Arroyo transferred to regular hospital room

After more than a day in intensive care, former President Gloria Arroyo was transferred to a regular room at the St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) in Taguig City Sunday morning.

SLMC spokesperson Marilyn Lagniton said Arroyo was transferred sometime Sunday morning, according to a report by radio dzBB’s Allan Gatus.

But the report said Lagniton did not give further details about the transfer.

The report did not say when Mrs. Arroyo, now Pampangacongresswoman, can be discharged.

Last Monday, Arroyo was rushed to the SLMC in Taguig City where doctors found she had a pinched nerve in her spine.

She underwent surgery last Friday to prevent a possible paralysis, her doctors had said. — LBG, GMA News

Virgilio Garcillano may summon from Senate in poll fraud probe

Despite his insistence he did not take part in any alleged cheating in the 2004 elections, former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano may be summoned to the Senate to testify on the matter.

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Teofisto Guingona III on Sunday said Garcillano, who insisted on his “innocence" in a press conference in Bukidnon last Saturday, remains one of the central figures in the “Hello Garci" poll fraud scandal.

Typhoon Kabayan, Tilts Trans-Asia ship

The Philippine coast guard and fishermen have rescued more than 140 people who were on board a passenger ship that dangerously tilted in choppy waters in the central Philippines.

Coast guard chief Admiral Ramon Liwag says the M/V Asia Malaysia left central Cebu region for Iloilo province on an overnight trip when it began to tilt to its right, or starboard side, at dawn Sunday. The cause of the problem was not immediately clear.

Cops apologise to Filipinos for 2004 poll fraud

"You can't hide anything that stinks."

With those words, Senior Superintendent Rafael Santiago on Friday (July 29) apologised to the Filipino nation, and especially to Madame Susan Roces, for what he and his men did six years ago steal election returns (ERs) to ensure the victory of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the fraud-marred 2004 presidential election.

More witnesses vs poll fraud coming out, says Brillantes

More witnesses are willing to come out to reveal cheating and other anomalies in the 2004 Philippine presidential and 2007 senatorial polls, Commission on Elections Chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. said Friday.

This 2004 Poll Fraud revelation is timely. We Filipino people are cheated. We were fooled by a FOOL. This is unforgivable. Our human rights have been trampled more than any leader of this country have done to us. This has brought a GREAT SHAME to all of us Filipinos.

Angry Birds to make Facebook debut "within three months"

Angry Birds, the hugely popular mobile game, is to launch a special Facebook version “within the next three months”, according to Peter Vesterbacka, the game maker’s chief marketing officer.

Gloria Arroyo now recuperating

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is recuperating in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City, Taguig City, after going through a risky but successful surgery to repair her damaged cervical spine.

Doctors said the former President had to be confined at the ICU to ensure that there would be no problems arising from the surgery. They said Mrs. Arroyo would have to stay in the ICU until they are sure that there would be no more complications arising from the surgery.

Friday night, Mrs. Arroyo’s doctors declared the surgery had been completed successfully, and that the confinement in the ICU was only meant to ensure the full recovery of the patient after a long, risky surgery.

Mrs. Arroyo was taken to the hospital last Monday after she felt pain in her neck caused by the damaged cervical spine.

Azkals lose to Kuwait, out of World Cup

The Philippines Azkals gave it their best shot, but in the end Al Azraq of Kuwait was simply the better team, brushing aside a red card on one of its midfielders and relying on its overall superiority to hack out a hard-fought 2-1 victory to wrap up their second-round 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

The Kuwaitis broke the hearts of the 13,000 Azkal supporters who packed the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium hoping to see their heroes overhaul a 0-3 deficit. And while the Philippines played much better than they did in the first leg in Kuwait, it wasn't enough to overcome their opponents' vast experience and superior skills.

Both teams had scoring chances in the first half, and Kuwait, despite sitting on a three-goal cushion, came out looking to score. Al Azraq often tested goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, hitting the goal post three times in the first 45 minutes. The Philippines had the first shot on goal, though, in the ninth minute, when Rob Gier headed a free kick from Chieffy Caligdong straight to Kuwaiti keeper Nawaf Al Khaldi.

Dolphy’s health getting better on 83rd birthday

Dolphy was in high spirits on Monday, July 25, when he celebrated his 83rd birthday since all signs show his health is improving. 

He is looking forward to doing away with his oxygen support system a few weeks from now. 

