GMA-7 cancels its May 1 'Hamon ng Bise' VP Debate?

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network has cancelled its scheduled vice presidential debate for the May 2016 elections dubbed as 'Hamon ng Bise,' various reports have confirmed few days before the supposed live airing.

Vice Presidential candidates for May 2016 elections. Photo Credit: CNN Philippines

The VP debate slated today, May 1, was cancelled as only three of the six candidates have confirmed to GMA-7's invitation.

"Out of the six candidates, campaign teams pa lang nila Leni Robredo, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Antonio Trillanes ang nakapagcommit," a report from Media Newser Philippines said.

"Hindi na siya magiging debate kung kalahati lang ang lalabas kaya shelved na ang debate," the report added quoting its unnamed source.

Meanwhile, GMA-7 has no statement yet regarding the issue of cancellation or possible re-scheduling of the event.

"Hamon ng Bise: The GMA Vice Presidential Debate" should have been the second debate to be hosted by the Kapuso Network for the upcoming general elections. In February, GMA-7 hosted the first leg of the "PiliPinas Debates 2016" in Cagayan de Oro City.

CNN Philippines has organized the sole vice presidential debate in the PiliPinas Debates 2016 series on April 10 (all candidates were present) while ABS-CBN hosted its own debate called "Harapan ng Bise" a week after (Senator Bongbong Marcos did not attend).

List of Passers: April 2016 Criminologist board exam results

Those awaiting results of April 2016 Criminologist board exam can find here the complete list of passers, top 10 (topnotchers), top performing school and performance of schools as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Criminology released results in few working days after the exam.

PRC has administered the Criminologist board exam on April 27, 28 and 29 in the cities of Manila, All Regional Offices including Zamboanga, Bacolod and Antique.

The members of the Board of Criminology who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Ramil G. Gabao, Chairman; Hon. George O. Fernandez and Hon. Ruben A. Sta. Teresa, Members.

Roll of Successful Examinees in the
CRIMINOLOGIST LICENSURE EXAMINATION - All Regions
Held on APRIL 27, 2016 & FF. DAYS
Released on MAY 2016

Updating for the list of passers...

The three-day exam covered the following subjects: criminal jurisprudence, procedure and evidence and law enfocement administration (Day 1), criminalistics, crime detection and investigation (Day 2); and sociology of crimes and ethics and correctional administration (Day 3).

According to PRC, the target release of Criminologist board exam is on Wednesday, May 18 or in 12 working days after the exam.

In the same period last year, results were released in 13 working days from the last day of examination. PRC named 4,337 out of 14,696 who have hurdled the Criminologist Licensure Examination.

In October 2015, results out in 24 working days. A total of 9,671 out of 29,591 passed the examinations.

Aside from the complete results, the schedule of registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be announced. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2016-2019. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The Summit Express will update this page immediately for the list of passers, topnotchers and performance of schools once released online. Like Us on Facebook, Follow Us on Twitter or subscribe to our email list to receive real-time results.

VIDEO: Power Duo gets standing ovation in PGT 5 Semi-finals

MANILA, Philippines - The first golden Buzzer act of Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Season 5 received standing ovation from the judges during the live semi-finals on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

The dance couple Power Duo from Angono, Rizal wowed anew on their performance earning admiration from the judges and viewers.

"Pero yung ginawa ninyo ngayon, kung may goldenn buzzer uli, pipindot uli kami para sa inyo. It's all worth it. Kung ako boboto ngayon, kayo pipiliin ko," judge Vice Ganda commented.

"You deserved to be included in the finals," judge FMG said.

"Ang ganda ng napiling kanta ninyo, ibang level ang pinakita ninyo at nainspire ninyo kami na umibig muli," judge Angel Locsin expressed.

Angel Locsin's reaction on Power Duo's performance. Screengrab from ABS-CBN's video.

"Isa lang masasabi ko. Di ako napahiya na pinili ko kayo," judge Robin Padilla proudly said.

Standing Ovation ang lahat ng nasa Resorts World Manila. Sa Performance ng Power Duo.#4thPGT5LiveSemis

— Joshua Angelo Frial (@jatf0416) April 30, 2016

Grabe mapapa nga nga nalang grabe talaga!!! #4thPGT5LiveSemis #PowerDuo

— ✨ Chasing Kars, CPA (@ktperryyy) April 30, 2016

WATCH: Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 Semi-finals: Power Duo - Dance Group (video courtesy of ABS-CBN).

RELATED: 'Power Duo' gets first Golden Buzzer on Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) 5

Here's how to vote for Power Duo:

To vote via text, key in PGT space DUO and send to 2366. Note: One vote per SIM, per contestant is allowed. ABS-CBN mobile subscribers can cast their votes for free while P 1.00 per vote is being charged for other networks.

To vote via Google, go to google.com.ph and log-in using your Google account. Type PGT5 in the search box, select photo of semi-finalist and submit. One vote per Google account is allowed.

Ang Power Duo ba ang gusto mong makapasok sa grand finals? Iboto sila bukas #4thPGT5LiveSemis#4thPGT5LiveSemis pic.twitter.com/ir4R9lToCP

— Pilipinas Got Talent (@OfficialPGT5) April 30, 2016

Did you like Power Duo's performance? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.

La Salle beats Ateneo, reclaims UAAP volleyball crown

MANILA, Philippines - The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers bounced back as they won UAAP Women's Volleyball title after defeating archrivals Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Lady Eagles on Saturday, April 30 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

DLSU's Mika Reyes and Ara Galang avenged their Season 76 and Season 77 losses after winning set 2 to 4 of the do-or-die Game 3, 25-21 25-16 and 25-14. The latest victory gives the Taft-based girls their ninth championship title 2000, 2004-2006, 2009, 2011-2013 and 2016.

Congratulations to the #UAAPSeason78 Women's Volleyball Champions, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers! pic.twitter.com/6vA5c9vprH

— UAAP Sports TV (@UAAPSportsTV) April 30, 2016

The three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez powered ADMU as they won set one with 25-19.

The rivalry match between La Salle and Ateneo set a record-breaking attendance of 22,848.

