partymates to seize the opportunity to institute reforms in the country as they continue to enjoy the support of the people.

December 6, 2011
P-Noy's trust rating high amid controversies

 

Manila Philippines (Dec 6, 2011) - Pulse Asia released today its nationwide Ulat sa Bayan survey conducted on 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above from November 10 to 23, 2011 showing that President Benigno C. Aquino III still enjoys high approval and trust rating.

" In November 2011, 72% of Filipinos are appreciative of President Aquino’s performance while 74% trust him," Pulse Asia published in its website, adding only 9%, or less than one in ten Filipinos. distrust the President or is critical of him.

Manila Philippines (Dec 6, 2011) - Pulse Asia released today its nationwide Ulat sa Bayan survey conducted on 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above from November 10 to 23, 2011 showing that President Benigno C. Aquino III still enjoys high approval and trust rating.

" In November 2011, 72% of Filipinos are appreciative of President Aquino’s performance while 74% trust him," Pulse Asia published in its website, adding only 9%, or less than one in ten Filipinos. distrust the President or is critical of him.

December 5, 2011
SC gets ‘spanking’ from P-Noy

 

MANILA, Philippines – With the confidence of a leader with solid popular support, President Benigno Aquino III minced no words as he poured his sentiments on the judiciary right in front of Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona during the 1stNational Criminal Justice Summit at Manila Hotel today.

Aquino started his speech on the belief that the Corona was illegally appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, implying that the SC chief was a “midnight appointee” of his predecessor.

MANILA, Philippines – With the confidence of a leader with solid popular support, President Benigno Aquino III minced no words as he poured his sentiments on the judiciary right in front of Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona during the 1stNational Criminal Justice Summit at Manila Hotel today.

Aquino started his speech on the belief that the Corona was illegally appointed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, implying that the SC chief was a “midnight appointee” of his predecessor.

December 3, 2011
Bishop seeks Aquino intervention on coco levy case

 

MANILA, Dec. 2, 2011— An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is seeking a resolution of cases related to the coco-levy fund scam, as he called on President Benigno Aquino III to intervene on the issue.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said Aquino should show “political will” to return billions of pesos in coconut levy funds allegedly stolen from coconut farmers decades back...

MANILA, Dec. 2, 2011— An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is seeking a resolution of cases related to the coco-levy fund scam, as he called on President Benigno Aquino III to intervene on the issue.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said Aquino should show “political will” to return billions of pesos in coconut levy funds allegedly stolen from coconut farmers decades back.

December 3, 2011
President Aquino defended as he hits SC anew

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 3, 2011) – Citing that President Aquino was raising issues and concerns important to public interest, Malacañang defended his pronouncement expressing doubts on the impartiality of the Supreme Court.

Yesterday President Aquino’s questioned the Supreme Court’s (SC) decisions, particularly the temporary restraining order on the travel ban against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec 3, 2011) – Citing that President Aquino was raising issues and concerns important to public interest, Malacañang defended his pronouncement expressing doubts on the impartiality of the Supreme Court.

Yesterday President Aquino’s questioned the Supreme Court’s (SC) decisions, particularly the temporary restraining order on the travel ban against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

December 3, 2011
Vigils launched for Filipino in China’s death row

 

ANTIPOLO City, Dec. 3, 2011—Migrante International and its affiliates had begun the five o’clock habit or series of vigils and protest actions as the death of the 35 year old Filipino, sentenced to death due to drug-related offense, is getting nearer.

The unidentified Filipino in death row is said to be scheduled for execution on December 8, in an undisclosed place and time. The said OFW [overseas Filipino worker] was allegedly caught with more than 4 kilos of heroin and was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of China. However, news reports said, the Filipino is still unaware that his life would be taken away on December 8.

ANTIPOLO City, Dec. 3, 2011—Migrante International and its affiliates had begun the five o’clock habit or series of vigils and protest actions as the death of the 35 year old Filipino, sentenced to death due to drug-related offense, is getting nearer.

November 30, 2011
CBCP official joins calls for Corona inhibition

MANILA, Nov. 29, 2011— An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has joined calls for the Chief Justice Renato Corona to inhibit himself from all cases involving former President Gloria Arroyo.

Fr. Edu Gariguez of the National Secretariat for Social Action said this is to remove doubts on the High Court’s impartiality in deciding cases involving Arroyo who was recently charged and arrested for electoral sabotage.

MANILA, Nov. 29, 2011— An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has joined calls for the Chief Justice Renato Corona to inhibit himself from all cases involving former President Gloria Arroyo.

Fr. Edu Gariguez of the National Secretariat for Social Action said this is to remove doubts on the High Court’s impartiality in deciding cases involving Arroyo who was recently charged and arrested for electoral sabotage.

