Pinoy Buzz: PNoy

1 dead, 1 hospitalized due to severe dengue, months after the shot of Dengvaxia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - In the string of controversy surrounding the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, one student died while another one remains in the hospital for severe dengue just months after receiving the shot.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J7AxQU1slCHehXGCnJL7qv5DXmkvdU-zgX0Ysy5M9DnX3OOrJ6VsHDf9Um-5vi3qprSMYC7SAWVTO95Yhl3K6mMWaLOmkfRjKvsaEqh3O0BqkQaBWxKKOsDkVMnAT3U68-9yrqGLPmHd/s1600/vaccine-photo-from-mims.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vaccine photo" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J7AxQU1slCHehXGCnJL7qv5DXmkvdU-zgX0Ysy5M9DnX3OOrJ6VsHDf9Um-5vi3qprSMYC7SAWVTO95Yhl3K6mMWaLOmkfRjKvsaEqh3O0BqkQaBWxKKOsDkVMnAT3U68-9yrqGLPmHd/s1600/vaccine-photo-from-mims.JPG" title="vaccine photo" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">733,000 school children were given Dengvaxia as part of national immunization program. Photo Courtesy: Mims</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Christine Mae de Guzman, a grade 5 student from Mariveles, Bataan died October last year, months after she received one shot of Dengvaxia. De Guzman just spent one day in the hospital before dying due to “disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and severe dengue.” She had no previous history of dengue.<br /><br />A student in Tarlac is currently in the hospital due to severe dengue. She completed the three doses of Dengvaxia and had not been exposed to Dengue before. The student’s condition is now improving but is still closely being monitored. <br /><br /><b>Dengvaxia only recommended for those with history of dengue</b><br /><br />This all came after Sanofi Pasteur, maker of the world’s first dengue vaccine Dengvaxia had released a warning on the use of the vaccine on those who have no previous history of dengue.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ9BUuacez8YDZsLTldoZlDwBpITFNd46TcwBH0uZv6095z6KvKZDtVGG3xvfz3Qbj47vXwpDBmskwgjKmLmo5PpXyMdU8GX_pfmwvzJxyOC5psZoPNV2X8y1HY_2XuDbih-l89NLrHMv/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dengvaxia only recommended for those with history of dengue" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZ9BUuacez8YDZsLTldoZlDwBpITFNd46TcwBH0uZv6095z6KvKZDtVGG3xvfz3Qbj47vXwpDBmskwgjKmLmo5PpXyMdU8GX_pfmwvzJxyOC5psZoPNV2X8y1HY_2XuDbih-l89NLrHMv/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" title="Dengvaxia only recommended for those with history of dengue" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Dengvaxia is the world’s first dengue vaccine manufactured by French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteau. Photo Courtesy: Mims</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div>In a press release, Sanofi explained that Dengvaxia was only beneficial in the prevention of dengue to those who have prior exposure to the virus. If given to those who have no history of dengue, “more cases of severe disease could occur following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection.”<br /><br />Sanofi later on clarified their statement that it does not cause severe dengue but may increase the risk of hospitalization if infected.<br /><br />The statement had resulted to a public outcry after the Department of Health (DOH) had already given the vaccine to almost 733,000 students. As part of national vaccination program under the Aquino administration, the government procured P3.5 billion worth of Dengvaxia.<br /><br /><b>Controversy </b><br /><br />Aside from Sanofi, Sen. Richard Gordon had called out former President Benigno Aquino III and former Health Secretary Janette Garin to be held criminally liable for their negligence. He claims that Aquino only met with Sanofi officials twice and "fast-tracked” the  approval. The budget was even released on Dec. 29, 2015, or the eve of the 2016 election campaign.<br /><br />The World Health Organization (WHO) also clarified that they didn’t recommend the use of the vaccine for national immunization programs. <br /><br />Former Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, who took over after Sec. Garin stated that she tried to stop the immunization of Dengvaxia due to long-term effects. She told Sec. Garin about her hesitation but was told that there was already a decision from the “higher than the secretary of health.”<br /><br />She opted to continue the program due to “damage control.”<br /><br /><b>Investigation is underway</b><br /><br />A Senate inquiry and an investigation was already ordered by the Department of Justice.<br /><br />Malacañang already gave a stern statement that the “health scam” will not be swept under the rug.<br /><br />The DOH had suspended the immunization program while the FDA called on the “pull-out” of Dengvaxia in the market.<br /><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

1 dead, 1 hospitalized due to severe dengue, months after the shot of Dengvaxia

MANILA, Philippines - In the string of controversy surrounding the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, one student died while another one remains in ...

