Skiplagged founder raises over $50-K for legal defense
Skiplagged founder raises over $50-K for legal defense

The 22-year old Aktarer Zaman finds himself being sued by United Airlines and online travel agency Orbitz for putting up a website that helps travelers buy cheaper flight tickets. The young Zaman of New York city opened the website Skiplagged.com which navigates into “hidden city” ticketing in providing people with […]

Petron rolls back prices of gas products on Friday
Petron rolls back prices of gas products on Friday

MANILA, Jan. 2 — Updated. On Friday, Jan 2, the Petron Corporation is seen to cut prices of its liquefied petroleum gas by P5.50 per kilogram and its AutoLPG brand by P3.07 per liter effective about 12:01 a.m. The price rollback reflects the drop in international contract prices of LPG […]

The year 2014 ends with a “deadly” bang, literally
The year 2014 ends with a “deadly” bang, literally

The year 2014 ends with a “deadly” bang, literally, in the Philippines. and brief account below is just the topping. In MLang town of North Cotabato, unidentified men set off an improvised explosive device Wednesday afternoon during shopping rush for New Year in this town’s public market, leaving four shoppers […]

AirAsia crash:  Severe weather hinders bodies evacuation
AirAsia crash: Severe weather hinders bodies evacuation

PANGKALAN BUN, Indonesia, Jan. 1 — Rescue and recovery fase setback as bad weather makes the helicopters fail to pick up the bodies from the Indonesian navy ship which earlier were found at the AirAsia crash site. “Weather at the crash site is still dark, clouds are thick below 3,000 […]

TD Seniang weakens towards Palawan, leaves 35 dead
TD Seniang weakens towards Palawan, leaves 35 dead

MANILA, Dec 31 -– Tropical Storm “Seniang” has weakened into a tropical depression Wednesday, due to its land interaction in Visayas and partly due to the northeast monsoon or hangin amihan, according to state weather agency PAGASA. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, in its Wednesday morning […]

Areas in Visayas, Mindanao on blackout as New Year 2015 kicks in
Areas in Visayas, Mindanao on blackout as New Year 2015 kicks in

MANILA, Dec. 31 -– On the eve of new year 2015, not all Pinoys will get to flick the switch to light the tradtional noche buena festivities. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that parts of Visayas and Mindanao still have blackouts as of Wednesday due to Tropical […]

Cloudy skies with light rains on New Year’s Eve – PAGASA
Cloudy skies with light rains on New Year’s Eve – PAGASA

MANILA, Dec. 31 — PAGASA said the Bicol Region, Quezon Province, Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon will have cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms, caused by the cold winds blown by the Northeast Monsoon or “Hangin Amihan”. Expect cloudy skies with light rains in the National Capital Region (NCR) […]

“Mind your trash,” – enviro group appeals to revelers
“Mind your trash,” – enviro group appeals to revelers

QUEZON CITY, Dec. 31 — An advocate for , appealed to the public to ring in the new year without the habitual littering. EcoWaste Coalition coordinator Aileen Lucero said, “For a change, let us wrap up 2014 and kick off 2015 in a manner that will mirror our personal and […]

Storm signal 2, 1 in 28 areas in Southern Philippines
Storm signal 2, 1 in 28 areas in Southern Philippines

MANILA, Dec. 29 –- Twenty-eight areas in Visayas and Mindanao are now under public storm warning signals number 2 and 1 as tropical storm “Seniang” has maintained its strength and is now moving towards Agusan Del Norte, according to latest weather update of PAGASA on Monday. In its 11 a.m. […]

P-Noy approves additional P10,000 tax exemption
P-Noy approves additional P10,000 tax exemption

MANILA, Dec. 29 — Malacanang on Sunday announced that President Benigno S. Aquino III approved an additional P10,000 tax exemption for each worker-taxpayer. Presidential spokesperson Herminio Coloma, Jr., on Sunday in a radio interview said President Benigno S. Aquino III approved an additional P10,000 tax exemption for each worker-taxpayer. Coloma […]

