November 26, 2009 Major News Stories

Oil hovers near $76 amid weak US crude demand

SINGAPORE - Oil prices hovered near $76 a barrel Wednesday in Asia as investors mulled whether signs of a sluggish US economy and weak crude demand justified a further sell-off this week.

Judge won't withdraw from suit vs big oil companies

A Manila judge denied on Wednesday the motion seeking to inhibit himself from hearing a suit, which aimed to stop the Big 3 oil players from raising prices of their products.

"Urduja" displaces more than 400 families - NDCC

More than 400 families were affected by the series of landslides and flash floods that struck Eastern Visayas and Northern Mindanao due to heavy rains caused by tropical storm "Urduja" since Tuesday, even as the cyclone weakened into a low-pressure area.

5 foreigners on dive tour, 6 others rescued as boat capsizes off Leyte island

Eleven persons, including five foreigners, were rescued by the crew of two fishing vessels several hours after their boat capsized at 8 a.m. Tuesday off Limasawa, Southern Leyte, at the height of Tropical Depression "Urduja."

Ship gets stranded for 10 hours off Ozamiz

by By Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot|

A passenger vessel carrying over 50 passengers was stranded for 10 hours several meters away from the shorelines of Ozamiz City yesterday.

Landslide blocks road, cuts off power in Busay

Electricity was cut off for nine hours in at least 20 households in Sitio Roosevelt in the mountain barangay of Busay to make way for clearing operations after a landslide occurred in the barangay early yesterday morning.

4-yr-old is 36th dengue casualty

A couple from barangay San Roque, here in the city, lost their four-year-old daughter to the complications of dengue hemorrhagic fever last November 21 because they reportedly rushed her to the hospital only upon sensing that she was already in critical condition.

DepEd to schools: Hold simple Christmas parties

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has instructed schools to keep "simple" or even "austere" their Christmas parties due to the recent calamities that struck the country.

Schools back ordinance amendment

School officials in Cebu City support the move to ban minor students from entering Internet cafés after 9 p.m. although they have some reservations on how to deal with those students without computers in their homes.

Apostol says he did not draft resolution on CICC probe

Contrary to earlier reports that he penned his own resolution on the fact-finding inquiry into the controversial construction of the Cebu International Convention Center, Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol said yesterday he never did so.

Amicable settlement on UP lot controversy eyed

An amicable settlement is reportedly being eyed to resolve the ongoing conflict between the University of the Philippines in the Visayas – Cebu College and the fire-stricken residents of barangay Lahug.

City tops in tax collection; Capitol is not impressed

Cebu City again ranked first among 16 cities in Central Visayas in terms of efficiency in real property tax collection for the third quarter of 2009.

Arroyo vows justice as massacre toll hits 57

(UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Wednesday vowed to hunt down the perpetrators of a political massacre that left 57 people dead, as one of her allies was named the prime suspect.