November 29, 2011
Jail Is It

Once again, our Nation is apparently in a dilemma on how a former president, now Gloria Arroyo, accused of a crime and arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant should be treated. Or simply put, where should she be detained pending judicial proceedings?

President Aquino was certainly right in dodging the question by stating that such matter is within the jurisdiction or power of the court that issued the warrant of arrest. His government’s job is to prosecute the case, that is, to present evidence to show guilt beyond reasonable doubt...

Once again, our Nation is apparently in a dilemma on how a former president, now Gloria Arroyo, accused of a crime and arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant should be treated. Or simply put, where should she be detained pending judicial proceedings?

President Aquino was certainly right in dodging the question by stating that such matter is within the jurisdiction or power of the court that issued the warrant of arrest. His government’s job is to prosecute the case, that is, to present evidence to show guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

November 28, 2011
De Lima likes GMA lawyers probed for alleged harrassment of doctors

MANILA, Philippines (Nov 28, 2011) – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has joined the calls of militant lawmakers for an investigation into alleged harrassment of the doctors of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by her lawyers aimed at hiding Arroyo’s real medical conditionn and bolstering the legal arguments of her camp.

Earlier, Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, Anakpawis party-list Rep. Rafael Mariano,  Gabriela Women’s Partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan,  Gabriela, Rep. Emmi de Jesus and ACT Teachers’ party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio - all members of the progressive bloc in the House of Representatives - called for possible investigation of the Supreme Court and Integrated Bar of the Philippines against Arroyo’s lawyers Jose Flaminiano, Raul Lambino and Ferdinand Topacio for the alleged “grand deception to hide the real condition of Arroyo.”...

MANILA, Philippines (Nov 28, 2011) – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has joined the calls of militant lawmakers for an investigation into alleged harrassment of the doctors of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by her lawyers aimed at hiding Arroyo’s real medical conditionn and bolstering the legal arguments of her camp.

November 27, 2011
Priest joins farmers’ march for recovery of Coco Levy funds

SAN PABLO City, Nov. 27, 2011—A priest from the Prelature of Infanta, Quezon joined a group of coconut farmers and various farmers’ coalition in demanding the recovery of the Coco Levy Funds which rightfully belong to the poor coconut farmers.

Fr. Jojo A. Eranista, 63, who is ministering the poor tribal settlers in Quezon told this writer that he and his tribal group joined coconut farmers' march from Lucena City (Quezon) to Manila hoping that the poor coconut farmers would finally be given the (coco levy) funds for the rehabilitation of the coconut industry and improvement of the plight of the poor...

SAN PABLO City, Nov. 27, 2011—A priest from the Prelature of Infanta, Quezon joined a group of coconut farmers and various farmers’ coalition in demanding the recovery of the Coco Levy Funds which rightfully belong to the poor coconut farmers.

November 26, 2011
Church urges Aquino to help Hacienda Luisita farmers

MANILA, Nov. 25, 2011— Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, Catholic Church officials called on President Benigno Aquino III to ensure the distribution of Hacienda Luisita to the farmers and provide them with support services.

Fr. Edu Gariguez of the National Secretariat for Social Action— Justice and Peace (Nassa) said he is certain Aquino’s clan, which owns the vast sugar plantation, will make moves to block the land distribution...

MANILA, Nov. 25, 2011— Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, Catholic Church officials called on President Benigno Aquino III to ensure the distribution of Hacienda Luisita to the farmers and provide them with support services.

Fr. Edu Gariguez of the National Secretariat for Social Action— Justice and Peace (Nassa) said he is certain Aquino’s clan, which owns the vast sugar plantation, will make moves to block the land distribution.

November 26, 2011
Jail looms for GMA

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 26, 2011) – The prospect of GMA’s house arrest dimmed yesterday after one her doctors said in court that the former president is recuperating, may be treated as outpatient and is on the way to recovery in weeks.

Given this, a government prosecutor moved yesterday for the immediate transfer of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) to a local jail...

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 26, 2011) – The prospect of GMA’s house arrest dimmed yesterday after one her doctors said in court that the former president is recuperating, may be treated as outpatient and is on the way to recovery in weeks.

Given this, a government prosecutor moved yesterday for the immediate transfer of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) to a local jail.

November 25, 2011
Groups ask govt swift justice for Ampatuan massacre victims

MANILA, Nov. 24, 2011—Two years ago since the brutal massacre of 58 people, 32 of whom were journalists, the justice that the media and religious communities, and the family of the victims of the infamous Maguindanao Massacre wanted, seemed to be elusive.

MANILA, Nov. 24, 2011—Two years ago since the brutal massacre of 58 people, 32 of whom were journalists, the justice that the media and religious communities, and the family of the victims of the infamous Maguindanao Massacre wanted, seemed to be elusive.