January 1, 2009 News Summary

1 dead, boy missing in Bohol flood

A 74-year-old man died while his six-year-old grandchild went missing when a flashflood triggered by a heavy downpour swept their house in Clarin, Bohol on Wednesday morning.  The fatalities were identified as Ebaristo "Titing" Ramos, 74, and his grandson Harold Ramos.

Engine trouble hits SuperFerry 12

A passenger ferry from Cebu carrying 783 passengers and crew arrived safely at the Manila port at around noon Wednesday after experiencing engine trouble off Batangas.

Fast craft runs aground off Bohol

An Ocean Jet fast craft carrying 67 passengers and 11 crewmembers ran aground shortly after it departed from Tagbilaran City in Bohol for Cebu City Wednesday morning.

9 domestic flights sa NAIA kinansela

9 domestic flights sa NAIA ang kinansela ng dala­wang malaking airlines sa bansa dahil sa masa mang lagay na panahon na nagbabadya ng isang bagyo na tatama sa bansa.  Surigao & Cagayan.

Iloilo fire kills boy, razes 22 houses

A 17-year-old boy died after he was trapped in the house he was helping to save when a massive fire broke in two barangays in Iloilo City the other day.

Danao has highest number of crimes

The city of Danao has overtaken Talisay City in terms of the highest number of crimes committed in 2008. Danao registered 219 cases as against Talisay with 155 cases.

Teachers 'unpaid' for SK registration

HUNDREDS of public school teachers who served for at least four days during the 2007 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) voters registration complained that they have not yet received their honoraria of P1,200

DOJ upholds USAID grant to DepEd

The Department of Justice has upheld the validity of an $86.7-million assistance deal entered into by the Department of Education with the US Agency for International Development.

RP fight vs malaria gets P144M aid 

In 2009, Philippine efforts to fight malaria will get a needed shot in the arm with a P144-million aid from the Australian government.

Filipino compassion, spirit to help RP 

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Filipino's compassion and spirit of sharing will help the country surpass the impending economic crisis which is being experienced by some countries.

Arroyo mum on 2010, wishes stability

President Arroyo on Wednesday refused to talk about her plans once her term expires in 2010 amid moves to amend the charter supposedly meant to extend her stay in power.

Militants see more protests vs Arroyo 

Leftist groups on Wednesday predicted that 2009, the Year of the Ox, would see heightened protests against the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Pimentel's message to Arroyo: Resign

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. has one wish this coming year, and that is for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to have a graceful exit.

Search for alternatives for 2010 begins

With 2010 just a year away, church, government and civil society leaders have started their selection process for candidates they will support in the 2010 polls.

RP's strong contender in 7Wonders 

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan province has remained No.1 on the list of nominees worldwide that are vying to be included on the New7Wonders of Nature as the end of the first stage of voting approaches.  As of December 30, Tubbataha is on the No.3 spot; Chocolate Hills, No. 5; Mayon Volcano, No. 12; Hundred Islands, No. 22; Mount Pinatubo, No. 23; and Taal Volcano, No. 86.

Bitay sa 27 OFWs pipigilan ng DFA

Umaasa ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) na mapapababa o mako-commute ang parusang bitay na ipinataw sa may 27 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sa anim na bansa.

Remittance firm's more fraud charges

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said it has filed another case of syndicated estafa (fraud) against the officials of a remittance company that failed to remit the money of an overseas Filipino worker (OFWs) based in the United Kingdom (UK).

Taxi fare hikes over receipts unlikely 

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) does not see any fare hike for taxis starting this year, when cab drivers start issuing receipts to passengers.

Oil falls below $38 on New Year's Eve 

Resurgent economic jitters sent oil prices below $38 a barrel Wednesday, as investors focused on the global slowdown that has dragged crude markets down some 60 percent this year.

Israel rejects truce call, attacks Gaza

Israel rejected international pressure to suspend its air offensive against Palestinian militants whose rocket barrages are striking close to the Israeli heartland, sending warplanes Wednesday to demolish smuggling tunnels that are the lifeline of Gaza's Islamic Hamas rulers.

Israelis detail sorties over Gaza

A senior Israeli military officer says jetfighters have carried out some 500 sorties against Hamas targets in Gaza. He says helicopters have flown hundreds more combat missions.

Israel takes PR battle to YouTube

Israel's military is using YouTube to explain its bruising air offensive in Gaza to the world.