3 ways to increase retirement fund in addition to SSS pension

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Last January 14, 2016, President Benigno Aquino III released a veto message in response to House Bill No. 5842 which proposed a Php2,000 across-the-board increase on the SSS pension. Around two million Filipino pensioners would have benefitted from the approval of this bill.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHziZs5tKNMG6dxtu1IrRLL5z1HHAd15BrmWkou3504CssOy_enPhavc3WkxxPxCYMNItqp0gvO7KyqQd5GEBRxTcgrG2ICG6ssV50UllPJb_vzqlStFxKOhIJ0091EAoVbm9Rs1wnomy/s1600/no-sss-pension-hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3 ways to increase retirement fund in addition to SSS pension" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHziZs5tKNMG6dxtu1IrRLL5z1HHAd15BrmWkou3504CssOy_enPhavc3WkxxPxCYMNItqp0gvO7KyqQd5GEBRxTcgrG2ICG6ssV50UllPJb_vzqlStFxKOhIJ0091EAoVbm9Rs1wnomy/s640/no-sss-pension-hike.jpg" title="3 ways to increase retirement fund in addition to SSS pension" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />However, a Php 2,000 increase will cut the fund life of the SSS by 13 years, according to SSS officers Marissu Bugante and George Ongkeko Jr. This means that those who will be retiring after 2029 could have faced the risk of receiving no pension at all.<br /><br />The highest monthly pension an employee can receive is around Php 13,000; the lowest being Php 1,200. The Php 2,000 hike will be beneficial to pensioners but even the highest monthly pension won’t serve as a sustainable retirement fund if you take into consideration the inflation rate in the country.<br /><br />SSS pension serves as extended financial assistance. It is not meant to be a person’s entire retirement fund. As early as now, it is best for Filipinos to look for multiple streams to fund their retirement.<br /><br /><b>Here are 3 income supplements to SSS pensions:</b><br /><br /><b>1. Savings Accounts</b><br /><br />The greatest benefit a savings account provides is liquidity. Liquidity is the measure of the amount of cash a person or organization has to meet short-term obligations. In simple terms, it’s how easy an entity can convert its assets into cash. Unlike real estate where it can take years to sell a property and earn money, a savings or checking account provides outright cash, thus being highly liquid.<br /><br />It is important that come retirement, Filipinos have a well-padded savings account to meet immediate and emergency expenses. However, too much of everything can also be bad, and it is suggested to only store around 6 months’ worth of living expenses in highly liquid accounts. If the bulk of your money is in liquid investments, you run the risk of losing money due to inflation since Philippine savings accounts only provide an annual return between 0.25 and 1%.<br /><br /><b>2. Real estate properties</b><br /><br />Filipinos prefer to invest in real estate than stocks and bonds. 70% of Filipinos own their homes, according to a survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. <br /><br />Real estate is another source to generate income, be it from renting, buying-and-selling, and long-term investing. Since real estate is a big-ticket item, earnings from property renting and selling can be a good source of income come retirement. Compared to the Php 13,000 monthly pension limit, earnings from real estate can surpass said pension. <br /><br /><b>3. Paper Assets</b><br /><br />One basis that most Filipinos do not leverage the potential income from paper assets is that as of 2014, there were only 640,645 investor accounts in the Philippine Stock Exchange according to Atty. Roel Refran, its Chief Operating Officer. <br /><br />Paper assets include stocks and bonds, and they are one of the best ways to reach one’s retirement goals. Unlike savings account when annual returns are limited to 1% or less, returns on investment (ROI) from paper assets can vary from 3% (lower-risk investments such as bonds) to as high as 40% or more (higher-risk investments such as stocks). Paper assets enable investors to beat inflation and grow their net worth at a faster rate. However, it’s best to note that the most profitable investments pose high risks, and investing blindly can lead to losses. It’s also worth noting that stocks and similar investments are best for the long-term, which make them ideal for stashing away your retirement funds.<br /><br />Marvin Germo, author of the Stock Smarts series of books, advises investors to “never invest money they cannot afford to lose” because investments are not guaranteed. While this is the case, you can reap high returns if you put make informed investments based on data and situational analysis.<br /><br />To maximize your retirement fund, it’s best to leave your money in investments for a minimum of 5 years, and not to touch it until your retirement. This allows you to ride out any market fluctuations and keep growing your money over the long term.<br /><br /><b>The importance of a retirement fund</b><br /><br />Many look forward to retiring because that’s the perfect time to pursue their hobbies and simply enjoy life. Retirement is when you have free time in your hands. But with more free time, you run the risk of spending more, and so you need a healthy retirement fund.<br /><br />Having a retirement fund allows retirees to live their dreams, whether it’s retiring on a beach or enjoying daily lunches with amigas at the nearby mall. With the Php 13,000 monthly pension limit, it can be difficult to live out one’s dream retirement, so it’s important that one starts saving and investing early on using the three alternatives above.<br /><br />This article is an updated version of a post at <a href="http://www.moneymax.ph/blog/3-alternatives-to-sss-pensions-to-fund-your-retirement/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MoneyMax.ph</a>. - <b><i>Kyle Kam/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

3 ways to increase retirement fund in addition to SSS pension

MANILA, Philippines - Last January 14, 2016, President Benigno Aquino III released a veto message in response to House Bill No. 5842 which p...

#WalangPasok: Malacañang Palace declares class, work suspension for December 8

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - Malacañang Palace on Monday night declared class and work suspensions for tomorrow, December 8, 2015 in some areas of Manila and Luzon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG386MBn2pVDAFMG6WBoN-caAg1blnSxfSluEiIpjfjbybB-CyXr6D_jnFaJPKqWGO_gZcTO7WZuYoIry4PkAXORleRY3WxwktAZFxy1d411z6v8ZjBSC-kuL37C80iPyvp9wVG5eNsxQ/s1600/walang-pasok-december-8-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malacañang Palace declares class, work suspension for December 8" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG386MBn2pVDAFMG6WBoN-caAg1blnSxfSluEiIpjfjbybB-CyXr6D_jnFaJPKqWGO_gZcTO7WZuYoIry4PkAXORleRY3WxwktAZFxy1d411z6v8ZjBSC-kuL37C80iPyvp9wVG5eNsxQ/s640/walang-pasok-december-8-2015.jpg" title="Malacañang Palace declares class, work suspension for December 8" width="560" /></a></div><span id="goog_416217452"></span><span id="goog_416217453"></span><br /><br />Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive Secretary, by authority of President Benigno Aquino III announced that December 8 (Tuesday) is a special non-working day in Taguig City based on proclamation No. 1175 as it marks the foundation day of city.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/walangpasok?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#walangpasok</a> • TAGUIG CITY: Tomorrow, December 8, is a special (non-working) day. <a href="https://t.co/YPtKvzLVC6" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/YPtKvzLVC6</a> <a href="https://t.co/qVfogpSe00" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/qVfogpSe00</a></div>— Official Gazette PH (@govph) <a href="https://twitter.com/govph/status/673845893217525761" rel="nofollow">December 7, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Proclamation No. 1172 declared special non-working day in Antipolo City for the 424th Foundation Day on Tuesday.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/walangpasok?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#walangpasok</a> • ANTIPOLO CITY, RIZAL: Tomorrow, December 8, is a special (non-working) day. <a href="https://t.co/BkiSCZvJ9H" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/BkiSCZvJ9H</a> <a href="https://t.co/vRRbmpvM7w" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/vRRbmpvM7w</a></div>— Official Gazette PH (@govph) <a href="https://twitter.com/govph/status/673838227464286208" rel="nofollow">December 7, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Batac,  Ilocos Norte will also celebrate founding anniversary tomorrow.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/walangpasok?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#walangpasok</a> • BATAC CITY, ILOCOS NORTE: Tomorrow, December 8, a special (non-working) day. <a href="https://t.co/2EYti33hGm" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/2EYti33hGm</a> <a href="https://t.co/l3YMWyg55s" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/l3YMWyg55s</a></div>— Official Gazette PH (@govph) <a href="https://twitter.com/govph/status/673843226881691648" rel="nofollow">December 7, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />The whole province of Batangas will also be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the Foundation Day.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/walangpasok?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#walangpasok</a> • BATANGAS PROVINCE: Tomorrow, December 8, is a special (non-working) day. <a href="https://t.co/eRQ5AmubG9" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/eRQ5AmubG9</a> <a href="https://t.co/UfR2r7kbW5" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/UfR2r7kbW5</a></div>— Official Gazette PH (@govph) <a href="https://twitter.com/govph/status/673840704175611904" rel="nofollow">December 7, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />The Municipality of Agoo, La Union marks the celebration of its 437th Foundation Day.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/walangpasok?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#walangpasok</a> • AGOO, LA UNION: Tomorrow, December 8, is a special (non-working) day. <a href="https://t.co/0Bx4aNcPS4" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/0Bx4aNcPS4</a> <a href="https://t.co/RCK8oNA1Nj" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/RCK8oNA1Nj</a></div>— Official Gazette PH (@govph) <a href="https://twitter.com/govph/status/673835729399767041" rel="nofollow">December 7, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center></div>

