Bags ‘r us
An ukay-ukay vendor at the Agdao public market shows her ware. For as low as 150 pesos, a bargain hunter can have a branded, top-quality backpack. | 
Read the story (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan).
Philippines president cites importance of strong bilateral, multilateral alliances
MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo underscored today the need to build and foster strong alliances on a bilateral and multilateral basis to ensure greater political, economic and military security.
The President led the diplomatic corps in a toast to the future of the Philippines and to international solidarity during the Vin D? Honneur in celebration of the 109th anniversary of Philippine Independence held at Malacanang?s Rizal Hall.
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Philippines president vows ‘people before politics’ governance
MANILA — In what could be her shortest Independence Day speech ever, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed today to pursue her people-before-politics policy of governance and keep the country firmly on the path of economic reform and fiscal discipline.
In her 511-word speech heavily laced with prayer for peace and national unity, the President ? dressed in a pretty cream barong pants ensemble ? said her people-first administration policy would focus on a strategy that is “pro-growth, pro-trade (and) pro-investment.”
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Distorting history
Analysis | The president's offer of reconciliation was made at the wrong place, at the wrong time ? and by the wrong source.
Philippines: Koko hits ‘squid tactics’ of fired Cotabato poll exec
MANILA — Genuine Opposition senatorial candidate Aquilino ?Koko? Pimentel III today accused dismissed South Cotabato election supervisor Lilian Radam of resorting to squid tactics by claiming that he tried to bribe her in connection with the senatorial vote count in the province.
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