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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 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 (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 (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 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.

The largest gathering of Bikol literary luminaries, the Fourth Pagsurat Bikolnon 2012, is set to happen again on April 29-30 at the Ateneo de Naga University, with the theme Paghurop-hurop, Paghuron-huron (Thoughts and Convergence). First held in Aquinas University of Legazpi in 2000 and coordinated by the office of Dr. Jazmin Badong Llana, this year’s Pagsurat aims to re-gather Bikol writers, strengthen linkages, and establish critical engagements among Bikol writers, visual artists, filmmakers, teachers and scholars based in the region, in Manila and abroad.

MANILA, Philippines (April 19, 2011) - President Aquino has reappointed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, and Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, the Commission on Appointments (CA) reported yesterday.

CA records showed that Malacañang submitted from April 1 to 16 the re-appointment papers of De Lima and Robredo who have not been subjected to the scrutiny of the commission since Aquino appointed them shortly after assuming office in 2010.

This early, our country is undoubtedly in election mode already. People are into all the preparations for the May 13, 2013 elections. And with elections, like war, everything is fair game.

A consequence of this shift would be to sideline the on-going impeachment trial of the Chief Justice. It’s not about him anymore despite his having been demonized no end by the administration and further publicly condemned by no less than President Aquino himself. Verily, the impeachment has become a political reality show for senators who would be running for re-election: Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Gregorio Honasan, Loren Legarda, Antonio Trillanes 4^th, and Aquilino Pimentel III.

Quezon City, Philippines  (April 10, 2012) – GMA Network, Incorporated (GMA), the leading broadcast media company in the Philippines, hit consolidated revenues worth P13.083 billion in 2011.

Notwithstanding the absence of P2.054 billion worth of revenues from political advertisements generated in 2010 and the global impact of financial crisis in Europe and slow economic recovery in the US last year, the Company delivered a fairly competitive business performance.

MANILA, Philippines (April 10, 2012) - Former President and Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her husband Jose Miguel and other co-accused shall appear tomorrow before the Sandiganbayan for their arraignment on graft charges in connection with the botched $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp. in 2007.

Their co-respondents, former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos and ex-transportation secretary Leandro Mendoza, are also expected to attend the arraignment at the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division chaired by Associate Justice Gregory Ong.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, GMA Network signed a memorandum of agreement with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to support the latter's "I Build" campaign which provides simple, decent and affordable shelter to the marginalized Filipinos. Above photo shows GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon (2nd from left) shaking hands with Habitat for Humanity CEO and Managing Director Charlito S. Ayco (2nd from right). Also in photo are (L-R) GMA AVP for Corporate Affairs Teresa L. Pacis and Habitat for Humanity Marketing and Communications Director Koleen Davila-Palaganas.

Multi-awarded broadcast journalist and GMA News pillar Arnold Clavio adds yet another feather to his cap - this time in the field of advocacy - after being named as one of the 18 awardees at the 2nd UST AB Gantimpala Awards held Wednesday, March 28, at Club Filipino in Greenhills.

Clavio, who graduated in 1987 with an AB Journalism degree, was cited for his advocacy work through his Igan Foundation. Established ten years ago, the foundation was set to diligently provide assistance to children afflicted with juvenile diabetes type 1.