The girls from Katipunan forced Game 3 of the championship series against DLSU after dropping the Game 1 of the best-of-three finals, 25-22 25-22 25-21, and going down 18-25 and 26-28 in the first two sets of Game 2. Ateneo then staged a comeback, overcoming the Lady Spikers in the next three sets, 25-17 25-16 15-11.

The intense match featured graduating seniors of Ateneo who played their last games in the league and have undeniably made the sport more popular such as Valdez and her teammate Amy Ahomiro.

De La Salle has powerhouse trio of super seniors in Galang, Reyes, and Cyd Demecillo, who was anchored by Season 78 Best Setter and MVP contender Kim Fajardo.

LIVESTREAM: Ateneo vs. La Salle Season 78 volleyball finals Game 3

MANILA, Philippines - Rival schools Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and De La Salle University (DLDU) face off in a winner-take-all Game 3 for the UAAP women's volleyball title on Saturday, April 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

ABS-CBN Sports via Sports + Action brings an action-packed volleyball weekend with livestream of the rubber match between Ateneo vs. La Salle championship series.

Players to watch out for are the graduating seniors who are playing their last games in the league and have undeniably made the sport more popular such as three-time MVP Alyssa Valdez of Ateneo, her teammate Amy Ahomiro, while De La Salle will rely on their trio of super seniors in Ara Galang, Mika Reyes, and Cyd Demecillo, who will be anchored by Season 78 Best Setter and MVP contender Kim Fajardo.

Will Alyssa Valdez win her third and final crown? Or will Ara Galang and Mika Reyes avenge their Season 76 and Season 77 losses?

Here's the live Twitter feed for the UAAP Season 78 Volleyball Finals:

#UAAPSeason78 Tweets

Catch the exciting action of UAAP Season 78 (Available only in the Philippines) here: http://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap.

Jennylyn Mercado, Pia Wurtzbach lead FHM PH's 100 Sexiest 2016 poll

MANILA, Philippines - The multi-award winning actress and 2015 Sexiest in the Land winner Jennylyn Mercado has once again dominated the FHM 100 Sexiest 2016 poll, according to FHM Philippines' partial and unofficial result as released on Saturday, April 30.

Jennylyn Mercado (left) to win FHM 100 Sexiest 2016 poll?
Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach emerged on second spot.
Photo Credit: FHM Philippines and Pia Wurtzbach  on Instagram.

The FHM cover girl in January 2016 was followed by the Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who recently returned to the Philippines to crown her successor at Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) pageant.

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowns the newest Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina.
Photo courtesy of Reuters

Pilipinas Got Talent judge and actress Angel Locsin grabbed the third spot while model-actress Ellen Adarna and Sam Pinto on fourth and fifth place respectively.

Here's the First #FHM100Sexiest2016 Voting Update:

1. Jennylyn Mercado
2. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
3. Angel Locsin
4. Ellen Adarna
5. Sam Pinto
6. Arci Muñoz
7. Jessy Mendiola
8. Jinri Park
9. Rhian Ramos
10. Rachel Anne Daquis

FHM Philippines did not reveal the Top 20-60, but announced list of the sexiest babes on 61st-70th place. This includes JaDine's Nadine Lustre, Myrtle Sarrosa, Sarah Geronimo, Mika Reyes among others.

Voting for the finest females in the country has started on April 1 and will end on July 5, 2016.

To vote, simply log on to www.fhm.com.ph/100sexiestwomen2016.

1. Click on a box that bears the plus (+) sign and says "Add"
2. In the search bar, type in the name of your bet and select her
3. Do this nine more times (you can vote for 10 women per day)
4. Click on the "Submit" button

Notes: You have to be registered on FHM website before doing all of these things so that your votes will count. You can also nominate new candidates by sending FHM a private message through their official Facebook page.

Is your favorite star included on the first update for FHM 100 Sexiest 2016 ? Tell us in the comment section below.

WATCH: Leni Robredo’s impersonator takes social media by storm

MANILA, Philippines- With over 17,000 likes and more than 23,000 shares as of this writing, the Facebook video of vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo’s impersonator performing during UP Samaskom’s Live A.I.D.S. has certainly taken the social media by storm.

Screengrab from Youtube.

Barely a month before the 2016 national elections, political candidates have become the favorite subject of spoof and comedy shows these days. This year, UP SAMASKOM’s comedy variety show Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng Samaskom) took advantage of the hype and controversies of the upcoming elections to come up with "HA-LOL-AN 2016”.

Joierie Ann Pacumio, who impersonated Robredo in one of the segments of the show, emerged as the standout performer and the crowd’s favorite with her witty jokes, superb performance and seemingly uncanny resemblance with Liberal Party’s vice presidential bet. Now an online sensation, Pacumio’s performance earned praises from the show audience as well as netizens who saw the viral video.

Joierie Ann Pacumio may pass as Robredo’s double.
PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Joierie Ann Pacumio

Pacumio got everyone bursting into laughter with her opening line: Kahiyahiya man pong aminin, hindi ko po nasimulan ang palabas dahil ang bus pong nasakyan ko ay Cubao ibabaw.”

(Embarassing as it may seem, I wasn’t able to see the start of the show because I rode the Cubao ibabaw bus.)

Known for using public transportation from Naga to Manila and vice-versa, Robredo was lauded several times for choosing to ride the bus instead of a private vehicle or commercial plane to her hometown. In one of her interviews, Robredo revealed that using public transportation helps her maintain her core values.

“It is important for me to see myself on the same level with the ordinary people. Once I see myself higher than them, that will be my downfall,” Robredo said.

In the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) vice presidential survey, the Camarines Sur Third District Representative emerged as the frontrunner and had a voter preference rating of 26% giving her an edge over closest rival Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who got nearly 25%.

Whether you’re voting for Robredo or not this coming elections, this video is a must see.


--Mini, The Summit Express

Former Chief Justice Renato Corona dies at 67

MANILA, Philippines - Former Chief Justice Renato Tirso Antonio Coronado Corona dies at 67, the Philippine Supreme Court's Public Information Office has confirmed on Twitter Friday morning, April 29, 2016.

Former Chief Justice Renato Corona passed away.