Tropical Storm Seniang Signal #2 up in 9 areas
Tropical Storm Seniang Signal #2 up in 9 areas

MANILA, Dec. 29 — Nine areas in Visayas and Mindanao are under storm signal #2 as Tropical Depression “Seniang” intensified into a Tropical Storm, according to state weather agency Pagasa on Monday. Areas under Storm Signal No. 2 are Bohol and Siquijor in Visayas; Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, […]

PhilHealth adds coverage of parents with permanent disability
PhilHealth adds coverage of parents with permanent disability

QUEZON CITY, Dec 23 — PhilHealth on Monday announced that it is now extending its coverage to parents below 60 years old with permanent disability. Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation whose parents are permanently disabled which renders them to be totally dependent to the member, may now be […]

P-Noy signs P2.606-trillion 2015 national budget on Tuesday
P-Noy signs P2.606-trillion 2015 national budget on Tuesday

MANILA, Dec. 23 — President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to sign on Tuesday the P2.606-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2015, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. On Tuesday “….. the President will sign the General Appropriations Act for 2015, which stands as a testament to the lengthy reviews […]

Urban poor to benefit from Manila housing projects
Urban poor to benefit from Manila housing projects

MANILA, Dec. 22 — Some 585 urban poor families stand to benefit from Manila’s housing projects after the interior and local government department and the city of Manila forged the trust fund for informal settler familie’s homes to cap off this year’s urban poor solidarity week. Leaders from government, civil […]

The discombobulation in Albay power service
The discombobulation in Albay power service

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 22 – This continuing story shows how in the vicinities of Albay province lurks the discombobulated goings on in the local power retail delivery and services. On December 4, 2014, Albay Power and Energy Corporation disconnected the electric service to Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation due to outstanding […]

2015 national budget is loaded with pork barrel – Social Watch
2015 national budget is loaded with pork barrel – Social Watch

The advocacy organization Social Watch Philippines alleges that the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which President Benigno S. Aquino III will sign before the end of the year, is very much loaded with pork barrel funds. The budget watchdog said in a report that vulnerabilities in the 2015 national budget […]

Malacanang supports MRT-LRT fare hikes
Malacanang supports MRT-LRT fare hikes

MANILA, Dec.22 — There’s no doubt about it. The Palace supports the impending fare hikes on all services of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 and the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2. This was confirmed Sunday when Malacanang on Sunday said that the fare hike on the Metro […]

P781-M Bicol international airport contract up for bid
P781-M Bicol international airport contract up for bid

There is no holding back on the construction of the Bicol International Airport (also known as Southern Luzon International airport), which is being built in Barangay Alobo of Daraga town in the province of Albay. This was learned from the project’s lead agency, the Department of Transportation and Communications, which […]

On Mayon eruption threat: “Heads of LGU’s over reacted”
On Mayon eruption threat: “Heads of LGU’s over reacted”

Sorsogon first district Rep. Evelyn Escudero in a special committee hearing of the House Special Committee on Bicol Recovery and Economic Development, quizzed Director Renato Solidum, of the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology, on the actual situation of Mayon. She was following the argument of Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal that the […]

Is there a brewing controversy on Mayon cash relief donations?
Is there a brewing controversy on Mayon cash relief donations?

Mayon may have yet to explode, but we are sensing a brewing controversy on how the disaster and relief operations are being stage-managed. For the many times that Mt. Mayon threatened the livelihood and well-being of the people in its environs, there is always that factor of receipts from donors […]

DOH chief resignation gets nod from  P-Noy
DOH chief resignation gets nod from P-Noy

The resignation of embattled Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona has been accepted by the president. Malacanang announced yesterday that President Benigno S. Aquinoo III has finally accepted the resignation tendered by the health secretary. “Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. informed Health Secretary Ona that the President has accepted his […]

P-Noy announces increase in allowance of uniformed men
P-Noy announces increase in allowance of uniformed men

