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Kodak keeps control of bankruptcy through Feb. 28

* Plan would outline how to repay creditors, exit bankruptcy

Source: Kodak keeps control of bankruptcy through Feb. 28

Barclays launches USD3bn CoCo at 7.625%

LONDON, Nov 14 (IFR) - Barclays Bank has launched a USD3bn
10-year Tier 2 contingent capital issue which will be priced
later on Wednesday.

Source: Barclays launches USD3bn CoCo at 7.625%

US regulators report possible link between caffeine shot, deaths

(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed on Wednesday the receipt of reports that another caffeine drink, 5-hour Energy, may have been involved in a number of deaths - in this case 13 over the past four years.

Source: US regulators report possible link between caffeine shot, deaths

Scientists identify new risk gene for Alzheimer's

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Two international teams of scientists have identified a rare mutation in a gene linked with inflammation that significantly increases the risk for the most common form of Alzheimer's disease, the first such discovery in at least a decade.

Source: Scientists identify new risk gene for Alzheimer's

New rule on vaccine to help fight meningitis in remotest Africa

LONDON (Reuters) - A cheap meningitis vaccine designed to treat a type of the disease common in Africa was ruled safe to use after several days without refrigeration on Wednesday, allowing health workers to get it to people in more remote parts.

Source: New rule on vaccine to help fight meningitis in remotest Africa

Scientists go the whole hog in genome mapping

LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have mapped the genome of the domestic pig in a project that could enhance the animal's use for meat production and the testing of drugs for human disease.

Source: Scientists go the whole hog in genome mapping

Even moderate drinking in pregnancy may affect child's IQ

LONDON (Reuters) - Women who drink even moderate amounts of alcohol while pregnant may risk lowering child's intelligence levels, according to a study by British scientists.

Source: Even moderate drinking in pregnancy may affect child's IQ

Pediatricians may lack training in concussion care

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pediatricians and pediatric nurses often see young patients with concussions, but a new survey suggests they may lack the tools and training to diagnose and treat them.

Source: Pediatricians may lack training in concussion care

Accused Colorado gunman tried to harm himself: reports

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Reuters) - Accused Colorado theater gunman James Holmes was taken to the hospital on Tuesday for a medical condition that left him unable to attend a court hearing set for two days later, his lawyers said, with local media reporting he had tried to harm himself.

Source: Accused Colorado gunman tried to harm himself: reports

Second cases of Lyme rash are often reinfection

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When the bulls-eye-shaped rash of Lyme disease reappears many months after treatment, the source is almost certainly a new tick bite and not a resurgence of the original infection, according to a new analysis of 17 patients.

Source: Second cases of Lyme rash are often reinfection

Illinois congressman remains under doctors' care: Mayo Clinic

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Jesse Jackson, Jr., a U.S. Congressman from Illinois, will remain under the care of physicians to manage and treat his depression, according to a statement on Wednesday from the Mayo Clinic.

Source: Illinois congressman remains under doctors' care: Mayo Clinic

Hong Kong, China shares retreat, Tencent hit after earnings miss

* New China Life Insurance slides after MSCI China
non-inclusion

Source: Hong Kong, China shares retreat, Tencent hit after earnings miss

UPDATE 2-Sony tumbles on convertible bonds issue

* If price level holds, close would be lowest since 1980

 (Adds comment on convertible bonds)

Source: UPDATE 2-Sony tumbles on convertible bonds issue

CORRECTED-UPDATE 6-Starbucks buying Teavana, eyes repeat of coffee success

(Removes incorrect reference to number of new Teavana stores
attributed to Starbucks chief executive Schultz, paragraph 6,
adds Teavana chief executive Mack forecasts 500 Teavana stores,
paragraph 7, removes incorrect fifth bullet point)

Source: CORRECTED-UPDATE 6-Starbucks buying Teavana, eyes repeat of coffee success

UPDATE 1-Esprit shares surge 33 pct as ex-chairman raises stake

HONG KONG, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Shares of Esprit Holdings Ltd
 jumped as much as 33 percent on Thursday after its
former chairman increased his holding in the Europe-focused
fashion retailer, fuelling hopes he would play a bigger role in
the company.