Partial list of victims in Maguindanao massacre

1. Bai Eden Mangudadatu - Vice Mayor, Mangudadatu, Maguindanao
2. Bai Genalin T. Mangundadatu - Wife of Gubernatorial Candidate DATU TOTO MANGUDADATU
3. Memotabi Mangundadatu - Civilian
4. Rowena Ante Mangudadatu - Civilian
5. Bai Farina Mangudadatu - Civilian
6. Atty. Cynthia Onquendo Ogare - Lawyer
7. Atty. Concepcion Brizuela -Lawyer
8. Mr. Onquendo - Father of Amy Cynthia Onquendo
9. Ian Sublang - Media/Gensan Newsprint
10. Lea Dalmacio - Media/Gensan Newsprint
11. Gina Dela Cruz - Media/Gensan Newsprint
12. Marites Cabunes - Media/Gensan Newsprint
13. Bart Maravilla - Media/Bombo Radyo
14. Jhoy Duhay - Media/Peoples Tonite
15. Henry Araneta - Media/DZRH Correspondent
16. Andy Teodoro - Media/Mindanao Inquirer
17. Neneng Montano - Media/Gensan Newsprint
18. Alejandro Bong Reblado - Media/UNTV
19. Victor Nuñez - Media/UNTV
20. Mac-mac Amola - Media/Gensan Newsprint
21. Unto - Driver
22. Jimmy Cabello - Media/Midland Review
23. Councilor Razul Daud - Media/SK Newspaper
24. Eugene Depillano - Driver
25. Farida Sabdullah - Civilian
26. Suraida Beman - Civilian
27. Raida Sapalon Abdul - Civilian
28. Pinky Balayman - Civilian
29. Ela Balayman - Civilian
30. Rahima Puelo Palawan - Civilian
31. Meriam Calimbol - Civilian
32. Sidick Edza - Driver
33. Patrick Pamansang - Driver
34. Chito - Driver
35. Abdulla Hadji Dodong - Driver
36. Joel Parcon - Media/Prontera News
37. Val Cachuela - Media/Prontera News
38. John Caniban - Media/
39. Art Baloya - Media/Punto Periodico
40. Noel Decena - Media/Punto Periodico
41. Rany Razon - Media/Punto Periodico
42. Bienvenido Jun Legarta - Media/Punto Periodico
43. Jovy Legarta - Media/Punto Periodico
44. Rey Merisco - Media/Punto Periodico
45. Boyet Dela Cerna - Media/Escalera News
46. Art Mascardo - Media/GSC
47. Patricia Palapay - Civilian

Other motorists among Maguindanao massacre dead: police

by Agence France-Presse

SANIAG - Passing motorists who had nothing to do with a political dispute were likely among 57 people killed when gunmen opened fire on a convoy of cars in the southern Philippines, police said Wednesday. 

Innocent motorists among Ampatuan massacre victims

Trailing the ill-fated Mangudadatu convoy was a red Toyota Vios carrying stroke patient Eduardo Lechonsito and his four companions, including his wife, en route to a hospital in Cotabato City. Abducted along with everyone in the convoy, they suffered the same fate. Lechonsito's body is still missing but the others have been found. Their car was crushed and buried.

'Monsters' murdered pregnant women: Buluan vice mayor

by Agence France Presse

COTABATO - A politician whose family was targeted in a southern Philippine massacre that left at least 52 people dead described the attackers on Wednesday as monsters, saying his murdered sister and aunt were pregnant.

"My youngest sister was five months' pregnant, while my aunt was into her sixth month of pregnancy."

All of his relatives in the convoy were killed, along with two female lawyers and at least 13 journalists, according to police.

Mangudadatu gave a sickening description of his wife's fate.

"My wife's private part was slashed four times, after which they fired a bullet into it," he said.

"They speared both of her eyes, shot both her breasts, cut off her feet, fired into her mouth. I could not begin to describe the manner by which they treated her."

It was not immediately possible to verify Mangudadatu's claims about the mutilation.

Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluna, regional police chief whose jurisdiction covers Maguindanao, the southern province where the killings took place, declined to comment when asked about Mangudadatu's statements.

However, a mortician's aide at the scene of the mass graves told AFP there on Tuesday that one unidentified woman victim appeared to be pregnant.

Arroyo declares day of mourning for Maguindanao

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared Thursday as a national day of mourning as the nation confronts one of its bloodiest election-related atrocities following the killing of at least 52 people, including journalists, in Maguindanao, last Monday.

Palace to Ampatuans: Turn yourselves in

Malacañang on Wednesday advised Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. and other suspects in the Maguindanao massacre to turn themselves in to the authorities.

``It definitely will help if those who feel that they are already being considered as suspects to turn themselves in and cooperate with the law enforcement agencies,'' Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in a briefing.

``To prove they're innocent, they should give themselves up rather than go against the law by not turning themselves in,'' Ermita stressed.

Ermita was commenting on reports that the police had tagged Ampatuan Jr. as the prime suspect, citing witnesses' accounts that the victims were initially stopped by a group led by the latter. 

No evidence yet vs Arroyo ally linked to massacre—PNP

(UPDATE 2) The Philippine National Police is still gathering evidence against an influential clan suspected of being behind the massacre in Maguindanao province, an official said Wednesday, as the death toll has risen to 52.