#WalangPasok: Malacañang Palace declares class, work suspension for December 8

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang Palace on Monday night declared class and work suspensions for tomorrow, December 8, 2015 in some areas of...

Indonesia to execute Mary Jane Veloso by Firing Squad on Tuesday

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Despite the appeals made by the Philippines, the Indonesian government vows to adhere with its stringent anti-drug law by executing the eight convicted drug smugglers, including the Filipina Mary Jane Veloso on Tuesday, April 28.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RZ0sMPtJ7NwrOU4uPlUvh455dwhaDPfXJc3I8EQJGZYe-w2Nuw9C9ylRxwfN8nNeqmlzdmO4ZXHzln6jcUsDaWTNkpdvHqndJNi2zGJDJmEIuB3q2R5maZlvbnK1M63NKnLBInd55aA5/s1600/savemaryjane.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Save Mary Jane Veloso" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RZ0sMPtJ7NwrOU4uPlUvh455dwhaDPfXJc3I8EQJGZYe-w2Nuw9C9ylRxwfN8nNeqmlzdmO4ZXHzln6jcUsDaWTNkpdvHqndJNi2zGJDJmEIuB3q2R5maZlvbnK1M63NKnLBInd55aA5/s1600/savemaryjane.jpg" title="Save Mary Jane Veloso" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Save Mary Jane Veloso | Credit:migranteinternational.org</td></tr></tbody></table><br />According to an online report pertaining to Veloso’s current situation by PTV-4, a government owned television network of the Philippines, the Attorney General Office of Indonesia sent the order of execution to Veloso’s family last Friday, April 24. Together with other convicted drug smugglers from Nigeria, Australia and Brazil, Veloso was already transferred to the island prison Nusakambangan in Indonesia for their execution via firing squad.<br /><br />Veloso, a 30-year old mother of two and a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Dubai has spent the last five years of her life in prison after being caught with a USD 500,000 worth of heroin in her luggage weighing about 2.6 kilograms on her arrival at Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta way back in April 2010. Since then, the Philippine government has sent numerous appeals to save Veloso’s life but to no avail even as of the moment.<br /><br /><br /><b>#SAVEMARYJANE: Pinoy netizens hopeful for Veloso</b><br /><br />Public outcry for saving Veloso’s life has been making rounds in and out of the internet, the online Facebook page ‘Save the Life of Mary Jane Veloso’ which already garnered 6,200 likes as of this writing has been actively mustering a bolder support from the public. Earlier this afternoon also, Secretary General Renato Reyes of BAYAN posted on his Facebook account photos of the vigil in front of the Indonesian embassy calling to save Veloso’s life. <br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Urgent! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveMaryJane?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#SaveMaryJane</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZOOVNTgxqY" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/ZOOVNTgxqY</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/changepilipinas" rel="nofollow">@ChangePilipinas</a><br />— Greta Talip (@gretawallofchna) <a href="https://twitter.com/gretawallofchna/status/592302985910296576" rel="nofollow">April 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Triple-jeopardy: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MaryJaneVeloso?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#MaryJaneVeloso</a> is a victim of international drug syndicate, human trafficking, and PH government neglect. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveMaryJane?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#SaveMaryJane</a><br />— Cleve V. Arguelles (@clevearguelles) <a href="https://twitter.com/clevearguelles/status/592302881740492800" rel="nofollow">April 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Calling on PH youth and students: let's hold assemblies, candle lighting activities, tie white ribbons to call for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaveMaryJane?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#SaveMaryJane</a><br />— Vencer Crisostomo (@venzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/venzie/status/592289834888200193" rel="nofollow">April 26, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />The hashtag #SaveMaryJane has been trending also on Twitter over the past days.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the Catholic officials from the Philippines and Indonesia has been urging the public to strengthen Veloso’s chances of being spared from the deathrow by asking to offer prayers for her. Masses for Veloso were also held the past weeks in both countries.<br /><br /><br /><b>Jokowi remains dignified against criticisms, PNoy going for another push for Veloso</b><br /><br />UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also aired his appeal to Indonesian President Joko Widodo DK to spare the convicts from death Jokowi as he was fondly called by his countrymen remains unopposed with his stand on pushing through with the execution despite also of various pleas made by the foreign governments representing those who were in deathrow. President Benigno Aquino III will exhume the remaining resources that his government has to save Veloso when he meets again with Jokowi tomorrow, April 27 at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.<br /><br /><b><i>- Michael Santiago, TheSummitExpress</i></b></div>

Indonesia to execute Mary Jane Veloso by Firing Squad on Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the appeals made by the Philippines, the Indonesian government vows to adhere with its stringent anti-drug law...

