The Philippine Supreme Court has ordered the government to put on hold a divisive plan to bury former dictator Ferdinand Marcos in a heroes’ cemetery, a court spokesman said.

Louis van Gaal is unconcerned by Manchester United’s topsy-turvy displays ahead of the visit of an Arsenal side he considers “on another level”.

Argentina may have been converted to the joys and rewards of running rugby in the last three years, but the nation’s umbilical cord with physical forward play and their devotion to the scrum, in particular, remain embedded in the collective psyche.

Pope Francis has called on Filipinos to reject the corruption that has plagued the nation for decades and urged them to instead work to end its “scandalous” poverty.

Toulon 21 Leicester Tigers 15

Gianfranco Zola insists Mario Balotelli can be a “fantastic” player – if his talent can be successfully mastered.

FORTY years ago this week, National Geographic screened a documentary entitled The Last Tribes of Mindanao.

Amir Khan has more things to worry about than just the controversial decision in his loss to Lamont Peterson.

Novak Djokovic survived a second-set wobble as he reached the fourth round of Wimbledon with a thrilling victory over spirited challenger Marcos Baghdatis on Centre Court.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has angrily denied claims that he is a racist after defender Marcos Angeleri accused him of overlooking him because he is not English.

Andy Murray conceded he may have returned to competitive action too soon after suffering a comprehensive first-round defeat at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam last night.

Argentina loose-head prop Marcos Ayerza has signed a new contract with Leicester.

THE Philippine Congress proclaimed Benigno Aquino III the country’s new president yesterday amid high hopes he will fulfil his campaign promise to eliminate corruption and poverty and restore trust in government.

The son of Corazon Aquino had a wide lead in the Philippines’ presidential elections today after campaigning on a promise to restore the government’s credibility by prosecuting corrupt officials.

IN a beautiful place called Tagaytay, just south of Manila in the Philippines, Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos built a magnificent, if ostentatious, hideaway known locally as the Palace in the Sky. It is built on a hill overlooking the famous Lake Taal with its multiple islands, volcanoes and lush green surrounds.

Eight hundred pairs of shoes donated by former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos were rescued from floods that devastated the country.

THOUSANDS of mourners paid their last respects to former Philippine president Corazon Aquino yesterday, lining up to file past her coffin in silent tribute to the “People Power” democracy leader.

Former Philippines President Corazon Aquino, who swept away a dictator with a “people power” revolt and sustained democracy by fighting off seven coup attempts in six years, died today, her son said. She was 76.

A Philippine court today acquitted the flamboyant widow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos of 32 counts of illegally transferring wealth abroad during her husband's 20-year rule.

The pilot of an airliner that burst into flames after trying to land on a short, rain-slicked runway apparently tried to take off again, barely clearing rush-hour traffic on a major highway. The death toll rose today to 189 and could climb higher.

A video of an extravagant wedding for the daughter of impoverished Burma’s military leader has caused outrage in a country where many people struggle to afford a bowl of rice.

A video of an extravagant wedding for the daughter of impoverished Burma’s military leader has caused outrage in a country where many people struggle to afford a bowl of rice.

Manchester United appear to be closing in on the capture of Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna.

The American dominance of the Tour de France looks set to continue as Floyd Landis remained in pole position to win this year’s title going into the final weekend of action.

Mexico’s main leftist candidate plans to challenge the presidential vote tally at tens of thousands of polling places, and also will allege that attack ads by the apparently victorious conservative were illegally harsh, a top adviser said today.

WIMBLEDON champion Roger Federer has stoked up his rivalry with Rafael Nadal by claiming he would be surprised if the Spaniard reaches Sunday’s final.

Brazil captain Cafu’s record-breaking exploits may not have had the same publicity as Ronaldo’s but the 36-year-old skipper admits that collective success for the world champions is more important than individual landmarks.

Ronaldinho will be given free rein when Brazil defend their title in this summer’s World Cup, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira claimed on Monday.

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has been rewarded for a good season at club level with an expected place in Brazil’s 23-man squad for the defence of the World Cup.

Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced she had quashed a coup plot today and declared a state of emergency, gambling that the backlash wouldn’t leave her crippled.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency in the Philippines today as she struggled with a reported coup plot and a possible repeat of the popular revolts that ousted two of her predecessors.

Roger Federer broke down in tears after claiming his seventh grand slam title with a four-set victory over unseeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis in the Australian Open final.

Jamie Clapham insisted he was not upset about losing his place at left-back to Marcos Painter – and he wants to be regarded as a midfielder by Birmingham boss Steve Bruce.

The Zapatista rebels embarked on a historic transformation today at a mass meeting intended to take them out of their jungle hideouts and into the cut-throat world of Mexican politics.

Representatives of Christie’s auction house today began appraising jewellery seized from the widow of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos for auction in Europe as early as November.

MY mobile phone buzzed the other day and the following unusual conversation ensued.

Brazil 2 Japan 2

Japan 2 Brazil 2

Maritimo 1 Rangers 0

Imelda Marcos has been banned from attending the funeral of former US President Ronald Reagan by a Philippine court.

The funeral of an Irish Columban missionary who was imprisoned on a false murder charge 20 years ago in the Philippines took place today.

CRAIG BELLAMY went from sinner to saint in Palma to help book Bobby Robson a UEFA Cup quarter-final clash with former club PSV Eindhoven.

Real Mallorca 0 Newcastle 3 (Aggregate: 1-7)