MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has signed into law a bill that would exempt minimum wage earners from paying income tax and increasing personal exemptions for other employees.

Arroyo signed in Malacañang Tuesday Republic Act 9504 or an act amending Sections 22, 24, 34, 35, 51, and 79 of RA 8424 or the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

The United States Supreme Court had an inauspicious gift for the Philippines as the nation celebrated its 110th declaration of independence. Ruling en banc, the court on June 12, 2008 dismissed an action for interpleader filed by Merryl Lynch. An interpleader allows a plaintiff to file a lawsuit in order to compel two or more other parties to litigate a dispute. It is resorted to when the plaintiff holds property on behalf of another, but does not know to whom the property should be transferred.

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN -- IF someone sells you a newly caught Pangasinan bangus (milkfish) in Ilocos Norte, do not be surprised.

This is because the milkfish that had escaped from the pens, cages and ponds in Pangasinan almost a month ago swam up north and had reached Ilocos Norte’s coastal areas, according to a fishery official.

It was on June 12, 1898 when Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite. One could only imagine the depth of emotion pouring out from every Filipino’s heart when the national anthem was sung and the Philippine flag waved.

What mattered was that they were finally free of foreign dominion.