
Malacanang says significant increase of President Aquino’s trust and approval ratings further intensifies support and confidence of Filipinos for his administration
Malacanang said that the significant increase of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s trust and approval ratings further intensifies the support and confidence of the Filipino people for the government as it assures the continuous and unwavering efforts of the administration to pursue positive reforms towards sustainable progress and development. In a press briefing in Malacanang […]

President Aquino confers 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employee award on Robredo (posthumous), 27 others
President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees award on the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and 27 other individuals and groups in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Wednesday. The President said in his speech keynoting the event that this year’s batch of outstanding government workers embody the new face […]

Pacquiao wants to erase doubts in 4th Marquez bout
MANILA, Sept 18 (Mabuhay) -– Boxing rivals Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao of the Philippines and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico are adding a fourth act to their legendary rivalry as they officially announced plans for another showdown. The historic fourth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez will take place in Las Vegas on December 8, with the […]

Resorts World Manila announces the opening of ‘The King and I’ at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, starting from September 15, 2012.
Pasay City, Philippines, September 2012 – Fresh from the alps of Vienna, Resorts World Manila now cordially invites everyone to embark on an enchanting voyage to the land of Siam asThe King and I opened on September 15, 2012 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. A staunch supporter of performing arts, Resorts World Manila has previously […]

Solenn: I’ve lived with my boyfriends
MANILA, Sept 18 (Mabuhay) -– Unafraid of ruffling some feathers, model-actress Solenn Heussaff revealed that she has lived with her boyfriends and maintained that it is perfectly fine to do so. “I’ve lived with my boyfriends. I believe that before you marry someone, you have to live with that person first. You won’t know what […]

Coco hopes film with Vilma, Nora to push through
“Walang Hanggan” lead star Coco Martin revealed he is looking forward to doing a project with veteran actresses Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos for director Brillante Mendoza. Martin said there is still nothing definite about the dream project but he is hoping that it will push through. “Dati pa nakonsepto ‘yun. Sabi ko nga sana […]

Book on profiles of Filipino idols now available
Darna & Other Idols, the latest collection of profiles by Marra PL. Lanot, published by Anvil, is now off the press. Personalities written up are actors Marian Rivera, Gina Alajar, Osang Off Cam, Lucy Torres-Gomez and Richard Gomez, singer-actor-TV host Ryan Agoncillo, singer-TV host Ali Sotto, actor-politician Vilma Santos and husband Sen. Ralph Recto, composer […]

President Aquino inaugurates newly constructed by-pass road in Candelaria, Quezon
LUCENA CITY, Sept 17 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III led on Monday the inauguration of a by-pass road in Candelaria, Quezon which is designed to ease the traffic congestion and boost tourism in Quezon province. After the ceremonial drive-through on the newly completed project, the President was briefed by Rep. Irvin Alcala on […]

AFP assures US troops of safety in Mindanao
MANILA, Sept 17 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine military on Monday assured American troops of their safety in Mindanao amid the series of violent protest against the US in several parts of the world over what is perceived to be an anti-Islam film. In a statement, Lieutenant General Noel Coballes of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao […]

Aquino cites occupational nurses
MANILA, Sept 14 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III cited vital contributions of the country’s occupational health nurses and said he looks forward to working with them in fulfillment of his government’s promise of quality health care to millions of Filipinos. “An empowered citizenry is our most vital asset in our quest for an […]

Hundreds flee as heavy rain lashes Manila
MANILA, Sept 15, 2012 (AFP) – Parts of Manila were under six feet (1.8 meters) of floodwater on Saturday after heavy rain lashed the capital overnight, forcing more than 400 people to flee their homes, officials said. There was also a strong typhoon lurking in the region, and although it was moving away from the […]

Philippines tips economy to grow 6% in 2012
MANILA, Sept 17 (Mabuhay) — The Philippine economy could grow by almost six percent this year thanks to improving business optimism despite a series of destructive storms in recent months, officials said Monday. The economy, which grew by 6.1 percent on year in the first half, could do even better in the rest of the […]

Aquino signs Cybercrime Prevention Act
MANILA, Sept 15 (Mabuhay) -– President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Saturday. Valte said the President signed the legislation last Wednesday, September 12. Senator Edgardo Angara is the main proponent of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, which is “an act defining […]

PHL Embassy in Malaysia tightens rules for domestic helpers
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Philippine officials in Malaysia have tightened the rules for new agencies bringing in Filipina domestic helpers, after Manila decided to phase out the sending of its citizens overseas to work as domestic helpers. A report on Malaysia’s The Star cited industry sources who said the Philippine embassy was no longer giving accreditation […]

Gabby Eigenmann happy with role in ‘Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga’
MANILA (Mabuhay) –GABBY Eigenmann said that he doesn’t feel that he was given a lesser role in the television series “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga.” “Realistically, I’m in no race anymore. It’s a profession… a job. Kung ano man ang ibigay, hindi naman ako big star para mamili,” he said. The GMA talent added that […]