"The PIO has just been informed by the family of former CJ Renato C. Corona that he has passed away this morning. No details available," SC PIO said.

According to the National Transformation Council (NTC), Corona succumbed to cardiac arrest at 1:48 a.m.

"It is with deep sorrow that the National Transformation Council announce the demise of Council member Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. At 1:48 am today, April 29, 2016, Chief Justice Corona succumbed to cardiac arrest. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul as he joins his Creator," the council said in its Facebook post.

The NTC to which Corona belonged is urging President Benigno Aquino III and other government leaders to quit.
The Chief Justice has directed that the flag in the SC and all courts nationwide be flown at half mast to mourn the passing of Corona.

In 2010, Corona was appointed by the former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the 23rd chief justice of the SC. However, he was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 12, 2011 due to failure to disclose his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth to the public.

Corona was a former law professor, private law practitioner, and member of the Cabinet under two Presidents, Fidel V. Ramos and Arroyo, before being appointed to the high tribunal.

He graduated with gold medal honors from the Ateneo de Manila grade school in 1962 and high school in 1966.

LOOK: Carlos Celdran Earns Ire of Netizens after Asking Makati Med Nurse to Remove Duterte Bracelet

MANILA, Philippines - Known for explicitly expressing his political views on social media, Spanish-Filipino tour guide and cultural activist Carlos Celdran is embroiled in a new controversy concerning a Makati Medical Center nurse who supports Duterte.

Celdran, a known supporter of administration bet Mar Roxas, recounted his experience with the nurse through a Facebook post. According to Celdran, he had to ask the nurse wearing a Duterte bracelet to remove it.

“Makati Medical. A nurse knew who I was and STILL wore a Duterte bracelet to the booth where my friend was dying of cancer. I had to ask her to take it off. F*cking hell,” Celdran wrote on his Facebook account.

A certain Michale Lintag, who originally posted the screenshot of Celdran’s controversial post, claims that the social media personality deleted it after receiving flak from netizens particularly nurses and other healthcare professionals.

After the screenshot of the post spread like wildfire on social media, netizens slammed Celdran for treating the nurse in such manner.

“Nurses have the right to express who they want to vote. We do not persuade our patients to choose whom we want. We know how to respect others. As patient providers, we deserve outmost respect! Katanggap tanggap pa if walang emphasis sa pangalan ng baller na suot nya at pinatanggal niya yun lalo na kung nakakasagabal sa trabaho. If that nurse wore a "yellow" bracelet, will he do otherwise??” Maria Niña Peralta-Argallon commented.

Carl E. Balita wrote: “She has the right to express as much as you claim to have it CARLOS CELDRAN! Nurses are not prohibited to take political stand for as long as it does not interfere with patient care.”

In a separate Facebook post, Celdran asked Makati Medical Center employees wearing Duterte baller bands to reconsider voting for their bet. Celdran, whose father worked for Makati Medical Center for decades, said that Duterte’s values are “not the values that doctors and nurses are about”.

“Your profession is about kindness, professionalism, and healing. Not about bullying, making light of serious issues like women's rights, rape, and national security,” Celdran wrote.

He added: “But I'll cut a deal. I promise not to wear my baller there today. Promise not to wear yours. Please. It's divisive, it's unsanitary, and most especially, it stops others from feeling like Makati Medical is a home for everyone, not just your political choice.”

--Mini, The Summit Express

Netizen allegedly gets “Yes to Mar” ID containing voter’s info from hacked Comelec website

MANILA, Philippines- A certain Hera Adriana Cai Consunji has alleged the government of using voter’s personal information obtained from the hacked website of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in order to produce a fake “Yes to Mar” I.D.

Netizen gets fake “Yes to Mar” I.D"?

In a lengthy Facebook post, Consunji claimed that her mother received an I.D. containing her personal information including her complete name, address, age, date of birth, precinct number as well as her picture in an I.D. which says “Yes to Mar.”

Consunji insisted that her personal information were obtained from the Comelec website since the photo used in the I.D. was her photo captured in the Comelec office in her city 6 years ago. While the said I.D. came in just a month after the hacking of Comelec website, Consunji is still awaiting her long overdue voter’s I.D.

A supporter of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Consunji revealed that the incident has made her lost her respect for the current administration.

“Napakadungis at napakadumi ng halalan ngayon at dahil sa pangyayaring ito mas lalo lang akong nawalan ng respeto sa kasalukuyang administrasyon,” she wrote on her Facebook post.

(The upcoming election is tainted and dirty Because of this incident, I have lost respect to the current administration.)

On March 27, the hacker group Anonymous Philippines hacked the Comelec website and urged the poll body to implement the security features of the PCOS machines. Barely a month after the hacking incident, another hacker group, LulzSec Philippines, claimed that they launched a search engine of leaked personal information of roughly 55 million Filipino voters.

Paul Biteng, a 23-year-old Information Technology graduate, was arrested for apparently hacking the Comelec website. According to his counsel, lawyer Harold Alcantara, Biteng was not responsible for the defacement of the Comelec website or the leak of the personal information of register voters.

Alacantara said: “He only works as a security analyst, whose job is to check the vulnerability of certain websites to hacking.”

A P600,000 bail was recommended by prosecutors for the temporary release of Biteng.

--Mini, The Summit Express

Giant tumor removed from Chinese man who looked heavily pregnant

For a decade, a 33-year-old Chinese man from Leshan, in Sichuan Province struggled to live with a big tumor on his stomach which made him appear heavily pregnant.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Daily Mail UK

The unnamed man dubbed as Zhang Cheng started feeling pain and discomfort in his stomach in 2004. Two years later, a lump was discovered. But instead of seeking medical treatment, Cheng chose to rely on traditional remedies. As a result, the tumor swelled and weighed 15kg or 33lbs.

Although it is not known if the tumor is cancerous, it is believed to be benign since medics would order its immediate removal as a matter of emergency.