Expect 'actions' within 24 hours and next few days - officials

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - President Arroyo's adviser in Mindanao as well as her acting justice secretary on Wednesday said people clamoring for a swift action against the suspects and mastermind in the gruesome killing of more than 50 people in Maguindanao should expect "specific actions" taken within 24 hours to a few days. 

Ampatuans not 'untouchable' -- Ermita

Under fire for allegedly taking it easy on the Ampatuan clan, Malacañang declared on Wednesday that President Macapagal-Arroyo's political debt of gratitude would not keep the government from going after the family in connection with the Maguindanao massacre.

Arroyo administration 'cultivating culture of impunity for cohorts'—NDF

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines on Wednesday condemned the Maguindanao carnage as it blamed the Arroyo administration for "cultivating the culture of impunity for its cohorts."

AFP tells militia groups in Maguindanao to turn over firearms

The Armed Forces of the Philippines deactivated the two Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) groups operating in Maguindanao, a military spokesman said Wednesday.

DoJ chief, execs fly to Maguindanao

Ranking officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ), led by acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, went to Maguindanao to facilitate the assistance, case build-up and coordination with authorities in connection with the massacre Monday when over 50 people were killed, including members of the media.

DoJ, NBI gather evidence in Maguindanao

Three days after the Maguindanao massacre, state prosecutors and National Bureau of Investigation continue to gather evidence to identify those behind the gruesome killings and file the appropriate criminal charges.

Last phone call of Mangudadatu's wife crucial in prosecution

The supposed last mobile phone call made by the wife of Buluan town vice mayor Ishmael "Toto" Mangudadatu is crucial in the prosecution of suspects in the gruesome Maguindanao massacre, a police-lawyer said Wednesday.

Ombudsman wants to know why a gov't backhoe in massacre scene

What was a government-owned backhoe doing in that killing field?

Backhoe operator sought in Maguindanao massacre

A man who operated the backhoe said to have been used to bury the victims in the massacre of 52 civilians, including journalists, in Maguindanao, last Monday, is now the subject of a manhunt by Philippine National Police.

Women rights groups decry Maguindanao massacre

Women from various walks of life expressed their outrage over the gruesome death that befell their fellow women in what is now called by authorities as the Maguindanao Massacre.

Families of lawyers killed in Maguindanao cry for justice

Kabilang sa mga minasaker sa Maguindanao ang 2 abugada na kilala sa pagtataguyod sa karapatang pantao at nakikipaglaban sa katiwalian. Hamon ng pamilya ng dalawa, sila naman ang bigyang hustisya! 

2 Ampatuans expelled from Lakas-Kampi-CMD

(UPDATE) The executive committee of Lakas-Kampi-CMD on Wednesday evening voted unanimously in an emergency party meeting in Pasig City to expel Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and ARMM Gov. Zaldy Uy Ampatuan as party members in good standing after they were linked to the Maguindanao massacre.

Teodoro calls for expulsion of Ampatuans from administration party

Taking a firm stance as new chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro has called for the expulsion of the Ampatuans from the administration party after the clan was linked to the massacre of at least 46 civilians in Maguindanao.

Gibo, Edu to Mangudadatus: We're your allies

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - Lakas-Kampi-CMD's standard bearer for the 2010 elections Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. and his running mate Eduardo Manzano were the Mangudadatu family's unexpected guests Wednesday in Buluan in Maguindanao province to convey their condolences with the victims of the gruesome Maguindanao massacre.

'Mangudadatus were to join LP prior to massacre'

Kinumpirma ng opisyal ng Liberal Pparty na nakipag-usap sila kay Vice Mayor Esmail Mangudadatu para maging kanididato ng partido sa pagka-gubernador bago nangyari ang masaker. 'Yan ay matapos umanong alukin ng ilang emisaryo si Mangudadatu ng sari-saring posisyon sa pamahalaan. Ang kapalit umano nito: ang pag-atras ni Mangudadatu sa halalan.

FVR urges Arroyo: Dialogue with warring factions

Former President Fidel Ramos on Wednesday urged President Macapagal-Arroyo to hold a dialogue with the warring factions in Maguindanao and other problem areas in order to prevent the outbreak of more violence even before the 2010 general elections.

