FILTV NEWS ONLINE

Cramps Ni Pacquiao Puzzle Kay Ariza

2011-11-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

Cramps Ni Pacquiao Puzzle Kay Ariza FILTV NEWS Source: Abante Tonite

Malaking puzzle rin kay strength at conditioning coach Alex Ariza ang leg cramps ng kanyang alagang si eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao

Sa kanyang huling dalawang laban kontra kina Shane Mosley at Juan Manuel Marquez ay nagrereklamo ang Pambansang Kamao ng lower leg cramps pagkatapos ng sagupaan.

Nanalo si Pacman kina Mosley at Marquez, pero ininda naman nito ang pananakit ng binti. Para pang binagabag siya ng cramps kaya naiba ang inaasahang performance niya. Pilit hinahanapan ni Ariza ng solusyon ang iniinda ng alaga.

"It's odd, it only occurs on fight night," pahayag ni Ariza sa BoxingScene.com. "It could be the shoes. I remember it being an issue earlier in his career as well before I joined his camp. But for as long as I've been along for the ride, it hasn't been an issue until recently."

Wala umanong ganitong naramdaman si Pacquiao nang isa-isang sagupain at patumbahin sina David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton at hanggang kay Antonio Margarito noong nakaraang taon.

Ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Arrested!

2011-11-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

GMA arrested
FILTV NEWS Source: philstar.com
NEWS Writers: Perseus Echeminada and Sheila Crisostomo
MANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was ordered arrested yesterday by a Pasay City court, which found probable cause to charge her and several others with electoral sabotage – a non-bailable offense that may land her in prison for the rest of her life.

The arrest order, issued by Judge Jesus Mupas, came just hours after the Supreme Court (SC) reaffirmed its decision to stop the Department of Justice (DOJ) from enforcing its travel ban on Arroyo.

Also covered by the arrest warrant were former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and former election supervisor Lintang Bedol.

Arroyo, whose nine-year term was the longest among Philippine presidents after the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, received the warrant in her hospital bed at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City at 6:30 p.m. in the presence of her husband Jose Miguel, two hours after it was issued by the court. The Philippine National Police (PNP) tightened security in and around the hospital.

Senior Superintendent James Bucayu, Southern Police District deputy director for administration, said Arroyo looked like she had just woke up when a team of policemen arrived to serve the warrant.

“She did not talk. She just nodded and smiled,” Bucayu said.

“She is (officially) under hospital arrest until her doctors deem her fit to be released,” Bucayu said.

“We will not force her to leave because of her physical condition,” he added.

Lawyer Jose Flaminiano received the warrant. Senior Superintendent Joel Coronel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) tried to read Arroyo her rights but her lawyer asked him to stop.

The former president is scheduled to be booked today, said Bucayu. As for her mug shots, the Arroyo family will just be required to submit front and side view photos of her because of her medical condition.

“The booking will be (today) so it will be convenient for her as former president because she still looks stressed,” said Bucayu.

The CIDG, meanwhile, expected to serve the warrants for Bedol and Ampatuan last night.

Bedol is detained at the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame for contempt charges while Amaptuan is locked up at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology detention center in Bicutan for alleged involvement in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier yesterday approved the filing of electoral sabotage case against Arroyo, Bedol, Ampatuan, former elections chief Benjamin Abalos, and a certain Capt. Peter Reyes in connection with alleged cheating in the 2007 senatorial elections.

The arrest warrant does not include Abalos because the case filed with the Pasay City court covers only poll fraud cases committed in Maguindanao. Systematic cheating in the 2007 elections also took place in South and North Cotabato.

“After a through review the judge found probable cause of issuance of warrant of arrest,” clerk of court Joel Pelicano told reporters. The warrant took effect immediately.

“The offense is non-bailable so all the accused will be detained until resolution of the case,” Pelicano said.

The Comelec filed the case at noon and it took Mupas until 4:30 p.m. to issue a decision on the issuance of a warrant.

Law enforcers and Comelec personnel arrived in the jampacked courtroom to get copies of the order.

Judge Mupas’ sala received eight bound documents, including the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal declaring Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel as rightful winner in the 2007 midterm elections. It was Pimentel who filed the electoral sabotage case against Arroyo and the other respondents.

Comelec ruling

Voting 5-2, the Comelec recommended the filing of charges against Arroyo and the others based on the results of the investigation it conducted jointly with the DOJ.

The five commissioners who voted to have Arroyo and the others charged were Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes and Commissioners Rene Sarmiento, Elias Yusoph, Christian Robert Lim, and Augusto Lagman while Commissioners Armando Velasco and Lucenito Tagle abstained.

“In the highest interest of justice and by reason of manifest attempts to frustrate the government’s rights to prosecute and to obtain speedy disposition of the present case pending before the commission, the Law Department and/or any Comelec legal officers as may be authorized by the Commission is hereby ordered to immediately prepare and file the necessary information before the appropriate court,” the Comelec said in a resolution.

In the resolution, the Comelec also ordered that charges against former first gentleman Mike Arroyo, former presidential adviser Gabriel Claudio and his former executive assistant Bong Serrano, former justice secretary Alberto Agra, lawyer Andrei Bong Tagum, Romy Dayday and Jeremy Javier of Presidential Security Group and Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and “John Doe a.k.a. Butch” be dismissed for “insufficiency of evidence to establish probable cause.”

The poll body also ruled that the charges against retired Comelec commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer, former Comelec regional director for Soccksargen Michael Abas, Abalos’ former chief of staff Jaime Paz, Col. Reuben Basiao and former Maguindanao provincial administrator Norie Unas “be subjected to further investigation.”

The joint probe panel had recommended that administrative charges be filed against election officers and assistants Estelita Orbase, Eliza Gazmin, Elza Atinen, Saliao Amba, Magsaysay Mohamad, Salonga Edzela, Ragah Ayunan, Susan Cananban, Russam Mabang, Asuncion Corazon Reneido, Nena Alid, Ma. Susan Albano, Rohaida Khalid, Araw Cao, Jeehan Nur, Alice Lim, Norijean Hangkal, Christina Roan Dalope and Maceda Abo.

The Comelec, however, moved that the charges be “subjected to further review by the commission to determine the appropriate charges that may be filed against them.”

The poll body had rejected the panel’s findings of lack of probable cause against Lilian Suan-Radam and Yogie Martirizar, former provincial election supervisors of South Cotabato and North Cotabato, respectively.

Radam and Martirizar went into hiding when the Comelec started investigating them for tampered election results in the two provinces in the 2007 polls. After four years, the two surfaced and stood as witnesses of the panel against the accused in September.

The Comelec filed electoral sabotage charges against Radam before the Pasay City court while the case against Martirizar is still pending with the poll body.

No undue haste

In a press briefing, Brillantes denied insinuations that the Comelec issued the resolution in haste to prevent Arroyo from leaving the country.

Brillantes added that the poll body received the panel’s recommendation last Wednesday but they were able to deliberate on it only yesterday in full session because the commissioners had to attend the agency’s “integrity summit” as well as a budget hearing.

Brillantes had voted for the filing of a case despite an earlier pronouncement that he would inhibit, being a former election lawyer of the Genuine Opposition party in the 2007 polls.

In his concurring opinion, Brillantes said he felt that it was necessary for him to make a stand on the issue.

“While I was originally inclined to inhibit myself in the resolution of the present incident, I now feel that in the higher interest of justice, equity, and as public interest highly demands, I will have to vote and concur with the opinion of my other colleagues considering the finding of probable cause against respondent,” he added.

Brillantes maintained that Arroyo’s complicity “was established specifically on her failure to submit any refuting evidence to the direct statements under oath of witnesses.”

Electoral sabotage is a non-bailable offense and is punishable with life imprisonment under Republic Act 9369 or the Poll Automation Law. Section 42 of the law states electoral sabotage occurs “when the tampering, increase and/or decrease of votes perpetrated or the refusal to credit the correct votes or to deduct tampered votes, is/are committed in the election of a national elective office.”

A case of poll fraud may also be considered electoral sabotage if the affected votes number 10,000 or more.

‘Due respect’

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said the former president would be accorded due respect and would not be compelled to leave the hospital.

“We’ve notified the family (of her arrest) because we will accord due respect to the former president and she is sick,” said Robredo

“Should she decide that she be taken to a hospital or at their house that will be considered, with the permission of the court and we will not object. If that is requested we will not oppose,” Robredo added.

In a phone interview before the release of the warrant, Arroyo lawyer and spokesman Raul Lambino said she was “resting and regaining her strength after what happened at NAIA.” He was referring to the chaotic attempt by Arroyo and her entourage to board a plane bound for Hong Kong last Tuesday night.

Senior Superintendent Tomas Apolinario Jr. said the deployment of police around St. Lukes Medical Center prior to the serving of the warrant did not indicate they had advance information on the arrest order. “We just want to prevent possible untoward incidents between the anti and pro Arroyos,” Apolinario said.

The Taguig City police deployed 20 men, while the Southern Police District fielded “a platoon size” force consisting of 25 to 30 men, Southern Police District deputy director for operations Senior Superintendent Federico Castro Jr. said.

Meanwhile, an organization of migrant Filipino workers is pushing for hospital arrest for Arroyo.

“Now, it’s Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s and her husband’s time to be under hospital arrest,” John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said.

“The issue is not solely about Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s right to travel as a citizen. It must be viewed in the context that she was a former president and her husband alleged to have committed numerous graft and corruption activities and election sabotage, among others,” Monterona added.

Monterona said the Arroyos appeared to be using the Supreme Court as their “last line of defense” against a possible avalanche of criminal cases. With Mayen Jaymalin, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Marvin Sy, Aie Balagtas See

Vice Ganda 'Willing To Pay' To Be With Derek

2011-09-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

FILTV NEWS Source: ph.omg.yahoo.com
NEWS Writer: Walden Martinez-Belen

Stand-up comedian now TV host Vice Ganda has always been open and vocal about his sexuality.

Case in point: when someone asked him if he ever thought of having a relationship with a woman, Vice grimaced and enumerated the things that make him happy—money, shopping and BOYS!

Would he pay for an intimate moment with Derek Ramsay? , “I want Derek,” he replied with alacrity. “Kung tatanggap siya ng pera, itodo ko na.” He was joking, of course, because Derek is a friend he respects.

But Vice is also known for speaking his mind on issues that he strongly believes in.

Outspoken

In a recent press conference announcing the renewal of his Globe endorsement contract, he said that although he remains thankful for the blessings that continue to come his way, a few things irk him beyond the controversies that come bundled with showbiz.

“Marami kasi bulok na sistema sa showbiz,” he said. “Like most of the time, talents are made to wait for hours before they could do their scenes.”

For being outspoken and vocal, Vice has developed a “maldita” image not incompatible with being likeable, spontaneously witty and intelligent. This is the key to his success.

New movie ‘ibang-iba’

In addition to his two TV shows on ABS-CBN—“Showtime,” where he is the “unevictable judge” and “Gandang Gabi, Vice,” which has been extended due to overwhelmingly high ratings—Vice will soon be seen on the big screen in “Private Benjamin,” produced by Viva Films, the same outfit behind his hit 2010 movie “Petrang Kabayo.”

Vice promises that his new movie will be different from the first. “This is will be a laugh trip na ibang-iba,” he said.

What does he think accounts for his success now? “Everyone is unique but panahon ko kasi ngayon!”

Vice, together with K Brosas and Jon Avila, has just returned from four successful shows in California: two in Anaheim and one each in San Diego and San Francisco.

