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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 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.

March 22, 2012
Corona's trust rating plummets as Aquino retains high popularity

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 22 2012) - In a milieu dominated by spiraling oil prices, economic woes and the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a big majority of Filipinos trust and approve of their President and repudiate their Chief Justice.

In a statement, the Pulse Asia said President Benigno Aquino II had approval ratings of 70 percent and a trust ratings of 69 percent in a poll conducted between February 26 and March 9, 2012. A total of 1,200 were interviewed as respondents. The poll had an error margin of plus and minus three percent and confidence level of 95 percent.

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 22 2012) - In a milieu dominated by spiraling oil prices, economic woes and the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a big majority of Filipinos trust and approve of their President and repudiate their Chief Justice.

March 16, 2012
Senators reject spectre of one-man rule floated by Corona

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 16 2012) - That the country is teetering towards one-man rule in the form of President Aquino dictatorship might have existed only in the mind of impeached Chief Justice Corona and not borne out by realities on the ground.

This was indicated today by the replies of two senator when asked for their reaction on an earlier claim by Corona that President Aquino attack on the judiciary is a prelude to establishing a one-man dictatorship in the country.

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 16 2012) - That the country is teetering towards one-man rule in the form of President Aquino dictatorship might have existed only in the mind of impeached Chief Justice Corona and not borne out by realities on the ground.

This was indicated today by the replies of two senator when asked for their reaction on an earlier claim by Corona that President Aquino attack on the judiciary is a prelude to establishing a one-man dictatorship in the country.

March 15, 2012
Absolute Power

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

This was a line from Lord Acton that I used to hear as a child from my father during the dark days of Martial Law. That Marcos, who brazenly padlocked Congress and pulled in a subservient Supreme Court, had by then arrogated unto himself alone all the powers of government. Hence, the Marcos Dictatorship that lasted from 1972 to 1986 and together with it the destruction of our democratic institutions, silencing of the press, and the rape and plunder of the Nation’s wealth.

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

This was a line from Lord Acton that I used to hear as a child from my father during the dark days of Martial Law. That Marcos, who brazenly padlocked Congress and pulled in a subservient Supreme Court, had by then arrogated unto himself alone all the powers of government. Hence, the Marcos Dictatorship that lasted from 1972 to 1986 and together with it the destruction of our democratic institutions, silencing of the press, and the rape and plunder of the Nation’s wealth.

March 15, 2012
Nowhere to Go: Will Aquino’s Anti-Corruption Reform Work?

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s much-vaunted anti-corruption program barely scratches the surface of the problem and gives no hint on how he will grapple with its systemic roots. Failing to address or worse abetting the fundamental roots that sustain corruption makes his administration’s anti-corruption drive superficial if not a complete sham.

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s much-vaunted anti-corruption program barely scratches the surface of the problem and gives no hint on how he will grapple with its systemic roots. Failing to address or worse abetting the fundamental roots that sustain corruption makes his administration’s anti-corruption drive superficial if not a complete sham.

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s much-vaunted anti-corruption program barely scratches the surface of the problem and gives no hint on how he will grapple with its systemic roots. Failing to address or worse abetting the fundamental roots that sustain corruption makes his administration’s anti-corruption drive superficial if not a complete sham.

March 14, 2012
Cousin claims ownership of Corona's undeclared properties

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 14 2012) - A second cousin of Chief Justice Renato Corona claimed yesterday before the impeachment court that he is the real owner of a 1,700-square-meter property in Marikina City that is still registered under the chief justices's wife but is not declared in Corona's statement of assets liabilities and networth (SALN).

The defense panel presented yesterday Demetrio Vicente who has the same middle name, Coronado, as the chief justice's in a bid to discredit the prosecution’s accusations that Corona had not declared these lands in his SALN.

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 14 2012) - A second cousin of Chief Justice Renato Corona claimed yesterday before the impeachment court that he is the real owner of a 1,700-square-meter property in Marikina City that is still registered under the chief justices's wife but is not declared in Corona's statement of assets liabilities and networth (SALN).

March 14, 2012
Sandigan orders arrest of the Arroyos over NBN-ZTE deal

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division has ordered the arrest of former President and now Pampanga Rep.Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and three others stemming from an alleged graft-ridden $329.4-million National Broadband Network deal with the Chinese company ZTE Corp.

