Philippine Headlines

FHM Philippines scraps 'racist' cover

2012-02-29T11:38:00.000+08:00

AFP News - Publishers of the Philippine edition of men's magazine FHM apologised Tuesday and said they had scrapped the planned front cover of March's issue after complaints the photograph used was racist.

Shown as a teaser on the FHM website on Saturday, the cover featured a light-skinned, scantily clad local film actress stepping into the light from a a group of dark-skinned young women in black bikinis in the dim background.

The page carried the tagline, "Stepping Out of the Shadows."

"We deem this to be the most prudent move in the light of the confusion over the previous cover execution. We apologise and thank those who have raised their points," FHM said in a statement on its Philippine website.

"When FHM hits the stands in March it will have a different cover," it added, but feature the same actress, Bela Padilla.

Contacted on Tuesday, FHM Philippines staff told AFP its editors did not wish to add anything to the statement.

FHM Philippines was flooded with criticism on social networking sites, the majority apparently from incensed, brown-skinned Filipinos after the cover was posted online.

"Seriously, did you guys not sense how racist this concept was?" wrote a film student on the Facebook page of FHM Philippines.

"That some people including the editors did not find an issue with that ignorant FHM magazine cover shows how deeply ingrained racism is in Philippine society," a Filipino in the United States commented.

Another person commented on the microblogging site Twitter: "What do you expect??? Can you really expect some form of sensitivity from a magazine that prides itself in exploiting women for profit?"

Summit Media, the publisher of the magazine, boasts on its website that FHM Philippines is the number one men's magazine in the country with more than a million readers.

Three Philippine police linked to kidnap and murder

2012-02-29T11:37:00.000+08:00

AFP news - A Philippine policeman has been detained in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a woman after he was caught on camera driving the victim's vehicle, an official said on Tuesday.

Authorities are also searching for two other officers in what is the latest embarrassment for the country's law enforcers, struggling to fight off widespread perceptions of corruption.

The trio were caught on camera driving the sports utility vehicle of Lea Angeles Ng, wife of a shopping mall executive, into a secured parking lot near Manila on the day she vanished, national police spokesman Agrimero Cruz said.

"We beg the bereaved family to bear with the often tedious process of criminal investigation and police procedures that are being conducted to establish an airtight case against those responsible for this crime," he said.

A fourth suspect, a civilian, has also been arrested and confessed to the crime, which led police to the woman's already decomposing remains last week, Cruz told reporters.

The footage shows Superintendent Rommel Miranda, deputy police chief in the central Philippines, and two lower-ranked officers, Otelio Santos and Jifford Signap, leaving Ng's vehicle in the parking lot, Cruz said.

Santos and Signap are both listed as having gone on unauthorised leave while Miranda has been detained, Cruz added.

Earlier this month, Philippine authorities ordered the arrest of 10 Manila policemen who went into hiding after being accused of kidnapping four South Korean tourists. Officials said the victims were freed after a ransom was paid.

In January, the head of the justice department's National Bureau of Investigation was sacked for allegedly covering up the kidnapping for ransom of a Japanese woman by his aides.

Major Philippine sect rallies as ties 'sour' with Aquino

2012-02-28T23:14:00.000+08:00

AFP News - More than 200,000 members of an influential Philippine religious sect met for rallies Tuesday, police said, amid perceived political tension with its once staunch ally President Benigno Aquino.

Police shut major roads in Manila from midday (0400 GMT) and deployed about 500 officers as tens of thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) members trooped to a seaside park in the capital.

The three million-strong sect is one of a handful of religious groups courted by politicians of all stripes during election campaigns for its massive block vote that gives it huge political clout.

Local media said Aquino's previously strong ties with the sect have soured since Supreme Court chief justice Renato Corona -- who has indirect links to the Iglesia -- was impeached in December, stirring condemnation from the group.

But Aquino said Tuesday the conservative sect had assured him the rallies were purely religious events leading up to the 100th anniversary of its founding next year.

"There are others who are saying that there is a political dimension here," Aquino told reporters.

"Their official communication to us is this is part of their religious obligations and part of their faith," he added, stressing that the sect had helped him win the 2010 election.

Aquino said that politicians would normally be welcome to join the rally but he had been advised to stay away to avoid giving "a political tinge" to the event and detracting from its "religious intention."

A police statement said about 160,000 sect members had gathered at the Manila park in early afternoon, three hours before the official start of the event.

It said another 100,000 sect members had also gathered peacefully in the northern city of Tarlac, Aquino's home province which he served in the House of Representatives.

Led by Eduardo Manalo, grandson of its late founder Felix Manalo, the sect exerts huge political influence in Philippines, home to more than 75 million Catholics.

While Aquino can not stand for a second six-year term, the sect's block vote could have on impact on the electoral success of his political allies in next year's midterm Congressional polls.

Iglesia members have been leading rallies backing Corona, who could lose his job if convicted in an ongoing Senate impeachment trial on charges of graft and illegally favouring Aquino rival and predecessor Gloria Arroyo.

Aquino also fired sect member Magtanggol Gatdula as National Bureau of Investigation chief last month after the official was accused of covering up the abduction of a Japanese woman by his aides.

Iglesia spokesman Bienvenido Santiago could not be reached for comment by AFP on Tuesday.

But the local press quoted him as saying the rallies were purely religious in nature.

Philippine president urges action against judiciary

2012-02-26T21:50:00.000+08:00

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Twenty-six years after millions flocked to Edsa to overthrow a dictator, President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday rallied Filipinos to take action against the judiciary that, he said, like martial law was one of the ¿wrongs committed in the past¿ that needed to be corrected.

Apparently continuing on a recent favourite theme, the condemnation of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, Aquino urged ¿immediate action,¿ saying martial law happened because people decades ago chose to keep silent until they could no longer bear the sufferings it brought the country.

"Now, after 26 years, it is clear that our fight is not yet finished,¿ Aquino said in a speech during the Edsa anniversary ceremonies at the People Power Monument.

"As we link our arms in the straight path, I trust that we can reach a society that is free from a judiciary with two faces¿one with a partial justice system and another with balanced scales,¿ he said.

As in previous speeches attacking Corona, the president urged the people to participate and act as the Chief Justice¿s trial at the Senate impeachment court enters its seventh week.

"If you want to remain in the old system, go ahead and pretend to be deaf. Pretend to be blind. Don¿t speak. Don¿t participate,¿ he said.

"But if you believe that there¿s something wrong in the system and that this has to be corrected, let¿s go and push back (Tara, pumalag tayo). Let¿s participate. Let¿s make it right,¿ he added.

The President made these remarks in the presence of three senator-judges who were sitting onstage with him¿Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Gregorio Honasan.

Enrile and Honasan were among the military and defense leaders who went against the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the first Edsa People Power Revolution in February 1986. Enrile was the then defense minister and Honasan was his chief security aide and leader of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, or RAM.

Weedy and straight paths

"Our country is now facing a crossroad. In one direction is the weedy path, where the influential holds the scales of justice and those who manipulate the law benefit,¿ Aquino said.

"In the other is the straight path where the rules are clear, justice favours no one and those who are at fault are made answerable. Let¿s remember: Martial law happened because Filipinos kept silent for too long,¿ he said.

"As was said way before, ¿Kung hindi ka kikilos, sino pa? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?¿ Let us now move before it¿s too late. Let us now move so that we can quickly leave behind the darkness in the past,¿ he said.

In another speech earlier Saturday, following wreath-laying rites at the monuments in Manila of his parents¿the late former President Corazon Aquino and martyred opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr.¿and the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, the president pressed on with his anti-Corona theme.

Filipinos have an opportunity to effect change, they should not waste it, he said.

"Unity, concern and love for country. Let us use these for the legacy of Edsa to be fruitful. Let us not waste this opportunity. This is our time. This is our time. Let¿s go, Filipino,¿ he said.

He said working for reforms is the duty of every Filipino, ¿not just of Ninoy and Cory Aquino.¿

Record highs

In his speech, the President also said investor confidence in the Philippines was at a record high during his 19-month administration, as shown by 439-billion peso (US$14.4 billion) worth of investments that have poured into the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

The amount already represents 22 per cent of the 2.003-trillion peso ($65 billion) worth of investments that went into the Peza since 1995, he said.

Aquino made the remarks amid criticism that the economy slowed down during his administration because of his alleged preoccupation with politics and going after perceived political foes, including former President Gloria Arroyo and Chief Justice Corona.

"After one and a half years of the straight path, let us ask ourselves: Is there a difference between our system now and the system that we came upon before when for almost a decade Filipinos were affected by graft and corruption?¿ Aquino said.

"The correct answer: It¿s a huge difference,¿ he said.

The president said the international financial community has placed much confidence in the country because of the reforms his administration has been carrying out.

Bragging rights

"We are not one to brag but when the country has registered all-time highs in the stock index 16 times and when Moody¿s, Standard and Poor¿s and Fitch credit-rating raised our grade several times, this is no longer called bragging,¿ he said.

"This is called reforms and results,¿ he said.

Aquino said the Japan External Trade Organisation has also declared that the Philippines is an ideal destination for businessmen in Asia in both manufacturing and services sectors.

He said the organisation cited the country¿s skilled workers and the affordability of doing business in the country.

"This kind of success isn¿t achieved by chance,¿ he added.

He said his government has ¿dismantled the barricades of poverty using our conditional cash transfer programme.¿

He said the target of getting 2.3 million families into the programme in 2011 has been exceeded by 45,000 before the year ended.

Rehashed speeches

The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said Aquino¿s Edsa anniversary speech was just a rehash of his previous ¿daang matuwid¿ (straight path) rhetoric, and just glorified his administration¿s conditional cash transfer programme and improved ratings from foreign agencies.

Bayan said the nation may have another Aquino at the helm, but this is not necessarily a sign of better things to come. Human rights violations continue, victims of the Marcos dictatorship have yet to receive true and complete justice, human rights violations victims during the Arroyo administration have yet to receive their due as well, it said. Hunger, poverty, unemployment and US intervention continue, Bayan said.

"We commemorate Edsa I not because it represents a heroism that is singularly ascribed to any one person or political colour. We commemorate Edsa I because it represents the Filipino people¿s dreams and aspirations that have yet to be fulfilled,¿ said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes.

"And these dreams and aspirations will not likely be fulfilled even under the second Aquino regime. We definitely have no illusions in that regard,¿ he further said.

Don¿t just criticise

But for Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, it will not do for people to just sit and criticise.

"Let everyone be involved. Don¿t wait to be critics alone,¿ the young archbishop told the hundreds of devotees who continued to pour in even after his homily had started at the noontime Mass on Saturday at the Edsa Shrine.

Tagle told reporters his message was not addressed to any person in particular.

Change, after all, cannot be achieved by one person alone, or only by the people who hold positions of power, he said.

"Do not leave the responsibility up to the (people in government),¿ he said.

This was what God did in the first place, Tagle said. The Supreme Being chose several people, and not only one man, to be the ¿light of this world,¿ he said.

Bayan denounced the president for allegedly using the Corona impeachment and Arroyo trial to hide his inutile position on the series of oil price increases.

"Aquino has long betrayed the spirit of the Edsa by not standing with the people¿s demand for genuine land reform, nationalist industrialisation and upholding national patrimony over foreign interests,¿ said Bayan Negros secretary-general Christian Tuayon. With reports from Kristine Felisse Mangunay, Leila B. Salaverria and Carla P. Gomez, Inquirer Visayas

COPYRIGHT: ASIA NEWS NETWORK
By Norman Bordadora in Manila/Philippine Daily Inquirer | Asia News Network

Philippines told to keep US out of Spratlys

2012-02-25T08:56:00.000+08:00

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Former Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Wang Yingfan warned that dragging the United States in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) would be unacceptable to China and Beijing "certainly would react" if that happened.

"We could forge good neighbourly relations and work out something that's beneficial and acceptable to both sides¿You are happy and we are happy. Maybe, you're half-happy and we're half-happy, but it's acceptable to both sides," Wang said in a media forum on Wednesday organised by the Chinese Embassy.

Wang, who served in Manila from 1988 to 1990, said there was nothing wrong with the Philippines acquiring used US warships for defence purposes and that "any nation must do something (to improve) their own national defence."

"It's understandable. No problem," he said. "I know your Navy is very much backward in equipment. If you buy warships from the United States, I would understand."

But Wang, who said he still advised his government on regional issues despite his retirement, asserted that allowing the United States to meddle in the six-nation Spratly Island dispute was another story.

More complicated

"If it really happens that the United States and your country would talk about the South China Sea and how you should work together, I think that would be something which cannot be accepted by the Chinese," he said.

"If (the Americans) involve themselves in the territorial dispute, there will be problems with China. If that happened, the Chinese government certainly would react," he added.

That is why it would be "wise for the nations concerned in this region, including the Philippines, not to introduce Americans into the disputed waters," Wang said.

Six claimants

"That would make the issue more complicated and more difficult to settle among ourselves," he said.

The Spratlys are a chain of up to 190 isles, reefs, coral outcrops and banks believed to be sitting atop large deposits of oil and natural gas.

A Chinese report quoted by US authorities estimates there are 225 billion barrels of oil in the area.

The isles and their waters are claimed wholly or in part by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

President Benigno Aquino III has said the gas deposits in the disputed territory are so enormous that they would dwarf the Malampaya oil and gas fields.

Wang Yingfan and another retired Chinese diplomat, Wang Chungui, who was ambassador to Manila from 2000 to 2004, are in the Philippines on a week-long goodwill visit as part of the two countries' friendly exchanges, the embassy said.

'Deng Xiaoping solution'

Wang Yingfan pushed for the so-called "Deng Xiaoping solution" to the dispute-setting aside the territorial quarrel in favour of joint exploration and development.

The late Deng, who led China from 1978 to 1992, steered the world's most populous state toward a market economy in the 1980s.

Wang Yingfan stressed "it is the time for cooperation, not confrontation, not fighting."

"I talked with some important people in your government that we should work hard to find ways that are acceptable to both sides, that we must work hard to prepare the ground so that we could share the resources together," he added.

"The response was very encouraging. They said they would consider this kind of thinking. So with patience, with goodwill and with hard work, we could find a way out that's agreeable and acceptable to both sides."

'Solution will come'

Instead of wasting time talking about the Spratlys dispute, Wang said it would be better if Filipinos "spend your energy on economic development."

He said "it would take some time before we could find a solution (to the dispute)" but he was "optimistic that that will come."

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario has said a "rules-based" approach based on international law is the key to settling the dispute and that the Philippines expects nothing less from the other Spratlys claimants.

Following a recent meeting between the Philippines and China in Beijing, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the two sides had agreed to promote bilateral relations, such as on energy, science and technology, disaster mitigation, law enforcement and maritime cooperation.

The Chinese foreign ministry has said both countries have agreed not to let their quarrel over the Spratlys "affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation" between them. With a report from Inquirer Research

COPYRIGHT: ASIA NEWS NETWORK
By Jerry E. Esplanada in Manila/Philippine Daily Inquirer | Asia News Network

De Lima asked: Would you like to be Chief Justice?

2012-02-25T08:55:00.000+08:00

Is the Justice Secretary eyeing the Supreme Court top post?

This was one of the questions posed to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima as she testified during the Day 23 trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona's impeachment.

De Lima however said that she will “probably decline” when offered the position.

It was Senator Jinggoy Estrada who asked and told her there are reports that she will replace Chief Justice Renato Corona once convicted.

“Hindi po totoo iyan. Wala po akong alam diyan,” de Lima said.

“Eh kapag inalok po sa inyo ni Pangulong Aquino yung posisyon?” Estrada continued.

“Hindi ko po alam. I'll probably decline,” she replied.

De Lima was testifying before the impeachment court that Corona acted in favor of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when the SC issued a temporary restraining order against the DOJ’s hold departure order.

Estrada then pressed De Lima if she would rather run for senator.

“Hindi ko pa rin po alam. Hindi ko pa po pinaplano ang career ko,” she said.

De Lima landed in the top 12 list of senatorial preference for the May 2013 elections, based on the national survey of Pulse Asia released December last year.

Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson questioned the legality of DOJ’s issuance of watchlist orders.

The justice secretary told Lacson that though there is no law expressly authorizing DOJ to issue WLO, DOJ Circular 41 allows them to do so.

“Hindi ho ba self-serving ang Circular 41?” Lacson asked De Lima.

“DOJ has the power to issue rules and regulations to carry out in its mandate. Issuing WLO has been a long-recognized institutional power of DOJ,” she answered.

Lacson further expressed his concern that the WLO can be used against “perceived enemies.”

De Lima, however, assured the senator that she doesn't use her power for “improper motives and political vendetta.”

The two had been at odds when De Lima insisted on the arrest warrant against Lacson despite the court’s dismissal of the case filed against the senator over the killings of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and driver, Emmanuel Corbito.

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Pacquiao, Bradley start US promo tour

2012-02-23T07:54:00.003+08:00

BEVERLY HILLS, California – Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. both realize almost every boxing fan wishes Floyd Mayweather Jr. had been standing next to Pacquiao at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Tuesday.

But when Pacquiao and Mayweather failed to make a deal for the fight everybody wants to see, Pacquiao moved down the list of contenders to make a fight he hopes his fans will enjoy.

Pacquiao and Bradley are getting an early start on the promotional circuit for their welterweight bout June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Even while the Filipino congressman and his unbeaten opponent posed for photos and praised each other in the peach-colored ballroom at the historic Hollywood hideaway, Pacquiao and his camp realized Mayweather’s absence looms over the proceedings.

“I’m willing to fight Mayweather,” Pacquiao said. “But I have to fight the guys who are hungry to fight me. Timothy Bradley is strong, and he can punch. He’s a good boxer, so it’s a challenge to fight a guy like that.”

Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) realizes he’ll have to do plenty of promoting to get fans interested in a fight against Bradley, a 140-pound champion from Palm Springs, Calif., who has never been in a fraction of the spotlight that follows Pacquiao across the globe. Pacquiao will make sure every fan knows all about Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs), praising him as a game opponent who enjoys a good action fight as much as he does – another indirect swipe at the defense-oriented Mayweather.

“It’s nice to be fighting a fighter who is undefeated and not worried about losing that zero on his record,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s longtime trainer.

Yet Roach repeatedly showed little interest in a bout with Bradley in recent years, citing Bradley’s near anonymity and limited knockout power. Although Bradley’s record makes him an eminently worthy opponent, he only pulled into prime position for the bout last year when he joined promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank alongside Pacquiao.

Pacquiao and Bradley haven’t exactly built up any motivation to punch each other in the face yet, either. After Pacquiao cracked up in laughter when he posed for a staredown with Bradley, the Filipino champion grabbed a camera and shot a few photos of Bradley, who struck a goofy pose.

Pacquiao is “probably the best fighter in the history of boxing,” said Bradley, a physical boxer best known for using his shaved head as a battering ram to get inside on his opponents. “He’s a great role model, a great guy, but Manny Pacquiao has reigned for a long time, and I really feel like I’m the new face of boxing.”

Boxing could need a new face as soon as next year. Mayweather has fought sparingly in his 30s, and Pacquiao says he’ll consider retirement in November after his next two bouts.

Pacquiao cites a renewed religious fervor for his interest in retirement, saying he’s no longer comfortable pounding on his opponents while winning his last 15 fights. Roach said Pacquiao’s last training camp “fell apart” in its final days because of numerous distractions including friction between Pacquiao and his wife, Jinkee, resulting in a mediocre performance in a narrow victory over Juan Manuel Marquez.

“He says God doesn’t want him to hurt people,” Roach said. “That bothers me a little bit, but Manny has always been a compassionate person.”

Even while hyping his bout with Bradley, Pacquiao knows everybody will ask him about the potential of a Mayweather fight in November. Even his 11-year-old son, Emmanuel Jr., is on his dad’s case.

“My kids request me: ‘Dad, I want you to retire, but before, you have to fight Mayweather and beat him,’ “ Pacquiao said with a grin.

Pressed for details about the breakdown in negotiations with Mayweather, Pacquiao said he was willing to fight for a 50-50 split of all revenue from what’s likely to be the richest fight in boxing history. Pacquiao recounted his phone conversation with Mayweather several weeks ago, with negotiations falling apart afterward.

“I was in the Philippines, and I told him, ‘We need to make this fight happen,’” Pacquiao said. “I said I would agree to a 50-50 (split), and he said, ‘Oh, I’ll give you a $40 million guarantee, and no pay-per-view. I’ll take all the pay-per-view.’ I don’t accept that offer. It’s kind of embarrassing to me. It’s trying to take advantage of me. He doesn’t want to fight.”

That $40 million might sound like a fortune, but a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is expected to produce more than $150 million in pay-per-view proceeds alone.
- By AP (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Philippines' Arroyo to face court on fraud charge

2012-02-23T07:54:00.000+08:00

Ex-Philippine president Gloria Arroyo is expected to plead not guilty when she appears in court on Thursday for the first time since being charged with rigging an election.

Arroyo faces life in jail if convicted of conspiring with a feared political warlord to rig the 2007 senatorial elections, but she has denied any wrongdoing and insists her successor, Benigno Aquino, is waging a vendetta against her.

"I have peace of mind because my conscience is clear," Arroyo, 64, told local television station GMA in her last public comments in December.

Court officials said Arroyo, who was arrested in November shortly after authorities stopped her from trying to leave the Philippines, was required to formally answer the charge against her in person at Thursday's hearing.

Her lawyers and spokeswoman declined to speak with AFP ahead of the scheduled arraignment.

The vote-rigging case is the first of many charges Aquino has promised to file against his predecessor, whom he has accused of many corrupt acts while she was in power from 2001 to 2010.

Aquino, the son of democracy heroes, won a landslide election victory in 2010 on a vow to fight corruption that has plagued Philippine society for decades but he said worsened dramatically during Arroyo's reign.

Arroyo has been the top target of his anti-graft campaign.

But three weeks after Arroyo's arrest, Aquino's allies in the lower house of parliament also impeached Supreme Court chief justice Renato Corona on charges of corruption and protecting the ex-president.

The Senate's impeachment trial, which has been going on for a month, has raised political tensions with an influential church group expressing support for Corona and Aquino railing publicly against his foes.

In a speech on Tuesday, Aquino warned his anti-corruption efforts hinged on successful prosecutions of Arroyo and Corona.

"If certain elements are still able to prevent Gloria Arroyo, for example, from being held accountable, then it makes a mockery of our anti-corruption efforts," he said.

"We want to send a stern yet simple message: justice evades no one. There are no exceptions in our campaign against corruption."

Aquino, who says she is suffering from a rare spinal illness, was arrested at an exclusive hospital three days after immigration authorities stopped her at Manila's airport from leaving the country.

Arroyo's lawyer said then her illness was life threatening, and the Supreme Court under Corona issued an order saying she was allowed to leave the country for treatment.

But Aquino insisted Arroyo was trying flee to evade prosecution and that she was not allowed to leave.

Arroyo, the country's second female president who is now a congresswoman after winning a parliamentary seat in the 2010 elections, was transferred shortly after her arrest to a military hospital.

She has remained at the hospital since, and was charged in December with a second criminal case involving a $330-million telecom deal with a Chinese firm, in which her husband and a political ally allegedly received kickbacks. - AFP News

Philippines denies casino graft

2012-02-23T07:52:00.000+08:00

Philippine authorities confirmed Wednesday that top gaming officials accepted free luxury accommodation from a Japanese tycoon but denied these were bribes to ensure a new Manila casino was built.

US-based Wynn Resorts filed a suit on Tuesday accusing Kazuo Okada of spending more than $110,000 in travel expenses and gifts on the officials so that his mega-gaming venue in the Philippine capital went ahead.

The suit against Okada, a director of Wynn with a 19.7-percent stake in the firm, alleged the suspect payments were made to two chairmen of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) from 2008 to last year.

The top officials' relatives and associates were also beneficiaries, as was the current chairman's nanny and the husband of then-president Gloria Arroyo, the suit alleged.

Pagcor, the Philippines' gaming regulator, awarded a license to Okada's Universal Entertainment in 2008 to build a gaming resort on the shores of Manila Bay featuring 2,000 guest rooms and three hotels.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino's spokesman and the gaming regulator confirmed Wednesday that current Pagcor chairman Cristino Naguiat had accepted free hotel stays at Wynn's Macau resort.

But they said this was standard procedure in the gaming industry, with foreign casino chiefs receiving free accommodation in return when they visited the Philippines.

"It's the gaming industry. There's a practice, that's an industry practice," presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters, emphasising that the government believed Naguiat did not profit personally from the favours.

The suit alleged that Naguiat, his wife, three children, nanny and company officials had a five-day trip to Wynn's Macau resort in 2010 during which Okada met with the Pagcor chairman to discuss his Manila casino venture.

Okada allegedly ordered that Naguiat be given the most expensive accommodation at the resort -- a $6,000-a-night villa normally reserved for high rollers -- as well as use of the casino's best butler.

More than $50,000 was spent on Naguiat's visit, including about $20,000 in cash given to the Filipino delegation for shopping and gaming, the suit alleged.

Naguiat also requested and received a Chanel designer bag worth 15,000 Macau patacas ($1,878) for his wife, according to the suit.

Pagcor Vice President Francis Hernando told AFP Wednesday that the allegations of cash payments and gifts were false.

"The insinuation that there were other things given beyond the standard reciprocity is malicious. They were not given anything else," he said.

The suit also alleged that Naguiat's predecessor at Pagcor, Efraim Genuino, had expenses paid for during a 2010 visit to Macau, and that Okada covered his trip to the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Then president Gloria Arroyo's husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, also enjoyed a week-long stay at the Wynn Las Vegas resort in 2009 that cost Okada's company $4,642, the suit alleged.

