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Philippine customs authorities on Thursday asked state prosecutors to file criminal charges against a unit of Royal Dutch Shell for allegedly smuggling 557 million dollars of oil products.

Roberto Kanapi, spokesman for Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., one of the country's two refiners, could not be reached for comment, however local television quoted him as saying the complaint was without basis.

In a complaint filed at the justice ministry, customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez demanded that the company be ordered to pay 18.159 billion pesos (421 million dollars) in import taxes and 6.32 billion pesos in penalties.

"Pilipinas Shell is being criminally sued for intentional misclassification and misdeclaration of its various petroleum importations... to evade the payment of correct excise and value-added tax," he said.

Under the Philippine legal system, complaints are brought to state prosecutors, who are required to evaluate whether the evidence put forward warrants the filing of criminal cases in court.

There was no immediate response from the justice department on the complaint, which named Shell's country tax manager and four other employees, as well as three customs brokers.

Customs officials allege that between 2007 and 2009, Pilipinas Shell paid duties for tetrapropylene when in fact it brought in unleaded premium gasoline, which has a different tax rate.

The company also paid tax rates for unleaded premium gasoline on actual imports of catalytic cracked gasoline between 2005 and 2008, they alleged.

MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Given two versions, perhaps one is inclined to believe that of a woman in love.

Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad Thursday shot down the claim of an entertainment and gossip blogger that she and President Benigno Aquino III had split up.

Malacañang, for its part, said the matter was not of state importance to warrant a comment and that it was better left to the 50-year-old bachelor-President.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda was asked by the media to comment on the claim of a blogger calling himself (or herself) Mr. Blinditem that President Aquino and his girlfriend had called it quits.

The blogger claimed to have spoken to a Palace aide who supposedly said he could not confirm or deny the split but that “there maybe truth” to it.

No talk about love

“We have not seen Shalani lately. Let’s just wait for the President to give his official statement,” the Palace aide was quoted in the blog as saying.

At a Palace briefing, Lacierda said he and Mr. Aquino did not talk about his love life.

“For me, that’s not a matter of national importance. So if this is not important for the country, I don’t ask the President,” Lacierda said.

In the same breath, Lacierda said he could understand the curiosity of reporters.

“I fully share what you feel. We’re all alike in this,” he said in Filipino.

‘Happy and inspired’

Asked whether the personal life of the President would affect his work, Lacierda said it would not, “most definitely.”

He said Mr. Aquino’s “demeanor has never changed” and described the President as “always level-headed.”

Lacierda said the President was a “happy person” and was now also in a “very good emotional state” because of positive developments, such as a record-high stock market surge and expectations of “good news” during his forthcoming trip to the United States.
“He remains inspired, remains determined,” Lacierda said.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippinesâ€"(UPDATE 5) A man was killed while several others were wounded, including Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, when an explosion rocked the arrivals area of an international airport here Thursday evening, authorities said.

An improvised explosive device (EID) caused the 6:15 p.m. blast at the Zamboanga International Airport, regional police commander Chief Superintendent Edwin Corvera said.

"We are still investigating if one of the casualties is the one carrying the IED," he said in a statement.

The explosion took place on the eve of US Ambassador Harry Thomas’ visit to this city. Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa was also set to visit Zamboanga City Friday.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat put the toll at one dead and at least 12 injured, one of them seriously.

"Initial investigation suggests the one who carried the bomb was killed in the explosion," he said in a ABS-CBN television interview.

Lobregat said Tan was "Okay."

"I saw and I was able to speak to him. He just suffered minor injuries," Lobregat told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

"We do not want to speculate at this time who the bombers are."

Lobregat said the blast occurred just after a plane from Manila had landed and as passengers were leaving the terminal.

Tan confirmed in a live television interview that he only sustained minor injuries.

The governor recounted that prior to the explosion, he saw a man standing near the arrivals area of the airport at 6:15 p.m.

Tan told GMA 7 “24 Oras” that the blast occurred less than a meter away from him.

“Nakita ko bumagsak na lang ‘yong tao at natanggal ‘yong ulo (Then I saw the man fell to the ground and his head was severed,” he said.

The suspected bomber, he said, was not among the passengers but was apparently waiting at the arrivals area of the airport, some 10 to 15 meters from the gate.

The American envoy was scheduled to visit some US-funded projects in the city, said Lieutenant General Dolorfino, the chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

“I don’t know if the Embassy will push though with the visit,” Dolorfino told the Inquirer.

Thomas, along with Gloria Steele, the new director of the United States Agency for International Development, were scheduled to visit Halfway House, which is jointly run by the Visayan Forum Foundation and the Philippine Ports Authority.

The airport is near the headquarters of US troops helping the Philippine military in its anti-terror drive in Mindanao, one of the strongholds of the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, a small group of Islamic militants on the US government's list of terrorist organisations.

The US military has had about 500 soldiers stationed in Mindanao since early 2002 to train local troops in how to combat the extremist group. However the US soldiers are not allowed to have a combat role.

The Abu Sayyaf is blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks, including a ferry bombing that killed over 100 people in Manila Bay in 2004.

It has also conducted a series of kidnappings of both locals and foreigners in Mindanao.

In one of their highest-profile kidnappings, the group seized three American and 17 local tourists from a beach resort on Palawan island southwest of Manila in 2001.

They beheaded one of the Americans, and another was killed during a rescue attempt a year after the kidnapping. The third American was freed in the rescue effort.

Zamboanga is also one of the main cities on Mindanao island where a Muslim separatist insurgency has left more than 150,000 people dead since 1978. With reports from Agence France-Presse and Jeoffrey Maitem, Inquirer Mindanao

First Posted 23:02:00 08/05/2010

Chief Insp. Leo Sua, chief of the investigation and detection management section of the General Santos Police Office, told reporters the charges were filed based on gambling paraphernalia and cash recovered during the raid on the residence of Isidra Pacquiao-Paglinawan on July 29.

Lawyer Giovanni Mata, Isidra’s counsel, told reporters his client will also file a complaint over what she called unlawful arrest, robbery and arbitrary detention against policemen within this week.

Mata said the 26 suspects were already released after posting bail.

The illegal “Last Two” numbers game is quite popular in many parts of Mindanao. The result of each draw is based on lotto results.

In some parts of Mindanao, Last Two betting stations may be found even in busy areas. They are coated in white or blue paint but do not have any markings. Bettors refer to these stations as “frontons.”

“The raid was legitimate and we followed the standard procedures. We also had a search warrant,” Sua said.

Mata said the suspects were not engaged in illegal numbers game but were guests of Isidra’s father, Rosario, who was celebrating his 53rd birthday at the time of the raid.

Isidra was not in the house when the raid was conducted. Police, however, confiscated gambling paraphernalia and P30,000 in cash.

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who is now Sarangani representative in Congress, arrived at the house of his sister while policemen were gathering pieces of evidence.

He told reporters his sister should be punished if proven involved in illegal gambling.

“I will not take sides. If she violated the law, then she must pay for it,” Pacquiao had said.

Chief Insp. Alexis Yap, police spokesperson for Central Mindanao, said there would be no whitewash in the case against Isidra.

Yap said police have enough evidence against Pacquiao’s sister and the 26 others.

“It’s up to the court now,” Yap told the Inquirer by phone.

Asked if Isidra, despite having posted bail, was still in hiding, Yap said police have no information on Isidra’s

BOSTON - Glen Davis and Nate Robinson sparked a fourth quarter surge as the Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 96-89 on Thursday night, knotting the NBA finals at two games apiece.

Game 5 will be played on Sunday in Boston.

Davis finished with 18 points while Robinson added 12 in subbing for Rajon Rondo, who sat out for much of the fourth quarter.

LONDON - Short people have a 50 percent higher risk of having a heart problem or dying from one, when compared to tall people, a new study says, though weight, blood pressure and smoking habits remain more important factors.

