Estrada promises presidential encore Oct 15, 2009
Mr Estrada represents the United Opposition, a coalition of two influential parties that have been critical of the President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. However, there are two strong opposition contenders representing other parties in next year's elections: Benigno Aquino, the son of the late democracy icon and former president Corazon Aquino, and a billionaire property developer, Manny Villar. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Aquino leading Philippine presidential race - poll Oct 14, 2009
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the candidate of the outgoing administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, trailed at 4 percent. Aquino has said he will win the election unless he fell victim to poll fraud or if there were threats to his safety. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Extra coffins needed in storm-hit Philippine area Oct 13, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also came by helicopter and ordered officials to hasten efforts to reopen the roads. One was reopened Sunday, but only partly, allowing light vehicles to pass. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Philippines storm toll tops 600 Oct 12, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also came by helicopter and ordered officials to hasten efforts to reopen the roads. One was reopened Sunday, but only partly, allowing cars but not relief trucks to pass, Philippine disaster-response agency spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres said. (MSNBC -- International)
Philippines toll rises above 600 Oct 12, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo flew in by helicopter yesterday to check the situation. Gasoline was being rationed, and residents have been urged to stay calm after panic-buying emptied several stores of canned goods, disaster-response officer Olive Luces said. (Boston Globe)
Landslides, floods kill 184 in Philippines Oct 10, 2009
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo mobilised troops on Saturday to clear roads of debris and mud in mountainous northern provinces isolated by landslides and floods that left 184 dead after a week of heavy rains. Residents cross on a flooded highway brought on rains by typhoon Parma in Rosales Pangasinan, north of Manila October 9, 2009. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
2nd storm pummels northern Philippines Oct 4, 2009
Tens of thousands of others were still huddled in relief shelters or with friends after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered people in flood- and landslide-prone areas in six provinces to be evacuated. A nationwide "state of calamity" ordered by Arroyo was still in place, designed to let authorities respond quickly if another disaster occurs. (Honolulu Advertiser)
* Typhoon destroys houses, leaves four dead in Philippines Oct 4, 2009
There is still a risk of rain, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on national television. We ask the evacuees to stay one more night in evacuation centers. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
As the dragon soars Oct 4, 2009
At the 12th Asean summit in 2007, Philippine president and Asean chairperson Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told Chinese premier Wen Jiabao that we are very happy to have China as our big brother in the region. Those who would divide a rising Asia have often told Japanese that other East Asians do not trust Japan because of their war experience, and that worked until Yukio Hatoyamas current premiership. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Typhoon slams into Philippine north, no casualties Oct 3, 2009
"There is still a risk of rain," President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said on national television. "We ask the evacuees to stay one more night in evacuation centers. Authorities in Taiwan issued a sea warning as Parma was likely to enter its southern waters in the next few days. On the Philippines' east coast, about 2,600 people were left stranded because of impassable roads in the Bicol region and on the island of Catanduanes, relief officials said. Fallen trees and landslides had blocked roads in... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Tens of thousands in Philippines flee new typhoon Oct 3, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a nationwide "state of calamity" -- freeing up funds for emergency relief -- and ordered six provincial governments to evacuate residents from flood- and landslide-prone areas in Parma's path. The earlier storm, Ketsana, wrought a trail of destruction across Southeast Asia, killing at least 422 including 293 in the Philippines, 99 in Vietnam, 14 in Cambodia and 16 in Laos. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Typhoon Parma changes direction Oct 3, 2009
Earlier when there was warning of Typhoon Parma about to hit the northeast of Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a nationwide state of calamity and ordered mass evacuations of six provinces in the path of the typhoon. Cedric Daep, a top disaster official in the Philippines Albay province, said officials there had evacuated almost 50,000 people to shelters on higher ground. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Tens of thousands in Philippines flee as Typhoon Parma approaches Oct 3, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a nationwide "state of calamity" and ordered mass evacuations of six provinces in the path of Typhoon Parma, which was expected to hit the main island of Luzon midafternoon Saturday. Parma threatened to expand more than a week of destruction in the Asia-Pacific region that has claimed more than 1,500 lives so far: an earthquake Wednesday in Indonesia; a tsunami Tuesday in the Samoan islands; and Typhoon Ketsana across Southeast Asia. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Typhoon Parma pummels northern Philippines, heads towards Taiwan Oct 3, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. One sturdy Narra tree was uprooted and smashed a car and a house. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Typhoon Parma pummels northern Philippines Oct 3, 2009