Comelec wants early 2010 polls in ARMM

by By Lilita Balane, Newsbreak

Letting the region vote ahead of the rest of the country can prevent violence, fraud Due to the poll-related violence that has claimed 50 lives so far, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is renewing its call to hold elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ahead of the rest of the country in 2010. The purpose is apparently for the government to focus security details and poll-monitoring efforts on the traditional election hotbed.

MILF to go on info campaign for peace talks

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front will launch a massive communication program designed to make the public understand issues behind its peace negotiations with the government, in view of criticisms about the lack of transparency in the talks.

Maguindanao, 2 others not part of 'tourist circuit'—DoT

The Department of Tourism is coordinating with travel media and tour operators in informing potential tourists to Mindanao that Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City are not part of the "main tourist circuit" in the region, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said Wednesday.

2 bombs explode near Sulu gov's house

Two improvised explosive devices exploded near the residence of Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan Tuesday, but no one was hurt in the incident, police said on Wednesday.

SC: Infomercials legal even before campaign period

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that there's no law banning politicians from airing their infomercials and posting their billboards from the time they filed their certificates of candidacies—anytime between November 20 and December 1—up to the start of their campaign period.

Tandem seeking Capitol's top posts says they'll run under United Opposition

FORMER Cebu City councilor Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. will be running for the province's top two elective positions under the United Opposition.

Ruiz is admin bet for 2010; Jonas awaits clarification

REP. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz (Cebu Province, 6th district) has been named the administration party's candidate for Mandaue City mayor, a claim disputed by the camp of Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Manny Pacquiao to run for Cebu City vice mayor?

by By Elly Bolonos

Manny Pacquiao is interested in running for vice mayor of Cebu City and has agreed to be the runningmate of Georgia Osmena.

Presidential bets for 2010 polls near 30—Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accepted 28 presidential candidates for the 2010 elections, two vice presidents and 17 senators, records from the law department showed.

On Wednesday, the legal department accepted the candidacies for president of Jose Voltaire Manadis, 60, a mining engineer from Quezon City; Rafael Clarete, 57, farmer and business man from General Santos City; and Hermogenes Martir, making the total candidates for presidency at 28.

Also on Wednesday, the Comelec accepted five more bids for the Senate, including that of 54-year-old incumbent Senator Manuel Lito Lapid; retired Philippine National Police (PNP) general Romeo Maganto, 61, who now resides at Bulacan.

Other senatorial bids accepted include Rummel Pinera, 41, an entrepreneur from Laguna; Rebecca Santosidad, an independent candidate and Arman Manahan, 30, a barber from Cavite.

Early bids
Rigoberto Madera, who identified himself as a "Messiah" and a member of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, was the first prospective candidate for president that filed his CoC at 8:40 a.m. Friday.

More known candidates who filed candidacies for president include lawyer Oliver Lozano, 69, of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, who filed a petition before Comelec to disqualify former president Joseph Estrada from seeking re-election as president; and Olongapo city councilor John Carlos "JC" Delos Reyes of Ang Kapatiran Party, who is also the nephew of Senator Richard Gordon.

Other candidates for president whose candidacy were accepted on November 20 are: Gilbert Garcia, a quantum physics instructor from Biñan, Laguna; Wendell Hanopol Lope, 34, a taxi driver who claimed he was cheated in the 2004 presidential elections; Vicente Fabella, 46, businessman of Oriental Mindoro; masseuse Josefina Murillo, 56, from Quezon City; Peter Peligrino, 70, a retired teacher; Carmelo Carreon, 63, an insurance agent; Vetellano Acosta, 52, a financial consultant; Daniel Magtira, 49, a barangay (village) chairman in Tondo; retired teacher Ernesto Balite, 64, from Bulacan; Sultan Min Balad Villaflor, 52, from Negros Occidental; Eduardo Fernandez, 58, businessman; Noel Aguirre, a former overseas Filipino worker from Jeddah.