Source: UPDATE 1-Esprit shares surge 33 pct as ex-chairman raises stake

Argentina, Mexico in preliminary deal to resume free car trade-AMIA

MEXICO CITY, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Mexican carmakers said on
Wednesday they had reached a preliminary agreement with
counterparts in Argentina to resume free trade in vehicles, but
both urged their governments to begin a formal dialogue to
settle remaining differences.

Source: Argentina, Mexico in preliminary deal to resume free car trade-AMIA

Carlyle, Seven Group hire Goldman for possible sale of Coates Hire

SYDNEY, Nov 15 (Reuters) - The owners of Coates Hire have
roped in Goldman Sachs for a possible sale of Australia's
top equipment hire firm after failing to proceed with other
options including an A$800 million ($831 million) initial public
offer earlier this year.

Source: Carlyle, Seven Group hire Goldman for possible sale of Coates Hire

UPDATE 1-James Hardie cuts earnings forecast, shares slide

* Cuts FY earnings f'cast to $140-$150 mln vs $140-160 mln

Source: UPDATE 1-James Hardie cuts earnings forecast, shares slide

UPDATE 1-Waffle House chairman admits consensual sex acts, charges blackmail

Nov 14 (Reuters) - The chairman of the Waffle House
restaurant chain acknowledged  he had consensual sexual
encounters with a former housekeeper, but said she was now
falsely accusing him of sexual harassment for her own financial
gain.

Source: UPDATE 1-Waffle House chairman admits consensual sex acts, charges blackmail

Executives urge White House, lawmakers to avoid "fiscal cliff"

WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Business executives urged
President Barack Obama and U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday to
prevent a year-end across-the-board tax rise that will go into
effect unless Congress acts, saying it would hurt consumer
spending and business.

Source: Executives urge White House, lawmakers to avoid "fiscal cliff"

Probers face blank wall in MSU principal's killing

The police are facing a blank wall in their investigation on the killing of Conchita 'Ching' Francisco, the grade school principal of the Mindanao State University (MSU) who was gunned down Tuesday night in Tawi-Tawi province.

Source: Probers face blank wall in MSU principal's killing

Mag-5.8 quake hits Negros; Phivolcs warns of possible damage, aftershocks

A magnitude-5.8 quake jolted the Negros area Wednesday afternoon and was felt in parts of Visayas and Mindanao, even as state seismologists warning of possible aftershocks and damage.

Source: Mag-5.8 quake hits Negros; Phivolcs warns of possible damage, aftershocks

Police: Bodies of 4 massacre victims found in septic tank in CDO



Source: Police: Bodies of 4 massacre victims found in septic tank in CDO

Grade school principal gunned down outside Tawi-Tawi church — police

Unidentified armed men gunned down a school principal and Catholic parish worker outside a church in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi province Tuesday night, police said.

Source: Grade school principal gunned down outside Tawi-Tawi church — police

Mayor in Lanao Sur wants army detachment set up in his town

Claiming a rise in the number of loose firearms in his municipality, a mayor in Lanao del Sur has requested the Army to set up a temporary detachment near the town.

Source: Mayor in Lanao Sur wants army detachment set up in his town

Reward for information on killers of Nueva Ecija radioman raised to P2M

Authorities have doubled to P2 million the reward for information leading to the arrest of the killers of a radio broadcaster in Nueva Ecija last week.

Source: Reward for information on killers of Nueva Ecija radioman raised to P2M

NDRRMC: Two dead, one missing amid bad weather conditions in Mindanao

At least two people were reported killed while one is missing amid bad weather conditions brought by a low-pressure area (LPA) off Mindanao, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Tuesday.