Previous studies have suggested a link between height and heart problems like angina, heart attacks and angioplasties. This is the first major review of such studies, including research from around the world, confirming the relationship.

Researchers in Finland looked at 52 previous papers with data on height and heart problems in more than 3 million men and women.
Experts did not consider patients' heights objectively, but within the context of a particular country's population. They found the shortest people in the population were one and a half times more likely to have heart problems or die from them than the tallest people.

On average, short people were under 161 centimeters (5 feet 3 inches) and tall people were at least 174 centimeters (5 feet 9 inches).

The study was paid for by the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research and others. It was published online Wednesday in the European Heart Journal.

"We don't want to scare short people, but perhaps they should be extra cautious about their lifestyle," said Borge Nordestgaard, a professor of genetic epidemiology at the University of Copenhagen. He was not connected to the study.

BOSTON - Derek Fisher broke down the court after yet another miss by Ray Allen, with nothing between him and the basket. And nothing â€" not even three hard-charging Celtics â€" was going to keep the Los Angeles Lakers guard from finishing off a Game 3 victory.

A hard foul from all three pursuing Celtics sent Fisher sprawling to the floor, but not before he laid in his fifth basket of the fourth quarter and converted the three-point play to help the Lakers beat Boston 91-84 and take a 2-1 lead in the NBA finals.

“Truthfully, he’s done it over and over and over again,” said Kobe Bryant, who scored 29 points. “So it’s almost his responsibility to our team to do these things.”
Bryant had 25 points after three quarters, but he did not score for the first 10 minutes of the fourth. That’s when Fisher took over, hitting four of five Lakers baskets after Boston cut a 17-point first-half lead down to one point to reclaim the home-court advantage they lost when the Celtics won Game 2 in L.A.

Game 4 is Thursday night in Boston, and a Lakers victory would put them within one win of avenging the loss to their longtime rivals in the 2008 finals â€" not to mention the eight other times the Celtics have won an NBA title at the Lakers’ expense.

“Our thoughts are really just still on how disappointed we are, or were, losing that second game on our home court. I think that had more of our attention and focus than what happened in ’08,” Fisher said. “We didn’t doubt our ability to win here. ... We understand when you want to be the best, you have to win wherever, whenever.”

Fisher finished with 16 points, and Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum had 10 rebounds apiece for Los Angeles.

Kevin Garnett, who had just six points in Boston’s victory Sunday, had 25 in Game 3. But Allen, who had 32 points in Game 2, missed all 13 field goal attempts â€" one shy of the NBA finals futility record â€" many of them while Fisher was guarding him.

“It’s a hell of a swing, I’ll tell you that,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “It’s basketball. That’s why you can’t worry about it. He’ll be back in the gym tomorrow and getting ready for the next game. ... It happens to the best of us.”

The Celtics had high hopes after splitting the opening two games in Los Angeles, but the “Beat L.A.!” chants at the TD Garden couldn’t help them overcome poor shooting.

And it couldn’t stop Fisher.

“Derek Fisher was the difference in the game,” Rivers said. “He’s just a gutty, gritty player and he gutted the game out for them. I thought Kobe was struggling a little bit, and Fisher â€" he basically took the game over. ... I don’t know what he had in the fourth quarter ... but most of them were down the stretch.”

Fisher, 34, came into the league with Bryant in 1996 and has a history of clutch shots, from the heave with 0.4 seconds left to beat San Antonio in the 2004 playoffs to the late jumpers in a series-swinging victory over Orlando in Game 4 of last year’s finals. The Lakers went on to beat the Magic in five games, earning their 15th NBA title â€" second only to Boston’s 17.

“I think as you grow in this game and you put in the work that’s required to still be around 14 years later, you start to recognize that being in this moment, on this stage, it’s not a given. It’s not something that happens every season,” Fisher said. “Five or 10 years from now, when I’m long gone, I would have hated to feel like I didn’t just do everything I could have to help my team. Things have worked out well, and we have two more wins to get to really put a nice cap on it.”

The Lakers opened a 37-20 first-half lead, but Boston cut the deficit to four late in the third quarter and then made it 68-67 early in the fourth on consecutive drives by Glen “Big Baby” Davis and Rajon Rondo. With a chance to take the lead, Allen was called for an offensive foul away from the ball.

Fisher then scored four of the Lakers’ next five baskets to give them a five-point lead with about 4½ minutes left. He scored another with 49 seconds left before being flattened by Davis, among others, and adding the free throw to make it a three-possession game.

“He saw the opening and went and made a very bold play. ... It was imperative that it goes in for us to win,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. “When he’s got an opportunity to hit a key shot, it seems like he’s always there and ready.”

Mayor
1 BETONIO, Angelito T.         2,385
2 OCAY, Cornelius F.            4,440

Vice-Mayor
1 OLANO, Patton S.              3,590
2 TAN, Manuel C.                 2,969

SANGGUNIANG BAYAN Member of Duero BOHOL
1 ABUEVA, Pancasio B.           580
2 AGUIMAN, Hilario B.             956
3 AMPARO, Conrada C.           4,138
4 BERNADAS, Polienoto P.       3,598
5 CADORNA, Rogelio L.            2,096
6 CAGASAN, Julito M.             785
7 CASTINO, Mansueto Q.        3,365
8 CORONEL, Cesar, Jr. R.        392
9 ESCLAMADO, Leonardo S.    4,452
10 ESPINOSA, Elizabeth N.     2,953
11 FELISILDA, Ronald A.        4,258
12 LADORES, Hermogenes C.  2,698
13 NALUGON, Elpidio, Jr. C.    406
14 OLAER, Oliver M. 676
15 PELIGRO, Robert A.          3,048
16 RAÃ'A, Rogelio G.              341
17 SALAS, Wilfredo A.           3,320
18 SALAZAR, Felame B.         240
19 SALAZAR, Zenass Cesar P. 247
20 SOMBRIO, Godoberto O.    3,342
21 TAN, John Leo S.             1,985
22 TORRALBA, Jefferson O.    3,827

MANILA, May 10, 2010 (AFP) â€" Benigno Aquino was on course Monday for a landslide win in the Philippine presidential race after a historic election that saw millions of Filipinos embrace his promise to fight endemic graft.

The senator's emphatic early lead in the vote count came after a tumultuous polling day in which 10 people were killed across the country, and technical glitches marred the introduction of an automated polling system.

Aquino, son of the Southeast Asian nation's most revered democracy heroes, established a huge lead over former president Joseph Estrada with 38.25 percent of the vote counted on Monday night, the election commission said.

Aquino secured 40.44 percent of the votes counted, with Estrada on 25.76 percent and business titan Manny Villar in third place with 13.98 percent, Commission on Election chair Jose Melo told reporters.

Estrada enjoyed the most emphatic win in Philippine electoral history in 1998 when he received 39 percent of the vote, but was then kicked out of power in a bloodless coup three years later over corruption.

Although the commission needed to count more votes before declaring a winner, the early trends reflected opinion polls carried out ahead of Monday's election that showed Aquino would swamp his rivals.

Aquino deftly tapped into popular sentiment for his parents by pledging a new style of clean government following nearly 10 years of rule under President Gloria Arroyo, whose reign has been tainted by allegations of massive graft.

"Corruption is the single biggest threat to our democracy," Aquino, a 50-year-old bachelor with an economics degree, said on his official blog.

His mother, former president Corazon Aquino, led the "people power" revolution that overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.

His father, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, was shot dead three years earlier as he attempted to return from US exile to lead the democracy movement against Marcos.

The bespectacled Aquino was a latecomer to the presidential race, declaring his candidacy only after his mother's death from cancer last August plunged the country into mourning and demonstrated the power of the family name.

About 75 percent of the 50 million eligible voters turned up at polling stations on Monday, reflecting Filipinos' deep commitment to democracy.

