Schools shouldn't collect from students for parties

THE Department of Education (DepEd) is discouraging public schools from having lavish Christmas parties and reminds school administrators not to allow the collection of contributions from students and parents for such parties.

DepEd-Davao Region assistant superintendent Antonia Diaz, in an interview with Sun.Star, said there should be strict compliance with Department Order 114.

South Korean investors to pour P200M in Davao, Caraga regions

SOUTH Korean investors are expected to invest around P200 million in Southern and Eastern Mindanao as of initial estimate.

New Youth Council rep shrugs off vote-buying rumors

NEWLY elected Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SK) president Jasheral Gonzales Monday told her critics to back off, insisting she won fair and square and is not affected by accusations of vote buying.

Man sued for trying to kill wife, daughter

CHARGES have been filed against a man who attempted to kill his wife and his daughter inside their house in SIR, New Matina, Davao City, on December 3.

Meteor showers over Davao skies tonight

DABAWENYOS may witness a meteor shower, or "falling stars," Tuesday night as the weather is favorable for such a phenomenon, a report from the local weather bureau said Monday.

Real estate broker charged with estafa

A REAL Estate broker was sued before the Regional Trial Court for allegedly misappropriating her client's service fee amounting to P203,293.

Congress committee approves P1.6 trillion 2011 budget

MANILA -- The congressional bicameral conference committee approved the P1.645 trillion national budget for 2011 after a weeklong deliberation on proposed amendments.

The committee, led by House appropriations committee chair Joseph Emilio Abaya (Cavite) and Senate finance committee chair Franklin Drilon, is tasked to reconcile the respective versions of the budget bill of the House and the Senate.

Morong 43 release won’t affect military morale

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III was confident that the morale of the military will not be affected on the dropping of charges against the Morong 43.

Aquino noted that his decision has been explained thoroughly to the military, saying, “From the start, we talked to the hierarchy and I did give instructions to start explaining to everybody.”

House okays amnesty for rebel soldiers

THE House of Representatives on Monday concurred with the proclamation of President Benigno Aquino III, granting amnesty to rebel soldiers.

Of the 280 lawmakers, 213 voted "Yes", seven voted "No", while two abstained from the polling.

400 PAL workers interested in separation package

THE management of the protest-stricken Philippine Airlines (PAL) revealed Monday that at least 400 members of its ground crew union were interested on its P2.5 billion separation package.

PAL President Jaime Bautista issued the statement after several members of the PAL Employees Association (Palea) expressed support in the company’s spinoff plan.

HK issues ‘black’ travel alert against PHL

THE Hong Kong government re-imposed its “black travel alert” against the Philippines due to severe threat of terrorist attacks.

Aquino to meet US envoy over recalled grants

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III will meet United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas this week following the alleged withdrawal of some US grants in the country.

Children found high-risk on firecrackers

HEALTH and environmental advocates reminded the public anew over the danger of firecrackers this holiday season, especially among children.

Aurora project pushed despite opposition

PROPONENTS of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (Apeco) said they will fight tooth and nail for the realization of the P434-million development project.

P51M worth of imported sugar seized

THIRTY container vans of refined sugar, worth P51 million, were confiscated at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) Monday.

Palace elated on Aquino's new satisfaction rating

MALACANANG welcomed the increase in the net satisfaction rating of President Benigno Aquino III, noting that it is a sign of the public's approval to his barely six-month-old administration.

Resignation of SC justices sought

PARTY-list group Akbayan called for the resignation of Chief Justice Renato Corona and nine other justices of the Supreme Court that voted on the nullification of the Truth Commission.

Senate approves ‘Kasambahay’ bill

THE Senate passed a bill Monday requiring employers to provide contracts and payslips to household workers.

Stock market chief quits

PHILIPPINE Stock Exchange (PSE) president Val Antonio Suarez resigned Monday due to conflict of interest issues.

Most government vehicles are smoke belchers

MAJORITY of government vehicles are violating the Clean Air Act, posing danger to the environment and overall health of Baguio City residents, said officials.

Engr. Moises Lozano, team leader of City Environment Parks Management (Cepmo) tasked to implement the anti-smoke belching ordinance in the city, said that of the 71 government vehicles with diesel engines monitored by his team, 47 failed the emission tests.

Jai alai bookies under close watch

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A top police official is keeping his eye on bookies of a numbers game in this municipality as a move to intensify the drive against illegal gambling.

Richard Albon, the newly appointed Trinidad police chief, said jai alai bet collectors who are still working as jueteng kubradors will be apprehended.

Bingoteng lawyers asks court to nullify complaint

LAWYERS of alleged rebisadores of a bingo fundraising in Barangay Malcolm Square who were collared recently by an anti-gambling team filed a motion to quash the complaint lodged against them.

A motion to quash asked the judge for an order setting aside, or nullifying an action, such as "quashing" service of summon when the wrong person was served.

Hamada vows to change indigenous peoples agency

BRIDGET Pawid-Hamada, newly appointed National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) commissioner, vowed to change the agency.

Mayor scrutinizes firecracker resolution

A BAGUIO City Council resolution allowing an association of firecracker vendors to sell again in the city will go under the mayor's scrutiny first.

Higher penalty for miscreant vendors sought

A MARKET official is seeking for a higher penalty for vendors caught duping their customers by manipulating weighing scales.

Military thumbs down Mt. Province-wide peace zone

ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers said declaring the entire Mt. Province as a peace zone would affect their efforts to finally quash insurgent forces.

Cordillera families removed from poor list

SEVERAL families in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were delisted as beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Councilor pushes for Jarco mall deal

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A municipal councilor is pushing for a reconsideration of the mall deal here.

Jalandoni not in Philippines for peace talks

NATIONAL Democratic Front official negotiator Luis Jalandoni is not in the country to start peace negotiations, said a former lawmaker amid brewing talks the government panel and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army will start negotiating by February.

Coast guard intercepts cyanide shipment

OPERATIVES of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have intercepted a shipment of sodium cyanide worth P30,000 at the Zamboanga port, an official announced Monday.