Source: NDRRMC: Two dead, one missing amid bad weather conditions in Mindanao

Kin, friends cry for justice at funeral caravan for slain Cabanatuan radioman

Relatives and friends made a call for justice as they held a funeral caravan for slain radio commentator Julius Caesar Cauzo Monday in Nueva Ecija, a radio report said.

Source: Kin, friends cry for justice at funeral caravan for slain Cabanatuan radioman

NDRRMC: 26 hurt in bus accident in South Cotabato

At least 26 people were reported injured after a bus they were riding figured in an accident in South Cotabato Monday night, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Tuesday.

Source: NDRRMC: 26 hurt in bus accident in South Cotabato

6 suspected gun-for-hire members die in Laguna shootout

Six suspected members of a gun-for-hire gang were gunned down in an encounter with police in Laguna province early Monday.

Source: 6 suspected gun-for-hire members die in Laguna shootout

NDRRMC in Visayas, Mindanao on blue alert for low-pressure area

Disaster management officials in Visayas and Mindanao were placed on blue alert Monday due to the threat of flash floods and landslides from a low-pressure area (LPA).

Source: NDRRMC in Visayas, Mindanao on blue alert for low-pressure area

US Navy initiates inquiry on alleged Subic Bay toxic waste dumping

The United States Navy is now conducting its own investigation of the alleged dumping of hazardous wastes in Subic Bay by Malaysian shipping firm Glenn Defense Marine Philippines. The firm is contracted to service US Navy assets. Subic Bay harbor is part of a former major US naval base that has been transformed into a freeport under Philippine control. US naval ships still visit the port, and at least some of these ships were serviced by the Glenn Defense ship, the MV Glenn Guardian.

Source: US Navy initiates inquiry on alleged Subic Bay toxic waste dumping

Two members of medical mission drown in Palawan

Two members of a medical mission team – a dentist and her aide – drowned in a river in Palawan province Saturday afternoon.

Source: Two members of medical mission drown in Palawan

NDRRMC: 3 killed, 1 hurt in Albay car crash

Three people were reported killed while one was critically injured after a sedan they were riding crashed into an electric post in Albay province in Bicol before dawn Sunday.

Source: NDRRMC: 3 killed, 1 hurt in Albay car crash

Coconuts and underpants to mark Guinness Records Day

LONDON - Giant chocolate coins, squeezing people into a Mini car, didgeridoo playing and 'sport stacking' will all be pushed to their limits during Guinness World Records day on Thursday.

Source: Coconuts and underpants to mark Guinness Records Day

Man believed killed 2 years ago in Davao turns up alive

A man who was believed killed in Davao two years ago and whose supposed body was found last weekend turned out to be alive and well, a radio report said Wednesday.

Source: Man believed killed 2 years ago in Davao turns up alive

Pope says world needs more (literary) Latin lovers

At the weekend, Pope Benedict XVI started a new Vatican department to promote the study and use of Latin in the Roman Catholic Church and beyond.

Source: Pope says world needs more (literary) Latin lovers

Give winnings on me to church, new Archbishop of Canterbury says



Source: Give winnings on me to church, new Archbishop of Canterbury says

Dead candidates win elections in Florida, Alabama



Source: Dead candidates win elections in Florida, Alabama

Indian wardens bang drums to halt peeing in public

Volunteers in India armed with drums and whistles are to lead a crackdown on going to the toilet in public under a new scheme in the western state of Rajasthan, a report said Monday.

Source: Indian wardens bang drums to halt peeing in public

Wanted: Dutch poop for scientific study

THE HAGUE - Three top Dutch medical schools are asking thousands of travelers to tropical countries to donate stool samples on return for a study into the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Source: Wanted: Dutch poop for scientific study

MMDA deploys ghouls, the un-dead to direct traffic



Source: MMDA deploys ghouls, the un-dead to direct traffic

Palawan man remains dead despite promise; neighbors complain of stench

Residents of Barangay Inagawan in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan are gagging over the stench coming from the remains of a local medicine man who died two weeks ago but remains unburied or embalmed. Before he died, Alfredo Corpuz had insisted that he would return to life during a full moon, which came on Monday with nary a breath from the dead man.