But the violence that always plagues Philippine politics inevitably flared.

More than 17,000 positions were at stake -- from president down to municipal council seats -- and local politicians who are infamous for using their "private armies" to eliminate rivals or intimidate voters were out in force.

Ten people were killed on polling day, bringing the death toll from election-related violence over the past four months to at least 40, according to police statistics.

Two of the fatalities occurred as gunbattles raged in the flashpoint southern province of Maguindanao, where 57 people were killed in an election-linked massacre late last year.

Technological problems also emerged immediately after polls opened with some machines breaking down, and the election commission was forced to extend the voting period by one hour as long queues formed.

Nevertheless, the election commission and security chiefs insisted the country's first effort at automated polling had succeeded.

"The... elections will go down in our nation's history as probably the most peaceful and orderly political exercise ever held in our land," national police director general Jesus Verzosa said.

Many colourful characters contested the elections, including world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, 31, who ran for a seat in the lower house.

Another candidate for the lower house was Imelda Marcos, 80, who gained global notoriety when thousands of her shoes were found in the presidential palace after her late husband overthrow in 1986.

The race for the vice presidency was a much closer affair than the presidency.

Jejomar Binay, mayor of the Makati financial district and Estrada's running mate, was ahead with 40.63 percent of votes tallied on Monday night against 36.69 percent for Aquino's partner, Mar Roxas.

Here's the latest partial count from Comelec as of 11 May 2010
at 07:11am ( Tuesday )

President

Aquino 12,233,002 (40.19%)
Estrada 7,749, 597 (25.46%)
Villar 4,329,215 (14.22%)
Teodoro 3,243,688 (10.65%)
Villanueva 916,543 (3.01%)
Gordon 431,954 (1.44%)

Vice President
Binay 12,025,429 (39.51%)
Roxas 11,213,563 (36.84%)
Legarda 3, 259, 963 (10.71%)
Fernando 847, 100 (2.78&)
Manzano 593, 653 (1.95%)

Tuesday May 11, 2010 7:11am

Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino standard-bearer former President Joseph Estrada said on Wednesday that he was “saddened" by the Iglesia ni Cristo’s decision to endorse the candidacy of Liberal Party presidential bet Senator Benigno Aquino III. Estrada, who received INC’s endorsement when he ran for president in the 1998 national elections, said that not getting the religious group’s backing in the upcoming polls will be “a big loss" for his candidacy.

He added that he was “saddened" by the decision because he has very close friends in the INC.

The former president however said that he respects the INC’s choice, and vowed to work harder during the last days of the campaign.

"I want to make it clear that I continue to recognize my indebtedness to them for having supported me throughout my political career," he said.

The INC is the oldest home-grown Philippine Christian religious organization that operates independently of the Roman Catholic Church and the mainstream Protestant churches.

In past elections, it has achieved a reputation for exercising its capacity to vote as a bloc, with an estimated two million votes, which made it a target for politicians to woo every election year.

The INC endorsed on Wednesday the candidacy of Aquino and his running mate, Senator Manuel Roxas II. (See: Iglesia Ni Cristo endorses Noynoy Aquino, Mar Roxas)â€"JV, GMANews.TV

 

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines â€" It’s barely three weeks to the May 10 polls and, contrary to reports that he has been scarce on the campaign trail, gubernatorial candidate Cesar Montano and his wife Sunshine Cruz, together with Angela (Cesar’s daughter with his late first wife) and Diego (Cesar’s son with Teresa Loyzaga) are constantly on the road. He’s running under the Liberal Party banner (with Noynoy Aquino and running mate Mar Roxas).




So far,” says Cesar over breakfast at the Bohol Tropics (favorite downtown home of visiting stars from Manila), “I have covered almost the whole province which is made up of 47 municipalities and one city, and 1,109 barangays. Hindi ako nagri-relax. I work like a bull. After a rally the other day, we were on our way home at 1 o’clock in the morning when the mayor of Alburquerque town called, asking me to drop by. I did. I talked for 30 minutes before the crowd. Sayang din ‘yon. One vote can change the nation.”

His next stop was Sierra Leone, hometown of ‘50s Sampaguita kontrabida Rebecca del Rio. It’s also where the followers of Dagohoy, the rebel hero who led a revolt against the Spaniards, hid from the enemy.

“After the elections, I plan to do a movie about Dagohoy (Which LVN Pictures did in the ‘50s, starring Mario Montenegro in the title role. â€" RFL). It’s about the longest revolt in Philippine history that lasted for 75 years. I’m also doing Muro-Ami 2; the first was shown 10 years ago.”

During those sorties, Cesar speaks fluent Boholano to disprove allegations that he doesn’t even speak the dialect even if he was born in Baclayon town, the favorite hideaway of Bea Zobel who attends Mass in its centuries-old church built around a well-located beneath the imposing altar.

“I was interviewed on the radio here and I spoke in Boholano,” explains Cesar. “Arthur Yap doesn’t speak Boholano at all but he’s running for Congress unopposed in the third district and it’s because during his term as Agriculture secretary, he gave funds to almost all the municipalities here.”

Even before he thought of running for governor, Cesar has been helping his fellow Boholanos through his Panaghoy Children Foundation which, among its projects, sends 61 scholars to school (31 in college and 30 in high school and elementary). On the ABS-CBN show Singing Bee, from which he’s on leave, Cesar said he never forgot to promote his province by constantly mentioning its name.

“Between now and May 8, when the campaign officially ends,” continues Cesar whose “battlecry” is Change, “I have only a few municipalities to visit. Nakakatuwa because when the crowd hears me shout kausaban (Boholano for change), they cheer. I’m overwhelmed by the support. I stand at a corner anywhere, in the market or in the mall, and the people approach me and ask for posters, flyers and other election campaign material.”

Burned delicious red by the oppresive summer sun, Sunshine greets the crowd in passable Boholano before she sings. All Diego has to do is wave from the stage or walk through a crowd shaking hands and he elicits a response reserved for the likes of Gerald Anderson, John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual. Yes, Diego, 14, raised and schooled in Perth, Australia, is artistahin who might soon be the object of a tug-of-war among the three networks.

CARACAS, Venezuela(AP)â€"Former boxing champion Edwin Valero, who gained fame for knocking out all his 27 opponents and having a tattoo of Hugo Chavez on his chest, was found dead in his jail cell Monday and police said he hanged himself after being arrested in his wife’s murder.

The former lightweight champion used his own clothes to hang himself from a bar in his cell early Monday, Venezuelan Federal Police Chief Wilmer Flores told reporters. Valero’s lawyer, Milda Mora, confirmed that Valero had committed suicide saying he used the sweat pants he was wearing.

Flores said Valero was found by another inmate, who alerted authorities in the police lockup in north-central Carabobo state. Valero still showed signs of life when they took him down, but they were unable to save him and he died about 1:30 a.m., Flores said.

The 28-year-old was detained Sunday on suspicion of stabbing his wife to death. Prosecutors said Sunday night that they had planned to charge Valero in the killing.

Valero was detained after police found the body of his 24-year-old wife in a hotel in Valencia. The boxer left the hotel room and allegedly told security he had killed Jennifer Carolina Viera, Flores said.

The fighter was a household name in Venezuela and had a huge image of President Chavez tattooed on his chest along with the country’s yellow, blue and red flag.

His all-action style and 27-0 record - all by knockouts - earned him a reputation as a tough, explosive crowd-pleaser. Venezuelans called him “Inca,” alluding to an Indian warrior, while elsewhere he was called “Dinamita,” or dynamite.

The death is the third high-profile reported suicide of a former boxing champion in the past year.

Hall of Famer Alexis Arguello, the mayor of Managua, Nicaragua, was found dead at his home last July of a gunshot wound to the chest. A few weeks later, Arturo Gatti was found strangled in the Brazilian resort town of Porto de Galinhas. His wife was arrested as the prime suspect in the death, but authorities later ruled that he committed suicide.