Arab states cancel New Yr. festivities

Several Arab states have cancelled planned New Year celebrations in solidarity with Palestinians in the Islamist-run Gaza Strip who suffered a fifth straight day of Israeli bombardment on Wednesday.

Pope: World needs sobriety, solidarity 

Pope Benedict XVI is calling for "sobriety and solidarity" in 2009 as the world struggles with economic and social woes.

Pacman gets same pot in Hatton fight

Manny Pacquiao stands to receive the same amount of purse he collected in his fight with Oscar De La Hoya when he faces Ricky Hatton next middle of 2009.

Pacman-Hatton May 2 bout final- Arum

With the birth of his fourth child, a bouncing baby girl to be named Queen Elizabeth, came some very good news about Manny Pacquiao's plans for 2009.

Ann shares victory with Echo and Ipe

Actress Anne Curtis, Best Actress of the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival, said that it was her big-screen leading-man actor Jericho Rosales who really pushed her to give all her best in acting for their award-winning movie Baler.

"Queen Elizabeth" is crowning glory 

The birth of his fourth child with wife Jinkee capped what turned out to be a banner year for Manny Pacquiao.

RP's Jukebox Queen shines in Vegas

The country's Jukebox Queen singer Imelda Papin once again proved her singing prowess as she performed before a sold-out crowd at the Orleans Showroom in Las Vegas.

Barkley arrested on suspicion of DUI

Charles Barkley was arrested on suspicion of drinking and driving in Arizona.

Soothsayers: Peace and calm for 2009

The world can look forward to peace and harmony in 2009, but Chinese soothsayers warned that the road to economic recovery will be long.

December 31, 2008 Major Newscast

Govt investment fairs go to malls

The government's economic team is considering organizing regular investment fairs in malls to entice more investors to put money in the Philippines.

KMU warns military vs harassing labor 

Militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) warned the military against harming or "arresting" a Mindanao labor leader soldiers recently linked to the New People's Army.

Blood donations for firecracker victims 

The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has made a last-minute appeal to the public for blood donations for potential firecracker victims during the New Year revelry.

Prelate to Palace: Reverse curses 

Malacañang should pave the way for a better New Year for Filipinos by reversing "seven curses" into "seven blessings," a senior Catholic bishop said.

Prelate sees unrest post-2010 Arroyo

The specter of political unrest and political debacle looms as President Arroyo shows signs of planning to stay in power beyond 2010, a senior Catholic bishop said.

Presidential escort dies of heart attack 

A member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) died of a heart attack while escorting President Arroyo in La Union province, a radio report said late Tuesday.

Valley Golf vows firm, fair action

The Valley Golf and Country Club pledged firm and fair action on the case involving a fight between the families of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and Delfin de la Paz.

Angara denies cut in budget of SUCs

Administration senator Edgardo Angara on Tuesday denied reports that the Senate has cut the budget of some state universities and colleges (SUCs) when it passed its version of the 2009 proposed national budget.

Peso to weaken further in 2009

The peso, which has fallen 13 percent against the dollar this year, is widely expected to decline further in 2009 due to the impact a worsening global economic downturn will have on foreign investments, exports and overseas remittances.

Palestinian rocket hits Beersheba

Police say Gaza militants fired two rockets at the Israeli city of Beersheba - reaching deeper into Israel than ever before.

Israeli leaders meet on next move

Israel's prime minister, defense minister and foreign minister are meeting in Jerusalem to decide on Israel's next move in its offensive against Hamas.

Contingency plans for Pinoys in Gaza

Malacañang said Tuesday that the government has prepared contingency measures to protect Filipino migrant workers in Gaza Strip, which is being attacked by Israeli air forces.

Blagojevich defies Senate

Defying US Senate leaders and his own state's lawmakers, Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the US Senate.

Thai PM dodges protesters for speech

Thailand's new prime minister evaded thousands of protesters blocking Parliament on Tuesday and delivered his first key policy speech in the Foreign Ministry instead, promising to heal the turmoil that has ripped at the country and its tourism-based economy.

Olympics hopefuls start training

After the holidays, an elite cluster of athletes will be picked to start a four-year long training for the 2012 London Olympics.

