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February 24, 2012
Impeachment court partially rejects De Lima's testimony as hearsay

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 24, 2012) - The portion of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's testimony that are narrations of facts contained in a published dissenting opinion of Supreme Court justice shall remain in the records of the impeachment court, but her statements alleging irregularities and acts of partiality shall be considered hearsay.

This was Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s ruling yesterday on the statements of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima pertaining to the alleged partiality of Chief Justice Renato Corona in exercising his authority over other justices that led to the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the travel ban against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last year.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 24, 2012) - The portion of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's testimony that are narrations of facts contained in a published dissenting opinion of Supreme Court justice shall remain in the records of the impeachment court, but her statements alleging irregularities and acts of partiality shall be considered hearsay.

February 21, 2012
Enrile thumbs down PAL exec testimony at Corona trial

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 21, 2012) - Citing badly crafted Articles of Impeachment, presiding Senator-Judge Juan Ponce Enrile disallowed this afternoon the testimony of an exective the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), during the resumption of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Enrile's instant ruling, made after hearing an objection raised by lead prosecutor former SC Justice Serafin Cuevas, effectively shelves the testimony of PAL vice president for sales Enrique Javier for reason that it is not relevant or not alleged in the Article 3 of the complaint.

Not one of the Senator-judges objected to Enrile's ruling.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 21, 2012) - Citing badly crafted Articles of Impeachment, presiding Senator-Judge Juan Ponce Enrile disallowed this afternoon the testimony of an exective the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), during the resumption of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

February 14, 2012
SWS: 70 percent of Filipinos satisfied with Aquino's performance

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 14, 2012) - The latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) that covers the fourth quarter of 2011 shows that 7 out of 10 Filipinos remain satisfied with the performance of the Aquino administration.

The SWS Fourth Quarter of 2011 Survey found 67 percent of respondents satisfied, 21 percent ambivalent and 11 percent dissatisfied with the government’s general performance, for a net rating of +56, unchanged from three months earlier.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 14, 2012) - The latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) that covers the fourth quarter of 2011 shows that 7 out of 10 Filipinos remain satisfied with the performance of the Aquino administration.

The SWS Fourth Quarter of 2011 Survey found 67 percent of respondents satisfied, 21 percent ambivalent and 11 percent dissatisfied with the government’s general performance, for a net rating of +56, unchanged from three months earlier.

January 24, 2012
Defense to block further evidence of Corona's illegal wealth

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 24, 2012) - Defense lawyers of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona are expected to block any further presentation of evidence related to allegations that the chief magistrate acquired illegal wealth as the impeachment trial resumes today.

The defense is expected to amplify its continuing objection to presentation of evidence, claiming that the allegation of illegal acquisition of wealth is not part of the second of the eight Articles of Impeachment.

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 24, 2012) - Defense lawyers of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona are expected to block any further presentation of evidence related to allegations that the chief magistrate acquired illegal wealth as the impeachment trial resumes today.

The defense is expected to amplify its continuing objection to presentation of evidence, claiming that the allegation of illegal acquisition of wealth is not part of the second of the eight Articles of Impeachment.

June 27, 2011
"No wang-wang" is P-Noy's only achievement - Archbishop Cruz

MANILA, Philippines (June 27, 2011) - Time and again, sky-high expectation generated by euphoria and unquenchable thirst for change is proving to be the vulnerability of popularly chosen leaders.

MANILA, Philippines (June 27, 2011) - Time and again, sky-high expectation generated by euphoria and unquenchable thirst for change is proving to be the vulnerability of popularly chosen leaders.

It hounded Cory Aquino in the later years of her presidentcy. Three years into the Obama presidency, many US voters are still wondering when the candidate Barack Obama shall finally shine. The current Philippine President Benigno C. Aquino III, who also replaced a highly unpopular predecessor, has to contend with it.

June 9, 2011
Bicol Express is back

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.

February 24, 2012
Bishop to students: Keep out of frats

MANILA, Feb. 23, 2012— A Catholic bishop advised students not to join fraternities and sororities especially those with dangerous initiations.

Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of Caloocan said the recent death of San Beda law student Marvin Reglos from an alleged hazing incident showed risks in joining fraternities.

He acknowledged that maybe not all initiations are dangerous, but stressed that enough have already been publicized to let the public know many are not safe.

MANILA, Feb. 23, 2012— A Catholic bishop advised students not to join fraternities and sororities especially those with dangerous initiations.

Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of Caloocan said the recent death of San Beda law student Marvin Reglos from an alleged hazing incident showed risks in joining fraternities.

He acknowledged that maybe not all initiations are dangerous, but stressed that enough have already been publicized to let the public know many are not safe.

February 23, 2012
De Lima: CJ maneuvered to allow GMA escape prosecution

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 23, 2012) - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told the Senate impeachment court yesterday that Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona maneuvered the Supreme Court into rush issuance of an immediately executory TRO (temporary restraining order) that would have allowed former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leave the country in November and escape prosecution for plunder and electoral sabotage.

 

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 23, 2012) - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told the Senate impeachment court yesterday that Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona maneuvered the Supreme Court into rush issuance of an immediately executory TRO (temporary restraining order) that would have allowed former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leave the country in November and escape prosecution for plunder and electoral sabotage.

February 22, 2012
Aquino says judicial reform part of anti-corruption drive

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III renewed his campaign promise to stamp out corruption saying that the judicial reform is part of the administration's anti- corruption drive.

In his speech delivered during yesterday's Cabinet Workshop on Anti-Corruption Strategies, Aquino said the current impeachment trial of the country's Chief Justice is part of his administration 's anti-corruption drive.

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III renewed his campaign promise to stamp out corruption saying that the judicial reform is part of the administration's anti- corruption drive.

In his speech delivered during yesterday's Cabinet Workshop on Anti-Corruption Strategies, Aquino said the current impeachment trial of the country's Chief Justice is part of his administration 's anti-corruption drive.

February 22, 2012
CBCP head: Spare EDSA 1 celebration from politics

MANILA, Feb. 22, 2012— The anniversary celebration of the first people power revolt must not be used for political interests, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, said that EDSA 1 celebration is for everyone and not just for a certain group or individuals.

MANILA, Feb. 22, 2012— The anniversary celebration of the first people power revolt must not be used for political interests, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, said that EDSA 1 celebration is for everyone and not just for a certain group or individuals.

February 22, 2012
Free WiFi at NAIA courtesy of Globe

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 22, 2012) - Globe Telecom partners with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) in deploying free wireless fidelity (WiFi) access for passengers in four domestic and international airports using broadband brand Globe Tattoo, the certified the No.1 broadband brand in the Philippines..

The free WiFi will allow passengers to work online, check email or travel itineraries, and surf the Internet while waiting for their flights.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 22, 2012) - Globe Telecom partners with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) in deploying free wireless fidelity (WiFi) access for passengers in four domestic and international airports using broadband brand Globe Tattoo, the certified the No.1 broadband brand in the Philippines..

The free WiFi will allow passengers to work online, check email or travel itineraries, and surf the Internet while waiting for their flights.

February 22, 2012
Jaro prelate prays for truth in Corona impeachment case

MANILA, Feb. 21, 2012—“I am praying that the Philippine Senate as an impeachment court against Chief Justice Renato Corona will unravel the “truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

This was the statement of Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, head convenor of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG) as the impeachment trial against the chief justice marked its first month, last February 18.

MANILA, Feb. 21, 2012—“I am praying that the Philippine Senate as an impeachment court against Chief Justice Renato Corona will unravel the “truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

This was the statement of Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, head convenor of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG) as the impeachment trial against the chief justice marked its first month, last February 18.

February 21, 2012
CBCP lauds canonization of Bl. Pedro Calungsod

MANILA, Feb. 20, 2012— The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines lauded the upcoming canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod – a move that makes him the second Filipino saint.

CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu said that the recent development is a source of great pride for the Philippines that has only one canonized saint to date.

MANILA, Feb. 20, 2012— The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines lauded the upcoming canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod – a move that makes him the second Filipino saint.

CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu said that the recent development is a source of great pride for the Philippines that has only one canonized saint to date.

“It’s a blessing for the whole nation,” said CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu.

February 21, 2012
Church beefs up campaign for natural family planning

MANILA, Feb. 20, 2012—The Church’s family and life ministry is beefing up its campaign by facilitating communications nationwide and giving the promotion of natural family planning a boost.

The new chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL), Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, DD, in a meeting in Bacolod Saturday directed ECFL diocesan director and workers to take actions to step up the campaign.

MANILA, Feb. 20, 2012—The Church’s family and life ministry is beefing up its campaign by facilitating communications nationwide and giving the promotion of natural family planning a boost.