Global Markets-World Stocks, Euro Fall On Greece Worry

2011-09-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

FILTV NEWS Source: Reuters.com
NEWS Writer: Wanfeng Zhou

NEW YORK, Sept 19 (Reuters) - World stocks snapped a four-day rally on Monday, while the euro and oil prices dropped on concern Greece may default on its debt and trigger economic fallout that would cascade throughout the euro zone and possibly beyond.

But U.S. stocks and the euro recovered from their worst levels in late trade after Greece's Finance Ministry said the country was near an agreement with its international lenders to continue receiving bailout funds. U.S. Treasury debt prices pared gains.

Fears that Europe's debt crisis was worsening had prompted investors to seek refuge in the U.S. dollar and government bonds. But gold, which often benefits from safe-haven flows, retreated more than $30 an ounce on the stronger dollar.

"For the time being it looks as though there is hope the conversation is going to take on a more positive and constructive tone," said Peter Kenny, managing director at Knight Capital in Jersey City, New Jersey.

"A little reason for a little buoyancy in the market, but we've seen this before, just a reminder."

European officials had ended a weekend meeting without agreeing on new ways to tackle the debt crisis and international lenders urged Athens to shrink its public sector and improve tax collection to secure a vital eight-billion-euro rescue payment next month.

World stocks as measured by the MSCI world equity index .MIWD00000PUS fell 1.7 percent after posting the biggest weekly gain since early July last week.

Wall Street stocks ended lower despite the late-session rebound. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI closed down 108.08 points, or 0.94 percent, at 11,401.01. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX was down 11.92 points, or 0.98 percent, at 1,204.09. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was down 9.48 points, or 0.36 percent, at 2,612.83.

Energy and financial stocks were among the worst performers of the session. The PHLX oil service sector index .OSX dropped 1.7 percent, and the KBW bank index .BKX fell 2.8 percent following a steep decline in European banks.

European stocks .FTEU3 ended 2.3 percent lower at 916.07 points. The STOXX Europe 600 Banks index .SX7P fell 3.4 percent to feature amongst the worst performers. Emerging stocks .MSCIEF dropped 2.8 percent.

"There will be additional volatility in the global financial markets heading into the end of the month as the pressure to get Greece and others to enact their reforms will be white-hot intense," said Andrew Busch, global currency strategist at BMO Capital Markets in Chicago.

Finance ministers of the BRIC emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India and China -- will meet this week to discuss support for the euro zone.

A Brazilian newspaper said on Monday the five BRICS nations, which also includes South Africa, have already bought debt through the European Financial Stability Facility and could buy more.

MORE FED STIMULUS

The euro shed 0.8 percent to $1.3685 EUR=EBS. It had earlier dropped as low as $1.3586 on EBS, approaching last week's seven-month low around $1.3495. Losses in the euro helped push the dollar 0.6 percent higher against a basket of currencies .DXY.

"The news (from Greece) prompted a little bit of profit taking, but I would not read too much," said Omer Esiner, chief market analyst at Commonwealth Foreign Exchange in Washington. "So far we have seen very little willingness from the EU in taking the difficult steps needed to address the crisis."

The yen also benefited from a safety bid, with the euro down 1.1 percent EURJPY=. The dollar slipped 0.3 percent to 76.55 yen JPY=.

While the Swiss franc is typically the beneficiary of safe-haven flows, recent actions by the Swiss National Bank to weaken it have pushed more of those flows to the dollar and yen.

U.S. benchmark 10-year Treasury notes US10YT=RR were trading 29/32 higher in price to yield 1.956 percent, down from 2.05 percent Friday and not far off the 1.879 percent level reached last week, which was the lowest in at least 60 years.

Prior to the Greek official's comments, 10-year notes had been trading 31/32 higher in price.

Long-dated Treasuries outperformed on expectations the Federal Reserve will try to push already low long-term interest rates even lower by tilting toward longer-duration bonds in its portfolio. Prices of 30-year bonds were up 1-24/32, their yields falling to 3.22 percent US30YT=RR, the lowest since January 2009.

The Federal Reserve's policy-setting panel will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Gold broke below the psychological level of $1,800 XAU= last trading around $1,778 an ounce and retreating from the day's high of $1,827.36.

Oil fell on concerns Europe's debt crisis would hit demand. Brent crude LCOc1 settled at $109.14 a barrel, down $3.08. U.S. crude CLc1 slipped $2.26 to end at $85.70. (Additional reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak, Julie Haviv and Ellen Freilich in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler)

DepEd May Move Class Opening From June To September

2011-09-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

FILTV NEWS Source: philstar.com
NEWS Writer: Marvin Sy

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is studying the possibility of moving the opening of classes from June to September to reduce the disruption of classes due to bad weather during rainy season in the country.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro said during the Senate public hearing on DepEd’s proposed 2012 budget that there are now internal discussions about the proposals to move the school opening to September.

Consultations were conducted several months ago and the agency is now gathering data to be used for its evaluation.

He said that the DepEd has asked the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the regional offices of the education department for data on the amount of rainfall and the resulting suspension of classes over the past 10 years.

The proposal to move the opening of classes from June to September came up during the Senate hearing after committee on finance chairman Franklin Drilon and vice chairman Edgardo Angara directed Luistro to finally take a serious look into the proposals, which have been broached time and again.

Drilon said that moving the classes to September could lessen the disruption of classes due to bad weather.

He pointed out that the suspension of classes due to bad weather is compounded by the use of public school buildings as evacuation centers after the storms, resulting in even more suspension of classes.

“This is not a new issue, this has been an issue ever since. There are more school suspensions in the second half of the year as compared to the first half. That is quite obvious,” Drilon said.

Luistro noted that the DepEd has already collected data from 54 percent of its school divisions across the country.

“The initial trend is that the least destruction over the past 10 years, are during the months of January to May and then during the period of June to December, (we have the) number of months with the most suspensions (of classes),” Luistro said.

“We’re very serious about looking at this issue based on actual data. Maybe in a month’s time we can give the complete data,” he added.

After collecting the data, Luistro said that consultations would be made with the parents as well as the DepEd school divisions regarding the proposal to move the school opening.

If ever the final recommendation is to adopt the proposal to move the opening of school to September, Luistro said that this could be implemented as early as 2013.

“I will press the DepEd to make a decision on this. I am just suggesting to them that a decision be made because in my view, all indications would lead to the need to revise our school year for the benefit of everyone,” Drilon said.

“Suspension of classes means less time in the classroom. Less time in the classroom means less absorption by our schoolchildren,” he added.

Drilon wants audit of school building program

Drilon said the Commission on Audit (COA) should look into the school building program of the DepEd which is more expensive compared to the cost of construction of school building conducted by the private sector.

Luistro revealed that the DepEd spends around P650,000 for one classroom using the standard specifications of 7x9 meters.

Drilon said that the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI) has been building the same classrooms at half the cost and so the DepEd should find ways to match this and help make up for the classroom shortage in the country.

He said the FFCCCI has managed to construct 7x7 meter classrooms, with comfort rooms and blackboards at only P250,000 each and if the DepEd specifications of 7x9 meters were to be followed, the cost would go up to just P325,000 per classroom.

“The COA should look into it. The COA has a value for money portion in its reports and that’s a proper area for a COA inquiry,” he added.

Drilon noted that his pork barrel since 2002 has gone to the school building program of the FFCCCI, which has constructed a total of 1,400 classrooms nationwide.

Using the FFCCCI cost, Drilon noted that the DepEd would be able to construct two classrooms instead of just one using its current budget of P650,000 per classroom.

Under the proposed P1.8-trillion national budget, the DepEd was allocated P18.2 billion for construction and rehabilitation of around 15,000 classrooms, the provision of 2.5 million desks and 25,000 toilets.

Luistro explained that the difference between the cost of the FFCCCI and the DepEd was due to the 12 percent contractor’s tax that the DepEd has to pay for the construction of classrooms.

“It goes through the regular bidding and via the contractors. There is a profit margin for the contractors,” he said.

Drilon agreed that the contractors do have a profit margin but to peg this at 100 percent would be “a bit excessive.”

“I just got a commitment that the FFCCCI is willing to construct 700 school buildings at P650,000 per building or P325,000 per classroom as against P650,000 per classroom budget allocation of the DepEd,” Drilon said.

Witnesses Tag Abalos In 2007 Election Fraud

2011-09-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

FILTV NEWS Source: Philstar.com
NEWS Writer: Edu Punay with Sheila Crisostomo and Alexis Romero

MANILA, Philippines - Two former Commission on Elections officials submitted yesterday affidavits to the Department of Justice (DOJ), claiming that former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos ordered them to rig the vote in Mindanao in 2007.

Abalos denied the allegations.

“It’s too much. How can you glorify people who are fugitives from the law? How can you give credence to (their statements) when they went into hiding?” Abalos said.

Lawyers Lilian Radam, former provincial election supervisor in South Cotabato; and Yogie Martirizar, former election supervisor in North Cotabato, said in their respective affidavits that Abalos personally ordered them to rig poll results in their areas in favor of the administration senatorial candidates allied with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

They both declared that they participated in the poll fraud scheme with the supervision of their regional director, lawyer Michael Abas, and that they were assisted by officers of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

The DOJ placed Radam and Martirizar under the department’s Witness Protection Program. The two witnesses will participate in the joint investigation of the DOJ and Comelec on poll fraud anomalies in the 2004 and 2007 elections.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, who had complained of poll fraud in Mindanao, had filed charges of electoral sabotage against Radam before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court.

The court had issued a warrant for Radam’s arrest. The DOJ will ask the court for protective custody of Radam.

Pimentel had also filed poll fraud charges against Martirizar, but no arrest warrant has been issued against her.

In her affidavit, Radam said she attended a meeting with other Comelec provincial supervisors and regional directors a month before the elections, during which Abalos purportedly ordered them to ensure a “12-0 result in favor of Team Unity (Arroyo’s coalition) candidates.”

Radam claimed they were told that “the instructions came from the top, which we clearly understood to be the President (since we are aware even from the start that chairman Abalos and then first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo are very close friends).”

Radam said she was made to submit to the National Board of Canvassers (NBC) in Manila the original certificate of canvass (COC) with altered results along with supporting statements of votes on May 24, 2007.

She said she was being handled by ISAFP Region XII director Col. Ben Basiao who also offered her P5 for every vote added to Team Unity bets and “a very big bonus if we could pull off a 12-0 result.”

Aside from the senatorial posts, they were also ordered to alter results in the party-list elections in favor of groups supported by the Arroyo administration.

Radam also admitted receiving some P2.1 million from the late Maj.

Joey Leaban of ISAFP from July 2007 until July 2011 as part of the continued cover-up of the poll fraud.

The fund is also intended to “to defray costs of living and medical bills and travel expenses to attend various hearings and meetings in Manila.”

“It is only now that I came out to tell my story. It is only now that

the time is right for me to tell the truth,” she said during a press conference at the DOJ.

She said she could not defy orders from her superiors at that time due to threats and pressure.

“It was a matter of life and death, we had no choice, there were real threats from the ISAFP.”

Corroboration

Martirizar corroborated Radam’s story.

She said she also submitted to

the NBC a substitute COC allegedly upon orders of Abalos and Abas.

“When it was already very near the election day, chairman Abalos

personally met us at Davao City and conveyed the same ‘instruction’ of 12-0 in favor of Team Unity senatorial candidates. He stressed to us that the said ‘instruction’ is from Malacañang,” she recalled.