W. C. Fields  - "I never drink water; that is the stuff that rusts pipes."

December 30, 2008 Major Newscast

DOLE to hold talks on layoffs

The Labor department will conduct surveys and meetings with companies in export zones next month to gain a full picture of how the global credit squeeze affects them and to craft a plan to help their workers.

RP says export sector jobs at risk

Jobs in the Philippines' export sector will be at risk next year as the global financial crisis worsens, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque warned Monday.

Revise budget for debt servicing

The Free Trade Alliance (FTA) is urging the government to revise its policy on the payment of foreign debt and instead use the money for projects that would create jobs for Filipinos especially the overseas Filipino workers who are expected to be displaced because of the global recession.

Abducted seamen return to RP

The 18 seamen, all  crew members of the Greek owned cargo vessel MV Centauri, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport [NAIA] at about 2 p.m. today on board Malaysian Airlines flight MH-704 from Port of Mombasa, Kenya via Kuala Lumpur.

Firecracker injuries rise to 115

The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated today its call for the public to refrain from using firecrackers in welcoming 2009 as the number of firecracker-related injuries  rises to 115.

Red Cross boosts blood collection 

The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has started working double time to collect more blood in preparation to the anticipated rise in firecracker-related injuries during the New Year celebration.

9 of 10 Filipinos see hope in New Year 

An overwhelming majority of Filipinos are still welcoming the New Year filled with hope, according to the results of a recent survey.

Arroyo to present acomplishments 

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will present on Tuesday her administration's "accomplishment report" for the last seven years

LTO offices closed for holidays

Drivers who wish to renew their licenses this week will have to wait until next year as the Land Transportation Office is closed for the remainder of the holidays, its chief Alberto Suansing said.

GMA mangunguna sa Araw ni Rizal

Pangungunahan ni Pangulong Arroyo ang pagdi­riwang ng ika-112 martyrdom ng pambansang bayaning si Dr. Jose Rizal na gaganapin ngayong umaga sa San Fernando City, La Union.

Rizal Day may be moved to June 19

Squeezed between Christmas and New Year holidays, the annual December 30 Rizal Day celebration does not get the spotlight that historians would want national hero Jose Rizal to have.

World's tallest Rizal statue in Vizcaya

It is a sight familiar to many people in the neighborhood of Bayombong in the foothills of the Cordillera.  Dr. Jose Rizal at some 12 stories or around 50 feet tall.

40 years and counting: CPP 

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) spokesman said the insurgents are on the verge of entering a new stage of our revolutionary struggle and have fully recovered from our debacle in the mid-80s.

5 hurt in landmine blast in Masbate City 

Four Army personnel and a civilian were wounded in a landmine blast in Asid village in Masbate province in Bicol Monday noon, reports reaching the Philippine National Police said.

2008 tragic for press freedom in RP 

An officer of the Philippine National Press Club said that 2008 was a tragic year for press freedom in the country, with seven local journalists being killed and several others getting death threats.

City spends calamity funds for repairs

WITH some P30 million in calamity funds for 2008 still unused, Cebu City officials want to spend the money on road repairs and street lighting facilities before the year ends.

Calamity budget to fund streetlights

Today is a regular holiday, but the members of the Cebu City Council will convene in a special session this morning to appropriate funds, from the city's calamity budget, for the repair of roads and streetlights.

Pangandaman: Stop defending sons

To avoid any suspicion of a whitewash, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman should refrain from defending his sons accused of beating a businessman and his son at a golf club in Antipolo, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said on Monday.

Senado makikialam sa murder

Balak ng isang senador na pa-imbestigahan sa Senado ang kasong murder nina Teofilo Mojica, isang dating empleyado ng agriculture at Marlene Esperat, dating agriculture resident ng Ombudsman na kapwa ang pagkakapaslang ay iniuugnay sa fertilizer fund scam.

Central Visayas 2nd most corrupt

The Central Visayas is among the most corrupt regions in the Philippines if such is based on the number of public officials charged before the Sandiganbayan for the past 30 years.  Next only to Metro Manila.

'Marijuana trade up by 242% in 2008'

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed yesterday that the illegal trade of marijuana in the country grew bigger in 2008.

Senate to review Anti-Hazing Law

The Senate is set to review the implementation of the 13-year-old Anti-Hazing Law as reports on fraternity-related violence in universities, colleges and academic institutions persist.