The Wynn suit said it had rejected Okada's repeated requests to form a joint partnership partly because corruption was "deeply ingrained" in the Philippines gaming industry.

It also said payments and perks such as those allegedly made by Okada may have violated the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, jeopardising Wynn's own reputation in the process.

Pagcor's Hernando said he could not comment directly on the allegations made against Filipino officials during Arroyo's term, which ended in June 2010.

But he said the allegations made by Wynn in its suit would not impact Okada's plans for Manila, with his casino due to open in 2014.

"It's full steam ahead as far as its execution is concerned," Hernando said.

Wynn's board earlier this week announced it was buying out Okada's stake in the company at a steep discount from the market price, prompting a furious reply from the Japanese tycoon.

"Universal Entertainment will take all legal actions necessary to protect its investment and prevent a forced redemption of its shares," a company statement said.

AFP NewsBy Cecil Morella | AFP News

Wynn casino sues Japanese partner Okada

2012-02-22T13:58:00.000+08:00

The owner of the Wynn Macau casino accused Japanese gambling tycoon Kazuo Okada of paying off Philippine regulators in his bid to build a rival gaming resort in Manila.

Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts said in a lawsuit that Okada, Japan's pachinko king and a director of Wynn, went behind the company's back to build a stake in Asian gaming for his own Universal Entertainment group.

Wynn also accused Okada of spending more than $110,000 to curry favor with Philippines officials in apparent violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, jeopardizing Wynn's own reputation in the process.

The suit, filed Tuesday in Las Vegas district court, said that Okada had sought a gaming license in the Philippines and made the payments despite Wynn's telling him not to do so.

"Mr. Okada, his associates and companies appear to have engaged in a longstanding practice of making payments and gifts to his two chief gaming regulators at the Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor)," the lawsuit said.

It named former Pagcor chairman Efraim Genuino and current Chairman Cristino Naguiat, and their families, as the main recipients of the payoffs and gifts. Okada paid for Genuino's trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Wynn said.

"Okada's conduct poses a direct assault upon, and a threat to, Wynn Resorts' reputation for probity, which is central to maintaining its stature in the gaming industry as well as its current and future licensing."

The suit was a strong blast against a potentially powerful competitor to Wynn in the high-stakes battle for the lucrative Asian gambling market.

Okada, who owns a 19.7 percent stake in Wynn Resorts, is already known as king of Japan's pachinko industry -- a hugely popular gambling business built around a pinball-like arcade game.

His Universal Entertainment broke ground last month on its multi-billion dollar Manila Bay resort, saying it was aiming to attract the same VIP Chinese gamblers Wynn has targeted at its five-year-old Macau casino.

The suit also accused Okada of paying for trips by South Korean officials to Wynn properties to boost his effort to build a gambling resort at the Incheon Free Economic Zone.

The suit came after the Wynn board voted Sunday to expel Okada and to redeem his 24 million shares in Wynn, held through Aruze USA Inc, a Universal subsidiary.

The board said it would redeem the shares at a 30 percent discount to the market price, issuing a 10-year, $1.9 billion promissory note for them.

Wynn filed the lawsuit after conducting a lengthy internal investigation led by former US Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Robert Freeh, hired to conduct the probe.

Wynn said the probe found that Okada had used Wynn's name to advance his own interests in the Philippines.

It also said Okada insisted that it was "customary" to give gifts to officials in Asia via intermediaries.

Wynn cited 36 separate instances "where Okada or his associates/affiliates made payments exceeding US$110,000 that directly benefited senior Pagcor officials."

The investigation report attached to the suit cited mostly free stays and dinners at Wynn resorts in Las Vegas and Macau for the officials, their families, and the husband of former Philippines president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a February 15 interview with Freeh's investigation, however, Okada denied knowledge of much of the money spent on the officials, and said that Naguiat's 2010 stay in the Wynn Macau resort was to allow the him "to better understand the casino business."

In a statement Sunday Universal branded the board's action "outrageous," saying the investigation had been "rushed."

"We have not even been provided with the opportunity to review the Freeh Report," it said.

"Universal Entertainment will take all legal actions necessary to protect its investment and prevent a forced redemption of its shares."

Universal, through Aruze USA, was one of four winners of provisional gaming licenses awarded by Arroyo's government in 2008.

It broke ground for its Manila Bay Resorts casino on January 26, promising ultimately more than 2,000 guest rooms in three hotels, with the planned opening in the first half of 2014.

By Paul Handley | AFP News

Boxer Pacquiao 'embarrassed' by Mayweather offer

2012-02-22T13:56:00.000+08:00

Manny Pacquiao says the pieces were falling into place for a world title fight with Floyd Mayweather until the American boxer tried to low-ball him on the split of the pay-per-view revenue.

Pacquiao said he called Mayweather personally to try to broker a deal for a world championship fight and thought they had an agreement until Mayweather brought up the pay per view.

Mayweather said he would give Pacquiao a $40 million lump-sum payment if Pacquiao agreed to let Mayweather keep the pay per view earnings for himself.

"It was embarrassing to me," Pacquiao said Tuesday. "He was trying to take advantage of me. It is clear he didn't want to fight."

Some experts have estimated that the pay per view could be around $160 million.

Pacquiao and Mayweather have tried several times to get a contract signed but it has been scuttled for a variety of reasons, including disagreements over blood testing and the share of the purse.

"I called Floyd and told him that we need to make this fight happen," Pacquiao said at The Beverly Hills Hotel. "I said he could have whatever he wants, blood testing, 50/50 split and he said 'Oh, well. I will give you what you want.' Then he mentioned the pay per view."

For now, Pacquiao and the unbeaten Mayweather have lined up other opponents with speculation that the mega fight could happen later in the year if it comes off at all.

Pacquiao is scheduled to face American Timothy Bradley on June 9 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for Pacman's World Boxing Organization welterweight belt.

Mayweather is set to fight Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto on May 5 for Cotto's World Boxing Association super welterweight title at the same venue.

Paquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said they are not taking Bradley lightly but it is hard not to get excited about a possible upcoming mega fight against Mayweather.

"If both (Pacquiao and Mayweather) come off with good wins it will be a step in the right direction," Roach said Tuesday. "That is the match everyone in the world wants to see."

Bradley was one of several fighters in the mix as a possible Pacquiao opponent after Mayweather fell through.

Bradley boasts a record of 28-0 with 12 knockouts. Pacquiao, 54-3-2 with 38 knockouts, hasn't lost since March 2005 and is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet.

But Pacquiao was less than dominant as he struggled to a majority points decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in November.

Bradley and Pacquiao kicked off their promotional tour Tuesday at The Beverly Hills Hotel. They smiled as they posed for photos together and Pacquiao then lightheartedly borrowed a camera and took pictures of Bradley in his boxing pose.

Joking aside, Roach said he expects Pacquiao to be ready to knock Bradley out.

"I don't want him to be compassionate," Roach said. "I want him to knock people out. Manny can't be a nice guy and try to touch gloves in the ring with him."

Roach said Bradley is more than just a replacement fighter and that they want to hand him the first loss of his career while he is in his prime.

"It is nice to fight a fighter who is undefeated and not worried about losing that 0 on his record," Roach said.

Bradley, of Palm Springs, California, is coming off an eight-round knockout victory over ex-world champ Joel Casamayor.

The 28-year-old Bradley said he plans to take the fight to Pacquiao. He won't make the same mistakes as recent Pacquiao opponents Joshua Clottey and Shane Moseley who were booed because they talked a good fight but didn't back it up once they got in the ring with eight division world champion Pacquiao.

"They were older and older boxers don't take chances like young fighters do," Bradley said.

"I don't have a lot of miles on me like Manny. If I am going out then I am going out flaming. He is going to have to knock me out. Manny is going to have to kill me to stop me."

Pacquiao will travel to New York for another news conference Thursday then fly back to the Philippines where he is a member of Congress.

Pacquiao has also divested himself of some bad habits, selling a casino he owned and getting rid of the roosters he kept for cock fighting in his native Philippines.

"Manny got a lot of distractions out of his life," Roach said. "He sold all his cocks for fighting, doesn't gamble, doesn't drink and he and his wife are getting along."

By Greg Heakes | AFP News

Philippines aiming to boost Manila airport

2012-02-22T09:44:00.000+08:00

AFP News – The Philippine government said Tuesday it was aiming to boost passenger capacity at its congested Manila airport next year with the long-awaited completion of a controversial terminal.

Upgrading Ninoy Aquino International Airport's Terminal 3 will allow it to handle its maximum design capacity of 13 million passengers a year, four years after its opening, the government said.

The terminal needs a new baggage handling system, a flight information display and 21 other systems identified in a safety audit, Assistant Transportation Secretary Joel Lacsamana said.

"This would allow us to operate the terminal at 100 percent capacity by the end of the year. Right now we are stuck at 48 percent," he told AFP.

The government is expecting to get Japanese firm Takenaka, which was originally hired to build the terminal but never completed it because of a complicated legal dispute, to finish the project, according to Lacsamana.

Manila airport's three terminals have a nominal maximum capacity of 28 million passengers.

But they in fact already handled 27.38 million passengers last year even without Terminal 3 running at full capacity, according to the airport's official data.

Last month the government also began upgrading its much-maligned Terminal 1, the oldest of the three which was built in 1981.

Lacsamana said completion of Terminal 3 would allow the airport to reduce capacity at Terminal 1 and speed up the construction work there.

Then-president Joseph Estrada awarded the Terminal 3 project to a consortium involving Germany's Fraport AG in 1997.

Takenaka, the main sub-contractor, began work in 2000.

But Gloria Arroyo, who succeeded graft-tainted Estrada as president after he was ousted in a popular uprising, cancelled the contract and forced the consortium to sell the project back to the government in 2004.

Arroyo's government justified its decision by saying there had been many breaches of contract, including the use of substandard materials and failure to conform to safety standards.

It unleashed a raft of lawsuits, including one from Takenaka which was forced out of the operation. The government eventually opened the terminal in 2008, but not to the standard as originally planned.

A number of the suits against the government, including Takenaka's one, remain unresolved although the Japanese company is now open to a settlement that would pave the way for it to do the upgrade, Lacsamana said.

Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas said he planned to fly to Japan next week in an effort to strike a deal.

Philippines captures militant wanted for beheadings

2012-02-21T23:55:00.000+08:00

AFP News – An Islamic militant accused of beheading Philippine soldiers and a host of other attacks was arrested on Tuesday after he was taken by surprise in his remote island hideout, authorities said.

Security forces captured Abdulpattah Ismael, a member of the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group, in a raid on a village on the strife-torn southern island of Basilan, said regional police chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles.

"He did not resist. He was taken by surprise. He did not expect this so he did not have time to react," Estilles told AFP.

Ismael faces murder charges for allegedly taking part in an ambush on Basilan in 2007 in which 14 Marines were killed, 10 of whom were beheaded, in one of the deadliest attacks by the Abu Sayyaf on the Philippine military.

Estilles said Ismael also participated in a raid on a Basilan jail in 2009 that led to 31 inmates escaping, including Muslim militants, and the death of a guard.

The Abu Sayyaf is a small group of Islamic militants founded in the 1990s with seed money from Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

It has been blamed for the nation's worst terrorist attacks, including a ferry bombing in Manila in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

Abu Sayyaf militants are based almost exclusively in remote and Muslim-populated areas of the southern Philippines, including Basilan island.

A rotating force of 600 US special forces have been stationed in the south for a decade to teach local troops how to deal with the Abu Sayyaf and other Muslim militant groups.

The Abu Sayyaf has only a few hundred militants left, down from about 2,000 a decade ago, according to the military and security analysts, and Philippine security forces regularly claim victories against the group.

The military said it bombed an Abu Sayyaf hideout on Jolo island, close to Basilan, at the start of this month, killing 15 militants including three senior leaders of the Abu Sayyaf and the allied Jemaah Islamiyah group.

But the Abu Sayyaf has remained an enduring security threat and is accused of regularly carrying out kidnappings for ransoms. Seven foreigners kidnapped in recent years in the south are believed to still be in captivity.

Aquino’s Corona obsession

2012-02-21T23:51:00.000+08:00

Editorial cartoon by VINCENT GO, VERA Files

The impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona has entered its fifth week, with President Benigno Aquino III saying there will be no let up in his crusade against the country's top magistrate.
To be sure, running after crooks in government and putting them away where they could do no further harm is a task citizens would expect of a just and responsible government. When that government targets the big fish, it deserves public support.

But the Aquino government has been after Corona (and the person who appointed him, former president Gloria Arroyo) with apparent single-minded obsession, that some sectors have accused the President of neglecting other equally important duties.

Last Feb. 14, farmers affiliated with Task Force Mapalad snuck into Malacanang to get the President to pay them some attention. The farmers are concerned that the agrarian reform program will lapse in 2014, its mandated deadline, with government unable to complete implementation. Aquino's performance has been dismal, the farmers say, and there's still much to do to ensure that the landless get their land.

And then there's the corruption elsewhere in government. Recently the Department of Finance filed charges against a clerk of the Bureau of Customs found to be in possession of a Porsche and two houses, which he did not declare in his Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net Worth. No doubt Corona's impeachment trial has made agencies of government more aware of SALN-related issues, and this would have been a good time to do a bureaucracy-wide lifestyle check. Unfortunately, there's really no systematic or concerted anti-corruption campaign, outside Corona and that clerk.

There are other pressing issues that urgently call for government action. Disasters marked the end of 2011 and start of 2012—Sendong struck in northern Mindanao while an earthquake levelled towns and killed scores in Negros Oriental—and the threat of more such tragedies are forever on people's minds. A national disaster risk reduction strategy needs to be devised and implemented to brace the country for such calamities.
In Mindanao, business people are sounding the alarm that a power crisis could cripple industry and the economy, and energy officials have admitted there really is a shortage looming, if not already upon Mindanao. And then there are the perennial problem areas—housing, unemployment, poverty, education—for which the Aquino government has yet to formulate a vision.

And so while Filipinos will perhaps never begrudge Noynoy Aquino his anti-Corona crusade, they do also expect him to fix the country's countless other problems with as much zeal and determination. If he does so, he would no doubt put himself on higher moral ground. - Luz Rimban

(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look into current issues. VERA is Latin for true.)

Philippine police wanted for S.Korean kidnap

2012-02-21T11:25:00.000+08:00

AFP News - Philippine authorities have ordered the arrest of ten policemen accused of kidnapping four South Korean tourists in a plot involving their countrymen tour guides, the Manila City government said Monday.

The capital's mayor, Alfredo Lim, also ordered that the 10 be dropped from police rolls after they went into hiding on February 14, around the time the kidnapping incident occurred.

"The incident is a tremendous and serious flaw on the good name of the police department," a statement issued by Mayor Lim's office said.

The order came after a South Korean tourist guide was arrested in his home country last week for allegedly conspiring with the Filipino police officers in the abduction.

The guide, identified by Lim's office as Choi Jang Tae, arrived in Manila with 12 South Korean tourists for a four-day vacation and enticed four of them to go shopping with him last week.

As they were walking to a popular mall, the four tourists were accosted by armed men who forced them into a van, the statement from the mayor's office said.

The four were then told by their captors they would be charged with illegal possession of drugs unless they paid $30,000. Another South Korean tourist guide later facilitated the transfer of the money, the statement added.

This South Korean has since been arrested in the Philippines, the mayor's office added.

Law-enforcement officials have assured that all the policemen involved in the crime will be charged and the money they extorted will be returned to its owners.

Lim, a former Manila police chief, also ordered a revamp of Manila police anti-narcotics units to prevent further incidents.

The Philippines has long struggled with corruption and abuse among the police which has sometimes led to foreign tourists being victimised.

In 2011, five Philippine policemen were sacked after they forced a German tourist to buy laptops for them by threatening to charge him with terrorism.

Three killed in failed Philippine jailbreak

2012-02-21T08:31:00.000+08:00

AFP News – Three people including a local Red Cross volunteer were killed when dozens of armed men tried to free an Islamic militant from jail in the southern Philippines, authorities said Monday.

About 50 men wearing black military-style fatigues attacked the jail in the trading city of Kidapawan late Sunday, with one launching a rocket-propelled grenade at the main gate, said deputy police chief Inspector Rolando Tillera.

"They fired an RPG but it misfired. It failed to hit the jail's gate which was securely locked," Tillera told AFP.

The gunmen then opened fire on the jail with assault rifles but they fled when guards shot back, according to Tillera.

He said the gunmen sprayed bystanders with bullets as they retreated and left two bombs to stop security forces from pursuing them.

The fighting lasted only about five minutes but three civilians, including a Red Cross volunteer, were killed, Tillera said. Fifteen other people, most of them civilians, were also wounded by bomb shrapnel and bullets, he said.

Philippine Red Cross spokeswoman Gwendolyn Pang told AFP the volunteer was an ambulance driver who had gone to the scene to help victims after the fighting had ended, then died in one of the ensuing bomb blasts.

The gunmen were trying to rescue Datukan Samad, a fighter from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who is awaiting trial on kidnapping charges, said local military spokesman Colonel Leopoldo Galon.

However MILF spokesman Von al-Haq denied that the group was involved in the incident. He insisted Samad was not a member of the organisation, describing him as just "a notorious criminal".

The 12,000-strong MILF has been waging an armed struggle to create an independent or autonomous Islamic state in the southern Philippines since the 1970s.

More than 150,000 people have died in the conflict, according to military estimates.

The MILF has been involved in peace talks with the government for about a decade, and a ceasefire has been in place for much of that time, but dozens of people still die each year in violence related to the MILF's campaign.

In 2009 armed men broke 31 inmates out of a jail on the southern island of Basilan, including at least one MILF figure and several members of the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militant group.

Sinkhole Discovered Following Negros Earthquake

2012-02-21T08:30:00.000+08:00

DUMANJUG, Cebu -- The Mines and Geo-Science Bureau (MGB) Region 7 has recommended the installation of fence, warning signs, and continuous monitoring of a sinkhole in a farm in Barangay Camboang in this town.

Authorities said the sinkhole was discovered following the earthquake two weeks ago that rocked Negros Oriental.

Senior Police Officer 1 Joselito Abella said sinkhole was eight meters in diameter and six meters deep as of 4 p.m. Friday but authorities expect this to become larger and deeper as the soil continues to erode

Farm caretaker Walter Pesalbon discovered the sinkhole in the 2.7-hectare farm reportedly owned by a certain Joy Distelkamps.

Earlier, Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia had already ordered the police and barangay watchmen to guard the area and make sure people aren't allowed inside the fenced farm.

Meanwhile, MGB 7 sent a geologist to conduct a site assessment on the reported sinkhole in Sitio Plaza, Barangay Camboang, which is roughly three kilometers from the municipal hall in Dumanjug, southwest of Cebu.

MGB7 Senior Science Research Specialist Abraham R. Lucero Jr. said the collapse or cave-in of the cave roof which resulted to the formation of a sinkhole may have been trigged by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake and many aftershocks, and intense and prolonged precipitation brought about by an active low pressure area.

''The earthquake may have caused ground or tension cracks. These factors may have weakened the cave roof,'' he said. - Manila Bulletin

Kuwait couple gets death for Filipina murder

2012-02-21T08:29:00.000+08:00

AFP News - A court has sentenced a Kuwaiti couple to death for beating and then murdering their Filipina domestic helper, newspapers in the Gulf state reported on Monday.

The criminal court found the disabled husband and his wife guilty of "premeditated murder" after throwing the maid from their car and driving over her, Al-Rai and Al-Anbaa dailies reported, citing the verdict.

No names were published in the reports, for the couple or the maid.

Newspapers said that based on testimony by one of the couple's sons, the wife beat the maid for days until her health deteriorated.

The boy told interrogators that his parents had said they were taking the maid to hospital for treatment, but that he never saw her again.

According to the ruling, the couple took the maid, who was "unconscious" at the time, to a remote area in the desert where they threw her from the back seat of the car and then drove over her until she died.

About 73,000 Filipinos -- 60,000 of them women working mostly as maids -- live in oil-rich Kuwait, where some 600,000 domestic helpers, mostly Asians, are employed.

P-Noy: I can't be gagged on trial

2012-02-21T08:27:00.002+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - The President is also entitled to his own opinion.

With this line of reasoning, President Aquino yesterday slammed calls for him and Chief Justice Renato Corona to exercise restraint in their simmering word war while the impeachment trial is ongoing.

“I think I am within my rights to express my opinion. I speak for a sizeable number of our people. That’s the essence of a democracy. Contending ideas should be threshed out in a marketplace of ideas,” he told Palace reporters in Baler, Aurora.

“To keep quiet about the whole thing is – I think – wrong. Time to time I reserve my right to be able to say what I believe should be said to the people,” Aquino said, justifying the fighting words he uttered against the chief magistrate last week.

“A democracy is the majority deciding for everybody and you cannot decide properly if there is no discourse within the contending sides in any issue,” the only son of democracy icons Ninoy and Cory Aquino said.

The Chief Executive was in the home province of the family of Sen. Edgardo Angara as guest at the 33rd foundation anniversary of the province and the commemoration of the 124th birth anniversary of Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon, wife of the late former President Manuel L. Quezon.

Aquino said he will continue to respond from time to time to developments in the impeachment trial or accusations hurled against him as he sees fit.

“I initiated this latest discourse. I did not respond to a lot of his scurrilous attacks in various fora,” Aquino said, adding that his tirades were not a direct affront to Corona as a person, but on the judiciary’s flawed system as a whole.

“This is not directed at Corona personally, but at the system of which he is the personification. He is the face of what we have been fighting for that the judiciary system should be fixed,” he said.

Aquino, meanwhile, also expressed satisfaction with the Angaras – Sen. Edgardo Angara and his son, Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara – for their respective roles in the impeachment trial of Corona.

He said he is confident in the “cold neutrality” of the senator as one of the senator-judges in the impeachment trial.

He also said that he was impressed with the performance of Rep. Angara, one of the prosecution’s spokesmen.

“There are those who tend to becloud the issue with their statements. But Congressman Sonny has adequately explained the issue surrounding the impeachment. He is also for the straight path,” he said.

TRO defeats purpose of impeachment

Meanwhile, the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision to prohibit the opening of Corona’s dollar accounts.

The AMRSP, an assembly of 275 women religious congregations, believed that the SC’s issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) last Feb. 9 defeated the purpose of an impeachment hearing, which is to learn the truth.

“This issuance of the temporary restraining order by the Supreme Court is indeed disappointing since the impeachment trial is an invaluable political process to restore, renew and strengthen the integrity, transparency and accountability of the judiciary and Philippine governance,” the AMRSP said.

What is doubly disheartening, according to the group, was the acquiescence of the senator-judges who voted to obey the SC order.

By following the TRO, the religious superiors said, the senator-judges acknowledged “the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over them but it is clear in the Constitution that the Senate Court is supreme in matters regarding impeachment.”

“And the only question they should have asked themselves before voting was: Will the TRO serve to discover the truth or will it hinder it?” the AMRSP added.

Corona has been questioning the constitutionality of the impeachment trial, arguing it is a violation of his human rights.

The AMRSP also criticized Corona for his alleged lack of delicadeza in asking the SC justices, who are directly under him, “for protection and solace.”

Far from being a battle between the judiciary and the executive branches of government, the impeachment trial “is a political process to protect the integrity, transparency and accountability of a democratic government, (and) essentially, (that) of CJ Corona,” the group said.

“We therefore implore Chief Justice Renato Corona to listen to the stirrings of truth, justice and respect the Senate Court and the impeachment proceedings,” AMRSP said.

It also urged the senator-judges to remain firm in their task of pursuing the truth while maintaining their independence as an impeachment body.

“Each and every Filipino citizen is asked to act with integrity, to maintain a sense of decency and honesty, and to be held accountable for actions which have grave ramifications on the common good. We ask no less of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona,” it added. – With Manny Galvez, Evelyn Macairan - By Delon Porcalla (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Corona closed bank accounts on 'impeachment' day -- bank execs

2012-02-17T20:19:00.000+08:00

Bank officials testified that Chief Justice Renato Corona closed three bank accounts, one of which contained P17 million, on the day he was impeached in the House of Representatives.

Philippine Savings Bank President Pascual Garcia said Corona opened a time deposit account with a balance of P17 million on June 29, 2011. It was closed on December 12, 2011. This P17-million bank account was not part of the five bank peso accounts under subpoena.

He also revealed that Corona opened another time deposit account on July 2010 with a balance of P7 million but was closed two months after.

PSBank Katipunan Branch Manager Annabelle Tiongson added that Corona's two accounts with ending balances of P12.5 million and P7 million in 2010, which were under subpoena, were closed on Dec. 12 last year.

Probing further, Senator-judge Kiko Pangilinan asked Garcia if the bank had information on where the money went after the two accounts were terminated.

The bank official responded that he did not have any information but noted that it is possible to know where it went.

The impeachment court then ordered the PSBank president to surrender documents showing the last transactions related to the terminated accounts.

Reacting to these revelations, Senator-judge Loren Legarda quizzed the prosecution on the relevance of closing of Corona’s three accounts with Article II of the impeachment compliant, which deals with Corona's non-disclosure of statements of assets, liabilities and net worth.

Private prosecutor Demetrio Custodio replied that it had no direct relevance but the prosecution wanted to show that there was an attempt to conceal his wealth.

Demetrio stressed that since the three accounts were closed on December 12, 2011, it showed that it "was done in preparation for the impeachment (trial)."