When the tumor swelled to the size of a beach ball, doctors said that it could be fatal since the mass was pressing on Cheng’s internal organs and bowels. However, Cheng was repeatedly sent home by medics who told him that an operation would be to risky.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Daily Mail UK

When his family was able to raise enough money to remove the tumor, Cheng received appropriate medical treatment at Military General Hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It took lead surgeon Dr. Dai Ruiwu and experts from three clinical departments 6 hours in order to remove the tumor.

Speaking to local media, Cheng’s sister revealed: “Because our family is poor, my brother missed several opportunities to treat the illness.”

She added: “We have visited many other hospitals in the past, doctors said the success rate was low so we were sent home.”

PHOTO CREDIT: The Daily Mail UK

His sister also disclosed that prior to the operation, Cheng’s “pregnant” stomach scared women away.

Currently, Cheng is being kept in an intensive care after the operation.

In north-eastern Peru, a certain Irianita Rojas Rasma looked heavily pregnant due to a mass on her stomach that caused constant pain. This left her no choice but to leave both school and work.

Fortunately, Peruvian health minister Anibal Velasquez ordered the treatment of Lima after seeing her condition.

--Mini, The Summit Express

Trudeau outraged by cold-blooded murder of Canadian hostage in the Philippines

On Tuesday, April 26, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his outrage over the brutal killing of Canadian mining executive John Ridsdel by Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group in the Philippines with ties to Islamic State jidahists,

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the death of citizen John Ridsdel as
“an act of cold-blood murder.” PHOTO CREDIT: Dnaindia.com

The 68-year-old citizen from Alberta, Canada was among the four tourists abducted last September 21 by the militant group from a resort on southern Samal Island. Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian resort manager Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor were also kidnapped along with Ridsdel.

The Islamist militants earlier released a video showing Ridsdel and the other captives on November. They demanded a ransom of $80 million and threatened to kill one of the hostages if no ransom was paid by April 25 at 3pm.

On Monday, April 25, the decapitated head of Ridsdel placed inside a plastic bag was recovered along a street in Jolo just hours after the ransom deadline expired. The police claim that two men on a motorcycle left the bag in the area and fled.

Calling Ridsdel’s death as “an act of cold-blooded murder”, Trudeau posted his official statement on the incident on his Facebook account.

“Canada condemns without reservation the brutality of the hostage-takers, and this unnecessary death. This was an act of cold blooded murder and responsibility rests squarely with the terrorist group who took him hostage," Trudeau wrote.

According to Trudeau, Canada is working with the Philippine government and international partners to hunt down the people behind the “henious act”.

Founded in the 1990s with seed money from Al-Qaeda, the Abu Sayyaf is notorious for kidnapping foreigners in exchange for millions of dollars in ransom. The group, which recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, was responsible for the worst terrorist attack in the Philippines such as the firebombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004.

--Mini, The Summit Express

LOOK: Kris Aquino posts summary of tax payments on Instagram

MANILA, Philippines- Presidential sister Kris Aquino is once again embroiled in another controversy after posting a summary her tax payments on Instagram.

The controversial social media post drew negative reactions from netizens who earlier lambasted the TV-host actress for riding the presidential chopper on her way to a Liberal Party sortie in Cebu. Kris and her family were accused of using government resources in campaigning for administration bets former DILG Chief Mar Roxas and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

On Saturday, April 23, the 41-year-old celebrity shared data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) which revealed the amount of her tax payments and her ranking as top taxpayer since 2008. Kris captioned the controversial post with the hashtags ‘truth’ and ‘honest taxpayer’.

In a separate post, the presidential sister shared a photo of her and sons Joshua and Bimby with brother President Benigno Aquino III with the caption “Because we are #FAMILY.”

The former Kapamilya actress’s post appears to have angered netizens who pointed out that Kris didn’t need to brag about the amount of money she pays for tax. According to them, Kris has a higher wage so it would only be logical that she pays higher tax.

“My tax is as important as yours. Your tax is important as hers. Tax is not a payment, it's a contribution. In essence, no tax is small or big,” netizen karlothegreat commented on her Instagram post.

Earlier, President Aquino defended his younger sister from critics and stressed that Kris is among the country’s top taxpayers.

“Whether it is an individual taxpayer or someone who is very close to me who shared all of the burdens, I think it is just proper to share the successes. Share kami sa hirap, share kami sa successes,” Aquino said in a statement.

While Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma earlier claimed that Kris has the privilege to ride official government vehicles with President Aquino, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that it will investigate her use of government property in campaigning.

--Mini, The Summit Express

Did Mar Roxas receive leakage from ABS-CBN?

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas II has been accused of receiving questions from ABS-CBN prior to the third presidential debates held on Sunday, April 24.

 Netizens ask ABS-CBN on alleged cheating during the debate. Photo screengrab from Youtube.

According to netizens who alleged presidential debates host ABS-CBN of conspiring with Roxas, questions were apparently leaked as Roxas seemed more prepared compared to his opponents and was able to cite specific data and case studies. Moreover, netizens noted that Roxas received questions that built his character and reputation.

“While Miriam Santiago groped for answers, many debate observers noticed how Mar answered the questions so eloquently with all the facts and figures to support his arguments and fitting the time allotted to him,” according to an article of a blogsite.

Moreover, a certain Nylede Flores uploaded a video flashing the caption for Roxas’ statement which appeared just before he delivered it. The said video is no longer available as of this writing due to a copyright claim by ABS-CBN.

In the video, a few seconds before Roxas stated: “Sa karanasan, binabangga ko ang mga malalaking interes…,” the caption: “Roxas: Binangga ko ang mga malalaking interes.” was displayed on screen. Critics of Roxas insisted that this would only be possible if the chargen operator received a copy of Roxas’ answers to the debate questions in advance.

“So, what possibly happened was 1.) the Roxas camp was given a leak of the questions to be asked; 2) the Roxas camp prepared answers to the questions; 3) the prepared answers were given to the technical group handling the coverage thus allowing the chargen operator to type the blurbs and post these almost simultaneously with Roxas’ answers,” political writer and former North Cotabato governor Manny Piñol wrote on his Facebook page.


However, an article for Fight for Mar dispelled netizens’ allegations that Roxas cheated during the presidential debate.

“The video attached ONLY shows Mar saying it the second time as he concluded his statement. He started with the same phrase. It was only at the end when the text appeared,” the article said.

