Daily News Highlights – December 29, 2015 Edition

It was a holiday gift of sorts for Senator Grace Poe as the Supreme Court stopped the Comelec from cancelling Poe’s certificate of candidacy for president. The senator called it a “just and compassionate decision,” adding that she is confident the high court will uphold foundlings’ rights and “look into the facts” of her residency. The Comelec, meanwhile, said it will comply with the SC ruling.

Read more about the high court’s decision, plus Malacañang’s reaction, here.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the 3 disqualification cases filed against him before the Comelec are only making him stronger. Duterte sees the cases as a challenge and also said the best judgment would come from the Filipino people. “It is up to them to take me for what I am.”

Check out what else the tough-talking mayor had to say about his bid for the presidency, here.

Pope Francis sent condolences to families of the 11 people killed by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat on Christmas Eve. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the pontiff was “deeply saddened to learn of the senseless killing of innocent people,” and hopes for peace.

Read more about Pope Francis’ wish for Mindanao here.

A two-day wave of attacks in northeastern Nigeria left more than 50 people dead. The attacks, blamed on terrorist group Boko Haram, started on Christmas – just days before the Nigerian government’s December 31 deadline to end the insurgency.

Get more details about the attacks here.

French President Francois Hollande congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi after the Iraqi army liberated Ramadi town from the Islamic State. Hollande called it “the most important victory yet” against the terror group.

Read more about Ramadi’s liberation here and here.

The landslide-hit Marikina-Infanta Road remains impassable more than a week after Typhoon Nona (Melor) hit the country. A video posted online said a 10-kilometer stretch was damaged, hampering the delivery of relief goods to towns in Quezon province.

Get more information on the damaged road and emergency responders’ appeal for help, here.

 The Philippines’ Bureau of Customs is unlikely to hit its revenue target for 2015, similar to its performance in 2014. As of December 17, the agency has collected only P353.07 billion, but its full-year target is P436.6 billion.

Find out what contributed to the low collections in this Rappler story.

Meadowlark Lemon, the heart and soul of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team, died at 83 years old in Arizona. Lemon, known for his legendary hook shots from half court and no-look behind-the-back passes, was also famous for his comedy routines.

Here’s more on the legacy of the “clown prince of basketball.”

Dondon Monteverde, producer of ‘Honor Thy Father,’ claimed that organizers of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2015 did not give them due process. Monteverde said the organizers had several weeks to decide, but only disqualified the film from the Best Picture category at the last minute.

Read more about Monteverde’s remarks on the MMFF controversy here.

American crooner Jack Jones is all set for his two-night concert at the Kia Theatre in Quezon City on December 29 and 30. Jones, a frequent Manila visitor, said it’s always a pleasure performing in the Philippines.

Check out what Jack has in store for fans, here.