Senator-judge Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada was more direct. "Ayaw ko maglagay ng malisya pero nagsususpetya talaga ako," the Senator-judge remarked.

Lead prosecutor Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. also hammered on the timing of closing of the accounts and Corona's impeachment.

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Gov't on ‘Code Yellow’ vs Hepatitis B

2012-02-17T20:17:00.003+08:00

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) is raising awareness for hepatitis B through a movement called Code Yellow, so called because jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and eyes) is a common symptom of the disease.

“Code Yellow means that we are exposing the information on hepatitis to increase the community’s awareness on the disease,” said Dr. Lemuel Delos Reyes, medical doctor and

Hepatitis B Awareness Campaign advocate, during the PCHRD-conducted seminar “Code Yellow, Mission Against Hepatitis” in January. Symptoms of Hepatitis B Symptoms of hepatitis include jaundice, dark or “tea-like” urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. The disease has five different types: hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Types B and C in particular can lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of contact with infected body fluids, through modes of transmission such as blood transfusion, sexual intercourse, and sharing of inanimate objects such as towels, toothbrushes, and razors. The disease can also be transmitted through prenatal exposure from an infected mother. Acute infection may occur with limited or no symptoms.

The disease is a serious public health issue because it is highly contagious and easily transmitted, and so has great potential for outbreaks. 60 percent of Pinoys infected —WHO

According to the Hepatitis B Foundation Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, more than two billion people worldwide have been infected by hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and one million people die each year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that, in the Philippines, 60 percent of the population has been infected with HBV, while approximately 10 percent have chronic or active hepatitis B and are carriers. “This means that there are already around eight to 10 million hepatitis B carriers in the country who might infect more people,” said Dr. Delos Reyes. “We are all at risk.” However, he adds, even though the disease has no cure yet, it is highly preventable—through proper hygiene and sanitation, and through vaccination. “Vaccination is the easiest, most logical…most effective and long-term means of preventing hepatitis.”
TJD, GMA News

PHL for first time to try to close illegal mines

2012-02-17T20:17:00.000+08:00

The Philippines for the first time plans to close down dozens of illegal small-scale gold and copper mines, often the cause of deadly accidents, an official said on Friday, but it remains to be seen how strictly the new regulations will be enforced.

The new policy will be spelt out in an "executive order" by President Benigno Aquino III, said Leo Jasareno, director of the state agency, Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Aquino, who has vowed to crack down on perennial corruption which blights the country, will sign the order after consulting with the mining industry. A National Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force will be created and given police powers to oversee small mines.

"There are between 200 and 300 small-scale mining operations in the country, and about 80 percent of them are considered illegal," Jasareno said at a media forum.

Most mining accidents in the Southeast Asian country, which has mineral reserves estimated at $1 trillion, have been caused by rampant and unregulated small-scale mining.

There has been no attempt so far to close the mines because they enjoy the support of local governments. Jasareno did not say how the executive order would be enforced at the local level.

The new policy "will lay out measures and directives that will address all issues the industry is facing, including the conflict between national and local laws", he said.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines which represents large-scale miners on Tuesday criticized a government plan to impose new taxes on mining and review incentives provided under their contracts.

It said the government's inconsistent mining policy would scare off investors.

Jasareno declined to comment on the issue. But Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima told reporters on Wednesday the government wants a bigger share of mining revenue and the removal of incentives for mining investors.

"The order will provide clarity to our rules and that will help improve the business environment," Jasareno said, adding the order would pave the way for the lifting of a one-year-old moratorium on the issuance of new mining permits.

He said the new mining policy should also help resolve the issue involving the $5.9-billion Tampakan project in South Cotabato, believed to be Southeast Asia's biggest undeveloped copper-gold reserves.

The project led by global miner Xstrata Plc is under threat from a local ban on open-pit mining and the government's refusal to grant it an environment clearance needed for mine construction.

"We want to make it clear that Tampakan remains a priority project for us," Jasareno said. — Reuters

Banal admits checking on Corona's bank accounts

2012-02-17T20:16:00.000+08:00

A member of the prosecution panel admitted to approaching a bank official asking for information about Chief Justice Renato Corona’s bank accounts.

Quezon City Third District Rep. Jorge "Bolet" Banal, who is a member of the prosecution secretariat in charge of finance, said he went to the Philippine Savings Bank Katipunan Branch to verify the authenticity of the photocopies of Corona’s bank records he got.

This came about after PSBank Katipunan branch manager Annabelle Tiongson testified that the lawmaker visited their branch on January 31.

She recounted Banal asking if she could guide him on a document that appeared to be a photocopy of Corona's signature card in PSBank.

"Cong. Banal went to the branch. He introduced himself. He said that maybe we could help him. I said I'm sorry that's not possible," Tiongson said.

To this, Banal replied, "Pumunta po ako dun para magtanong. Nagbabakasakali po ako na makakatulong siya sa amin."

Banal claimed that he found copies of Corona's bank records at his home on January 30.

"Ako’y may natanggap na legal sized na photocopy noong Lunes ng gabi. When I got home, pagparada ko, may naka-fold na papel na nakalapag sa aming parking slot," he said.

Banal said he did not inform the prosecution team that he received these documents because he wanted to verify it first.

"Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa aking mga kasamahan na hindi ko sila nasabihan. Gusto ko muna talaga i-verify. Ayaw ko po magbigay ng maling impormasyon sa aking mga kasamahan," he said.

Tiongson recalled that Banal started asking about entries in the copies of the bank records.

"He asked about dollar signs. 'What is this, a dollar sign?" When I said I cannot help him, he just left," the branch manager said.

Tiongson said she asked Banal how he got the document. "He said, 'So many people are helping us. I will tell you if you help us." Something like that," she said.

Banal confirmed Tiongson’s statement saying there are a lot of people helping the prosecution produce evidence for the impeachment case.

Prosecutor Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali has earlier revealed that a "small lady" handed him copies of Corona’s bank records on February 2, which the prosecution attached in their request for subpoena.

"Nakahinga na po ako nang maluwag noong nag-issue na ng subpoena kasi hindi ko na po kailangan mag-verify pa. Pasensya na kung nakasama pa ako sa aking team," Banal said.

The impeachment court invited Banal to return on Monday, February 20 to be questioned by senator-judges.

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

X-ray machines give Customs powerful aid in catching smugglers

2012-02-15T23:28:00.000+08:00

X-ray equipment — which a ranking Bureau of Customs (BoC) official said are more powerful than the machines the United States use — has enabled the bureau to “significantly improve” its ability to detect misdeclared and misclassified imports.

In its latest case of intercepted shipments, Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said Wednesday two container vans with combined contents with a dutiable value of P25 million were intercepted using the X-ray scanners.

Biazon said Royal Halo Enterprises attempted in October 2011 at the Manila International Container Port to bring in a 40-foot container van with 36,000 bicycle tires and tire flaps from China.

The Customs chief alleged that the importer declared the contents as bicycle pumps, pedals and chains to avoid paying 10 percent duties on imported tires.

“The Bureau’s capability to detect misdeclarations and misclassifications has now improved significantly through its enhanced X-ray program. I am warning all importers then, to comply with the country’s laws to avoid problems,” he added.

”Our scanners are three times more powerful than the ones being used in the US,” BOC X-Ray Project Head Lourdes Mangaoang added.

The other shipment, which had dutiable value of P3 million was consigned to importer Cimberly Enterprises included a shipment of a Suzuki station wagon and motorcycles but was declared as used mini-tractors, grass cutters, compressors, bicycles, motorbike parts and gasoline engines.

The Cimberly shipment also came in through the MICP, where District Collector Ricardo Belmonte issued alert orders that led to the interception of the 40-foot containers.

“It is never a wise idea to try to earn windfall profits by trying to short change the government. Importers who think they can earn big money easily through illegal importation may find themselves, not just losing money instead but in deep trouble with the law as well,” Biazon noted. — ELR/VS, GMA News

Boy genius's book reveals life in college at age 8

2012-02-15T23:27:00.000+08:00

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The one thing 14-year-old Moshe Kai Cavalin dislikes is being called a genius.

All he did, after all, was enroll in college at age 8 and earn his first of two Associate of Arts degrees from East Los Angeles Community College at age 9, graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Now, at 14, he's poised to graduate from UCLA this year. He's also just published an English edition of his first book, "We Can Do."

The 100-page guideline explains how other young people can accomplish what Cavalin did through such simple acts as keeping themselves focused and approaching everything with total commitment. He's hoping it will show people there's no genius involved, just hard work.

"That's always the question that bothers me," Cavalin, who turned 14 on Valentine's Day, says when the G-word is raised. "People need to know you don't really need to be a genius. You just have to work hard and you can accomplish anything."

And maybe cut out some of the TV.

Although he's a big fan of Jackie Chan movies, Cavalin says he limits his television time to four hours a week.

Not that he lacks for recreational activities or feels that his parents pressured him into studying constantly. He writes in "We Can Do" of learning to scuba dive, and he loves soccer and martial arts. He used to participate in the latter sport when he was younger, winning trophies for his age group, until his UCLA studies and his writing made things a little too hectic.

Indeed one of the key messages of his book is to stay focused and to not take on any endeavor half-heartedly.

"I was able to reach the stars, but others can reach the 'Milky Way," he tells readers.

It was a professor at his first institution of higher learning, East Los Angeles City College, who inspired him, Cavalin says. He didn't like the subject but managed to get an A in it anyway, by applying himself and seeing how enthusiastic his teacher, Richard Avila, was about the subject.

Avila, he says, inspired him to write a book explaining his methods for success so he could motivate others.

It took four years to finish, in part because Cavalin, whose mother is Chinese, decided to publish it in Chinese, and doing the translation himself was laborious.

Han Shian Culture Publishing of Taiwan put the book in print, and it did well in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, as well in several bookstores in Southern California's Asian communities. He then brought it out in English for the U.S. market.

Because of his heavy study load, Cavalin has had little opportunity to promote the book, other than a signing at UCLA, where he also lives in student housing with his parents and attends the school on a scholarship.

After earning his bachelor's degree, the math major plans to enroll in graduate school with hopes of eventually earning a doctorate.

After that, he's not so sure. He points out that he's still just barely a teenager.

"Who knows?" he says, chuckling at the thought of what lies ahead in adulthood. "That's a very distant future, and I'm pretty much planning for just the next few years. That's too far into the future for me to see."

Palace: Leaked bank documents authentic

2012-02-15T23:24:00.002+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang assuaged fears yesterday that the leaked bank documents on the multimillion-peso accounts of Chief Justice Renato Corona were spurious, noting that bank officials have in fact confirmed the accounts.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda pointed out that the account numbers were found to be “accurate,” as were the ending balances, as testified to before the impeachment court by Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) president Pascual Garcia III.

“They do exist… those account numbers. And I think that has been proven right by the PSBank president. What’s very important here is that the account numbers were accurate,” Lacierda told reporters.

“What has been proven is that it is not fake insofar as the account numbers, insofar as the figures are concerned. In fact, what has been presented were the yearend balances, and the president of PSBank was able to disclose all the yearend balances,” he said.

Pascual and PSBank branch manager Annabelle Tiongson have expressed fears that they could be penalized, together with their bank, for violating the law on secrecy of foreign currency deposits.

“I suppose they’re protecting their bank because there’s a violation of the bank secrecy law, so I would assume that the bank will do everything to protect itself from liability under the bank secrecy law,” he said.

Lacierda also made an effort to shield the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) from being dragged into the impeachment trial, following Tiongson’s testimony that the leaked bank records did not come from them.

“That’s what she claims but we haven’t called on the BSP so she (Tiongson) is trying to pass the blame on to BSP. I don’t know if that’s a strategy,” he stressed.

He said that is something that the bank manager should answer to if it’s not true.

“It was being passed on to the BSP. It was a very slight but a very sly inference accusation on the BSP,” Lacierda said.

Corona bank records produced by subpoena

He also brushed aside the threat of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile – the presiding judge – of the “fatal error” being committed by House prosecutors, who apparently did not have evidence, and were only relying on their subpoena powers.

“I think we have to qualify that because, for instance, bank documents, you really cannot secure that without a subpoena. So some documents, for instance, they only have photocopies. So how do you get the original (copies)? It is by way of subpoena,” he said.

He said he believes that the prosecution is doing its homework, but in some instances, not everything is done by subpoena.

“For instance, the transfer certificates of titles owned by the Chief Justice, they were secured even without a subpoena. I think what Senate President Enrile was referring to were the bank documents but again, bank documents cannot, because of the bank secrecy law, you really have to go through a subpoena process or a compulsory process like subpoena duces tecum,” he added.

‘Little girl’ handed over documents

The Palace also maintained, contrary to Enrile’s pronouncements, that it was indeed a “little girl” who turned over the bank records of Corona to House prosecutor Rep. Rey Umali at the Senate, despite the absence of CCTV footage showing that.

He also pointed out that he could not understand why questions regarding the real existence of Corona’s bank accounts still linger, since publisher Jake Macasaet has already printed the bank details in his Malaya newspaper.

“There was a statement in the motion that Mr. Jake Macasaet, I think, was already able to publish it in his paper about the existence of those bank accounts. So it was not something that they claim to have illegally acquired,” he said.

A. Put complainants on witness stand

Meanwhile, veteran lawyer Romulo Macalintal said the testimony of any of the 188 congressmen who signed the complaint against Corona would be necessary at this point to save the prosecution from observation by some senator-judges that they are just fishing for evidence.

“With the discovery of alleged ‘fake bank documents’ which formed part of the impeachment complaint, it is now high time for any of the 188 congressmen-complainants to be presented as witnesses to support their Articles of Impeachment,” he said in a statement.

Macalintal issued this challenge, explaining that each of the complainants swore under oath that their allegations in the complaint are “true and correct of their own knowledge or based on authentic records.”

“As observed by Senator Enrile, the prosecution cannot merely rely on ‘subpoenaed documents or subpoenaed witnesses’ and derive information from them as this would constitute fishing for evidence,” he said.

Macalintal, an independent impeachment analyst, had also served as analyst of NBN 4 during the impeachment of deposed President Joseph Estrada in 2000. He was also petitioner in the Supreme Court case involving the impeachment of retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. – Edu Punay - By Delon Porcalla (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Casimero wins world title, gets beaten up in Argentina (with video)

2012-02-12T16:03:00.003+08:00

Filipino Johnriel Casimero stopped Argentine Luis Alberto Lazarte in the tenth round to win the vacant IBF light flyweight crown Friday (Saturday in Manila) and spark a ring riot in Mar de Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani told Rene Bonsubre Jr. of Philboxing that friends of Lazarte, who is a member of the truckers union, initiated the attack on Team Casimero, even before the Filipino’s hands could be raised in victory.

Boxingscene.com reported that an angry horde rushed the ring and mugged not only Casimero and his team, but also IBF officials, journalists and those who played the role of pacifiers. Chairs and bottles also went flying.

According to Gello-Ani, Casimero, who improved to 16-2 with 12 KOs, knocked down Lazarte twice in round nine before finishing Lazarte (49-11-2 18 KOs) off in the tenth.
Gello-Ani said he, Casimero and trainer Cristopher Tepora said they sustained bruises, but are safe and being guarded by the local police.

Source: inquirer.net

Pop Vocal Legend Whitney Houston Found Dead

2012-02-12T13:44:00.001+08:00

By Rolling Stone

February 11, 2012 8:23 PM ET

Whitney Houston was found dead today in a Beverly Hills hotel room.

Paramedics arriving at the Beverly Hilton found the singer's body.

While the cause of death is still unknown, Houston's publicist Kristen Foster has confirmed the sad news.
Houston had been scheduled to attend the annual pre-Grammy party of music mogul Clive Davis, who discovered her, tonight and had attended rehearsals for the event earlier this week. The party was still held.
CNN reports that the Grammy awards ceremony Sunday will include tributes to the singer, including one possible one by Jennifer Hudson. The Recording Academy released the following statement on Saturday evening:

Six-time GRAMMY(r) winner Whitney Houston was one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.

Houston, the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston and cousin of singer Dionne Warwick, was known for her string of hits in the Eighties and Nineties, including "The Greatest Love of All," "I Will Always Love You," "How Will I Know" and "I'm Every Woman." She also had an acting career, appearing in The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale.

In addition to her six Grammys, Houston also won two Emmys and 22 American Music Awards. Her rendition of the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 1991 is often considered the standard by which other versions are judged.

She was married to R&B singer Bobby Brown from 1992 to 2007, and the couple had one daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, born in 1993. The couple appeared in the reality TV series Being Bobby Brown in 2005.
In recent years, Houston was more known for her tumultuous personal life and struggles with addiction.
Reaction to her death began pouring in throughout media outlets, including Twitter.
Mariah Carey released the following statement:

Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.

“Whitney was family to me," Smokey Robinson told CNN. "I will always love her. She is one of the greatest voices in the history of music."

'Weak' Pacquiao dumps vices

2012-02-12T11:12:00.000+08:00

AFP News - Philippine boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao says he has given up gambling, cockfighting and other vices to become a goodwill ambassador for the Catholic church.

Pacquiao, one of the richest men in the Philippines and a national icon, also announced that he had sold his shares in a Manila casino, and in a nightclub and a bar, while also giving away to friends all his fighting cocks.

"I am no longer in the vice business. I've sold my shares in a big nightclub along with my shares in a Manila casino outlet," the 32-year-old, the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, told reporters in a recent interview in the southern Philippines.

"I do realise I was a weak person before. If I had died the other year, I believe my soul would have ended in hell," he said.

"I had faith, but I was doing things which were against the will of God."

Aides said the eight-time world champion had owned more than a thousand roosters worth 30 million pesos ($709,000) for cockfights, a Philippine blood sport where the birds fight to the death armed with sharp metal spurs.

His remaining past time now is basketball, said Pacquiao, who is also a member of the Philippine parliament.

Regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, amassing a 54-3 win-loss record with two drawn bouts, Pacquiao holds a record eight world titles in as many weight divisions.

He often cites God as the source of his ongoing success and wears a rosary around his neck before and after fights.

However he has not escaped intrigue and reports of him womanising -- despite being married -- and gambling have become rich tabloid fodder.

"I have found my real peace and happiness now," he said. "I draw strength and inspiration from reading and hearing the word of God."

He said he and his wife -- along with friends -- now read the Bible every day at home.

The powerful Catholic church in the Philippines said last month it had asked Pacquiao to become its ambassador.

"With all humility, yes, I am accepting the daunting task," he said.

The Pacquiao shares in the casino, called Poker Asia, were sold and the proceeds given to its workers, his spokeswoman Rose Tamayo told reporters, without giving the value of the assets.

"It was a very lucrative business. But this only shows the Congressman's resolve to change for the better," she said.

Philippines' richest man eyes huge land deal

2012-02-12T11:10:00.001+08:00

AFP News - The Philippines' richest man is in talks to take control of one of the country's main real estate firms, which has major parcels of undeveloped land in the nation's capital, his company said Thursday.

The SM Group of ethnic-Chinese tycoon Henry Sy confirmed it was eyeing a majority stake in the holding company that developed Ortigas business district, an important financial hub in Manila.

"We confirm that SM Group is in the process of discussion for the acquisition of majority interest in Ortigas Holdings Inc.," the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

"The amount and details of the transaction are still under discussion and subject to finalisation."

The disclosure was issued after the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper reported that Sy was ready to acquire control of the Ortigas group for $1.0 billion.

The Ortigas group holds large parcels of land in the capital, which could be developed by Sy who was listed by Forbes business magazine last year as the richest man in the Philippines with a net worth of $7.2 billion.

By the end of this year, SM Group plans to have 46 major shopping malls in the Philippines and five in China. It also has interests in banking and residential properties.

Tim Bradley 'in principle' agrees to Pacquiao showdown

2012-02-11T15:26:00.000+08:00

AFP News - Manny Pacquiao is poised to fight Timothy Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas after the unbeaten American agreed in principle to a deal, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Reports earlier this week said Philippine icon Pacquiao had agreed to put his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt on the line against Bradley, but that terms had not been finalized.

"This is about being the number one fighter in the world, and that's what my goal has been for as long as I can remember," Bradley told the Times.

He didn't reveal the terms of the agreement, but said it could be signed as early as Friday.

Bradley was one of several fighters in the mix as a possible Pacquiao opponent after it became clear that the anticipated but elusive fight between "PacMan" and Floyd Mayweather Jnr wouldn't come off in June.

Mayweather is scheduled to fight Miguel Cotto on May 5 instead.

Bradley boasts a record of 28-0 with 12 knockouts. Pacquiao, 54-3-2, hasn't lost since 2005 and is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet.

But Pacquiao was less than dominant as he struggled to a majority points decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in November.

GAB airs its side on Maquinto tragedy

2012-02-11T15:23:00.000+08:00

By Sid Ventura | Sportsaholic

It's been a week now since boxer Karlo Maquinto tragically died, six days after lapsing into a coma following his eight-round bout with Mark Joseph Costa at the Recom Dome in Caloocan City. The fight ended in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it an even 75-75 and a third scoring it 75-74, with Costa getting deducted a point in Round 4 for repeatedly spitting out his mouthpiece. Costa decked Maquinto twice in the second round, although Maquinto came back strong to nearly floor Costa in the very same round. Costa was close to going down but was saved by the bell.

After the decision was announced, Maquinto walked back to his corner. He never made it, collapsing along the way and losing consciousness. According the Games and Amusements Board report, Maquinto "was immediately taken by the stand-by ambulance at the FEU hospital by GAB's Medical Chief, Dr. Radentor Viernes with assistance of the Rescue Medical Team deployed by the city government of Caloocan."

There has been some speculation about how the boxer was handled while being brought to the ambulance, and whether he was even cleared to fight that night. All of this falls under GAB jurisdiction, so in an attempt to get a clearer picture of what happened, I contacted GAB spokesman Atty. Aquil Tamano and e-mailed him some questions. He replied not only with his own answers, but those of Dr. Viernes as well.

According to Atty. Tamano, Karlo was cleared to fight on that night, even though he was a last-minute replacement.

"In our initial investigation all the standard safety procedures were taken," Tamano said. "As to his physical fitness, Maquinto had a CT scan last year together with the standard medical exams (chest x-ray, ECG, etc.), which are required by our rules. He was examined by the GAB physician a day before the fight, which was during the weigh in." Tamano added that the GAB had enough personnel at the venue. He said aside from Viernes, another doctor, Dr. Mae Banez, and a nurse, Ms. Christine Cordon were present with the usual safety medical safety requirements."

Dr. Viernes also said everything was in order.

"As per medical safety standards set for boxing events, there was no breach of safety precautions," the doctor said. "There were two stand-by ambulances with emergency medical personnel aside from the duty nurse from GAB and two of us as ringside physicians."

Tamano and Viernes dispute a report that there was no oxygen nearby, and that Maquinto was not properly handled while being lifted to a stretcher. Some people have questioned why the boxer was not immediately given oxygen after he lost consciousness, but as both Tamano and Viernes explain, bringing Maquinto to the ambulance immediately, where there was an oxygen tank, and rushing him to the hospital was the best thing to do under the circumstances. Viernes also denies that Maquinto was handled "clumsily", although both he and Tamano admit that someone from the boxer's camp may have acted too eagerly and gotten in the way for a brief moment.

"It was the decision of the ringside physician to immediately bring Maquinto to the nearest hospital," Tamano said. "There was a standard oxygen tank in the ambulance. According to the incident report they followed the execution plan. In an instance where the boxer did not suffer from a fall, a neck brace is not necessary. There might be some lapses in how his cornermen helped Maquinto to the stretcher. We will reexamine our procedures."

Viernes said he inspected the venue before the event got underway to map out an evacuation plan in the event a boxer needed to be rushed to the hospital.

"Before the boxing event started I made an ocular inspection of the venue with the purpose of setting a mental plan of evacuation for any eventuality," he said. "There was an oxygen tank on stand-by, and I know where it was located. Having seen the fight from ringside, my clinical judgment right away was Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and time was of the essence."

Oxygen, Viernes explained, would only help in cases of severe exhaustion, so it would have been a waste of time to run to the ambulance, bring out the oxygen tank, run back to the ring, administer oxygen, then bring him to the ambulance. "I opted to bring him right away to the nearest tertiary hospital. The ambulance, where the oxygen inhalation was waiting, was only about 10 to 15 meters away from the ring."

The doctor, who has nine years' worth of experience as an attending physician in boxing promotions, said in the commotion that ensued after Maquinto collapsed, someone from the boxer's corner tried to lift him by yanking his upper left limb. This, he added, was probably what the public saw which led to the speculation that Maquinto wasn't handled properly on the way to the ambulance. Viernes said the GAB doctors immediately put a stop to that.

"Instead we slid him sideways towards the awaiting stretcher," said Viernes, who added he personally lifted Maquinto's head while supporting the neck and shoulder, "the same way we transfer patients from bed to stretcher."

Since Maquinto looked to be, at least on paper, the superior fighter, with a 6-0-1 record compared to Costa's rather mediocre 4-4-2 record, and yet he struggled in this fight, I asked if it was possible that there was something wrong with him even before the bout.

"(A) medical clearance with brain scan result for boxing license and pre-fight physical and medical examination signed by Dr. Viernes taken after the weight-in January 27 at GAB showed a physically fit boxer Karlo Maquinto," Tamano said.