Source: Palawan man remains dead despite promise; neighbors complain of stench

‘South Park’ takes aim at…Lance Armstrong?

Animated TV comedy satire 'South Park' is taking aim at a disgraced icon who seems a lot like seven-time Tour de France winning cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Source: ‘South Park’ takes aim at…Lance Armstrong?

Goat thinks it's a dog; finds home with the army

A goat has managed to ingratiate itself with a military unit in Pikit, North Cotabato. It loves, it likes taking baths, it likes tailing its master. And it thinks it’s a dog.

Source: Goat thinks it's a dog; finds home with the army

September 11 mastermind's beard mystery solved: he dyes it with berries

GUANTANAMO BAY U.S. NAVAL BASE, Cuba - Accused September 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed has been tinting his beard red by rubbing it with fruit juice and crushed berries from his breakfast, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday.

Source: September 11 mastermind's beard mystery solved: he dyes it with berries

Brazil car washer turns up alive at own wake

BRASILIA - A 41-year-old car washer from northeastern Brazil shocked his family by turning up at his own wake after his family mistakenly identified a murdered local man at the morgue as him, local media reported on Tuesday.

Source: Brazil car washer turns up alive at own wake

Survey says! More Filipino women drink than men



Source: Survey says! More Filipino women drink than men

Teen hacker claims making prototype Windows Phone 8 malware

Barely has Windows Phone 8 —Microsoft's newest operating system for smartphones— hit store shelves, a teen hacker already claims to have made a prototype malware targeting the OS.

Source: Teen hacker claims making prototype Windows Phone 8 malware

The screen is incorporated in the jacket's sleeve, while an open-source Arduino microcontroller allows communication with an Android phone via Bluetooth.

Source:

New OSX malware targets Tibetan activists

Users of Apple computers running OS X were warned this week against a new variant of the OSX/Imuler malware that targets Tibetan activists but can allow an attacker to control an infected machine.

Source: New OSX malware targets Tibetan activists

Microsoft Messenger to be retired, absorbed into Skype

Microsoft is retiring its venerable 'Messenger' IM software, but assured Messenger users can still access their contacts through Microsoft-acquired videoconferencing service Skype.

Source: Microsoft Messenger to be retired, absorbed into Skype

High-tech helmet detects concussions in athletes

The helmet by Reebok-CCM Hockey and MC10 Inc., slated to be available in early 2013, will help determine if athletes need just rest or medical attention.

Source: High-tech helmet detects concussions in athletes

Apple does a Google, gives workers 'free time' perks

Apple Inc. is taking a page from fellow tech giant —and smartphone-tablet rival— Google Inc. by giving its workers free time to concentrate on their pet engineering projects.

Source: Apple does a Google, gives workers 'free time' perks

The rise of the $20 7in tablet computer

Move over, iPad mini and Nexus 7. Here comes a real tablet for the masses.

Source: The rise of the $20 7in tablet computer

Improved invisibility cloak developed

Six years after electrical engineers from Duke University created a functional albeit still imperfect invisibility cloak, a member of the team has improved on the device's design.

Source: Improved invisibility cloak developed

NTC quality of service benchmark rates Smart vs. Globe

Regulator National Telecommunications Commission has come up with the low down on which of the top telcos – Smart Communications Inc. or Globe Telecom Inc. – offers better service to its tens of millions of customers.

Source: NTC quality of service benchmark rates Smart vs. Globe

Study: Backdoor Trojans, password stealer top threats to Windows 8

While its new technology can block rootkit-based malware, Windows 8 remains vulnerable to other forms of malware such as backdoor Trojans and password stealer, a security vendor said this week.

Source: Study: Backdoor Trojans, password stealer top threats to Windows 8

Google is 'checking in' Mars

What's it like to be on Mars? Well now you can see what the Red Planet is like, from the comfort of your home or office. The new Google Mars shows images downloaded by NASA almost real time, in a layer called 'Live from Mars' on the Google Earth webpage.