IN PHOTOS: Chiz Escudero marries Heart Evangelista in Balesin wedding

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Senator Chiz Escudero and actress Heart Evangelista were pronounced husband and wife today, February 15 at around 5:20pm. View wedding photos here.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsheRDQXvz6G6qDZOI5QUXI1lLRWFCSZvluSnCklgZ5TulrYNniPRv1zai5zIEkAeBOqzM8615twCSeuKh9xvKLSBCAelu5mfA3JAgGLnmiP19jEcDnMU5P2yAiWHsn-6sBsyEMfb79Hc/s1600/Heart-Chiz-wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chiz Escudero marries Heart Evangelista in Balesin wedding" border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsheRDQXvz6G6qDZOI5QUXI1lLRWFCSZvluSnCklgZ5TulrYNniPRv1zai5zIEkAeBOqzM8615twCSeuKh9xvKLSBCAelu5mfA3JAgGLnmiP19jEcDnMU5P2yAiWHsn-6sBsyEMfb79Hc/s1600/Heart-Chiz-wedding.jpg" title="Chiz Escudero marries Heart Evangelista in Balesin wedding" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart and Chiz finally tied the knot on Sunday | Credit: sebastiandesu on Instagram</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Heart and Chiz tied the knot in a Catholic wedding ceremony held at the Balesin Island Club in Quezon.<br /><br />The romantic wedding is inspired by the Hollywood movie, Edward and Bella's The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zHaTzrs9VG/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">The happy gorgeous bride ❤️ so happy for you @iamhearte 😍 #chizheart21515</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by draivee (@draivee) on <time datetime="2015-02-15T08:52:42+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 15, 2015 at 12:52am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zHhxIiCM5S/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Husband and wife!!!!!! We love you @iamhearte #chizheart21515 #chizheartlovefinally</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A video posted by @solennheussaff on <time datetime="2015-02-15T09:57:52+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 15, 2015 at 1:57am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />The ceremony was officiated by Bishop Arturo Vasquez, a close friend of Senator Chiz from his hometown in Sorsogon. Concelebrating the Mass were Fr. Jerry Orbos and Fr. Roger Joseph Erestain, who are also close to the groom.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zHbL2yCMxl/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Beautiful and intimate #chizheart21515 #ChizHeartLoveFinally</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by @solennheussaff on <time datetime="2015-02-15T09:00:21+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 15, 2015 at 1:00am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zHbf9iki8j/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Pure love. #chizheart21515 #PatDyPhotography #FrancisPerezPhoto #CaliberKingPhotography @patdy11 @redtangent @caliberking @iamhearte @balesinislandclub</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Francis Perez (@redtangent) on <time datetime="2015-02-15T09:03:06+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 15, 2015 at 1:03am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III who was supposed to be Chiz's best man, was replaced by Phillip Escudero, Chiz's brother. Meanwhile, Heart's older sister Camille Ongpauco was the maid-of-honor.<br /><br />Chiz revealed to the press that he asked PNoy to skip the Balesin wedding and invited him to the Manila reception on February 18 instead.<br /><br />Some of the big names in showbiz, business and politics have attended the ceremony.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zHTsAsya2Z/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Kumpleto na ang bridesmaids. #ChizHeart21515</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Nelson Canlas (@nelsoncanlas) on <time datetime="2015-02-15T07:54:50+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 14, 2015 at 11:54pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zHYiS7KRcf/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Ninangs waiting for the bride #chizheart21515</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Jiggy Manicad (@iamjiggymanicad) on <time datetime="2015-02-15T08:37:12+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 15, 2015 at 12:37am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />Principal sponsors include business tycoons Hans Sy, Lance Gokongwei, Fernando Zobel, Bobby Ongpin, Jerry Acuzar, Ramon Ang and Vic del Rosario.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/zHbi5QqRQ4/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Ninongs #chizheart21515</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A photo posted by Jiggy Manicad (@iamjiggymanicad) on <time datetime="2015-02-15T09:03:30+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 15, 2015 at 1:03am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />Reports said that the newly-wed couple will spend honeymoon in Japan.<br /><br />Before the wedding ceremony, Heart celebrated her 30th birthday of Valentine's Day.<br /><br />Heart and Chiz became couple for more than two years before their marriage. Chiz was married to Christine Flores for seven years until he announced their marriage has been annulled. They have two children.</div>

IN PHOTOS: Chiz Escudero marries Heart Evangelista in Balesin wedding

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Chiz Escudero and actress Heart Evangelista were pronounced husband and wife today, February 15 at around 5:20...