"Boxers undergo strict medical examination before they enter into the ring to fight," Viernes added. "Annually they submit laboratory exams and have to have a clean bill of health prior to the issuance of their professional license. Examinations include chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, drug testing, hepatitis screening, and a CT scan for the brain. Before each fight a boxer undergoes a physical examination on the day of the weigh-in or a day prior to the fight. After each fight, a boxer undergoes a post-bout examination and there medical suspensions are issued for them to rest before they fight again. For this boxer, everything was in order. Hence, he was fit to fight."

In light of this unfortunate death, Tamano said the GAB is looking at some additional safety measures for fighters while they are in the ring. These include allowing use of oxygen during the rest period in between rounds, allowing a doctor to examine both boxers in between rounds, and requiring an MRI brain scan for boxers.

Viernes said there is a need to increase the educating of all lay people involved in boxing particularly, boxers, trainers and seconds regarding safety measures in boxing with constant reminders.

Over the years, Tamano said the GAB, taking its cue from the world governing bodies, has adopted several safety measures. These include:

- Ring officials seminar (referees, judges, and ringside doctors);

- Medical ringside doctors and ambulances at fight venue;

- Suspension of boxers due to medical problems and poor performances;

- Annual medical and physical examinations to include brain scan;

- Annual gym visitation to see boxers training;

- Pre-fight conferences for ring officials and boxers representatives;

- Retirement for boxers with cataract, retinal injuries, very poor boxing skills, etc.;

- Weight monitoring to disallow more than two pounds weight loss;

- Allowing electrolyte drinks to correct dehydration;

- Drug testing during licensing and random testing after the fight;

- use of eight-ounces gloves for boxers up to 135 pounds and 10-ounces gloves for over 135 lbs. boxers; and

- Monitoring and examination of bandaging of boxers.

Tamano said prior to Maquinto's death, the GAB recorded only one other death of a boxer over the last five years. Alex Aroy died in 2008 of abdominal ailments in Maasin, Leyte. Still, that's two deaths too many, and hopefully the number doesn't rise anymore. But it's become more difficult over the past few years with so many Manny Pacquiao wannabes plying their trade in boxing gyms.

Ever since Pacquiao's meteoric rise to fame, the GAB has recorded a sudden spike in the number of professional boxing licenses, with more and more Filipinos aspiring to be the next Pacman. The number peaked to 959 in 2008 — the year Pacquiao's popularity took off with wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar Dela Hoya — before settling at 733 last year.

This increase has made the GAB's job even more crucial, as now they need to monitor more boxers and weed out those who have no business being in the ring. Sadly, Maquinto looked like he had a bright future ahead of him.

E-mail: sid_ventura@yahoo.com.

Pacquiao Gives Unsolicited Advice To Donaire Over Family Feud

2012-02-09T23:04:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Eight-division world boxing champ and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has advised fellow Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire, Jr. to make amends with his family.

Apparently, as reported by abs-cbnnews.com, Donaire Jr.'s General Santos City-based grandparents expressed their disappointment when he clinched the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title from Puerto Rican boxer Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. on Feb. 5 in Texas.

His grandmother Teresita Dente was even quoted as saying, "Sana natalo na lang s'ya. Kung natalo s'ya ako lang yata ang magtatatalon sa tuwa dito," while his grandfather Epifanio and brother Glenn claimed that the boxer had already forgotten about them.

Pacquiao, who himself enjoys a happy family life, said in a taped report on "Umagang Kay Ganda," "He should fix his problem kasi pamilya niya 'yan eh. Hindi tayo pwedeng sumuway diyan."

He also congratulated Donaire Jr. on his victory, saying, "Nakapagdala ka na naman ng karangalan sa ating bansa."

Recall that Donaire Jr. had a well-publicized feud with his father earlier, allegedly caused by the older Donaire's "controlling" nature and issues about money. In March last year, the boxer said in a press conference that his family has already reconciled.

Months later, however, Nonito Sr. revealed that there is yet another feud going on between them and his son due to undisclosed reasons.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao had voiced out his support for the promulgation of a law that would protect Filipino boxers and other athletes in light of fighter Karlo Maquinto's death last Feb. 3. The 21-year old boxer passed away after being in a coma for a week following his bout against Mark Joseph Acosta.

"Pinag-aaralan pa natin kung ano'ng maidagdag natin para ma-proteksyunan ang ating mga boksingero," Pacquiao said.

Manila Bulletin – Wed, Feb 8, 2012

DENR busts resto serving exotic food

2012-02-09T23:02:00.000+08:00

A seafood restaurant in Pasay City was caught serving exotic food including snake skin and meat, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported in a statement Wednesday.

The DENR, together with the National Bureau of Investigation, has confiscated from Hingyak Delicious Seafood Restaurant some 4.25 kilos of wildlife derivatives, including snake skin, snake meat, and chopped meat from soft-shelled turtles, in a raid conducted last Jan. 30.

The statement noted that authorities were tipped off by TV5’s investigative show “Bitag,” which has been receiving reports from the public that the establishment was allegedly offering and serving exotic food.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said Hingyak will be charged of violation of Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Paje said the joint move of DENR and NBI is meant to send the message that the government is serious in its campaign to protect the country’s wildlife resources to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

“The reason why we have laws is put order in our society. Our wildlife law is passed to protect our wildlife resources as they play an important role in sustaining a balanced ecology,” he added.

The DENR chief also stressed that the collection, hunting, or possessing of wildlife, their by-products and derivatives without proper permit are considered illegal acts punishable under the Wildlife Act.

All confiscated derivatives have been turned over to the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau for safekeeping.

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Birthdates Combinations Lead To Jackpot

2012-02-09T23:01:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - A 35-year-old seaman of Laguna won P21 million in jackpot, while a 33-year-old domestic helper of Batangas City working abroad grabbed P4.9 million in separate draws of Mega Lotto 6/45.

The seaman plans to quit his job in an international shipping line, while the maid will continue working abroad. Both of them hit the jackpot using family members' birth dates.

Officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said the seaman claimed his winnings Wednesday morning after a week, while the overseas Filipino worker (OFW), a single parent to her lone child, came Tuesday.

He had been a long-time bettor, while the OFW started only two years ago.

"She said she will be buying a house and lot like many of our jackpot winners, and help her brothers," PCSO General Manager Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II said.

The seaman placed P840 worth of bets using the 6/45 System 9, which has 84 combinations in a Sta. Cruz, Laguna, outlet last January 30, he said.

Together with a female teacher of Ilocos Norte, they hit and shared the jackpot of P42,012,459, said Rojas, for matching the winning numbers of 6/45: 02-10-06-11-26-24.

The teacher already claimed her share last week, Rojas said.

Rojas said the household worker had P40 bets for four combinations last Friday, February 3, one of them matching the drawn numbers of 34-05-29-23-11-08.

PCSO Internal Audit Department Manager Lauro A. Patiag said even while cruising international waters on board his ship, the seaman did not stop trying his luck on the lotto games.

Manila BulletinManila Bulletin – Wed, Feb 8, 2012

How to deal with trolls like ‘Ahcee Flores’

2012-02-08T22:59:00.001+08:00

If "Ahcee Flores" has become the most hated man or woman on the web today, thanks to the comment on a Yahoo! story saying he/she wished a tsunami would wipe out the people in the Visayas, then haters have made "Ahcee" the happiest person on the planet.

That’s because "Ahcee Flores" is a troll.

Trolls, say Wiki, are people who post "inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages…with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response." Someone else called them "spineless commentators desperate for attention would never say in person that which they type in anonymity."

According to Maribeth Oliver of Web Safety PH site, a partner of Yahoo! Safely, trolls also like to:
•    Spread rumors (for example, a noted person dying)
•    Gossip about celebrities (celebrity A is gay or having an affair)
•    Assume the identity of other users
•    Attack people and entities under the guise of their “right to free speech”
•    Bully people who can’t fight back including celebrities, politicians and other prominent people who know it’s self-defeating to engage in a cyberwar with a troll

Types of trolls

Says Oliver, “When a troll’s account has been blocked, they’ll make another one. There is one reputed Twitter troll who made a total of 300 Twitter accounts after being blocked every time by users. Most of these trolls do not care about good reputation for themselves. All they are after is to stir some intrigue so they gain publicity as trouble-makers in the net.”

Today, because the Internet has exploded, the troll has become the cyberbully, the stalker and haters of all stripes. Cyberbullies have pushed teens to suicide. Stalkers and haters have inspired the addition of “Report Abuse,” “Block” and “Unfriend” buttons.

A few news sites like The Huffington Post have employed “community managers” to moderate comments. They allow readers to comment freely but delete four-letter words and racist and sexist attacks, according to a recent report.

How to protect yourself from trolls
Here are Oliver’s tips on protecting yourself from trolls like “Ahcee.”
•    Do Not FEED the troll. Keep cool. Don’t reply.
•    Ask your friends not to reply to a troll.
•    Block a troll, flag the offensive comment or report him or her to the site administrator. If the troll shows up under another account name, block him again
•    On your social account or your blog, adjust privacy settings moderate comments, or disallow comments, to keep them out.

For more information on Internet safety, visit Yahoo! Safely.

By Ces Rodriguez, Yahoo! Southeast Asia | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

100 feared buried in Negros village

2012-02-08T22:51:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - At least a hundred people were feared buried in Barangay Solongan, La Libertad town in Negros Oriental shortly after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Visayas on Monday.

As the confirmed death toll rose to 48 yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it had recorded over a thousand aftershocks. Phivolcs warned residents near the epicenter that there could be more quakes in the next few weeks.

“The authorities estimate that about 100 persons were buried,” said Minda Morante, director of the Office of Civil Defense in Central Visayas, yesterday.

Morante said they have not regarded the estimate as an official figure because retrieval operations are still ongoing in the area.

She said there are about 70 houses at the site of the landslide and disaster management officials are not discounting the possibility that some houses may just have been isolated.

“We’re now getting shovels and chainsaws to start rescue because there were people trapped inside. Some of them were yelling for help earlier,” said La Libertad police chief Inspector Eric Arrol Besario.

Rescuers also dug through rubble with their bare hands and shovels in Guihulngan, a coastal city of 100,000 residents flanked by mountains that was close to the epicenter.

The city’s public market, courthouse and residential houses had collapsed or were damaged.

In the mountain village of Planas, 15 kilometers from Guihulngan, as many as 30 houses were buried with at least 40 residents believed trapped.

Guihulngan Mayor Ernesto Reyes said the situation is bad but they are hoping that there will be survivors.

Col. Francisco Patrimonio, chief of the Army’s 302nd brigade, estimated the death toll at 48, 92 persons missing and 56 others wounded, but the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management (NDRRMC) and local government officials have different figures.

A majority of the casualties died in a landslide that hit Guihulngan City. Fatalities were also recorded in Tayasan, Bindoy, and Jimalalud towns.

The military has readied its assets for rescue and retrieval operations.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said two UH1H utility helicopters have been dispatched from Western Mindanao to conduct relief operations in Negros Oriental.

Naval forces from the Armed Forces Central Command have also placed on standby a patrol gunboat for the rescue operations.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided relief assistance to families affected and sent social workers to conduct stress debriefing for the victims, particularly in Dumaguete City, which was also hit by tropical storm “Sendong” last year.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said the DSWD Region 7 has standby funds of P1.18 million and a stockpile of commodities equivalent to 3,344 family food packs worth P812,157.60. Non-food items worth P3 million are ready for distribution to affected local government units.

Aftershocks

As of yesterday afternoon, Phivolcs said a total of 1,005 aftershocks were recorded. The strongest aftershock recorded so far had a magnitude of 6.2, which occurred at 6 p.m. on Monday, it said.

“Aftershocks can still be expected in the coming days or weeks. We expect aftershocks smaller than the magnitude 6.9 main shock. The larger the magnitude, usually the longer the duration of aftershocks,” Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said.

Solidum said four aftershocks were felt in some parts of Negros Oriental as well as in Iloilo City, and Loboc, Bohol yesterday.

The quakes with magnitudes 3.8, 4.0, 4.0, 3.3 occurred at 12:08 a.m., 7:47 a.m., 12:05 p.m., and 12:25 p.m., respectively.

He said the Negros tremor, the strongest to hit the area since 1948, was caused by movement in an undersea fault.

Science Secretary Mario Montejo has sent a quick response team, headed by Mariton Bornas and Senior Science Specialist Mabel Abigania of Phivolcs, to Negros Oriental to assess the damage.

The team was expected to arrive in Dumaguete yesterday afternoon and conduct post-earthquake assessment.

“The team will evaluate the extent of damage around the Negros-Cebu area, particularly the hazards caused by the earthquake such as landslides, liquefaction, ground rupture, tsunami and other developments in the areas near the epicenter,” Montejo said.

He said the team will also install instruments to gather intensity reports to determine the strength of ground shaking in various areas.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) estimated the infrastructure damage at P265.75 million.

The agency said initial report showed that at least 11 national bridges, constructed in 1990s, along the North Dumaguete Road (NDR) either collapsed or were damaged.

Food and medicine were on standby in the provincial capital of Dumaguete, but the aid could not reach the victims in the villages because of the damaged roads and bridges.

DPWH Undersecretary for Regional Operations Romeo Momo said information given by Region 7 Assistant Director Juvy Cordon showed that the San Jose Bridge and the Pangaluan Bridge collapsed.

The Uyungan Bridge, whose approaches were damaged, is reportedly passable to light vehicles.

Eight other bridges that sustained damage have been closed to motorists, namely the Martelo Bridge, Baterya Bridge, La Libertad Bridge, Timayunan Bridge, Zamora Bridge, Habag Bridge, Jimalalud Bridge, and the Malaiba Bridge.

The Manoto Bridge in Cebu, although damaged, is still passable to motorists.

“About 70 kilometers, from the municipality of Bindoy to the municipality of Vallehermoso, of the 150-kilometer stretch of the Dumaguete North Road have been damaged by the earthquake,” said Momo.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson has reportedly ordered the creation of six teams from the central office and another six teams from their regional office to assess the status of the structures in Negros Oriental.

The Department of Health (DOH) said that one of six hospitals in Negros Oriental had sustained cracks and patients at Guihulngan District Hospital were taken out while experts were assessing the structure.

DOH director for Central Visayas Dr. Susana Madarieta gave assurance that the other hospitals – the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital and the district hospitals in Dindoy, Maybais, Bayawan and Siaton – were not damaged by the earthquake.

“We have also deployed personnel to bring antibiotic and medical supplies like intravenous fluid, first-aid kits and hyposol that will be used to treat the drinking water in affected areas. We also distributed body bags for the cadavers,” she said.

The DOH had sent doctors from its regional and central offices to help the doctors attend to patients.

Madarieta said the hospitals in the affected areas have asked for manpower backup because many of their doctors also had their houses damaged by the earthquake.

She said that the DOH has coordinated with the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for the airlifting of victims who may need “tertiary care.” – With Evelyn Macairan, Sheila Crisostomo, Garry Lao, Eva Visperas, AP - By Alexis Romero and Helen Flores (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Philippine rescuers search for quake survivors

2012-02-07T19:09:00.000+08:00

By Ted Aljibe | AFP News - Rescuers in the Philippines dug through rubble with shovels and their bare hands Tuesday after a powerful earthquake triggered landslides, collapsed homes and killed dozens of people.

The 6.8-magnitude quake hit a narrow strait between the heavily populated islands of Negros and Cebu around lunchtime Monday with more than 200 aftershocks, some nearly as strong, causing further panic throughout the day.

Local military chiefs said 43 people were confirmed killed, but officials warned the death toll may rise. Dozens of others are feared injured or missing with landslides having blocked roads for rescuers in mountainous areas.

"Heavy equipment we've requested from the provincial government has not arrived yet, because the roads and bridges are impassable," said Senior Inspector Alvin Futalan, police chief of Guihulngan town on Negros that was among the most heavily damaged.

"We are using our hands and shovels to search in the rubble," he told AFP.

Thirty-nine people were reported killed in Guihulngan, a coastal city of 100,000 people flanked by mountains that was close to the quake's epicentre.

The city's public market, court house and private homes in the area had collapsed or were damaged, while landslides buried some houses completely, according to Fatulan.

He said the city's overwhelmed 42-man police rescue squad had been joined by hundreds of army troops and volunteers in clearing debris as they raced against time to find people still believed missing.

"The army (troops) had to walk about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the last stop reachable by vehicle to reach us," Fatulan said.

Guihulngan is about 90 kilometres to the north of Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental province that covers the southeastern edge of Negros where the worst impacts of the quake were felt.

With rescuers still to reach remote hinterland communities, Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo said he feared there could be more unreported casualties.

"Sadly, we expect the death could still rise," Degamo told AFP.

Degamo said telephone communications in some parts were also cut off, leaving information from remote regions unobtainable.

He said the public was still in a state of shock and fearful of returning to their homes after dozens of aftershocks.

"We've also had to stop our search efforts from time to time and run to safety because of the aftershocks," he said.

Cebu, the Philippines' second biggest city with 2.3 million residents and a popular tourist destination, was 50 kilometres from the epicentre and shook violently during the initial tremor but no deaths were reported there.

The Philippines sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" -- a belt around the Pacific Ocean where friction between shifting tectonic plates causes frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Prosecutor admits impeachment complaint vs Corona not well crafted

2012-02-07T19:05:00.000+08:00

(Updated 6:54 p.m.) In what could be the day's biggest bombshell in the Senate, a member of the House prosecution team on Tuesday admitted that the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona was not well crafted.

Before the day’s impeachment proceedings in the Senate drew to a close, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas was asked if he was among the 188 lawmakers who signed the impeachment complaint against Corona last December.

The lawmaker answered in the negative, adding: “Hindi ako ganoon kabilis bumasa.”

He also said that he refused to sign the impeachment complaint because he thought it was not well crafted.

"Medyo masama rin ang pagkakagawa at tsaka marami na rin naman pumirma so hindi na rin ako kailangan," he admitted, drawing laughter from the gallery.

The 188 lawmakers, majority of them allied with the Aquino administration, signed the 57-page document in a matter of hours after it was produced in a caucus on Dec. 12, days after President Benigno Aquino III openly criticized Corona.

Defense delighted

In an ambush interview right after the hearing, defense lawyer Tranquil Salvador III said they were delighted by Fariñas’ “spontaneous” admission.

"Maganda na sa kanila na nanggaling iyon," Salvador said. "That was their observation, na medyo may konting pagkukulang ang complaint and that was one of the reasons why he did not sign the complaint. Gusto niya munang basahin."

Salvador praised Fariñas for being "honest and candid" enough to admit the flaws of the impeachment complaint.

The defense lawyer, however, said that although Farinas' statement will not have a bearing on the case, it would at least have an impact on the public's opinion.

"Pero ano impact n'un sa publiko? Sasabihin nila na may punto pala ang depensa, na hindi naman pala nabasa ang complaint [ng mga konggresista]," Salvador said.

Supporters of Corona, including those who contested the impeachment complaint before the Supreme Court, earlier said the case should be declared null and void because it did not go through proper verification process.

Alleging that the complaint was “rushed and railroaded,” Corona’s supporters said it was impossible for the 188 lawmakers who signed the complaint to have thoroughly gone over the impeachment documents in a matter of hours.

Like the defense panel, former Senator Aquilino Pimentel, who watched from the gallery, said Fariñas' admission does not have bearing on the case. He said it could be a "gimmick" on the part of the prosecution.

"It's an admission to some extent but it is not something that is damaging," he said.- KBK, GMA News
MARK DALAN MERUEÑAS, GMA News

Fourth potentially habitable planet is discovered

2012-02-07T16:02:00.000+08:00

AFP News - International astronomers said on Thursday they have found the fourth potentially habitable planet outside our solar system with temperatures that could support water and life about 22 light-years from Earth.

The team analyzed data from the European Southern Observatory about a star known as GJ 667C, which is known as an M-class dwarf star and puts out much less heat than our Sun.

However, at least three planets are orbiting close to the star, and one of them appears to be close enough that it likely absorbs about as much incoming light and energy as Earth, has similar surface temperatures and perhaps water.

The new rocky planet, GJ 667Cc, orbits its star every 28.15 days -- meaning its year equals about one Earth month -- and has a mass at least 4.5 times that of Earth, according to the research published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

"This planet is the new best candidate to support liquid water and, perhaps, life as we know it," said Guillem Anglada-EscudÃ© who was with the Carnegie Institution for Science when he conducted the research but has since moved on to the University of Gottingen in Germany.

The theory about water, however, cannot be confirmed until astronomers learn more about the planetâs atmosphere.

Other planets circling the same star -- which is part of a three-star system -- could include a gas-giant and an additional super-Earth with an orbital period of 75 days, but more observations are needed to confirm that.

Some experts have been skeptical that M-class dwarf stars could have planets that support life because they are too dim and tend to have lots of solar flare activity which could send off lethal radiation to nearby planets.

And even though this star, GJ 667C, has a much lower abundance of elements heavier than helium, such as iron, carbon, and silicon -- the building blocks of terrestrial planets -- than our Sun, astronomers are intrigued by the possibilities.

"This was expected to be a rather unlikely star to host planets. Yet there they are, around a very nearby, metal-poor example of the most common type of star in our galaxy," said co-author Steven Vogt, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at University of California Santa Cruz.

"The detection of this planet, this nearby and this soon, implies that our galaxy must be teeming with billions of potentially habitable rocky planets."

French astronomers in May last year confirmed the first exoplanet, Gliese 581d, to meet key requirements for sustaining life. It is a rocky planet about 20 light-years away.

Swiss astronomers reported in August that another planet, HD 85512 b, about 36 light-years away seemed to be in the habitable zone of its star.

The US space agency NASA confirmed its first such planet late last year, Kepler 22b, about 600 light-years away.

Security tight at Pasay court for Abalos arraignment

2012-02-06T11:31:00.000+08:00

Security was tight at a Pasay City court on Monday morning for the arraignment of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos, who was charged with electoral sabotage in the 2007 elections.

Personnel from the Pasay City police and the Southern Police District (SPD) secured the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 117, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported.

Abalos has been detained at the SPD headquarters in Taguig City since December last year.

Abalos and former and incumbent Pampanga Rep. President Gloria Arroyo had been ordered arrested by Pasay Judge Jesus Mupas for electoral sabotage.

Arroyo has been under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) since December last year.

She was ordered arrested on November 18 last year while she was confined at the Saint Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) for a bone problem. She had three major surgeries last year. She was transferred to VMMC on December 9.

On Friday last week, the court heard arguments related to motions by Arroyo's camp to let her attend the wake of her brother-in-law, the late Rep. Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo Jr.; and a motion by the Comelec to transfer Arroyo to a regular jail. - VVP, GMA News

Pacquiao-Bradley fight in the works

2012-02-05T09:14:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Bob Arum is expected to announce Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley in a couple of days, perhaps Tuesday right after the Super Bowl.

The Top Rank chief was scheduled to sit down with Bradley’s manager, Cameron Dunkin, and Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, in San Antonio yesterday.

Pacquiao, who’s in the Philippines, is being briefed of the development, according to sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz who’s in San Antonio covering the Nonito Donaire fight.

“We will sit down and try to thresh everything out and then Manny will be contacted in the Philippines and hopefully we will be able to make an announcement on Tuesday,” Arum said.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. beat Pacquiao to the draw when he announced the other day, the day he was granted by the NSAC his license, his June 9 showdown with Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao wanted Cotto as well. But problems with the weight stood in the way, and the Puerto Rican said he can’t drop down to 147 just to earn a rematch with Pacquiao.

So, Cotto went to Mayweather, who said he’d fight the reigning WBA light-middleweight champion at the limit of 154 lb, nothing more, nothing less.

It wasn’t a touch choice for Cotto, who will reportedly get 35 percent of the revenue, and possibly a total package of $30 million once everything comes in.

Arum said everybody has to move on after negotiations for Pacquiao vs Mayweather bogged down for the third time in as many years.

He said while Pacquiao and Mayweather are working on their respective fights, it’s still possible for the superfight to happen in November.

Arum is also putting up Juan Manuel Marquez vs Lamont Peterson in July, and whoever wins that fight may end up facing the winner between Pacquiao and Bradley later this year.

Mayweather offered Pacquiao $40 million with no share from the pay-per-view sales while Pacquiao offered Mayweather $50 million guaranteed, with the winner getting 55 percent of the revenues.

Nothing came out of both offers because Mayweather said he deserves more than what’s being offered to him, and called Pacquiao a “$10 million fighter” who should be happy with $40 million.

“It’s really bizarre, it’s really sad because it’s making a circus of boxing. It’s obvious to anybody who has looked at this – the fight isn’t happening because of Mayweather.

“For two years one thing was in stone – that was a 50-50 deal and now Mayweather has departed from it and that’s ridiculous. Hopefully when our fight is set in June, his fight is now set for May, we will sit down sensibly without a lot of pressure and plan a fight if both (Pacquiao and Mayweather) are successful for November, hopefully,” Arum added.

The problem here is if Mayweather beats Cotto, he becomes the new light-middleweight champion, and he might call on Pacquiao to fight him at 154 lb.

Pacquiao said he’d never fight any higher than 147. So, here’s just another reason why the superfight won’t happen – in November. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Senator-judges lose patience in Day 10 trial

2012-02-02T22:43:00.000+08:00

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Most of the Senator-judges lost their patience on Day 10 of the impeachment trial, as the prosecution failed to show the relevance of their evidence with the articles of impeachment.

The prosecution presented on Wednesday lawyer Benito Cataran, Director of the Company Registration and Monitoring Department of Security and Exchange Commission, to testify that it was improbable for Chief Justice Renato Corona to get a cash advance from his wife’s company whose license had been revoked.

After a lengthy direct examination on Cataran, the senator-judges grilled the prosecution on the relevance of his testimonies.

