Imperial welcome. President Arroyo and husband Mike are welcomed by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace.

FVR to Gloria: We must hear it from you Says protests show anger of the people BY ASHZEL HACHERO FORMER President Fidel Ramos wants to hear it straight from President Arroyo how she stands on Charter Change and whether she will run for Congress when her term ends in June 2010. "PGMA must make a clear and positive declaration that she, as President will transform herself and the nation and not delude our people and her select circle of congressional cronies and family advisers with titillations about Charter Change, Con-Ass and her future role as Pampanga representative come July 2010," Ramos told a leadership forum at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila (PLM). Ramos warned Arroyo to beware of the public’s anger and discontent. Full Story...

Arroyo woos Japan to hike investments   JAPAN and the Philippines yesterday agreed to strengthen bilateral relations by starting talks for the forging of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). President Arroyo met Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso Thursday night on the second day of her five-day visit to Japan. The two leaders agreed to start discussions on MLAT and a social security agreement as a follow up to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).  Full Story...

New flu strain shows up in Brazil BY REGINA BENGCO AS a new strain of the influenza A(H1N1) virus appeared in Brazil, the Department of Health yesterday said government is getting ready for the more severe "second wave" of the virus. Reports early this week said Brazilian scientists have identified a new variant, called A/Sao Paulo/1454/H1N1, but it is not yet known if it is more aggressive than A(H1N1) which was discovered in Mexico only last April and is now in 75 other countries. Brazil is President Arroyo’s next stop after her June 17-20 visit to Japan. Arroyo’s state visit to Brazil is from June 21 to 25.   Full Story..

BUSINESS
SC: BIR reclassification of cigarettes unconstitutional 

SPORTS
Rain or Shine out
to sustain joy ride

ENTERTAINMENT
US makes digital terrestrial switch

LIVING
Feast for Father’s Day

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