Mamasapano massacre, 'SAF 44' latest news updates, videos

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Board of Inquiry created by President Aquino to investigate on Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and 2 civilians has started its probe into the incident.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_-8-UEWupzULk8ihqDDzOKa_hOlQSzexoEhNgT_GptH2s7xnywF-qYd7YjYeizBzKx5w26PJLRMC-u5E11o5xhprpGojl-7MXqrjwsg07vidkPfnIEgMXi8p2eSK0v-ek0tOjXKl4Hs-/s1600/SAF44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="TAGAPAGLIGTAS: The 44 brave commandos of  PNP-SAF" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_-8-UEWupzULk8ihqDDzOKa_hOlQSzexoEhNgT_GptH2s7xnywF-qYd7YjYeizBzKx5w26PJLRMC-u5E11o5xhprpGojl-7MXqrjwsg07vidkPfnIEgMXi8p2eSK0v-ek0tOjXKl4Hs-/s1600/SAF44.jpg" title="TAGAPAGLIGTAS: The 44 brave commandos of  PNP-SAF" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TAGAPAGLIGTAS: The 44 brave commandos of  PNP-SAF</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Check out the latest news updates and videos on Mamasapano clash here:<br /><br />Aquino on his televised national address on Wednesday said PNP Director General Alan Purisima was involved in the planning of the operation to arrest suspected Jemaah Islamiya leader Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Commander Marwan though he's suspended on his post due to graft charge.<br /><br />The Board of Inquiry (BOI) is headed by Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) head Chief Superintendent Edgardo Ingking and includes Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Police Director Benjamin Magalong and Directorate for Research and Development head Chief Superintendent Catalino Rodriguez Jr.<br /><br />Meanwhile, International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) visited Wahid Tundok, the commander of the MILF's 118th Base Command at his house in Dauti Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao to check details related to the massacre.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wAyuvLJY1CY" width="600"></iframe></center><br /><b><br /></b> <b>Malacañang says burial ground not an issue for fallen SAF 44 families</b><br /><br />Malacañang Palace said on Saturday that burial ground for the fallen elite cops is not an issue for their kin. Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the kin of the 44 did not bring up to bury the killed personnel at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.<br /><br />Coloma said it will be incovenient for the families to visit their loved ones at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani since they are living outside Metro Manila.<br /><br />Meanwhile, remains of Fallen 44 were already brought out of Camp Bagong Diwa before dawn on Sunday. On Thursday, arrival honors were rendered to them and the nation mourned as Aquino declared January 30 a day of national mourning.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: Arrival Honors for Fallen PNP-SAF Heroes (video courtesy of PNP-PIO)</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tJ0PIz2wECQ" width="600"></iframe></center><br />Here are some of the touching photos on National Day of Mourning:<br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Today, Jan. 30, 2015, is the National Day of Mourning for our 44 fallen heroes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fallen44?src=hash">#Fallen44</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSCNationWatch?src=hash">#CSCNationWatch</a> <a href="http://t.co/YFzLRYeOVI">pic.twitter.com/YFzLRYeOVI</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">— UST CSC (@UST_CSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UST_CSC/status/560997530192707585">January 30, 2015</a></blockquote><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0DqNsPgDxvWvL93cYxI-j9nPOO1mc4bnMqggvWExqlOgRwa-rG5OFSVGoOGV8abaChtMzRUBnrNB8hiRznfiZyZv5lv3kXgrcgN4zvclgs1FmAb1j8g8a0h8XPoKZqDkoNt4lYyB5_Ae/s1600/PNoy-prays-saf44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="President Noy offers a moment of silent prayer before the remains of the fallen PNP-SAF Troopers." border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0DqNsPgDxvWvL93cYxI-j9nPOO1mc4bnMqggvWExqlOgRwa-rG5OFSVGoOGV8abaChtMzRUBnrNB8hiRznfiZyZv5lv3kXgrcgN4zvclgs1FmAb1j8g8a0h8XPoKZqDkoNt4lYyB5_Ae/s1600/PNoy-prays-saf44.jpg" title="President Noy offers a moment of silent prayer before the remains of the fallen PNP-SAF Troopers." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Noy offers a moment of silent prayer before the remains of the fallen PNP-SAF Troopers. Credit: Noynoy Aquino on Twitter</td></tr></tbody></table><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Children cry at the coffin of one of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAF44?src=hash">#SAF44</a>. Photo by Noel Celis/AFP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RStream?src=hash">#RStream</a> <a href="http://t.co/HstTwv4Z4n">pic.twitter.com/HstTwv4Z4n</a><br />— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/status/561144429894172672">January 30, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Look at the faces of these young men...and WEEP  The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAF44?src=hash">#SAF44</a>: Our sons, our heroes by <a href="https://twitter.com/beacupin">@beacupin</a> <a href="http://t.co/qLwMFN1EXe">http://t.co/qLwMFN1EXe</a> <a href="http://t.co/a3IbBbJozu">pic.twitter.com/a3IbBbJozu</a><br />— Miss Go (@miriamgracego) <a href="https://twitter.com/miriamgracego/status/560757341990043648">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">A fallen SAF who died viewing his family's photos on his phone. 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fallen44?src=hash">#Fallen44</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPSAF44?src=hash">#RIPSAF44</a> 🙏 (ctto) <a href="http://t.co/FrX9QqFO6E">pic.twitter.com/FrX9QqFO6E</a><br />— Pinoy Quotation (@Pinoy_Quotation) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pinoy_Quotation/status/561162513882947584">January 30, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Our Cordilleran brothers are home. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAF44?src=hash">#SAF44</a> <a href="http://t.co/E96uJshPhX">pic.twitter.com/E96uJshPhX</a><br />— PIA Cordillera (@PIA_Cordillera) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIA_Cordillera/status/561331226963750914">January 31, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><br /><b>Militant group says PNoy to blame for the death of 44 policemen</b><br /><br />Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap on Saturday said that PNoy should be held responsible for the deaths of 44 police commandos. He said it was the President’s actions that led to the tragic end of SAF men, who entered MILF territory in a clandestine operation to arrest two international terrorists.<br /><br />Hicap noted that Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir “Marwan” was listed on Federal Bureau of Investigation list of Most Wanted Terrorists. FBI had offered $5 million for the arrest of Marwan.<br /><br />Marwan was reportedly killed in the SAF operation, but the other target, the Filipino Basit Usman, commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, escaped.<br /><br /><br /><b>FBI claims no prior knowledge of PNP raid for 2 terrorists</b><br /><br />Reuters reported claims of United States counterterrorism agency Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that it have no prior knowledge of a police raid in the southern part of the country last Sunday.<br /><br />"The FBI was not involved in the planning or execution of the operation. We do express our deepest condolences to the brave officers of the Philippine National Police who lost their lives in the line of duty," FBI spokesman Josh Campbell said.<br /><br />The Mamasapano clash, which the Philippine government has described as a "misencounter," seems to affect the three-year ceasefire between Philippines police and Muslim rebels in Mindanao.</div>

Mamasapano massacre, 'SAF 44' latest news updates, videos

MANILA, Philippines - The Board of Inquiry created by President Aquino to investigate on Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash that killed 44 Specia...

