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November 19, 2013
SC declares PDAF unconstitutional

MANILA, Philippines - MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court en banc on Tuesday declared the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) or congressional pork barrel unconstitutional.

Voting 14-0, the magistrates ruled in favor of a slate of petitions, among which was filed by losing senatorial candidates Greco Belgica and Samson Alcantara challenging the discretionary funds' legality...

MANILA, Philippines - MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court en banc on Tuesday declared the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) or congressional pork barrel unconstitutional.

Voting 14-0, the magistrates ruled in favor of a slate of petitions, among which was filed by losing senatorial candidates Greco Belgica and Samson Alcantara challenging the discretionary funds' legality.

July 18, 2013
P-Noy orders DOJ to investigate pork barrel scam

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino gave clear instructions to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima that he wanted an exhaustive investigation on the alleged P10-billion pork barrel fund scam, a Palace official said yesterday.

“The instruction, I believe, given to Secretary De Lima is to ensure that it is exhaustively investigated,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

De Lima supervises the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is under the Department of Justice (DOJ).

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino gave clear instructions to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima that he wanted an exhaustive investigation on the alleged P10-billion pork barrel fund scam, a Palace official said yesterday.

“The instruction, I believe, given to Secretary De Lima is to ensure that it is exhaustively investigated,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

De Lima supervises the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is under the Department of Justice (DOJ).

April 12, 2013
JPE shrugs off WikiLeaks reports

MANILA, Philippines - For Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, dealing with a “leaking” eye is tougher than being confronted with a negative WikiLeaks report about his only son.

Making light of the WikiLeaks report linking his son Jack to a decades-old homicide case, Enrile said blood leaking from his right eye had hampered his sight and made him skip a campaign sortie yesterday with senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), which include his congressman son.

Enrile told The STAR in a phone interview that he was “OK,” but that he has to undergo a medical procedure on Saturday.

MANILA, Philippines - For Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, dealing with a “leaking” eye is tougher than being confronted with a negative WikiLeaks report about his only son.

Making light of the WikiLeaks report linking his son Jack to a decades-old homicide case, Enrile said blood leaking from his right eye had hampered his sight and made him skip a campaign sortie yesterday with senatorial candidates of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), which include his congressman son.

January 10, 2013
Petty crimes, hundreds of injuries recorded in the feast of the Black Nazarene

MANILA, Philippines - A mammoth crowd waiving white towels and handkerchiefs and shouting “Viva Señor Nazareno” joined this year’s Black Nazarene procession that started at 7:12 a.m. yesterday at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

Trouble erupted early as several devotees eager to climb the Black Nazarene, despite tight security and a double railing barrier, breached the police line before the procession started, causing injuries to some.

MANILA, Philippines - A mammoth crowd waiving white towels and handkerchiefs and shouting “Viva Señor Nazareno” joined this year’s Black Nazarene procession that started at 7:12 a.m. yesterday at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.

Trouble erupted early as several devotees eager to climb the Black Nazarene, despite tight security and a double railing barrier, breached the police line before the procession started, causing injuries to some.

The procession reached the Manila City Hall at noon, five hours after it left Luneta.

August 17, 2012
FPJ conferred posthumous National Artist award, finally

MANILA, Philippines (Aug 17, 2012) - President Aquino conferred yesterday the National Artist for Cinema distinction on the late action king Fernando Poe Jr., which his widow Susan Roces and daughter Mary Grace Llamanzares said they agreed to accept from a “truly elected president.”

“It was worth the wait that this will be conferred by a duly elected president,” said Roces, who received the award posthumously on Poe’s behalf, earning a loud applause from the crowd.

The veteran actress had accused Aquino’s predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now a Pampanga congresswoman, of snatching the presidency from her husband “not once, but twice” in the May 2004 elections, where the two were main rival candidates.

MANILA, Philippines (Aug 17, 2012) - President Aquino conferred yesterday the National Artist for Cinema distinction on the late action king Fernando Poe Jr., which his widow Susan Roces and daughter Mary Grace Llamanzares said they agreed to accept from a “truly elected president.”

“It was worth the wait that this will be conferred by a duly elected president,” said Roces, who received the award posthumously on Poe’s behalf, earning a loud applause from the crowd.

August 9, 2012
19 dead, thousands displaced

MANILA, Philippines (Aug 9, 2012) - The death toll from torrential monsoon rains rose to 19 yesterday, with over 700,000 residents evacuated from flooded areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.

NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos, however, said only 16 deaths had been verified, including nine landslide victims in Quezon City.

One-month-old Jonica Castulo and her siblings Jonathan, 3; Joshua, 2; and their mother Jessica, 23, were killed in the landslide in Barangay Commonwealth last Tuesday.

The other victims were Cecilia, 49; Jayvee, 20; Jethro, 18; Jason, 14; and Jessie Lee Joy, 6, all surnamed Baylon.

Rescuers recovered survivors Lydia Lyn Simbulan, 40; Maria Leslyn Simbulan, 21; and Jesie Baylon Jr., 24, who were brought to East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.

The landslide buried the houses of the victims that were built near the foot of a hilly portion of the community along Bayanihan Street near Litex Road.

In Caloocan, Gilbert Rabara, 36, drowned due to the floods that submerged parts of the city.

MANILA, Philippines (Aug 9, 2012) - The death toll from torrential monsoon rains rose to 19 yesterday, with over 700,000 residents evacuated from flooded areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported.

NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos, however, said only 16 deaths had been verified, including nine landslide victims in Quezon City.

May 21, 2012
Ahead of Corona's testimony, P-Noy touches base with INC head

MANILA, Philippines (May 21 2012) - A day ahead of the much anticiparted testimony of Chief Justice Renato Corona before the impeachment trial court, President Benigno Aquino III met Monday morning with Iglesia Ni Cristo leader Eduardo Manalo and one of the issues they discussed was the impeachment interposed with the President's reform agenda.

"It was discussed because it was one of the burning issues of the day. [President Aquino} explained the reasons for the impeachment that it was part of his reform agenda," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced this morning at a press conference in Malacañang.

MANILA, Philippines (May 21 2012) - A day ahead of the much anticiparted testimony of Chief Justice Renato Corona before the impeachment trial court, President Benigno Aquino III met Monday morning with Iglesia Ni Cristo leader Eduardo Manalo and one of the issues they discussed was the impeachment interposed with the President's reform agenda.

May 16, 2012
Corona to appear before impeachment court Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines (May 16, 2012) - The much awaited personal appearance of Chief Justice Renato Corona before his impeachment trial comes in a matter of days as lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas assured today presiding Senator-Judge Juan Ponce Enrile that Corona will take the witness stand Tuesday day next week when the proceedings resume.

"It is logical that with no other witnesses to present, respondent himself will take the witness stand," Cuevas told the impeachment court.

Meanwhile, the Senate court will allow one hour for the two speakers from both the defense and prosecution panels to make their closing statements to summarize their cases.

MANILA, Philippines (May 16, 2012) - The much awaited personal appearance of Chief Justice Renato Corona before his impeachment trial comes in a matter of days as lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas assured today presiding Senator-Judge Juan Ponce Enrile that Corona will take the witness stand Tuesday day next week when the proceedings resume.

"It is logical that with no other witnesses to present, respondent himself will take the witness stand," Cuevas told the impeachment court.

March 21, 2012
Pulse Asia: Corona innocent in 5%, guilty in 47 % of Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 21 2012) - A recent survey by Pulse Asia shows that almost five of ten Filipinos believe that impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona is guilty as charged, in contrast to only 5% who believe he is innocent. The rest of the respondents are as yet cannot decide on his guilt or innocence.

The survey was conducted among 1,200 respondents from Feb. 26 to March 9. It was completed while the impeachment court was in recess after 26 days of trial.

At least 33 percent of the respondents said Corona is “probably guilty” while 15 percent said he is “definitely guilty.”

 

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 21 2012) - A recent survey by Pulse Asia shows that almost five of ten Filipinos believe that impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona is guilty as charged, in contrast to only 5% who believe he is innocent. The rest of the respondents are as yet cannot decide on his guilt or innocence.

The survey was conducted among 1,200 respondents from Feb. 26 to March 9. It was completed while the impeachment court was in recess after 26 days of trial.

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.

November 17, 2013
Bottlenecks eased in aid delivery to Samar, Leyte

MANILA, Philippines - Substantial amounts of food and medical aid finally began reaching desperate survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte and Eastern Samar yesterday, but humanitarian groups said huge logistical challenges in accessing devastated, remote island communities lie ahead.

