Senate OKs bill prohibiting chemical weapons

Voting 15-0, the Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to prohibit the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons in the country.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

JV Ejercito: VP Binay should answer allegations before Senate panel

Even an ally of Vice President Jejomar Binay believes he should answer the allegations of corruption being hurled against him at the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Demand attendance of 4 US Marines in Laude death probe, DFA, DOJ told

Senator Francis Escudero on Monday said the Foreign Affairs and Justice Departments should immediately get in touch with their counterparts and demand the attendance of the four US Marines who were witnesses in the killing of transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jinggoy: My only mistake was endorsing Napoles NGOs

In denying his supposed involvement in the alleged P10-billion peso pork barrel fund scam Monday, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada made one admission: that he did endorse Napoles-owned NGOs.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Trillanes denies buying overpriced multicabs

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Monday denied that he bought overpriced multicabs costing P300,000 each through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), as accused by the United Nationalist Alliance.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

4 US Marine witnesses to Jeffrey Laude slay already out of PHL –DFA

Four members of the US Marines summoned by the Olongapo City Prosecutor's Office in connection with the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude have already left the county, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy confirms telling VP Binay: Talk to senators, not me, on corruption probe

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday confirmed refusing Vice President Jejomar Binay's request for him to talk to some senators about the ongoing investigation on corruption allegations against the Binays.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jinggoy camp blocks Benhur’s testimony on computer files

The bail hearing of detained Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday was cut short after the defense team moved to block principal whistleblower Benhur Luy's testimony on the alleged record of anomalous pork barrel transactions.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ex-Arroyo poll lawyer dares LGUs to close establishments violating Senior Citizens Law

Election lawyer turned senior citizen rights advocate Romulo Macalintal on Monday challenged local government units to close down establishments found to be violating the Senior Citizens Law.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Aquino orders relentless offensive vs. Abu Sayyaf

President Benigno Aquino III wants a relentless hunt against the Abu Sayyaf Group members after the bandits released two German captives last week.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Flower prices start going up as All Saints’ Day draws near

Prices of flowers started going up in Metro Manila as All Saints' and All Souls' Days draw closer.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jeffrey Laude’s mom willing to forgive slay suspect

The mother of slain transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude said she is willing to forgive the US serviceman accused of killing her child, but vowed to continue her family's fight for justice.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy: No reason to junk VFA after Laude slay

between the Philippines and the United States (US) despite the alleged involvement of an American soldier in the killing of Filipina transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jeffrey Laude’s German fiancé arrives in PHL

Marc Sueselbeck, the German fiancé of slain Filipina transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude, arrived in the country on Monday to pay his last respects to the victim whose remains lie in Olongapo City.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Miriam wants witnesses in Laude’s killing to appear before Senate panel

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago on Monday asked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to allow two witnesses in the killing of transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in Olongapo City to testify before a Senate panel.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Senate wants to know PHL’s preparedness for Ebola

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chair of the Senate committee on health, on Monday said a hearing will be conducted on Wednesday to determine the preparedness of the country's frontline agencies in dealing with the possible spread of Ebola in Asia.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNoy to PHL’s wartime allies: Honor peace, never again to war

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday rallied the Philippines' wartime allies behind peaceful resolution to modern-day conflicts between countries.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

De Lima: Olongapo prosecutor to insist on Pemberton’s appearance in prelim probe

The Olongapo City prosecutor will insist on the personal appearance of US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton at Tuesday's preliminary investigation of the killing of transgender Jennifer Laude, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Monday.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

US envoy underscores commitment to PHL amid Laude slay controversy

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Golberg on Monday underscored his country's commitment to the Philippines amid the alleged involvement of a US Marine in the killing of transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Despite SWS survey, VP Binay still won’t attend Senate probe —Remulla

Vice President Jejomar Binay has no plans of facing a Senate inquiry on corruption allegations against him despite the result of a survey showing that majority of Filipinos want him to.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

US helping ‘liberate’ Yolanda victims, says PHL envoy to US

Like it did 70 years ago, the United States is helping liberate the Philippines, this time from the devastation brought by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last year.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

79% want VP Binay to face Senate probe – SWS poll

Nearly four out of five Filipinos want Vice President Jejomar Binay to appear before a Senate sub-committee that is investigating corruption allegations against him, a survey by pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) concluded.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Revised Vatican document on gays ‘not a total loss’, Pinoy LGBT rights advocates say

Although disappointed in the outcome of the final version of a Vatican document that was supposed to "welcome homosexuals" in the Catholic Church, Filipino leaders of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) groups lauded the Church for at least discussing homosexuality.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Jennifer Laude’s mother cries for justice, demands that suspect attend hearing

The mother of slain transgender woman Jennifer Laude on Sunday demanded that the United States government bring forward US soldier Joseph Scott Pemberton, the man suspected of killing her child.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Senate set to pass ban on chemical weapons as session resumes