House eyes online translations of bills

In what it claimed to be a bid to encourage wider public discussions on pending bills, the House of Representatives plans to post online translations of bills nearing approval.

OFWs in HK dance vs Charter change

About 100 Filipino women staged a dance-protest in downtown Hong Kong Sunday afternoon to show their opposition to moves to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Senate to exempt Pag-Ibig from taxes

The Senate will fast track the approval of a measure to strengthen the state's home lending program through fiscal perks for the housing agency and benefits given to its members.

Student discount isasabatas

Nais ng isang senador na maging isang ga nap na batas na ang pag bibigay ng diskuwento sa mga estud yante upang masigu radong hindi sila mata tanggihan ng mga drivers ng pampasahe rong sasakyan sa diskuwento sa pasahe.

DOE to probe on LPG shortage

The Department of Energy (DOE) will inspect depots of the country's four largest suppliers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to look into the alleged "hoarding" of cooking gas products.

Oil nears $40 on Middle East violence

Oil prices rose nearly 6% towards $40 a barrel after weekend violence between Israel and Hamas served as a reminder of political tensions that could threaten crude supplies from the Middle East.

Asian asks Israel to halt Gaza raids

Governments across Asia called for an immediate halt to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that have killed nearly 300 Palestinians, with some accusing the country of crimes against humanity.

Israel hits Hamas in new airstrikes

Israel turned the force of its punishing Gaza campaign toward Hamas field operatives, sending warplanes to bomb their houses in a sweep meant to tear at the roots of the militant organization.

White House blames Hamas 

The Bush administration called Monday for an end to the new flare up in Mideast violence, saying Hamas has "once again shown its true colors as a terrorist organization" with attacks on Israel.

Paglilikas ng Pinoy sa Israel 

Pinangangambahang may madamay na mga Pilipino sa patuloy na pambobomba ng mga sundalo ng Israel sa Gaza strip pero tiniyak ng Pilipinas na naghahanda ito sa anumang ka­ganapan tulad ng po sibleng paglilikas ng mga Pilipino na nag tatrabaho o nanini rahan sa naturang bansa.

Somali president quits 

The president of Somalia's UN-backed government resigned amid deepening international pressure, a move that could usher in more chaos as a strengthening Islamic insurgency scrambles for power.

10 dead after Indonesia boat capsizes

At least 10 people, including women and children, were killed in Indonesia on Monday after a strong wave capsized a boat in the Java Sea, a report said.

Roach, Fernandez perfect for Pacman

Manny Pacquiao admits he wouldn't be the fighter he is today without Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez in his corner.

Peñalosa purse bid deadline Jan. 12

The World Boxing Organization has set January 12 as the deadline for submission of the Purse Bid for the mandatory title defense of bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa against former WBA flyweight champion Erik Morel.

Yap makes peace with Banal 

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said star player James Yap and defensive coach Koy Banal has already patched things up following a throwing incident between the two at the sidelines in the midst of the TJ Giants" knockout game against the Air21 Express Sunday night during the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard stage.

Guiao firm about leaving Red Bull 

Yeng Guiao doesn't see himself returning to coach Red Bull even if team officials have pleaded him to do so.

Gary V approves of Rachelle Ann

Total Performer Gary Valenciano is fully supportive of his son Gabriel's relationship with fellow singer Rachelle Ann Go.

Katrina finally admits Hayden 'romance' 

After repeatedly declining comment on rumors about her involvement with celebrity Dr. Hayden Kho, actress Katrina Halili on Monday finally blew the lid that she had a "brief romance" with the doctor while he was still on with Dr. Vicki Belo.

Arroyo goes spelunking in Sagada

Playing her role as tourist and tourism marketer to the hilt, President Arroyo, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and the entire First Family, along with congressmen-friends, visited three caves in Sagada, Ifugao province, Monday morning.

Arroyo tours solons in Sagada

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo toured 14 lawmakers around the tourist town of Sagada in Mountain Province to showcase a community "that grew after investing in peace.

Stars, tech titans fund Obama's party

Stars of Hollywood including Halle Berry and Steven Spielberg and bosses of high-tech giants like Google and Microsoft are opening their wallets to help fund Barack Obama's inauguration party.

Oldest man in the US dies at 112

George Francis, the nation's oldest man, who lived through both world wars, man's first walk on the moon and the election of the first black president, has died. He was 112.

Samuel Goldwyn  - "Include me out."