President Aquino is scheduled to arrive in Tacloban City today to check on the progress of and supervise relief operations.

The government said it had air-dropped tons of relief goods over far-flung towns still inaccessible by land....

MANILA, Philippines - Substantial amounts of food and medical aid finally began reaching desperate survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte and Eastern Samar yesterday, but humanitarian groups said huge logistical challenges in accessing devastated, remote island communities lie ahead.

President Aquino is scheduled to arrive in Tacloban City today to check on the progress of and supervise relief operations.

The government said it had air-dropped tons of relief goods over far-flung towns still inaccessible by land.

November 10, 2013
Ariella is 3rd runner up in Miss Universe 2013

MANILA, Philippines – Ariella Arida is named third runner-up during the Miss Universe 2013 pageant in Moscow, Russia on Saturday, Nov. 9 (Sunday, Nov, 10 Manila time).

Miss Venezuela, Gabriela Isler, is crowned Miss Universe 2013...

MANILA, Philippines – Ariella Arida is named third runner-up during the Miss Universe 2013 pageant in Moscow, Russia on Saturday, Nov. 9 (Sunday, Nov, 10 Manila time).

Miss Venezuela, Gabriela Isler, is crowned Miss Universe 2013.

Miss Brazil Jakelyne Oliveira was named fourth runner-up, Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez was second runner-up, while Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez is first runner-up.

The 24-year-old Pinay beauty queen competed against 85 other delegates.

November 10, 2013
Yolanda death toll could reach 10,000

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — From a conservative estimate of 1000 deaths, authorities now openly admit that the death toll from Supertyphoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) that slammed central Philippines three days ago could reach 10,000 after the extent of devastation becomes clearer.

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — From a conservative estimate of 1000 deaths, authorities now openly admit that the death toll from Supertyphoon Yolanda (International name: Haiyan) that slammed central Philippines three days ago could reach 10,000 after the extent of devastation becomes clearer.

Reports from Barangay officials in areas hit hard by Yolanda have started to come in and horrified residents talked of water as high as trees coming inland.

November 8, 2013
Janet not willing to sing on pork scam

MANILA, Philippines - Before a packed Senate session hall and with the nation glued to television sets yesterday to hear Janet Lim-Napoles tell all, the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind spilled no beans.

It was a disappointing outcome for what senators said could have been the chance for Napoles to clear her name and shed light on the controversy, which sparked national outrage and put the Aquino administration on the defensive...

MANILA, Philippines - Before a packed Senate session hall and with the nation glued to television sets yesterday to hear Janet Lim-Napoles tell all, the alleged pork barrel scam mastermind spilled no beans.

It was a disappointing outcome for what senators said could have been the chance for Napoles to clear her name and shed light on the controversy, which sparked national outrage and put the Aquino administration on the defensive.

November 6, 2013
Ph braces for Typhoon Haiyan

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm Haiyan intensified into a typhoon Wednesday morning and is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning, the state weather agency said.

PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said that the weather disturbance was spotted 1,560 kilometers east of Mindanao on Wednesday morning and will be renamed locally as "Yolanda" as this year's 24th tropical cyclone once it reaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility...

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm Haiyan intensified into a typhoon Wednesday morning and is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning, the state weather agency said.

PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said that the weather disturbance was spotted 1,560 kilometers east of Mindanao on Wednesday morning and will be renamed locally as "Yolanda" as this year's 24th tropical cyclone once it reaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

October 31, 2013
P-Noy: Pork barrel scammers behind attacks on DAP

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III defended anew the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of his administration and categorically denied that he stole from public coffers through this fund scheme.

In a televised speech on Wednesday evening, Aquino once again hinted that those who were involved in the alleged multi-billion peso pork barrel scam were the ones behind the attacks against the DAP...

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III defended anew the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of his administration and categorically denied that he stole from public coffers through this fund scheme.

In a televised speech on Wednesday evening, Aquino once again hinted that those who were involved in the alleged multi-billion peso pork barrel scam were the ones behind the attacks against the DAP.

"We are not the same. I have never stolen. I am not a thief. I am the one who goes after thieves," Aquino told his critics.

October 31, 2013
Ph Youth Ambassadors all set for a journey of a lifetime

Twenty eight Filipino youth are set to begin a journey that would take them to Japan and six other Southeast Asian nations in 51 days on board the luxury cruise ship Nippon Maru.