The Senate will try to pass several important pieces of legislation, including a bill prohibiting chemical weapons, when it resumes plenary sessions on Monday, Oct. 20 after a three-week break.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PHL Coast Guard to raise alert for Undas starting Oct. 24

Anticipating an exodus to the provinces starting his coming weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard will raise its alert for Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) later this week.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

US to cooperate in probe over killing of Filipino

MANILA — The United States said Saturday it would cooperate with a Philippine prosecutor's effort to question a murder suspect and four other US Marines over the killing of a transgender Filipino.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

List of flights canceled due to bad weather

At least four flights were canceled Sunday due to bad weather, the Department of Transportation and Communications said.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

US Embassy: Appearance before PHL prosecutor up to Pemberton, lawyer

The US Embassy will leave it to Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton whether to appear before the Olongapo City Prosecutor's Office for his preliminary investigation over the killing of transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Group pushes passage of anti-hunger bill

A group marked World Food Day last Thursday by calling for the passage of a bill ensuring adequate food for Filipinos.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

MIAA reminds air passengers: Integration of terminal fee with ticket starts Nov. 1

For airline passengers using the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, their terminal fees will be integrated into their airline tickets starting November 1.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

PNP to go on full alert for ‘Undas’

In anticipation of Filipinos flocking to cemeteries on Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Days), the Philippine National Police has announced it will be on full alert on those days.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Palace to Laude lawyer: VFA is separate issue

Malacañang on Saturday reminded Harry Roque, the lawyer of slain transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude's family, to keep the issue of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) separate from the case he is handling.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Japan to provide firetrucks, ambulances for cyclone-hit areas in PHL

Japan is providing firetrucks and ambulances to cyclone-affected areas in the Philippines, including those hit by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last year.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Palace: PNoy concerned over freed Germans’ health

Malacañang on Saturday said President Benigno Aquino III is concerned over the health of the two freed German hostages who had been held by the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu since April.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

German foreign ministry thanks PHL govt for release of hostages

Germany on Saturday thanked the Philippine government for Friday night's release of two Germans abducted and held by the Abu Sayyaf since April.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Palace: Aquino to attend 70th Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary

President Benigno Aquino III will be in Leyte this coming week to attend the anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing, Malacañang said Saturday.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP spokesman rebukes critics speculating on German hostages’ release

Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc on Saturday lashed out at critics insinuating Abu Sayyaf bandits freed their German hostages after ransom was paid, and not through military action.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

US envoy to visit Yolanda-hit town before attending Leyte Gulf Landing anniversary

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg will visit Palo town in Leyte this Monday, before attending the 70th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Palace: Govt taking proactive measures vs. Ebola

Malacañang on Saturday reassured the public the government is taking proactive measures against the possible entry and spread of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Philippines.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP: Alleged ransom payment for freed Germans Abu Sayyaf’s propaganda

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday denied any negotiation or payment of ransom for the release of two German nationals who were abducted by bandit group Abu Sayyaf in Sulu last April.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

BI: Student visa section transferring to new office Oct. 20

Starting next Monday, October 20, the Bureau of Immigration's student visa section will transfer to a new office in Quezon City.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

AFP: Freed Germans arrive in Manila

Following their release Friday night, two German nationals abducted by the Abu Sayyaf were brought to Metro Manila early Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Palace: Pursuit vs. Abu Sayyaf to continue after Germans’ release

After Friday night's release of two German hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf, the government on Saturday vowed to continue operations against the group. In Malacañang, Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said, "Our security forces will continue efforts to stem the tide of criminality perpetrated by bandit elements." Coloma added the Philippine government will maintain its "no ransom" policy in dealing with kidnapping.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

NAIA personnel fear Ebola infection despite specialized training

Personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are afraid that they might contract Ebola from incoming passengers, saying they are not prepared for contact with an infected traveler.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

CBCP to help spread information on ebola

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines will help the government prevent the spread of ebola among Filipinos by conducting its own education campaign on the virus and the disease it brings.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Equipment vs. Ebola may not be enough in case of outbreak in PHL

The amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Ebola isolation rooms in the country may not be enough in case of an outbreak, a doctor from the Lung Center of the Philippines admitted Friday.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Medical marijuana could be gateway to drug abuse, groups warn

Various groups have thumbed down a move to legalize medical marijuana in the Philippines, saying allowing use of the drug for medical purposes could lead to its abuse, a report on GMA 7's "24 Oras" said on Friday.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

US Marine tagged in Jeffrey Laude slay gets subpoena

The US Embassy in Manila received on Friday afternoon the subpoena for the US Marine who was tagged in the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude over the weekend, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation

Ombudsman to file plunder raps vs. ex-Rep. Valdez, Napoles over PDAF scam

The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to indict former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives Party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez, as well as businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and her driver and bodyguard, John Raymund De Asis, with plunder in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

Read the rest of the news GMA News Online / News / Nation