Martirizar said she was handled by a certain Capt. Peter Reyes of ISAFP, who was also sent by Col. Basiao, during the operations.

She said Abas visited her in the office a day before the elections and handed over a list of senatorial bets that she must put in the top 12: Ralph Recto, Mike Defensor, Edgardo Angara, Prospero Pichay, Joker Arroyo, Miguel Zubiri and Vicente Sotto III.

On election day, she realized it would be hard to rig results due to very high number of votes for Loren Legarda, Panfilo Lacson and Francis Escudero.

She was then just told to just include Angara, Arroyo, Recto, Zubiri and Ramon Magsaysay Jr. in the top 12 instead.

“When I was almost over with the provincial canvass, I was instructed by (Abas) to just proclaim the winning candidates for the local positions. However, with the respect to the national positions, I should never give out any copy of COC or SOV (Statement of Votes) to any watchers or counsels or to anybody who would request for it,” she said

“All copies of the COC and SOV should be immediately brought to Apo View Hotel, Davao City where we will finish or adjust the votes according to the instructions,” Martirizar said.

She recalled that the “final instruction was to drop Pimentel and place Zubiri in number 12.”

“The difference in the number of votes between Pimentel and Zubirimust at least be one hundred thousand votes.”

She said she initially refused to accept the fabricated results, but was forced to affix her signatures and thumb mark on the election documents at gunpoint. She, however, was able to keep original copy of the certificate of proclamation.

Martirizar said it was Alberto Agra, who later became DOJ secretary, who was their lawyer in the charges of electoral sabotage that were later filed against them.

She even recalled Maj. Leaban telling her that the canceled national broadband network (NBN) contract with ZTE Corp. of China, where Abalos was also implicated, “has something to do with the 2007 elections” and that there was a plan to bring them to the United States because they would be asked to become witnesses against Abalos.

Credible

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the DOJ considers the two witnesses credible. She revealed that she has personally evaluated Martirizar.

De Lima, a former election lawyer, said she was surprised by the revelation of the two witnesses that Comelec had printed extra copies of the COC.

“It’s very alarming, disturbing that the instruction came no less from the former chair of the Comelec, Benjamin Abalos, and ostensibly, on instructions from upstairs, from the Palace,” she said.

She said there are significant leads provided in the testimonies of the two new witnesses that the joint DOJ-Comelec fact-finding probe body can pursue.

De Lima revealed she would also consider placing Abalos in the watchlist of the Bureau of Immigration.

“I will consult with the fact-finding team and preliminary investigation committee since this is already referred to the committees, that means charges already exist against him and we can do that – place him in the watchlist,” she explained.

As to the possible effect of the allegations against the ISAFP on the morale of the military, De Lima said that the Aquino administration just wants the poll fraud controversy put to a close.

“It’s about time that people really be held accountable – whether military or civilian authorities. If they did illegal things, then they should be held accountable,” she said, citing an order of President Aquino to “pursue the case.”

Abalos said the Comelec, acting as National Board of Canvassers in the 2007 polls, had also ordered Radam and Martirizar to explain discrepancies in the election results in North and South Cotabato during the canvassing procedures in May 2007 but they did not show up since.

“They were given the chance to explain but they went into hiding. I ordered them investigated so how can they say that I am involved,” he noted.

Abalos added that if he was capable of manipulating elections, his son-in-law Francisco Yatco would have benefited when he ran for mayor of Biñan, Laguna.

“My son-in-law ran as Biñan mayor in 2004, 2007 and 2010 elections but he lost in all his attempts. No one can say that I tried to talk to them to favor his candidacy,” he maintained.

ISAFP officials said they are ready to cooperate with agencies that would probe the claims of the new witnesses.

“We are ready (to cooperate in the investigations) to shed light on the issue,” ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Ronnie Ordoyo said.

Ordoyo said that soldiers are prohibited from joining political activities.

“The policy is clear. We should not meddle with politics,” he said.

Monday Transport Strike Unsuccessful - PNP

2011-09-19T14:10:00.000-07:00

Transport strike unsuccessful
FILTV NEWS Source: Sunstar.com.ph
NEWS Writer: Aure Galacgac

MANILA -- The work stoppage staged by militant transport groups Monday have managed to immobilize only a few areas around the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

The PNP said strikers failed to cripple public transport in Metro Manila, as only 515 protesters were seen in the capital as well as in the cities of Surigao and Butuan, both in Caraga region.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Jaime Jacob said Monday's strike failed to cause inconvenience to the commuting public.

Authorities and militant groups in Davao and Cagayan de Oro cities gave conflicting figures as a result of Thursday's transport protests.

The Cagayan de Oro City police said 80 to 90 percent of the transportation system was affected, while transport group Solidarity of Transport Alliance in Region X said 100 percent paralysis was achieved.

However, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said only 40 percent of the transport system in Northern Mindanao, which includes Cagayan de Oro, was affected by the strike.

In Davao City, local transport groups said 92 percent joined the protest while City Mayor Sara Duterte said only 80 percent joined in the strike.

Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II, in a report said, no transport paralysis have taken place in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol and Central Visayas.

Baguio City drivers also declined to join the strike as the local chapter of Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) has failed to convince its member in the "Summer Capital."

Public utility drivers in Cebu did not participate in the nationwide strike but a small group of protesters led by Piston tried to block the entry of more than 10 fuel trucks to a Petron oil depot in Mandaue City.

The protests, however, dispersed after policemen and security guards of the depot prevented them from blocking the trucks.

Oil deregulation

Piston took the lead of the mass action Monday, after it refused to call off the strike despite expressing their concerns over high oil prices in a meeting with President Benigno Aquino III last week.

The group eyed to paralyze public transport to underscore its call for a P9 rollback on fuel prices and the review the Oil Deregulation Law.

"We fielded four buses to augment [the available vehicles] but they were not used due to sufficient public utility vehicles," Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacañang Monday.

The government was "prepared to face the transport strike," Lacierda added. "That's why we have launched our contingency measures and it appears that the measures are taking effect. There are a very few stranded passengers in very limited areas."

The low turnout of protesters can be attributed to the dialogue President Aquino had with the transport leaders, Lacierda said.

"We are very certain that the transport groups' dialogue with the President was a contributory factor to what has not happened today (Monday)," he said.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed that the strike had minimal impact in the capital.

"The strike was unsuccessful in Metro Manila, having minimal impact on the lives of its citizens,” said MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino.

The MMDA chief, who was designated by Malacañang to act as the President’s personal representative to the inter-agency Presidential Task Force on Transport Strike and Mass Action (Trasma), said that "[n]one of the convergence points that Piston announced have developed into a critical mass" to able to have a major effect on public transport.

These convergence points were Aurora Boulevard in Cubao, the Alabang Viaduct, Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, Espana corner M. dela Fuente in Manila, Monumento in Caloocan and Guadalupe in Makati.

Tolentino credited the successful government response to the strike to the prompt coordination and timely response of various agencies.

No classes

Out of the 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila, only Marikina cancelled classes.

In Davao City, many students had an extra day off as several private schools cancelled classes.

These schools are Brokenshire College, Holy Child Academy, Ateneo de Davao University, Assumption College of Davao, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, Rizal SPED, Davao Holy Trinity, Davao Central College of Toril, De La Salle John Bosco College and Leap of Faith Academy.

In Cagayan de Oro, the transport strike also caused the suspension of classes in elementary, high school and college levels, both private and public schools.

However, the Department of Education (Deped) did not officially order any cancellation of classes for public schools in the cities affected by the strike.

Protests

While some jeepney drivers opted not to join the one-day strike, the militants maintained their call for the scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law, which to them, has been the main culprit behind high fuel prices.

Pump prices of diesel and gasoline have increased at least 20 times since January, bringing the total increase of P7.60 per liter for diesel and P5.10 per liter for regular gasoline, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

In Philcoa, Quezon City, the protesters converged by the roadside, bringing with them banners and placards chiding the Aquino administration for alleged inaction on the matter.

"The people's review aims to highlight the inherent flaws of deregulation as a policy. We will back up our analysis with hard facts. The results of the review will be submitted to Malacañang and to the Senate and House energy committees," Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said.

George San Mateo, Piston secretary-general said the group was satisfied with the turnout despite the withdrawal of several transport groups such as the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (Fejodap), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto) and Pasang Masda.

He also appealed for understanding from irate motorists and commuters who experienced traffic problems and less number of public utility vehicles (PUV) in the streets.

Earlier, Fejodap president Zenaida Maranan said the group call off their participation to the strike after President Aquino granted their appeals for the implementation of a single traffic ticketing system as well as a crackdown on mulcting or "kotong" cops.

For his part, Pasang Masda president Roberto "Obet" Martin said the group will just file a case before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the oil firms who he said were engaged in the “illegal” pricing of fuel products.

In Manila, traffic congestion has caused some tempers to flare up especially after members of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) conducted a "planking protest" at the corner of M. De La Fuente Street corner Espana Boulevard.

The protest involves lying face down with stiffened arms and legs on a pavement that may sometimes involve two elevated platforms.

They were later dispersed by elements of the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 4. The LFS members then proceeded to Welcome Rotonda where they staged a brief program.

Lea Salonga Denies Writing Her Miss Universe Question

2011-09-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Lea: I didn’t write my Miss U question
FILTV NEWS Source: Yahoo! OMG
NEWS Writer: Karen Valeza

Lea Salonga, who is now part of Miss Universe history by judging the just-concluded beauty pageant last Sept. 12 (Sept. 13, Manila time) said in her Twitter account that she did not write the question she asked the winner, Miss Angola Leila Lopes.

“Just so you all know, I didn't write my question. All our questions are pre-written and each judge is assigned one. Luck of the draw," Lea tweeted.

Pageant organizers chose Lea to ask Miss Angola the final question: If you could change one of your personal characteristics, which one would it be and why?

Leila replied through an interpreter that she is grateful with how God created her. "I’m very satisfied with the way God created me, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family, and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.”

Lea’s question drew different responses. Some praised her for her question, while others thought it was a bit easy.

When someone told her on Twitter that she asked a great question, Lea replied, “Thanks, but I can't take credit for it. Those questions are all assigned to us, written by the guys at Miss Universe.”

Lea’s fellow judges included actress Vivica A. Fox, American journalist Connie Chung, and Miss Universe 2003 Amelia Vega.

Before she flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where the 60th Miss Universe was held at the Credicard Hall, Lea told Yahoo! Philippines OMG! that she feels great to be one of the judges and will be completely objective in her job.

“All I can do is tell myself to be completely objective at the pageant,” she posted.

One of Lea's Twitter followers also asked if Shamcey Supsup deserved her 3rd runner up spot.

Lea's response was, "I placed her (Shamcey) higher. But I'm only 1 of 9 judges, and someone might have placed her 5th. Law of averages put her in 4th place."

Tropical Depression ONYOK Moves Closer To The Philippines

2011-09-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Onyok moves closer to Phl FILTV NEWS Source: Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical depression "Onyok" continue to barrel closer in the country's coastlines, the state weather bureau said.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spotted the disturbance at 1,170 km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes.

Moving west at 7kph, Onyok is expected to bring scattered rainshower and thunderstorms in eastern Visayas and Mindanao.

Light and moderate winds will prevail over northern and central Luzon, PAGASA added.

Pacman To Get More Than $20-M For His Marquez Clash

2011-09-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

FILTV NEWS Source: Mb.com.ph
NEWS Writer: NICK GIONGCO

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao is getting a guaranteed purse of more than $20 million – his biggest so far – when he battles Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao’s take-home pay will bloat even more owing to his share in the pay-per-view (PPV) and gate receipts.