After being accused of not preparing the nation properly for Ketsana, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday placed the Philippines under a "state of calamity" to expedite relief efforts and get ready for Parma. Recommend. (Yahoo! Asia News)
FACTBOX-Five political risks to watch in the Philippines Oct 2, 2009
SUCCESSOR TO PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO. The Philippines elects a new president next year, and many of the candidates are already making populist policy promises. (AlertNet)
ILO asks Philippines to probe trade union killings Oct 1, 2009
Left-wing workers' groups claim nearly 90 trade and union leaders have been either abducted or killed since 2001 when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to power. Official government records show about 35 cases. (AlertNet)
Cleanup efforts begin after floods in Philippines Sep 30, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has said Ketsana and the flooding were "an extreme event" that "strained our response capabilities to the limit but ultimately did not break us.". The United States has donated $100,000 and deployed a military helicopter and five rubber boats manned by about 20 American soldiers from the country's south. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Islamist group suspected as 2 US soldiers are killed by land mine in Philippines Sep 30, 2009
The presence of American forces in the country has long been a hot political issue - about 600 American troops are currently stationed here - and some Filipino senators have recently urged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to abrogate the agreement. The deaths of the American soldiers seemed certain to inflame the debate. (Boston Globe)
Saudi aims for the moon with new hi-tech research oasis Sep 24, 2009
The ceremony was attended by numerous foreign leaders, including Britain's Prince Andrew, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Turkish President Abdullah Gul. King Abdullah, whose deeply conservative country is the site of Islam's two holiest sites, said "faith and science are not incompatible" and that universities should be "in the front line in the war against extremists.". (Yahoo! Asia News)
North Korean ship fights off Somali pirates Sep 15, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was attending the African Union summit in Libya, expressed fear that pirate attacks will pick up as the East African monsoon was about to end. "This is one issue where it is crucial for Africa to work together to bring peace and order in the affected areas off the coast of Somalia," she said in a speech to Filipino workers in Libya, a copy of which was released in Manila. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
US signing anti-piracy agreement at UN for Somalia Sep 11, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was attending the African Union summit in Libya, expressed fear that pirate attacks will pick up as the East African monsoon was about to end. "This is one issue where it is crucial for Africa to work together to bring peace and order in the affected areas off the coast of Somalia," she said in a speech to Filipino workers in 00004000 Libya, a copy of which was released in Manila. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Aquino’s son seeks to lead Philippines Sep 10, 2009
Aquino s declaration has come as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo faces the end of her term next year. Some of Arroyo s allies tried in vain to muster support to allow her to run again through an amendment to the constitution, which was adopted during Corazon Aquino s presidency in 1987. (Boston Globe)
Late Philippine leader's son running for president Sep 9, 2009
"I accept the responsibility of continuing our fight for the people. I accept the challenge to lead this fight." President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who lost the support of the Aquinos over charges of corruption and election fraud, is scheduled to step down after serving more than nine years in June 2010. She is not allowed to run for re-election. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Philippines' "Noynoy" Aquino to run for president Sep 9, 2009
" In his 11 years as lawmaker, Aquino has largely been laid back, giving support to key economic and political policies, especially those promoting transparency in government, but not championing any. However, the unpopularity of current President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who opinion polls indicate is the least popular president since Marcos, and general antipathy toward traditional politicians could drive support toward Aquino, analysts say. Earl Parreno, an analyst at the Institute for... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Remittances a boon for Philippines, but at what cost? Aug 27, 2009
In her annual state of the nation address in July, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hailed remittances as a driving force behind the economy. Labor Secretary Marianito Roque separately described the remittance system as a source of pride. (Boston Globe)
* The yellow revolution changed so little Aug 24, 2009