The former WBA super featherweight and WBC lightweight champion had been in trouble with the law before.

Last month, Valero was charged with harassing his wife and threatening medical personnel who treated her at a hospital in the western city of Merida. Police arrested Valero following an argument with a doctor and nurse at the hospital, where his wife was being treated for a series of injuries, including a punctured lung and broken ribs.

The Attorney General’s Office said in a statement that Valero was detained March 25 on suspicion of assaulting his wife, but his wife told a police officer her injuries were due to a fall. When the boxer arrived moments later, he forbade Viera from speaking to the police officer, and spoke threateningly to the officer, prosecutors said in a statement.

A prosecutor had asked a court to keep Valero in jail but that the judge instead allowed him to remain free under certain conditions, the Attorney General’s Office said.

Mora, his lawyer, told The Associated Press the fighter had been assigned police escorts to prevent any problems with his wife, but that he evaded them.

Jose Castillo, Valero’s manager, criticized authorities for failing to act more forcefully to prevent the killing.

“I asked the authorities not to let him out. He needed a lot of help. He was very bad in the head,” Castillo told reporters. “But they let him out. They were very permissive with him and because of that, we’re now in the middle of this tragedy.”

Mora, however, said Valero “didn’t accept the help the government gave him.”

“He was the only one responsible,” Mora said, adding that the government had arranged for Valero to attend a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in Cuba. He had missed a flight to the island earlier this month and was scheduled to fly there soon, she said.

The fighter’s 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter are staying with their grandmother, she said.

Before his death, photographs showed Valero being led in handcuffs through the jail, then shielding his face by pulling down his cap.

While police suspected Valero was battering his wife, “the only person who could report it was her, and she told her family that he never hit her,” Mora said. “She wanted help for him.”

Valero also “adored his wife,” Mora said. “We were very close to him and we knew there could be this sort of outcome because when he became conscious of what he really had done, he wasn’t going to be able to bear not being close to Carolina.”

In the ring, Valero’s fists carried him from poverty to fame. He won his first 18 fights by first-round knockout, setting a record that has since been eclipsed by Tyrone Brunson. Valero last fought in February, defeating Antonio DeMarco in Monterrey, Mexico.

He was replaced as WBC lightweight champion in February after he expressed a desire to campaign in a higher weight division, WBC president Jose Sulaiman said.

Valero was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2001 that caused a cerebral hemorrhage, and because most jurisdictions refuse to license a fighter who has sustained a brain injury, he was unable to fight in the United States. The boxer wound up fighting mainly in Japan and Latin America, where he won his first title in 2006.

Valero also was charged with drunken driving in Texas, which is the primary reason he was denied a U.S. visa.

He accused the U.S. government of discrimination, saying his application wasn’t approved because of his sympathy for Chavez, a fierce critic of the U.S. government.

He appeared at times as a special guest at televised events hosted by Chavez and was lionized by Chavez supporters as a national hero, while some critics accused him of avoiding punishment for past problems due to close links to the government.

First Posted 14:12:00 04/16/2010

BANGKOK â€" Thai security forces surrounded a hotel Friday where leaders of the "Red Shirt" protest movement were holed up, but failed to make any arrests after the suspects fled, officials said.

Television footage showed one of the protest leaders climbing down a rope to escape from the SC Park Hotel as Red Shirt demonstrators massed outside.

Special forces surrounded the building, where "terrorists" and leaders of the red-clad protest movement were hiding, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban announced in a nationally televised address.

One Red Shirt leader, Arisman Pongruangrong, was seen descending a rope to leave the hotel in Bangkok's northern outskirts and the movement said all its leaders had managed to escape.

A government spokesman admitted that the operation was "unsuccessful."

Arisman, who led the protesters' storming of parliament earlier this month, told supporters by megaphone he had escaped an assassination attempt.

"He wanted to kill me. The policeman tried to kill me," Arisman told the assembled Red Shirts amid chaotic scenes outside the hotel.

The authorities, meanwhile, urged thousands of protesters massed in the commercial district to leave the area, warning that they were ready to take "decisive measures" following the worst civil violence in almost two decades.

"Innocent people should leave the protests because the authorities have to take decisive measures against terrorists," Suthep said.

Red Shirts later gathered outside the hotel, scuffling with riot police who were guarding the building.

"If today is the end, we're ready," Reds leader Nattawut Saikuar said from the rally stage in the commercial hub, urging protesters to go to the hotel.

The hotel is believed to be owned by fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, political icon of the red-clad protest movement that has been rallying for more than a month in Bangkok to demand immediate elections.

Arrest warrants have also been issued for leaders of the Red Shirt protesters, some of whom stormed parliament earlier this month.

The Reds charge that the government is illegitimate because it came to power in 2008 after a court ousted Thaksin's allies from power.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has blamed "terrorists" for inciting last weekend's violent street clashes, which left at least 23 people dead and more than 800 wounded.

Saturday's clashes erupted as the army tried unsuccessfully to clear an area in Bangkok's old city, sparking street battles involving soldiers, red-clad protesters and unidentified gunmen described as "terrorists" by the government.

The Reds have challenged the government's assertion that there were M16 and AK47 assault rifles among the protesters.

The army has said live shots were fired only in the air or by troops providing cover for soldiers who were themselves under fire.

The authorities have said they would not try to put down peaceful rallies but have urged the Reds to leave the commercial district, where they have disrupted traffic and caused major shopping centers to close.

Leaders of the red-clad movement have said there was no point in further talks, demanding immediate elections.

Negotiations last month between the two sides ended in stalemate after the Reds rejected the government's offer to hold polls at the end of the year.

The government, which imposed a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas a week ago, has accused Thaksin of stoking the unrest.

Eighteen civilians, including a Japanese cameraman, and five soldiers were killed in the clashes, with more than 800 injured, according to the Erawan emergency centre.

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:13:00 03/10/2010


MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Yet another glitch in the May 10 automated elections looms.

The National Printing Office (NPO) is unlikely to produce the required 50 million ballots for the elections and may have to acquire more machines to do the job, or print 15 million ballots for manual polling for the shortfall, officials said Wednesday.

In an urgent memorandum dated March 1 to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) project management office, Esmeralda Amora-Ladra, head of the poll body’s printing committee, said that the four NPO machines were not operating at maximum capacity.

The daily output is disappointing, leading her to suggest that the Comelec should prepare contingency measures, including the printing of ballots for manual elections.

The memorandum, made available to the Inquirer, noted that as of March 1, some 7.9 million ballots for the electronic balloting had been printed. Of the number, 5.3 million were accepted as “good ballots,” while the rest have yet to be checked.

“Granting that 7,878,480 (printed minus quarantined ballots) are all good ballots, we still have to print a total of 42,845,254 for a period of 54 days. This means, we should be able to have a daily production of 793,430,629, more or less, per day from four printers, which is impossible!” the memorandum read.

Smartmatic-TIM, Comelec’s joint venture partner in the first nationwide automated elections, has leased to the commission four Kodak VersaMark VL 4000 printers, each capable of printing 200,000 ballots.

Ladra said the printers’ daily output was only 650,000 or 162,500 each. At this capacity, she said only 34.1 million ballots would be printed by April 25, when the Comelec starts to ship out the ballots. There will still be 8.9 million ballots to be printed.

Alternative: Manual ballots

She said the Comelec should ensure that a fifth printer from China should be operational before April 5, the original schedule of its operation. If the machine starts printing the same day, it will take until May 1 to complete the 42 million ballots, Ladra said.

“Or in the alternative, prepare for the printing of 8,996,443 or for 15 million manual ballots, more or less, for places which have to vote using manual elections for lack of material time,” Ladra said.