Marquez, in contrast, is earning his biggest paycheck of $5 million and a share as well in the PPV.

Against Shane Mosley last May, Pacquiao got $20 million up-front and a slice in the PPV sales.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is upbeat of posting a new record for Pacquiao in PPV revenue by drawing not less than 1.5 million buys and as much as 2 million buys. The Mosley fight generated about 1.4 million buys.

When Pacquiao made his US debut in June 2001, he was paid a paltry $40,000 as a last-minute replacement against South African Lehlo Ledwaba, who he knocked out to win the International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight title.

Pacquiao, 32, has generated more than 8 million buys in his last 14 fights.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao showed up for training at the Planet Jupiter Gym in Makati Monday afternoon and vowed to work out until the end of the week as he prepares to set up camp in Baguio City.

Pacquiao is coming off a whirlwind four-city, 25,000-mile press tour that began in Manila, made stops in New York and Los Angeles, and ended in Mexico City.

Trainer Freddie Roach is arriving this weekend and Day One of training camp begins Monday.

LBC Bank Depositors Upset Over Closed Doors

2011-09-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

FILTV NEWS Source: Sunstar.com.ph
NEWS Writer: Katlene O. Cacho

CLOSED doors in branches of the LBC Development Bank (LBC Bank) upset depositors yesterday, the first banking day since it was placed under receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC).

But the bank’s liquidity problems do not reflect on the entire banking industry’s condition, assured officials of the Cebu Bankers’ Club (CBC).

“The banking sector is still generally liquid and with strong fundamentals that have continued to remain stable, despite the financial problem of the Western countries.

The recent problem of the LBC Bank is an isolated case and is not reflective of the banking industry’s financial condition,” said CBC past president Chito Cabaero of Metrobank Philippines.

LBC Bank, a thrift bank owned by the LBC Group, was placed under receivership of the PDIC last Sept. 9. PDIC assured depositors all valid accounts and deposit insurance claims will be paid as soon as possible.

The Monetary Board places a bank under PDIC receivership when it no longer has enough assets to service withdrawals, Cabaero explained. PDIC will then gather and verify all bank records and preserve assets, for the benefit of creditors and depositors.

In Cebu City, Eleuterio and Elsa Lamberte were dismayed upon learning they could not withdraw from LBC Bank, which they needed for their child’s medication.

“Nagtuo mi nga maayo sila kay LBC gud. Wa namo damha (We thought they were doing well
because we trust the LBC brand. We didn’t see this coming),” Eleuterio said in a TV Patrol Central Visayas report.

According to PDIC, the latest available records show the bank has 321,516 deposit accounts, of which 99.4 percent are fully covered by deposit insurance.

“The placing of the LBC Bank under PDIC affects depositors but not the banking industry in general. In fact, it was the last resort to protect its depositors and other creditors or the general public as a whole. We recognize the efforts of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to maintain a very stable and strong banking industry, which is considered the backbone of the country’s strong economy,” said CBC trustee Prudencio Gesta of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

Diligence

Cabaero added there is no cause for alarm in the country’s banking industry. However, the public should be cautious in choosing which bank to entrust their money with.

Look at the financial background of the bank, he suggested. Check on the bank’s ownership, history and credibility. Examine its financial stability, which can be seen in the bank’s annual report or website.

“If the bank offers out-of-this-world interest rates, then that is something the depositors or the public should validate,” Cabaero said.

LBC Bank has 19 branches nationwide. Its head office is located on JP Rizal St. in Makati City.

Depositors

As of June 30, the bank had an estimated total deposit liability of P6.09 billion.

A report posted in the BSP website showed that as of December 2010, LBC Bank had P6.39 billion in total assets and P5.8 billion in total liabilities. It had about P316 million in non-performing loans.

PDC yesterday said it will announce the payout as soon as possible. Updates will be posted at bank sites and the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph.

PDIC also said they are arranging depositors’ fora at the bank’s head office and all its 19 branches. During the fora, PDIC will explain procedures and requirements in filing claims and answer depositors’ queries.

Under PDIC’s charter, deposits of P500,000 or below are fully covered by insurance.

Deposits in excess of the amount may or may not be paid, depending on the amount raised from the liquidation of a closed bank’s assets.

Depositors whose accounts are P10,000 or below need not apply for insurance claims. PDIC will mail notices to them, so they can withdraw from designated redemption offices like the Land Bank of the Philippines branches.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on September 13, 2011.

Andi Eigenmann Confirms Albie Casino Is The Father Of Her Baby

2011-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

It's confirmed! The most popular guess that the father of the baby in Andi Eigenmann's womb is Albie Casino is true. Andi, herself, confirmed this through a post (entitled "welliwasneverreallytheconventionaltype") in her blog The Good That Won't Come Out Chapter: Deux ... everybody dances to their own boom boom ♥ on andieigengirl.posterous.com (View this site below.)

This was what she wrote:

"Maybe instead of feeling bad that the baby daddy (-_- really?) left me to take on this responsibility by myself, I should thank him for giving me the opportunity go out and find genuine happiness once again. I'd obviously love for him to be around eventually. You know, to save myself the struggle to find a good way to explain his absence to his child. At the same time, I'd understand. Cus after all, I have no idea who or what kind of a person all the fame and fortune has turned him into now. All I hope is that he's well."

However, it seems that the words "baby daddy (-_- really?)" are now a replacement to what was originally written as "Albie", therefore, we can no longer see his name on the said blog post. Journal.com.ph had already quoted from the same blog, with Albie's name still there - 'Eto ang ilang bahagi ng nasabing blog:

“Maybe instead of feeling bad that Albie (Casiño) left me to take on this responsibility by myself, I should thank him for giving me the opportunity (to) go out and find genuine happiness once again.” .'

DJ Chacha of DZMM's Gising Pilipinas also reported this confirmation from Andi on the said news program this morning, September 6, 2011 as follows:

"Pinangalanan na ng aktres na si Andi Eigenmann ang ama ng kanyang ipinagbubuntis. Ayon sa aktres, sa halip na maging masama ang kanyang loob at magmukmok ng iwan siya ng aktor na si Albie Casino, sa responsibilidad ng kanyang baby ay pinasasalamatan na lang niya ito sa oportunidad na makita muli ang tunay na kasiyahan. Nabatid na kailanman ay hindi itinanggi o kumumpirma ni Albie na siya ang ama ng dinadala ni Andi Eigenmann."

Andi Eigenmann's Blog Post:

- FILTV Celebrity News

Gandang Gabi Vice Is Extended!

2011-09-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Gandang Gabi Vice, Vice Ganda's Sunday night talk show has been extended.
Originally, Vice signed for a 13-episode contract for this show, but thanks to very good feedback and high ratings, everyone can still enjoy watching and laughing with Gandang Gabi Vice Sunday nights. - FILTV

Gab Valenciano and Isabel Oli: Officially On

2011-09-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Gab Valenciano admits he is now in a 2-month old relationship with Kapuso star Isabel Oli.
He reveals that Isabel, who is 6 years older than him, has been his crush ever since he first saw her in her first billboard back when he was still in high school.

Gab says Isabel's simplicity and her being a Christian were two of the things that drew him most to Isabel. He believes that this relationship that he has with her is the most sincere and most genuine relationship that he's been in.

Happy Yipee Yehey Song "I-SWING MO" Causes Lito Camo-Willie Revillame 'Fall Out'

2011-09-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Willie Revillame's super sensitive emotion with regards to his friends' loyalty is again highly affected when Lito Camo struck another gold mine with his most recent composition for rival network Abs-Cbn's Happy Yipee Yehey.
It seems Willie's feelings are hurt over the fact that Lito, who has composed most of his bestselling songs, did a big favor for his (Willie's) friends-turned-enemies John, Randy, Rico and the Kapamilya network itself. One can imagine Willie's inner rage (or envy) while listening to the very catchy, upbeat, cool and 'feel good' melody of "I-SWING MO", which could have been his. "I-SWING MO's" easy-to-sing lyrics and tune can be very contagious and can readily infect anyone with LSS (Last Song Syndrome) and it could have added another feather to Willie's successful recording career had Lito given it to him. Unfortunately (for Willie,) the prized song was purposely made for Abs-Cbn, under the terms of contract that Lito Camo still currently has with the network as one of its contract composers.

When asked by Pep.ph how he knew about Willie Revillame's ill-feelings toward him regarding this issue, Lito Camo said that he only learned about it from their friends with whom Willie expressed his disappointment. ("Pero sinabi niya sa mga kaibigan namin na wala daw akong loyalty sa kanya dahil nga ginawan ko ng kanta sina Rico, John, at Randy." - Lito)

Lito wishes that Willie would be more understanding of his situation. He said that Willie knows very well that he is still under contract with Abs-Cbn and he is only doing his job.

I-Swing Mo Video (Composed by Lito Camo, Performed by RRJ - Randy, Rico and John on Happy Yipee Yehey)

FilTV Chat

2011-07-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

Chat 1

Chat 2

Aiko's Ex-BF Bulacan Mayor Meneses, Shocked At Cristy Fermin's Expose

2011-04-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

Aiko's ex 'at awe' over Cristy’s shocker; threatens to bring matters to court

NEWS Source: mb.com.ph
NEWS Writer: JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA

MANILA, Philippines - Actress-politician Aiko Melendez’s ex-boyfriend, Bulacan Mayor Patrick Meneses, is stunned over allegations that Melendez has a hand in the gay rumors targeting him.

“Sa totoo po, I am at awe. Gulat na gulat po ako,” Meneses told interviewer Cristy Fermin in a live interview on “Paparazzi,” April 24.

Prior, Meneses not only denied the gay rumors but declared that his ex-girlfriend has nothing to do with gossip about his sexuality.

“Hiwalay man kami ng... Okay naman, maayos naman. And napag-usapan naman namin na, you know, we respect each other. Na hindi magsasalita pareho, magmu-move on ng maayos,” he said.

It was then that Meneses was presented on cam by Fermin with an envelope said to contain printouts of a Twitter conversation, through its direct messaging feature, allegedly between Melendez and an unidentified gay friend of the actress-politician.

“Ito'y tinanong po natin ang Twitter account na ito, kung kanino, kung legal at kung ito ay balido. 'Oo' ang natanggap ko. May pakikita ako mayor sa'yo na pag-uusap ng isang babae at isang lalaki, kung paanong binalangkas ang mga kwento at kung papa'no pinalalabas diyang kuwestyonable ang kasarian mo sa mga tabloid,” Fermin claimed.

As Meneses leafed through the printouts, Fermin explained to the audience, “Ang hawak po ngayon na mga dokumento ay pagpapalitan po ng tweets ni Aiko Melendez at ng isang kaibigan niyang bading. Dito po ay makikita natin kung papa'no silang nag-usap at kung papano po babalangkasin at pa'no sila mag-iimbento ng mga kwento na kuwestyonable ang kasarian ni Mayor Patrick Meneses.

Continue to ...

"Willing Willie Will Be Back On Air Soon" - Shalani

2011-04-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

'Willing Willie' to be back soon - Shalani

NEWS Source: mb.com.ph
NEWS Writer: ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

MANILA, Philippines – The wrath of intrigues apparently did not tear down “Willing Willie” as the TV5 show will return after a few weeks in hiatus.

