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June 9, 2011

It has been more than 30 years when the average Bikolano took a train ride to Manila. Those who saw the heyday of the Bicol Express, now in their late 40s and beyond, have the chance to travel through memory lane. For a whole young generation who has not experienced a train ride, lucky for them - Bicol Express is back for them to cherish.

MANILA, Philippines (June 8 2011) - After getting neglected for more than 3 decades, Bicol Express fully resumes plying the Bicol-Manila railway route starting June 29 this year.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued a press release today confirming what Philippine National Railway (PNR) manager Junio “Jun” Ragrario announced two weeks ago - that regular train trips from Manila to Naga City shall roll again starting on June 29, one month ahead of schedule.

January 5, 2012

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 5, 2012) - 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, 2012) - 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 5, 2012

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 5, 2012) - Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. disclosed yesterday that he is willing to testify against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her Sandiganbayan trial in connection with the botched NBN -ZTE deal.

The Ombudsman has filed graft charges against Arroyo in connection with the aborted $329-million national broadband network (NBN) contract her administration awarded to Chinese firm ZTE Corp. in 2007.

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 5, 2012) - Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. disclosed yesterday that he is willing to testify against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her Sandiganbayan trial in connection with the botched NBN -ZTE deal.

The Ombudsman has filed graft charges against Arroyo in connection with the aborted $329-million national broadband network (NBN) contract her administration awarded to Chinese firm ZTE Corp. in 2007.

January 5, 2012

Just over two months under new management, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) bared that it has uncovered and neutralized a syndicate that ripped-off a private firm’s multimillion-peso premium payment.

“We’ve already called in the National Bureau of Investigation and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to complete the investigation toward filing the appropriate criminal charges against the culprits,” said Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon, who was designated PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer only last Oct.17.

Just over two months under new management, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) bared that it has uncovered and neutralized a syndicate that ripped-off a private firm’s multimillion-peso premium payment.

“We’ve already called in the National Bureau of Investigation and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to complete the investigation toward filing the appropriate criminal charges against the culprits,” said Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon, who was designated PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer only last Oct.17.

January 2, 2012

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

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.

January 2, 2012

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011–The crusade for a culture of life is an advocacy of truth, and based on the goings-on in 2011 alone, the pro-life advocacy has covered a lot of ground and, inadvertently, saw much success in promoting the truth.

Though reproductive health (RH) legislation in the Philippines is not new — being proposed, discussed, rejected and resurrected for decades now — 2012 saw significant developments in its promotion as well as in its opposition. The year ended with the RH bill reaching the period of interpellation in both chambers of Congress, heated debates in progress when legislative sessions went on adjournment on the final month of the year. Mass actions such as rallies and prayer vigils to express opposition to the bill happened not just in the country’s capital, but in many other cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Civil society seemed to wake up to the folly of the legislative measure and wanted to be heard loud and clear.

MANILA, Dec. 31, 2011–The crusade for a culture of life is an advocacy of truth, and based on the goings-on in 2011 alone, the pro-life advocacy has covered a lot of ground and, inadvertently, saw much success in promoting the truth.

December 30, 2011

MANILA, Philippines (Dec. 30, 2011) - The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft cases against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo and two former officials in connection with the NBN-ZTE scandal that errupted in 2007.

The NBN-ZTE deal became a by-word that refers to the aborted $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal between her administration and ZTE Corp. of China and was a subject of a senate investigation.

MANILA, Philippines (Dec. 30, 2011) - The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft cases against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo and two former officials in connection with the NBN-ZTE scandal that errupted in 2007.

The NBN-ZTE deal became a by-word that refers to the aborted $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal between her administration and ZTE Corp. of China and was a subject of a senate investigation.

December 29, 2011

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 27, 2011

MANILA, Dec. 25, 2011—At least 100 overseas Filipino workers had spent their Christmas in jam-packed temporary shelter provided by the Philippine Government in the Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital city.

Mostly absconders, John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante-Middle East said, these OFWs had run away from their abusive employers, sought the help of the Philippine Embassy, hoping that they could be repatriated immediately. But sad to say, most of them have already stayed at the Bahay Kanlungan for about three to six months now.

MANILA, Dec. 25, 2011—At least 100 overseas Filipino workers had spent their Christmas in jam-packed temporary shelter provided by the Philippine Government in the Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital city.