Almost nothing in the Philippines escapes politics, and Aquinos funeral procession on Aug. 5 has been widely seen as a protest against the unpopular incumbent president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose term is scheduled to end this May. When Corys term ended, she did not seek to extend her stay, said Consolacion Paje, 53, a housewife, as she stood in the rain with tens of thousands of people to view the funeral cortege, referring to Aquino by her nickname. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
News Analysis: Filipinos lament how far they havent come Aug 21, 2009
Almost nothing in the Philippines escapes politics, and Aquino s funeral procession on Aug. 5 has been widely seen as a protest against the unpopular incumbent president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose term is scheduled to end next May ... Almost nothing in the Philippines escapes politics, and Aquino s funeral procession on Aug. 5 has been widely seen as a protest against the unpopular incumbent president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose term is scheduled to end next May. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Southeast Asian Nations Risk Dissension by Ignoring Human Rights Aug 14, 2009
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2007 threatened to stall the ASEAN Charter if Burma did not release Aung San Suu Kyi. But the move was more grandstanding than actually making a stand. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
Filipino Troops, Militants Die in Clash Aug 13, 2009
The atrocity shocked the nation and an angry President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo then ordered the military to crush the militants. The two seized camps served as a stronghold and a bomb factory for the Abu Sayyaf on Basilan, about 550 miles (880 kilometers) south of Manila, Dolorfino said. (Time.com)
Dozens of Filipino troops, militants killed Aug 13, 2009
The atrocity shocked the nation and an angry President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo then ordered the military to crush the militants. Bomb factory. (MSNBC -- International)
* Philippines frees two rebels to revive peace talks Aug 11, 2009
The 120,000-strong military has been carrying out sporadic offensives aimed at crushing the insurgency before Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo steps down in June next year. The guerrilla force reached a peak of about 25,000 fighters in the middle 1980s during the time of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
* Manila bids farewell to Aquino Aug 6, 2009
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was at odds with Aquino after she called on Arroyo to resign because of vote-rigging allegations, paid a quick visit to the wake yesterday morning upon her return from the US and left before the church ceremonies and procession. Hundreds of thousands chanting Cory lined Manilas rainy streets and walked behind the flatbed truck carrying Aquinos flag-draped coffin as the procession, lashed by winds, inched its way to her final resting place... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Massive crowds lend rites for Aquino a political edge Aug 6, 2009
As the current president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, nears the end of her term next year, one of the hottest issues here is whether her allies will succeed in extending her stay by amending the constitution adopted under Aquino in 1987. Since the time of Ferdinand E. Marcos, whom Aquino ousted as president after 20 years of rule, Aquino is the only president to have completed her term without trying to extend it through constitutional change. (Boston Globe)
Aquino Buried, Hailed as Moral Leader Aug 5, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was at odds with Aquino after she called Arroyo to resign because of vote-rigging allegations, paid a quick visit to the wake Wednesday morning upon her return from the U.S. and left before the church ceremonies and procession. Over the last five days, hundreds of thousands of mourners have filed past her open casket. (Time.com)
Filipinos bid goodbye to revered ex-leader Aquino Aug 5, 2009
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came straight to the cathedral from the airport on her return from a visit to the United States. TWO-KM PROCESSION. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Avoiding confrontation Aug 4, 2009
Pelosi Remarks Before Meeting With President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines. Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a brief press availability this afternoon with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines before their meeting in the Capitol. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Filipinos mourn Aquino at wake Aug 3, 2009
Months before she was diagnosed with cancer, Aquino joined street protests organized amid opposition fears that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may amend the country's 1987 Constitution to lift term limits or impose martial law to stay in power when her term ends next year. Arroyo said she has no desire to extend her term. (MSNBC -- International)
Philippines ex-president Corazon Aquino dies Aug 2, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announces 10-day mourning period ... Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has also announced a 10-day mourning period for the former president, said Ray Donato, the country's consul-general in Atlanta. (CNN -- World)
Aquino mourned at wake by thousands of Filipinos Aug 2, 2009