This was revealed by one of the show's co-hosts, Shalani Soledad, during the live “Presscon Express” segment of “Paparazzi” on April 24.

“Sa mga milyong-milyon na naga-abang kung kelan po babalik ang ‘Willing Willie,’ malapit na po. And of course, marami ang ginagawa, marami kaming ini-improve sa show para pag-balik natin mas lalo pang mag-enjoy ang ating mga [manonood],” Soledad announced.

Although the exact date of its comeback is still being fixed, according to Soledad, she did divulge one of the major changes on “Willing Willie” in terms of its set design.

“Meron na tayong bagong flooring, which we are very proud [of]. This is the first LED flooring sa buong Pilipinas. So abangan niyo po ‘yan,” she said.

Soledad admitted that she misses the show (“it’s part of my system already,” she said) since it went off-air temporarily following the flak that “Willing Willie,” and particularly its main host Willie Revillame, drew due to the alleged abusive treatment that a six-year-old “macho-dancing” boy got during the primetime program’s March 12 episode.

While “Willing Willie” is on break, Soledad said she devotes her energy in fulfilling her duties as councilor of Valenzuela City.

“Of course ‘yung trabaho natin bilang konsehal sa ating lungsod sa Valenzuela, tuloy-tuloy, mas meron tayong madaming pinagkakaabalahan ngayon,” she related.

It was not specifically mentioned in Soledad’s statements, however, if the show’s comeback would also mark the return of Revillame. Recall that the highly-berated TV host took a leave from “Willing Willie” more than two weeks ago to rest and contemplate on whether or not he will resume working in local showbiz.

Although Soledad said she got hurt over the criticisms that the “macho-dancing” incident ensued---from ordinary citizens to public figures such as politicians, government officials and showbiz personalities---she maintained, “We respect everyone’s decision.”

Continue to ...

Iglesia Ni Cristo, Other Religious Groups Favor RH Bill

2011-04-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

NEWS Source: gmanews.tv
NEWS Writer: KIMBERLY JANE TAN, GMA News

Unlike the Catholic Church, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has expressed support for the highly controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

"We are ready to support the bills on Reproductive Health as long as there would be no immoral elements in them," INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo said in a letter dated October 12, 2010 to Rep. Rogelio Espina, chairman of the House committee on population and family relations.

This is the first time the INC has expressed its stand on the issue.

Manalo's letter to Espina was likewise made public only this April. It was revealed to the media by Bishop Rodrigo Tano, chairman of the Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthoood (IPPRP), during a weekly forum at the Diamond Hotel on Monday.

Manalo explained that they are supporting the bill because it is the "moral imperative" for parents to watch over their children and provide them with food, shelter, clothing, proper education, religious, and moral training.

"Hence, parents have a moral obligation to plan the number of their children and keep it under control. The Bible states that a parent who does not provide for the needs of his own household is worse than an unbeliever," he said. Continue to ...

Senate OKs Mandatory, Free Pre-School Education

2011-04-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate has approved a bill endorsed by the House of Representatives that seeks to make pre-school education mandatory, compulsory, and free in all public schools.

The bill titled “Kindergarten Education Act” aims to institutionalize kindergarten education into the basic education system.

Seventeen senators approved House Bill No. 3826, taking into consideration the counterpart Senate Bill No. 2700 filed by Sen. Ralph Recto.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education, Arts, and Culture, sponsored the consolidated bills.

The Senate version prescribes a mother tongue-based multilingual education as a medium of instruction for pre-school children.

Those who signed Senate Committee Report No. 24 include Senators Angara, Recto, Franklin Drilon, Pia Cayetano, Manuel Villar Jr., Teofisto
“TG” Guingona III, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Sergio Osmeña III, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Antonio Trillanes IV, Manuel “Lito” Lapid, Joker Arroyo, Francis Pangilinan, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, and Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.

In filing the bill, Recto said scientific studies and global trends point to multilingual-based education, using the mother tongue as becoming the standard teaching method for basic literacy all over the world.

In the Philippines, he said a local study reveals that the average Filipino is multilingual and can understand several local dialects, aside from English.

Cognizant of the priority given to kindergarten education, the measure earmarks proceeds from the value-added tax (VAT) collections amounting to (P20 billion) annually for the next three years after the approval of the bill. Then, the budgetary requirements of kindergarten education shall be charged to the general fund and included in the national budget.

“The passage of this measure will not only give full meaning to the Philippine commitment to the Education-for-All (EFA) global movement and its expanded vision of education, but also fulfill the vision of functionally literate Filipinos,” Recto stressed.

Mara Clara Remake Gets Banff Nomination - mb.com.ph

2011-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – ABS-CBN’s remake of the 90s classic soap opera “Mara Clara” is set to compete in Canada’s 2011 Banff World Media Festival in June.

According to Banff’s official website, “Mara Clara” is one of the two Asian nominees in the Telenovelas & Soap Operas category, pitted against South Korea’s “Bread, Love and Dreams,” popularly known locally as GMA 7’s “Baker King.”

Aside from “Bread, Love and Dreams,” “Mara Clara” will be up against the United Kingdom’s “Coronation Street”; and the USA’s “Days of Our Lives,” “Eva Luna” and “The Queen of the South” in the same category.

“Mara Clara” was originally aired on ABS-CBN from 1992 until 1997. The original story, created by Emil Cruz, Jr., follows the life of two young ladies, the meek but poor Mara and the rich villain Clara, who were switched at birth. The original starred Judy Ann Santos (Mara) and Gladys Reyes (Clara). ... Continue to ...

Willie Revillame: From The Eyes Of A Beholder - inquirer.net

2011-04-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—Willie Revillame is a television host, actor, and a recording artist in the Philippines. He was the former host of noontime variety show of ABS-CBN's “Wowowee” and is the host of TV5's primetime variety show “Willing Willie.”

Willing Willie is a program that was conceptualized to bring joy and hope and shine the spotlight on ordinary Filipinos. The program aims to provide a venue for everyone to show their talents, tell their stories and make their dreams come true. This is the thrust of everyone involved in the program, particularly its host, Willie Revillame.

I have heard several good and controversial things about Willie Revillame but I really didn’t care as being in the United States with no TFC (ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel), I was not able to watch his Wowowee show and was not familiar with him.

I had promoted his Wowowee show in Houston, Texas through my on-line news way back in 2008 only because his fans in that city requested me to. I was offered free tickets to see his show, however, driving from Dallas for eight hours round trip was not something I wanted to do.

How come I am talking about Willie Revillame now? Well, the show Willing Willie is in danger of being off the air, because the host and co-producer, Willie Revillame is just sick and tired of all the negative accusations being hurled at him by his nemesis. His every move and activities seemed to be under microscopic review and his integrity is being attacked even on issues not within his control.

I am a Filipino American retiree who visits her sons and their families in the Philippines yearly. I went to the Philippines last Feb. 4, 2010 and got back to the United States April 11, 2011. Continue to ...

Fatima Not Eligible For Cornea Transplant, Thanks AJ’s Family - mb.com.ph

2011-04-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Blind singer Fatima Soriano is not eligible for cornea transplant, which means she won’t be receiving the late AJ Perez’s cornea as previously reported.

In a report by ABS-CBN News online, Dr. Mae Singson, one of Soriano’s eye doctors, said the young actor’s corneas can’t replace Fatima’s because her problem is her retinas. Only corneas, according to Singson, can be transplanted, and that effective retinal transplants are not yet available.

“Ang corneas niya ay normal. Ang problema sa kanya ay ang likod ng mata o ang kurtina ng mata called the retina. ‘Yon ang defective sa kanya and it has been defective since ipinanganak siya. So changing the cornea, which is sa harapan ng mata ay hindi makakabigay lunas sa kanyang karamdaman. To this day, wala pa tayong effective na retinal transplant,” explained Singson.

Fely Soriano, Fatima’s mother, through Star Magic PR head Thess Gubi affirmed in a statement that her daughter is not eligible for transplant.

“The family has endorsed the cornea to the eye bank and whoever is compatible [with AJ’s cornea] will be the beneficiary,” she said.

After getting killed in a vehicular accident April 17, AJ Perez’s family donated the actor’s cornea to the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines. AJ’s mother saw Fatima on TV the night prior to her son’s demise and decided to give AJ’s cornea to the 17-year-old blind singer.

Despite not being eligible for the transplant, Fatima still thanked the Perez family for their kind gesture. She embraces her fate wholeheartedly, still full of hope.

“I accept po kasi alam kong ito ang will ni Lord. Baka may someone else po na matutulungan, kahit hindi po sa akin,” Fatima told ABS-CBN News.

Hottest Day So Far: 39.5º In Tuguegarao - philstar.com

2011-04-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The temperature in northern Tuguegarao City reached 39.5 degrees Celsius last Tuesday, higher by .5 degrees than the highest recorded temperature in the area last year at the height of the El Niño phenomenon.

The temperature is also the hottest recorded so far in the country this year, and came a day after hailstorms hit some parts of the region, including this landlocked province.

Tuguegarao, the capital of Cagayan, Luzon’s northernmost mainland province, is the holder of the hottest temperature ever recorded in the country at 42 degrees Celsius in the 1950s.

Also last Tuesday, Quezon City’s temperature was reportedly monitored at 36.8 degrees Celsius, the hottest so far in the metropolis this year.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier said temperature could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius this summer.

Beware of heat stroke

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) again warned the public yesterday against heat stroke this summer, saying it can be fatal if ignored.

In a press statement, the PRC said there are precautionary measures that could be observed to prevent heat stroke, “an illness due to the body’s erratic response to extreme heat.”

“It characterizes extremely high body temperature - above 120 degrees Fahrenheit- and disturbance in sweating mechanism; thus, causing the skin to dry up and redden, and the heart to beat faster which fosters rapid and shallow breathing,” the PRC said. Continue to ...

AJ Perez’s Short Yet Colorful Showbiz Career - manilastandardtoday.com

2011-04-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

AJ Perez was one of the most promising actors of his generation. His name is not immediately recognizable to some people but when you mention Sabel, the series that also starred Jessy Mendiola, then they’d remember, “Yes, the good boy who played Dido, he’s good looking and a fine young actor.”

AJ, born Antonello Joseph S. Perez on Feb. 17, 1983, was launched as a member of Star Magic Batch 13 in 2006. His television appearance started when he was cast in the miniseries Star Magic Presents (All About a Girl, Abt Ur Luv, Hay School Lyf, and Luvin’ Life) followed by another miniseries Your Song Presents (Underage, Boystown and Imposible). His first known team-up was with Lauren Young when they both appeared in the television series Lobo as Zoey and Yani.

Apart from being an actor and a product endorser, AJ was also a dancer. He was a member of the disbanded all-male dance group Gigger Boys that also include Enchong Dee, Sam Concepcion, Dino Imperial, Robi Domingo, Chris Gutierrez, and Aaron Villaflor. The group was an Asap regular.

AJ made a total of 10 movies under ABS-CBN production arm Star Cinema. Some of his notable film projects were Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (2006), Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo (2007), Bahay Kubo (2007) BFF (Best Friends Forever) (2009), Ang Tanging Pamilya: A Marry Go Round (2009). In 2010, he was cast in three blockbuster films namely Babe, I Love You, Cinco and Mamarazzi.

Away from the limelight, AJ excelled pretty well in school. Indeed, he was a bright student. Last year, he ranked third in their batch. He graduated last month at the La Salle Greenhills and planned to attend college at De La Salle in Manila. He was also active in sport, listing basketball as his top sport.

His career was on the right track until the fatal accident on April 17. Continue to ...