Moreover, the article pointed out that Mar confidently answered the debate questions since he had discussed the same issues such as internet access, institutionalized scholarships, clean energy, justice system, transportation and other issues in the past.

Do you think Mar Roxas was given questions prior to the debate? Watch the video replay (head over to 2:11:00 to 2:11:33).


--Mini, The Summit Express

Duterte widens lead; Robredo zooms to No. 1, tied with Marcos - SWS

MANILA, Philippines - Despite drawing flak over his rape joke involving an Australian lay minister killed in a 1989 prison riot, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has pulled away in the presidential race, according to the latest BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations (SWS) pre-election survey.

The survey which used sample size of 1,800 validated voters, conducted from April 18-20 (with sampling error margins of ±2 points) revealed that Duterte's voter preference rating rise to 33%. In the previous survey held on March 30-April 2, he had 27% rating.

The Davao City Mayor's spokesperson Peter Tiu Laviña told BusinessWorld “this is most encouraging result given that the black propaganda against Duterte intensified during this period.”

“This only affirms the strong clamor of our people for genuine change. Duterte has become a rallying symbol for all classes -- poor, middle and rich -- long fed up with ‘trapos’ messing up our country. We shall make use of the support of our people as inspiration to ensure their victory on May 9,” Mr. Laviña said in a text message, using the Filipino word for “rag” that has been adopted to refer to “traditional politicians”.

Erstwhile frontrunner Sen. Grace Poe got 24% voter preference rating, up one percentage point from previous poll.

Liberal Party's standard bearer Mar Roxas secured the third spot while Vice-President Jejomar Binay dropped to fourth place with 14%.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is still in fifth place with 2%.

Duterte pulls away in the latest SWS survey. Photo Credit: BusinessWorldOnline

Robredro, Marcos tied for VP

The widow of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo has gained significant numbers as compared to the previous poll.

Leni Robredo zoomed to the top spot garnering 26% of votes, up by seven percent and in statistical tie with Senator Bongbong Marcos with 25%.

Sen. Francis Escudero dropped to third place with 18%, followed by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano with 16%.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV received 5%, while Sen. Gregorio Honasan II has a 2% voter preference rating.

Senatorial race

The same survey also showed that reelectionist Senate President Franklin M. Drilon (LP) and Senator Vicente C. Sotto III (Nationalist People’s Coalition) are still in the running for the top two seats in the Senate out of the 12 up for grabs on May 9 polls.

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao managed to get the third spot, followed by Francis Pangilinan, Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Risa Hontiveros, Leila de Lima, Joel Villanueva, Sergio Osmena III, and Richard Gordon.

Reelectionist Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph G. Recto (LP) is tied at 12th-13th place with Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Sherwin T. Gatchalian (NPC).

PGT 5 Semis Results: UA Mindanao, Amazing Pyra advance to the Grand Finals

MANILA, Philippines - Motocross performers UA Mindanao and fire dancer Amazing Pyra managed to advance to the grand finals of Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Season 5 as announced during the third weekly results night on Sunday, April 24, 2016.

UA Mindanao who amazed the judges on their stunts, got the highest percentage of votes, a whooping 45.12%, automatically sending them to the grand finals.

The 20-year old dancer from Antipolo City on the other hand has received the judges' votes after Vice Ganda, Freddie M. Garcia and Angel Locsin picked him for the next round slot. Judge Robin Padilla has voted for light performance dance group F.A. Flow Circle.

Amazing Pyra and UA Mindanao bested other semi-finalists Flairtending Duo "Liquid Concepts," light performance dance group F.A. Flow Circle, Legendary Fire Artists and Likhain Dance Troupe.

Hosted by Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford, "Pilipinas Got Talent" airs Saturdays after "Home Sweetie Home" and Sundays after "Wansapanataym."

Do you agree with the results of third PGT 5 semi-finals week?

FULL VIDEO REPLAY: Comelec-ABS-CBN 3rd PiliPinas Debates 2016

MANILA, Philippines - All five candidates have attended the third and final presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" at the Phinma-University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City on Sunday, April 24, 2016. The full video replay of this townhall debate courtesy of ABS-CBN is available on this page.

Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin

Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, and former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas battled for the last time in the Luzon leg of the PiliPinas 2016 Debate series.

WATCH: Here's the full video replay of PiliPinas Debates 2016 (video courtesy of ABS-CBN).


Issues that were tackled in the debate include metro traffic and public transport, job security, health, foreign policy, basic public education, OFW concerns, and peace for Mindanaoans in conflict areas.

In the “Face-Off” round, candidates were given a chance to pose questions to a fellow candidate. In the Fast Talk segment, presidential bets gave their quick opinion and answer on some relevant issues.

ABS-CBN, Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) have partnered to set the final showdown of Presidential Town Hall Debate series two weeks before the May 9 elections.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said he hoped the event will become a regular addition in future elections. “It will now become a tradition that will also be observed in succeeding elections,” Bautista said.

“The Dagupan debate is the most proximate to the election day and I am sure whatever will transpire will have more influence in the minds of the voters,” KBP Board Chairman Herman Basbaño said.

On February 21, the first run of the debate series held at Cagayan de Oro City was organized by GMA-7. On March 20, TV5 staged the debate at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu. The latter became controversial due to misunderstanding of rules between a candidate and TV5.

Who do you think won the third and final #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.

LIVESTREAM: 3rd and Final PiliPinas Debates 2016 on ABS-CBN video now up

MANILA, Philippines - The third and final leg of presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" happens today, April 24, 2016 at the Student Plaza of Phinma-University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City. ABS-CBN, the broadcast partner mounts full livestream of this townhall debate.

ABS-CBN, Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) set the final showdown of PiliPinas 2016 Presidential Town Hall Debate series two weeks before the May 9 elections.

Catch the livestream of third Pilipinas Debates 2016 at the University of Pangasinan here (news.abs-cbn.com/live):


The pre-program will air at 5:45 p.m. on ABS-CBN. Debate proper begins at 6 p.m. There will also be a “HALALAN 2016 Debate Special” on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, DZMM/Teleradyo, and News.abs-cbn.com beginning 5pm that will provide in-depth analysis before and after the debate.