“Walang relevance kung buhay ang corporation o hindi. Kahit patay na ang corporation, you can still get money. If the point of this is to prove na patay na ang corporation, we're wasting our time,” Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Cataran said SEC revoked the certificate of registration of Basa Guidote Enterprises Inc., company of Corona’s wife, Cristina, in 2003 after it failed to submit documents required by the commission for several years.

The chief justice disclosed an P11-million liability on his 2003 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

“There could have been no transaction made with Corona because the corporate franchise had been revoked,” Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali said.

However, Retired Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas, lead defense counsel, countered Umali’s claims saying that a company is still capable of doing business activities even if its license has been revoked.

The witness however said that when the license is revoked, the corporation is dissolved.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, presiding officer of the impeachment court, negated the statement.

“You can revoke BGEI's registration but you can't kill that corporation. Only government or stockholders can make it die,” Enrile stressed.

“I think you’re misinterpreting the corporation law. I’m sorry to tell you but I’m teaching you corporation law,” Enrile said, irked.

Senator Pia Cayetano also complained to the prosecution, “Is it your intention to prove that exchange of money did not take place? If not, this is futile.”

Umali responded that they wanted to show that Corona's cash advance from BGEI was “fictitious.”

Even the usually quiet Senator Lito Lapid asked the prosecution the point of it all.

“Ibig sabihin sa dinami-dami ng tanong niyo kanina, ilang oras na tayo dito, iyan lang ang gusto niyo palabasin?” said Lapid, who spoke for the first time 10 days into the trial.

“Marami pa po. We're trying to figure out where the P11 million came from. This is unexplained wealth,” Umali said.

The court, however, prohibited the prosecution from presenting evidence pertaining to Corona's ill-gotten wealth.

“If you’re not sure with your evidence, please do not present it,” Senator Joker Arroyo told the prosecution.

Mayweather to fight Cotto, not Pacquiao, in May

2012-02-02T22:41:00.000+08:00

AFP News - Unbeaten US boxing star Floyd Mayweather announced Wednesday he will fight Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto on May 5, ending hopes for a showdown with Manny Pacquiao before November.

Mayweather will step up from the welterweight ranks and fight for Cotto's World Boxing Association super welterweight crown in Las Vegas before he begins a 90-day jail sentence on June 1 after a domestic violence conviction.

Boxing fans have long sought a matchup between Mayweather and Filipino icon Pacquiao. Mayweather even made a Twitter challenge for the Asian star to "Step Up, Punk", but they could not work out a deal so Mayweather went to Cotto.

"Miguel Cotto is a world class fighter who can never be taken for granted and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing," Mayweather said.

"It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder. I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto's reign as champion will come to an end on May 5."

Mayweather, who has won titles in seven weight classes, won his only other fight at super welterweight in 2007 with a split decision over Oscar de la Hoya for the World Boxing Council title.

Cotto defended his crown last December by stopping Antonio Margarito in the 10th round.

"I am here to fight the biggest names in boxing," Cotto said. "I've never ducked anyone or any challenge in front of me. I have accepted everything to give the fans what they like -- great and exciting fights.

"Stay tuned because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather."

Mayweather had made a deal for a May 5 fight but Pacquiao had wanted a June date to maximize revenue for what figures to be the biggest-paying blockbuster in boxing history, if it happens, which now cannot happen until late this year.

Pacquiao is still deciding who he will face in a fight to be staged in May or June.

Cotto and Mayweather have agreed to Olympic-style drug testing for the fight. Mayweather's insistence on such methods helped scuttle prior talks for a Pacquiao fight.

Mayweather, 41-0 with 25 knockouts, won his last fight in controversial fashion, knocking out Victor Ortiz last September when his rival was distracted by the referee having just restarted the action after a break.

Cotto, 36-2 with 29 knockouts, is 16-2 in world title fights and avenged a 2008 title loss to Margarito two months ago.

Endangered turtle baby boom in Philippines

2012-02-01T21:51:00.000+08:00

By Karl Malakunas | AFP News

Globally endangered green turtles are enjoying a baby boom on remote Philippine islands as a three-decade protection programme starts to pay off, environment group Conservation International said Wednesday.

The project is a key part of worldwide efforts to rebuild green turtle populations, and could help see the species' status upgraded from endangered to vulnerable in a few years, CI Philippines' executive director Romeo Trono said.

"We are seeing very stable increases in their populations around the world and... this is a very important contribution," Trono told AFP, referring to the Turtle Islands sanctuary that straddles the Philippine-Malaysia sea border.

On Baguan, one of the nine islands that make up the sanctuary, 1.44 million turtle eggs were laid last year, the highest number since records started in 1984, according to Conservation International.

With one percent of green turtles generally surviving until adulthood, last year's baby boom will lead to roughly 13,000 green turtles living a long life as they swim the world's oceans, the group said.

Trono said this population alone could be one of the biggest in the world, alongside groups of green turtles in Australia and Costa Rica where conservation efforts are also underway.

The success on Baguan is so important because green turtles can live up to 100 years, meaning the 2011 boom's impacts will be felt into the 22nd century.

Trono said that, when he began work on the Philippine project in the early 1980s as an environment department staff member, the eggs and their nests were regularly being "wiped out".

The eggs are considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia, and foreign fishermen as well as locals were poaching them.

The conservation efforts, which involve Philippine and Malaysian authorities as well as Conservation International, have seen strengthening law enforcement and volunteer community patrols to stop egg poaching.

The Philippine coast guard and navy are involved in helping to patrol the areas on their side of the border.

Amid so many reports of species being eradicated or becoming increasingly endangered around the world, Conservation International hailed the Turtle Islands' project as a model for helping to protect biodiversity.

"The increasing nest numbers show that when turtles are protected on their nesting beaches and in the water for long enough, they will recover," said Bryan Wallace, a marine scientist with Conservation International.

Aquino admits dating Grace Lee

2012-02-01T21:44:00.000+08:00

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

The 51-year-old bachelor president is back in the dating game, just in time for the season of love.

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III confirmed on Wednesday that he is “seeing” radio DJ and TV host Grace Lee a week after rumors sparked that the two went on a date.

“Well, we are seeing each other. Okay?” Aquino said during the anniversary rites of the Philippine Information Agency in Quezon City.

When asked for details, the president refused to divulge more and cited his constitutional right to privacy.

“I’ll leave it at that. Sa Constitution po natin, may nakalagay na privacy. Baka pwedeng mabahagian naman ako ng karapatan na iyon under Article 3,” he said.

The Korean-born Lee, 28, earlier refused to comment on their rumored romance and said that she wanted the president to speak on the issue first.

“The president really has my highest respect so I think it’s better if I leave the president to speak of the matter. Pagkatapos na lang siguro kung meron akong kailangan i-klaro, sasabihin ko rin,” she said on a TV interview last Friday, Jan. 27.

The news that the two dated last Wednesday, Jan. 25, came from fellow radio DJ Mo Twister, who tweeted, “We are talking about Grace Lee's date last night with President Aquino. #itsmorefuninthephilippines.”

Lee, who fluently speaks Tagalog and Cebuano, first caught Aquino's eye in June of 2011 at the inauguration of the Korea Electric Power Corp. power plant in Cebu.

Aquino reportedly commented that he found Lee, then the event's host, “gwapa.”

The president has insisted late last year that his love life is not his priority, even comparing it to Coke Zero.

Church asks Pacquiao to be 'bible ambassador'

2012-02-01T10:54:00.000+08:00

AFP News - The influential Catholic church in the Philippines said Monday it had asked boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to follow in the footsteps of NFL hero Tim Tebow and become a "bible ambassador".

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who presides over the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' (CBCP) bible ministry, said church leaders had approached Pacquiao with the idea, but received no feedback from the 32-year-old fighter.

"We asked him to partner with us in promoting the reading of the Bible among Catholics," David told reporters.

"We told him: 'You would be a big help to us brother Manny', but he has not pledged his partnership yet."

He said Pacquiao could follow the example of the Philippine-born National Football League star Tebow, a devout Christian dubbed by some in the press as "God's quarterback."

"Tim Tebow became very popular by promoting the word of God," David said. "Some have referred to Manny Pacquiao as the Tim Tebow of the Philippines."

Tebow, born in Manila in 1987 to a Baptist missionary couple, has emerged as America's hottest football star with his come-from-behind heroics for the Broncos.

Tebow has been very vocal about his Christianity and recently pledged to help fund a $3 million hospital in the southern Philippines.

Pacquiao is regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, amassing a 54-3 win-loss record with two drawn bouts. He holds a record eight world titles in as many weight divisions.

Pacquiao, who is also a politician and recently elected to the Philippines' lower house of parliament, often cites God as the source of his success, and wears a rosary around his neck before and after his fights.

But the ultra-rich sportsman has not escaped intrigue, and reports of him womanising and gambling have become rich tabloid fodder.

In an interview with Philippine TV station ABS-CBN this month, Pacquiao said he had recently renewed his faith and given up vices following an "encounter with God" during a dream.

In the dream, Pacquiao said he found himself in a forest, where a bright light shone, believed to be God, asking the fighter why he was veering away from Him.

"I woke up crying. I remember I was crying in my dream and when I touched my pillow, it was wet," he said.

"If I had died last year or in the last two years, I'm sure I would have gone straight to hell. My faith in Him was there, 100 percent, but behind it, after prayers, I would still do evil things."

Pacquiao said he now immersed himself in Bible study and spent more time when not in training with wife Jinkee and his four children, according to ABS-CBN.

Canon to build laser-printer factory in Philippines

2012-02-01T10:51:00.000+08:00

AFP News - Japanese high-tech giant Canon said Tuesday it would build a laser-printer factory in the Philippines in anticipation of strong growth in global demand.

Construction of the facility in Batangas would start in April next year with the plant scheduled to begin production a year later, Canon said in a statement.

"The expected increase in future demand for competitively priced laser printers has created a pressing need for Canon to secure necessary production capacity while making it possible for the company to respond in a flexible manner," it said.

The factory is expected to employ about 5,000 people by 2014, the company said, adding that the printer business was a central pillar of the firm alongside its other office products and cameras.

Canon said it chose the Philippines due to its ready labour supply and the fact that many workers were able to speak English.

The company Monday posted a solid full-year result despite the difficult global economic environment. Canon has two existing Philippines-based subsidiaries.

Cotto holds key to Manny's next bout

2012-01-31T00:52:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather won’t happen soon has opened all the possibilities, great ones, for fighters in and around the weight class the sport’s two biggest superstars are in right now.

Mayweather will fight on May 5, if he gets a license from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, and in the list of potential opponents are Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez and initially, Robert Guerrero.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, is looking at June 9 for his return to the ring. The names in his own list include Cotto, Timothy Bradley and Lamont Peterson.

If Pacquiao vs Mayweather were to happen on May 5 or June 9, then it leaves these other boxers going at each other’s throats. But since it’s far-fetched from happening, the merry-go-round begins.

Mayweather and Pacquiao, the WBC and WBA welterweight champions, want Cotto, because a fight with the heavy-handed Puerto Rican would perhaps be the easiest to sell.

The problem with the weight, however, is keeping Cotto away from a rematch with Pacquiao, who’s insisting on 147 lb. Cotto said he won’t go that low for Pacquiao, in contrast to Mayweather who’s open to fighting Cotto at 150.

But the NSAC could stand in the way of Mayweather-Cotto, and if the undefeated American, who’s supposed to go to jail starting on June 1, is denied a license, then where goes Cotto go?

He can go to Pacquiao, and beg for a catchweight of 149 lb, or try to defend his junior-middleweight crown against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and make much less money than with a fight with Pacquiao.

Pacquiao’s promoter, in anticipation of a non-fight with either Mayweather or Cotto, has broached the idea of a mini-tournament featuring Pacquiao vs Bradley and Marquez vs Peterson.

Then the winners could clash sometime in October or November, again leaving Mayweather out of the picture.

Even without Mayweather, Pacquiao is in for two big fights this year, and Arum said the 33-year-old Filipino congressman should get no less than $20 million for each bout.

Mayweather can go to jail in June without fighting in May, and that’s if the NSAC denies him a license. But if he gets one, he’d most likely land the fight with Cotto.

Right now, Bradley, the undefeated light-welterweight champion, has the inside track in the Pacquiao derby.

“Does it look closer to being Bradley? It looks closer to being Bradley, obviously, by the process of elimination,” Arum told www.ringTV.com .

“Pacquiao’s opponent will be decided late this week. We’ve got plenty of time,” said the Top Rank chief, however, adding that Cotto still has a chance.

“What happens if Miguel Cotto comes back and says, ‘Okay, I’ll make the weight? That opens up another possibility. But right now, he’s saying that he wouldn’t.”

Everything might change depending on what the NSAC says Wednesday when it deals with Mayweather’s license.

Then the music stops. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Jinkee's Sweet Revenge

2012-01-31T00:46:00.000+08:00

Philstar – Sun, Jan 29, 2012

They say that looking good is the best revenge.

Look at Jinkee Pacquiao.

Tired of the endless gossip linking her husband Manny Pacquiao to this woman and that woman, she decided to change her look by cutting her hair and eventually looking at life with a positive point of view — with the help of The Bible.

“When a woman cuts her hair,” she agreed, “it means na may malaking pagbabago sa buhay niya.”

But it didn’t stop people from talking about her. When Jinkee’s picture was (apparently) photoshopped for the cover of Mega magazine, making her look “very different,” tongues wagged. It didn’t bother her.

“Maganda naman, di ba?”

Even Manny liked it, no matter if he was surprised by the minor controversy that it generated.

During a pictorial for The Belo Medical Clinic of which she’s an endorser, Jinkee talked about her new look, how prayer helped make Manny change and how peace now reigns in their family that was almost wrecked by tsismis.

For the exclusive STAR pictorial, Jinkee wore a red dress, perhaps in keeping with the Chinese New Year (of the Water Dragon). Later in the afternoon, she changed into a yellow dress that showed some flesh, just a bit of it. When Manny dropped by, he frowned a bit and said, “Masyado naman yatang sexy ‘yan!” But he liked it just the same.

In the following candid Conversation, her first after her recent 33rd birthday, Jinkee fielded all questions with an easy smile, proving beyond any reasonable doubt that, indeed, she’s at peace with herself and with the world around her.

What animal are you?

“Sheep.” (Actually, born in 1979 she’s a Goat. — RFL)
‘I have finally found peace for myself and for my family. Manny and I have been Bible readers since late last year when he was training for his fight (with Juan Manuel Marquez).’ PHOTOS by VER PAULINO

What about Manny?

“He’s a Horse (1978).”

Are the Goat and the Horse compatible?

“Sa palagay ko.”

You’re glowing…blooming na blooming. Is it because you have inner peace?

“Answered prayer.”

What were you praying for?

“For me to have peace of mind, peace in our family…na ang mga anak ko ay laging masaya at maganda ang pangangatawan. But No. 1 talaga is for my peace of mind.”

Kay Manny, anong pini-pray mo?

“His work, ‘yung mga laban niya na sana hindi siya tamaan sa ulo, kawawa naman. When I see him in the ring, I pray that the fight will be short and fast, na sana sandali lang so he won’t get hurt too much.”

During our previous interview, you said that three weeks before a fight, you and Manny refrained from having sex. What else do you and Manny observe before a fight…no fight at home?

“I shouldn’t give him any problem that will bother his mind, so what I do is tell him positive stories…puro lang masasayang kuwento.”

No tsismis?

“Hmmmm, sometimes kasama ‘yon, that cannot be avoided. Pero alam na niya kung paano iha-handle ‘yon.”

Of course, you also owe your look to The Belo Medical Clinic. What treatment are you undergoing?

“A lot. I go to the Belo Clinic once a week for facial and other treatments.”

Including Smart Lipo?

“Once lang ‘yon…after I gave birth to Princess. Sa upper and lower abdomen.”

Do you work out?

“Not much; diet lang.”

Some people are saying that you look “different,” suspecting that you have undergone cosmetic surgery (facial enhancement).

(Laughs) “Nothing in my face; only parts of my body were touched.”

Your picture on the cover of a recent issue of Mega magazine was controversial. Hindi mo raw kamukha, masyado raw retokada (photoshopped).

“Nag-OK ako sa pictorial. I trusted the people at Mega magazine. I was happy with the result. I really appreciated their effort in making me look good.” (According to A-list make-up artist Kris Basuelo, it must be the make-up that made Jinkee’s face look thinner. — RFL) “I think it was my hair. I cut it short. For the longest time my hair was long. I guess baka nanibago lang ang mga tao at nasabi nilang parang hindi na ako ‘yon.”

Did Manny like it?

“Yes. Nagandahan naman siya, happy naman siya. Nagulat lang siya kung bakit may intriga.”

New year, new life. Is it true that Manny has also changed his ways?

“Yes, he has really changed. No more party-party; noon, halos gabi-gabi nagpa-party siya. No more drinking.”

Milk na lang?

“No more hard drinks. Bawal malasing. Maski wine, ayaw na niya.”

Good news.

“At wala na ring casino-casino.”

Was gambling only a hobby for Manny?

“Hmmmm…..I think it’s like that in the beginning when you’re earning big money, kapag sikat ka na at malaki ang kinikita mo. You don’t know what to do with your money.”

Saan madalas manalo si Manny, sa casino o sa boxing?

“Of course, sa boxing!”

Nasanay ka na rin ba sa mga tsismis tungkol kay Manny and other women?

“I don’t mind them anymore. I told him, ‘Hindi naman dapat maging okey lang ako lagi, na hanggang sa pagtanda ko ganoon ang ginagawa mo, hindi puwede sa akin ‘yon.’ I don’t want that to happen to our children. When the time comes that they get married, siguro mapi-feel nila kung ano ang sa kanila ng tatay nila, and I don’t think they will like it. So I told Manny, ‘Stop na!’”

What if, just IF, he wouldn’t stop?

“Eh, di mag-isa na lang siya sa buhay niya.”

Do you allow Manny to still look at other women?

“Puwede naman, as long as he should know what The Bible says…na kung paano magkasala ang isang may-asawang tao, at kung ano ang mga hindi dapat gawin.”

Oo nga pala, Bible readers na pala kayo…since when?

“When we were in the States practicing for his fight (with Juan Manuel Marquez in December last year).”
Peace in the family. Says Jinkee, ‘Even the children notice the change in Manny. He now stays at home and spends more time with the children.’

Is it true that the Team Pacquiao has been trimmed down, nabawasan ng maraming miyembro?

“Medyo dumi-distansya na sila. Before, they were always with me, nag-iinuman. Parang bad influence kay Manny.”

Is it true that you were the one who made them stay away?

“Hindi na sila nagpapakita. I think nahihiya na sila siguro because Manny is a changed man now. Homebody na siya. Palaging taong-bahay.”

What does he do at home?

“He reads The Bible.”

Doesn’t he get bored?

“I don’t think so. Sana hindi, kasi desisyon niya ‘yon, eh, para sa katahimikan namin at ng aming pamilya.”

Good for this year, next year and the next few years?

“Forever!”

According to a US sports magazine, you were instrumental in the big change in Manny.

“Well, it has to start with me kasi ako ang palagi niyang kasama. He has to be a role model to other families na kailangan hindi mag-hiwalay ang mag-asawa.”

Have you reached a point when you almost separated?

“Hmmmm, yes, we did. That was the time when I wanted to give up na. But I kept on praying…asking The Lord to show me a way to make Manny change. My prayer was answered.”

Do your children notice the change in their father?

“Yes, kasi Manny has more time with the children. He’s always at home, playing with the kids.”

By the way, belated happy birthday. Manny gave you an island (worth P25M daw) as a gift. Was it a peace offering?

“Hindi naman. The TV news was exaggerated. That island is part of Sarangani. We stayed there n’ung New Year. We’re renting it from the government, P100,000 a year. We can rent it for 25 years, it depends.”
With Cristalle Henares of The Belo Medical Clinic

If ever you decide to buy it, what would you do with it?

“We can turn it into a resort.”

It’s almost sure that Manny will fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. middle of this year. What support are you giving Manny?

“The usual…Give him no problem, pray for him…”

…and no sex three weeks before the fight.

(Laughs) “…yes, kasama na rin ‘yon.”

Are you planning to go on vacation before the fight?

“Maybe in July…for two months, with the kids.”

Anything you want to tell women having “intentions” for Manny?

“God bless you! Kung may balak kayo, I will pray for you! God will punish you!”

Puerto Princesa Underground River officially in New7wonders

2012-01-30T11:57:00.002+08:00

By Thea Alberto-Masakayan | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom – Sun, Jan 29, 2012

The astonishing Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in Palawan is officially one of the New7wonders of nature, authorities said Saturday.

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, announced that the 8.2-kilometer navigable river made it to the list, according to the New7Wonders site.

This news might boost Philippine tourism and comes just weeks after the Department of Tourism unveiled its new tourism slogan "It's more fun in the Philippines," to attract more foreign travelers.

In November 2011, PPUR made it to the provisional list of the New7wonders. To date, PPUR is the only provisional winner that has been confirmed apart from South Korea's Jeju Island.

"The remaining five provisional New7Wonders of Nature are currently undergoing the three steps of the verification process, namely the national voting validation, the global voting calculation confirmation by an independent audit firm, and the preparation and implementation of the Official Inauguration ceremonies," the New7Wonders said in a statement.

Apart from its actual river, PPUR boasts of gigantic stalactites formations and picturesque "caves".

Malacanang, which also vigorously campaigned for PPUR, also welcomed the news.

"Confirmation that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature is welcome news indeed. Throughout the competition, Filipinos from all walks of life have given time, energy, and resources to this campaign," Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino himself campaigned for PPUR's victory, noting that its inclusion in the New7Wonders would not only "bolster a sense of national pride" but will also provide employment.

"We must also remember that the tourists we can potentially attract will redound to thousands of employment opportunities; our success here will ultimately breed success for Filipinos everywhere," Aquino had said.

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn was meanwhile quoted in the New7wonders statement as saying that this will surely boost PH's image.

“World-wide exposure of our natural beauty on this level is critical both for tourism and for our image nationally and internationally," Hagedorn reportedly added.

China calls for calm after Philippine offer to US

2012-01-30T11:50:00.002+08:00

(AFP News ) China on Sunday called for greater efforts towards "peace and stability" in the region, after the Philippines offered to allow more US troops on its territory.

Manila said Friday it planned to hold more joint exercises and to let more US troops rotate through the Southeast Asian country -- an offer welcomed by the United States as it seeks to expand its military power in Asia.

"We hope that relevant parties will make more effort towards peace and stability in the region," China's foreign ministry said in a brief statement faxed to AFP.

The government's response was in sharp contrast to a blistering editorial in the Global Times -- known for its nationalistic stance -- which said Beijing should impose sanctions against the Philippines over the move.

China should use its "leverage to cut economic activities" between the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries and consider "cooling down" business links with its smaller neighbour, according to the editorial published in the Chinese and English versions of the newspaper.

"It should show China's neighbouring areas that balancing China by siding with the US is not a good choice," it said.

"Well-measured sanctions against the Philippines will make it ponder the choice of losing a friend such as China and being a vain partner with the US."

China and the Philippines, along with Vietnam, have rival claims to parts of the South China Sea, home to some of the world's most important shipping lanes and believed to hold vast deposits of fossil fuels.
Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia also have claims in the South China Sea.

Manila and Hanoi complained repeatedly last year of what they said were increasingly aggressive acts by China in the decades-long rift.

The alleged acts, which included a Chinese naval ship reportedly firing warning shots at Filipino fishermen, fuelled fears among some nations in the region about China as its military and political strength grows.
The US has been looking to increase its military presence across Asia Pacific in a strategic shift that has angered China.

US President Barack Obama said in November the United States would deploy up to 2,500 Marines to northern Australia. The following month, a US admiral wrote that the US expected to station several combat ships in Singapore.

Philippines flags greater US military presence

2012-01-27T16:06:00.000+08:00

AFP News - The Philippines said on Friday it would accept a greater US military presence on its territory to help defend its interests and ensure peace in the region, amid rising tensions with China.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines wanted more joint exercises with its former colonial ruler and to have a greater number of US troops rotating through the Southeast Asian country.

"It is to our definite advantage to be exploring how to maximise our treaty alliance with the United States in ways that would be mutually acceptable and beneficial," del Rosario said in a statement.

Del Rosario did not specifically name China as driving the Philippines' push for a greater US military presence, but highlighted "territorial disputes".

The Philippines has been locked in a decades-long dispute with China over competing claims to the South China Sea, but the tensions have escalated during the past year over what Manila considers increasing Chinese bullying.

Del Rosario said the increased US military presence could include "planning more joint exercises to promote interoperability and a rotating and more frequent presence by them".

"Such cooperative efforts would as well result in achieving a balance of influence to ensure peace, stability, and economic development in the region," he said.

Del Rosario said the US military build-up would be in accordance with Philippine law, which bans any foreign troops from being permanently based in the country.

The United States had large military bases in the Philippines until 1992, but was forced to abandon them after Filipino senators votes to kick them out.

However a rotating force of about 600 US troops has been stationed in the southern Philippines for the past decade, training local soldiers in how to combat Islamic militants.

Del Rosario's statement expanded on comments by US State Department officials in Washington on Thursday, who said the two countries were involved in talks this week on increasing military cooperation.

US President Barack Obama last year highlighted a shifting defence strategy with a greater military focus on Asia, where China's new assertiveness has rattled Washington's allies.

In November, the United States said it would deploy up to 2,500 Marines to northern Australia.

