June 30, 2009 Major News Stories

Global swine flu cases leap past 70,000 

The number of recorded swine flu cases has reached 70,893 worldwide, with 311 deaths, since the virus was first discovered in late March, data released by the World Health Organisation Monday showed.  The data indicated 11,079 new influenza A(H1N1) infections, including 48 deaths, since the last bulletin on Friday.

The largest increase in caseload was reported by the United States, which added 6,268 cases including 40 deaths, bringing the total number of infections to 27,717 including 127 deaths.

Canada posted a jump of 1,043 new cases, with its total infections now reaching 7,775 including 21 deaths.

Australia showed an increase of 758 new cases including four deaths, bringing its total to 4,038 infections and seven deaths.

US health authorities said Friday that at least one million people in the United States have had swine flu, or around 50 times more than the number of cases officially reported.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) arrived at its figure based on computer models and surveys of communities known to have been hard hit by the new flu strain.

Some affected countries no longer keep track of all cases according to the UN health agency, while others do not report for each of the thrice-weekly bulletins.

DOH preparing for surge in A(H1N1) cases

Naghahanda na ang Department of Health sa posibleng pagdami ng mas malalang kaso ng A (H1N1) sa bansa. Pero nagluwag naman ang ahensya sa ilang guidelines sa A (H1N1) kabilang na ang mandatory self-quarantine.

Schools welcome new A (H1N1) guidelines

Nagbalik-eskwela na ang ilang paaralang nagsuspinde ng klase dahil sa A (H1N1). Positibo naman ang pagtanggap ng mga paaralan sa bagong guidelines sa A (H1N1) na itinuturing na lamang ngayon na ordinaryong flu.

Guard up vs. rallies, H1N1 during SONA

Stringent measures will be in place in the House of Representatives for President Arroyo's State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July as the chamber faces twin threats from anti-administration rallies and the Influenza A(H1N1), Speaker Prospero Nograles said.

Palace: SONA postponement up to House

Even as it continues preparing for it, Malacañang will leave to Congress the decision of whether to postpone President Arroyo"s State of the Nation Address (SONA) due to the A(H1N1) problem.

Thermal scan welcomes House employees

Returning to work after a six-day break due to the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, employees of the House of Representatives on Monday were welcomed by masked security guards carrying hand-held thermal scanners.

No congressman with A(H1N1)

As the House of Representatives returns to work today after a six-day break due to the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, no congressman has so far tested positive for the virus, House secretary general Marilyn Barua-Yap said in a press conference Monday.

House spends P2-M to fight H1N1

After a six-day shutdown due to influenza A (H1N1) infections, the House of Representatives resumed operations on Monday.

Escudero: H1N1 rules relaxed for Arroyo

Senator Francis Escudero said the Department of Health (DoH) might have relaxed its rules in dealing with the Influenza A(H1N1) virus to spare President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Quarantine for Gloo even if DOH says no 

Despite the health department's new policies on the influenza A (H1N1) flu virus, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Arroyo will quarantine herself for 10 days after she returns to Manila on Monday night from her working visit to Japan and Brazil.

7 Navy men have H1N1 -- spokesman

Seven soldiers, not two, have so far been infected with the Influenza A(H1N1) virus as 11 others remained in isolation in a hospital and guesthouse for further observation, a military official said on Monday.

H1N1 can mutate into 'milder' strain

The Influenza A(H1N1) virus can mutate, but not anytime soon and not necessarily into a more virulent strain, a health official said Monday.

38 bodies to be exhumed

THE court granted yesterday the request for exhumation of the 38 bodies buried at the Carreta cemetery just a week ago.  Families of the victims of the June 21, 2008 sinking of the mv Princess of the Stars sought the court's intervention for the identification of bodies, in an ex-parte motion for exhumation.