Note: The full video replay courtesy of ABS-CBN will be available on this page later.

Meanwhile, here's the live Twitter feed for the final presidential debate for the 2016 elections:

#PiliPinasDebates2016 Tweets

All presidential candidates will share the stage for the last time

ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs chief Regina Reyes has confirmed that all five presidential candidates will attend the debate.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, and former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas have all agreed to the format and mechanics of the Luzon leg of the Pili Pinas 2016 Debate series.

Miriam who skipped the Visayas leg due to health reason will show up this time. "Oh yeah I will be there!" she told reporters during the commencement exercise at Bulacan State University.

Presidential debates topics, format

Reyes said the Comelec debate will use townhall format as this would allow regular people to ask the candidates of some pressing issues of the society.

The topics were carefully selected from entries submitted by the general public to ABS-CBN.

Issues that will be tackled in the debate include metro traffic and public transport, job security, health, foreign policy, basic public education, OFW concerns, and peace for Mindanaoans in conflict areas. There will also be a “Face-Off,” where a candidate will pose questions to a fellow candidate.


“We are dubbing it (the debate) as Harapan ng Taong Bayan, where real people with real issues will be able to participate,” ABS-CBN News department representative Francis Toral said.

ABS-CBN’s top news anchors Karen Davila and Tony Velasquez will moderate the town hall debate.

Debate to be aired live abroad

This final presidential debate will make use of an open-field venue and be aired abroad live for the first time via ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). It will also be available via iWantTV.

ABS-CBN's presidential debate which run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will also be shown online via live streaming services of Manila Bulletin and ABS-CBN’s online sites.

Feedback for the Comelec debate

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said he hoped the event will become a regular addition in future elections. “It will now become a tradition that will also be observed in succeeding elections,” Bautista said.

“The Dagupan debate is the most proximate to the election day and I am sure whatever will transpire will have more influence in the minds of the voters,” KBP Board Chairman Herman Basbaño said.

On February 21, the first run of the debate series held at Cagayan de Oro City was organized by GMA-7. On March 20, TV5 staged the debate at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu. The latter became controversial due to misunderstanding of rules between a candidate and TV5.

Who will dominate the third and final #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.

VIDEO: Ryan Gallager sings "Narito" on I Love OPM Finale

MANILA, Philippines - Balladeer Ryan Gallager from United States has impressed the judges on his soulful rendition of Gary Valenciano's "Narito" in the grand finals night on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Resorts World Manila.

Ryan's performance with the Mandaluyong Children's Choir earned praises not only on his powerful voice but on his golden heart for the kids.

"Dahil sa OPM, I've got an inside look into what people's hearts here feel like cause I find homes for children," Ryan said.

"Hindi lang kami na-touch. Ramdam namin ang sincerity mo habang kasama ang mga bata. We're happy you are here in the grand destination" Himigration Officer Lani Misalucha has commented.

"Ang sarap mo panoorin sa entablado. Ang sarap mo din paglihian. Yung consistency ng husay mo at paghit mo ng mga notes," judge Toni Gonzaga said.

"You definitely have the highest range. Dreams do come true and tonight, it will happen to you," judge Martin Nievera added.

WATCH: I Love OPM Finale: Ryan Gallagher - "Narito" by Gary Valenciano (video courtesy of ABS-CBN).

Here's how to support for Ryan Gallager.

Did you like Ryan Gallager's performance. Tell us in the comment section below.

Grand Touristar: Yohan Hwang wins "I Love OPM"

MANILA, Philippines - Yohan Hwang from Korea was named first-ever Grand Touristar of ABS-CBN’s original singing competition for 100% non-Filipinos who love OPM music, “I Love OPM.”

In the "Grand Destination' episode on Saturday, April 23, Yohan edged out other finalists Dio Smith from Pakistan, Ryan Gallagher from U.S.A., and and J-Morning also from Korea.

The top 4 artists sing their hearts out in singing OPM songs but Yohan got the coveted Kababayan votes ( text and online votes).

The Himigration officers composed of Lani Misalucha, Martin Nievera and Toni Gonzaga also gave Yohan the highest percentage of votes.

The winner was decided from the combined votes from the judges and the public. Yohan got the highest votes of 32.82% while J Morning ranked second with 23.42%. Ryan and Dio placed third and fourth,23.27% and 20.50% respectively.

As a Grand Touristar, Yohan will receive two million pesos in cash, recording contract with Star Music and vacation package to Cebu.

"I Love OPM" Grand Finals Recap, performances and video

MANILA, Philippines - Who will be the first grand Touristar of "I Love OPM"?

The top 4 Touristars Dio Smith from Pakistan, Ryan Gallagher from U.S.A., and Yohan Hwang and J-Morning from Korea battled to become the first Grand Touristar of ABS-CBN’s original singing competition for 100% non-Filipinos who love OPM music, “I Love OPM.”

On Saturday's "Grand Destination" episode, the final showdown began at the Resorts World Manila. Check out the full recap, highlights of performances and videos here.


Watch as these four sing their hearts out in singing OPM songs to win the coveted Kababayan votes. This time, the whole country gets the chance to pick who they think deserves to be the winner as the public can vote through text and through online.

Public votes will comprise to 50% while judges' votes to another 50% of total score. Voting will open after all the performances.

The Grand Touristar will receive two million pesos in cash, recording contract with Star Music and vacation package to Cebu.

“I Love OPM’s” resident rakista Dio has consistently captured the essence of Pinoy rock energizing the crowd with his performances. Himigration Officer Lani Misalucha confirmed Dio’s rockstar status and said, “no doubt about it, you truly make us happy and proud when it comes to rock and roll.”

Yohan, meanwhile, has always been the teen charmer. He not only uses his killer smile to win over the audience but his smooth voice also enabled him to give remarkable performances. In order to win it, Himigration Officer Martin Nievera offered some personal advice. He quipped, “take it from me, cute is not forever, so level up your singing and your performances.”

On the other hand, soulful balladeer Ryan never fails to infuse emotion in the powerful songs he sings throughout the competition. Ryan even made a believer out of Himigration Officer Lani.