The new chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL), Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, DD, in a meeting in Bacolod Saturday directed ECFL diocesan director and workers to take actions to step up the campaign.

February 21, 2012
De Lima readying to testify at Corona impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 21, 2012) - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is now on call to take the witness stand as prosecution witness in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona before the Senate.

Many anticipate a face off between De Lima and the equally feisty Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago who is known for vitriolic remarks against prosecution witnesses and lawyers.

“I’ll just have to answer the questions directly, I’ll answer the questions to the best of my ability,” de Lima told reporters in an ambush interview yesterday when asked how she was preparing to answer possible questions from Santiago.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 21, 2012) - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is now on call to take the witness stand as prosecution witness in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona before the Senate.

Many anticipate a face off between De Lima and the equally feisty Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago who is known for vitriolic remarks against prosecution witnesses and lawyers.

February 21, 2012
Enrile thumbs down PAL exec testimony at Corona trial

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 21, 2012) - Citing badly crafted Articles of Impeachment, presiding Senator-Judge Juan Ponce Enrile disallowed this afternoon the testimony of an exective the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), during the resumption of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Enrile's instant ruling, made after hearing an objection raised by lead prosecutor former SC Justice Serafin Cuevas, effectively shelves the testimony of PAL vice president for sales Enrique Javier for reason that it is not relevant or not alleged in the Article 3 of the complaint.

Not one of the Senator-judges objected to Enrile's ruling.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 21, 2012) - Citing badly crafted Articles of Impeachment, presiding Senator-Judge Juan Ponce Enrile disallowed this afternoon the testimony of an exective the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), during the resumption of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

February 21, 2012
Gabriela likes population control provision out of RH bill

MANILA, Feb. 20, 2012–In a statement released Saturday, Gabriela party list admitted that the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, pending in both chambers of Congress, is neither pro-poor nor pro-women.

“The RH bill cannot be genuinely pro-poor and pro-women for as long as it espouses population control, which blames poverty on women’s bodies, fertility and population,” Gabriela stated in its Facebook page.

MANILA, Feb. 20, 2012–In a statement released Saturday, Gabriela party list admitted that the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, pending in both chambers of Congress, is neither pro-poor nor pro-women.

“The RH bill cannot be genuinely pro-poor and pro-women for as long as it espouses population control, which blames poverty on women’s bodies, fertility and population,” Gabriela stated in its Facebook page.

February 20, 2012
President Aquino refuses to be gagged on Corona trial

MANILA, Philippines (Feb. 20, 2012) - Amid calls from various sectors for the President and the Chief Justice to hold back verbal attacks against each other while the Corona impeachment trial is ongoing, President Aquino yesterday insisted even the President is entitled to his own opinion and cannot be gagged.

I think I am within my rights to express my opinion. I speak for a sizeable number of our people. That’s the essence of a democracy. Contending ideas should be threshed out in a marketplace of ideas,” he told Palace reporters in Baler, Aurora.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb. 20, 2012) - Amid calls from various sectors for the President and the Chief Justice to hold back verbal attacks against each other while the Corona impeachment trial is ongoing, President Aquino yesterday insisted even the President is entitled to his own opinion and cannot be gagged.

I think I am within my rights to express my opinion. I speak for a sizeable number of our people. That’s the essence of a democracy. Contending ideas should be threshed out in a marketplace of ideas,” he told Palace reporters in Baler, Aurora.

February 19, 2012
IP groups to launch nationwide streamer campaign vs mining

MANILA, Feb. 18, 2012—A network of anti-mining organizations is launching a nationwide movement to protest the ongoing mining activities within the ancestral domain of the indigenous people.

Dubbed as “Thousand Streamer Campaign” (TSC) the movement is a protest against the ongoing sell-out of the country’s mineral resources to local and transnational mining corporations, as well as an expression of unity and support to the struggle of indigenous peoples for self-determination.

MANILA, Feb. 18, 2012—A network of anti-mining organizations is launching a nationwide movement to protest the ongoing mining activities within the ancestral domain of the indigenous people.

Dubbed as “Thousand Streamer Campaign” (TSC) the movement is a protest against the ongoing sell-out of the country’s mineral resources to local and transnational mining corporations, as well as an expression of unity and support to the struggle of indigenous peoples for self-determination.

February 19, 2012
Lagman pleased with Church's OK of RH grand debate

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 19, 2012) - Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the main proponent of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill now pending in the House of Representatives, welcomed yesterday the acceptance by Church leaders of his challenge to a grand debate on the issue.