The 15 million ballots correspond to the 30-percent manual balloting that the Comelec expects will not be covered by the electronic vote under its fall back positionâ€"or Plan Bâ€"for a hybrid polling, officials said.

Manual vote preparation

She reminded the Comelec that it would take a month to procure the materials and prepare for the printing of blank ballots for the manual elections.

In the previous elections, voters had to write the names of their choices on the blank spaces. With the automated balloting, voters will have to fully shade the oval space beside the names of their candidates.

Some poll watchdogs and information technology experts have warned the Comelec that conducting a fully automated elections will be difficult and that it should prepare for contingency measures in case some areas have to resort to manual balloting.

The delayed schedule of the ballot printing, originally set for January, has prompted adjustments in the process.

Last month, it was revealed that 1.8 million ballots for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao did not have NPO security marks as it did not have enough time to perfect the marks when printing started in the first week of February.

Corruption watchdog Transparency International has released a list of the world’s most and least corrupt nations.The report comes ahead of a conference in Bali this week where more than 100 countries are expected to gather for a United Nations anti-corruption conference.

Four countries from the region made it to the list of most corrupt countries in the world: Somalia and Myanmar tied in the top spot, followed by Iraq and Sudan.

The least corrupt countries in the world are Denmark, Finland and New Zealand, scoring 9.4 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The UAE ranked 36 in the list.

The lower the CPI of a country, the higher corruption is, with 0 being the most corrupt and 10 being very clean.

Most corrupt country

Somalia: 1.4
Myanmar: 1.4
Iraq: 1.5
Haiti: 1.6
Uzbekistan: 1.7
Tonga: 1.7
Sudan: 1.8
Chad: 1.8
Afghanistan: 1.8
Laos: 1.9
Norway: 8.7

Least corrupt country and CPI score

Denmark: 9.4
Finland: 9.4
New Zealand: 9.4
Singapore: 9.3
Sweden: 9.3
Iceland: 9.2
Netherlands: 9.0
Switzerland: 9.0
Canada: 8.7

By Nancy C. Carvajal
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:52:00 02/19/2010

MANILA, Philippinesâ€"A group of farmers has accused Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Sen. Manny Villar and his wife of fraud in the acquisition of a P1.5-billion loan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in 1998.

In a press conference Thursday, the farmers said their land was used by Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar to secure a loan for Optimum Development Bank (formerly Capitol Bank), which was owned by the couple, from the BSP.

“We are the rightful owners of the land used by Optimum Bank to pay its debts to the BSP using dubious documents,” said Gina Jarvinia, one of the 28 landowners who attended the conference.

Jarvinia showed reporters documents to show they were the rightful owners of at least 715 hectares located in Barangay San Isidro, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, foreclosed by the BSP after Optimum Bank failed to repay the loan.

Nieves Tecson, spokesperson of the group, said the farmers decided to speak up now “because Villar is running for president.”

“This is our only chance to be heard. It must be now because we are scared nothing will happen with our fight if he becomes president,” Tecson said.

She said they started their fight against Villar in 2008 when they filed a complaint against him with the Ombudsman.

“It has been more than two years, nothing has come out of it,” she said.

In a statement, Villar lawyer Nalen Rosero Galang said: “This revived issue is another clear indication of the obsession of Senator Villar’s opponents to link him to an anomaly, any anomaly.

“We reiterate that Capitol Bank’s transactions with BSP were all aboveboard and legal. The properties transferred to BSP were all covered by titles existing on file with the Registry of Deeds,” he said.

by Christine F. Herrera

THE ruling Lakas-Kampi- CMD will field President Arroyo as the next speaker of the House, confirming opposition fears that she would take this route to hold on to political power.

“There is no doubt President Arroyo will still be a force to reckon with once she is elected as representative of the 2nd District of Pampanga,” said Lakas-Kampi-CMD stalwart and Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III.

“We are going to field her as Speaker and she has a big chance to be the House Speaker of the 15th Congress.”

Added party spokesman and Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino: “If her detractors think they have seen the last of her, then they are wrong.”

Albano said Mrs. Arroyo would be a shoo-in for the speakership because the majority of the lawmakers to be elected in May would come from the ruling party, with more than 100 incumbent congressmen running for re-election.

Some were running unopposed, while others faced only token opposition, he said.

Their numbers would also be bolstered by some of Mrs. Arroyo’s Cabinet members, who were also running for Congress.

Aquino said Lakas-Kampi- CMD was still the biggest political party in the House, overshadowing the Nacionalista and the Liberal parties.

In November, Mrs. Arroyo announced she would run for a congressional seat in Pampanga, saying this would enable her to serve people “from a position that is closer to them.”

Responding to critics who said she would use the speakership to amend the Constitution and push for a parliamentary form of government, Mrs. Arroyo said: “That situation is so hypothetical I won’t even bother to speculate about it.”

Party officials over the weekend said they were confident that their standard bearer, former defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr., would gain the upper hand in actual voting despite his poor showing in public opinion surveys.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD spokesman Mike Toledo said the ruling party’s strong machinery nationwide would help Teodoro win the presidency by giving him a “built-in 15 percent advantage.”

The ruling party had fielded 170 candidates for Congress in the May elections, or 73.9 percent of the more than 230 available House seats. The party had also fielded 64 candidates for governor or 80 percent of the 86 gubernatorial seats, Toledo said.

By contrast, other parties had failed to field candidates in most of the congressional and local government races, Toledo said.

He dismissed talk that the Palace was secretly backing Nacionalista standard bearer Senator Manuel Villar Jr.

“The so-called unholy alliance between Villar and Malacañang is a figment of some people’s imagination,” he said. “There is no such thing.” With Fel V. Maragay

Welcome to tb salaum08 and enjoy your stay.

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Close this MANILA, Philippinesâ€"By his own admission, Sen. Panfilo Lacson has flown the coop.
But the senator, who is facing charges in connection with the November 2000 murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito, disclaimed guilt, saying he left the country because he did not want to fall prey to an “evil conspiracy” purportedly hatched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“This is one case that I will dispute the argument ‘flight is an indication of guilt,’” Lacson Tuesday said in a text message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer and in a subsequent statement he issued to other media outfits.

“I am not guilty but I cannot risk putting my life and security at the mercy of that evil conspiracy,” he said.

Lacson, who has not been seen at the Senate since Congress resumed session on Jan. 18, was apparently compelled to break his silence after Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan told reporters that he had been put on the watch list.

Being on the Bureau of Immigration watch list means that authorities have to be notified of one’s arrival or departure.

Lacson said Libanan’s announcement confirmed what he had “correctly suspected”â€"that the “harassment” by the Department of Justice (DoJ) “upon the order of Malacañang will never stop.”

“That’s exactly the reason I left the country. I am a victim of a conspiracy of whispers between Ms Arroyo and her stooge in the DoJ,” Lacson said.

Earlier Tuesday, Libanan said Lacson was put on the watch list a week after he flew to Hong Kong on a Cathay Pacific Airlines flight on Jan. 5.

“He has not yet returned home,” Libanan said of the senator, adding that it would be difficult for the bureau to find out his final destination.

“Whenever the DoJ is investigating a case, it requests us to place certain people in our watch list,” Libanan said.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said Lacson sought and secured travel authority from his office before Christmas.

Enrile provided no details except to say that Lacson’s travel authority had since lapsed, which was why he was now being marked absent in the chamber.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. told reporters that as early as last week, he heard that Lacson had flown to Australia.

Pimentel said he did not know why Lacson would fly to that country.

A trucking firm is asking Tubigon mayor Luna Piezas to stop collecting a port fee declared by a regional trial court as null and void.