Three missing after Philippine tourist boat capsizes

2012-01-27T16:04:00.000+08:00

AFP News - Ten foreign tourists were rescued but three local crewmen remain missing after their boat capsized off the popular Philippine resort island of Boracay, according to police.

The motorised vessel carrying seven Britons, two Chinese, one Australian and the three Filipino crew members capsized on Thursday afternoon, according to a statement released by national police headquarters in Manila.

The Boracay tourist police dispatched a boat to the scene and rescued all the foreigners but the three sailors could not be found, the statement said.

The search for the three is continuing, the statement said, without giving a reason for the mishap.

Boracay, a small island with powdery-white sands and clear waters, is one of the Philippines' biggest tourism drawcards.

Santiago irked, forced to leave Day 7 trial

2012-01-27T16:00:00.000+08:00

After yet another heated argument with the prosecution team on Thursday, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago’s blood pressure shot up and was advised to leave early and rest at home.

Tom Tolibas, Santiago's media relations officer, said the senator’s blood pressure read 180/90. He said Santiago will return on Monday for the trial.

When the proceedings began, the senator-judge was irked by the prosecution’s failure to answer her directly.

“Just answer yes or no! I am tired of hearing your voice!” Santiago said to private prosecutor Atty. Arthur Lim. She asked Lim if the prosecution is charging Chief Justice Renato Corona under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

A further scolding

Santiago further scolded the private prosecutor for arguing with her and even threatened to bar Lim from appearing in court.

“How dare you raise questions to my authority? Don't overstep yourself! You cannot engage in a discussion with me! I am the judge here!” she yelled.

Santiago was absent during the first week of the impeachment trial because of her hypertension.

When she returned on Tuesday, the senator-judge stressed the need to hasten the proceedings and repeatedly hit the prosecution panel for “wasting the time” of the court.

Farinas ‘walks out’

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, member of prosecution panel, reportedly walked out of the trial and told his colleagues, “Bahala na kayo diyan!”

Camille Mathay, daughter of Fariñas, went to Twitter to explain her father’s action. “Dad was disappointed because he wanted to argue but was stopped. He has been wanting to take the stand,” she tweeted.

“If you won't let him talk, why keep him there? Haynaku!!!!!!!” she added.

Nevertheless, Fariñas returned to the session hall after several minutes.

By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

Papa Chen, Alice Bungisngis lead Yahoo! PH trending searches

2012-01-26T20:27:00.000+08:00

From January 9 to 15, 2012, celebrities, festivities and college entrance tests were the top trends on Yahoo! Search.

1. Richard Yap. Viewers of ABS-CBN's "My Binondo Girl" turned to Yahoo! Search for more information about actor Richard Yap, who plays Papa Chen in the series. The 44-year-old from Cebu was first seen playing a chef in a television commercial for the fast food chain, Chowking. Richard, who is happily married and has two kids, says he is thankful for the public's acceptance and support.

2. Bea Binene. The "Starstruck Kids" finalist and Kapuso tween star will play the title role in GMA Network's upcoming fantasy series, "Alice Bungisngis and Her Wonder Walis" opposite teen actors Jake Vargas and Derrick Monasterio.

3. Rachel Weisz. The Academy Award-winning British actress has been spotted on the streets of Manila to shoot her scenes for the movie, "The Bourne Legacy," the fourth and latest installment of the successful franchise. Weisz and Jeremy Renner, who plays the role of Jason Bourne, will be in the country until February. Weisz was also said to have attended the party of TV host Tim Yap.

4. Kim Bum. The star of "Boys over Flowers," South Korean actor Kim Bum, remains popular in the Philippines. Since he appears as a guardian angel in "Padam Padam… The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats," a fantasy series currently airing in South Korea, Filipino fans are likely searching for photos and videos from the series. They also want to know if the new series will be shown in the Philippines.

5. Melanie Amaro. The 19-year-old won the first season of the American singing contest "X-Factor" and received a $5 million recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment. Asked what she would buy with her winnings, she said she didn't need fancy things and, at the moment, wanted only a foot massager.

6. Sinulog. In early January, tourists flocked to the annual Sinulog Festival in Cebu, which is held in honor of Santo Niño or the Christ Child. The celebrations, however, were marred when burglars ran off with P1.6 million from the Sinulog Foundation's vault at the Cebu City Sports Center on the night of January 16.

7. Coco Martin. Young indie actor turned mainstream star Coco Martin is the new man being linked to Kris Aquino. Fortune tellers have said Coco would father a child with Kris, a fellow ABS-CBN contract star. Coco reacted by saying it was an impossible scenario because he treats Kris like a member of his own family. Coco plays the role of a haciendero's son in the new ABS-CBN series, "Walang Hanggan."

8. Jose Manalo. The comedian and "Eat Bulaga" co-host trended on Yahoo! Search after a video showing him imitating Gerald Anderson's mentally challenged character in the soap, "Budoy," turned viral. During the Fastbreak Charity Event for Typhoon Sendong victims at The Arena in San Juan, Jose was captured on video talking like Budoy but calling himself Unggoy. Gerald later joined him and gamely went in character as Budoy.

9. ACET results. A week after the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) and the University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test (USTET) trended, the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) also hit the search logs.

10. Marian Rivera. GMA Network's "Primetime Queen," Marian Rivera, joins this week's list of trending searches after her epicserye, "Amaya," aired its final episode to stellar ratings. Boyfriend Dingdong Dantes made a surprise appearance in the finale, playing Magellan, the Portuguese explorer sent by Spain to find new trade routes before he reached the Philippines. Marian and Dingdong are set to star together in the upcoming GMA series, "My Beloved."

By Ederic Eder, Yahoo! Southeast Asia | The Inbox

Facebook Timeline mandatory rollout: You have 7 days to scour your past

2012-01-26T07:48:00.000+08:00

Facebook is the virtual home to more than 800 million active users, so any change to how the network operates is a big deal. And nothing could be bigger for the social hotspot than completely revamping everyone's front-facing profile page, and that is exactly what is happening today. Starting this morning, the new Timeline feature — that up until now has been an optional switch — is now mandatory.

The Timeline differs from the default profile pages we know and love in several ways. Now, rather than showcasing only your most recent posts, your personal front page can be scrolled back months or years at a time. Most importantly, this change can offer visitors a glimpse at your entire social networking past, all the way back to the day that you joined up. The revamp can be both a blessing and a curse for seasoned social networkers, as it can produce a bit of pleasant nostalgia, but also drag up some of your less proud public moments.

Left untouched, your Timeline may remind of you of breakups, job troubles, or even a few unfortunate party photos that you have long since buried. Depending on your settings, these black marks on your digital past could allow new followers — including friends or business associates — to see a side of you that was better kept tucked away.

Privacy is already a hot topic for Facebook users and the network's litany of sharing options can be difficult to navigate, even for the most experienced users. The company isn't oblivious to how the Timeline may drag up some unwanted past events, so a short buffer zone is in place to allow you to modify your online persona before making its new debut. You now have until Tuesday, January 31 to erase any past Facebook scars you'd prefer to hide.

The mandatory Timeline rollout will undoubtedly catch some by surprise, but you don't have to fall victim to the ghosts of past updates. Take some time to review your social networking history and don't hesitate to prune anything that you wouldn't want on the front page of a local newspaper, because as of right now, the clock is ticking. Or, of course, you could always jump ship to Google+ instead.

This article originally appeared on Tecca by Mike Wehner.

Iza Calzado Now a Certified Kapamilya

2012-01-25T14:01:00.002+08:00

Actress Iza Calzado is now a certified Kapamilya.

On Tuesday afternoon, Calzado signed a three-year-contract with ABS-CBN.

Present during the signing were ABS-CBN executives including the network's president Charo Santos-Concio.

"Una sa lahat, I'm grateful for all the opportunity that GMA-7 has given me for almost 10 years. But, I just think that this is time for me to grow, to evolve, to learn. I think it's just a matter of timing and I've always wanted to work again with people from Channel 2. Kasi noong nag-Star Cinema ako for 'Milan' sabi ko one day I'm sure I will work with them again. I guess this is just the way it works. It's just a business and at some point we will make a certain decision and hopefully without burning bridges," Calzado said.

The actress admitted that it was a hard decision for her to move to ABS-CBN, explaining that she will really miss people she worked with, including Eat Bulaga's main hosts Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto and Senator Tito Sotto.

"Isa sa pinakamahirap na desisyon sa akin na iwanan ang Eat Bulaga. You can never understand what it is like unless you were part of that family. Napakabait nila and it takes a certain personality to jell with them and I was fortunate enough to have that kind of personality and they are very fun kaya lang I really need to do this. I'm sure maiintindihan nila," she said.

According to Calzado, included in her contract are a television series and reality show. She is also set to do a film.

"What I am allowed to disclose at this very moment is mayroon po akong drama show at magkakaroon ako ng reality TV show. Hindi naman ito tungkol sa buhay ko, kaya huwag kayong mag-alala di niyo ako susundan sa bahay ko," she said.

According to speculations, Calzado is being eyed to host the second season of "Pinoy Biggest Loser," replacing Sharon Cuneta.

In the interview, Calzado said she would like to do a project with actors Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz.

"So far gusto kong makasama ulit si Piolo, gusto ko siyang makasama di lang dahil sa crush ko siya kung di nakasama ko na siya sa 'Milan.' Gusto ko ding makasama si John Lloyd and I know that soon, I think, I will be working with him and, of course, Jericho Rosales and a lot like the younger ones like Gerald Anderson. I'm not saying that I wanna work with them because I wanna paired up with them, not necessarily. I really wanna work with people and I want to see what they're like."

"Sa (female stars) I would like to work with Judai (Judy Ann Santos). I want to work with Bea (Alonzo) who established a very good reputation as far as acting is concerned. Si Angelica Panganiban is a very strong character and a very strong actress as well. Si Karylle and Jodi Sta. Maria, I really want to work with them," she said.

She also said that as a new Kapamilya star, she's now ready to face tougher competition.

"At the end of the day it (competition) serves as a motivation and challenge but I'm not going to take anyone's place. I would like to make my own space and fill up a certain niche that maybe only I can fill," she said.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Katy Perry Kissed a Boy in the Philippines: Lucky Filipino Fan Kisses Katy Perry at Concert

2012-01-25T10:12:00.000+08:00

When In Manila, Katy Perry kissed a boy in the Philippines, and she liked it!

Check out the video and pics of this lucky guy with Katy Perry in Manila!

I. WANT. TO. BE. HIM! If only I could have wrestled him away from Katy and stolen that kiss!

The guy is Ivan Dorschner, a Pinoy Big Brother contestant from the PBB Teen Clash 2010 edition.

Funny thing is that according to our good friend and Katy Perry concert correspondent at the scene, Francine Prieto, she states that Derek Ransay was actually one of the people whom fans were screaming at to go on stage but was apparently “shy.” I guess that’s something only a Katy Perry can do!

Katy Perry asked for one shirtless guy from the crowd and Ivan Dorshner was glad to oblige. Katy Perry was so playful and fun! You can even see Miss Peacock here pinching the shirtless Ivan Dorshner’s nipple!

So lucky Ivan Dorshner was able to go on stage and live out every man’s California Dream with Katy Perry in Manila, if only for a few blissful seconds.

Even Katy Perry herself had a blast! Here’s what she had to say on her Twitter page: “Thanks for an AMAZING FINAL CDT date Manila! Sorry to keep u waiting earlier… had to solve a security issue, but THE SHOW WENT SPLENDIDLY!” -Katy Perry via Twitter (@katyperry)

Full Story: When In Manila

Siargao is world's 8th best surf spot: CNNGo

2012-01-24T14:55:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Siargao, a teardrop-shaped island in Surigao del Norte, is the eighth best surf spot in the world, according to the travel news website of the Cable News Network (CNN).

The list of the World's Top 50 Best Surf Spots was compiled by CNNGo writer and "avid surfer" Jade Bremmer. It also used contributions from other professional surfers.

"This dramatic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow razor-sharp coral, offers right and left death rides to those who dare. Those who do will experience a slice of paradise, or magic mushroom-like hallucinations, as the wave wraps over them like a Cornish pasty-shaped cocoon of water. Don't slip, or your skin and bones will be ripped to shreds by the ocean bed," Bremmer wrote about Siargao's famous "Cloud Nine" in the article.

Topping CNNGo's list of top surf spots in the world is Pipeline in Oahu, Hawaii, which was described as "the daddy of all waves."

"It's the site most surfers will never be good enough to surf, but dream of riding its perfect crest," Bremmer wrote.

Below is the full list posted on CNNGo:

1. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii, United States
2. Supertubes, Jeffry's Bay, South Africa
3. Uluwatu and Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
4. Superbanks, Gold Coast, Australia
5. Mavericks, California, United States
6. Lima, Peru
7. Hossegor, France
8. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines
9. Sultans, North Male, Maldives
10. Honolua Bay, Hawaii, United States
11. Montanita Beach, Montanita, Ecuador
12. Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand
13. Riyuewan, Sanya, Hainan, China
14. Surfrider Beach, Malibu, United States
15. Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
16. Cloudbreak, Tavarua Island, Fiji
17. Joe's Point, Sur, Oman
18. Watergate Bay, Cornwall, England
19. Backdoor, Hawaii, United States
20. Pasta Point, Maldives
21. Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
22. Bundoran Beach, County Donegal, Ireland
23. Gold Coast, Australia
24. Fistral Beach, Newquay, England
25. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, United States
26. Carrapateira, Taghzout, Portugal
27. Rincon, Puerto Rico
28. Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil
29. Pedra Branca Ericeira, Portugal
30. Killer Point, Taghazoute, Morocco
31. White Beach, Okinawa, Japan
32. Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France
33. Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Australia
34. Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada
35. Ponta Preta, Maio, Cape Verde
36. Special K, Samoa
37. Biarritz, France
38. Coconuts, Samoa
39. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Buxton, United States
40. Bondi Beach, Sydney
41. Black's Beach, San Diego, California, United States
42. The Bubble, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
43. Surfer's Point, Barbados
44. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
45. Open Beach Umm Sequim, Dubai, UAE
46. Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand
47. Fulong Beach, Taiwan
48. Baja Malibu, Baja Norte, Mexico
49. Eisbach, Munich, Germany
50. Big Wave Bay, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Full Story: ABS-CBNnews.com

Gunmen kill 15 Philippine fishermen: military

2012-01-24T14:30:00.000+08:00

(AFP News) Gunmen have killed 15 Philippine fishermen and wounded three others in a sea attack by suspected local rivals, the military said Tuesday.

The fishermen were killed by men armed with assault rifles off the insurgency-torn southern island of Basilan on Monday, regional military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Randolph Cabangbang told AFP.

"They (victims) were fishing on another group's turf," Cabangbang told AFP in a telephone interview.

He said the authorities had ruled out the potential involvement of Islamist militants or Muslim guerrillas, who are also active in Basilan.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but police have identified several suspects and arrests are expected shortly, Cabangbang said.

A military unit was ordered to provide security for police investigators as well as to help track down the suspects, described by the authorities as heavily armed.

"There is an operation to track down the attackers, who could also be fishermen. This attack could be connected to a turf war," said regional military commander Major-General Noel Coballes.

The victims were all residents of the southern city of Pagadian, about 160 kilometres (100 miles) to the northeast, and were attacked as soon as their three boats approached the tiny island of Sibago, off Basilan's east coast.

Other fishermen in the area later discovered the shooting and took the three wounded victims to hospital, Cabangbang said.

The bodies of the 15 dead fishermen were taken back to Pagadian, he added.

Rights groups have said a culture of impunity pervades the Philippines, where there are more than 1.1 million unlicensed firearms, on top of the 1.3 million guns in the hands of authorised police and military personnel.

The combined tally means there is roughly one firearm for every 40 Filipinos.

Pacquiao won't lose sleep if Floyd says 'No'

2012-01-23T13:40:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is not losing sleep over Floyd Mayweather Jr. rejecting his offer of a 50-50 split of the fight purse.

“Okay lang. May iba pa namang fights (It’s okay. There are other fights),” said Pacquiao, who had hoped for a positive response from Mayweather.

Pacquiao said a couple of nights ago Mayweather called him on the phone, and they discussed the possibility of staging the superfight in May or June.

During their two-minute conversation, which must have felt like an hour for both fighters, Pacquiao told Mayweather they should do the fight under a 50-50 basis.

“Sana matuloy na nga (I hope it pushes through),” he told The STAR.

But the undefeated American, who will go to jail in June regardless of whom he fights next, has reportedly thumbed down Pacquiao’s golden offer.

Many think it’s the best way to do the fight, with both superstars getting just as much as the other – fair and square.

Mayweather, however, has other things in mind. He thinks he’s better than Pacquiao, and deserves more than the Filipino champion in eight weight classes.

“He asked about a 50/50 split and I told him no, that can’t happen,” Sportscenter quoted Mayweather as saying.

Mayweather must have made up his mind that if he doesn’t get more than Pacquiao, then he’d fight someone else, for a much, much lesser price.

“But what can happen is you (Pacquiao) can make more money fighting me than you have made in your career,” Mayweather apparently told Pacquiao over the phone.

“I also let him know I’m in control on my side but he needs to get on the same page as his promoter so we can make this fight happen,” Sportscenter also wrote.

Pacquiao wouldn’t budge either. He said 50-50 is it, nothing more, nothing less. Or he fights someone else as well.

“I’ve chosen my next opponent,” said Pacquiao.

And the name of that chosen one will soon be announced by Bob Arum once the legendary promoter finally gives up on the Mayweather fight.

It could be Miguel Cotto up next for Pacquiao even if Juan Manuel Marquez, Tim Bradley and Lamont Peterson are in the mix or used to be in the mix.

If Pacquiao takes on Cotto on June 9, the eve of the Puerto Rico Day parade, Arum said it may take place at the Thomas and Mack Center or the MGM.

Arum had said Pacquiao vs Mayweather can happen late in May or June 9 in Las Vegas. Otherwise, both fighters have to move on, and hope they end up doing the fight in November.

Arum is sick and tired of people saying he’s the one who doesn’t want the fight to happen.

“I’m not stopping any fight. This is all for public relations, it’s nonsense. Arum’s blocking the fight and so on, it’s just ridiculous. What’s going on is not rational,” Arum told boxing scribe Michael Marley .

“This is not the normal way you put together a big fight. The normal way would be for us to sit down somewhere. Mayweather said he won’t agree to a 50-50 split with Manny. Now that’s something blocking the fight, something we won’t agree to,” the Top Rank chief added.

Pacquiao is giving Mayweather his best offer, at 50-50, but again, he won’t lose sleep if it doesn’t come along. He’s not the one going to jail anyway. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Indonesian atheist faces jail after Facebook post

2012-01-23T13:28:00.000+08:00

(AFP News) An Indonesian civil servant who declared himself an atheist on Facebook was arrested and is now facing jail for blasphemy after being attacked by an angry mob, police said Friday.

Alexander An, 30, who wrote "God doesn't exist" on his Facebook page, was beaten by a mob of dozens on Wednesday in his hometown in Pulau Punjung, West Sumatra province.

"He is suspected of having blasphemed against Islam," local police chief Chairul Aziz told AFP.

"The man told police investigators that if God really exists and has absolute power, why didn't he prevent bad things from happening in this world."

An said on his Facebook page that he was brought up as a Muslim, like the vast majority in Indonesia, where blasphemy is a punishable crime carrying a maximum five-year prison term.

Dozens of locals stormed into his office after a heated debate with them on Facebook over religion, police said.

An was also an administrator of a Facebook group promoting atheism with 1,243 followers. His postings no longer appeared online following his arrest.

SOPA is essentially dead, and we killed it

2012-01-23T12:14:00.000+08:00

Following the news that the Senate is delaying a vote the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) issued a statement today admitting that Congress may need to rethink its approach to thwarting piracy.

Smith is the author of the House version of PIPA, the Stop Online Piracy Act. Last week, he announced that a vote on SOPA would be delayed until February, but the delay could actually end up being much longer — like forever.

Smith’s new statement implicitly acknowledges the mounting tide of anti-SOPA sentiment that culminated Wednesday with many websites going offline or “blacking out” their homepages, anti-SOPA protests in several cities, and millions of people signing petitions against the proposed legislation.

“I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy,” Smith said today. “It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.”

PIPA and SOPA give the U.S. government and copyright holders the authority to seek court orders against foreign websites associated with infringing, pirating and/or counterfeiting intellectual property. It could drastically change the way the Internet operates if either bill is voted into law. For instance, if a website is accused of containing copyright-infringing content (like a song, picture, video clip etc.), the site could be blocked by ISPs (like Comcast), de-indexed from search engines, and even prevented from doing business online with services like PayPal.

Based on Smith’s statements, it seems unlikely that SOPA will get sent to the House floor for a vote before the country holds elections for the 113th Congress — meaning that SOPA is essentially dead.

“The House Judiciary Committee will postpone consideration of the legislation until there is wider agreement on a solution,” Smith said.

Much of the initial push behind SOPA and PIPA came from large media companies (Hollywood) that claim they take millions of dollars in financial losses due to piracy from organizations outside of the U.S. However, the methods SOPA and PIPA want to use for thwarting piracy have raised lots of opposition from the technology industry as well as millions of U.S. citizens.

So, reaching a legislative solution for curbing piracy that both tech business leaders and Hollywood can agree on probably won’t happen anytime soon.

However, both sides do seem willing to start talking about the issue of stopping piracy. The pro-SOPA Motion Picture Association of America’s president and former senator Chris Dodd has recently even suggested that the two sides start meeting.

We’ve pasted the House Judiciary Committee’s full statement below:

Washington, D.C. — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today issued the following statement in response to the Senate decision to postpone consideration of legislation to help combat online piracy.

Chairman Smith: “I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy. It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products.

“The problem of online piracy is too big to ignore. American intellectual property industries provide 19 million high-paying jobs and account for more than 60 percent of U.S. exports. The theft of America’s intellectual property costs the U.S. economy more than $100 billion annually and results in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Congress cannot stand by and do nothing while American innovators and job creators are under attack.

“The online theft of American intellectual property is no different than the theft of products from a store. It is illegal and the law should be enforced both in the store and online.

“The Committee will continue work with copyright owners, Internet companies, financial institutions to develop proposals that combat online piracy and protect America’s intellectual property. We welcome input from all organizations and individuals who have an honest difference of opinion about how best to address this widespread problem. The Committee remains committed to finding a solution to the problem of online piracy that protects American intellectual property and innovation.”

The House Judiciary Committee will postpone consideration of the legislation until there is wider agreement on a solution.
By Tom Cheredar

NEWS CHANNELS GEARS UP FOR IMPEACHMENT COVERAGE

2012-01-23T11:35:00.000+08:00

The Big 3 news channels are gearing up with their coverage of the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

GMA News TV will cover the impeachment beginning today at 2 pm up to 6 pm. The network's coverage titled "The Chief Justice on Trial" is expected to run for 4 days. ANC will have the sane line-up, so as TV5's sister station AksyonTV.

Also, Solar Entertainment's TalkTV Channel 16 will cover the impeachment, with ANC's Pia Hontiveros leading the coverage.

Watch the promo videos below:

Full Story @ Medianewserphil

Chinese New Year Celebration on ASAP 2012

2012-01-22T14:01:00.002+08:00

“ASAP 2012” welcomes the Year of the Water Dragon through a star-studded double celebration of Chinese New Year live at the Quirino Grandstand this Sunday (January 22), at 12:15nn and a grand New Year countdown at 8pm.

Make some noise and attract all the good vibes with the biggest and brightest Kapamilya stars led by ASAP Kapamilya mainstays Gary Valenciano, ZsaZsa Padilla, Piolo Pascual, Luis Manzano, Kim Chiu, Jericho Rosales, KC Concepcion, Cristine Reyes, Sam Milby, and Sarah Geronimo.

To kick off the party, “ASAP 2012″ throws a grand farewell to the cast of top-rating Kapamilya teleserye, “Ikaw ay Pag-ibig,” led by child wonders Zaijan Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Mutya Orquia, and Louise Abuel, as they thank and invite fans for their finale week. Also gracing the ASAP concert stage are the lead stars of the newest Primetime Bida drama series, “E-Boy” that include Bugoy CariÃ±o, Ariel Rivera, Agot Isidro, Jomari Yllana, and Valerie Concepcion.

Have a festive time with the stellar cast members of ABS-CBN’s two newest Kapamilya Gold offerings and one Star Cinema movie–Maja Salvador, Patrick Garcia and Jason Abalos of “Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin;” Empress, Ejay Falcon, and Nikki Gil of “Mundo Man Ay Magunaw;” and Maja, Matteo Guidecelli, and Xian Lim of the film “My Cactus Heart.”

Complete the Chinese New Year with a string of concert performances including the explosive song number of Arnel Pineda; world-class blowout of ‘Mamma Mia!’ cast; big time concert acts from Christian Bautista, Jed Madela, Erik Santos, Karylle, Yeng Constantino, Zia Quizon, Vincent Bueno, Boys R Boys, ASAP Pinoy Champs, and ASAP Sessionistas. Also, dance along with ASAP Supahdancers Iya Villania, Gab Valenciano, Rayver Cruz, John Prats, Enchong Dee, and Enrique Gil. “Growing Up” stars Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo, and Diego Loyzaga will also take part in the Chinese New Year celebration.

Full Story @ Kapamilyalogy

How SOPA, PIPA could affect Pinoy Web users

2012-01-21T08:26:00.000+08:00

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – The proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) bills in the United States may have detrimental effects to legitimate online businesses in the country.