Andrea Torres gets her biggest break in GMA-7
MANILA (Mabuhay) — ANDREA Torres vows to give her 100 percent attention, dedication and acting prowess in the newest Kapuso afternoon series “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga.” She said she’s been waiting for a big break since she started showbiz at the age of 15. “Very grateful ako kasi ang tagal ko ding nag-antay. Ang daming […]

Angel doing 2 movies this year
MANILA (Mabuhay) — ANGEL Locsin is currently busy with two movie projects this year. Angel is doing “One More Try,” which is Star Cinema’s entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival in December and a horror-comedy flick with “Toda Max” co-actor Vhong Navarro. Although she has been successful both in the big screen and on […]

Gerald, Kim to star in upcoming film
FORMER love teams Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu are set to reunite in an upcoming Star Cinema movie. Gerald said new flick will be part of the 20th year anniversary treat of Star Magic, the talent arm of ABS-CBN, to its loyal supporters and moviegoers. “Hindi pa kami nag-shoot pero nakaka-excite kasi makakasama ko ulit […]

Sam Milby says he wasn’t cause of Maja-Matteo break-up
Filipino-American actor Sam Milby has finally reacted to reports that he was the third wheel behind the break-up of fellow performers Maja Salvador and Matteo Guidicelli. In an interview, Milby said he had nothing to do with the separation. “We are friends. Wala akong alam doon,” he said. “I don’t want to be part of […]

De Lima has no info on Usec. Puno attempted raid
MANILA, Sept 7 (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has no information about the reported attempt by Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Rico Puno to enter the offices and condominium unit of Secretary Jesse Robredo hours after the latter’s plane crashed in Masbate. Puno, along with several police officers, had attempted to “raid” Robredo’s […]

SC: Poll bets with dual citizenship should give up foreign nationality
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — To avoid hassles, politicians with dual citizenship who are running for public office should take note that the Supreme Court has ruled that a candidate should give up foreign citizenship first, and that the act should be done under oath. This after the SC, in a 24-page decision penned by Justice Bienvenido […]

Leni confirms Puno raid after Robredo plane crash
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Atty. Leni Robredo confirmed Friday that a group of men tried to enter their condominium unit in Lansberg Place, Quezon City less than 24 hours after her husband’s plane crashed in Masbate. Mrs. Robredo said she received a phone call from their maid last August 19, saying that a group of men […]

Customs seizes P70M worth of rhino horns in Manila
MANILA, Sept 7 (Mabuhay) – Philippine authorities seized some P70 million worth of rhinoceros horns illegally brought into the Philippines, the Bureau of Customs said Friday. In a post on its Twitter account, the office of Customs commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon said the horns weighed 13 kilos. “BoC intercept(ed) rhinoceros horns illegally shipped into the […]

Kim on Jericho: ‘He’s just amazing’
MANILA, Sept 7 (Mabuhay) -– Television host and model Kim Jones, the current girlfriend of actor Jericho Rosales, is only happy to share the current state of her relationship with the Kapamilya star. Five months since they first made their public appearance as a couple, Jones said her relationship with Rosales continues to thrive with […]

Piolo wants to get married in 5 years
MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Nine months after his controversial break-up with actress KC Concepcion, actor Piolo Pascual said he is still hoping that someone will come into his life in the next five years before he reaches the age of 40. Pascual said he wants to spend the rest of his life with someone who loves […]

Chile, PHL eye partnerships in geothermal energy, mining
MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines and Chile are eyeing “partnerships” in mining and geothermal energy, with both countries wishing to learn more about each other’s best practices in the two fields. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario said the topics were taken up in bilateral talks between President Benigno Aquino III and Chilean […]

Aquino thanks Singaporean Prime Minister for support over the country’s claim in West Philippine Sea
MANILA, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his gratitude to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for his support to the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea. The President and the Singaporean leader met in a bilateral meeting Saturday during the 20th APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Vladivostok, Russia. “Singapore has […]

APEC welcomes PHL to host APEC Summit in 2015
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept 10 (Mabuhay) – The member-economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcomed the offer of the Philippines to host the APEC summit in 2015. The announcement of the Philippines hosting the APEC in 2015 was contained in the joint declaration issued by the 21 APEC leaders, including President Benigno S. Aquino III, […]

It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ goes to Moscow
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept 8 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign will be launched later this month in Moscow, Russia, to further boost the number of tourist arrivals in the Philippines, a government official said Friday. In an interview, Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Alejandro Mosquera said that a […]
Aquino issues proclamation 459 declaring regular, special holidays for 2013
MANILA, Sept 1 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation 459 declaring regular holidays, special non-working holidays and special holiday for schools for the year 2013. The following regular holidays and special days for the year 2013 shall be observed in the country: Regular Holidays for 2013 are as follows: New Year’s Day […]