QUEZON CITY, Dec 19 — Philippine soldiers, police officers and other uniformed men will be getting an increase in their subsistence allowance. This was announced by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday during the celebration of the 79th Armed Forces of the Philippines Day held in Camp General Emilio […]

Weather systems to bring rainshowers in parts of PH
Weather systems to bring rainshowers in parts of PH

MANILA, Dec. 18 — Weather systems to bring rainshowers in parts of PH. State weather agency PAGASA forecasts that tail-end of a cold front is affecting Central and Southern Luzon while the northeast monsoon continues to affect Northern Luzon and the Trough of low pressure area (LPA) affects Mindanao. Most […]

Organizers launch mobile app on Papal visit in 2015
Organizers launch mobile app on Papal visit in 2015

There is no question about it. The fast approaching Papal visit in 2015 is catching up by leaps and bounds among Pinoys. Now add another topping to that. Organizers of the visit launched on Friday a mobile and tablet app for the general public’s consumption. Chairman of the committee on […]

One peso Metro jeepney fare rollback effective Dec 11
One peso Metro jeepney fare rollback effective Dec 11

QUEZON CITY, 12 Dec. — Jeepney passengers in Metro Manila will now pay P1 less after the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board approved a fare rollback effective December 11, 2014. The minimum fare of jeepneys in Metro Manila has been reduced from P8.50 to P7.50 for regular passengers and P6.00 […]

P-Noy spends P11.2-M for 2-day Korea trip
P-Noy spends P11.2-M for 2-day Korea trip

The Philippines is spending P11.2 million for the 2-day visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III to South Korea. The amount will cover transportation, accommodation, food, and equipment expenses. The president is attending the 25th Association of South East Asian Nations and Republic of Korea commemorative summit in the city […]

President Aquino pursues trip to Korea, leaves this morning
President Aquino pursues trip to Korea, leaves this morning

MANILA, Dec. 11 — Whoever thought that the president will miss the opportunity of going out of the country for that tempting ASEAN-SK commemorative summit? Many got it wrong, thinking that President Benigno S. Aquino III would rather be in the country and look after the pressing needs or issues […]

P-Noy no-show in 25th ASEAN-ROK summit
P-Noy no-show in 25th ASEAN-ROK summit

MANILA, Dec. 10 — President Benigno S. Aquino III will be no-show in the 25th ASEAN-ROK commemorative summit in Busan, South Korea. Earlier, reported here that the president will be off to South Korea on December 11-12, 2014 for the symbolic commemorative meet. Palace assistant spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters […]

Exiting PAR “Ruby” intensifies as tropical storm again
Exiting PAR “Ruby” intensifies as tropical storm again

MANILA, Dec. 10 – Tropical depression “Ruby” intensifies anew into a tropical storm category and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by early Thursday morning, the state weather agency PAGASA said on Wednesday. Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that Ruby gained strength as it traverses the West […]

Bukidnon bus bombing kills 11, dozens more wounded
Bukidnon bus bombing kills 11, dozens more wounded

Police offficers in Maramag, Bukidnon are conducting manhunt on suspects who planted an improvised explosive device in a bus that killed 11 persons and dozens more wounded. Nine of the passengers were killed on the spot, two others died at the Lavinia General Hospital in Valencia, Bukidnon while forty three […]

Boulders, mudflows isolate several barangays of Albay town
Boulders, mudflows isolate several barangays of Albay town

GUINOBATAN, Albay, Dec. 9 — Boulders, mudflows isolate several barangays of Albay town. At the height of Typhoon Ruby’s howling wind and torrential rains, car-sized boulders tumbled and vulcanic mudflows ran down the lower slopes of Mayon towards Barangay Maipon of Guinobatan town of Albay. The heavy debris caused the […]

Fire burns Jose Panganiban public market during Typhoon Ruby
Fire burns Jose Panganiban public market during Typhoon Ruby