The request was based on the Decision in Civil Case No. 7580 & 7581: Cebu Movers System, Inc./ Big Boy Trucking Corp. vs. Municipality of Tubigon et. al., for Declaration of the Nullity of Sec. 50.01 of the Municipal Revenue Code of 1996

In its Joint Decision, the Regional Trial Court (Branch 47) declared as NULL AND VOID, Section 5P.01 of the Tubigon Municipal Revenue Code of 1996 for being repugnant and contrary to the express provisions of Section 133 (e) of the Local Government Code.

The decision means that the Municipality of Tubigon can no longer continue imposing the assailed Municipal Service Fees, not just against petitioner Cebu Movers System and Big Boy Trucking Corporation, but against any port user.

In a letter to the Tubigon mayor, the firm’s counsel Atty. Joselito T. Lopez reminded the former that as a public officer who took an oath to obey the laws and duly constituted authorities, Mayor Piezas must have to follow the law, particularly the Local Government Code which imposes limitations on Municipality’s taxing power and to respect the majesty of the court’s decision declaring as null and void the Municipal Service fees.

“As the Chief Executive of your Municipality, you cannot abdicate your legal duty and pass the burden to the Municipal Council whose legal duty is only to enact ordinances,” the lawyer said.

The trucking firm aslo demanded: (a) Full compliance of the existing WRIT OF INJUNCTION issued by the court which prohibits the Municipality from imposing the municipal service fees. This will mean stoppage of the illegal and selective enforcement of the injunction and to stop collecting the illegal fees from ANY PORT USER; (b) Respect the court decision declaring as null and void Section 5P.01 of Tubigon Municipal Revenue Tax Code of 1996 so the case can be finally put to rest.

The STANDARD made all efforts to contact Mayor Piezas for his comments but failed until the paper went to press last night.

Hollywood, California, January 7, 2010 - Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s stance on random blood draws inside 30 days of the fight was not really the core issue. It was about Mayweather, Jr.'s increasing fear of getting knockout.


And what a waste of time, considering all avenues to close the negotiations positively were exhausted, yet Mayweather, Jr. was really not earnest in fighting Pound-for-Pound King Manny Pacquiao.

"Now where are those histrionics, whose constant unwarranted halleluyahs became discordant notes to their tachycardic, coward knight?" said Amir Shah, a liquor store owner in Hollywood, California and a boxing fanatic who has been following the developments of Pacquiao-Mayweather negotiations through televisions, newspapers and internet.

Conversely, Arum, in an exclusive telephone interview said Wednesday to this writer,"Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s nightmare of getting knockout is haunting him moment by moment."

"He knows he will get knocked out and no matter what terms we will set forth to his favor, we will never reach an agreement." Arum said sounding upset at the outcome.

"But, I thank for the Golden Boy officials for their fine efforts. They have done their best in trying to reach an agreement. It's just Floyd really does not want to fight Pacquiao. He is obviously scared and I will not comment further," Arum added.

Meanwhile, some boxing fans have become rhetorically doubtful of Mayweather, Jr.'s insistence on drug testing inside 30 days of the fight.

"One day there will be a fighter of lesser caliber who will challenge Mayweather, Jr. for a fight and will demand blood draws for drug tests inside 30 days of the fight, which he will vehemently refuse," said Mark Jones who frequently visits the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California. "He will be accused of the same."

"All of these makings of Floyd will backfire in his camp and believe me it's going to be a challenger, not Pacquiao, accusing him of the same," said Silvester Kelly, another fight fan who seemed to be so eager to see a Pacquiao fight.

"I hope Yuri Foreman will be Pacquiao's opponent this March. That's more interesting than a Malinaggi versus Mayweather." Kelly added.

"I bet you Mayweather will pick an-easy-to-beat opponent for his next fight," said another boxing fan who was interviewed on condition of anonymity. "He is even afraid to move up to 154 and fight the best in that division."

"Now", on the other hand, "we have to move forward and look for a bigger fight of Pacquiao against undefeated and reigning WBA Super Welterweight Champion Yuri Foreman for March 13 or March 20," said Arum. "We'll have good news this weekend."

Mayweather-Pacquiao's negotiation was probably the most costly attempt to reach an agreement of all boxing matches, not on the part of the negotiating parties, but on the part of the journalists and other media practitioners who were tormenting their brains at the altar of creativity and bastion of clear-cut journalism, whether or not the general public found folds of irresponsible reporting especially when the focal point of the negotiation sparked when Bob Arum met Pacquiao in Manila in early December.

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:29:00 12/12/2009

Filed Under: Martial Law, Maguindanao Massacre, Security (general), Election Violence


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Close this MANILA, Philippines â€" Disturbed by events that occurred on Thursday in Mindanao, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago warned of a “conspiracy” to bring about a “bolder” martial law beyond the province of Maguindanao.

Santiago, a staunch ally of President Macapagal-Arroyo, said the objective of the alleged conspiracy was to “seize power and preempt the national elections” in 2010.

She named four suspects behind the purported plotâ€"the powerful Ampatuan clan believed responsible for the Nov. 23 massacre of 57 persons, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a “cabal” supported by a group of military officials including the defense and interior secretaries, and “a new RAM” in the military (a reference to the Reform the Armed Forces Movement that mounted a series of coup attempts against the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino).

Maguindanao has been under martial law since Dec. 4 as a result of what Malacañang had described as a looming rebellion among the supporters and followers of the Ampatuans, who are closely allied with the President.

Interviewed Friday by reporters, Santiago expressed concern over the hostage-taking of 75 people in Agusan del Sur, the beheading of kidnap victim Marquez Singson in Basilan, and the abduction of Basilan State College vice president Orlando Fajardo.

Not random developments

She also cited the Thursday night ambush of a military convoy carrying evidence in the government’s case against the Ampatuans.

“The [incidents] of more lawlessness and violence in areas near Maguindanao are part of a script. I have reason to believe these are not random developments. They’re not just happening,” Santiago said.

She said the timing of the events was “suspicious” and that this “pattern of behavior” had not been previously seen.

“I believe there is a conspiracy to prepare the ground for a bolder martial law, perhaps to cover the entire country,” she said.

Arroyo ‘under pressure’?

Santiago said the President was not involved in the alleged plot.

“She knows that the public will immediately suspect her, and she is not hoping to risk her candidacy in Pampanga for public outrage,” she said of Ms Arroyo, who is running for congresswoman in her home province in 2010.

Santiago, however, added it was also possible that Ms Arroyo “might be under pressure from some of the suspects I mentioned.”

But Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, who were both in the Senate Friday, denied there was such a plot or that they or the military was involved in one.

Gonzales said he was also concerned and was looking into “why groups are emboldened these days.”

“What I can assure you from my end [is that] if I make recommendations, we will not have martial law one day longer than necessary,” he told reporters.

Ibrado dismissed the suggestion that the military was behind the latest violence in Mindanao.

“We will never do that to create a scenario. For what? In the first place, why will we do that? I can tell you I will not allow anything like that to be done by anyone,” Ibrado said.

Even Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile contended that the incidents in Basilan and Agusan del Sur did not necessitate the extension of martial law beyond Maguindanao.

“Even assuming that the whole Mindanao is in turmoil, it’s isolated. You can put that place under martial law without [doing so in] the Visayas and Luzon to control the situation,” Enrile said.

Many Filipinos are pointing to the massacre of 46 unarmed people in the southern Philippines province of Maguindanao Monday as evidence of the deadly influence of a dynastic clan that has been nurtured by the central government for almost 20 years. Nothing is yet proven, but survivors of the attack, national politicians, and police officials all say the likely perpetrators were loyalists of Andal Ampatuan, a former provincial governor who has used his private army to control politics in the province for a decade. Mr. Ampatuan was term-limited out of the governorship this year. In his three election campaigns, no local politician dared to run against him.

