News update: Philippine headlines on politics and government

Flood control equipment installed in Metro Manila was a waste because of MMDA's negligence according to DPWH sources. If it was properly maintained, casualties and damages may be minimal. However, Bayani Fernando said that the equipment is already obsolete and defective.

Unidentified uniformed men numbering 15 sprayed more than a hundred of bullets on the home of SSS Chairman Romulo Neri. The chairman was safe but the motive is still unclear. There are speculations that it is about the involvement of Neri in the ZTE-NBN Scandal.


Senator Loren Legarda may opt to run for the vice president position giving way to Senator Chiz Escudero as their standard bearer.

Typhoon Pepeng caused major destruction in northern Luzon, flooding major cities and towns of Pangasinan and Benguet and other nearby provinces. Deaths continue to rise as more people are recovered from landslides and flashfloods. flooding was also attributed to the release of water from 2 dams in the provinces.


Representatives from LGU's were not satisfied with the 4 presidentiables present in the ANC forum. The presidentiables were asked about their plans on calamities and disasters. Some of the presidential candidates present were Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Manny Villar, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and Senator Noynoy Aquino. It was a four-hour forum, hosted by ABS-CBN, which sparked a debate over small-versus-big government, the issue of pork barrel, calamity funds, IRA and other local government units issues and problems.