Daet, Camarines Norte — Fire burns Jose Panganiban public market at the height of Typhoon Ruby. An estimated P10-million worth of goods and materials at the grocery section of the public market of the Jose Panganiban town of Camarines Norte went up in smoke early Monday morning while the town […]

“Ruby” weakens into tropical depression, with 8 areas under signal #1
“Ruby” weakens into tropical depression, with 8 areas under signal #1

MANILA, Dec. 9 — “Ruby” weakens into tropical depression, with 8 areas under signal #1. Tropical storm “Ruby” has weakened into a tropical depression as it made another landfall in Lubang island, the state weather agency PAGASA on Tuesday said. Weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar said that Ruby has weakened into […]

Power back to “normal” in many areas after Typhoon Ruby
Power back to “normal” in many areas after Typhoon Ruby

MANILA, Dec. 8 – Power back to “normal” in many areas after typhoon Ruby. The National Grid Corporation has completed power restoration works in Quezon and Sorsogon provinces after Tropical Storm “Ruby” affected transmission lines last Saturday. The NGCP said on its 7:00 p.m. update, it has restored power in […]

Typhoon Ruby weakens as tropical storm – PAGASA
Typhoon Ruby weakens as tropical storm – PAGASA

MANILA, Dec. 8 – The state weather agency Pagasa downgraded Typhoon Ruby into a tropical storm category in its latest bulletin. Ruby was moving towards the island-province of Marinduque on Monday morning. Nonetheless, the provinces of Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Lubang island and southern Quezon in Luzon […]

P-Noy leaves for Korea commemorative meet on Dec. 11-12
P-Noy leaves for Korea commemorative meet on Dec. 11-12

MANILA, Dec. 8 — P-Noy leaves for Korea commemorative meet on Dec. 11-12. President Benigno S. Aquino III will be off to Busan to mark the ASEAN-Republic of Korea 25th anniversary commemorative summit on December 11 and 12. The Department of Foreign Affairs said President Aquino and other nine leaders […]

DepEd: Update of areas with no classes until December 9
DepEd: Update of areas with no classes until December 9

MANILA, Dec 8 — The Department of Education released Monday an updated list of areas with class suspensions until December 9 due to typhoon “Ruby”. On Monday, classes in all levels are suspended in Bataan, Bulacan, San Fernando City (Pampanga), Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Calapan City (Oriental […]

Malacanang suspends classes, gov’t work for Monday
Malacanang suspends classes, gov’t work for Monday

MANILA, Dec. 8 — Malacanang announced the suspension of classes and work in government offices Monday in Metro Manila and Southern Luzon. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a statement, said, “By authority of the President (Benigno Aquino III), classes at all levels and work in government offices have been […]

PAL cancels 66 scheduled domestic flights for Monday
PAL cancels 66 scheduled domestic flights for Monday

MANILA, Dec 7 — A total of 66 Philippine Airline (PAL) flights scheduled for Monday (Dec 8) have been cancelled as early as Sunday due to bad weather brought about by typhoon “Ruby.” PAL said that the cancelled roundtrip flights are bound for Caticlan (8 flights), Tacloban (5), Cebu (5), […]

Five domestic airports closed, Tacloban no commercial flights — CAAP
Five domestic airports closed, Tacloban no commercial flights — CAAP

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) — Five airports remain closed due to typhoon “Ruby”, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said on Sunday. On its official Twitter account, CAAP said that as of 1:15 p.m., the closed airports include those in the cities of Naga, Masbate, Legazpi, Caticlan, and […]

Typhoon Ruby makes second landfall in Cataingan, Masbate
Typhoon Ruby makes second landfall in Cataingan, Masbate

Philippines state weather agency confirmed that Typhoon Ruby has made its second landfall over Cataingan, Masbate. At 10:00 A. M., the eye of the typhoon was located based on all available data including Cebu Doppler radar at 20 km East of Cataingan, Masbate (12.0°N, 124.1°E) with maximum sustained winds of […]