However, Lagman admits that in order for the debate to take place, the premise should be laid out and this would entail that the bishops should first accept certain principles such as the freedom of informed choice and the country’s population problem before any debates can start.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 19, 2012) - Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the main proponent of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill now pending in the House of Representatives, welcomed yesterday the acceptance by Church leaders of his challenge to a grand debate on the issue.

However, Lagman admits that in order for the debate to take place, the premise should be laid out and this would entail that the bishops should first accept certain principles such as the freedom of informed choice and the country’s population problem before any debates can start.

February 19, 2012
Religious Superiors to Corona: For transparency open your dollar accounts

MANILA, Feb. 19, 2012—The country’ association of major superiors of religious women urged Chief Justice Renato Corona to allow the opening of his dollar accounts for the sake of transparency and accountability.

The religious body in a Feb. 17  statement expressed disappointment on the Supreme Court’s issuance of temporary restraining order (TRO) that prevented the Senate Court from obtaining the dollar accounts of Corona.

MANILA, Feb. 19, 2012—The country’ association of major superiors of religious women urged Chief Justice Renato Corona to allow the opening of his dollar accounts for the sake of transparency and accountability.

The religious body in a Feb. 17  statement expressed disappointment on the Supreme Court’s issuance of temporary restraining order (TRO) that prevented the Senate Court from obtaining the dollar accounts of Corona.

February 19, 2012
To Do Justice To Every Man

In a speech in La Consolacion College in Manila, on Feb. 16, President Aquino yet again demonized Chief Justice Corona. He also went on to discuss the merits of the impeachment case in the Senate as to the SALNs and bank accounts of Corona.

Quite obviously, Aquino has disregarded our command as the Sovereign Filipino People expressed in our Constitution that it is the Senate, not the President, which “shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment.” (Const., Art. XI, sec. 3[6])

In a speech in La Consolacion College in Manila, on Feb. 16, President Aquino yet again demonized Chief Justice Corona. He also went on to discuss the merits of the impeachment case in the Senate as to the SALNs and bank accounts of Corona.

Quite obviously, Aquino has disregarded our command as the Sovereign Filipino People expressed in our Constitution that it is the Senate, not the President, which “shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment.” (Const., Art. XI, sec. 3[6])

February 17, 2012
17 pro-RH NGOs launch signature campaign

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 17, 2012) - The debate on population management shares the limelight again as 17 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) launched a signature campaign to push for the immediate passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, which has been pending in Congress for more than 15 years.

According to Eden Divinagracia, executive director of the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Development Inc. (PNGOC), the RH bill is a “mechanism to uplift the stature of living of common Filipino people.”

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 17, 2012) - The debate on population management shares the limelight again as 17 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) launched a signature campaign to push for the immediate passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, which has been pending in Congress for more than 15 years.

According to Eden Divinagracia, executive director of the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Development Inc. (PNGOC), the RH bill is a “mechanism to uplift the stature of living of common Filipino people.”

February 17, 2012
Congressman had Corona bank document earlier than prosecution admits

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 17, 2012) - A witness admitted yesterday to having seen a copy of Chief Justice Renato Corona's bank document in possession of hitherto unnamed member of the House of the Representatives even before Feb 2, 2012, the day when the prosecution claims they got possession of the controversial document from an unknown "little lady."

On Jan. 31, 2012, Quezon City Rep. Jorge “Bolet” Banal asked Philippine Savings Bank branch manager Annabelle Tiongson for help in authenticating a photocopy of what appeared to be a signature card for a dollar account in the bank belonging to one Renato Corona.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 17, 2012) - A witness admitted yesterday to having seen a copy of Chief Justice Renato Corona's bank document in possession of hitherto unnamed member of the House of the Representatives even before Feb 2, 2012, the day when the prosecution claims they got possession of the controversial document from an unknown "little lady."

February 17, 2012
House opposition: No ground to impeach President Aquino

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 17, 2012) - An impeachment complaint filed by a taxpayer against President Aquino was nipped in the bud after at least two prominent opposition congressmen refused to take it seriously.

“I think it won’t fly. There is no ground to impeach the President,” House of Representatives, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 17, 2012) - An impeachment complaint filed by a taxpayer against President Aquino was nipped in the bud after at least two prominent opposition congressmen refused to take it seriously.

“I think it won’t fly. There is no ground to impeach the President,” House of Representatives, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said.