Makati Fire Displaces 2,500 Families - inquirer.net

2011-04-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines—Around 2,500 families lost their homes in a big fire that struck a depressed community near Edsa in Makati City at around noon on Tuesday.

Initial investigation showed that several residents—including three children, an elderly woman, a pregnant lady and a fire volunteer—suffered minor injuries as they fled from their burning houses in the Laperal Compound at Guadalupe Viejo.

The fire started in the house of a certain Michelle on Bernardino Street and spread quickly to the rest of the settlement.

SFO2 Gerson Moncada of the Makati Fire Department said they were looking at two possible causes: An unattended rice cooker or a computer that overheated.

Quoting Jesusa Magacaling, 52, secretary of the homeowners group in the compound, Moncada said that of the 1,000 structures in the area, 90 percent were destroyed in the fire.

At 12:35 p.m. firefighters declared a general alarm—the highest fire alarm level—which means that all available fire trucks in Metro Manila should help put out the blaze.

The fire was declared under control at 2:05 p.m. but it took another 10 minutes before it was put out.

Around 70 to 80 fire trucks rushed to the site and occupied most of the southbound lane of Edsa, causing heavy traffic in the area and prompting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to reroute traffic.

A strong breeze that fanned the flames also worsened the situation. Apart from the shanties, billboards in the area also burned.

When the smoke cleared, some 900 shanties had been gutted, leaving about 2,500 families homeless, Moncada said.

Tuesday’s blaze was reportedly the fourth to hit the community which is packed with small houses made of light materials. It is located at the back of the Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium.

The last fire in the area occurred in June 2008, arson investigators said.

Church Rites Set For Maundy Thursday - mb.com.ph

2011-04-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines -- The Catholic Church begins its observance on Maundy Thursday of the Paschal Triduum, a three-day tradition that begins tonight and ends, as it reaches its high point, with the evening prayer late at night on Black Saturday during the Easter vigil.

Today’s church rites and services will include the evening mass of the Lord’s supper, a re-enactment of the Washing of the Feet (Pedilavium), and the observance of the “Visita Iglesia” pilgrimage, the traditional visit to seven or 14 churches to pray the Stations of the Cross.

During the mass of the Lord’s Supper, held in commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus with His apostles, the singing of the Gloria will be accompanied by the ringing of church bells, which will then remain silent until the Easter vigil mass on the evening of Black Saturday.

The re-enactment of the “Washing of the Feet,” wherein a priest will wash the feet of 12 individuals in commemoration of Jesus’ perfect display of humility and servant hood at the start of the Last Supper, will be held after the homily. A procession taking the Blessed Sacrament to the place of reposition will also be held.

The church altar, as well as the sacred images inside the church, will later be veiled in purple in preparation for the somber observance of Good Friday. Confession services will be extended to allow more individuals to go to confession.

Catholics will also observe today the “Visita Iglesia,” a visit to seven churches as a pilgrimage or 14 churches to pray the Way of the Cross, praying one station in each church. Some will also visit the adoration chapel during the hours of adoration from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight following the mass of the Lord’s Supper.

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” which means command and has reference to the commandment that Jesus taught His apostles during the Last Supper. He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Charice's Fans Wished She Sang More Songs In Glee Comeback

2011-04-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Fans blown away by Charice's 'Glee' comeback

Source: abs-cbnNEWS.

LOS ANGELES, California – Fans and supporters of international singing sensation Charice, collectively known as Chasters, came in full force to watch their idol’s comeback episode on “Glee” at the Salakot Grill here.

Charice’s second appearance happened almost 7 months after her debut in September when Glee had its season 2 premiere.

It has been a long wait for the Chasters, but they said it was worth it.

Eleven-year-old Erina Lara said Charice, who plays Filipino exchange student Sunshine Corazon, “was just amazing.”

Another Chaster, Wennie Willingham, added: “It's always a pleasure waiting for this to happen. It's all what we want for her, for Charice, and now we're seeing it happen right before our eyes and there's never a dull moment.”

Charice’s Sunshine Corazon joined Vocal Adrenaline, rival of William McKinley High School's glee club, New Directions, after lead character Rachel Berry (Lea Michelle) sent her to a crack house.

In the latest episode titled “A Night of Neglect,” Sunshine wants to participate in New Directions’ benefit concert, prompting Rachel to suspect that she is being used as a spy for Vocal Adrenaline.

Sunshine, however, says she has nothing against the group. "I'm such a better singer than everyone else so I know how it feels. I'm all alone at the top. Also, I'm really short, so even when I'm in a group of people I feel like I'm wandering alone in a forest."

She then performed "All By Myself," which she described as the "perfect song for neglect," before the members of New Directions.

Some fans, however, wished that Charice sang not just one song in the episode. Continue to ...

Sen Chiz Escudero, Wife Tintin Part Ways

2011-04-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Chiz & Tintin: Yes, it's over!

Source: philstar.com - Funfare
Writer: Ricardo F. Lo

The first time I used that title was more than 12 years ago when Pops Fernandez, after denying to death that her marriage to Martin Nievera was on the rocks, finally confessed to The STAR, which broke the story three years earlier, that the persistent rumors were true, saying with finality, “When it’s over, it’s over!”

The second time that headline appeared in Funfare was more than two years ago when a Funfare VDPA (Very Deep Penetration Agent) confirmed that Robin Padilla and Liezl Sicangco had been separated for two years and Liezl was ready to remarry (a New Zealander). Of course, Robin has found his own new love in the person of Mariel Rodriguez whom he’s determined to marry again, this time in Catholic rites after their Muslim marriage in India in August last year — if, and only if, the church authorities will give them the go-signal.

Then last year, Funfare again used that title for a story about a controversial couple whose romance was doomed from the start.

And now, with a heavy heart, I’m constrained to use that “It’s over!” banner again as I break the story that, yes, it’s true, Sen. Chiz Escudero and Christine Elizabeth “Tintin” Flores, his wife of 10 years, have separated.

“They’ve been living apart for five months now,” said the VDPA.

Funfare texted Chiz and Tintin separately for comment, but neither of them replied. Close friends of the un-couple are also mum on the matter. ... Continue to ...

Sentenced OFW In Saudi, Pardoned

2011-04-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Saudi pardons 'drug mule'

Source: mb.com.ph
Writer: ROY C. MABASA

MANILA, Philippines – An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) sentenced to death by beheading in November 2009 by a tribunal of three judges for involvement in smuggling shabu into Saudi Arabia was pardoned and freed Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Monday.

The DFA declined to disclose the identity of the OFW in deference to the request of his family for privacy.

The Filipino “drug mule” was apprehended by Saudi law enforcement agents in February, 2008 after he received a postal package with shabu hidden inside.

Smuggling and selling of illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are crimes punishable by the death penalty, the DFA said.

Following his arrest, the Philippine embassy in Riyadh exerted utmost efforts in ensuring that his legal rights were respected during the investigation process and in trial.

In November, 2009, the OFW was sentenced to death by a tribunal of three judges.

Through the Philippine embassy, the OFW filed an appeal.

Two members of the tribunal, on the basis of the appeal, reduced the penalty from death to 15 years imprisonment, 1,500 lashes, and a karama (fine) of Saudi Riyals 100,000.

Citing the new ruling, the Embassy included the OFW’s name in the list submitted to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud, for the grant of Royal Clemency.

“The Embassy's efforts were favorably acted upon, and he was ordered released after serving a total of three years in detention,” the DFA said in a statement.

The OFWs repatriation to the Philippines has been arranged by the Embassy and he is due to arrive in Manila shortly. Continue to ...

The Willie Revillame-Jan-Jan Controversy Continues To Create A Stir Both Here And Abroad

2011-04-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

Willie Retracts Threat To Sue Celebrity 'Attackers'
Dr. Carandang fires back at Revillame's lawyer

Source: mb.com.ph

Writer: JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA

MANILA, Philippines – Willie Revillame will no longer sue the celebrities whom he claimed "attacked" him on Twitter.

“Hindi na ho,” Revillame was quoted by PEP on April 18 as saying during a dzIQ Radyo Inquirer radio interview on April 15 when asked by anchors Mon Tulfo and Reysie Amado if he still plans to press charges against said celebrities.

Recall that in the April 8 episode of "Willing Willie," Revillame threatened to file a case against the prominent personalities whom he alleged, "attacked" and "judged" him via the microblogging site in light of the Jan-Jan controversy. The list included APO Hiking Society member Jim Paredes, internationally acclaimed theater performer Lea Salonga, singer Aiza Seguerra, TV host Bianca Gonzales, comediennes Tuesday Vargas and K Brosas, actresses Agot Isidro and Mylene Dizon, and singer-turned-political activist Leah Navarro.

“Kung idedemanda ka ng TV5, idedemanda rin kita. Magdedemandahan tayo. Idedemanda ko lahat ng tumira sa akin sa Twitter. Lahat ng personal, tandaan mo 'yan!,” Revillame exclaimed.

In the radio interview, Revillame reiterated that he did no wrong and that he was prejudged.

“Alam n'yo, ganun talaga ang buhay. Ang masama lang, humuhusga sila na hindi pa nila alam ang kabuuan, ang istorya. ... Continue to ...

Pilar Pilapil: "‘I was really attacked by the devil"

2011-04-18T03:18:00.000-07:00

Pilar says she was attacked by the devil

Source: inquirer.net

MANILA, Philippines—“I was attacked by the devil.”

That was how Pilar Pilapil, an actress and former beauty queen, described to a friend Thursday night’s assault on her and her female companion by two suspected car thieves while they were looking for a place to park their car in Marikina City.

And she said she survived because God was by her side.

“She was very grateful to the Lord for protecting her,” Pilapil’s best friend Rosary Benitez told the Inquirer Sunday.

“Pilar said, ‘I was really attacked by the devil.’ She said that was the devil, that the devious attack was really terrible, and that she would not wish it on anyone. She said the Lord was guarding her,” Benitez said.

Pilapil, a born-again Christian since 1995 and a 1967 Miss Philippines, suffered several stab wounds and bruises during the attack. Her companion, Rosalie Jakosalem Peñas, remains missing.

The attackers are still at large. Continue to ...

AJ Perez's Eyes To Be Donated To Fatima Soriano

2011-04-18T02:09:00.000-07:00

AJ Perez's parents donate his eyes to "Miracle Kid" Fatima Soriano

Source: ph.news.yahoo.com

Kinumpirma ng mga magulang ng yumaong aktor na si AJ Perez na sina Gerardo at Margarita Perez na ido-donate nila ang mga mata—o ang cornea—ng kanilang anak sa "Miracle Kid" na si Fatima Soriano.

Inanunsiyo ito ng mga magulang ni AJ sa burol ng young actor ngayong hapon, April 18.

Si Fatima ay ang 17-year-old inspirational singer na ipinanganak nang bulag.

Nang kunan ng pahayag si Fatima tungkol sa pagdu-donate ng cornea ni AJ, ito ang kanyang naging pahayag: "Kung bibigyan po ako ng chance makakita. Pero hindi ko na makikita si Mama Mary, mas gusto ko na po ito."

Ayon kasi kay Fatima ay nakikita niya si Virgin Mary at nagpapadala rin daw ito ng mensahe sa kanya.

Parehong ipinanganak noong 1993 sina AJ at Fatima.

Si AJ ay pumanaw ng madaling-araw kahapon, April 17, dahil sa vehicular accident. Continue to ...

