Ex-Vice Mayor Mercado: Binay got almost P200M from Boy Scouts' land deal

Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado on Thursday accused Vice President Jejomar Binay of earning about P200 million in kickbacks from a land deal between the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and developer Alphaland Corp.

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Militant farmers marking Mendiola massacre march to PNoy’s QC neighborhood

Militant farmers on Thursday started their commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the Mendiola Massacre with a march to President Benigno Aquino III's neighborhood in Quezon City.

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Ex-Vice Mayor Mercado: Binay-led Boy Scouts had P600-M deal with developer

Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado is determined to reveal details on an allegedly questionable sale of parcel of land owned by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines to a developer a few years ago, again, linking Vice President Jejomar Binay in the deal, a television report said Wednesday.

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Comelec suspends gun ban for 15 days

Citing a possible move in Congress to postpone the Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the Commission on Elections on Thursday suspended for 15 days a gun ban for the youth polls.

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UK warns nationals in PHL vs. taxis

British nationals in the Philippines were advised Wednesday to be wary of taxis they ride, lest they end up being held up.

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Fresh corruption allegations to welcome resumption of Senate probe on VP Binay

After over a month's lull, fresh and "explosive" corruption allegations are are expected to welcome the resumption of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee's hearing on Thursday on the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building II and other alleged anomalies involving Vice President Jejomar Binay.

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Zamboanga mayor asks Congress to spare city from inclusion in Bangsamoro

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Erap, if he runs again, may take votes away from Binay, Poe in 2016 – partylist solon

The 2016 presidential race just got more interesting now that the Supreme Court has ruled that Manila mayor Joseph Estrada can run for public office, a party-list lawmaker said Wednesday.

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SK polls 2015: Comelec gun ban starts on Thursday

The Commission on Elections has reminded the public of a gun ban that will be in effect starting tomorrow in connection with the Sangguniang Kabataan elections in February, a report on GMA's “24-Oras” said Wednesday.

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Bilibid inmate eyes criminal raps vs. De Lima

The lawyer of one of the inmates transferred from the New Bilibid Prison to the National Bureau of Investigation compound is set to file criminal charges against Justice Sectetary Leila De Lima over alleged human rights violation.

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1,292 pass Pharmacist Licensure Exam –PRC

A total of 1,292 out of 2,295 passed the Pharmacist Licensure Examination given in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Iloilo this month, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Wednesday.

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Erap Estrada yet to choose between VP Binay, Grace Poe

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito indicated that the Estrada family has yet to choose between Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Grace Poe as its presidential bet in 2016.

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JV Ejercito and Jinggoy agree on one thing: Erap Estrada should retire in 2016

Hours after the Supreme Court gave what could be the last word on the restoration of his right to run for office, one of his sons in the Senate said it was his family's wish that Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada bow out of politics in 2016 rather than run for higher office.

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Erap Estrada still a force to reckon with in 2016, senators say

Former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada remains a political force to reckon with and a viable candidate in 2016 moreso now that the question on his eligibility to seek public office has been cleared, two senators said Wednesday.

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There will be no unconstitutional provisions in Bangsamoro law –panel chair

Congress will ensure the passage of a constitutionally-sound Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) even if it means making changes to the draft measure mutually agreed upon by the executive and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the chair of the ad hoc panel tackling the bill said Wednesday.

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PHL says China’s ‘massive’ reclamation work a serious concern

The Philippine government on Wednesday accused China of undertaking massive reclamation work on several reefs in the disputed South China Sea, expressing concern the activities could fuel tensions.

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PHL, US concerned over Chinese reclamation in South China Sea

The Philippines and the United States on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the ongoing Chinese reclamation of contested areas in the South China Sea, describing the status of structures there as “massive” and “growing.”

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Palace not worried about Erap’s political plans in 2016

Malacañang is not worried about the possibility of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada seeking a higher post in the 2016 elections.

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PNP frowns on ‘diaper cops’

The Philippine National Police says it felt insulted by the viral photo showing two individuals in cop shirts wearing adult diapers attending the papal event in Manila.

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Koko urges colleagues to emulate Pope Francis

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Wednesday urged elected officials and the Filipino people to heed the call of recent Philippine visitor Pope Francis to live simply, with integrity and honesty, and be champions of the poor.

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CBCP chief to Pope bashers: Leave ‘rabbits’ in peace

Leave the rabbits in peace! This was the appeal of Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president Archbishop Socrates Villegas to those criticizing Pope Francis' statement on responsible parenthood.

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SC sides with Bacolod bishop in 'Team Patay' issue

The Supreme Court has sided with the Bacolod Diocese for the issue on the controversial "Team Patay/Buhay" tarpaulins that were posted outside the San Sebastian Cathedral during the campaign season for the 2013 elections.

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SC dismisses Jinggoy’s petition vs. plunder case

The Supreme Court has rejected Senator Jinggoy Estrada's petition to invalidate the plunder case filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.

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Youth group dismayed by junking of Erap disqualification case

The Supreme Court's dismissal of the disqualification case against former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada did not sit well with a youth group picketing outside the high court on Wednesday.

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Erap happy, thankful for SC junking of disqualification petition

Former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Wednesday said he is happy and thankful the Supreme Court junked petitions for his disqualification.