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos on social media flood inquiries with #NasaanAngPangulo and #Fallen44 trends as President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III did not attend the arrival of honors on Thursday for the slain cops in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcJBOjFMxQq7ZnbZvcd9g64IpPkC2dPLR4A326QIbIG-xvK7wsD9_61U08tH9HxpwICBT7xBHiwpf3hIKwzUOi4rnSQuLWsRQ3wel_67IAbzSM-LFfgIAxnGajrUKljWDVvOvJJfBhJ5f/s1600/PNoy-Laguna-Mitsubishi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aquino in Mitsubishi inaugural launch Laguna" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcJBOjFMxQq7ZnbZvcd9g64IpPkC2dPLR4A326QIbIG-xvK7wsD9_61U08tH9HxpwICBT7xBHiwpf3hIKwzUOi4rnSQuLWsRQ3wel_67IAbzSM-LFfgIAxnGajrUKljWDVvOvJJfBhJ5f/s1600/PNoy-Laguna-Mitsubishi.jpg" title="Aquino in Mitsubishi inaugural launch Laguna" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PNoy attended the inauguration of the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) Sta. Rosa Plant at Greenfield Automotive Park, Special Economic Zone in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna on Thursday.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The bodies of the 42 fallen men of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City while the President has attended an event in Laguna for the inauguration of the new manufacturing plant of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines.<br /><br />Netizens said the President as the highest official of the country should be there to salute for the fallen cops.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte explained that PNoy was not originally planned to attend the arrival of honors.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMfn_NoeLsyPODBTCONYffPPRhbZDUFZTrGigRaoU9zK4zbb2YU_NLAsXySPjgn6Uy2Bc9DZ1wodl0j2T-Okj-MJ3NjZriZurkZN-ujAqOWoYNKoqFWIINaf3VbGv5PeoDKcpordMTXsi/s1600/families-fallen-saf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arrival of honors at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMfn_NoeLsyPODBTCONYffPPRhbZDUFZTrGigRaoU9zK4zbb2YU_NLAsXySPjgn6Uy2Bc9DZ1wodl0j2T-Okj-MJ3NjZriZurkZN-ujAqOWoYNKoqFWIINaf3VbGv5PeoDKcpordMTXsi/s1600/families-fallen-saf.jpg" title="Arrival of honors at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival of honors at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"The president will be leading the necrological services to be held in Camp Bagong Diwa on Friday morning," Valte added.<br /><br />Netizens added that this was not an excuse for PNoy to prioritize other events than the national concern.<br /><br /><b>READ</b>: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2015/01/pnoy-declares-january-30-national-day-of-mourning-after-mamasapano-encounter.html">PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter</a><br />Here are some of the social media posts as netizens ask #NasaanAngPangulo:<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">A moment of silence to the fallen men of our country. <br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <a href="http://t.co/eTscCFhVHD">pic.twitter.com/eTscCFhVHD</a><br />— Pinoy Quotes (@FunnyPinoyQuote) <br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/FunnyPinoyQuote/status/560807738242920448">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">I am so ashamed of this government! So ashamed! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <a href="http://t.co/WithMLWvOn">pic.twitter.com/WithMLWvOn</a><br />— Adjanet Fresco Rase (@AJRase) <br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/AJRase/status/560883851593908224">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Our cops and troops have realized they have been <br /><br />serving under a leader totally undeserving of even a drop of their blood. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a><br />— Tonyo <br /><br />Cruz (@tonyocruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/tonyocruz/status/560836702537658368">January 29, <br /><br />2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><This is my profile pic. You can use/share it too <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MamasapanoClash?src=hash">#MamasapanoClash</a> (Image by Paolo <br /><br />Arevalo) <a href="http://t.co/9DHbCrNjmD">pic.twitter.com/9DHbCrNjmD</a><br />— Noem Lardizabal-<br /><br />Dado (@momblogger) <a href="https://twitter.com/momblogger/status/560833911077367809">January 29, <br /><br />2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">"PH in grief, fury as President betrays, dishonors <br /><br />elite cops" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://t.co/87VvjlTxKa">http://t.co/87VvjlTxKa</a> <a href="http://t.co/CcXwLMSyBi">pic.twitter.com/CcXwLMSyBi</a><br />— Tonyo Cruz (@tonyocruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/tonyocruz/status/560898088542285824">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Dedma. Lack of empathy. This was glaringly obvious <br /><br />even in last night's speech. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a><br />— Antonio L. Tinio (@tonchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/tonchi/status/560797146757070849">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Remember when <a href="https://twitter.com/noynoyaquino">@noynoyaquino</a> said this before? Never forget.... "I don’t <br /><br />attend wakes of people I don’t know." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a><br />— Bimby (@bimby_kalerQUI) <a href="https://twitter.com/bimby_kalerQUI/status/560931275893379073">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /></div>

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos on social media flood inquiries with #NasaanAngPangulo and #Fallen44 trends as President Benigno 'PNoy...

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos on social media flood inquiries with #NasaanAngPangulo and #Fallen44 trends as President Benigno 'PNoy...

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, January 30 to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of the entire country after the bloody encounter which killed 44 policemen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Sunday morning.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" title="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">44 cops died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"As President and as father of this country, I am greatly saddened that our policemen had to lay down their lives for this mission. Without question, these people are heroes; they who willingly put themselves in danger to address threats to our security; they who were wounded; they who gave their lives in the name of peace. To honor those who perished, I am declaring a National Day of Mourning to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of our entire country."<br /><br /><b>UPDATE</b>: Aquino signed on Wednesday the <a href="http://www.gov.ph/2015/01/28/proclamation-no-953-s-2015/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 953 s. 2015</a> declaring January 30 as a national day of mourning.  Note: There's no announcement of work or class suspension for Friday.<br /><br />"The entire nation is requested to offer prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of the victims and for our people to reclaim our sense of humanity. Further, I instruct all public institutions and military installations in the Philippines to lower the Philippines flag to half-mast," Aquino said in a statement.<br />Aquino on a televised speech from Malacanang Palace has addressed the national concern on the outcome of Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) mission to arrest two notorious terrorists namely Abdulbasit Usman and Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan.<br /><br />The NDRRMC has reported to Aquino that aside from 44 policemen who have died in the process of fulfilling their duties, 16 others were injured, including 3 civilians.<br /><br />PNoy emphasized that Marwan and Usman are not common criminals. <br /><br />"There is a long string of outstanding warrants for their arrest. There are no less than 8 outstanding warrants against Usman alone, while there are no less than 2 for Marwan. One of the earliest warrants was issued in 2002, which means that they were already being pursued when I was a member of Congress. Allow me to clarify: When a warrant is issued against an individual, all officers of the law are obligated to serve it. This is precisely why, since long ago, our security sector, including the AFP, PNP, and NBI, has undertaken multiple operations to capture Marwan, Usman, and other terrorists."<br /><br />PNoy also clarified that approval from him for the said mission to proceed is not required.<br /><br />"These agencies are not always required to obtain my approval for each and every one of their operations, because it would be impractical for them to wait for my clearance before proceeding. My duty: to make certain that they are carrying out their responsibilities. There are times when certain matters are elevated to my desk so that I may give guidance, give a more holistic view of the situation, or explain its wider implications."<br /><br />"I emphasize: It is stated in Article II, Section 4 of our Constitution that “The primary duty of government is to serve and protect the people.” This is why, when our police force uncovered the precise location of Marwan and Usman, they decided to take action and serve the warrants of the two individuals."<br /><br />It was past 4 in the morning when the SAF reached the stronghold in which Marwan and Usman were hiding. In the encounter that followed, the primary target, Marwan, was allegedly killed. Upon hearing the gunshots, Usman and his cohorts fought back. There were also non-combatants spotted in the houses in which Marwan and Usman were located; it was necessary for our forces to close the distance to avoid involving the innocent. Marwan’s house was the first attacked; Usman responded, and the element of surprise, which was necessary to avoid detection, was lost. This is why the SAF decided to withdraw and rendezvous with their companions, who were securing their exit route from the area where the encounter occurred. It appears that it was during this withdrawal when the bloodiest part of the clash happened.<br /><br />PNoy before the end of his speech called out the attention of Filipinos to show a single aspiration for peace and ensure that the ultimate sacrifice made by some members of the SAF does not go to waste.<br /><br />"We will gain justice, in time, through the right processes, and without letting go of our dreams to realize a widespread and lasting peace."<br /><br /><b>WATCH: President Aquino's Message to the Nation Delivered on January 28, 2015</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SWDsbdkLW9Q" width="600"></iframe></center><br /></div>