“I was unsure about Ryan the first two rounds but he showed us he belongs here; he showed me how good he really is,” she said.

Lastly, “K-rock” band J-Morning never fails to add their own flavor to the songs they sing making unique renditions of popular Pinoy hits.

“Everytime you step on stage, you choose songs from different genres giving us a different experience each time,” said Himigration Officer Toni Gonzaga who was very impressed with their originality.

Who among the four will win the Kababayans hearts? Who will be crowned “Grand Touristar”?

OPM singers Arnel Pineda and Randy Santiago opened the finale as they performed Hajji Alejandro's "Kayganda ng Ating Musika."

Here's the live feed of "I Love OPM" grand finale:

Tweets by @iloveopmtv

List of Passers: Civil service exam results April 17, 2016 CSE-PPT

The Civil Service Commission(CSC) released results of April 17, 2016 Civil Service Exam - Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) also known as Career service examination for Professional and sub-professional levels. The full list of passers out of more than 100,000 registered examinees will be available here as we update this webpage.

CSC announced that passers who got at least 80 percent score will be eligible for the first and second level positions in the civil service provided the eligibles meet the qualifications and other requirements of the positions (education, experience, and training).

Here's the complete list of passers per region for April 17, 2016 CSE-PPT (check back for the updates):

[ NCR | CAR | CARAGA | ARMM | Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 3 | Region 4 | Region 5 | Region 6 | Region 7 | Region 8 | Region 9 | Region 10 | Region 11 | Region 12 | Top 10 ]

The CSE-PPT is a general ability test designed to measure an individual’s preparedness to enter government service.

The three-hour test for the professional level includes vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, analogy, logic, and numerical reasoning (English and Filipino).

For the sub-professional level, exam coverage is almost the same with the inclusion of clerical operations instead of analogy and logic and timed for 2.5 hours.

Both examination levels also include questions for general information on the Philippine Constitution, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (R.A. 6713), peace and human rights issues and concepts, and environment management and protection.

The CSC announced that exam results will be released within 41 days after the examination through posting the list of passers in the CSC website.

Official results can be expected from May 23 to June 3, 2016 or on May 28 (41 calendar days).

On May 3, 2015 exam, results became available online on June 12 for Sub-professional level and on June 15 for the Professional level (equivalent to 40-43 calendar days) after the day of exam.

Meanwhile, results of April 6, 2014 exam were released on May 19, 2014 or in 26 workings days (equivalent to 43 calendar days).

Examinees can also generate their examination rating through OCSERGS or Online Service Examination Result Generation System which can be accessed at the CSC website. Generation of exam rating through OCSERGS shall be available approximately in 15 days after posting the list of passers.

To receive more reliable updates regarding Civil Service Exam (CSE)-PPT, we encourage you to bookmark this page and don't forget to Like Us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. You may also subscribe to our E-Mail list delivered by Feedburner.

VIDEO: UA Mindanao wows in death-defying PGT semi-finals performance

MANILA, Philippines - Motocross performers UA Mindanao impressed judges and viewers on their breathtaking and death-defying semi-finals performance on Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

UA Mindanao from Kidapawan City once again proved they deserved the grand finals slot.

"I was impressed on your performance. It was death deying and breathtaking. You deserved to be included in the Finals," judge FMG said.

"Grabe kadelikado ng ginagawa nyo. Nakakainis kayo sa galing. Nakakaproud kayo," judge Angel Locsin has commented.

"Bihira tayo makakita ng ganyan sa Pilipinas. Walang ibang contest na nagpapakita ng ganyan. Ngayon palang iboto nyo sila. Deserve nila makapasok sa grand finals," Vice Ganda said.

WATCH: Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 Semi-finals: UA Mindanao - Motorcross performance (video courtesy of ABS-CBN)

Meanwhile, here's UA Mindanao's performance during the audition stage:


Here's how to vote for UA Mindanao:

To vote via text, key in PGT space UA and send to 2366. Note: One vote per SIM, per contestant is allowed. ABS-CBN mobile subscribers can cast their votes for free while P 1.00 per vote is being charged for other networks.

To vote via Google, go to google.com.ph and log-in using your Google account. Type PGT5 in the search box, select photo of semi-finalist and submit. One vote per Google account is allowed.

Ang UA Mindanao ba dapat ang makapasok sa grand finals? Narito ang mga paraan para iboto sila #PGT5SemisOnFire pic.twitter.com/G8GfS6ISEz

— Pilipinas Got Talent (@OfficialPGT5) April 23, 2016

Did you like UA Mindanao's performance? Tell us in the comment section below.

VIDEO: Amazing Pyra gives blazing PGT semi-finals performance

MANILA, Philippines - Fire dancer "Amazing Pyra" propelled a blazing performance anew during the semi-finals round of Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

The judges were impressed and gave the 20-year old dancer from Antipolo City a standing ovation.

"Amazing na amazing talaga, walang ibang pinagbabagayan ang pangalan mo kundi ikaw lang. Kinabog mo silang lahat sa husay mo," judge Vice Ganda commented.

"Gusto kong malaman na isa ka sa inaabangan ko dito sa PGT," judge Robin Padilla said.

Judge Freddie M. Garcia has revealed that during his rehearsal two days ago, Amazing Pyra had been flayed by a minor burn.

"Inspite of your condition, you perform very well," FMG said.

WATCH: Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 Semi-finals: Amazing Pyra - Fire Dancer (video courtesy of ABS-CBN)

Here's how to vote for Amazing Pyra:

To vote via text, key in PGT space PYRA and send to 2366. Note: One vote per SIM, per contestant is allowed. ABS-CBN mobile subscribers can cast their votes for free while P 1.00 per vote is being charged for other networks.

To vote via Google, go to google.com.ph and log-in using your Google account. Type PGT5 in the search box, select photo of semi-finalist and submit. One vote per Google account is allowed.

Si Pyra ba sa tingin mo ang dapat pumasok sa grand finals? Narito ang mga paraan para iboto siya #PGT5SemisOnFire pic.twitter.com/6HsVMy7wKC

— Pilipinas Got Talent (@OfficialPGT5) April 23, 2016

Did you enjoy Amazing Pyra's performance? Tell us in the comment section below.

