Headlines

RP lifts ban on US meat, bone meal

Wednesday, 18 November 2009 07:40 Riza Olchondra/Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (D.A.) has lifted a ban on meat and bone meal imports from the US, saying the latter has a lessened risk of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or mad cow disease incidence.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said in a statement that the World Animal Health Organization or the Office International des Epizooties has adopted a resolution according the US a "controlled risk" status.

Villar gains runningmate, but not NPC support

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 06:48 Leila Salaverria/Inquirer.net

MANILA - Sen. Manuel Villar may have gained a partner, but not necessarily the support of another party.

Though Sen. Loren Legarda has agreed to run with Villar, this does not translate to him also having the backing of the Nationalist People's Coalition as of now, according to Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco, son of the party's founder, tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco.

Aquino, Teodoro sign pact for orderly, honest polls

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 06:46 Katherine Evangelista/Inquirer.net

MANILA – Presidential hopefuls former defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro, Jr. and Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, have pledged to uphold "clean, honest and orderly elections."

The oath-taking at the GMA Network is part of the television station's campaign and coverage for the 2010 elections.

Estrada unfazed by sagging rating

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 06:45 Cathy Yamsuan/Inquirer.net

MANILA – Former president Joseph Estrada said on Tuesday that he was undaunted by the latest Pulse Asia survey results ranking him at 4th place with an 11 percent preferential rating among voters.

In a chance interview with reporters at the GMA Network building, Estrada said the results of surveys between March and April would be indicative of the May 2010 election outcome.

Rescued Filipino street kids still abused

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 06:43 Philip Tubeza /Inquirer.net

MANILA - "Why did they do that to us when they did not even know us?” Steve Estopito said, recalling the first time years ago when authorities “rescued” him off the streets of Malate, Manila.

Estopito said he was playing with six siblings and cousins under the noonday sun in front of the Malate Church when police in plainclothes swooped down on them and forcibly took them to a dingy center for street children.