His son, Andal Jr., was gearing up for a similarly unopposed run to replace his father. But Ismael Mangudadatu, a former ally of the Ampatuans, had other ideas. On Monday morning, he dispatched a convoy of cars (mostly women and journalists, on the theory that would afford some protection against attack) to file papers in the provincial capital Shariff Aguak to run against the younger Ampatuan. Mr. Mangudadatu remained at home.

The people in the convoy never made it. Instead, they were waylaid when they came to Ampatuan (the clan’s stronghold), dragged from their cars, and summarily executed. Survivors alleged to reporters in the Philippines that Andal Jr. led the gunmen.

Many of the victims were buried in mass graves that survivors said appeared to have been dug before the assault. Among the dead were Mangudadatu’s wife, Genalyn, and two of his sisters. At least 12 of the victims were Filipino journalists. The provincial police chief was sacked and a government spokesman said local police officers also appeared to be present during the murders.

The murders led Philippines president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to declare a state of emergency in the province. Her government is now dealing with a looming scandal, with opposition politicians asking how the murders could have happened in broad daylight and on a major road regularly patrolled by soldiers and police. The attacks appear to show the problem with her government’s tolerance of warlords.

Warlordism has been endemic for generations in the Philippines, from the main northern island of Luzon to Mindanao, the largely Muslim island that hosts at least three armed separatist groups. Mindanao also has freelance kidnap-for-ransom gangs and protection rackets tied to the large army and police presence.

The US got its first extended taste of counterinsurgency on Mindanao, where Moro fighters centered in the powerful local clans tied up US forces for 14 years as America sought to colonize the country (the Moro rebellion ended in 1913). The island’s Muslim population has had an uneasy relationship with the central government ever since, and two major separatist groups â€" the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) â€" were born there.

In 1990, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created for the Muslim provinces of the island, ostensibly to give the local population more power over their own affairs and suck the life out of Mindanao’s various insurgencies. But in the 1990s, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continued to aggressively hunt down local militants using the paramilitary loyalists, much as similar civilian forces were created by Colombia’s military in the 1960s. One paramilitary leader who worked with the Army’s 6th Infantry Division was Andal Ampatuan.

With his close military ties, Ampatuan’s rise has been meteoric. He has served in the Philippines Congress and as the governor of Maguindanao. His family’s rise to political dominance has closely tracked that of Arroyo, who became president in 2001. Since Ampatuan first became governor in 2000, five of the province’s towns have been renamed for his relatives, including the provincial capital now known as Shariff Aguak, after his father.

In a long 2008 report on the Ampatuan clan’s influence and strength, reporter Jaileen Jimeno wrote that “only one family wields real power in Maguindanao: the Ampatuans, led by… acknowledged patriarch, Governor Andal Ampatuan.” She quotes Michael Mastura, a former congressman from Maguindanao, as saying of Ampatuan’s local power, “the word ‘impunity’ does not even suit it.”

He has cultivated the relationship with the presidential palace by running a reliable election machine in his area. Ampatuan was widely alleged to have rigged the local vote in the 2004 election, which saw ARMM vote overwhelmingly for Arroyo. In 2005, his son Zaldy became ARMM governor. In Zaldy’s last reelection, in 2008, he received 90 percent of the vote. In 2007, all 12 candidates whom Arroyo had backed for senator in Maguindanao won. After that election, local school administrator Musa Dimasidsing told a national commission on electoral fraud that he’d personally witnessed ballot stuffing. He was murdered with a shot to the head soon after. Mr. Dimasidsing’s murder remains unsolved.

In 2006, Arroyo issued Executive Order 546, which legalized the then-informal, and technically illegal, paramilitary groups of men like Ampatuan. “The (Philippines National Police) is hereby authorized to deputize the [paramilitaries] as force multipliers in the implementation of the peace and order plan,” Arroyo’s order reads. The order’s effect was to institutionalize paramilitary groups like Ampatuan’s across the country.

At least four of Ampatuan’s sons are also town mayors and most of them have gunmen of their own. Estimates of the size of his own personal militia range from 200-500. He often travels in a convoy with “technicals,” pickup trucks with 50-caliber machine guns mounted on the load bed, armed by loyalists and family members.

“Arroyo returns the favors by letting (The Ampatuans’) rule Maguindanao like a fiefdom,” Jarius Bondoc wrote in The Philippine Star. “All economic initiatives need the Ampatuans’ assent; state funds are released through them. Even the posting of police and military generals are cleared with them.”

Ampatuan has been a target of violence himself. In 2006, he survived an ambush that he said was laid by the MILF. The group denied trying to kill Ampatuan, but the former governor’s personal gunmen have often fought with the MILF. The group said it had killed 20 of Ampatuan’s militiamen in a firefight in 2006.

More violence could be in the offing. Though the government is hoping that the state of emergency will tamp down the situation, the Mangudadatus are powerful in their own right. Blood feuds in Mindanao traditionally run long, and hot.

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:34:00 11/24/2009

Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Elections, Politics


MANILA, Philippines â€" Shock and sadness filled the room of the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan Tuesday when Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero announced that he was no longer joining the 2010 elections.

"Wala na lang election [Let’s call of the election]!" one of his supporters shouted after Escudero gave his speech.

Escudero's staunch supporter, Bebeth Orteza and close friend, Congressman Florencio "Bem" Noel, were saddened by the senator's decision.

"Syempre nakakalungkot [Of course we’re sad] but I'm very proud of him," Orteza said.

She said Escudero had been offered funding support but was "uncomfortable" with some of its sources.

Noel revealed that even hours before Escudero's announcement, he and some of their friends were still convincing the senator to change his decision.

It was Noel who first told the media that Escudero might run for vice president next year.

Former Senator Serge Osmeña also issued the same statement Monday.

Noel admitted that as early as Saturday, Escudero hinted that he would no longer seek any post in 2010. The senator, he said, only reached his final decision Monday night.

By that time, however, Escudero's supporters like actress Susan Roces and daughter, Grace Poe, were all set to go to Club to show their support for the senator.

Roces and Poe were immediately told about Escudero's decision late Monday night.

Escudero's friends in Congress like CIBAC Partylist Representative Joel Villanueva and North Cotabato Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio were also set to attend Escudero's press conference at the Club Filipino but Noel said he advised them not to proceed only at around 5:00 a.m. Tuesday.

By Neal Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:25:00 03/09/2009

Filed Under: Agriculture, Joc-joc Bolante, Government


THE investigation of the P725-million fertilizer scam is not finished and those guilty have not been brought to justice yet but here is another fertilizer scam about to explode, this time in the face of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap. The DA has given the imprimatur for the importation of inorganic fertilizer from China (yes, it’s that country again). The fertilizer is now being sold to Filipino farmersâ€"at a price slightly higher than that of other fertilizers.

The farmers, however, complained that there was something wrong with this fertilizer. Apparently, their crops have not been benefiting from the expensive fertilizer. So, in December last year, some of them brought samples to the Bureau of Soil and Water Management to have the product tested.

The farmers were shocked to discover that the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and moisture contents of this NPK compound fertilizer were way below specifications and way below what the product declared.

But the farmers have been paying the full price for the product. In short, they are being short-changed. And the question is how much in windfall profits has the distributor reaped by selling Filipino farmers a product that does not meet standards.

This column is not jumping to conclusions. But as the saying goes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And the black smoke of a potential controversy indicates that our farmers have a valid complaint which should be looked into.

The subject of the complaint is an inorganic fertilizer sold to farmers under the brand name “Swire.” The product is reportedly being sold by a Chinoy businessman with a Filipino-sounding name who owns Soiltech Agricultural Products Corp.

We are not passing judgment on Soiltech and its Swire products. We simply are urging Secretary Yap to listen to the complaints of the farmers who are alarmed over the results of the laboratory tests done by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management.

The report on the analysis done by the Bureau was signed by the laboratory supervisor, Vilma Quimson, and the bureau’s chief of the laboratory division, Dr. Lauro Hernandez.

