Five vying for graft court seat

By Macon Ramos Araneta
SANDIGANBAYAN Associate Justice Gregory Ong, whose appointment to the Supreme Court was rejected because of citizenship questions, wants to be presiding justice of the anti-graft court.

Laguna governor, son accused of plunder

PLUNDER charges were filed yesterday before the Ombudsman against Laguna Gov. Teresita “Ningning” Lazaro, her son Dennis as the provincial administrator, and 20 other local officials and four private suppliers for allegedly more than P294 million in fraudulent purchases and embezzlement of almost P250 million.

Polls erred on Arroyo performance — solons

By Roy Pelovello
Surveys showing a drop in President Arroyo’s satisfaction rating do not reflect her true performance as the country’s Chief Executive, lawmakers said yesterday.

Congress moves to expand powers of Pag-IBIG trustees

By Fel V. Maragay
Premium contributions to the Pag-Ibig Fund are likely to increase if Congress approves a bill strengthening the housing fund scheme.

Government takeover of MRT pushed

Opposition Senator Francis Escudero backed moves for a government takeover of Metro Rail Transit to prevent taxpayers from paying for “ghost riders” in the light rail firm.

New law condones home loan penalties

Borrowers with delinquent loans from any housing agency may now apply for loan restructuring or condonation and save their homes from foreclosure.