Valeriano Reloj, 48, lawyer from Manila; Enrique Sadiosa, 46, businessman from Camarines Sur; religious missionary Maria Magdalena Apura, 81, from Cavite; Simeon Paz Jr., 69, preacher from Pillila, Riza; Marcelino Donato Bhen Navarro, 52, herbalist from Vigan; David Alimorong, 70, retired soldier and entrepreneur from Antipolo Rizal; Gregorio Canlas Samia, 61, who earned the moniker "Manok" for imitating the coos of rooster; Nancy Megio, 44, housewife from Tanauan Batangas; Orlando Abitona, 71, from Cainta, Rizal;

Alicman Usodan Ali, 38, a businessman from Manila, was first to have his candidacy for vice president approved on Sunday afternoon. He was followed by Dominador Chipeco Jr., 66, who is running under Ang Kapatiran Party on Monday.

Meanwhile, Victorino Inte, 55, a political science graduate from Loboc, Bohol, was the first to file his CoC for senator and was approved, followed by Micomi-i La-Lawquero, who claimed to be Metro Manila's House representative and a majority floor leader from 2007 to 2008 and Eduardo Sion, 67, who claimed to be nominated by Senior Nazareno party.

Comelec also approved seven senatorial bets running under Ang Kapatiran party, which include social scientist and consultant Rizalito David, lawyer Jo Aurea Imbong, professor Zosimo Jesus Paredes, journalist and consumer advocate Adrian Sison, councilor and professor Reginald Tamayo, Hector Tarrazona and former UN executive Manuel Valdehuesa Jr.

Other senatorial bids accepted by the legal department came from: Aeric Bernandino. 44, civil engineer, from Novaliches; Alex Poyatos, 60, banker from Nueva Vizcaya; Rogelio Poblete, 70, businessman from Manila.

Candidacies for local and national positions may be filed until 12 midnight of December 1.

Production of poll machines starts next week

Production of precinct count optical scan or PCOS will start December 1 as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) assures that more than 80,000 of these machines will be delivered in time for the May 2010 elections.

Comelec to track ballot delivery like a la FedEx

by By Reynaldo Santos Jr., Newsbreak

Barcodes will allow GPS to follow packages from warehouse to municipalities The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is arranging for a tracking system that it says will ensure the safe and on time deliver of ballots to municipalities nationwide for the 2010 elections.

Villar: NP alliance with militants not yet doomed

Not all is doomed yet as far as the political alliance between the Nacionalista Party (NP) led by Senator Manuel Villar and the militants seeking senatorial seats in the May 2010 election.

14 LGUs to get `Galing Pook' Awards

The Galing Pook Foundation is conferring 14 local government units (LGUs) this year with citations for outstanding local governance programs.

The 2009 Galing Pook awardees are Sarangani province; Midsayap, Cotabato; Tabuk, Kalinga; Barangay Luz, Cebu City; Marikina City; Taguig City; Quezon City; Bayawan City; Surallah, South Cotabato; Makati City; Malaybalay City; Barangay Barobo, Valencia City; Bulacan province; and Parañaque City.

Sarangani province

The provincial government instituted Kalinaw Sarangani, a program that enjoins different ethno-linguistic groups to take part in peace-building, development planning, decision-making, governance and the formation of 50 peace and development communities. The program involves culture sensitivity practices, livelihood assistance, skills development, infrastructure and other social services.

Midsayap, Cotabato province

Punong barangays or village leaders of Nabalawag, Tugal, Lower Glad, Rangaban, Nes and Mudseng have formed an alliance for peace called the NATULARAN MU Peace Council. These riverside communities, populated by a mix of Christians and Muslims, have established a conflict resolution mechanism. The council acts as peacemaker, mediator, referee, guide, peace and order enforcer, and even endorses community projects. Even with limited time and budget, the council has made great strides in building peaceful lives for their communities.

Tabuk, Kalinga

The Matagoan Program created a council composed of the head of the Municipal Peace and Order Council and representatives from the eight original sub-tribes of Tabuk. It serves other Kalinga sub-tribes, and immigrants like Ilocanos, Igorots and Tagalogs. The local government had formed the council to settle disputes between tribes and within tribes, to promote the peace pact and to conduct the annual renewal of peace and unity vows. Since then, the Matagoan Program has helped settle 33 of 35 tribal conflict cases. Criminality went down and the improved peace and order has brought a rise in business establishments.