An interview with ABS-CBN's “TV Patrol”  showed Dolphy celebrating his birthday with family and friends in his home in Marina, Parañaque. Dressed in red sweater and denim jeans, the Comedy King looked healthier and in better shape as compared to late last year when he was promoting his Metro Filmfest movie "Father Jejemon." Dolphy revealed last December that he was having weak lungs and that pneumonia forced him to be on oxygen tank support.

Azkals look to bounce back vs Kuwait

The Philippine Azkals left immediately for Manila right after their game against Kuwait at the Qadsia Stadium.

The Azkals lost the 1st leg of the 2nd round World Cup qualifier, 3-0, and are looking to bounce back at home.

The players were disappointed at their inability to score a goal against Kuwait, despite having 3 golden opportunities in the 1st half.

Strikers Phil Younghusband and Anghel Guirado each had a chance to score for the Azkals.

The Azkals are back in the Philippines after losing in the 1st leg of their 2nd round World Cup qualifier against Kuwait.

"I'm still disappointed," Younghusband said.

Typhoon Juaning kills 20 in Philippines

A tropical storm killed at least 20 people in the Philippines as it dumped enormous amounts of rain that caused major flooding and landslides, authorities said Wednesday.

Nock-ten, named after a Laotian bird, was expected to cause more damage in the mountainous northern areas of the main island of Luzon on Wednesday, while also bringing heavy rain to Manila, the state weather service said.

24 dead, 9 missing in slow-moving Philippine storm

Heavy rains and floods battered the northeastern Philippines for a third day Wednesday as the death toll from a slow-moving storm rose to at least 24 with nine others missing.

Waist-deep floodwaters swamped the houses of about half a million people, nearly half of the population of eastern Albay province, after Tropical Storm Nock-ten set off pounding rains since Monday and sent residents to seek shelter in churches and village halls, said Gov. Joey Salceda.

Arroyo to undergo surgery

Former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will have to undergo an operation within the week due to her damaged cervical spine with multi-level cervical spondylosis.

Her attending physician, Dr. Juliet Cervantes, said an operation must be done immediately to prevent a likely paralysis.

“This can lead to paralysis. Tests are being conducted for her surgery,” Cervantes said as she issued the latest medical bulletin at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City.

Estrada, Pacquiao, Marcos rate Aquino SONA

Not bad but not excellent either.

This was the rating of the majority of those asked to react on President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s second State of the Nation Address.

Former president Joseph Estrada gave Aquino a “passing” rate of six out of ten.

Arroyo in hospital

Former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was rushed to the hospital Monday, hours after President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III delivered his second State of the Nation Address.

Spokesman Maite Defensor said Arroyo was in St. Luke's Taguig. It was not immediately clear why Arroyo had to be rushed to the hospital.

Philippine boxing icon Pacquiao fights poverty as envoy for homeless

Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has a new title under his belt.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) has formally conferred the "Habitat Hero Ambassador" title on Pacquiao, who vowed to help provide decent homes to underprivileged families in Saranggani province, which he represents in Congress.

Habitat's campaign chair Fernando Zobel described Pacquiao as someone who embodies the organization's advocacy of fighting poverty and inspiring Filipinos to work together for the cause.

Palace exec: Let's wait for PNoy announcement on new Ombudsman

Malacañang kept mum Monday on reports that President Benigno Aquino III has chosen retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales as the next Ombudsman.

In a radio interview, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang asked the public instead to wait for Aquino to make his formal announcement.

"Tingnan na rin natin. Sabi nga ni Pangulong Aquino sa media noong nakaraang linggo [na] malapit nang ianunsyo ang bagong Ombudsman. I'm sure in the next few days, meron din tayong marinig tungkol diyan," Carandang said in an interview on dzXL radio.

Akbayan wants life sentence vs Arroyo

Amid resurrected accusations of poll fraud and corruption, former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to face another legal battle.

Akbayan Party-list on Monday announced it will file plunder charges before the Ombudsman, following the recent 'revelations' of the malversation of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office intelligence fund by the previous administration.

2 arrogant Chinese pick on 'wrong' guy in Philippines

Two Chinese nationals were detained after one of them grabbed the husband of Philippine President Aquino's eldest sister by the collar on board a Cebu Pacific flight to this city Saturday morning.

Han Yang, 33, and Xxx Mailiyasi, 31, were held at the Police Center for Aviation Security (PCAS) office at Mactan Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City for at least seven hours. Authorities later decided to transport them to Manila for deportation proceedings for unruly conduct in the aircraft.

Palace urges Pinoys: Listen to SONA on Monday

Malacañang is urging Filipinos, including former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to take time out on Monday to at least listen to President Benigno Aquino III's second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte made the call over the weekend amid Arroyo’s reported plan not to show up at the House of Representatives when Aquino delivers the SONA.