Typhoon “Ruby” evacuees now 716,000 – NDRRMC
Typhoon “Ruby” evacuees now 716,000 – NDRRMC

MANILA, Dec. 7 — The official count of individuals in safe evacuation centers is now reaching 716,000 according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Sunday. The number comprises persons who joined pre-emptive evacuations before Typhoon “Ruby” hits land. In its 6 a.m. update, the council said […]

DSWD Central Visayas need volunteers to prepare “Ruby” food packs
DSWD Central Visayas need volunteers to prepare “Ruby” food packs

CEBU CITY, Dec. 7 — The Department of Social Welfare and Development here is in need of volunteers to help prepare some 100,000 family food packs for distribution to communities hit by typhoon “Ruby” in Region 7. The 100,000 family food packs are worth P16.3 million. Volunteers may report to […]

Catholic Church, NASSA/ Caritas PH launch Typhoon Ruby solidarity appeal
Catholic Church, NASSA/ Caritas PH launch Typhoon Ruby solidarity appeal

MANILA, Dec. 7 — The Catholic Church, through its social action arm NASSA/Caritas Philippines, launched Saturday a Solidarity Appeal to 85 dioceses nationwide aimed at raising funds for the families affected by Typhoon “Ruby” (international name: Hagupit). In the letter sent to all 85 bishops nationwide, NASSA/Caritas Philippine National Director […]

Typhoon Ruby makes landfall over Samar, heads for Masbate
Typhoon Ruby makes landfall over Samar, heads for Masbate

MANILA, Dec. 6 — Typhoon Ruby makes landfall over Samar, heads for Masbate. After Typhoon “Ruby” made landfall over Eastern Samar on Saturday evening, the state weather agency Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed 49 areas in the country including Metro Manila under public storm warning signals. […]

Typhoon Ruby trips power grid in Samar provinces
Typhoon Ruby trips power grid in Samar provinces

One of the immediate effects of oncoming Typhoon Ruby in the provinces of Samar is power outage. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said power in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar went down Saturday, as typhoon “Ruby” passed the area. “NGCP’s power transmission service in Northern Samar is affected […]

Fear for “Ruby” prompts residents of Eastern Samar to evacuate
Fear for “Ruby” prompts residents of Eastern Samar to evacuate

As Typhoon Ruby nears landfall, we hear stories of how people in affected and threatened areas cope with disaster and prevention. In the rural town of San Julian, Eastern Samar a minor landslide occurred Saturday morning as typhoon Ruby started to dump rains. Sr. Insp. Michael Oraller, chief of San […]

Slow-moving Typhoon Ruby might make 5 landfalls – Pagasa
Slow-moving Typhoon Ruby might make 5 landfalls – Pagasa

MANILA, Dec. 6 — Typhoon Ruby is expected to make landfall in Visayas and Luzon five times starting Sunday morning, the state weather bureau said on Saturday. PAGASA forecasts that if typhoon Ruby continue its track at 13 kph towards west direction, it is expected to make a landfall in […]

Typhoon Ruby evacuees in Albay to reach 600,000
Typhoon Ruby evacuees in Albay to reach 600,000

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 6 — The provincial government of Albay on Saturday morning continued evacuating residents who are threatened by strong winds, mud and lahar flows, floods, landslides and storm surges. Those ordered to evacuate may reach about 600,000 people. Governor Jose Salceda on Friday issued a directive to government […]

PAGASA assigns 3 storm teams to monitor “Ruby”
PAGASA assigns 3 storm teams to monitor “Ruby”

MANILA, Dec. 6 -– The importance of available technology advancement and qualified, tech-prepared manpower can best be demonstrated on the on-going weather and typhoon watch happening now. Three storm chaser teams in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be reporting updates on typhoon “Ruby’s” strength and direction, the state weather agency […]

Typhoon Ruby may still make Samar landfall- Pagasa
Typhoon Ruby may still make Samar landfall- Pagasa