Officials filed 'wrong' asset forms

THE Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas receives the financial statements of all local officials in April of every year, with the occasional late filing being the only hitch. This year, however, late submissions are the least of their problems.  Instead of the "baseline declaration" required from public officials this year, local officials instead filled out and submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas "annual declaration" forms.  Among the officials who used the wrong forms were Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Provincial Board (PB) members Wilfredo Caminero, Rose Marie Durano, Victor Maambong, Joven Mondigo, Jose Maria Gastardo, Victoria Corominas and Agnes Magpale as well as Cebu City Counilors Arsenio Pacaña, Jose Daluz, Nestor Archival and Raul Alcoseba.

Bucao to colleagues:  Call off Boracay trip

ACTING Talisay City Vice Mayor Alan Bucao yesterday appealed to his colleagues in the City Council to call off their trip to Boracay Island this week, saying it's better to exercise prudence in time of crisis.

City to send demand letter for return of P24 million advance

Cebu City will first send a demand letter to WT Construction and four other contractors for the return of P24-million advance payment for the aborted Carbon Public Market Ramp.

COA orders city not to let towing firms collect fines

The Commission on Audit has ordered the Cebu City Hall not to let towing companies collect payments from traffic violators.  City assistant treasurer Emma Villarete said that in its exit conference last Friday, COA pointed out that towing companies contracted by the city government should not collect payments from traffic violators.

Villarete said it used to be their practice that violators of illegal and overnight parking would pay directly to the towing companies, which in turn would remit the 15 percent share of the city to the City Treasurer's Office (CTO).

But COA said traffic violators should pay to CTO or any deputized agent of the City Hall and an official receipt should be issued to them.

It added that the towing companies should record the apprehensions, and make a voucher and bill it to CTO.

But Villarete said even before COA called their attention, they already changed the system last April.

She said the CTO will first collect the 15 percent before giving the dues to the towing companies.

SC convicts mom for selling child for sex

THE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the guilt of a woman from Lapu-Lapu City who was previously charged and convicted in the lower court of "selling" her daughter, 13, to a barangay tanod for sex.

Talisay cops 'rescue' alleged shabu runner

A man, who claims he works as a runner for an alleged drug lord, who also happens to be his uncle, was rescued by policemen last Sunday night from a house in barangay Lawaan I, Talisay City.

Gov't appeals junking of rap against Erap

Government lawyers have asked the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court to reconsider its order dismissing the last perjury case against deposed president and convicted plunderer Joseph Estrada and allow him to freely travel abroad.

Comelec could 'take over' automation 

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) could "take over" the position vacated by a Filipino firm in a technology consortium tasked automate the 2010 elections so that it would push through, an elections official said.  This is among four "contingency plans" of the Comelec to make sure that next year's elections are automated, said Ferdinand Rafanan, chairman of the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) that awarded the automation contract to Dutch firm Smartmatic International and its Filipino partner, Total Information Management (TIM).

On Monday, TIM withdrew from the consortium, raising fears that the Comelec would be stuck with manual counting in 2010.

Rafanan said a new bidding was another option, but its legality could be questioned since a second bidding can be done only when there is no winner in the first bidding.

TIM should be accountable, PPCRV says

Dismayado ang mga election watchdog na posibleng maudlot ang computerization ng halalan. Ang gusto ng Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting: managot ang umatras na kontratista.

Comelec to winner: No papers, no deal

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will "call off" its deal with the winning bidder for the 2010 election automation project if the technology firm fails to submit its incorporation papers by Friday, Comelec Chairman Jose Melo said.

'Troops could oust Arroyo' 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo might suffer the same fate as the ousted Honduran president if she insists on extending her stay in power beyond 2010, the opposition warned on Monday.  Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, president of the United Opposition (UNO), issued the warning amid reports of a plan to use military generals to push for Charter change, which could result in a term extension for Arroyo or her assumption as prime minister in a parliamentary government.

Binay said the plan would fuel unrest within the military and galvanize opposition to the Arroyo administration.

Enrile asks Arroyo to drop House bid

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to abandon plans of running for a congressional seat as the vast powers she enjoys would give her undue advantage over her opponents.