Source: Google is 'checking in' Mars

Testcovery wins Mindanao’s first Start-Up Weekend



Source: Testcovery wins Mindanao’s first Start-Up Weekend

Nexus 7 unit 'explodes,' Asus quickly sends replacement

A Google Nexus 7 tablet exploded in China due to a faulty battery —and the manufacturer quickly replaced it, an Android enthusiast site reported over the weekend.

Source: Nexus 7 unit 'explodes,' Asus quickly sends replacement

Google to disable background images Nov. 16

Search giant Google is taking away Background Images, a feature that allows logged-in users to customize their otherwise minimalist Google search page, as part of the streamlining of its Search page.

Source: Google to disable background images Nov. 16

Abad confirms some LGUs invested in Aman Futures

MANILA, Philippines - Budget Secretary Butch Abad on Wednesday confirmed there were some politicians who invested in Aman Futures, the trading firm currently being investigated for being behind a P12-billion pyramid scam.

Source: Abad confirms some LGUs invested in Aman Futures

PLDT confident SEC will soften foreign investment rules

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. is hoping the Securities and Exchange Commission will tone down its new draft rules on foreign ownership limit of companies engaged in public utilities.

Source: PLDT confident SEC will soften foreign investment rules

Lopez Holdings' 9-month profit surges 76% to P6.1B

Lopez Holdings Corporation on Thursday reported its net income surged 76 pct to P6.185 billion for the first 9 months. Lopez Holdings said its net income attributable to equity holders of the parent for the January to September period was 76 pct higher than the P3.513 M during the same period last year.

Source: Lopez Holdings' 9-month profit surges 76% to P6.1B

Uniqlo to open 2nd store at SM City North Edsa

MANILA, Philippines - Japanese fashion chain Uniqlo is opening its second store at SM City North Edsa The Block on Friday.

Source: Uniqlo to open 2nd store at SM City North Edsa

US gives firms hints on avoiding foreign bribery charges

WASHINGTON - U.S. officials have decided not to prosecute companies accused of bribing officials in foreign countries when the companies disclosed the conduct to authorities, fired responsible employees and took steps to improve compliance with the law, according to a government document released on Wednesday.

Source: US gives firms hints on avoiding foreign bribery charges

Palace orders probe into Aman Futures

The Palace has ordered a probe into Aman Futures, which is accused of scamming billions of pesos from investors. The probe will also check if any government officials have invested public funds into Aman Futures.

Source: Palace orders probe into Aman Futures

Ayala Land to grow tourism landbank

MANILA, Philippines - Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is preparing for a boom in tourism arrivals and is laying down plans to widen its presence mainly in the country?s beach resort segment, a top company executive said on Wednesday.

Source: Ayala Land to grow tourism landbank

Banks feel bite of low interest rates

MANILA, Philippines - Banks are feeling the bite of low interest environment, but they will not resort to unsound practices just so they can improve their profits, an organization of bank treasurers said yesterday.

Source: Banks feel bite of low interest rates

Philex's Padcal mine can't resume operation next year

BAGUIO CITY?Resumption by Philex Mining Corp. of operation of its Padcal  mine in Benguet is not likely going to happen next year.

Source: Philex's Padcal mine can't resume operation next year

US report warns over China state firms

WASHINGTON - A US commission on Wednesday urged lawmakers to consider tighter rules on investment by Chinese state-owned firms, warning that they may pose economic as well as security risks.

Source: US report warns over China state firms

PhilHealth members to benefit from sin taxes

Isyu ng kalusugan at hindi lang buwis. Ito ang iginigiit ng mga nagsusulong ng sin tax bill sa Senado. Duda naman ang mga kontra sa panukalang batas na malilikom ang sinasabing target na pondo.

Source: PhilHealth members to benefit from sin taxes

Investors urged to file complaint vs. Aman Futures

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urges investors to file formal complaints against Aman Futures.