Mounting protests against the proposed bills has reached fever-pitch with several international websites going offline in protest of these bills.

Wikipedia, Google, YouTube, Yahoo!, Facebook and Twitter are among those opposing the bills, saying these represent Internet censorship and will impede freedom of speech.

In addition, the bills are feared to threaten legitimate online businesses outside the US, especially if these are merely suspected of copyright infringement.

While the intention of SOPA and PIPA is to protect intellectual property and copyrights of those in the music and movie industries, it could also put a strain on the use of copyright-free content.

If these bills are enacted into law, alleged violators even outside the US can be prosecuted by US courts or can be blocked via DNS (domain name system) blocking and redirection.

Thus, the SOPA and PIPA could have rippling effects on legitimate websites and other online businesses. In fact, the proposals have broad description of websites that could be suspected of copyright infringement and, without a proper description, could actually sweep through all websites, even legitimate ones.

Even online forums would be affected as the simple act of posting a copyright-protected image or video by a single forum member could have the entire forum taken down.

Members of PinoyExchange.com, one of the oldest forums in the Philippines, have been discussing the SOPA and PIPA.

Forum moderator Monto Gawe noted on the possibility that even their forum could be affected. One commenter, “jvandread” likened the SOPA and PIPA to a green light “to drop a nuclear bomb… whenever they want.”

A few, meanwhile, support the SOPA. A couple of comments in the blog of Coach Sonnie stressed on the importance of censorship.

One comment by “Gerry” said that he respects the right of the US to protect its copyright laws and he would only need to innovate the way he does business and added: “Being apprehensive about things like the US passing certain copyright laws is not the right reaction.”

Another comment by “croCus” said he is thankful that censorship is taking place and that the Philippines should follow and added: “With a lack of laws (and the corresponding punishment), I can just imagine that those cybercrooks would saturate in Asia and mess up our online lives.”

Both proposals are set to be deliberated by the US Senate again in the coming weeks. The outcome of the votes could decide what would happen to the Internet and the noise will only continue to increase.

By Alexander Villafania || loQal || Check out the Latest News

Kris plays matchmaker for Aquino, Shinawatra

2012-01-21T08:11:00.000+08:00

(UPDATE) The presidential sister is at it again.

Actress Kris Aquino has played matchmaker again for her brother, bachelor President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, this time with a new prospect: Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Shinawatra who arrived in PH Thursday met with the president to boost Thailand and PH's bilateral relationship.

In her tweet, Kris praised the Thai leader's beauty and noted that she's a good match for her brother.

"She's tall & slim & attractive! 44 yrs old, bagay for PNoy!" Kris said.

The headturner Thai leader however is already "married" to a businessman named Anusorn Amornchata and has one son. She is technically single because her marriage had not been registered, according to several reports.

Aquino has been reported dating since his break-up with Shalani Soledad but has already requested for privacy in his quest for his life-long partner.

'Good discussion'

In his speech at Malacanang, Aquino said he had good discussions with Shinawatra.

"Prime Minister Shinawatra and I had very good discussions: it was an illuminating exchange of views on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest to both our countries," said Aquino.

Aquino said Thailand is among Philippines’ largest trading partners and the two countries are now seeking to expand partnerships.

"Outside of our robust economic engagement, the Prime Minister and I agreed to further expand our functional cooperation in key areas such as education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management," said Aquino.

He also invited Thai companies to invest in PH's Private-Public Partnership (PPP) program, as he noted that the "private sector is a vital partner in fulfilling our growth and development objectives."

Aquino also thanked Thailand for helping PH during the Sendong tragedy.

Aquino also bared that he and Shinawatra discussed disputes on the West Philippine Sea.

"I reiterated our position that a rules-based approach is the only legitimate way to address the disputes in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

This is Shinawatra's first visit to the Philippines and is a key event for the 63rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between PH and Thailand.
By Thea Alberto-Masakayan || Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom || Check out the Latest News

Mayweather phones Pacquiao to discuss possible May fight

2012-01-20T09:52:00.003+08:00

LOS ANGELES - Floyd Mayweather has spoken to Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao by telephone to discuss a possible megafight next May, advisers to each fighter confirmed to several media outlets on Thursday.

Mayweather adviser Leonard Ellerbe confirmed the call to ESPN while Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum did the same to BoxingScene.com and Pacquiao himself talked with ABS-CBN network about the short conversation.

The Filipino report quoted Pacquiao as saying there would be no problem if Mayweather would agree to a 50-50 split of income from what is expected to be the richest fight in boxing history -- if it ever comes off.

Unbeaten US star Mayweather and Pacquiao, regarded as the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, nearly made a deal for a fight once before but the American's insistence on unique anti-doping blood tests helped kill the talks.

This time, Mayweather has a May 5 date booked at a Las Vegas arena while Pacquiao's promoter wants a late May date to assemble a huge outdoor arena so tickets can be sold to boost profits as much as $50 million.

"Floyd wants to fight Manny Pacquiao on May 5 and he went as far as to reach out to Manny Pacquiao personally," Ellerbe said.

Ellerbe told ESPN that Mayweather called from Las Vegas to the Philippines after earlier this month calling out southpaw Pacquiao on Twitter, taunting "Step Up, Punk" to the world welterweight champion.

Mayweather has spoken with Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz several times in recent weeks, according to all reports.

Pacquiao, 54-3 with two draws and 32 knockouts, has won his past 15 fights over a span of nearly seven years while Mayweather, 42-0 with 26 knockouts, must serve a 90-day jail sentence starting June 1 after a domestic violence conviction.

Arum said that the issue of who Pacquiao would next fight would be resolved this coming week. Arum presented four other possible foes for "Pac-Man" as next opponents, including Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto and Americans Lamont Peterson, Tim Bradley and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. — AFP

US shutters Megaupload.com; hackers retaliate

2012-01-20T09:51:00.001+08:00

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government shut down the Megaupload.com content sharing website, charging its founders and several employees with massive copyright infringement, the latest skirmish in a high-profile battle against piracy of movies and music.

The Department of Justice announced the indictment and arrests of four company executives on Thursday as debate in Washington reaches a fever pitch over online piracy. Lawmakers are trying to craft legislation that balances cracking down on violators while avoiding censorship of the Internet.

The movie and music industries want Congress to crack down on Internet piracy and content theft. Major Internet companies like Google and Facebook have complained that current drafts of the legislation would lead to censorship.

A Justice Department official said the timing of the arrests was not related to the battle in Congress.

Yet some of the most vocal critics of the bills, known as the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, and Protect IP Act (PIPA), quickly moved to show their opposition to the shutdown of Megaupload.com.

Hackers attacked the public websites of the Justice Department, the world's largest music company Universal Music, and the two big trade groups that represent the music and film industries.

"The government takes down Megaupload? 15 minutes later Anonymous takes down government & record label sites," a member of Anonymous said via Twitter.

Representatives with the Justice Department and Recording Industry Association of America declined comment on the attacks. Officials with Universal Music could not immediately be reached.

Motion Picture Association of America spokesman Howard Gantman said his group was working with law enforcement to identify the attackers.

The group, dubbed by prosecutors as "Mega Conspiracy," was accused of engaging in a scheme that took more than $500 million away from copyright holders and generated over $175 million in proceeds from subscriptions and advertising, according to the indictment unsealed on Thursday.

"In exchange for payment, the Mega Conspiracy provides fast reproduction and distribution of infringing copies of copyrighted works from its servers located around the world," the indictment said.

U.S. Justice Department officials said that the estimate of $500 million in economic harm to copyright holders was on the low end and likely significantly more.

A federal court in Virginia ordered the seizure of 18 domain names associated with the group. Further, some 20 search warrants were executed in the United States and eight other countries and about $50 million in assets and targeted sites were also seized.

The founders of the company - Kim Dotcom, who is also known as Kim Schmitz and Kim Tim Jim Vestor, and Mathias Ortmann - were charged. The company's chief marketing and sales officer, Finn Batato, head of development Sven Echternach and other company officials were also charged.

Dotcom, Batato, Ortmann and another individual charged were arrested in Auckland, New Zealand, by local authorities on Thursday and will face extradition hearings, the U.S. Justice Department said. Echternach and two others charged remain at large.

The allegations included copyright infringement as well as conspiracy to commit copyright infringement, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

If convicted, the maximum penalties are 20 years for conspiracy to commit racketeering and to commit money laundering and five years for each count of copyright infringement and five years for conspiracy to commit copyright infringement.

The companies charged, Megaupload Ltd and Vestor Ltd, were both registered in Hong Kong and owned either in large part or solely by Dotcom. A lawyer who has previously worked with Megaupload was not immediately available for comment.

Megaupload has boasted of having more than 150 million registered users and 50 million daily visitors, according to the indictment. At one point, it was estimated to be the 13th most frequently visited website on the Internet.

Users could upload material to the company's sites which then would create a link that could be distributed. The sites, which included video, music and pornography, did not provide search capabilities but rather relied on others to publish the links, the indictment said.

Users could purchase memberships to the site to obtain faster upload and download services, the primary source of revenue. Material that was not regularly downloaded was deleted and financial incentives were offered for popular content, according to the charges.

The web page with the link to the copyrighted material would include advertisements, another source of revenue.

If copyright holders complained about a specific link to the website, prosecutors said that Megaupload.com would remove that link but scores of others existed to the same material, according to prosecutors.

Other material found uploaded included child pornography and terrorism propaganda videos, according to the indictment. The U.S. government's investigation began in March 2010. — Reuters

Senators confused with 2nd impeach article vs Corona

2012-01-19T19:13:00.001+08:00

Senators, who are sitting as judges in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, on Thursday expressed confusion over the second article of impeachment, which accuses the chief magistrate of nondisclosure of his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

On the fourth day of the trial, Sen. Francis Escudero said that the prosecution is actually accusing Corona of “three separate acts” under one article of impeachment.

He said that aside from nondisclosure of the SALN, the prosecution also charged Corona of non-declaration of some properties and accumulation of ill-gotten wealth

“Bilang hurado kasi nalilito ako sa Article II... Pagdating po kasi ng botohan, boboto kami, hindi sa hiwa-hiwalay ng tanong na ito kundi sa isang tanong lamang. In the ordinary course of events, each article must accuse the respondent of a singular separate act,” Escudero said.

He asked both the defense and the prosecution to file separate memoranda to “guide” the senator-judges on this matter.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, asked members of the prosecution panel if they are still charging Corona of not disclosing his SALN even after Supreme Court clerk of court Atty. Enriqueta Villa was compelled by the impeachment court to reveal the documents on Wednesday.

“Now that they have seen it [the SALN] and now that it has been filed, are they still charging that it has not been disclosed since it must be disclosed at a certain manner?” he said.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, one of the prosecutors, told Cayetano that their camp is not abandoning charges of nondisclosure even after the release of Corona’s SALN.

“The disclosure of the SALN only on account of an impeachment complaint is not in accordance with the disclosure provided by the law,” he said.
Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News || Check out the Latest News

Dubai landlords turning down Pinoys over 'smelly food?'

2012-01-19T19:08:00.001+08:00

Some Filipinos in Dubai are claiming that certain real estate agents in Dubai are refusing to rent out apartments to them, partly because of the odor of a Filipino dried fish delicacy.

According to a report of Gulf News on Thursday, watchmen in two buildings informed a Filipino couple — Rey and Cynthia Alfonso — about an unwritten "no-leasing-to-Filipinos" rule by landlords.

The couple also said landlords are not happy with the Filipinos' tendency to overcrowd rental units.

However, the couple said "it's a false generalization. In reality, no one wants to live in an overcrowded place."

Gulf News said unrelated people may share a flat. However, the Dubai Municipality strictly enforces the one-family-one-villa rule. Violators can be fined Dh1,000 to Dh50,000, it said.

Foul-smelling food

Gulf News quoted Indian real estate agent Kumar as saying, "There's this one particular dried fish Filipino delicacy. I cannot blame them if they cook it and it's one of their favorite dishes. Even we Indians have some food that other people can't bear. But my landlord says this is one reason why Filipinos are not welcome in his building."

Kumar said "tuyo" (dried fish) fouls up rooms in centrally-cooled buildings.

Indian watchman Bagharam said a two-bedroom unit in their building is usualy rented out for Dh60,000 but is offered at Dh80,000 for Filipinos and Arabs.

Gulf News also quoted property agent Saeed as saying the building owner gave him specific orders not to take Filipinos, Chinese and Vietnamese as tenants. - VVP, GMA News

Binay hopes no repeat of 'impeachment' mistake

2012-01-19T18:56:00.000+08:00

Will history repeat itself?

Vice President Jejomar Binay urges the public not to repeat the same mistake it did during the impeachment trial of former president Joseph Estrada – letting public opinion rule above the law.

In his speech before the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Thursday, Binay recounted how Estrada’s trial failed after the prosecutors walked out of the impeachment court when the Senate then refused to accept evidence. The issue, he said, was finally decided by People Power 2 at EDSA, successfully ousting Estrada.

“It was wrong to have allowed enraged public opinion, rather than due process and the rule of law, to take control of the constitutional process, and to have allowed the impeachment trial to be aborted because of pressure from the streets,” Binay said.

The vice president added that it took the rest of former president Gloria Arroyo’s administration to make the Filipinos realize that the “constitutional shortcut was a ruinous mistake.”

“The fact that Estrada today appears to enjoy wider public support than Arroyo is further confirmation of that painful mistake. It seems, therefore, obvious that if there is anything we could learn form that first impeachment trial, is that we should not repeat any of its mistakes,” he said.

Binay was the running mate of Estrada in the 2010 national elections. Pardoned president Estrada obtained the second most number of votes.

Now, with the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, Binay pointed out that the country’s common objective should be to make sure that due process and rule of law are observed and that justice is served.

“Unless we see a serious breach in the proceedings, our common task is to lend to the Senate trial our attentive and respectful silence. It should succeed as a fair and just constitutional process,” he added.
By Shielo Mendoza | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom || Check out the Latest News

Philippine fruit, veg in Singapore market test

2012-01-19T16:27:00.000+08:00

AFP News - The Philippines will send a "trial shipment" of fruit and vegetables to Singapore next week in hopes of cracking the lucrative market and possibly expanding elsewhere, according to an official.

The move comes as the government tries to expand the nation's agricultural exports, which currently sit at about $4 billion, compared with Vietnam's $11 billion and Thailand's $28 billion.

About 20 boxes of carrots, cabbage, bananas, papaya, squash and spices will be shipped next week through Singaporean company Green and Fresh Ltd, said agriculture assistant secretary Salvador Salacup.

"These are just initial trial shipments. They still have to test the market for receptivity by their consumers, to test quality-wise for pest and disease control, if we meet safety and health protocols," he told AFP.

Officials from Green and Fresh visited the Philippines last year to check farms before deciding on the trial shipments, Salacup added.

If successful the trial could lead to large-scale shipments to Singapore which can open the door to other agricultural exports such as chicken and pork, Salacup said.

NAIA no longer world's worst

2012-01-19T12:29:00.000+08:00

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 (NAIA) is no longer the world's worst airport--at least for a known travel guide site.

Frommers.com however ranked NAIA as the second worst terminal, just a wee bit ahead of New York City's JFK Airport Terminal 3.

In its slideshow "The 10 worst airport terminals,” Frommers cited that although renovations are in place, the "changes can't come too soon."

"Some airports deserve special condemnation," Frommers.com story author Sascha Segan said.

Frommers quoted separate reports on high cases of theft and bribery in NAIA Terminal 1, apart from it being "congested" and "filthy."

These reports last year served as a wake-up call for the government, prompting initiatives to rehabilitate the decades-old terminal.

NAIA Terminal 1 was completed in 1981 and currently has 84 check-in counters and 22 immigration stations, according to the Manila International Airport Authority.

Along with the Department of Tourism's #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines campaign,a staggering P1.16 billion has been alloted for NAIA's renovation.

Frommers.com also cited Chicago Midway Airport, "Paris" Beauvais Airport in France, Amman Queen Alia Airport in Jordan, and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, among others, as the world's worst.

"These ten airports should deliver better service, and they don't." Segan adds.

With reports from Rica S. Facundo, Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Mayweather to Pacquiao: Step Up, Punk

2012-01-11T11:37:00.000+08:00

(AFP News) Unbeaten US star Floyd Mayweather threw down another provocative gauntlet to boxing rival Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday, daring the Filipino icon to "Step Up Punk" in a posting on his Twitter webpage.

Mayweather hopes to entice Pacquiao into accepting his challenge to meet May 5 in Las Vegas in a mega-fight showdown between the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, one that boxing fans have wanted to see for years.

"Manny Pacquiao I'm calling you out let's fight May 5th and give the world what they want to see," Mayweather posted on Twitter.

The move comes as Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum is visiting Pacquiao in the Philippines to discuss who the Asian superstar should fight next and Mayweather awaits the June 1 start of a 90-day jail sentence on domestic violence charges.

Arum originally said that Mayweather was not among possible next foes for "Pac-Man", listing Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez, Puerto Rican southpaw and Americans Tim Bradley and Lamont Peterson as candidates.

But that was assuming Mayweather was going to serve his sentence starting last week. Instead, a judge postponed Mayweather's trip behind bars until after his already-booked May 5 fight.

"My Jail Sentence was pushed back because the date was locked in. Step up Punk," Mayweather also tweeted on Tuesday.

Pacquiao, who has won 15 fights in a row over the past seven years, has told Filipino media that he wants the opportunity to fight Mayweather to be a top priority.

Mayweather, who squandered a chance to make a fight with Pacquiao earlier by seeking extraordinary blood testing measures, hopes to add pressure upon Arum and Pacquiao with his Twitter challenge.

But Arum has ripped Mayweather's May 5 plan, saying he could secure $20 million more with the construction of a temporary venue in Las Vegas to stage such a long-awaited fight before more than twice as many spectators.

Critics see that and other moves as Arum wanting to avoid pitching Pacquiao, 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts, against Mayweather, 42-0 with 26 knockouts.

Past near-deals for Mayweather-Pacquiao have fallen apart for years, sending Pacquiao and Mayweather against different rivals with similar results.

But this time, both fighters are coming off controversial victories.

Pacquiao, a 33-year-old southpaw, won a majority decision over Marquez last November, giving him two wins and a draw over the Mexican but none of them by such a margin that Marquez's claims he was wronged could be dismissed.

Mayweather, who turns 35 next month, won the World Boxing Council welterweight title with a fourth-round knockout of compatriot Victor Ortiz, but he landed the decisive blow while Ortiz was distracted after the referee had separated the fighters then said they could resume.

Should Pacquiao not be next on Mayweather's hit list, "Pretty Boy Floyd" has been mentioned as filling the May 5 date with either US southpaw Robert Guerrero, 29-1-1 with 18 knockouts, or Mexico's Saul "Cinnamon" Alvarez, the WBC light-middleweight champion who is 39-0 with one drawn and 29 knockouts.

Govt agencies, hinimok ng Palasyo na tulungan ang producer ng Bourne Legacy

2012-01-08T18:30:00.000+08:00

Hinimok ng Malacañang nitong Linggo ang mga nakatalagang ahensya ng gobyerno na ibigay ang lahat ng kanilang maitutulong sa mga producer ng spy-thriller na "Bourne Legacy."

“We really need the cooperation of all agencies on board ... So far in sync ang ating government agencies sa shooting ng pelikula ngayon Enero dito sa bansa," pahayag ni deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte sa panayam sa dzRB radio.

Aniya, malaking tulong sa publicity ng Pilipinas ang paglabas ng pelikula dahil sa Metro Manila at Palawan iso-shoot ang ilang scenes nito.

Ayon kay Valte, bahagi ng script ang pagpunta ng bida ng pelikula sa Pilipinas – hindi gaya ng ibang pelikula na ang shooting ginawa sa Pilipinas ngunit ibang lugar ang ipinakilala.

“Talagang kasama sa script na pupunta rito ang bida ng pelikula. The Philippines talaga ang nakalagay sa script, part of that, the hero will go to the Philippines, hindi tulad ibang pelikula, ang location dito pero the scene is in Thailand," aniya.

“This will be a major draw to the international audience, this time the location will be at the Philippines,” dagdag pa niya.

Samantala, hindi deretsahang sinagot ni Valte ang tanung kung posibleng mapasama ang imahe ng Pilipinas sa paggawa ng shooting dito dahil na rin sa problema ng kriminalidad sa bansa.

“I think the producers want you to watch the movie first (pero) mukhang maganda naman ang dahilan kung bakit pupunta siya rito. Hintayin natin ang movie," aniya. — Amanda Fernandez / LBG, GMA News
Check out the Latest News

ComVal landslide death toll rises to 32

2012-01-08T18:28:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Thirty-two people have died in the landslides that hit Compostela Valley last Thursday.

Rescuers recovered the 31st and 32nd bodies on Sunday.

Major Jake Obligado, officer-in-charge of the Incident Command Post of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in Compostela Valley, said some 40 people remain missing, while of the 32 dead bodies recovered, only 28 have been identified.

"There are four unidentified bodies, three males and one female," he said in an interview with ANC.

Rescue and recovery operations have been halted on Sunday afternoon due to bad weather

"Since this morning, our rescuers are experiencing bad conditions and it is hampering our operations," Obligado said. "The main priority is to secure our rescuers."

"If better weather conditions prevail, we have 206 respondents and two heavy equipment for search and rescue operations in the area," Obligado added.

He adds he is not losing hope that survivors may still be found. -- Report from ANC.

Heartstrings Premieres This Monday on Kapamilya Gold

2012-01-05T14:01:00.002+08:00

He's Beautiful's Jung Yong Hwa and Park Shin Hye return on ABS-CBN this Monday via the new Koreanovela “Heartstrings” (also known as Festival and You’ve Fallen for Me).

In the series, Jung Yong Hwa plays Lee Shin, a university student majoring in Western Music. He is also the vocalist and guitarist of the band “The Stupid.” Shin is known for his good looks, cocky personality, and strong passion for music. Everyone sees him as a cold-hearted person, but he’s actually soft inside. He lacks interest in anything unrelated to music and has neither dreams nor plans for the future. He initially likes Jung Yoon Soo, a dance professor at the university, but this all changes when he meets Lee Gyu Won.

On the other hand , Park Shin Hye is Lee Kyu Won, a bright and outgoing student who was born into a prestigious family and is majoring in Traditional Korean Music, her instrument being the gayageum. Gyu Won’s grandfather, Lee Dong Gun, is one of the top 3 traditional musicians of his age and his biggest wish is to see his granddaughter become a traditional music prodigy. Trying to live up to her grandfather’s expectations, Gyu Won immerses herself in practising and becomes a university student who knows nothing much outside of her studies. As her friends are fans of “The Stupid”, she was forced to go to the band’s concert with them. There she saw Lee Shin performing live, and is immediately captivated by him.
Full Story @ Kapamilyalogy

Coco Martin Works Hard on His Upcoming Teleserye

2012-01-01T14:01:00.002+08:00

Isa si Coco Martin sa mga naging maganda ang takbo ng karera sa taong ito. Sa mga pagbida niya sa mga teleserye at isa sa mga pagiging endorser niya, tunay ngang nagningning din ang kanyang bituin sa taong 2011.

At sa pagpasok ng 2012, isa sa mga inaabangan ay ang teleseryeng Walang Hanggan na pinagbibidahan ng mga malalaking artista tulad nina Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, Helen Gamboa at Susan Roces. Inaantabayanan din dito ang bagong tambalan nina Coco at Julia Montes.

Bago sa mga manonood ang tambalan nila kaya nang matanong kung ano ang mga paghahandang ginagawa ni Coco sa serye at sa kanilang tambalan ni Julia, ang sagot niya, “Wala namang matinding preparation basta ang ginawa ko lang, manood ng manood ng manood ng love story na movie and sabi ko nga sa iyo panibagong challenge ito dahil first time kong gagawa ng full love story na soap opera.”

Hindi rin maitago ang tuwa ni Coco sa nalalapit na pagsisimula ng kanilang serye. “Excited kasi alam namin kung gaano namin pinaghirapan itong proyektong ito. First time kong makakasama sina Mr. Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, Ms. Susan Roces at Ms. Helen Gamboa.”

Pero ano nga ba ang aabangan sa teleseryeng ito? “Talagang nakakainlove ito e, paiinlove-in kayo nitong soap opera na ito.”

Natanong din ang binata kung paano niya ice-celebrate ang bagong taon bago sumabak muli sa trabaho. “Bahay lang magpapahinga and siguro magtutuon ng time para sa family.”
Full Story @ Kapamilyalogy

Donaire earns KO of the Year honors from ESPN, The Ring

2011-12-30T19:04:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr.’s sensational 2nd round stoppage of Fernando Montiel in February 2011 earned “Knock out of the Year” honors from ESPN and The Ring magazine.

ESPN’s boxing writer Dan Rafael said Donaire’s accurate left hook to Montiel’s face marked 2011’s most memorable knock out victory.

“Instead of grinding out a tough fight, Donaire, making his HBO debut, turned in a devastating performance capped by his memorable stoppage, which sent a jolt of energy through the arena,” said Rafael.

During the fight, Donaire made short work of Montiel, a fellow pound-for-pound fighter, through his slick boxing style.

The Filipino Flash was comfortably leading in the score cards when he tagged Montiel with a devastating counter left hook to the face in the 2nd round.

Although the dazed Montiel was allowed to continue the fight, he wasn’t able to survive the Donaire’s finisher.

The bout was officially halted at 2:25 of Round 2, allowing Donaire to take home the WBC and WBO bantamweight titles

“He didn't just score any old knockout to seize those belts. Donaire orchestrated a sensational one, blowing Montiel away for the 2011 ESPN.com knockout of the year,” said Rafael.