Barangay Luz

Kuarta sa Basura was initially launched for the community to earn through recycling, composting and other environment-friendly activities. Various sector organizations like the youth, elderly and women's groups are now so heavily involved in raising awareness, cleaning, segregating, recycling and monitoring their surroundings. The barangay's total waste disposed in the city landfill is now only 28%, while the rest of the waste is converted to cash through recycling and composting.

Marikina

Consumers in the city can savor their food and water with the assurance of the Clean Food and Water Laboratory project. The city government disseminates information on food safety and hygiene and has required food vendors in public markets to undergo Comprehensive Food Safety and Personal Hygiene training. The project also regularly monitors water and food quality through the city's own laboratory. Neighboring cities have also begun to avail of the lab's services. The project is now being replicated by Muntinlupa City .

Taguig

The city has launched the Taguig Citycard, an ID card system that allows residents to have free or discounted access to various social services, and priority in employment opportunities. By requiring a levy of P750 annually from the private companies for every non-resident employee, the city is able to generate additional revenue for financing its social services. Thus, the city has devised a way of making the rich sector of Taguig help in the provision of social services for the poor. This year, free college education has begun to be offered to Citycard holders. Professional fees for doctors at the Taguig City Hospital are waived. Free funeral services, senior citizen birthday gifts, socialized housing, and other benefits are given to 20,488 Citycard holders. Another 50,000 applications are currently being processed. A high-end memorial park also established a similar facility for poorer clients who are Citycard holders.

Quezon City

The city's Parks Development and Administration Department has helped transform the city with the development of the La Mesa Eco Park , the CP Garcia Park, North Olympus Park and the Tandang Sora Shrine, among others. The proactive participation of various government entities, NGOs, the private sector and concerned community and church leaders in these projects have helped transform the cityscape. Barangays are empowered to develop parks in a cost-sharing arrangement with the city. Beyond image-building, the parks have helped increase property values, improve the residents' well-being and promote peace and order.

Bayawan City, Negros Oriental

With the help of the German Technical Cooperation Agency, the city has established an economical and ecologically sustainable system called "Ecosan." The project basically treats and transforms human waste products appropriate for use as fertilizer and soil conditioner, and for re-use in irrigation, construction and firefighting. Bayawan's Ecosan project is a breakthrough in the improvement of sanitation programs. It is the country's first LGU-constructed and managed wetland wastewater treatment facility.

Surallah, South Cotabato

PARAISO HIMSUG is an acronym for an innovative program that involves the farming community in organic and bio-dynamic agriculture and the production of alternative medicine. In a household, the children and parents together brew Korean Natural Farming and bio-dynamic preparations that are applied to the crops. Ingredients used in the processing of alternative medicine are taken from these organically grown crops. The whole family practically participates together and gains better access to livelihood while improving their health.

Makati

The Waste Diversion and Reduction Program has greatly reduced the volume of city waste, as much as 84,196 tons of equivalent carbon dioxide. The program increases the income of indigent households by turning in recyclables. The Baratilyo ng Basura sa Barangay involves the Kapisanan ng mga Junkshop Operators sa Makati , which provides logistical support, while the cluster barangay schedules and provides a venue for the event. Residents, stakeholders and civil society organizations actively participate in raising awareness, consultations and dialogues on the program.

Malaybalay

The city government tackles inaccuracies in data gathering and city surveys through its Malaybalay Integrated Survey System. Patterned after the DILG's Community-Based Monitoring System, the survey has 231 questions covering the information needs of the different departments. About 420 barangay health workers and midwives conduct the survey and are tasked to learn the data processing program and work on computers provided to all 46 barangays. The survey covers all the households in the city, providing basic demographics and profiles of households. This gives a better picture of the city's constituents and their needs, and provides a basis for development and action planning.

Barangay Barobo, Valencia City

Project BULAWAN uses vermi culture as a means to improve household incomes in this barangay of farm workers. The Barangay Council encouraged members to adopt the system. Vermi worms feed on bio-degradable waste products and in turn produce vermi cast, which is used as organic fertilizer in rice and vegetable production. The project has increased incomes by 40% and freed many from long standing debts. It has also popularized organic farming in the area, and reduced farming production costs as much as 48.5%.