Philippines, Removed From US Human Trafficking Watchlist

2011-04-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

Philippines now off human trafficking watchlist

Source: manilastandardtoday.com

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—The Philippines has been removed from the human trafficking watchlist of the United States, President Benigno Aquino III announced on Friday.

He made the announcement ahead of the official release of the US State Department in June.

Mr. Aquino said the 22 convictions in human trafficking cases achieved by the Justice Department helped clinch the country’s removal from the Tier 2 watchlist.

“Because of that, we have been removed from the Tier 2 watchlist by the US government. We are now in the Tier 2 list,” the President said during the 23rd national convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines.

“I hope that this good track record stays in the coming years,” he said.

Continue to ...

Charice Pempengco Returns To Glee As Sunshine Corazon

2011-04-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

Charice: Sunshine Corazon will return on 'Glee'

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – International singing sensation Charice has confirmed that her character, Sunshine Corazon, is a recurring role in the American hit TV show “Glee."

After performing the Lady Gaga song “Telephone” with the series’ lead star Lea Michelle and “Listen” as her audition piece in the second-season premiere of Glee, a number of "Gleeks" asked if Charice’s character will reappear on the show.

In an interview with Tina Monzon-Palma on ANC’s The World Tonight on Tuesday, Charice said Sunshine will definitely be back.

“Yes po, babalik pa po ako sa iba pang episodes kaya po nandito pa po ako hanggang ngayon kasi nagshu-shoot pa po ako,” Charice said.

Although she advised her fans that she won’t be appearing on the Britney Spears episode that will air in the Philippines on Wednesday, she encouraged everyone to follow every episode of the show as it has a good storyline.

Continue to ...

Willie Revillame Backs Out On Threat To Sue Twitter Critics

2011-04-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

Filipino TV host not pressing charges against critics

Source: ph.news.yahoo.com

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Filipino television host Willie Revillame changed his mind and won't be pressing charges anymore against celebrities whom he said "attacked" him on the microblogging site Twitter.

"Hindi na ho [Not anymore]," he told Radyo Inquirer's Mon Tulfo and Reysie Amado.

Revillame, on the April 8 episode of "Willing Willie," warned to file cases against a number of celebrities who, according to him, judged him over the "macho dancing" episode of his primetime game show on TV5.

Among the names he mentioned were Lea Salonga, Jim Paredes, Bianca Gonzalez, Aiza Seguerra, Agot Isidro, K Brosas and Leah Navarro.

The New Noontime Gang And Why They Click

2010-09-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Read the first part of this article HERE.

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Two bands, two separate consciousnesses. One generation, one wavelength. These two represent today’s generation who wear shades on television just for kicks (Randy Santiago had to wear one because his other eye was smaller), improvise songs with their guitar for their spiels, and give hilarious but not embarrassing comments about the audience.

Kuya Kim and Vice Ganda

Kuya Kim (Atienza) represents the older generation and the knowledge we learn from our elders, even as Vice Ganda represents the comedy and the escape you need when you watch “Showtime.”

From comedy bar comedian, Vice has evolved into one of the most in demand artists all over the world because of the exposure he gets from the show. When he left for a week to do a show in Liverpool, TV audiences clamored for Vice to return to “Showtime” because they miss his surefire humor.

The judges:

Four judges evaluate the groups that perform on “Showtime.” Each week, a judge is evicted and replaced with a new one. Luckily for me, I was not evicted so I can always come back to judge again.

The variety of judges and what they have to say make “Showtime” interesting. The longest staying judge is Jhong Hilario, a former member of the Streetboys and an idol of contestants who breakdance and do stunts in their routines.

When the Streetboys became men, each went into different fields. Vhong became a comedian and did box-office films. Jhong joined dramatic teleseryes and movies and now enjoys a long stint on “Showtime.”

The director:

Bobet Vidanes happens to be the master creator of “Showtime.” Direk Bobet used to direct “Wowowie” and he left the show at its peak because he did not approve of Willy Revillame’s style of capitalizing on the demise of the Filipino.

“Ayoko kasi ‘yung pinapaiyak ‘yung audience tapos bibigyan mo ng pera dahil unfair pagkakitaan ng show ang paghihirap ng Pilipino. Kung gusto natin tumulong ng kusang loob, puwede natin gawin ‘yan kahit kailan na walang kamerang nakatutok sa atin.

“Ang Pilipino ay may talento, hindi nila kailangang mamalimos. Dito sa ‘Showtime,’ hindi ‘yung hosts ang bida, hindi ‘yung judge, [kundi] ang tao ang bida dito. Binibigyan namin sila ng pagkakataon sumikat at magpasikat.”

Direk Bobet wrote the lyrics of the “Showtime” theme song with lyrics that mirror his purpose in life. That is, to showcase the talents of the ordinary Juan and Maria in the streets for as long as they have the drive to work hard (and not beg), “Anumang hirap ng buhay, pangarap ay tagumpay. Ituloy lang ang sipag, sa dulo’s sisiklap….” the song goes.

Now that Direk Bobet Vidanes’ “Showtime” is on top of its game and Willy Revillame is in limbo, does Kuya Kim’s famed quote, “Ang buhay ay weather-weather lang…” serve as shout-out as well to Willie?

Giselle Sanchez is a singer, corporate host and stand-up comedienne. E-mail your comments and first-hand experiences with the stars at gossipgirlgiselle@gmail.com.

SOURCE: Gossip Girl by GISELLE SANCHEZ, mb.com.ph, September 1, 2010, 2:25am

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Revillame And Abs-Cbn Engage In Bitter Word War

2010-08-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Read the first part of this article HERE.

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Willie's Demands

Abs-Cbn, represented by the law firm Villaraza, Cruz, Marcelo and Angangco, as reported by abs-cbnnews.com, also disclosed that aside from demanding the removal of his female co-hosts on Wowowee, Revillame also reportedly asked for the following: Payment of talent fee during the period of suspension of the talent agreement; return of DJ Coki and Ana Feliciano to Wowowee; change of program (name) to Wowowin; inclusion of Pinoy Big Brother winner Melai as co-host of the show; special ID cards for staff of Wowowee; special vehicle access privilege for the TV host in restricted areas within the Abs-Cbn compound.

No Agreement Reached

Abs-Cbn, insisted Tan, "did not grant nor agree" to Revillame's demands. Thus, the company said "there could not have been an agreement on a definite date" for Revillame's supposed return to TV.

In a meeting on July 13, the network's lawyers also argued that Abs-Cbn President Charo Santos-Concio informed Revillame that the suspension of the TV host's talent agreement was to last until August 24, 2010.

However, Revillame didn't want to return in August since it was supposedly an "unlucky month to do so." In a letter addressed to Revillame, abs-cbnnews.com quoted: "You cited several bad experiences in your personal life and career that occurred in the month of August. Since a return on 31 July 2010 was not possible, this led to a consideration of other dates for your possible return to the program," Abs-Cbn lawyers said.

The earliest Revillame could return to the show was sometime September 2010. In the meeting with Santos-Concio, the lawyers said Revillame was told that "public sentiment was still mostly against your return to television and that there was a need to rehabilitate your image and name."

Revillame, in response, said he was ready to return to television as late as January 2011, "if this was what Abs-Cbn management thought was best under the circumstances."

Revillame supposedly mentioned this was "worth considering" since a return in January 2011 would coincide with his 50th birthday. During the last meeting between Tan and Revillame on July 20, the lawyers said Tan informed Revillame that management "had finally decided that a return to Wowowee was no longer an option."

"This was due to the facct that studies and feedback received by Abs-Cbn had shown that the viewing public was still not in favor of your return to television because of the incident of 4 May 2010 and that it was advisable to gradually build the public's acceptance of your presence on television," the lawyers said.

This was why Tan opened discussions for an alternative program, including one that was pre-recorded instead of live.

Willie's Version Of Truth

In an interview with Paparazzi that aired on Sunday, August. 15, Revillame refuted the allegations. "Dapat yun lang totoo kasi pag nagsisinungaling, ewan ko kung makakatulog ka sa gabi. Habambuhay mong dadalhin yan," said he, apparently addressing Abs-Cbn executives.

"Ako napakalinis ng konsensya ko. Wala akong nararamdaman na iisang kaba. Nakakaharap ako kahit kanino. Nakataas noo ako kahit kaninong tao, maliit man o mataas. Kasi in my heart, in my conscience, in my mind, in my soul, sa mata ng Diyos, kahit sa mata ng tao, alam Niya kung ano ang totoo," he added.

In seeming support of Revillame's statement, former "Wowowee," and "Pilipinas Win na Win" business unit head, Jay Montelibano, has also allowed himself to be interviewed. According to Montelibano, everything was set concerning Revillame's return - and he was there and he actually heard it being discussed.

"I was there with Mother Linggit, as I fondly call her; nung July 10 sa bahay po ni kuya sa Tagaytay po. Initially after the pleasantries, ang pinag-uusapan was his return. The date came about na lang po na July 31. They were addressing kasi the low ratings Wowowee was experiencing already.

Montelibano said he has no clue as to why Abs-Cbn is now denying the talk ever occurred. Meanwhile, Revillame didn't confirm nor deny asking for Mariel Rodriguez and Pokwang's resignation. Revillame said it wasn't personal. Rather, he insisted that it was all part of the reformat he wanted for Wowowee.

Bulletin Entertainment received a statement from Abs-Cbn Head of Corporate Communications, Bong Osorio, reiterating management's stand on the matter. It read thus:

Abs-Cbn stands by the content of the letter sent to Willie Revillame last August 19 and what Linggit Tan, Abs-Cbn Head of TV Entertainment Production, said in her August 20 TV Patrol and SNN interviews.

SOURCE: Manila Bulletin August 26 Edition Entertainment Column written by Neil Ramos

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Marian Denies Reported Frequent Quarrels With Dingdong

2010-08-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Natatawa na lang daw si Marian Rivera sa mga naglalabasang ulat na madalas silang mag-away ng kanyang nobyo na si Dingdong Dantes.

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Sa Chika Minute ng GMA news 24 Oras nitong Martes, sinabi ni Marian na walang dahilan para mag-away sila ni Dingdong, at lalong walang dahilan para magselos siya sa nobyo.

“Natatawa talaga sa mga isyu na ganyan. Porke dati sinabi ko na selosa ako, all the way kailangan ba selosa ako? Hindi naman ganun ‘di ba? Nakakaloka, at wala naman akong pagseselosan, sino?" pahayag ni Marian kay entertainment reporter Lhar Santiago.

Pero totoo ba na baka sila naman ni Dingdong ang susunod na magpapakasal pagkatapos nina Ogie Alcasid at Regine Velasquez?

(Continuation)

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“Mahirap naman kasi ‘yang pag-usapan (tapos) di naman matutuloy. So kapag sigurado na, dun na lang pag-usapan. Pero ngayon focus muna kami sa Endless Love," ayon sa aktres.

Sa Huwebes ay kaarawan ni Marian, pero tulad daw ng mga nakaraang taon, walang plano ang dalaga na mag-celebrate at sa halip ay trabaho pa rin daw ang kanyang gagawin.

May taping umano siya ng Endless Love sa araw ng kanyang kaarawan. At dahil kasama niya sa trabaho si Dingdong, sapat na raw iyon para maging maligaya siya.

Todo rin ang pasasalamat ng aktres sa mga biyaya na kanyang natatanggap tulad ng mga sabay-sabay niyang proyekto. Bukod sa Endless Love at Show Me Da Manny, gagawin ni Marian ang remake Super Inday And The Magic Bibe, na pinagbidahan noon ni Maricel Soriano.