The Philippine state weather agency on Saturday at 5 a.m. weather bulletin update said it still projected Typhoon Ruby (international name Hagupit) to make landfall over the Eastern–Northern Samar area Sunday morning, bringing with it a storm surge of up to 4.5 meters. At 4 a.m., Ruby was 240 km […]

PH inflation dips to 3.7 percent in November 2014
PH inflation dips to 3.7 percent in November 2014

MANILA, Dec. 6 — Lower food prices and cheaper local petroleum and electricity pulled down inflation rate to 3.7 percent in November, its lowest level this year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. Inflation rate from January to November 2014 stood at 4.3 percent. “This further easing is […]

Soldier suffers injury in Sorsogon mine explosion
Soldier suffers injury in Sorsogon mine explosion

Soldier on disaster response mission wounded in mine explosion in Sorsogon LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 6 — A soldier assigned to a disaster response mission in Sorsogon was wounded after his team stumbled on a mine in Irosin, Sorsogon, around 11.45 a.m. Friday. Army Col. Cesar M. Idio, commanding officer of […]

Legazpi city not hosting APEC’s ISOM meet due to typhoon
Legazpi city not hosting APEC’s ISOM meet due to typhoon

MANILA, Dec. 3 (PNA) — Blame it on Typhoon Ruby. The city of Legazpi was scrapped as choice venue for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Informal Senior Officials Meeting (ISOM) from December 8-9, 2014, as reported here. Instead, organizers opted to hold the event in Manila considering the risk poised […]

SC postpones deliberation and voting on DAP case
SC postpones deliberation and voting on DAP case

MANILA, Dec. 3 — The Supreme Court during an en banc session Tuesday decided not to pursue with the scheduled deliberations and voting on the DAP case. This was after Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal-Sereno went to Malacanang as guest speaker for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption program. […]

‘Hagupit’ intensifies into a typhoon
‘Hagupit’ intensifies into a typhoon

MANILA, Dec. 3 — Tropical storm “Hagupit” has intensified into a typhoon Wednesday, but is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said it is expected to enter the country on Thursday and would be called “Ruby”, the 18th tropical cyclone to affect the […]

PH registers P2.5 billion deficit in October
PH registers P2.5 billion deficit in October

MANILA, Dec 2 — The National Government registered a P2.5 billion fiscal deficit in October, even as expenditures continued in a slower pace than revenues. But instead of delving into the details of the deficit, the National Economic Development Authority, in a statement, was more into highlighting the positive notes […]

Albay gang massacres 3 family members in Libon
Albay gang massacres 3 family members in Libon

Legazpi City — Three family members were massacred on Sunday by a gang inside their Barangay Alongong residence of Libon, Albay. Police identified the fatalities as Felipe Ongog, 60, a businessman; Arnold Ongog, of legal age; and Imelda Ongog, 33. The suspects led by gang leader Gilbert Concepcion immediately escaped […]

PHLPost offers cheapest rate for domestic money transfer
PHLPost offers cheapest rate for domestic money transfer

MANILA,Dec. 1– Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) offers the cheapest rate for domestic money transfer this holiday season as it launches Pamaskong Handog “Piso Padala” promo on electronic postal money order. The public can send electronic money order at any participating post offices, for a flat rate of one (Php 1.00) […]

What will happen if Casureco II can not pay P120-M security deposit?
What will happen if Casureco II can not pay P120-M security deposit?

What will happen if Casureco II can not pay P120 million security deposit? This is not a time to speculate. Member- consumers of the electric cooperative very well know the dark consequence. There is the strong and certain possibility that three of the five power wholesale suppliers of the Camarines […]

Public metro schools receive chairs made from confiscated lumber
Public metro schools receive chairs made from confiscated lumber

QUEZON CITY, Dec. 1.– Some 1,709 armchairs, made from wood confiscated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), were turned over Tuesday, last week, to three public schools in the cities of Quezon and Parañaque under the government’s logs-to-chair project. The three schools are Pasong Tamo Elementary School […]