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SC junks disqualification case vs. Joseph Estrada

The Supreme Court has junked the petitio lodged before it to disqualify former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

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US blog criticizes passing of host ‘like a beach ball’ at papal Masses

The Eucharist seemed to have been "desecrated" with lay people passing it on "like a beach ball at a concert" during the large papal Masses here last week, a US-based online magazine on "Catholic news, commentary, and information" said.

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SC to tackle Joseph Estrada disqualification case

Will the question surrounding former President Joseph Estrada's legitimacy as Manila Mayor finally be settled today?

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Pope Francis names Mindanao cardinal as envoy to Japan meet

Pope Francis has designated a Mindanao-based cardinal to represent him in an event in Japan this March, the Vatican Information Service (VIS) reported.

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Lotto bettor bags P16M prize in Superlotto 6/49 draw

A lone lotto bettor bagged the P16-million jackpot of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's Superlotto 6/49 draw Tuesday evening.

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Pope Francis chose regular raincoat instead of special one in Tacloban, says stage designer

Amid heavy rain upon his arrival in Tacloban last Saturday, Pope Francis chose to use the regular raincoats worn by the pilgrims during his Mass.

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PHL-US strategic bilateral talks gets underway

The Philippines and United States on Tuesday started their fifth Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD), the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

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Issue on new committee handling Bangsamoro law could delay its passage—Marcos

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed apprehension Tuesday that the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law might be delayed after the inclusion of a third committee to handle it was questioned on the floor.

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Jesuit priest: Pope Francis good news for those in ‘fringes of the Church’

Pope Francis is an answered prayer for the the people who are having trouble with their faith. This was how Fr. Joel Tabora SJ, president of the Ateneo De Davao University, described the impact of Pope Francis' leadership of the Catholic Church with its 1.2 billion members.

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Palace firm on RH Law even with Pope Francis’ pro-life remarks in PHL

Malacañang on Tuesday stood firm on implementing the Church-opposed Reproductive Health (RH) Law, a day after Pope Francis finished a five-day Philippine trip in which he indicated a strong pro-life stance.

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COA tells PAGCOR to sell untouched condos meant for execs, employees

The Commission on Audit has instructed PAGCOR to quickly dispose of the remaining condos to recover idle funds. The audit body also suggested that the gaming corporation offer up the condos for sale to the general public.

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257 pass practical phase of Dentist Licensure Exam –PRC

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Tuesday announced that 268 out of 725 passed the December 2014 Dentist Licensure Examination (Written Phase) and 257 out of 271 passed the Dentist Licensure Examination (Practical Phase) given by the Board of Dentistry in Manila this month.

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Palace: Expediting Ampatuan massacre trial already beyond executive’s powers

After getting a “bad” survey rating in resolving the Ampatuan massacre case, Malacañang on Tuesday said it already exhausted all means to fast-track judicial proceedings on this case.

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MNLF faction tells Congress: Preserve gains of previous peace pacts in crafting BBL

The leader of a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has cautioned the government against disregarding the previous peace agreements signed by Moro groups with the Philippine government in its desire to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

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PNoy’s criticisms vs. Church officials accurate, truthful –Palace

President Beningo Aquino III was only telling the truth when he openly criticized Filipino Church officials right in front of Pope Francis last week, Malacañang said Tuesday.

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Bilibid inmates’ kin hold protest under Alabang Flyover, seek resumption of visitation rights

Relatives of inmates in the New Bilibid Prison on Tuesday held a demonstration under the Alabang Flyover in Muntinlupa City, calling for the reinstatement of their visitation rights.

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Pimentel wants Junjun Binay, 6 others cited in contempt

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III has recommended that Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay and six other Makati local officials be cited in contempt for their continued refusal to attend the hearings on the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building II.

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Ex-PHLPost execs face graft charges

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has approved the filing of graft charges against three former Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) officials for the alleged illegal appointment of former Assistant Executive Secretary Antonio Corrado as PhilPost's legal/ management consultant.

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Senate OKs bill banning reappointment of JBC members who have served two full terms

Voting 17-0, the Senate approved on third and final reading Tuesday a bill seeking to ban the re-appointment of a regular member of the Judicial and Bar Council who has already served two full terms, whether consecutive or not.

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Govt spent ‘responsibly’ during papal visit, Palace assures

Although it could not yet release official figures, Malacañang on Tuesday assured the public that the government spent “responsibly” during Pope Francis’ five-day Philippine visit.

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Church officials meet to discuss Pope’s call to end poverty, corruption

Catholic Church officials in the Philippines met on Tuesday to discuss Pope Francis' call against poverty, a day after the 78-year-old Argentine pontiff left Manila following a memorable five-day visit.

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Makati local officials insist on getting questions before attending Senate inquiry

The officials of Makati City want to get a copy of the questions to be asked of them by the senators during the hearing on the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II before they attend the proceedings, their lawyer said Tuesday.

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COA orders LLDA to return P3.67M in unauthorized bonuses

The Commission on Audit has ordered the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to return to the government P3.687 million in bonuses given to its employees for its anniversary, saying it had no authority to give such.

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Pope Francis coming again? Cebu starts yearlong preparations for IEC 2016

Spurred by the prospect of Pope Francis coming for the 2016 International Eucharistic Congress, Cebu officials have start mapping out security arrangements one year in advance.

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