Manny Pacquiao Forms NEW Political Party

Emmanuel Pacquiao in real life, the ring icon has formally petitioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to accredit his organization—called the People’s Champ Movement—as a “local political party.”

As a “local” party, the People’s Champ Movement (PCM) is fielding candidates only for local positions in General Santos City and Sarangani province—all but confirming widespread speculation that Pacquiao would seek a seat in the House of Representatives, or maybe run for mayor, in the 2010 elections.

Comelec commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer revealed on Monday that Pacquiao filed a petition last December asking the poll body to accredit his party called People's Champ Movement.

Ferrer said the Comelec recently heard the petition, which has been up for a ruling. The political party could only field candidates for local posts in General Santos and Sarangani Province, the Comelec said.

State of Emergency Declared In Sulu

Philippine Troops are now preparing to attack the Islamic insurgents holding the three Red Cross hostages in the jungle skirts of Sulu.

The governor of the said province authorized the government militants to take necessary actions against the Abu Sayyaf Group and advised the civilians to stay out of the way and take refuge as looming military actions would take place.

"One of the hostages are not harmed", the Governor Abdusakur Tan said.

"It looks useless to communicate with them (kidnappers) further," added Tan, whose provincial government has imposed a state of emergency, restricted the movement of civilians and imposed a curfew on the 894-square-kilometre (345-square-mile) mainly Muslim island, home to about 645,000 people.

As the ASG ultimatum expires, Senator Richard Gordon was emotional as seen on the national television as held one press conference. Together, the Pope also stresses their diplomacy towards the ASG to release their captives as soon as possible.