Hacker group strikes again, wishes Aquino good luck at SONA

After attacking the website of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Friday, a hacker group hit another government website early Saturday, and left a message for President Benigno Aquino III.

The group, calling itself PrivateX, attacked the site of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), then wished Aquino good luck in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this coming Monday.

Half a million Saudi OFWs may turn jobless, says labor group

At least a half a million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in will lose their jobs after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implements a six-year cap on working permits issued to foreign workers, a labor group said.

The so-called “Saudization” plan is intended to favor Saudi nationals over expatriate workers when it comes to job opportunities.

“If implemented, this will affect thousands of OFWs who have been staying in Saudi for more than six years. Some 60 percent of the 1.2 million OFWs in Saudi are re-hires,” said  John Leonard Monterona, regional coordinator of OFW group Migrante in the Middle East.

Garci denies knowledge of alleged ‘04 poll fraud

Amid fresh calls for the investigation of the alleged fraud in the 2004 elections, former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano denied knowledge of poll cheating anew, GMA News’ “24 Oras" newscast reported Thursday.

Garcillano told GMA News that the Comelec should answer questions on the alleged poll fraud instead, adding that he is now a private citizen who prefers to keep a quiet life.

Arroyo answers P550-M plunder raps at DOJ

After failing to appear before a Department of Justice investigating panel three times, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo went to the DOJ on Friday to finally submit her counter-affidavit answering one of the three plunder complaints against her.

Arroyo's submission of her counter-affidavit was one day ahead of the scheduled preliminary investigation hearing on the plunder charges stemming from the alleged misuse P550 million in welfare funds for migrant workers.

Cebu City named ASEAN City of Culture

Apart from being the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City is now also tagged as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) City of Culture.

Famed for its historical landmarks, well-made guitars, tasty dried mangoes, and great seafood, Cebu City is the 10th Philippine City to gain such an honor. 

“From the historic Magellan’s cross planted in the heart of the city, to the city’s magnificent hotels, pristine beaches and diving spots, colorful religious and tourist festivals and vibrant industries—you name it, Cebu has it,” said Department of Foreign Affairs, ASEAN Affairs Executive Director Olivia Palala during the awarding ceremonies in Cebu.

Hackers strike again, CBCP website defaced

A website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines was defaced anew Thursday, the third time since November 2010.

Visitors to the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Health Care website Thursday afternoon were greeted with an image of a gagged person, with a black background.

"Hacked ... By:ASEROH ... You Must Be Better ... In The Next Time :)" read the message on the defaced site (www.cbcphealthcare.org).

The title bar of the browser window or tab displaying the defaced site read, "HackEd By ASEROH

Philippines seen to remain No. 3 in global outsourcing

The Philippines is seen holding on to the third spot in the global offshoring market, with revenue for the year expected to reach $10.7 billion for a 7.4-percent share of the market.

According to Canada-based research firm XMG Global, India will continue to be the world leader, with an estimated global take of $61.5 billion, or 42.5 percent of offshoring revenue in 2011.

Duterte guilty of misconduct: Local Government

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) found Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte guilty of misconduct for punching a court sheriff during a demolition of illegal settlers' shanties last July 1.

However, the DILG could not file administrative charges against the mayor due to some legal actions earlier filed by the Sheriffs Confederation of the Philippines (Scophil) at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said Scophil's complaint precluded the DILG from filing its own administrative case against the mayor because "this will violate the principle of forum-shopping."

Amanda Coling open to apology but does not say for what nor from whom

Amanda Coling, the model implicated in an alleged rape some members of the men’s national football team supposedly committed, said Tuesday through her lawyer that she is “open to accepting apology from the concerned parties."

You know Miss Amanda if you don't want you family get affected with the issue you are into, maybe you just deal with this case in a discreet manner. No more followup interviews or comments or anything to make things worse. You openly showed your face to the public that seems claiming it's you involved in that rape situation. Then you don't want to divulge the real identities of the culprits?

China protests planned Philippine trip to Spratlys

China protested a planned trip by five Filipino lawmakers to a Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea's disputed Spratlys, saying Tuesday it would do nothing but undermine regional stability and "sabotage" bilateral ties.

Communist China says the visit of our lawmakers is hostile. What a piece of crap!!!

Fellow Filipinos, you may recall that China's vessels fire gun shots at our Filipino fishermen. When our government conducted oil exploration in the Reed Bank (which is not part of the disputed Spratlys), the Chinese military vessel hounded the Philippine's chartered vessel.

