Alvarez-Reyes row triggers change

By Joyce Pangco Pañares, Christine Herrera
PRESIDENT Arroyo has assumed the chairmanship of the task force on climate change, replacing Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes.

US offers to help kidnap victims

The United States is prepared to assist the Philippines in its plan to rescue three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross from their abductors in Sulu, Ambassador Kristie Ann Kenney said yesterday.

Health sets random drug test, ignores rights panel

Random drug test on students will push through as scheduled on Feb. 2, and it will cover 85,000 high school and college students from public and private schools in Metro Manila, Davao and Cebu, the Health Department said yesterday.

Anti-crisis economic plan sought

Former Senate President Manuel Villar is pressing for the adoption of a new economic model that will help the Philippines survive the global economic crunch, generate or preserve jobs and spur growth nationwide.

Environment team chalks up a catch

By Othel V. Campos
Barely a month into the job, a team of environmental law enforcers, which Secretary Joselito Atienza formed this month, seized P2.9 million worth of suspected illegally cut narra and assorted lumber products at a lumberyard in Bulacan the other day.