Cory Aquino eating again, condition improves

Former President Corazon Aquino's condition has improved slightly and she has taken her first snack since she was confined to the hospital last week – chicken sandwich, her son, Senator Benigno Aquino III said.

3 dead, 15 hurt in Maguindanao blast

Bombs ripped through a cafe in southern Philippines at around 6:15 a.m., killing three people and wounding 15, witnesses said.  Most of the victims were customers of a bakery-cum-coffee shop just five meters away from the blast site.

The three dead included a man seen placing one of the devices inside a garbage bin at a coffee shop near the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao province on Mindanao island, one witness said, quoting local police.

Police tighten security in gov't buildings

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Monday ordered more stringent police watch of public buildings after a bomb explosion and a bomb attempt happened in two days straight in government buildings in Quezon City.

Ombudsman tells employees: Carry on

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez on Monday asked employees of the Office of the Ombudsman to be careful but also to carry on with their work in the wake of an explosion at their office compound over the weekend.

Agriculture chief orders tight security

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap ordered stricter security measures at the Department of Agriculture (DA) premises after a bomb was discovered there on Monday.

Broadcaster shot dead in Agusan Sur

A radio broadcaster was shot dead by an unknown gunman here, police said Monday.  Jonathan Petalvero, the 43-year-old host of a news commentary program on DXFM station in Bayugan town, was attacked by a gunman riding a motorcycle along a road here late Saturday, Bayugan police officer Johnny Orlanez said.

Recruiter sexually abused Filipina workers

Two Filipino female workers are preparing to file rape charges against their Arab recruiter in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, even as 20 more workers sought to be rescued from the same recruitment agency over reports that they have been sexually abused too, a global alliance of migrant workers said on Monday.

Honduras leader orders 48-hour curfew

The newly-appointed leader of Honduras Roberto Micheletti ordered a 48-hour curfew starting late Sunday, after denying there had been a coup d'etat on deposed President Manuel Zelaya.

DFA says worried for Pinoys in Honduras

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday expressed concern over the welfare of Filipinos working in Honduras, after a military coup ousted the Central American nation's leader, sparking violence in the streets.

Iran police out in force as poll result upheld

Iranian police were out in force across the capital Tehran on Monday as the authorities upheld the official results of this month's fiercely-disputed presidential election over opposition protests.

British PM demands release of staff

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown demanded the release of four locally-engaged British embassy staff in Tehran, saying Iran's behaviour was "unacceptable, unjustified and without foundation".

3 killed, 60 injured in China train collision

At least three people were killed and 60 injured when two passenger trains collided early Monday in central China, state media reported.

Roach wants to silence Pacquiao's critics

In pushing for a showdown with Miguel Cotto, American trainer Freddie Roach apparently wants to silence critics of the one-sided win scored by Manny Pacquiao over Oscar De La Hoya.

Virus scare hits Wimbledon

Some staff members at the Wimbledon tennis championships have reported "flu-like" symptoms but the competition will continue "as normal", organizers said.

Atty. 4 doc: Jacko had pulse when found

Michael Jackson still had a faint pulse and his body was warm when his doctor found him in bed and not breathing, a lawyer for the doctor told The Associated Press on Sunday.

Jackson pa angers fans after biz plug

Michael Jackson's father, who had an uneasy relationship with the superstar, angered fans Sunday when he appeared to make a commercial plug at his first appearance since his son's death.

Jackson ma to seek custody of kids

Michael Jackson's mother will seek custody of the late pop icon's three young children, a lawyer for the family of the singer told CNN on Sunday.

Jacko's parents:  Authority over affairs

Michael Jackson's father declared Sunday in the strongest terms yet that he and his wife have sole authority over the late pop star's affairs.

Belo cries harassment from 'NBI agents'

Umalma ngayon si Doktora Vicki Belo sa diumano'y pang-ha-haras sa kanya ng NBI. Ito'y matapos sumugod kahapon sa bahay niya ang ilang nakapakilalang NBI agents kaugnay pa rin sa iskandalo ng mga sex video ni Hayden Kho.

