MANILA — Representative Eduardo Gullas (First District, Cebu) defends the presence of Abad family members in the Aquino government, calling their critics “envious” of the feat. “I have known Butch for years as a colleague. He is a very decent man. I cannot imagine him engaging in self-dealing,” Gullas said, referring to Budget Secretary Florencio [...]

MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) said adding two more years in basic education may not happen during the Aquino administration. “Yung two additional years sa basic education ay ipapasok din natin sa review pero maaaring hindi ito mangyari sa term ni President Aquino,” said Education Secretary Armin Luistro. Read rest of story

MANILA — President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III issued his second tranche of orders for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), approving the designations of high-ranking officials with their respective new assignments. Lieutenant General Reynaldo Mapagu is designated as AFP Vice Chief of Staff, replacing Lieutenant General Nestor Ochoa who retired from the military service [...]

MANILA — A group of government workers protested the presence of several members of the Abad family in the Aquino administration. Ferdinand Gaite, president of Confederation for the Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (Courage), said the presence of the Abads in a number of posts in government is not in accordance with the [...]

MANILA — President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said the Department of Justice is also reviewing coup d’ etat charges against Captain Nicanor Faeldon to ensure that only the appropriate and right lawsuit was filed against them. In an interview, Aquino reiterated he would respect whatever the decision of the court is on the cases, stressing [...]

MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III not to repel the directive of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo halting the commercialization of organ donation. “The CBCP will appeal to President Noy or P-Noy not to abrogate PGMA’s administrative order,” said Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros in an interview. [...]

MANILA — President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has appointed Senior Deputy Administrator Macra Cruz as officer-in-charge of the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Cruz was named to the post following the resignation of Rogelio Singson as administrator of MWSS. Read rest of story

MANILA — Former Akbayan lawmaker Loretta Ann “Etta” Rosales welcomed criticisms from various groups but pointed out that she has not received any formal appointment from President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. In an interview, Rosales said: “This is a democracy and each one must be given space to air their voice, including those who oppose.” [...]