Facebook launches its Philippine office

MANILA - The world’s social media giant Facebook just reached the shores of the Philippines. In an exclusive event last Thursday (April 21) in Makati City, Facebook’s Vice President for Asia Pacific Dan Neary made the exciting announcement in front of various media outlets.

Neary with the Facebook PH team. Digs Dimagiba (second from right) will lead the Manila office.
Photo credit: Dan Neary’s official Facebook account

Together with Neary is Digs Dimagiba who will be taking the Manila operations of the world-renowned social media site. Dimagiba was the previous mobile business director of Samsung’s office in the country.

A new era for PH’s business industry

“Today marks a new milestone for Facebook in the Philippines and we are committed to driving innovation that helps Filipinos and businesses connect in more meaningful ways," said Kenneth Bishop, Facebook's managing director for Southeast Asia, in a press release.


The Philippine branch of Facebook is the sixth to be established in Asia, the fourth in the ASEAN region. Other Asian-based offices are located in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

49M Pinoys are on Facebook

With half of the Philippine population engaged in using Facebook as their personal and professional communication platform, it is a no surprise why the country’s name emerged as the newest home in Asia of the twelve-year old social media juggernaut.

“Two thirds of everybody in the Philippines is connected to a company page. We started to look at the dynamics of them. 1 in 3 is actually recommending brands on Facebook and it’s a discovery vehicle for most of users. Ninety-five percent of them are talking and discovering products on Facebook,” according to Neary during a talk with the press that night.

Globally, Facebook takes pride of having 1.59 billion of active users per month, with 49 million Filipinos comprising the number. According to Facebook, among the 49 million Pinoy users, 44 million are accessing the site through their mobile devices. That accounts to a whopping 91% of the Filipino internet population.

Facebook PH will make it easier for businesses

The establishment of a Facebook office doesn’t only secured the country’s reputation as one of its leading users in the world but rather, the launching further solidified the reputation of the Philippines as a new global business hub in Asia.

Aside from that, local businesses and publishers will now be provided with easier means to jumpstart the promotion of their brands. A Philippine-based office of Facebook will be instrumental in a more convenient partnerships building, product branding and promotions for companies.

Facebook PH is hiring

As a new company, Facebook Philippines is currently looking for qualified people to fill the vacant positions needed to fire up the company’s domestic operations particularly an outsource site manager who will be tasked “to run outsourcing site operations and to manage vendor relationships.”

Also the company is in need of a regional product marketing manager who is expected “to drive product adoption and go-to-market strategies in the high-growth markets in Asia-Pacific.”

Facebook Philippines is temporarily housed at Regus Business Center on the 35th floor of the Eco Tower located in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig with already five people working behind it including Dimagiba as its head.

--Michael Santiago, The Summit Express

2015 Philippine Bar exam results out May 3 - sources

MANILA, Philippnes - The Supreme Court (SC) is expected to release the results of the November 2015 Philippine bar exam on Tuesday, May 3, sources bared on Thursday, April 21.

The SC is set to hold the special en banc session early May to discuss the passing percentage and the approval of results for the 2015 bar examination.

The official list of successful bar examinees will be flashed on a widescreen at the Supreme Court front yard and simultaneously be viewed at the official website of the highest court.

More than 6,600 out of 7,146 examinees have completed the four-Sunday examination held at the University of Santo Tomas that started November 4, 2015.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Bar exams committee head, announced that oathtaking of the new lawyers is scheduled on June 16, 2016 (Thursday).

The 2015 Philippine Bar exam is consists of 20% multiple choice questions and 80% essay-type questions same with the previous year examination structure.

In 2014, bar passing percentage was 18.82 (1,126 out of 5,984) lower than the 2012 outcome. Irene Mae Alcobilla, graduate of San Beda College of Law Manila topped the exam with 85.50% average grade.

RELATED STORY
List of Passers: November 2015 Philippine Bar Exam Results release

DepEd releases school calendar for SY 2016-2017; classes to start June 13

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has released on Friday, April 22, the official school calendar for school year (SY) 2016-2017. Based on DepEd Order No. 23, series of 2016, the opening of classes shall be on Monday, June 13, 2016 and the last day shall be on Friday, April 7, 2017.

"The School Calendar for School Year (SY) 2016-2017 shows the school events and activities for the said SY. The core events and activities for this SY, which represent the actual teaching-learning days, shall be strictly observed in all schools," DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said.

The next SY will consist of 202 school days, inclusive of the five-day In-Service Training (INSET) break. The parent-teacher conferences shall be held every quarter and shall be held on Saturday, except on the last conference in April 2017.

DepEd added that Christmas break shall begin on Thursday, December 22, 2016. Classes shall resume on Monday, January 2, 2017.

Meanwhile, the summer or remedial classes shall begin on Monday, April 17, 2017 and end on Saturday, May 31, 2017, which is the last day for the final examination. A separate issuance regarding the conduct of summer classes shall be released by DepEd.

In preparation for the opening of classes for SY 2017-2018, the schools shall conduct the following activities: early registration on Saturday, January 28, 2017 and Brigada Eskwela from May 15-20, 2017.

DepEd said that private schools may deviate from this School Calendar. However, they may not start classes earlier than the first Monday of June and not later than the last day of August, as provided for in Republic Act No. 7797 entitled An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from Two Hundred (200) Days to Not More than Two Hundred Twenty (220) Class Days. They should notify their respective regional offices (ROs) in advance regarding any deviation.

Schools may observe national and local celebrations, holidays and advocacy activities other than declared by DepEd, provided that the total number of school days shall not be compromised. Make-up classes can therefore be conducted to compensate for the school days spent for activities deemed beneficial to the learning-teaching process. Likewise, make-up classes are recommended in lieu of no-school days due to occurrence of a natural and man-made calamities. A mechanism for having make-up classes must be agreed upon by school administrators and parents.

Here's the official copy of DepEd Order No. 23, series of 2016 (School Calendar for SY 2016-2017):

DepEd School Calendar