Bulacan Province

Gawad Dr. Manuel G. Roxas recognizes outstanding achievements in public services of offices and departments of the provincial government. A department or a cluster of departments presents a project to the awards committee. Projects must have community participation and are aligned with the office's mandate. They must have communication plans and a budget. Executed well, these projects help the provincial government find innovative ways to serve constituents. Twelve winners since the awards were introduced have become regular government programs. The projects also help offices and departments gain feedback and become better attuned to the citizen's needs.

Parañaque

The Adolescent Friendly Reproductive Health Services (AFRHS) program promotes and provides quality health services responsive to the needs of adolescents. They are involved in planning, implementing and evaluating different interventions. Health centers have a special room for counseling and treating adolescent clients. An integrated referral system was put in place so that they could be cared for by the appropriate social service agency. Peer education to promote healthy lifestyles has been undertaken. As such, the government hopes for a continuing decline in the rate of teenage pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases.

The Galing Pook awarding ceremony for these notable local governance programs will be held in Malacañang on December 3, 2009.

Vietnam approves first nuclear power plants

Vietnam's Communist-dominated parliament on Wednesday brushed aside criticism and approved building the country's first nuclear power stations, a project keenly watched by potential foreign partners.

26 wounded in twin bombs in Iraq shrine city

Two bombs within minutes of each other exploded at a restaurant early Wednesday in Iraq's shrine city of Karbala, wounding at least 26 people, police and medical officials said.

Iran hangs rapist

An Iranian man convicted of rape was hanged on Wednesday in a prison in the city of Karaj on the western outskirts of Tehran, the ISNA news agency reported.

Pacquiao tested free of steroids

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA – Seven-time world champ Manny Pacquiao has tested clean following his sensational win over Miguel Cotto, despite accusations made by Floyd Mayweather Sr. that the Filipino boxer "used performance-enhancing drugs."

Dillinger leads Texters past Gin Kings

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA -- Talk 'N Text toppled Barangay Ginebra, 87-72, to bounce back from a sorry loss Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

India rules out Olympics bid

India will not bid for the Olympics in the near future even if it organizes a successful Commonwealth Games next year, sports minister Manohar Singh Gill said on Wednesday.

CNN Hero of the year Peñaflorida arrives in Manila

(UPDATE) Efren Peñaflorida, the CNN Hero of the Year, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 11:25 p.m. Wednesday via Northwest flight (NW281).

Peñaflorida back in RP with more pushcart ed plans

True to his vow to remain as an ordinary person, CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida returned home from the United States without much fanfare before midnight Wednesday, while the nation"s eyes were riveted on the Maguindanao tragedy.

Lea Salonga leads 'Cats' in Manila

Bida ang world-class Pinay singer na si Lea Salonga sa award winning musical na "Cats" na mapapanood na sa Pilipinas sa susunod na taon! 

3,445 Filipino pilgrims arrive in Saudi for Hajj

Some 3,445 Filipino pilgrims are now in Saudi Arabia for the traditional Hajj pilgrimage, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

Ranillos receive death threats

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA – The Ranillo family is getting death threats as a result of the persistent rumors about Manny Pacquiao and Krista Ranillo. The Ranillos made this revelation in a statement sent to ABS-CBN News.

Jinkee to Krista: Find a single man

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of WBO welterweight champion Manny "Pacman" "Pacquiao," is in a fighting mood. Amid rumors romantically linking Manny to sexy star Krista Ranillo, Jinkee gave a scathing message to the young actress in her interview with another network.

Dolphy marks 65th year in showbiz

by abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA - King of Comedy Dolphy Quizon is celebrating his 65th anniversary in show business. To mark his long and successful career, Dolphy's children headed by director Eric Quizon and actor Jeffrey "Epy" Quizon, prepared a special celebration that will also help less fortunate Filipinos.

Call girl says threatened after night with Berlusconi

by Agence France-Presse

ROME - A call girl who claims she spent the night with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has said she faced threats after the alleged encounter with the embattled premier, in a book published Wednesday.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach  - "Even a stopped clock is right twice a day."