Fred Allen  - "California is a fine place to live - if you happen to be an orange."

June 29, 2009 Major News Stories

Chevron, Seaoil cut pump prices

Oil firms Chevron Corp. and Seaoil Philippines announced on Sunday that that would reduce pump prices effective Monday.  At 12:01 a.m., Seaoil will slash gasoline prices be P1.25 per liter, disesel by P1 per liter, and kerosene by 75 centavos per liter.

At 6 a.m., Chevron will cut its E10 and regular gasoline prices by P1.25 per liter, diesel by P0.50 per liter, and kerosene by 75 centavos per liter, said the company's communications manager, Toby Nebrida.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines led the rollback last Saturday, as it cut prices of gasoline and diesel by P1.25 and P1 per liter, respectively.

DOH tells UCLM: Resume class

THE Department of Health (DOH) 7 yesterday gave the go-signal for the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) campus to resume classes today, even after 12 nautical students tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1) over the weekend.

House reopens, anti-H1N1 measures set

Over 3,000 employees of the House of the Representatives will troop back to work on Monday with House Speaker Prospero Nograles giving his assurance that the Batasan Pambansa had been thoroughly cleaned and more stringent measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

House has 3 new positive cases of A(H1N1)

Three more positive cases of influenza A(H1N1) have been confirmed at the House of Representatives, bringing the total confirmed cases to six.

2 soldiers with H1N1 recovering

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Sunday its first two cases of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus among its 120,000-strong force, just as health officials began easing up on control measures against the mild flu strain, a spokesman said.

10 with H1N1 flu in N. Mindanao fully cured

The Department of Health confirmed 10 cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in Northern Mindanao but said that all of the patients had fully recovered as of Saturday.

DOH says 'not lax' as guidelines relaxed 

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday clarified that they are not becoming lax in their fight against the influenza A (H1N1) virus, after revising response rules against the illness.  Among these major changes are that only patients with sensitive conditions will be given medicine against A (H1N1), and not all confirmed A (H1N1) cases.

Not all patients would also be admitted to hospitals for quarantine, and mild cases will be for home care only.

In order to be admitted to hospitals for confinement and isolation, patients would have to have manifestations of respiratory difficulty, progressively acute illness, and other indications that they belong to "risk groups," or patients at a larger risk when they contract the virus.

Also, only selected patients passing certain criteria will undergo swab testing for the virus, as well as for laboratory diagnosis.

Travelers arriving from countries with confirmed A (H1N1) cases would no longer be required to go on a ten-day self-quarantine anymore and are instead advised to observe themselves for signs of the illness.

On the other hand, patients will only be cleared by the DOH for travel seven days after the fevers have subsided.

Glo orders QRTs, mobile kits for A(H1N1)

Pres. Arroyo ordered the departments of health (DOH) and agriculture (DA) to organize quick reaction teams and mobile testing facilities to be sent to areas affected by the A(H1N1) virus.

Masses may be suspended if flu worsens 

The Catholic Church is considering suspending Masses should the spread of the A(H1N1) flu virus become worse in the Philippines - as a "last resort." But Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, along with some priests and parishioners, thinks the proposal unnecessary.

Paracetamol for mild H1N1 patients

The Influenza A(H1N1) virus would generally go away with time and paracetamol and a good decongestant could manage the symptoms caused by the virus in persons without chronic illnesses, a health official said.

Boy, 4, latest dengue fatality

A four-year-old boy in barangay Talamban became the latest dengue casualty, bringing the total number of deaths in the city to 11 for the first half of this year.

Groups to lower price of diabetes medicine

Pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis and the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. (ISDF) has forged a new partnership to lower the prices of anti-diabetes drugs for poor patients.

BFAD recalls Hydroxycut weightloss goods

If you are still in possession of Hydroxycut weight-loss products, stop using them, return them to where you bought them, and demand a refund.