Source: Investors urged to file complaint vs. Aman Futures

Jobless Pinoys get no income support: ILO

More than 86 percent of workers worldwide who lost their jobs after the global economic crisis -- about 34.4 million people -- had no unemployment benefit to fall back on, the International Labour Organization said on Wednesday.

Source: Jobless Pinoys get no income support: ILO

DOJ to probe Aman Futures 'scam'

Lumutang na ang iba pang nabiktima ng kumpanyang Aman Futures sa  Visayas. Pina-iimbestigahan na rin ng Department of Justice ang  kumpanyang nangako na do-doblehin ang pera ng kanilang mga investor.  Nagpa-Patrol si Joworski Alipon. TV Patrol, Nobyembre 14, 2012,  Miyerkules

Source: DOJ to probe Aman Futures 'scam'

PHL cited as 'world's budget English teacher'

Philippine residents do not have to search far and wide for the best country that can teach English at the lowest possible cost. They're living in it.

Source: PHL cited as 'world's budget English teacher'

Muntinlupa choir wins gold medal in intl competition in China

The Muntinlupa Science High School (MSHS) Chorale brought home the gold medal in the

   Mixed Youth Choirs category at the Guangzhou International Open Competition held from

   November 8 to 14 in Guangzhou, mainland China.

Source: Muntinlupa choir wins gold medal in intl competition in China

Pinoy Ambassador accused of molesting Pinay maid now back in PHL

Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan Primavera, accused of molesting a Filipina domestic helper, is now back in the country to face an investigation, the Department of Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday.

Source: Pinoy Ambassador accused of molesting Pinay maid now back in PHL

Goodbye Sandy, welcome Bayanihan

The world-renowned Philippine dance troupe Bayanihan offered New York City a bright ray of hope with its vibrant and ethereal presentation on Nov. 1 before a large audience still reeling from the massive devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy earlier that week.

Source: Goodbye Sandy, welcome Bayanihan

Row flares over global fight vs. fake medicines

LONDON - A group of experts calling for a global treaty to stop the lethal trade in fake medicines has been barred from attending a World Health Organization meeting, highlighting deep divisions that are blocking progress on the subject.

Source: Row flares over global fight vs. fake medicines

Pinoy facing execution in Saudi Arabia gets reprieve



Source: Pinoy facing execution in Saudi Arabia gets reprieve

3.6 million people in Sudan to be vaccinated as yellow fever outbreak kills over 100



Source: 3.6 million people in Sudan to be vaccinated as yellow fever outbreak kills over 100

Lawmaker wants anti-gay law as 'Christmas gift' to Ugandans

KAMPALA - Uganda's parliamentary speaker said she wanted to pass as a 'Christmas gift' for Ugandans an anti-gay law, which rights groups have criticized for its draconian penalties against homosexuals.

Source: Lawmaker wants anti-gay law as 'Christmas gift' to Ugandans

German army wasting taxpayers' money on lip balm, sunscreen — auditors

BERLIN - Germany's army is wasting millions of euros of taxpayers' money producing its own sunscreen, cough drops and lip balm rather than buying them off the shelf, auditors said on Tuesday.

Source: German army wasting taxpayers' money on lip balm, sunscreen — auditors

Fil-Am winners and losers in last US elections

Former Hawaii Gov. Benjamin Cayetano, the first Filipino-American governor in the United States, lost in his bid for mayor of Honolulu; while Ohio’s Republican Fil-Am congressional bet Marisha Agana met the same fate on Tuesday’s elections.

Source: Fil-Am winners and losers in last US elections

Meningitis outbreak in 19 states sparks calls for stricter regulation of US drug industry

WASHINGTON - U.S. and state health regulators called on Congress on Tuesday to strengthen federal oversight of compounding pharmacies as lawmakers prepared for two days of hearings on a deadly fungal meningitis outbreak linked to a compounded steroid.