Also ordered arrested were Arroyo's husband, Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and former Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

MANILA, Philippines - The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division has ordered the arrest of former President and now Pampanga Rep.Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and three others stemming from an alleged graft-ridden $329.4-million National Broadband Network deal with the Chinese company ZTE Corp.

Also ordered arrested were Arroyo's husband, Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and former Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza.

March 12, 2012
Palace confident of Corona's conviction

MANILA, Philippines - Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte elaborated yesterday what her boss, President Aquino, has been sayimg on various occasions: there's no way impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona could get acquitted by the Senate impeachment court.

“Given the weight of the evidence that has been presented, President Aquino said he really does not see (an acquittal). It will eventually lead to a conviction,” Valte said over radio station dzRB.

MANILA, Philippines - Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte elaborated yesterday what her boss, President Aquino, has been sayimg on various occasions: there's no way impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona could get acquitted by the Senate impeachment court.

“Given the weight of the evidence that has been presented, President Aquino said he really does not see (an acquittal). It will eventually lead to a conviction,” Valte said over radio station dzRB.

March 10, 2012
Archdiocese of Caceres Circular Re: Death of Jose Tomas Cardinal Sanchez

With sadness we inform you of the passing away of + Jose T. Cardinal  Sanchez –Cardinal Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy- this morning, March 9, 2012.  He was 91 years old.

His remains lie in state at the Convent of the Dominican Sisters in Mary Immaculate School along Commonwealth, Quezon City  and will be transferred tomorrow ( March 10) to the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd in Novaliches, Quezon City. Funeral mass will be on_Monday, March 12, 2012. The exact time of the funeral mass will just be announced later...More details

C I R C U L A R

Number 0008
Series of 2012

 

TO:  ALL PRIESTS AND FAITHFUL IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CACERES RE:  DEATH OF JOSE TOMAS CARDINAL  SANCHEZ

“Now, Lord, you have kept Your promise, And you may let yourServant go in peace.”( Luke 2:29)

March 10, 2012
Cardinal Sanchez dies at 91

 

MANILA, March 9, 2012 – The fifth Filipino to be elevated to the position of Cardinal has died at the age of 91 years old at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Medical Center in San Juan City at 4:50 a.m. today. He would have turned 92 on Saturday, March 17.

The retired prelate passed away due to multiple organ failure after being confined to the medical center last week...

MANILA, March 9, 2012 – The fifth Filipino to be elevated to the position of Cardinal has died at the age of 91 years old at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Medical Center in San Juan City at 4:50 a.m. today. He would have turned 92 on Saturday, March 17.

The retired prelate passed away due to multiple organ failure after being confined to the medical center last week.

Cardinal Sanchez’ nephew Manolo Sanchez told CBCPNews the prelate has been in and out of the hospital.

March 10, 2012
Palace likes money launder law ammended before Lenten break

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 10, 2012) - After issuing a warning that the Philippines can get blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for being a haven for dirty money, President Aquino now hopes Congress would pass a stronger Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) without him calling for a special session.

The ball is now in the hands of the Senate who may opt to act before the Lenten break on a bill seeking to amend the AMLA to strengthen the government’s campaign against dirty funds that the House of Representative earlier approved.

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 10, 2012) - After issuing a warning that the Philippines can get blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for being a haven for dirty money, President Aquino now hopes Congress would pass a stronger Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) without him calling for a special session.

The ball is now in the hands of the Senate who may opt to act before the Lenten break on a bill seeking to amend the AMLA to strengthen the government’s campaign against dirty funds that the House of Representative earlier approved.

March 7, 2012
CBCP head does not believe in oust Aquino plot

MANILA, March 6, 2012— The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) does not believe that there is a plot to oust President Benigno Aquino III from office.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, downplayed the reports against the government even if Aquino himself revealed the supposed destabilization plot against him.

MANILA, March 6, 2012— The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) does not believe that there is a plot to oust President Benigno Aquino III from office.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, downplayed the reports against the government even if Aquino himself revealed the supposed destabilization plot against him.

“On a personal note, I’m one of those who do not believe. We wish that stories like this should not really circulate,” Palma told reporters Tuesday.

March 7, 2012
Corona's bank records accepted as evidence

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 06 2012) - In what could be one of the biggest setbacks for the defense, the Senate impeachment court denied yesterday the motion of the camp of Chief Justice Renato Corona to suppress the use of his bank records as evidence in his impeachment trial.