Brownout hits Mandaue, 2 towns

CONSOLACION and Liloan towns and parts of Mandaue City were plunged into darkness last night, while an emergency crew checked power lines to find out why power was cut off.

'Steering trouble' forces vessel to return

A PASSENGER vessel bound for Surigao City had to return to Cebu after it encountered "steering trouble" about two hours after leaving the Cebu City port area at 7 p.m. Saturday.  Passengers of M/V Pilipinas Dumaguete of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. complained of the crew's alleged failure to attend to their needs, particularly in providing them food for breakfast and in advising them what to do when the vessel arrived in Cebu City.

CSCST tops marine eng'g exam

Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST) topped in the last board examination for Marine Engineering, getting seven of its examinees listed in the top ten slots with two in the first place, two in the fifth place and one each in the 8th, 9th and 10th.  First placers are CSCST graduates Mark B. Canoy and Ronald S. Saromines, and Marcelino Aliviar of the University of the Visayas, who all got who both get a score of 89.25 percent; second placers with 88.75 percent scores are Richard S. Sorillo of Aklan Polytechnic Institute and Alexander C. Valenzuela of Collegio dela Purisima Concepcion; 3rd, with 88.50 percent score is Jofil A. Malunes of VMA Global College; 4th, 88.25 percent is Arthur I. Anuada Jr. of the University of Cebu; 5th, 88 percent—Vincent A. Bagatua Jr. (CSCST) and Arwin N. Roco II (CSCST); 6th, 87.75 percent—Cyril C. Son (UC); 7th, 87.50 percent Larry R. Almendras (UV); Mark Anthony Blanco (UC).

The 8th placers with 87.25 percent are Venerando M. Mahilum Jr (CSCST) and Allan Roy L. Meneses (Bicol Merchant Marine College); 9th, 87 percent—Carlos B. Pupa (CSCST); Rene Aldrin O. Contreras (Technological Institute of the Philippines); Nexon T. Nicolas (Eastern Visayas State University); Raymundo P. Salazar Jr. (John Lacson Colleges Foundation); Christopher C. Udan of Palompon Institute of Technology.

The 10th placers who garnered 86.75% in the exam are Lermo R. Pepito (CSCST); Joel P. Ang (Misamis Institute of Technology); Bernie R. Banay (John Lacson Colleges Foundation); Roberto M. Barcenas (Mindanao Polytechnic College); Glenn Milloria (Philippine Maritime Institute-Bohol); Sherwin C. San Roque (PMI—Quezon City).

 Meanwhile, a CSCST board examinee for Licensure Examination for Teachers held last April, Maria Carlina Roa, also landed in the topnotchers' list bagging the 9th place in the exam. 

Pedong hopes Teddy will run for mayor

Former Mandaue City Mayor Alfredo "Pedong" Ouano wants his son, Thadeo "Teddy" to run again as city mayor against 6th District Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz and Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Minnie can run despite dual citizenship

The Commission on Elections sees no serious legal impediment should Mayor Tomas Osmeña's elder sister, Minnie, run for public office despite her having dual citizenship.

Osmeña leaving for Texas tonight

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will leave for the United States tonight for his first quarterly checkup at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Blast rocks Ombudsman office

A powerful bomb exploded at the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) compound in Quezon City early morning Sunday, leaving a three-foot deep crater and damaging the compound's premises, an official said.

Senate to probe PCGG chief on trips

THE SENATE will investigate chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) over numerous foreign travels since 2006 up to the present, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday said.

Protesters greet Arroyo in HK side trip

Some 300 members of various overseas Filipino groups in Hong Kong picketed the hotel where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her entourage were billeted on Sunday.

Fil-Am accuses military of torturing her

Filipino-American activist Melissa Roxas lived to tell her story of abduction and torture so the whole world will be aware of human rights abuses in the Philippines.

Militants kill 2 soldiers, 7 cops in Basilan

Officials say suspected al-Qaida-linked militants killed seven policemen in a road ambush following the killing of two Army soldiers in a separate attack in the southern Philippines.