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, Januar...

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, January 30 to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of the entire country after the bloody encounter which killed 44 policemen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Sunday morning.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" title="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">44 cops died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"As President and as father of this country, I am greatly saddened that our policemen had to lay down their lives for this mission. Without question, these people are heroes; they who willingly put themselves in danger to address threats to our security; they who were wounded; they who gave their lives in the name of peace. To honor those who perished, I am declaring a National Day of Mourning to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of our entire country."<br /><br />Aquino on a televised speech from Malacanang Palace has addressed the national concern on the outcome of Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) mission to arrest two notorious terrorists namely Abdulbasit Usman and Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan.<br /><br />The NDRRMC has reported to Aquino that aside from 44 policemen who have died in the process of fulfilling their duties, 16 others were injured, including 3 civilians.<br /><br />PNoy emphasized that Marwan and Usman are not common criminals. <br /><br />"There is a long string of outstanding warrants for their arrest. There are no less than 8 outstanding warrants against Usman alone, while there are no less than 2 for Marwan. One of the earliest warrants was issued in 2002, which means that they were already being pursued when I was a member of Congress. Allow me to clarify: When a warrant is issued against an individual, all officers of the law are obligated to serve it. This is precisely why, since long ago, our security sector, including the AFP, PNP, and NBI, has undertaken multiple operations to capture Marwan, Usman, and other terrorists."<br /><br />PNoy also clarified that approval from him for the said mission to proceed is not required.<br /><br />"These agencies are not always required to obtain my approval for each and every one of their operations, because it would be impractical for them to wait for my clearance before proceeding. My duty: to make certain that they are carrying out their responsibilities. There are times when certain matters are elevated to my desk so that I may give guidance, give a more holistic view of the situation, or explain its wider implications."<br /><br />"I emphasize: It is stated in Article II, Section 4 of our Constitution that “The primary duty of government is to serve and protect the people.” This is why, when our police force uncovered the precise location of Marwan and Usman, they decided to take action and serve the warrants of the two individuals."<br /><br />It was past 4 in the morning when the SAF reached the stronghold in which Marwan and Usman were hiding. In the encounter that followed, the primary target, Marwan, was allegedly killed. Upon hearing the gunshots, Usman and his cohorts fought back. There were also non-combatants spotted in the houses in which Marwan and Usman were located; it was necessary for our forces to close the distance to avoid involving the innocent. Marwan’s house was the first attacked; Usman responded, and the element of surprise, which was necessary to avoid detection, was lost. This is why the SAF decided to withdraw and rendezvous with their companions, who were securing their exit route from the area where the encounter occurred. It appears that it was during this withdrawal when the bloodiest part of the clash happened.<br /><br />PNoy before the end of his speech called out the attention of Filipinos to show a single aspiration for peace and ensure that the ultimate sacrifice made by some members of the SAF does not go to waste.<br /><br />"We will gain justice, in time, through the right processes, and without letting go of our dreams to realize a widespread and lasting peace."<br /><br /><b>WATCH: President Aquino's Message to the Nation Delivered on January 28, 2015</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SWDsbdkLW9Q" width="600"></iframe></center><br /></div>

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, Januar...

FULL TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO: Pope Francis delivers speech at the Malacanang Palace