Donaire’s performance against Montiel was also the hands down favorite of The Ring magazine readers, who chose the stoppage as Knockout of the Year.

“Donaire’s explosive bantamweight title-winning performance received 78.1 percent of the vote, leaving the other worthy candidates, which included Nobuhiro Ishida’s first-round stoppage of James Kirkland in April, in its dust,” said Doug Fisher in RingTV.com.

Sports Illustrated earlier picked Donaire's win over Montiel as its choice for the 2011 Knockout of the Year.

Donaire will next fight former world champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. as he makes his climb to the super bantamweight division on February 4.

At stake in the fight slated at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas is the WBO super bantamweight title.
abs-cbnNEWS.com || Check out the Latest News

Second criminal case filed against Arroyo

2011-12-29T19:54:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines—A second criminal case has been filed against former president Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, this time over an overpriced deal with a Chinese telecommunications giant that allegedly involved huge kickbacks.

The complaint, filed Wednesday before the Sandiganbayan, was based mainly on records of the Senate investigation into government’s $330 million National Broadband Network contract with ZTE Corp.

“Gloria Arroyo cannot deny the existence of the NBN-ZTE contract because she was the one who granted [Transportation] Secretary Mendoza full powers to sign the same with ZTE Corporation,” the complaint read.

“Gloria Arroyo also personally witnessed and attended the signing of said contract at Boao, China,” it said.

Charged with Arroyo were her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo, Mendoza and former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. They denied the charges in the Senate inquiry of receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks for Arroyo’s approval of the broadband deal.

Arroyo – who is under arrest on separate electoral fraud charges – has previously denied wrongdoing in the latest case. But under public pressure in 2008, she canceled the deal designed to set up a nationwide broadband network.

The cases are part of efforts of President Benigno Aquino III to root out high-level corruption that is endemic in the Philippines. Aquino blames Arroyo, who stepped down last year, of presiding over a decade of corrupt practices that eroded public trust in government and held back foreign investors.

She has accused him of using “black propaganda” to damage her image.

Court spokesman Renato Bocar said Arroyo was charged “for being interested for personal gain in the approval of the … project despite knowledge of the irregularities and anomalies that attended its approval.”

The complaint is based on Senate testimonies in 2008 of ZTE consultant Dante Madriaga, who said that the deal was originally priced at $130 million, but that the cost ballooned to accommodate the kickbacks.

Former Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri had testified that Abalos offered him a bribe to approve the contract, and another witness, Jose de Venecia III, said the ex-president’s husband was promised a $70 million commission.

Arroyo is accused of violating Republic Act 3019 section 3 (g) and (i) and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Section 3 (g) considers unlawful the “entering, on behalf of the government, into any contract or transaction manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the same, whether or not the public officer profited or will profit thereby.”

Section 3 (i), meanwhile, considers a practice corrupt when it the official is “directly or indirectly becoming interested, for personal gain, or having a material interest in any transaction or act requiring the approval of a board, panel or group of which he is a member, and which exercises discretion in such approval, even if he votes against the same or does not participate in the action of the board, committee, panel or group.”

The same provision states that “interest for personal gain shall be presumed against those public officers responsible for the approval of manifestly unlawful, inequitable, or irregular transaction or acts by the board, panel or group to which they belong.”

Malacañang quickly welcomed the news, and said it was proof that he was serious in his battle to crush endemic corruption which he blames for worsening massive poverty in the archipelago nation.

“It is a chance to put to rest the spectre of the NBN-ZTE anomaly and to finally put closure for many Filipinos, who until this day, harbour many questions about it,” Aquino spokeswoman Abigail Valte said.

In September 2007, Jose de Venecia III, son of then House Speaker Jose de Venecia II and cofounder of Amsterdam Holdings Inc., which lost in the bidding for the NBN contract, testified before the Senate that Mike Arroyo intervened to have the deal bagged by the ZTE Corp.

Mike Arroyo had denied this.

A case had been filed earlier against the former president before the Office of the Ombudsman over the NBN deal, but this was dropped in 2009 as she was still immune from lawsuit being the president.

The NBN-ZTE deal was also used to file two impeachment charges against Arroyo, but both were dismissed in the House of Representatives, then was overwhelmingly dominated by her allies.

After being blocked at the Manila airport from seeking medical treatment abroad, Arroyo, 64, was arrested last month for allegedly ordering the rigging of 2007 congressional elections. She was moved to the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center, where she remains in detention. Abalos was arrested December 13.

Arroyo, who says she is suffering from a rare spinal illness, is expected to be tried as early as next month on the vote-rigging charges.

Abalos was arrested earlier this December for his alleged cooperation with Arroyo to rig the polls to favor her senatorial candidates.

Sandiganbayan spokesman Renato Bocar said there would be a special raffle on the case on January 2 to determine which division of the special anti-graft court will handle the case against the former president.
By Tetch Torres Full Story: INQUIRER.net || Check out the Latest News

Italian priest's suspected killer falls in Mindanao

2011-12-29T19:47:00.000+08:00

The alleged gunman in the killing of Italian priest Fausto Tentorio has been arrested by authorities in Mindanao, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Thursday.

In a text message to reporters, De Lima said Jimmy Ato was arrested by agents from the regional office of the National Bureau of Investigation - a constituent agency of the DOJ - in Region XII (Soccsksargen).

De Lima said Jimmy's brother Robert, allegedly fired shots at authorities while the suspect was being arrested.

"Fortunately, nobody was injured. Agents immediately whisked the subject away to avoid any confrontation," she said.

It was not immediately clear when the arrest was made.

Tentorio was shot and killed by a lone gunman inside the compound of the Mother of Perpetual Help parish church in Arakan, North Cotabato in Mindanao at around 7:30 a.m. on October 17.

A known staunch anti-mining advocate, Tentorio, 59, was a member of the Pontificio Instituto Missioni Estere (PIME or Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions).

He was the third priest in their congregation who was murdered in the Philippines, according to the PIME Philippines blog.

Two other Italian members of their congregation were murdered before Tentorio — Father Tullio Favali and Father Salvatore Carzedda, killed in 1985 and 1992 respectively.

Alleged shooter

Witnesses earlier claimed that Jimmy was the one who shot the Italian priest in the head and the body, inside the compound of the Mother of Perpetual Help parish church in Arakan town in October.

On the other hand, Robert was said to be the driver of the get-away motorcycle that the suspect used to flee from the crime scene.

Arakan municipal councilor Leonardo Reovoca, a former parish worker of the Diocese of Kidapawan, earlier said Tentorio was about to board his pickup truck when the gunman shot him twice in the head.

Witnesses said the suspect was wearing a crash helmet and walked away casually from the scene of the crime to a motorcycle, parked just a few meters away from the church compound.

Arrest warrant

Jimmy was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Cotabato City for destructive arson with homicide.

The NBI has already informed both the local police and Father Peter Geremia of the same parish about Jimmy's arrest.

Meanwhile, members of the 57th Battalion were deployed to set up checkpoints in the area" to avert any possible retaliation of the family to our local assets."

The government earlier formed Task Force Tentorio, a joint government task force composed of NBI agents and Department of Justice prosecutors. - VVP/HS, GMA News

Philippine rebels earn millions from extortion

2011-12-29T08:55:00.000+08:00

Philippine communist rebels waging one of Asia's longest running insurgencies earned millions of extortion dollars from businesses this year, the military said Wednesday.

Reports compiled by the armed forces from its various field units estimate that New People's Army (NPA) got at least 300 million pesos ($6.9 million) from "revolutionary taxes" imposed on establishments in areas where they operate.

Those who failed to fork out money were typically targeted with attacks that destroyed their businesses, the military said in a statement.

The most significant attack this year took place on the southern island of Mindanao in October, when NPA rebels raided three mine sites, destroying property and forcing the temporary closure of the country's biggest nickel producer.

The rebels had also kidnapped a town mayor, two soldiers and four jail guards in separate instances, who they later freed after weeks in captivity.

"We are concerned with the direction (in which) they are heading now. Resorting to criminal activities for funding and attacking civilians to command obedience are signs of desperation," military chief Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa said.

"The NPA is losing mass base support, thus they have resorted to force and intimidation to coerce people."

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been waging a rebellion since 1969.

Peace talks with the communists have reached an impasse after Manila in November rejected rebel demands to free 18 jailed guerrillas the NPA said were consultants to its negotiating team.
AFP News || Check out the Latest News

Maria Ozawa wants Pinoys in next porn film

2011-12-28T18:19:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Japanese porn star Maria Ozawa wants Filipinos as her screen (and bed) partners in her next movie.

Ozawa said in her Facebook page on Wednesday that an audition will be held for Filipino men in January.

"Mabuhay! Philippines!" Ozawa said.

"I bought Globe sim!....audition for the bukkake will be in January," she added.

She did not say if she is already in Manila but rumors of her visit to the country made rounds on Internet forums and adult blogs just before Christmas.

"Hello guys! Who wants bukkake? Audition will be on January 2012," she repeated in her Facebook page, which is linked to her official blog.

The post has received more than 10,000 "likes," 535 "shares" and more than 2,400 replies.

However, no one has yet to take up her offer as of posting time.

Ozawa has made several dozen adult videos and non-porn movies.

Her last adult video was released in April 2010.

The same year, Ozawa had to keep her visit to Indonesia and the filming of her movie secret because of fears of protests from Muslims.
By Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com || Check out the Latest News

List of fireworks and firecrackers prohibited in the PHL

2011-12-27T13:25:00.000+08:00

(Updated 8:54 p.m.) Under Republic Act (RA) 7183 or the law on pyrotechnic devices, persons caught manufacturing, selling, distributing and purchasing these items may be imprisoned from six months to a year, and may be slapped with a fine from P20,000 to P30,000.

Below is a list of the firecrackers prohibited for sale and manufacture in the country by the Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Watusi or the “dancing firecracker.” It was initially allowed for sale and manufacture under RA 7183, but was eventually banned because it causes poisoning when ingested, especially among children.
Piccolo – This firecracker has been the leading cause of firecracker-related injuries since 2007. The Department of Health banned it in 2007 because it can explode on the hands, and may cause death when ingested.
Super Lolo and Atomic Big Triangulo – two firecrackers specifically mentioned in RA 7183.
Mother Rockets – firecracker with a stick designed as a propellant upon lighting the wick.
Lolo Thunder – a powerful firecracker twice the size of a Five Star.
Pillbox – a firecracker that causes a series of sparks when lit.
Boga – traditional canon made from PVC pipe using denatured alcohol as explosive ingredient.
Big Judah’s belt – a string of firecrackers consisting of smaller firecrackers that number up to a hundred, and culminating in a larger and more powerful firecracker.
Big Bawang – a firecracker packed in cardboard tied around with abaca strings, giving it the shape of a large garlic.
Kwiton – aerial firecracker which explodes several times when lit.
Goodbye Philippines – giant triangle-shaped firecracker which packs a powerful explosion.
Kabasi – a triangle-sized explosive twice the size of a Pla-pla.

Other banned firecrackers include the “Atomic Bomb,” Five Star, Pla-pla, Og, Giant Whistle Bomb, and unlabelled firecrackers.

Meanwhile, RA 7183 allows the following firecrackers and fireworks to be sold in the country:

Baby Rocket — Assembled with a stick that helps propels the contraption to fly a few meters before exploding. The firecracker is about 1-½ inches long by 3/8 inch in diameter with the stick about a foot in length.
Bawang — Larger than a Triangulo and with 1/3 teaspoon of powder packed in cardboard, it is tied with abaca string and wrapped in the shape of garlic.
Small Triangulo — Triangle shaped with powder less than the Bawang and usually wrapped in brown paper measuring ¾ inch at its longest side.
Pulling of strings — An inch-long less than ¼ of an inch in diameter with strings on each end that when pulled cause the firecracker to explode.
Paper caps — Minute amounts of black powder spread in thin strips of paper on a small sheet and used in children's toy guns.
El Diablo or Labintador — Tubular shaped, about 1-¼ inches long and less than ¼ inch in diameter with a wick.
Judah's Belt — A string of either Diablos or small Triangulos numbering up to a hundred or so and culminating in a large firecracker — usually a Bawang.
Sky Rocket or Kwitis — A large Baby Rocket designed to fly up to 40 to 50 feet in the air before it explodes.
Sparklers — Black powder coated on a piece of wire or wrapped in a paper tube designed to light up and glow after igniting.
Luces — Any of several kinds of Sparklers.
Fountain — Cone-shaped sparkler, which is lighted on the ground and designed to create, sparks of various colors and intermittent lights when ignited.
Jumbo regular and special — Similar to a "Fountain" but bigger in size.
Mabuhay — A bundle usually of a dozen Sparklers.
Roman Candle — A kind of Sparkler also similar to a "Fountain" but shaped like a big candle.
Trompillo — A pyrotechnic device usually fastened at the center and designed to spin first clockwise and then counter-clockwise and gives off various light colors when ignited.
Airwolf — A kind of Sky Rocket shaped like an airplane with a propeller to rise about 40 or 50 feet and emits various lights while in the air.
Whistle Bomb — Any firecracker or pyrotechnic designed to emit a whistle-like sound before exploding. Others are designed simply to whistle without exploding.
Butterfly — A light emitting butterfly-shaped pyrotechnic that floats above the ground.

— Andreo Calonzo with GMA News Research/VS, GMA News

Philippine floods death toll jumps to nearly 1,500

2011-12-27T11:20:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The death toll from flash floods that swept away entire villages in the southern Philippines climbed to nearly 1,500 on Tuesday, as authorities widened their search for bodies.

The Office of Civil Defense's latest tally listed 891 dead in Cagayan de Oro and an additional 451 in nearby Iligan city. The rest came from several other provinces. Most of the dead are unidentified.

"The search will continue as long as we are recovering bodies," said Civil Defense head Benito Ramos.

He said that decomposing remains were retrieved floating in the sea as far as 60 miles (100 kilometers) from the two cities where a Dec. 16 tropical storm unleashed more than a month's worth of rainfall in 12 hours, sending walls of water gushing into homes.

One of the dead was a headless girl who appeared to have been hit by logs that were carried by flash floods, Ramos said. She was among 13 bodies retrieved by a team of navy sailors.

Navy and coast guard divers were initially sent to find more bodies believed to be pinned down by logs scattered in the sea and along riverbanks, but Ramos said the operation had to be called off because waters were too murky. "It's useless to dive when you can see nothing," he said.

It was not clear how many more are missing.

More than 60,000 homeless from hundreds of flood-ravaged villages spent a miserable Christmas in jam-packed schools and gymnasiums, while the United Nations launched an urgent appeal for $28 million to help the displaced — more than half the population of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, which are in the southern Philippines' Mindanao region.

More rains Tuesday prompted evacuations of nearly 2,000 people on the opposite side of Mindanao Island, where a child was reported missing in floods in Surigao city, the civil defense reported.

President Benigno Aquino III, who banned logging in February following previous flooding deaths that experts say were caused partly by deforestation and soil erosion, has ordered an investigation.

Communist guerrillas in the south, meanwhile, threatened to punish multinational companies they blame for environmental destruction.

Rebel spokesman Jorge Madlos told The Associated Press by telephone that they sought funds for victims from huge pineapple and banana plantations and other companies.

"Some were lukewarm to our call," Madlos said. "That'll be a factor when we decide which ones to punish first for this destruction."

Another factor in the staggering death toll was illegal settlements along Cagayan rivers. Thousands of people lived in shanties on the banks and islands directly along the water's path.

___

Associated Press writer Jim Gomez contributed to this report.
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Genting gives biggest cash donation for Sendong victims

2011-12-27T11:15:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines - Genting Hong Kong Ltd., a global entertainment and leisure company whose brands include Resorts World Manila, donated HK$3 million or P17 million for the victims of tropical storm "Sendong."

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya program director Tina Monzon-Palma received the P17 million check from Malaysia's Genting Berhard chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and Resorts World Manila executive vice-president Stephen Reilley, in behalf of the families affected by Sendong.

Monzon-Palma said this was so far the biggest single cash donation given by a company for the Sendong victims through Sagip Kapamilya. This brought the total cash donations received by Sagip Kapamilya to P89.4 million.

Aside from Resorts World Manila, Genting Hong Kong is the company behind Star Cruises. The company raised the amount in just 3 days with the help of its employees, which include many Filipinos.

Tropical storm Sendong (International name: Washi) hit parts of Mindanao and caused flashfloods that killed 1,236, mostly in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities. Some 1,000 remain missing and more than 60,000 people have been displaced by the floods.

Genting Hong Kong is part of Malaysia's Genting Group. The Genting Group is one of Asia's biggest conglomerates, with interests in casinos, integrated resorts, plantations, power generation, oil and gas, e-commerce, information technology and biotechnology.
abs-cbnNEWS.com || Check out the Latest News

Obama confers award on UP engineering grad

2011-12-27T11:12:00.000+08:00

United States president Barack Obama recently conferred on a US-based Filipino engineering professor a US Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco reported that Obama conferred the award on Dr. Amelito Enriquez and eight other recipients in Washington D.C.

Enriquez graduated from the University of the Philippines in 1984 with a degree in Geodetic Engineering.

He went to the United States in 1987 where he continued his studies, earning an M.S. in Geodetic Science at the Ohio State University and a Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering at the University of California Irvine.

Enriquez has been a Professor of Engineering and Mathematics at Cañada College for 17 years.

"Dr. Enriquez, who was nominated by his students and colleagues at the Cañada College, is credited with helping develop several programs that help students from underrepresented communities pursue degrees in science, math and engineering," the Consulate General said.

A news release of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Enriquez's programs include The Math Jam, a two-week intensive program and the Summer Engineering Institute, in cooperation with the San Francisco State University.

Enriquez was also credited for a 10-week internship program for engineering students funded by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Quoting the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Consulate General said the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring is awarded by the President to individuals and organizations in recognition of the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science and engineering.

"Dr. Enriquez has been an exceptional student since his elementary days in Novaliches, Quezon City," the Consulate General said.

At a reception in his honor last Dec. 15 at Cañada College in Redwood City, California, Enriquez said he shared the award with the entire Cañada College faculty, staff and students.

"He reiterated his love for teaching and encouraging students to pursue careers in engineering," the Consulate General said.

In recognition of his achievement, Dr. Enriquez received certificates from California State and Redwood City officials and legislators as well as a commendation from the Consulate General.

He was also invited to participate in the Consulate's program of partnering with the Filipino American scientists, engineers and techno-professionals in the Bay Area who are giving back to the Philippines by improving science, engineering and technology education for kababayans back home. - VVP, GMA News

BOY ABUNDA'S AWARD-WINNING INTERVIEW WITH MANGUNGUNDATA TO RE-AIR THIS SATURDAY

2011-12-27T07:39:00.002+08:00

Rediscover the ‘international appeal’ of the Mangudadatu episode that made The Bottomline with Boy Abunda The ‘Best Talk Show for 2011′ in the recent 16th Asian TV Awards.

Full press release after the jump...
PRESS RELEASE FROM ABS-CBN:
Rediscover the ‘international appeal’ of the Mangudadatu episode that made The Bottomline with Boy Abunda the ‘Best Talk Show for 2011′ in the recent 16th Asian TV Awards.

According to ‘Asia’s King of Talk’ Boy Abunda, the guesting of Maguindanao Gov. Toto Mangudadatu was one of the most riveting episodes he has done with “Bottomline.” He recounted, “The interview was done during the height of the Maguindanao massacre and I remember being so passionate about the issue. I was ready to listen to his story.”

Abunda added, “It wasn’t easy for me to ask him how he felt about the death of 58 people because of his filing of candidacy. The interview was so personal that the viewers surely felt what the governor was going through—the sadness, the anger.”

Don’t miss the episode that bested top Asian programs, including “Talk Asia” of CNN Hong Kong and “The Euthanasia Debate” of New Delhi Television in India.
Full Story @ Medianewserphil

Philippine typhoon toll 1,249; rebels urge punishment

2011-12-26T18:22:00.000+08:00

MANILA (Reuters) - The death toll in the Philippines from one of the country's worst natural disaster in two decades has risen to 1,249 with about 1,100 missing, disaster officials said on Monday, as communist rebels said people responsible should be punished.

Typhoon Washi sent torrents of water, mud and logs cascading through riverside and coastal villages on Mindanao island in mid-December, destroying more than 10,000 houses and displacing more than 300,000 people, who are mostly in emergency shelters.

Benito Ramos, head of the national disaster agency, said fishermen from as far as the central island of Bohol were helping recover bodies that had been washed hundreds of miles away.

"As long as there are bodies out there in the sea we will continue with the search and retrieval operations, even if it goes beyond the New Year," Ramos said in a radio interview.

Authorities had expanded the search area to a radius of 300 km (200 miles), he said.

President Benigno Aquino, who inspected the disaster zone last week, has ordered an investigation, asking why officials had allow people to build houses in danger zones and had not stopped illegal logging.

The regional head of forestry and mining had resigned and an official supervising Lanao del Sur province had been removed, Radio DzMM reported. Most of the logs that crashed into houses were washed down from Lanao del Sur province.

On Monday, the communist party ordered its guerrillas to raise funds and help in relief efforts, and, as it marked its 43rd anniversary, it threatened its own punishment for those responsible for the disaster.

Active in 69 of 80 provinces across the country, the 5,000-member rebel forcevowed to "make those responsible for the natural disaster and the ensuing massive loss of lives to answer to the people".

The military said the rebels were using the disaster as a pretence to step up extortion of mining, plantation, logging and construction companies.

The government and the Maoist rebels have declared unilateral truces during the Christmas and New Year holiday.

Only about 30 percent of victims found under tonnes of mud and debris and in the sea had been identified, because most people have no dental records and the government has no DNA database.

The bodies of victims have been identified have been handed over to relatives but the rest are being kept in concrete vaults.

(Reporting By Manny Mogato; Editing by John Mair and Robert Birsel)
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More bodies found far away from Philippine floods

2011-12-26T18:16:00.002+08:00

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Fishermen joined Philippine navy sailors, police and firefighters in an ever wider search for bodies from entire villages swept away in one of the country's worst flash floods. More bodies have washed ashore, pushing the death toll to more than 1,200, an official said Monday.

While more than 60,000 homeless from hundreds of flood-ravaged villages spent a miserable Christmas in jam-packed schools and gymnasiums, search teams retrieved an additional 150 bodies from the sea as far as 60 miles (100 kilometers) from worst-hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, said Benito Ramos, head of the Office of Civil Defense.

He said it would take three to six months to restore some normalcy and construct temporary housing to free up schools that are now serving as refugee camps.

The death toll as of Monday stood at 1,236, with about two-thirds of the bodies unidentified. With more bodies found floating farther away, Ramos said authorities sought the help of fishermen to scour the sea.

"We've stopped counting the missing. There are no accurate figures," Ramos said. "Those recovered, we don't know who they are. We have a system in place so that families can claim them later, based on fingerprints and dental records."

The United Nations last week launched an urgent appeal for $28 million to help an estimated 600,000 affected people, more than half the population of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in the southern Mindanao region.

Despite warnings from forecasters, most were asleep Dec. 16 when a tropical storm made a landfall in a region rarely visited by typhoons. It unleashed more than a month's worth of rainfall in 12 hours, sending walls of water gushing into homes.

Many of the dead were women and children who drowned in their beds. Others scrambled to climb roofs to escape the overflowing rivers and muddy waters that carried dangerous debris and logs from nearby mountains. The logs were still floating off the coast.

President Benigno Aquino III, who banned logging in February following previous flooding deaths that experts say were caused partly by deforestation and soil erosion, has ordered an investigation.

Communist guerrillas in the south canceled Monday's celebration of their movement's 43rd founding anniversary and instead promised to donate money to flood victims and punish multinational companies they accuse of environmental destruction.

Rebel spokesman Jorge Madlos told The Associated Press by telephone that they sought funds for victims from huge pineapple and banana plantations and other companies.

"Some were lukewarm to our call," Madlos said. "That'll be a factor when we decide which ones to punish first for this destruction."

Another factor in the staggering death toll was illegal settlements along Cagayan rivers. Thousands of people lived in shanties on the banks and islands directly along the water's path.

In the evacuation centers, where about a third of the displaced are children, aid workers were providing food, clothes, blankets, bottled water and hygiene kits.

A lack of running water was still a major concern. Many shelters had poor sanitation with open drainage and defecation sites, said Ariel Balofinos, Mindanao manager for Save the Children aid agency.

"Children in particular are susceptible to health threats because immune systems are weak," he said, adding that many youngsters were also traumatized.

"Many children have witnessed friends and family dying. We've come across children who have been orphaned, but the good thing is they have relatives, which is part of the Filipino coping mechanism," he said.

___

Associated Press writer Jim Gomez contributed to this report.
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Security in Cotabato tightened after 2 IEDs found

2011-12-26T08:12:00.002+08:00

Security in the South Cotabato area in Mindanao was tightened following the discovery of two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) there Sunday.

Local police authorities said the IEDs were fashioned from 81-mm and 105-mm howitzer shells, radio dzBB reported Monday.

Police Director Felicisimo Khu Jr., head of the police Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao, said the IEDs were found in Magon village in Tantangan in South Cotabato.

Khu ordered tight security in the area to prevent possible violence, the report added.

He cited initial reports indicating the two IEDs were to be planted in Koronadal City and nearby areas.

The report said the police are verifying information that the IEDs could be linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's Special Operations Group. –KG, GMA News