Man admits to killing 70-year old woman 

A man in Escalante City has admitted to killing a septuagenarian but has denied sexually molesting the victim.  22-year old Rodel Lamis voluntarily surrendered to authorities Saturday morning. He admitted killing, 70-year old Lily Santillian of Sitio Camayu-ang in Brgy Dian-ay in Escalante City.

Santillians body, police said, was found inside her house Thursday morning, naked. Autopsy result further revealed that she has suffered several hack wounds and vaginal lacerations.

Lamis, a neighbor of Santillian, said he was on his way home Wednesday evening when he saw the 70-year old in front of her house. He said he greeted Santillian. When she did not respond to his greetings, he claimed he felt "eerie" and said he suspected that the 70-year old is a witch.

With his cane cutter he admitted he hacked the old woman. He also said both of them grappled.

The suspect however denied sexually molesting the victim.

Police said they are poised to file rape with homicide charges against the suspect.

Chief Inspector Santiago Rapiz said that it is now up to Lamis to defend himself and prove his innocence. Rapiz also added that they are ruling out a robbery angle. He said there is nothing to rob from the victim as her situation showed her poverty.

Peso worst-performing Asian currency 

The fall of the peso to two-month lows against the US dollar this month has made it the worst-performing currency in Asia over the last six months, and analysts predict a further weakening in the second half.

Workers hang panties as Triumph closes

Members of a workers union said Sunday that they will "hang bras and panties" on the gate and on warehouse fences of their factory in Taguig City on Monday to protest the announcement of the scheduled closure of the factories they have been working in.

Somali pirates free 3 Pinoy crewmembers

Somali pirates have released a Belgian ship, the Pompei, and its European and Filipino crew two months after their capture, the Belgian prime minister said Sunday.

Iran arrests British embassy staff

Iran has arrested eight local British embassy staff, triggering London's fury on Sunday and further exacerbating tensions with the West over the post-election turmoil in the Islamic republic.

Military arrests Honduran president

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was arrested Sunday by troops who surrounded his home ahead of a controversial constitutional referendum, a top government aide said.

World leaders slam Honduran coup 

International bodies and heads of states condemned Honduran soldiers' arrest of the country's president Sunday, amid rising tension over a controversial referendum.

Venezuela: US behind Honduras coup

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez denounced Sunday's arrest of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya as a "coup d'etat" and alleged that the United States had a hand in his overthrow.

Ginebra reaches finals, beats Rain or Shine

Barangay Ginebra reached the finals anew after beating Rain or Shine, 108-100, in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinal series Sunday night in the 2008-09 Motolite-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Kings, Beermen end it in 6, clash in final

Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer finished off Rain or Shine and Burger King in their respective semifinal playoffs last night to rekindle their sibling rivalry, arranging a duel for the Motolite PBA Fiesta Cup crown at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

PBA told: Pay games board P3.4M

The Supreme Court has upheld an appellate court ruling that binds the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to pay the Games and Amusements Board more than P3.4 million as the GAB's share in the professional league's broadcast revenues in 2002.

Shaq looks to play to age 40

Shaquille O'Neal is planning to play in the NBA until he is 40 and planning to wear his old high school and college jersey number, 33, when playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers next season.

Mayweather-Marquez resched for Sept. 19

Floyd Mayweather's return to boxing is back on, although the new date won't make things any easier for him against hard-hitting Juan Manuel Marquez.

7,770 try to dance into world record books

A total of 7,770 Cebuano juveniles attempted to dance their way into the Guinness Book of World Records by holding the largest dance class in the world in the jam-packed Cebu City Sports Center grounds.

Jackson family plan funeral, doc quizzed

Michael Jackson's family were planning funeral arrangements for the tragic pop icon Sunday as reports said police who interviewed the star's doctor for a second time found "no smoking gun."

Jackson family anger mounts

The family of Michael Jackson may seek an independent autopsy, it emerged Saturday amid mounting anger and frustration over the final hours of the tragic pop icon's life.

