The comeback kid of the Philippine political scene capitalised on his film-star popularity by winning the job of mayor of Manila in mid-term elections. The 76-year-old, ousted from the country's presidency 12 years ago in an anti-corruption drive, capitalised on discontent among the city's poor with a pledge to revitalise the capital and tackle crime.

The unnamed transsexual woman struck a blow for sexual equality when she won the right to marry at the Court of Final Appeal. W is now preparing to wed her beloved - in a church - while the government is being forced to come up with changes in the law to reflect the ruling. Christian groups, however, are less than thrilled.