No ‘epal’ acts please on Pope Francis’ visit—organizers

Organizers of the Pope Francis' visit in January on Thursday called on the country's politicians to refrain from using the event to somehow promote themselves before the Holy Father and the public.

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De Lima: Mercado has admitted involvement in anomalies

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Thursday said it is but normal to discover irregularities or anomalies involving former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, as he had admitted to being part of some illegal activities in the past.

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132 pass Aeronautical Engineer Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday announced that 132 out of 282 passed the Aeronautical Engineer Licensure Examination given in Manila in November.

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Calls for PNoy’s ouster over human rights record ‘unreasonable’ – Palace

Malacañang on Thursday described as "unreasonable" calls from some groups for President Benigno Aquino's removal from his post over his administration's human rights record.

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Makabayan bloc threatens to withdraw co-authorship of FOI bill

The seven-member Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has threatened to withdraw its co-authorship of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill if the public information committee passes what it calls a “watered down” and “toothless” measure.

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Security may be ‘challenging’ with ‘Pope of surprises’ – Church officials

Ensuring Pope Francis' security may be "challenging" during his visit to the Philippines in January next year since he is known for his spontaneity and his habit of breaking protocol in order to reach out to people.

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Tiangco: Miss Earth pageant should not be held at Mercado-owned resort

An ally of Vice President Jejomar Binay has asked the organizers of Miss Earth International pageant to reconsider using a resort in Coron, Palawan as the contestants' official residence, saying that the resort is part of the "ill-gotten wealth" of its purported owner, former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado.

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Guingona: Senators safe when Janette Garin attends budget debates

Department of Health officer-in-charge Undersecretary Janette Garin on Thursday found allies in Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senator Teofisto Guingona III amid the flak she received for visiting quarantined Filipino peacekeepers without any protective gear. In an interview with Senate reporters, Guingona said it was safe to shake hands with Garin when she attends the plenary deliberation on the budget of DOH on Monday.

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5 years later, fate of Ampatuan patriarch’s bail plea known next month

After five years of hearing the high-profile murder case, the Quezon City judge in the Maguindanao massacre trial is finally set to decide whether or not to allow principal suspect and clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr. to enjoy tenporary freedom.

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Hard to distinguish between working and campaigning, VP Binay admits

Is Vice President Jejomar Binay already campaigning for the 2016 presidential polls? Maybe yes. Maybe not.

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Sandiganbayan suspends arraignment of Elenita Binay

The Third Division of the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan on Thursday suspended the arraignment of Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, on malversation and graft charges in relation to the alleged anomalous purchase of P45-million worth of hospital beds and medical supplies during her incumbency as the mayor of Makati City.

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Palace: No more family feud, but PNoy wants justice for Martial Law victims

Amid a renewed call to put the Aquino-Marcos family feud behind, a Malacañang official on Thursday said President Benigno Aquino III no longer harbor ill will against the Marcoses, but he wants justice for the victims of Martial Law.

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Senate may probe Binay accuser over unexplained wealth –Drilon

The Senate will investigate former Makati vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, chief accuser of Vice President Jejomar Binay, for alleged unexplained wealth once a resolution has been filed seeking for it, Senate President Franklin Drilon said Thursday.

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Govt working to thwart Islamic State recruitment in PHL – Palace

The government is exerting efforts to thwart reported recruitment activities of Islamic State militants in the Philippines, a Malacañang spokesman said Thursday.

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