Senate President and impeachment court presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile said this was the consensus among the senator-judges during their caucus yesterday.

MANILA, Philippines (Mar 06 2012) - In what could be one of the biggest setbacks for the defense, the Senate impeachment court denied yesterday the motion of the camp of Chief Justice Renato Corona to suppress the use of his bank records as evidence in his impeachment trial.

Senate President and impeachment court presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile said this was the consensus among the senator-judges during their caucus yesterday.

March 7, 2012
Don’t ‘freeze’ plunder case vs GMA, Ombudsman told

MANILA, March 6, 2012—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged the Ombudsman not to allow the plunder case against former president and currently Pampanga (2nd District) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, get “frozen”.

In a statement, Pamalakaya national chair Fernando “Ka Pando” Hicap said, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales should make Arroyo and her former Agriculture Secretary, now Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap, accountable for the overpriced ice-making machines, amounting to P455 million (US$10,584,960.61).

MANILA, March 6, 2012—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged the Ombudsman not to allow the plunder case against former president and currently Pampanga (2nd District) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, get “frozen”.

In a statement, Pamalakaya national chair Fernando “Ka Pando” Hicap said, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales should make Arroyo and her former Agriculture Secretary, now Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap, accountable for the overpriced ice-making machines, amounting to P455 million (US$10,584,960.61).

February 28, 2012
Video, service records, doctor's testimony presented at impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 28, 2012) - The prosecution presented a video of the Supreme Court (SC) spokesman's press conference, the Chief Jusctice's old service records and testimony of a doctor of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were presented yesterday at the resumption of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato C. Corona - all aiming to support allegation of the latter's partiality towards the former President.

SC spokesman Midas Marquez violated the internal rules of the High Tribunal for hastily announcing the Nov. 15, 2011 temporary restraining order (TRO) on the travel ban on former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, claimed Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares yesterday as the prosecution panel presented video footage taken by television network ABS-CBN Channel 2 showing Marquez’s press conference that afternoon.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 28, 2012) - The prosecution presented a video of the Supreme Court (SC) spokesman's press conference, the Chief Jusctice's old service records and testimony of a doctor of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were presented yesterday at the resumption of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato C. Corona - all aiming to support allegation of the latter's partiality towards the former President.

February 26, 2012
PNoy asks people's support on unfinished EDSA revolution

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 26, 2012) - President Aquino tried yesterday to fire up the Filipinos to keep the spirit of the EDSA revolution alive, while conceding that it is an "unfinished" revolution. Claiming that the country is still at the "crossroads," the President urged the Filipinos to respond to the moment and avoid being passive observers, adding that there are unfinished business towards lasting reforms 26 years after the first People Power ousted a dictator and restored democracy in 1986.

MANILA, Philippines (Feb 26, 2012) - President Aquino tried yesterday to fire up the Filipinos to keep the spirit of the EDSA revolution alive, while conceding that it is an "unfinished" revolution.

Claiming that the country is still at the "crossroads," the President urged the Filipinos to respond to the moment and avoid being passive observers, adding that there are unfinished business towards lasting reforms 26 years after the first People Power ousted a dictator and restored democracy in 1986.

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 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 23, 2012
Marcos: The Fall of a Dictator and Cory Aquino: The Housewife who Led a Revolution on GMA News TV this weekend

GMA News TV commemorates the Edsa Anniversary this year by airing two powerful documentaries on former Philippine Presidents: " Marcos: The Fall of a Dictator " and " Cory Aquino: The Housewife Who Led a Revolution " . Commissioned by and first aired on History Channel Asia, the documentaries include valuable archival video of the Marcos era and Martial Law years as well as of the Edsa Revolution and Aquino ' s first years in office -- footage few of today's youth have ever seen.

GMA News TV commemorates the Edsa Anniversary this year by airing two powerful documentaries on former Philippine Presidents: " Marcos: The Fall of a Dictator " and " Cory Aquino: The Housewife Who Led a Revolution " . Commissioned by and first aired on History Channel Asia, the documentaries include valuable archival video of the Marcos era and Martial Law years as well as of the Edsa Revolution and Aquino ' s first years in office -- footage few of today's youth have ever seen.

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 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.