Phivolcs: Don’t fall for messages ‘predicting’ next quakes
MANILA, Sept 1 (Mabuhay) – Following a magnitude-7.6 that jolted the Eastern Visayas area Friday night, state seismologists reminded the public Saturday not to fall for text messages supposedly predicting the next quake. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology head Renato Solidum Jr. said that while Phivolcs can warn of possible tsunami, there is no […]

Aquino attends 2012 Ramon Magsaysay awarding ceremony
MANILA, Sept 1 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III attended Friday the 2012 Ramon Magsaysay Award expressing his admiration to the winners of this year’s award as he hopes that the awardees continue their work for the benefit of the Asian people. “I believe that each and every person who hears your stories will […]
132,000 return home after tsunami alert
By Teodoro Aljibe GUIUAN, Philippines, Sept 1, 2012 (AFP) – Residents on the Philippines’ Pacific coast described how they ran for their lives when a major offshore earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, as thousands returned home Saturday. Most people had fled the east coast by the time waves of up to half a meter (20 […]

Quake shakes southern Philippines
Manila, Sept 3, 2012 (AFP) – A moderate earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, just days after a powerful tremor rocked the same region and triggered a tsunami warning, the government said. The quake, measuring 5.9, was located in the Celebes Sea, 67 kilometers (42 miles) west of Palimbang town on the southern island […]

Mar Roxas urged to resign as LP president before assuming DILG post
MANILA, Sept 3 (Mabuhay) – Manuel “Mar” Roxas II should resign as president of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) before assuming his new Cabinet post, lawmakers gunning for senatorial posts in next year’s elections said Monday. Roxas is the incoming Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor […]

Human trafficking victims lodge 11,000 calls to PHL hotline
MANILA, (Mabuhay) – More than a year after a 24-hour hotline against human trafficking was established, the government received about 11, 000 phone calls from victims and their families, the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) said. Dubbed as “modern-day slavery,” human trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for forced labor or commercial sexual […]

One dead, small tsunami after 7.6 Philippine quake
MANILA — A 7.6 earthquake struck off the Philippine coast on Friday, triggering landslides that killed at least one person and a small tsunami that hit the eastern part of the archipelago, authorities said. The quake struck at a depth of 34 kilometres (21 miles) in the Pacific Ocean about 140 kilometres from the Philippines, […]

OFWs may soon file claims online for bills abroad – Philhealth
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Overseas Filipino workers may soon be able to file their claims online so they can be reimbursed for hospital bills incurred abroad. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) is exploring strategies to provide better service to its OFW members. “We want covered OFWs to receive immediate financial relief in the event they […]

Sereno is PHL’s first female chief justice
Manila, Aug 24, 2012 (AFP) – President Benigno Aquino on Friday named a veteran judge as the first female chief justice of the Philippine Supreme Court, following his controversial ousting of her predecessor. Supreme Court associate justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, 52, was named to take the place of ousted chief justice Renato Corona after he […]

Robredo wife laughs off calls to run for senator
MANILA, Aug 27 (Mabuhay) – The wife of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo just laughed off calls for her to run for public office. During the tribute on Sunday night at the Naga City Hall, Robredo’s friend Adolfo Bolivan said the Cabinet Secretary would probably not deny growing calls for Atty. […]

Aquino calls Robredo a ‘bayani’ in Heroes Day speech
MANILA, Aug 27 (Mabuhay) – A simple, unassuming “bayani” (hero) who chose a life of service for the sake of his countrymen. This was how President Benigno Aquino III described the late Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo in a speech on Monday commemorating National Heroes’ Day. Aquino said Robredo led […]

Aquino leads National Heroes Day rites at Libingan ng mga Bayani
MANILA, Aug 27 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III led the nation in commemorating the National Heroes Day in ceremonies held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday. In keeping with this year’s theme: “Pilipinong Tapat, Magiting at Makabayan: Ikaw ang Bayani sa Tuwid na Daan,” the President paid homage […]

Palace reassures Maguindanao Massacre victims’ relatives of help
MANILA, Aug 18 (Mabuhay) — On the eve of the 1,000th day of the infamous Maguindanao Massacre, Malacañang reiterated its assurance to relatives of the victims that the government’s executive branch is ready to help them. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the executive branch continues to listen to the victims’ concerns, and is particularly […]

PNoy brings Robredo’s body to Naga
MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno Aquino III personally brought the remains of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo to his family in Naga. A C130 plane carrying Robredo’s remains arrived at the Naga airport a little past 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday. Robredo was given arrival honors. People lined up the streets, holding […]