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, has vowed not to try to extend her time in office ... Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (uh-ROY'-oh) is remembering former President Corazon Aquino as a "national treasure" who led the country at a time of great peril ... Months before she was diagnosed with cancer, Aquino joined street protests organized amid opposition fears that President Gloria... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Filipinos Mourn Democracy Icon Aug 2, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is on an official visit to the United States, remembered Aquino as a "national treasure" who helped lead "a revolution to restore democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril. The Philippines will observe 10 days of national mourning, she said. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it would accord full military honors during the mourning period, including gun salutes and lowering flags to half-staff. The Aquino family, however,... (CBS News)
1st female president of Philippines held off 7 coup attempts Aug 2, 2009
She initially supported his successor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but increasingly turned against her in recent years, siding with opponents who accused Arroyo of vote-rigging and corruption. Aquino came to Hawai'i in 2004 to accept the East-West Center's Asia Pacific Community Building Award for putting the Philippines on the path to democracy. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Philippines mourns democracy icon Aquino Aug 2, 2009
Wife of assassinated opposition leader defeated Marcos dictatorship. Joseph Agcaoili / APSupporters light candles in front of a portrait of the late Philippine President Corazon Aquino at the financial district of Makati, south of Manila, on Saturday. (MSNBC -- International)
White House praises Aquino's 'crucial role' Aug 1, 2009
Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (uh-ROY'-oh) is remembering former President Corazon Aquino as a "national treasure" who led the country at a time of great peril. Arroyo, on an official visit to Washington, says the Philippines will observe 10 days of official mourning following Aquino's death early Saturday in Manila. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Corazon Aquino; led Philippines after ousting Marcos regime Aug 1, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is on an official visit to the United States, said in a statement that the entire nation is mourning President Aquino s demise. Arroyo declared a period of national mourning and announced that a state funeral would be held. (Boston Globe)
Philippines Icon Corazon Aquino Has Cancer Aug 1, 2009
Most recently, she has been attending rallies calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Kris Aquino, her voice breaking as she fought back tears, read a statement on live television that said her mother had gone in for tests after suffering from high blood pressure, difficulty breathing and fever during the Christmas and New Year holidays, then a persistent cough, loss of appetite and weight loss. (CBS News -- World)
Cory Aquino dies, Philippine people power heroine Aug 1, 2009
She was involved in protests that ended the presidency of Joseph Estrada in 2001, and has supported the campaign to remove current President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo after her one-time ally was accused of corruption and election fraud. Arroyo, who is in the United States on a visit, announced a 10-day period of national mourning and said in a message: "Today the Philippines lost a national treasure. She helped lead our nation to a brighter day.". (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Ten-day mourning declared for Aquino Aug 1, 2009
MANILA: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday declared a 10-day period of national mourning for the country's former president Corazon Aquino, who died of colon cancer earlier in the day, China's Xinhua news agency reported. "I am announcing today that we will officially observe a 10day period of national mourning," Arroyo said in a statement. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Ex-Philippines Leader Aquino Dead At 76 Aug 1, 2009
Until diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008, she joined rallies calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over allegations of vote-rigging and corruption. She kept her distance from another famous widow, flamboyant former first lady Imelda Marcos, who was allowed to return to the Philippines in 1991. (KIRO TV, WA)
Former Philippine leader Aquino dies Aug 1, 2009
She was involved in the protests that brought an end to the presidency of Joseph Estrada in 2001, and had supported the campaign to remove current president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Last year, just before Christmas, she publicly apologised for helping bring down Estrada. (India Times, India)
Former Philippines president dies Aug 1, 2009
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is on an official visit to the United States, remembered Aquino as a "national treasure" who helped lead "a revolution to restore democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril. "She picked up the standard from the fallen warrior Ninoy and helped lead our nation to a brighter day," Arroyo said, referring to Aquino' husband, opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., who was assassinated in 1983. She said the Philippines will observe... (MSNBC -- International)
Philippines president remembers Aquino Aug 1, 2009