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis delivered his speech during the meeting with President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III, civil authorities and diplomatic corps at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacang Palace on Friday morning, January 16, 2015.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdLc2kFekjC-vxSdVTKNdLfUfdk8o6gselZQULjQ0vHk75s2MCQvUNZu4LsZm8sl8aG4d9O4EhCSRj28HDUdejjgu6Fv_8ta8RbMvCrlfkOtVvwWf7A2a4Be7rInl2B947FqRCzxValKV/s1600/Pope-Francis-Malacanang01162015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FULL TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO: Pope Francis speech at the Malacanang Palace" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdLc2kFekjC-vxSdVTKNdLfUfdk8o6gselZQULjQ0vHk75s2MCQvUNZu4LsZm8sl8aG4d9O4EhCSRj28HDUdejjgu6Fv_8ta8RbMvCrlfkOtVvwWf7A2a4Be7rInl2B947FqRCzxValKV/s1600/Pope-Francis-Malacanang01162015.jpg" title="FULL TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO: Pope Francis speech at the Malacanang Palace" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />The full transcript and video are now available online courtesy of RTV Malacanang.<br /><br />Pope Francis said he is most grateful for the invitation to visit the Philippines and emphasized that it is above all pastoral and in preparation for the the fifth centenary of the first proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the country.<br /><br />The pope also expressed his closeness to all brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda.  <br /><br />"Today the Philippines, together with many other countries in Asia, faces the challenge of building on solid foundations a modern society – a society respectful of authentic human values, protective of our Godgiven human dignity and rights, and ready to confront new and complex political and ethical questions.," the pope added.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: Joint Statement of President Aquino and Pope Francis (January 16, 2015)</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/70ElS4nJ63U" width="600"></iframe></center><br /><b><br /></b><b>Here's the full statement of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Malacanang Palace:</b><br /><br />"Ladies and Gentlemen, <br /><br />I thank you, Mr President, for your kind welcome and for your words of greeting in the name of the authorities and people of the Philippines, and the distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps.  I am most grateful for your invitation to visit the Philippines.  My visit is above all pastoral.  It comes as the Church in this country is preparing to celebrate the fifth centenary of the first proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on these shores.  The Christian message has had an immense influence on Filipino culture.  It is my hope that this important anniversary will point to its continuing fruitfulness and its potential to inspire a society worthy of the goodness, dignity and aspirations of the Filipino people. <br /><br />In a particular way, this visit is meant to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda.  Together with many people throughout the world, I have admired the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so many Filipinos in the face of this natural disaster, and so many others.  Those virtues, rooted not least in the hope and solidarity instilled by Christian faith, gave rise to an outpouring of goodness and generosity, especially on the part of so many of the young.  In that moment of national crisis, countless people came to the aid of their neighbors in need.  At great sacrifice, they gave of their time and resources, creating networks of mutual help and working for the common good.   <br /><br />This example of solidarity in the work of rebuilding teaches us an important lesson.  Like a family, every society draws on its deepest resources in order to face new challenges.  Today the Philippines, together with many other countries in Asia, faces the challenge of building on solid foundations a modern society – a society respectful of authentic human values, protective of our Godgiven human dignity and rights, and ready to confront new and complex political and ethical questions.  As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good.  In this way they will help preserve the rich human and natural resources with which God has blessed this country.  Thus will they be able to marshall the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace. <br /><br />Essential to the attainment of these national goals is the moral imperative of ensuring social justice and respect for human dignity.  The great biblical tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the poor.  It bids us break the bonds of injustice and oppression which give rise to glaring, and indeed scandalous, social inequalities.  Reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and the exclusion of the poor first requires a conversion of mind and heart.  The Bishops of the Philippines have asked that this year be set aside as the “Year of the Poor”.  I hope that this prophetic summons will challenge everyone, at all levels of society, to reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor, and to make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man and woman and child in the life of the community.  <br /><br />A fundamental role in the renewal of society is played, of course, by the family and especially by young people.  A highlight of my visit will be my meetings with families and with young people here in Manila.  Families have an indispensable mission in society.  It is in the family that children are trained in sound values, high ideals and genuine concern for others.  But like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed.  It needs our support.  We know how difficult it is for our democracies today to preserve and defend such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity of each human person, respect for the rights of conscience and religious freedom, and respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that of the unborn and extending to that of the elderly and infirm.  For this reason, families and local communities must be encouraged and assisted in their efforts to transmit to our young the values and the vision which can help bring about a culture of integrity – one which honors goodness, truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity as the firm foundation and the moral glue which holds society together. <br /><br />Mr President, distinguished authorities, dear friends:  <br /><br />As I begin my visit to this country, I cannot fail to mention the Philippines’ important role in fostering understanding and cooperation among the countries of Asia.  I would also mention the of neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live.  It is precisely in the light of the rich cultural and religious heritage of which your country is proud that I leave you with a challenge and a word of prayerful encouragement.  May the deepest spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression in your efforts to provide your fellow citizens with an integral human development.  In this way, each person will be able to fulfill his or her potential, and thus contribute wisely and well to the future of this country.  I am confident that the praiseworthy efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between the followers of the different religions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of this noble goal.  In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities. <br /><br />Upon all of you, and upon all the men, women and children of this beloved nation, I cordially invoke God’s abundant blessings."</div>

FULL TRANSCRIPT and VIDEO: Pope Francis delivers speech at the Malacanang Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis delivered his speech during the meeting with President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III, civil authoriti...

VIDEO: PNoy guests on GGV tonight, January 4, 2015

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN's late night comedy program 'Gandang Gabi Vice' (GGV) goes to Malacañang Palace tonight, January 4, 2015 with His Excellency President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III as the first guest of the top-rating and Twitter-trending show.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ22-eLeVPeKK27Xi-6rWPPBG9K07uOPn56cSeTxYAiyCC16aRgjlnvwnh8Q8XiOD7cuPS6dVUVAmTVt3XqAE35dKGLBrUCXUvfPVg4Ft8ccr30_Ycr2ky05Io_fLq67Y-DwF-bmlbn6l/s1600/PNoy-on-GGV-01042015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PNoy on GGV" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ22-eLeVPeKK27Xi-6rWPPBG9K07uOPn56cSeTxYAiyCC16aRgjlnvwnh8Q8XiOD7cuPS6dVUVAmTVt3XqAE35dKGLBrUCXUvfPVg4Ft8ccr30_Ycr2ky05Io_fLq67Y-DwF-bmlbn6l/s1600/PNoy-on-GGV-01042015.jpg" title="PNoy on GGV" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />In the 30-second teaser of the show, the President is seen having good laughs as the popular GGV host throws some personal questions to him.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: PNoy on GANDANG GABI VICE January 4, 2015 Teaser</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8PwXMZKlP1o" width="600"></iframe></center><br />'The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin' star admitted that it's a dream come true for him to have interview with the highest official of the country. He said that he got nervous during the taping.<br /><br />"Marami kaming napag-usapan ni PNoy. Yung pangkaraniwang mga tanong ng mga Pilipino. Yung mga sutil na tanong. Kahit lovelife. At ang nakakatawa, mas kabado pa ako kaysa sa kanya."<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/feMsUBcBvSY" width="600"></iframe></center><br />It is expected that 'PNoyonGGV' will be a trending topic worldwide as the show starts airing tonight.<br /><br />UPDATE: Here are some video clips from the Vice Ganda-PNoy interview.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9HOnIlMXqQk" width="600"></iframe></center><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9YUzoO6Fdig" width="600"></iframe></center></div>

VIDEO: PNoy guests on GGV tonight, January 4, 2015

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN's late night comedy program 'Gandang Gabi Vice' (GGV) goes to Malacañang Palace tonight, January 4...