Underbelly of fame–celebs, docs & drugs

Michael Jackson's death has lifted a veil on the sinister underbelly of fame, with associates of the pop icon hitting out at celebrity-dazzled doctors who funnel powerful narcotics to the stars.

Obama:  Condolences to Jackson family

United States President Barack Obama has sent a written message of condolence to the grieving family of pop icon Michael Jackson, senior advisor David Axelrod said Sunday.

Liz, Paul mourn Jackson's death

The legendary screen icon who crowned Michael Jackson with the royal title "King of Pop" finally broke her silence on the death of the person she said would live in her heart forever.

Lisa Marie: Michael knew how he would die

While mourning the passing of her former husband, Lisa Marie Presley said Michael Jackson had predicted that his death would be similar to that Elvis Presley"s, the legendary "King of Rock and Roll."

In death, Michael Jackson tops charts

Like Elvis before him, Michael Jackson is topping the charts in death as in life.

Jackson kids 'fantastic,' says grandfather

Michael Jackson's three children are in "fantastic" shape at the family's compound in Los Angeles, the musical clan's patriarch Joe Jackson said Saturday.

Transcript of 911 call in Michael's death

Following is a transcript of the emergency call placed from Michael Jackson's Los Angeles mansion at 12:21 p.m. (1921 GMT, 0221 Manila) Thursday.

Operator: Fire and paramedics 33. What is the address of the emergency?

Caller: Yes sir, I need an ambulance as soon as possible, sir.

Operator: OK, sir. What is your address?

Caller: It's 100 North Carolwood Drive, Los Angeles, California, 90077.

Operator: You said Carolwood?

Caller: Carolwood Drive, yes.

Operator: OK, sir. What is the phone number that you're calling from?

Caller: (REDACTED)

Operator: And what exactly happened?

Caller: We have a gentleman here that needs help and he's not breathing yet. He's not breathing and we're trying to pump him but he's not. He's not.

Operator: OK, how old is he?

Caller: He's 50 years old, sir.

Operator: 50? OK, he's not breathing? Not conscious.

Caller: No, he's not breathing. He's not conscious sir.

Operator: Do you have him on the floor? Where's he at right now?

Caller: He's on the bed sir. He's on the bed. We need them.

Operator: Let's get him on the floor. We're already on the way. I'm going to as much as I can to help you on the phone. We're already on our way. Did anybody see him?

Caller: Yes, we have a personal doctor with him, sir.

Operator: Oh, you have a doctor there?

Caller: Yes, but he's not responding to anything. He's not responding to CPR or anything.

Operator: Oh, OK, we're on our way there. If your guy is doing CPR and you're instructed by a doctor, he's a higher authority than me. And he's there on scene. Did anybody witness what happened?

Caller: No, just the doctor, sir. The doctor has been the only one there.

Operator: OK, so the doctor saw what happened?

Caller: Doctor, did you see what happened, sir?

(Someone spoke in the background but the words were not intelligible.)

Caller: Sir, if you can please.

Operator: We're on our way. I'm just passing these questions on to my paramedics while they're on the way there, sir.

Caller: Thank you sir. He's pumping his chest but he's not responding to anything. Please.

Operator: OK, OK. We're on our way. We're less than a mile away from Cedars and we'll be there shortly.

Farrah Fawcett funeral set for Tuesday 

A private funeral for actress Farrah Fawcett will be held at the Catholic cathedral of Los Angeles next Tuesday, church officials said on Friday.

Diether Ocampo rushed to hospital in US

Diether Ocampo was rushed to a hospital in the United States after suffering a seizure while rehearsing for a show, a statement from Star Magic said.

Big spender Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp left a $4,000 tip at a Chicago restaurant. The 46-year-old actor was celebrating a red carpet screening of his new movie "Public Enemies" with a group of friends - including his co-star Marion Cotillard and the film's director Michael Mann - at Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse when he left the mammoth gratuity.