“Sabi ko nga sa sobrang daming blessings na dumating sa buhay ko masayang-masaya na ako. Ngayon kung may darating pa, eh salamat pa rin 'di ba," pahayag niya.

SOURCE: Fidel R Jimenez, GMANews.TV

GMA Network Welcomes Back Edu Manzano

2010-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Edu Manzano signed on Wednesday an exclusive contract with GMA Network. His upcoming game show with the Kapuso Network is entitled Asar Talo Pero Laging Panalo!

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Bukod kina Edu at manager niyang si Ms. June Torrejon, present sa contract signing sina GMA Network Chairman, President and CEO Felipe L. Gozon; COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr; at Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma V. Galvante.

Sa Chika Minute ng GMA news 24 Oras nitong Miyerkules, sinabi ni Edu na masaya siya sa pagbabalik niya sa GMA 7 at sa ipinakitang suporta sa kanya ng network.

Bago si Edu, ilan pa sa mga naunang nagbalik sa bakuran ng Kapuso ay ang funny man na si Bayani Agbayani, at award-winning actor na si Cesar Montano. Isa na ring Kapuso si Claudine Barretto.

Sinabi ni Edu na nang matapos ang May 10 elections ay na-involve siya sa isang private company pero hindi raw niya matanggihan ang alok ng GMA 7. Natutuwa daw siya dahil pinapayagan siya ng production team na makapagpasok ng kanyang ideas sa hahawakan niyang game show.

"Pinag-isipang mabuti, masayang programa pero hindi ako sasayaw dito," natatawang pahayag ni Edu.

Sinabi ni Atty. Gozon na masaya at natutuwa sila sa pagbabalik-Kapuso ni Edu. “Of course we are very very glad because, let me call him Edu, he is really very good not only as a host an actor also."

Dagdag naman ni Mr. Duavit: “We are very proud and very pleased na si Edu ay Kapuso muli, malaking bagay (ang pagbabalik niya)."

Inihayag ni Ms Galvante na mapapanood ang programa ni Edu na Asar Talo Pero Laging Panalo! sa darating na Setyembre.

SOURCE: iGMA.TV, GMANews.TV

Willie Revillame Has No Ill Feelings Towards Any Kapamilya

2010-08-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

In spite of the rumors that seemingly set them against each other, Willie Revillame maintained he is not mad towards Pokwang, his co-host on the now-defunct "Wowowee."

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“Wala akong galit kahit kanino. Kung siya (Pokwang) ‘yung may galit sa’kin, ‘yun na ‘yung problema niya. Ako wala. Saka hindi ko naman siya kinuha d’on [sa show] para gamitin sa programa. Kinuha siya d’on para magpasaya,” said Revillame at his press conference on Aug. 9 when he announced that he is rescinding his contract with ABS-CBN.

The issue between him and the comedienne erupted when the latter supported now-president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in the previous election. Aquino was the toughest contender of Willie's presidential bet, Manny Villar.

Pokwang was also quoted saying that it was with Robin Padilla, one of the guest hosts of “Wowowee,” that they felt “babae pala kami” and they had the freedom to express themselves---things which many thought were indirect comparisons to Revillame.

And most recently, Pokwang retweeted a couple of posts from followers who believe that she’s the one to be thanked for the high ratings of "Wowowee" during Revillame's absence. Some of Revillame’s supporters labeled her “walang utang na loob” after that.

“Kung meron mang nasabi sa’kin si Pokwang na kahit ano, eh siya na ang accountable don, hindi na ako, kasi sa kanya na galing ‘yon eh, hindi naman sa’kin. Dahil nung time na ‘yan, wala silang nadidinig sa’kin na masama, at hindi ko sila pinabayaan nung time na may problema sila,” said Revillame.

He also refuted rumors that he planned to have Pokwang replaced had his July 31 comeback pushed through.

“Hindi mawala si Pokwang [kundi], mawala lahat. It’s a new show, it’s a new concept, and give chance to others. Kasi ‘yung mga natamasa naman nila, okay na. So ang gusto ko lang, hindi naman ‘yung tanggal na sila. It’s a reformat,” Revillame said.

Pokwang declined to comment on the issue following a directive from the bosses of “Wowowee”’s replacement, “Pilipinas Win na Win.” She did, however, admit that although she is not mad at Revillame, she feels hurt.

“Wala akong galit kay Willie pero may tampo ako sa kanya dahil sa tindi ng mga tira sa akin ng kanyang mga kaibigan sa media. Naaawa lang ako sa aking pamilya dahil apektado na rin sila. Ilang beses nang na-ospital ang nanay ko dahil dyan... Pero walang sugat na mananatiling sariwa... Hayaan nating maghilom sa paglipas ng panahon," said Pokwang in a text message to ABS-CBN.

Revillame said he has no ill feelings towards Kris Aquino, who leads the pack of hosts on “Win na Win.”

“Ang iniisip ko dito ako na eh. Marami rin akong plano sa buhay ko,” he added.

He said he has nothing but love for the ABS-CBN management, including channel head Cory Vidanes, who was rumored to have threatened to resign if Revillame’s comeback came into fruition.

"In fairness, kay Tita Cory noong time na nagdi-deal ako sa sponsorship pinapakinggan naman niya ako. Pinapayagan naman niya ang mga deal ko. So, wala akong masamang nararamdaman at kinakasama ng loob sa kanila, kay Tita Cory,” Revillame related.

He added: “Never kong sasabihan ng masama ang ABS[-CBN] dahil nabago ng ABS-CBN ang buhay ko. At malaki ang utang na loob ko [sa kanila].”

Meanwhile, in a report on “Umagang Kay Ganda” on Aug. 11, Malou Choa-Fagar, big boss of “Eat Bulaga” (“Wowowee”’s rival show) said “EB” host Joey de Leon---one of Revillame’s so-called “professional enemies”---declined to comment on the issues surrounding the beleaguered host, including that of a rumored threat that de Leon will resign from the station that Revillame will transfer to (either GMA-7 or TV5).

Prepared for possible legal battle

Revillame decided to rescind his contract with the Kapamilya network due the “treatment” he received from the station following his on-air outburst last May, when he threatened to resign if the station does not fire Jobert Sucaldito, with whom he had a spat.

In a statement released a few hours after Revillame’s press con, ABS-CBN implicitly refused to release the controversial talent, saying that “it will hold Willie to his obligations under the contract which expires September 2011.”

Revillame is well aware of the legal implications of his decision. His counsel, though, hopes “there will be no lawsuits here.”

“But if a lawsuit is filed against Willie, does he have a choice? He will have to defend himself. The decision, although unilateral, is based on legal grounds. He was not treated according to the terms and conditions of the contract.

“Our position is, Willie is justifiably, legally terminating the contract. And, therefore, he will not have to pay any damages,” maintained Revillame’s lawyer, Atty. Leonard de Vera.

Revillame deems that he is the aggrieved party in this situation, saying that “the company has not dealt with me fairly. The company acted in bad faith and in clear violation of our contract.” He therefore believes there is no reason for the network to keep him, having alleged that “I do not have the public trust or acceptance.”

The Kapamilya network, however, believes that they are the aggrieved party, claiming that Revillame’s much-talked about on-air flare-up “violated behavioral provisions” of the contract. He then, “has no right to have it unilaterally invalidated,” as ABS-CBN is “the only one that can decide to end the agreement.”

In a “TV Patrol” report on August 10, Atty. de Vera said they shall react on ABS-CBN’s statement once they receive a copy of it.

“We have not yet received any official communication from the company (ABS-CBN) on its reported position that it will not let Willie Revillame go and keep him bound to the contract. As soon as we receive official communication from the company on this issue, we shall discuss the matter with Willie Revillame and we shall respond accordingly. Thank you,” he said in a text message.

On his end, Revillame said he does not have plans of suing the network.

Future plans

Now that Revillame is firm in his decision to leave ABS-CBN, he is set to announce where he will have a new show in two weeks time.

He said returning on TV amid the hullabaloo is possible. “Hanggang hindi ako nai-injunction, puwede naman daw akong lumabas [sa TV] sabi ng mga legal lawyers ko.”

“Basta gusto ko bago mag-Pasko kung saan man ay may programa na ako… Kung ano ang mangyari sa akin ay gagawan ko ng paraan ‘yon," Revillame maintained.

The host even kidded calling the new program---said to center on public service---"Willing Willie" or "Wil na Wil."

He also revealed resuming the construction of the Wil Tower on Aug. 15. The site, which will house his very own Wil Network, is coincidentally located in front of the audience entrance of ABS-CBN. The Wil Tower is also, reportedly, a joint venture of Revillame and Villar.

“Kung may magiging show ako in the future, don ako magsho-show. Parang Oprah Studio, mga 1,200 seating capacity. Kung meron akong show, doon na manonood. Magiging para sa lahat kumpleto, may kainan, may mall," Revillame said.

SOURCE: ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ, mb.com.ph, August 11, 2010, 4:07pm

JOHN LLOYD AND SARAH MOVIE SHELVED

2010-08-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

The third movie installment for John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo tandem is not pushing through, at least according to Cruz, who spoke with ABS-CBN.com. This said movie was supposed to be the follow up to “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life,” the duo’s first two big screen pairings that made Cruz and Geronimo the Box Office King and Queen in 2008 and 2009.

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According to Cruz, it became clear that the project would not push through when Viva Entertainment—Star Cinema’s partner in producing the first two movies—expressed disinterest in doing the third movie. Cruz rationalized that with Viva’s reluctance, “I guess naging mas madali for Star Cinema na makapag-decide na sabihin na natin na hindi talaga siya mangyayari," he tells ABS-CBN.com.

In the same interview, Cruz also said he does not really feel any regret—he says he did not read the script and doesn’t know if there is still any development with his character (Miggy) and Geronimo’s (Laida). Cruz says if he had known the movie would have been something that would make his and Geronimo’s fans happy, then he would feel sorry about losing it

Despite this, however, Cruz is quite happy with everything else going on in his career. First up, he recently sat with director Cathy Garcia-Molina to brainstorm for a new movie, a romantic comedy where he would star with Toni Gonzaga. This activity with his director allowed him to explore his character and where the story will take him.

He tells ABS-CBN.com, “I am just really happy to be here and to be working again. Ang masarap dun is ‘yung excited ka dun sa gagawin mo at ginagawa mo. Na-miss ko talaga ang pelikula.”

And then there is the drama series he is shooting, “Imortal,” where he stars with Angel Locsin. Of this pairing, Cruz told Bulletin Entertainment back when he just signed up for it, “Matagal din akong pumila [para makatrabaho si Angel].”

Cruz says he tapes twice a week for “Imortal,” and says the job can get taxing. He tells ABS-CBN.com, “Nakakapagod kasi may mga scenes na talagang pisikal, like last taping ko with Maricar [Reyes], pero mas pagod si Maricar. Sobrang pagod siya at nakakabilib. Masaya ako kasi iba't iba ang nagagawa mo sa isang palabas. May kaunting action, may kaunting drama, suspense, thriller."

Working with Locsin is something Cruz describes as, “Masaya.”

“Mas nagiging interesting everytime nagkikita kami ni Angel sa set. It’s something na I’m always looking forward to kapag pumupunta ako ng taping,” he tells the entertainment site, adding that he learns new things about Locsin every time he gets to work with her on the set.

SOURCE: ANYA SANTOS, mb.com.ph, August 10, 2010, 3:41pm