DFA asks Saudi OFWs to report unjust terminations

Filipino migrant workers in Saudi Arabia who get terminated from their jobs without a valid cause should get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

The agency also advised OFWs in the Kingdom to regularly visit the Philippine Embassy website for updates on the Nitaqat or “Saudization" system, which prioritizes the employment of Saudi nationals over foreign workers in Saudi-owned firms.

SMS-crazy Pinoys get more 'unli' options

Globe Telecom recently introduced its SUPERUNLI ALLTXT25, which provides unlimited text service for a day to all networks, from Globe, its subsidiary Touch Mobile, and rivals Smart Communications and Talk 'N Text.

Meanwhile, Smart Communications has also recently introduced a new series of text promos. One of these is the SMARTalk Unli Call & Text 100, which is unlimited calls and text within their network (Smart and Talk N Text) for four days, or P25 per day.
This would be most cost effective service for Smart users who want to make unlimited calls to those within the same network. However, Smart has yet to offer an unlimited service that allows for sending of free SMS to Globe.

Philippine Navy acquires biggest warship

The biggest ship ever to be acquired by the Philippine Navy, the renamed BRP Gregorio del Pilar, will begin its three-week journey to the Philippines from California on Monday.

The 378-foot Hamilton-class cutter is a decommissioned United States Coast Guard patrol vessel that the Philippines was able to acquire under the United States Excess Defense Act.

Good news! 10-thumbs-up for the government on this move. 400-million is small price to pay for our country's defense.

Binay seeks justice for FPJ

Perhaps if it could be proven that all of these allegations of corruption and election cheating are true then it should be a wake up call for Filipinos who are in government to do what is needed to be done to serve the people and not to abuse and enrich themselves, their families and friends out of the coffers of the government or in anyway use such powers to gain advantage over their fellowmen.

For after all the Filipinos who are taxpayers (if they are, if they don't pay or cheat they have no business to open their mouth) have all the priviledge to cry out any misuse of funds and violations of elections. All Philippine Presidents wished that. And I believe they always pray that they do more good and that they will succeed in helping the Philippines to become more progressive. But there are always the old ways and they are many, and one Senator once said "corruption is engrained in every level of the bureauracy" and so is a gigantic thing to battle.

PNoy gives legal team all the time it needs to build up cases vs past admin

I love my country, I'm so sad that our leaders are moving backwards , they focus so much on the issues of the past instead of focusing on how to make Philippines a better.

Every administration is blaming the previous administration as corrupt, the cycle does not stop so our country cannot move forward.

It is good to study and evaluate the past and if necessary have an investigation like what Mr President is doing but if our leaders will just put as much passion, effort, time and resources on improvement of our country . Philippines will progress and go a long way. Our country has a lot of resources, and with a good leader I know we can be progressive.

PNoy to push International arbitration on Spratlys dispute

President Benigno Aquino III will be pushing for an international arbitration on the Spratlys territorial dispute when he visit China later this year, despite Beijing's earlier opposition to the idea.

If China cannot respect United Nation's International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) which composed of more than 100 countries around the world. What more if only one country will reach on agreement with China through bilateral agreement would they do their obligation? I think not. It's better to let the International body to decide who is right or wrong. China knew they never win in a legal way that's why they resort on bilateral agreement to bribed nation to agree with them.

Bill seeks to establish shelters for old people without homes

House Bill 4751, or the “Homeless Elderly Center of 2011”, would put up homes for the elderly in provinces. Tenants will be provided with living quarters, clothing, food, and medical attention. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will operate and maintain the centers.
The centers will be home to the elderly who have been neglected and abandoned by their children or other family members.

Another GREAT idea but only on paper. The Republic Act 9257 or the Expanded Seniors Citizens Act, provides for FREE MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.

No conditions in exchange for Zaldy’s testimony, lawyer insists

"THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE IS VIRTUAL IF NOT TRUE CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY. IF SO, THERE IS NO NEED OF A STAR WITNESS, MAGUINDANAO SOCIETY IS THE WITNESS. LET US FACE IT. ASK CITIZENS OF MAGUINDANAO."

Murder suspect and suspended Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Rizaldy “Zaldy" Ampatuan does not want anything in exchange for his testimonies about the Maguindanao massacre case and past irregularities allegedly committed during the Arroyo administration, report says.

PNoy OKs plan making him ‘export champion’

A nice move for Philippine economy to boost. We should do what South Korea did. They concentrate on small to medium scale business as well as exports. We can do it if we believe we can!

