National
'Murang Kuryente' bill hurdles 2nd reading at Senate
January 29, 2019, 3:17 pm
MANILA -- The Senate has approved on second reading a bill seeking to reduce electricity rates by using the Malampaya fund to pay the stranded debts and stranded contract costs of the National Power Corp. (NPC). Senate Bill No. 1950, otherwise known as "Murang Kuryente Act", was approved on second… Read More
Japanese destroyer in Manila for goodwill visit
January 29, 2019, 2:56 pm
MANILA – The JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer with two SH-60K patrol helicopters, docked off Manila’s South Harbor on Tuesday morning for a three-day goodwill visit. Capt. Jonathan Zata, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, said the JMSDF contingent is… Read More
China donates P9.45-M-worth e-motorcycles to Manila
January 29, 2019, 1:49 pm
MANILA -- The Chinese Embassy in Manila donated 50 units of electric motorcycles to the government of Manila during a handover ceremony held at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters. The donation was in line with the 118th founding anniversary of the Manila Police District. According to… Read More
Jolo blast an isolated case: AFP
January 29, 2019, 1:45 pm
MANILA -- The recent bombing in Jolo, Sulu which claimed the lives of at least 20 people and wounded 112 others, is a just an isolated incident, a military official said Tuesday. "It was an isolated case as there was apparently an unconfirmed information as revealed by a priest in Jolo in a media… Read More
BI on high alert vs. foreign terrorists
January 29, 2019, 1:43 pm
MANILA -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday placed its personnel in international airports and seaports nationwide on heightened alert to prevent the entry of foreign terrorists into the country. The move comes in the wake of the twin bombings that killed at least 20 people and injured 112… Read More
Tobacco tax hike could prevent 850,000 new smokers
January 29, 2019, 1:38 pm
MANILA -- Senator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday said his proposal to double the excise tax on cigarettes is seen to prevent 850,000 new smokers on its first year of implementation. During the Senate ways and means committee hearing on tobacco tax bills, Pacquiao said increasing the tax on the sin… Read More
PNP looking at 3 persons of interest in Jolo blast
January 29, 2019, 1:30 pm
MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now looking at three persons of interest in the deadly blast in Jolo, Sulu that left at least 20 people dead and more than a hundred others wounded. PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, in a text message to reporters Tuesday, said one of… Read More
China, Russia, France support PH efforts vs. terrorism
January 29, 2019, 1:03 pm
MANILA -- The Chinese, Russian, and French governments renewed their commitment to support and step up engagement with the Philippines in fighting violent extremism and terrorism following the deadly blasts in Jolo, Sulu that killed 20 and injured hundred others on Sunday. China Foreign Ministry… Read More
Travel advisories prerogative of nations: Lorenzana
January 29, 2019, 11:34 am
MANILA -- It is the prerogative of other countries to warn their citizens from traveling to areas they deem unsafe. This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when sought for a comment after the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a… Read More
Northeast monsoon to bring light rains Tuesday
January 29, 2019, 11:25 am
MANILA -- The northeast monsoon continues to affect the country on Tuesday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 4 a.m. forecast that the northeast monsoon would bring light rains over the regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera,… Read More
DQ cases vs. Pimentel, Osmeña still pending: Comelec
January 29, 2019, 7:36 am
MANILA -- Though their names have been included on the partial list of senatorial bets, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and former Senator Sergio Osmeña III are not yet sure if they would be able to participate in the May 2019 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday. Comelec… Read More
Tagle urges Filipinos to 'work for peace' despite Jolo bombing
January 29, 2019, 7:34 am
MANILA -- Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle appealed to Filipinos not to abandon the quest for peace despite the two deadly bombings that ripped through a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday. “We call on all Filipinos, especially Catholics and Christians, not to abandon… Read More
Banner stories of Manila's leading newspapers, Tue. Jan. 29, 2019
January 29, 2019, 7:13 am
INQUIRER – Du30 orders all-out war on terrorists PHILIPPINE STAR – Jolo on total lockdown MANILA BULLETIN – Jolo under total lockdown DAILY TRIBUNE – All-out war vs terror MANILA TIMES – IS owns up to Jolo blasts MANILA STANDARD – ISIS owns up to Jolo blasts MALAYA – ‘Total… Read More
House approves bill lowering age of 'social responsibility' to 12
January 28, 2019, 7:57 pm
MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a proposed bill lowering the minimum “age of social responsibility” from 15 years to 12 years old. House Bill 8858, otherwise known as An Act Expanding the Scope of the Reformation and Rehabilitation of… Read More
Expect bigger celebrations during National Bible Day: Pacquiao
January 28, 2019, 7:52 pm
MANILA -- Expect bigger celebrations in line with the National Bible Day in the coming years. Senator Manny Pacquiao made this statement as the country celebrates the new holiday centered on the Christian faith and values found on the Holy Bible. “The National Bible Day will be an annual… Read More
TESDA allots 200 scholarship slots for NCR trike drivers
January 28, 2019, 7:47 pm
MANILA -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-National Capital Region (TESDA-NCR) will provide scholarship slots to tricycle drivers. In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday, Regional Director Conrado Bares explained that this is part of TESDA's goal… Read More
Duterte visits Jolo blast site
January 28, 2019, 7:24 pm
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday afternoon visited the Roman Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu just a day after the twin explosions took place there. Duterte arrived at around 2 p.m. to attend a meeting with security officials. Afterwards, the President inspected the blast site,… Read More
SC asked to drop all suits vs. martial law extension
January 28, 2019, 6:56 pm
MANILA -- Government lawyers have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss the three new petitions questioning the validity of the extension of martial law in Mindanao. In a manifestation filed over the weekend, Solicitor General Jose Calida urged the SC to dismiss the petitions filed by Makabayan… Read More
Gatchalian vows to scrutinize Solar Para sa Bayan franchise
January 28, 2019, 6:00 pm
MANILA -- Senate energy committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday said his panel will carefully study whether to grant Solar Para sa Bayan Corp. a national franchise or just allow the firm to participate in the Qualified Third Party (QTP) program of the Department of Energy (DOE). Gatchalian… Read More
Malacañang expects 2019 budget passed this week
January 28, 2019, 5:50 pm
MANILA -- Malacañang on Monday said that it expects the proposed PHP3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 to be passed this week. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark amid ongoing bicameral conference committee deliberations on the General Appropriations Act for 2019. “I… Read More
