By Jim Gomez Associated Press MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president asked Congress on Monday to pass a troubled Muslim autonomy bill at the heart of efforts to end a bloody rebellion in the country’s south and legislation that aims to lessen the stranglehold on power of entrenched political families, which include his. In […]
Boxing loss could be Pacquiao’s political win
By Oliver Teves Associated Press MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Manny Pacquiao lost his biggest fight in the ring, but that won’t stop him from plotting a bigger comeback — in the political arena that is. In a country where elections are also entertainment and political programs secondary, candidates often win because of star power and […]
Filipino devotees nailed to crosses in Good Friday rites
By Joeal Calupitan Associated Press SAN PEDRO CUTUD, Philippines (AP) — Screaming in pain, Filipino devotees had themselves nailed to wooden crosses to mimic the suffering of Jesus Christ on Good Friday in Asia’s largest Roman Catholic nation. Church leaders have spoken against the annual practice mixing Catholic devotion with folk belief, but it continues […]
Philippine crowd building for papal Mass
By Nicole Winfield and Teresa Cerojano AP Wire Service MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos filled Manila’s main park for Pope Francis’ final Mass on Sunday, braving a steady rain to hear the pontiff’s message of hope for the Southeast Asian country’s most downtrodden and destitute.
Philippine leader Aquino blasts predecessor, Arroyo
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Newly elected Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on July 26 blasted his predecessor’s administration for what he called misguided
Sen. Benigno Aquino III promises a lean and graft-free Philippine government
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine president-apparent and nominees to what he pledged would be a lean, graft-free Cabinet promised last Wednesday to travel overseas less, investigate corruption and renew peace talks on ending decades-long insurgencies.
Philippine president promises not to seek a fresh term
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, vowed Monday to not extend her time in office.