CBCP warns Catholic schools vs pro-RH teaching
MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) — Catholic schools that do not toe the line on the reproductive health (RH) bill may be stripped of their affiliation with the Church, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines warned over the weekend. CBCP president and Cebu archbishop Jose Palma said such a sanction awaits Catholic […]

Aquino leads nation in celebrating Eid’l Fitr
MANILA, Aug 20 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III led the entire Filipino nation in joining the Muslim-Filipino community in celebrating the Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan). “The bedrock of a robust society is an empowered citizenry working together for the achievement of lasting peace and meaningful reform, and there is no doubt that […]

New owl species discovered in Cebu, Camiguin
Manila, Aug 19, 2012 (AFP) – Scientists and birdwatchers have discovered 10 new owl species in the Philippines, using advanced recording equipment that can distinguish between their hoots, a conservation official said Sunday. Eight of the new species were previously considered sub-species while two are totally new, said Lisa Paguntalan, field director of Philippines […]

Aquino vows to address flooding problem in Bulacan, sought backing of local allies
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to address the flooding problem in Bulacan as he visited the province to assess the damage of the flood as well as lead relief efforts there. The President said that while a major flood control system could prevent or mitigate flooding in Bulacan and […]

Death toll from ‘habagat’ rains nears 100
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) – The number of people who lost their lives from last week’s torrential rains has reached 92, latest government data revealed on Monday. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said most of the deaths were recorded in Central Luzon with 38; followed by the National Capital Region (32); […]

CBCP to endorse anti-RH Bill candidates in 2013
MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will use next year’s elections to bolster its stance against the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. In a report from the CBCP News, CBCP secretary general Msgr. Joselito Asis said the CBCP will be more aggressive in influencing its faithful to vote only […]

World Bank unveils piggery program in PHL to catch methane from farms
Manila, Aug 6, 2012 (AFP) – The World Bank said on Monday it plans to buy carbon credits from pig farms in the Philippines, helping farmers generate extra income by setting up environment friendly waste treatment facilities. Under the program it will finance the installation of such waste treatment systems that will capture methane gas […]

PHL school bans Muslim hijab
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines, Aug 5, 2012 (AFP) – A Catholic-run school in the southern Philippines has caused controversy by banning Muslim students from wearing the hijab headscarf. Mehol Sadain, who heads the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, said Sunday he had written to Pilar College in the mixed Muslim-Christian port city of Zamboanga to demand it […]

Aquino strongly condemns simultaneous attacks by Muslim rebels on installations
MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) – The Aquino administration strongly condemned the simultaneous attacks of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) forces on military installations in different areas in Maguindanao and North Cotabato on Sunday. “The attacks initiated by this lawless group during Ramadan only demonstrate their disrespect for this holy month of our Muslim faithful, and […]

Death toll from PHL floods rises to 51
MANILA, Aug 6, 2012 (AFP) – The death toll from over a week of floods in the Philippines rose to 51 as rain continued to pour, causing dams to overflow and forcing more people to flee their homes, officials said Monday. The number of deaths, previously at 45, rose as more bodies of missing people […]

PHL lawmakers to speed birth control vote
Manila, Aug 6, 2012 (AFP) – Philippine legislators said Monday they were set to terminate heated debates on a controversial birth control law after President Benigno Aquino III urged its speedy passage. Congressman Edcel Lagman, the main proponent of the bill, said Aquino met with leaders of the House of Representatives and expressed his desire […]

Aquino leads commemoration of 3rd death anniversary of Cory
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III led the Aquino and Cojuangco clans in commemorating the third death anniversary of his late mother and former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino who is buried, together with husband and former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque on Wednesday. The […]

Three dead as storm lashes PHL
Manila, July 30, 2012 (AFP) – At least three people were killed and millions were left without power Monday as Tropical Storm Saola turned into a typhoon, bringing heavy rains to large parts of the Philippines, the government said. Manila was one of the worst hit areas and schools across the sprawling capital were suspended, […]

ABS-CBN Butuan City reporters receive threat
Two provincial reporters of TV station ABS-CBN have reported receiving threats they believe are connected to their coverage of illegal logging. Rodge Cultura said a boy handed him an envelope containing a single bullet Sunday morning, July 29, outside the ABS-CBN office in Butuan City. Cultura said the boy walked away after handing the envelope. […]

Newspaper columnist Nixon Kua shot in face
Manila, July 22, 2012 (AFP) – A veteran newspaper columnist in the Philippines was in a critical condition after he was shot in the face during a robbery on Sunday, police said. Nixon Kua, 49, was “hit on the face and different parts of his body” by one of four gunmen who attacked him and […]

New arrest warrant for Arroyo sought
MANILA, July 26 (Mabuhay) — The Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to immediately issue a warrant of arrest against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the plunder case on the alleged illegal transfer of funds at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). In today’s hearing at the Sandiganbayan First Division, the prosecutors […]