Source: Meningitis outbreak in 19 states sparks calls for stricter regulation of US drug industry

Fil-Am homes in New York suffer brunt of Hurricane Sandy's wrath

Retired Filipino-American physician Ned Pulido and his wife Menchie narrowly escaped death when a giant tree crushed into the master bedroom of their Jamaica Estates home in Queens, N.Y. due to the strong winds of Hurricane Sandy on Oct. 29.

Source: Fil-Am homes in New York suffer brunt of Hurricane Sandy's wrath

PHL readies repatriation of three fishermen rescued in Vietnam

Philippine authorities are set to repatriate three Filipino fishermen rescued off Vietnam late last month, the Department of Foreign Affairs said late Tuesday.

Source: PHL readies repatriation of three fishermen rescued in Vietnam

OFW's body arrives from Malaysia, to be flown to Roxas

The remains of an overseas Filipino worker who allegedly committed suicide while in Malaysia arrived home Tuesday afternoon, and will be flown to her hometown Roxas City early Wednesday.

Source: OFW's body arrives from Malaysia, to be flown to Roxas

PHL given ‘Orchid Award’ by anti-tobacco organization

The Philippines was recently bestowed the Orchid Award by international, anti-tobacco-use organization the Framework Convention Alliance (FCA).

Source: PHL given ‘Orchid Award’ by anti-tobacco organization

Civil servants’ bonuses to be determined by public satisfaction rating

Based on a policy to be enacted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) next year, the public will have a say on the bonuses government employee will receive.

Source: Civil servants’ bonuses to be determined by public satisfaction rating

CHR sees land rights as key to peace in conflict areas

Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales Rosales said Wednesday that 'the struggle for land rights must be seen from the question of a key issue in building peace on the ground.'

Source: CHR sees land rights as key to peace in conflict areas

Pattern of negligence, collusion may have led to Robredo crash – CAAP official

The plane crash that killed Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo last August may have been a disaster waiting to happen after authorities brushed off a similar incident earlier this year. Capt. John Andrews of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the same air taxi company that flew Robredo was involved in a crash last March where two people were killed in a small plane without an Airworthiness Certificate and flown by a student co-pilot. Probers found that the company put paying passengers on a training flight.

Source: Pattern of negligence, collusion may have led to Robredo crash – CAAP official

House minority wants probe on ballot printing for 2013 polls

The opposition bloc at the House of Representatives on Wednesday called for an investigation on the alleged irregularities in the printing of ballots to be used for next year’s elections.

Source: House minority wants probe on ballot printing for 2013 polls

Palace official: We're not trying to kill the FOI bill

A Palace official on Wednesday denied allegations that the Aquino administration has taken action to block the passage of the Freedom of Information Act in the legislature, but admitted that the bill is not the administration’s top priority.

Source: Palace official: We're not trying to kill the FOI bill

Sandigan asked to junk Arroyo argument vs NBN-ZTE trial

Ombudsman prosecutors on Wednesday asked the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division to junk former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “absurd” and “desperate” arguments challenging the court’s jurisdiction over her graft case.

Source: Sandigan asked to junk Arroyo argument vs NBN-ZTE trial

Brillantes criticized over 'alarmist' statement on biometrics bill

Two senators on Wednesday criticized poll chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. for his “alarmist” statement that eight million Filipinos will be robbed of their right to vote if Congress passes the bill requiring biometric registration of voters before next year’s elections.

Source: Brillantes criticized over 'alarmist' statement on biometrics bill

PNoy to tackle sea Code of Conduct with China during ASEAN Summit

President Benigno Aquino III will urge China during next week’s ASEAN Summit in Cambodia to clearly define a set of rules to avoid conflict in the West Philippine Sea, a Foreign Affairs official said on Wednesday.

Source: PNoy to tackle sea Code of Conduct with China during ASEAN Summit

Opposition: No significant gains from Aquino’s foreign trips

President Benigno Aquino III’s foreign trips have brought no significant gains to the country’s economy, the House opposition bloc said Wednesday.

Source: Opposition: No significant gains from Aquino’s foreign trips