Pelosi Remarks Before Meeting With President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines. Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a brief press availability this afternoon with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines before their meeting in the Capitol ... Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, has vowed not to try to extend her time in office. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Obama braces US for bad economic figures Jul 31, 2009
Obama, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after a meeting with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said the US credit and banking systems had settled down - a sign the economy had stepped away from a dangerous ledge. Obama said he had not seen the GDP figures, which are to be released on Friday, but he referred to consensus by economists that the US economy had seen a "significant slowing down of the contraction over the last several months.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Philippine ex-president, 72, shoots comeback movie Jul 30, 2009
He was convicted of "plunder" in September 2007 but was immediately granted a pardon by his successor and political nemesis, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Estrada has said he will consider running for president again next year and that the constitutional ban on a second term does not apply to him. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
* Arroyo vows she will not seek to extend her term Jul 29, 2009
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, faced with the prospect of civil unrest unless she steps down at the end of her term, has vowed not to try to extend her time in office. In her final state of the nation address on Monday, Arroyo defended her record during her turbulent eight-and-a-half years in power and assured lawmakers she would not lift term limits set by the Constitution. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Arroyo denies plan to extend term Jul 28, 2009
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has denied planning to extend her time in office beyond next year. In her annual state of the nation address to Congress, she said she would not seek to change the constitution and seek a second six-year term in power. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Philippines' Arroyo to defend legacy amid protests Jul 27, 2009
MANILA: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was expected to defend her spotty achievements during her final state of the nation address on Monday against a backdrop of widespread protests that have dogged her turbulent 8 1/2-year rule in the Phil 00004000 ippines ... President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is to defend her spotty achievements during her final state of the nation address against a backdrop of widespread protests. (India Times, India)
* Italian Red Cross worker released in the Philippines Jul 13, 2009
During a meeting with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Manila, CIA Director Leon Panetta said he was satisfied with the campaign waged jointly by Washington and Manila against terrorists, Arroyos security adviser Norberto Gonzales said yesterday. This story has been viewed 429 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Philippine president to visit Obama on July 30 Jul 12, 2009
WASHINGTON Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will meet with President Obama at the White House on July 30. The White House announced the visit Saturday as Obama wrapped up a weeklong trip to Russia, Italy and Ghana. (Honolulu Advertiser)
* FEATURE : Leaky breast implants led to Arroyo hospitalization Jul 10, 2009
A failed effort by a spokesman to cover up the real reasons behind last weeks hospitalization of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has further eroded her credibility. The new trouble for the beleaguered 62-year-old started when her office said she would go on self-quarantine in a posh hospital in metropolitan Manilas Las Pinas City upon arrival home from a three-nation trip early last week. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Country profile: The Philippines Jul 5, 2009
President: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Gloria Arroyo's efforts to tackle corruption and to focus on economic reform have been undermined by a string of scandals. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Policeman held for Philippine death Jul 4, 2009
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) said five journalists were killed last year and 59 have been killed since 2001, when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to power. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Philippine ex-President Corazon Aquino 'very ill' Jul 1, 2009
Before her illness, she joined protest rallies calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo over allegations of vote-rigging and corruption. Members of her former Cabinet and other supporters gathered Wednesday in a church near the hospital in Manila's financial district of Makati where Aquino was admitted to offer prayers for her recovery. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Concerns raised over automated poll in Philippines Jun 19, 2009
Philippines' President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Tokyo June 19, 2009 ... President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is not eligible to contest under constitutionally set term limits for elected officials. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
ADB targets $2 bln clean energy investment by 2013 Jun 17, 2009
Protesters display an effigy of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during a protest outside the U.S. embassy in Manila on the 111th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence June 12, 2009. URL: http://www. (AlertNet)
