Philippine Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut)

As of 8:00 AM, Saturday morning of September 15, 2018, the typhoon Ompong, with international name of Mangkhut, has slightly weakened and now heading towards Ilocos Norte. It is now in the vicinity of Kabugao, Apayao, moving west. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Ompong may have weakened but it remains strong. Ompong was previously moving 35 kilometers but it slows down to 30 km/hr. It originally have the gustiness of 330 km/hr but it lowers down to 305 km/hr.

With that update, we are advising all residences in those affected areas to be more vigilant and if possible evacuate while there is time, especially those who are living near the coasts and rivers.

New Chief Justice - Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal-Sereno

Since the last Chief Justice Renato Corona has been impeached and convicted for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, President Benigno Aquino III officially appointed Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal-Sereno as the 24th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court dated August 24, 2012.

Statement of the Presidential Spokesperson on the new Chief Justice, August 24, 2012

Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda:On the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines[August 24, 2012]
In the midst of this period of deep mourning for the loss of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, the President is cognizant of his constitutional duty to appoint the next Chief Justice of the Philippines. He has therefore decided to appoint Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Punzalan Aranal-Sereno as the 24^th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The President is confident that Chief Justice Sereno will lead the judiciary in undertaking much-needed reforms. We believe the Judicial Branch of government has a historic opportunity to restore our people’s confidence in the judicial system.

Background