Right, it's easy to say that we'll be an "exporting champion". We can't even provide for ourselves. A country with great agricultural potential can't even grow crops and stop importing rice. Maybe before thinking about exports, focus more on growing domestic products as a substitute for importation. Self sufficiency first, before profitable marketing.

Bishops elect Palma to lead CBCP

BISHOP PALMA, NOW IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE.

Start being a real shepherd of your flock and refrain from political inuendos. You assumed the leadership of CBCP at a time when it most beleaguered by various unsavory issues.

It's not an easy task ahead. But with God on your side, you will succeed. Just make sure you do an honest to goodness cleansing among your ranks.

CBCP apologizes over PCSO scandal

What values are these bishops taking about? I don't know what vows they have taken when they were ordained, but surely they lost them all. The Church that they represents is tarnished by their stupid actions. Surely, decency is not in their system anymore. Can't they see the rampant poverty among our countrymen? And yet they have the gall to show off their luxury vehicles.

Philippines, China agree to keep peace in West Philippine Sea

We can not trust China, the true face of a wolf ready to devour its prey! We should wake up and take immediate necessary countermeasures against an ambitious aggressive communist China before it’s too late!

Trusting the Chinese? How many of those promises and even contracts that they violated? am sure they will do what is best for them ones opportunity comes even if steps on somebody's toes.

Survey: Poverty and Hunger drop

The government is trying to resolve as much they can do in order to ease and alleviate major problems being inherited from those previous government. To be exact Filipinos are hardworking and positive at all times since our culture flows higher than our pessimistic attitude.

However, how can we do our part to help the government succeed? In what manner do we cultivate ourselves to restrict, reinforce, respond, to the changes being proposed by the state?

Butuan Bishop admits receiving SUV from PCSO

I came from a Catholic school and if I remember right we were told that anyone from the religious like the nuns and priests are taught to live a life of "SIMPLICITY" and reject luxurious gifts from anyone because they should embody or reflect the way Jesus lived HIS life. We should all remember the name of this Bishop because he is definitely unfit to hold office much more spread the teaching of God, and I doubt it he will even be removed from office, knowing how the church likes to cover up the crimes of their priests. And what a lame excuse to use revenge by the Aquino government towards GMA's allies. What you did was so shameful and unfit for someone serving God don't blame anyone for your greediness, Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos.

Philippine Azkals beat Sri Lanka

CONGRATULATION TO TEAM AZKALS. I am one of the big fans of Madrid team in FIFA World 2010.... now because of what you did to Sri Lanka, I am yours! Keep up the good work AZKALS. Next Fight with Kuwait bet them too. TEAM WORK is the best weapon to bet the enemy. Hope you can make it to the FIFA WORLD Cup

This is it. Time to be nationalistic. Let's all support the Azkals, our own Pinoy Football Team. They're the best that ever happened to Philippine sports after Pacquiao.

Smoking ban in Philippine Capital

Outstanding Job to the law enforcers! I hope the law include the premises of Malacanang Palace and the offices of president (it's still a government spaces). The leaders of the country should lead the example for the masses.

Under the new ban, people caught smoking at schools, gyms, parks, hospitals, elevators and stairwells of all buildings, buses and bus depots, restaurants, and government facilities will be hit with the 500-peso fine.

Saudi bans domestic workers from Philippines

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it would stop granting work permits to domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines, following hiring conditions imposed by the Asian countries.

The ministry of labour said it would "stop issuing work visas to bring domestic workers from Indonesia and the Philippines, effective from Saturday" due to "the terms of recruitment announced by the two countries," according to a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

Implementation of Saudization program

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia expressed anxiety over the upcoming implementation of the “Saudization” program, under which foreign workers who have worked there for six years or more will no longer be issued working permits.

All Saudi firms are urged to comply with the Nitaqat system by September 10 as part of its efforts to prioritize hiring of Saudi nationals and to reduce unemployment in the country.

Aquino satisfaction ratings goes down

Why? What happened?

It's all because YOU voted him only out of sympathy because he is an Aquino?

Only he's the son of Tita Cory and Ninoy that he can continue his parents' legacy and raise the standards of the Filipinos?

Next election let's us vote for Carlo Aquino, Angel Aquino, Kris Aquino and all Aquinos around and at the end YOU will say Aqui NONONONO..!

Spratly Island already invade by Chinese

Spratly Islands belongs to the Philippines. Is it so hard for the Chinese government to understand that? Is their land area not enough for their population? They are trying hard to get the Islands of Spratly because of its rich resources. They have drastically exploited theirs, and because of their greediness, nothing is left for them and now they are stupid enough to imagine that we are frightened of their tactics. The Chinese government has to get a life!