Dubbed as the “ultimate cruise,” the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program or SSEAYP gives cruising a deeper meaning as youth delegates on board MV Nippon Maru, composed of young people from Japan and countries from Southeast Asia, discuss issues affecting other young people in the region and propose measures to address them...

Twenty eight Filipino youth are set to begin a journey that would take them to Japan and six other Southeast Asian nations in 51 days on board the luxury cruise ship Nippon Maru.

Dubbed as the “ultimate cruise,” the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program or SSEAYP gives cruising a deeper meaning as youth delegates on board MV Nippon Maru, composed of young people from Japan and countries from Southeast Asia, discuss issues affecting other young people in the region and propose measures to address them.

October 21, 2013
Napoles compelled to attend Nov. 7 Senate hearing

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has officially compelled alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles to appear and testify at the panel's investigation next month.

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday signed the subpoena that would require Napoles to attend the hearing of the committee set on November 7...

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has officially compelled alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles to appear and testify at the panel's investigation next month.

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Monday signed the subpoena that would require Napoles to attend the hearing of the committee set on November 7.

Napoles is facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman after being accused of pocketing lawmakers' pork barrel funds allegedly diverted to bogus non-government organizations that she supposedly set up.

October 18, 2013
SC probes Napoles-linked Sandigan justice

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has started an investigation of charges linking Sandiganbayan Senior Justice Gregory Ong to Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains in the multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam.

SC spokesman Theodore Te said the high court has directed Ong to comment on sworn allegations made by whistle-blowers Benhur Luy and Marina Sula during the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing on Sept. 26...

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has started an investigation of charges linking Sandiganbayan Senior Justice Gregory Ong to Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains in the multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam.

SC spokesman Theodore Te said the high court has directed Ong to comment on sworn allegations made by whistle-blowers Benhur Luy and Marina Sula during the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing on Sept. 26.

October 16, 2013
Quake death toll rises to 93

MANILA, Philippines (Oct 16, 2013 1:00 AM) - A total of 93 people have been confirmed killed, more than 12 hours after a magnitude-7.2 earthquake struck Central Visayas on Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Danilo Constantino, Central Visayas police regional office director, said majority of the fatalities were recorded in Bohol province, where the epicenter of the temblor was recorded.

Constantino said 77 bodies have been recovered in parts of Bohol. Reports said 15 more were confirmed killed in Cebu province and one more in Siquijor...

MANILA, Philippines (Oct 16, 2013 1:00 AM) - A total of 93 people have been confirmed killed, more than 12 hours after a magnitude-7.2 earthquake struck Central Visayas on Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Danilo Constantino, Central Visayas police regional office director, said majority of the fatalities were recorded in Bohol province, where the epicenter of the temblor was recorded.

Constantino said 77 bodies have been recovered in parts of Bohol. Reports said 15 more were confirmed killed in Cebu province and one more in Siquijor.

October 7, 2013
LTO chief Torres retires

MANILA, Philippines - Caught in a viral video controversy, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres announced her retirement this month purportedly to put an end to issues plaguing the agency.

"Para magkaroon ng katahimikan sa LTO, sa mga issues, I chose to retire," Torres said in a radio report Monday, denying that the Palace asked her to step down...

MANILA, Philippines - Caught in a viral video controversy, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres announced her retirement this month purportedly to put an end to issues plaguing the agency.

"Para magkaroon ng katahimikan sa LTO, sa mga issues, I chose to retire," Torres said in a radio report Monday, denying that the Palace asked her to step down.

Torres said that she personally informed President Benigno Aquino III and Transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya of her decision to leave her post.

October 5, 2013
No million at anti-pork barrel rally in Makati

MANILA, Philippines - The event was dubbed "Million People March at Ayala" in anticipation of what could be the biggest anti-pork barrel rally thus far.

But only an estimated 2,600 people gathered  at the intersection of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue at the heart of Makati’s business district yesterday to denounce the pork barrel system.

The crowd from various political and cause-oriented groups gathered near the statue of the late senator Benigno Aquino and called for a minimum of three-month tax holiday while the pork barrel scam is being probed...

MANILA, Philippines - The event was dubbed "Million People March at Ayala" in anticipation of what could be the biggest anti-pork barrel rally thus far.

But only an estimated 2,600 people gathered  at the intersection of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue at the heart of Makati’s business district yesterday to denounce the pork barrel system.