Tuesday, November 13, 2007 (Philippines)

Even with the rising prices, city residents still have something to be cheerful about as seen in the varied Christmas decor displayed in city streets. (Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Joey Nacalaban) A LOCAL court Monday voided the May 14 election result for the mayoralty race in the Misamis Oriental town of El Salvador, stripping Mayor Amelita Almirante of the mayorship and declaring closest rival Nilo T. Pates as winner. Judge Jeoffre W. Acebido of Regional Trial Court Branch 41 said Pates, an outgoing village chairman, garnered a plurality of 52 votes after the court invalidated a number of votes cast in some 148 contested precincts. Post comments here on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada. Post your comments on the explosion at the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City. [full story]