Mostly absconders, John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of Migrante-Middle East said, these OFWs had run away from their abusive employers, sought the help of the Philippine Embassy, hoping that they could be repatriated immediately. But sad to say, most of them have already stayed at the Bahay Kanlungan for about three to six months now.

December 27, 2011

ILIGAN City, Dec. 26, 2011—A Catholic bishop urged people to look deeply into the issue of environmental destruction that contributed greatly to the tragedy that struck the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Iligan bishop Elenito Galido called for a communal action to protect and preserve the environment from further destruction.

ILIGAN City, Dec. 26, 2011—A Catholic bishop urged people to look deeply into the issue of environmental destruction that contributed greatly to the tragedy that struck the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Iligan bishop Elenito Galido called for a communal action to protect and preserve the environment from further destruction.

Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were the two cities worst hit by typhoon Sendong in a flash flood that killed thousands and left hundreds missing.

December 23, 2011

CAGAYAN DE ORO City, Dec. 22, 2011—A Jesuit-run institution in Cagayan de Oro City has coordinated its own relief operations to help victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan has mobilized its staff, faculty, students and alumni to gather, repack and distribute relief goods for those affected by the flash floods.

CAGAYAN DE ORO City, Dec. 22, 2011—A Jesuit-run institution in Cagayan de Oro City has coordinated its own relief operations to help victims of Typhoon Sendong.

Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan has mobilized its staff, faculty, students and alumni to gather, repack and distribute relief goods for those affected by the flash floods.

On break for the holidays, the Christmas party of the university’s campus was cancelled and allotted the funds for evacuees – most of whom were university employees and students.

December 22, 2011

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

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 18, 2011

LEGAZPI CITY (Dec 18, 2011) – The government’s policy of witholding infrastructure spending has taken its toll on thousands of construction workers whose employers are highly dependent on government projects in the Bicol region.

Elizabeth Del Castillo, owner of the Garcia Construction and concurrent vice-president of the Association of Bicol Contractors (ABC), said that 300 government-accredited contractors belonging to their organization that used to employ 6000 workers on aggregate have been forced to lay off 90 percent of their workforce because of scarcity of government infrastructure projects being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) .

LEGAZPI CITY (Dec 18, 2011) – The government’s policy of witholding infrastructure spending has taken its toll on thousands of construction workers whose employers are highly dependent on government projects in the Bicol region.

December 14, 2011

NAGA CITY (Dec 13,2011) – In response to the resurgence of motorcycle-borne “riding in tandem” robbers, thirty policemen have volunteered to use their personally-owned motorcycles to patrol the 27 Barangays of this city and augment the city police’s  integrated anti-crime system.

The police chief is appreciative of the scheme where “riding in tandem” cops shall be fitted against “riding in tandem” criminals.

NAGA CITY (Dec 13,2011) – In response to the resurgence of motorcycle-borne “riding in tandem” robbers, thirty policemen have volunteered to use their personally-owned motorcycles to patrol the 27 Barangays of this city and augment the city police’s  integrated anti-crime system.

The police chief is appreciative of the scheme where “riding in tandem” cops shall be fitted against “riding in tandem” criminals.

December 13, 2011

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

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

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

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 9, 2011

NAGA CITY (Dec. 9, 2011) - “Riding in tandem” armed robbers struck again, taking away at gunpoint P1.7 million from 2 bank employees of Rural Bank of Peñafrancia in Calabanga, Camarines Sur who withdrew the money from a branch of Banco de Oro in Magsaysay Avenue,  Naga City.

According to the Naga City Police Office, the armed robbers could have tailed the two employees and ambushed their service vehicle after they withdrew the money in a relatively isolated area along Liboton St., less than a kilometer away from Banco de Oro.

NAGA CITY (Dec. 9, 2011) - “Riding in tandem” armed robbers struck again, taking away at gunpoint P1.7 million from 2 bank employees of Rural Bank of Peñafrancia in Calabanga, Camarines Sur who withdrew the money from a branch of Banco de Oro in Magsaysay Avenue,  Naga City.

According to the Naga City Police Office, the armed robbers could have tailed the two employees and ambushed their service vehicle after they withdrew the money in a relatively isolated area along Liboton St., less than a kilometer away from Banco de Oro.

December 7, 2011

 

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

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

 

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.