There is a legitimate laboratory test backing up the complaints of the farmers, so this is not mere innuendo or intrigue. Secretary Yap can just call the director of this bureau, which is under his department, and ask whether or not that laboratory test was done and if it is true that the Swire products were found not to meet product standards and specifications.

If the answers are “yes”, Secretary Yap might want to find out whether or not Soiltech has been misrepresenting its fertilizer in the market.

He may also ask its Chinoy owner whether or not allegations are true that he was able to dispense with the mandatory laboratory testing of fertilizer imported from China.

The owner boasts in his company website that his company is a “leader” in the Luzon fertilizer market.

If by “leader” he means plenty of farmers from Luzon have bought his Swire products, then he must have really benefited from an unwarranted windfall. We hope he can explain the alarming laboratory results on the analysis of his fertilizer. Otherwise, many Luzon farmers will be up in arms for having been misled into buying a substandard product.

We also hope Secretary Yap does not do with the Soiltech issue what he did with the swine scam and other issues hounding the Department of Agriculture.

It will be recalled that some stakeholders of the department complained that they never got Yap’s attention regarding their concerns.

We hope the buyers of Soiltech products will be luckier.

Secretary Yap got a major black eye after rumors started flying that some Chinoy suppliers of the department were close to him.

He should erase the impression that he is the protector of Chinoy businessmen in the agriculture sector. He can do that by showing farmers that he will not treat the Soiltech issue with kid gloves.

Secretary Yap reportedly spends much time these days barnstorming a district of Bohol. We respect his aspirations for the future, but we hope he can fulfill his job as agriculture secretary and pay attention to the Soiltech controversy before his Bohol sorties consume his valuable time. After all, he is the agriculture secretary of the whole Philippines, not just of one district of Bohol.

We tried to get the side of Secretary Yap and that of the owner of Soiltech but they were both not available during the weekend. We will gladly give their side when they decide to give it.

INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 13:34:00 11/15/2009

MANILA, Philippines â€" (UPDATE 3) Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao made history Sunday (Manila time) when he bagged the welterweight title, his seventh in as many divisions, via technical knockout of Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, the reigning champion in that division.



Kenny Bayless, the referee of the match, stopped the fight at 2:04-minute mark of the 12th round declaring Pacquiao the winner in the fight held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao bucked a size disadvantage against Cotto on his way to becoming the first fighter to win world titles in seven divisions.

Pacquiao has won the world championships in the flyweight (112 pounds), super bantamweight (122 lb), featherweight (126 lb), super featherweight (130 lb), lightweight (135 lb), and light welterweight (140 lb).

No man has won seven world titles in seven weight divisions and only five boxers have won six â€" Pacquiao, Oscar de la Hoya, Thomas Hearns, Hector Camacho, and James Toney.

Pacquiao looked unstoppable for the third consecutive fight, knocking Cotto down twice in the early rounds before putting the finishing touches on in the 12th round to claim Cotto's World Boxing Organization title.

The Filipino dominated from the second round on, putting on a stunning display of boxing skills and laying a savage beating on the champion.

"I tried my best to knock him out," Pacquiao said. "I thought in 11th round they would stop the fight. I am surprise he continued to fight."

Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) solidified his status as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

He also looked unstoppable in his two previous victories, dominating Oscar De La Hoya in December 2008 before destroying Ricky Hatton in just two rounds in May.

This was only his second fight as a welterweight as he is now being lined up for a blockbuster fight against American Floyd Mayweather.

"Everybody was saying he was bigger and stronger than me so I wanted to try and test his power," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao opened slowly in the opening round before switching to his up tempo style in the second and then knocking Cotto down for the first time in the third.

In the next round Pacquiao scored another knockdown, this time sending Cotto sprawling across the center of the ring by landing a left hook.

"I fought everybody and Manny is one of the best all time," said Cotto, who suffered just the second loss of his brilliant career.

"He jabs and throws. I didn't know from where the punches were coming and I didn't protect myself from the punches." Cedelf Tupas, Inquirer; AFP

Source: http://www.raidersnewsnetwork.com

There has been much talk of late about the supposed doomsday prediction of December 21, 2012 as reflected in the Mayan long calendar. Most of the ancient Mayan codices were burned by Spanish monks in 1521 as works of the devil. A few survived including the so called Dresden Codex. This 74 page codex written on tree bark and apparently from the famous Mayan temple and observatory at Chichen Itza was sent by Cortes to Emperor Charles V in 1519. Somehow it found its way to the Royal Library at the Court of Saxony in Dresden where it was purchased from a private collector by Johann Christian Goetze. While it was damaged by the fire bombing of Dresden during WWII, much has survived.

From this work, which was written between 1200 and 1250 AD, numerous astronomical and calendar data points were found including information on eclipses, the transit of the planet Venus as well as information on the motion of the moon, stars and the sun. It has been determined by research scholars that the Mayan long count calendar ends on 13.0.0.0.0 which equates to our date of December 21, 2012 at 10AM GMT. On that day it has been surmised the end will come.

Share your ideas or comments parti ani.

Las Vegas, Nevada -- Six-time world champion pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (ctr), General Santos, Philippines is surrounded by hundreds of fans and media as he makes his 'Grand' arrival at the MGM Grand Tuesday for his upcoming "FIREPOWER" World Welterweight championship fight against three-time world champion and the pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto, Caguas, Puerto Rico. Pacquiao vs Cotto is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions,Cotto Promotions,MGM Grand and Tecate, will take place, Saturday, November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be available live on HBO Pay Per View. ---

CEBU, Philippines - Gidala na sa usa ka pribadong tambalanan dinhi sa Sugbu ang batang babayeng gipanganak nga ang kasing-kasing naa sa gawas sa iyang dughan kagahapon sa kaadlawon.

Si Delia Etcuban, apohan sa batang ilang gipanganlan og Niña Mary sa pakighinabi sa Banat News sa telepono nagkanayon nga gidala niya ang apo aron mapatan-aw ug matabangan sa kahimtang niini dihang nakasinati kini og pag-ubo. Ang bata gipakatawo sa 27-anyos niining inahan nga si Sweetsie Etcuban Magdadaro nga taga sitio Das sa barangay Bitoon lungsod sa Daanbantayan niadtong Sabado sa kaadlawon diha ra sa ilang balay.

Matud pa sa apohan kinahanglan maoperahan ang bata aron iuli sa sulod ang kasing-kasing niini, apan siya midugang nga base sa pasiunang pagtan-aw sa espesyalista kagahapon nga gamay ra kaayo ang bakanteng espasyo sa ilawom sa dughan sa bata nga kasudlan sa kasing-kasing.

Gikatahong nagplano ang mga doktor nga kini operahan apan di ipasulod kundili tabunan ra kini aron di mag-uga ug aron usab malikay sa impeksyon.

Ang bata kasamtangang gibutangan og oxygen aron matabangan sa pagginhawa samtang gibutangan na og antibiotics kontra impeksyon tungod sa kahimtang niini. Kun mahinayon ang operasyon karong adlawa nagkinahanglan ang pamilya og P10 mil nga down payment ug dugo nga ‘B plus.’

Usa sa mga doktor sa maong tambalanan nga nagdumili sa pagpahingalan mibutyag sa Banat News nga ang maong balatian gitawag og thoracic ectopia cordis, usa ka talagsaong sakit tungod kay 7.9 sa matag usa ka milyon ka tawo ra maoy mataptan niini. Matud pa niya anaa sa average nga timbang sa batang Pilipinong puya ang gibug-aton sa bata, ang average nga timbang sa mga bata bag-ong gipanganak tulo ka kilo.

Sumala pa niini nga operasyon ra maoy makatabang sa bata apan nagkinahanglan og dakong salapi alang sa procedure. Giangkon usab niyang tungod sa katalagsaon niining maong balatian wala pay ‘standard procedure’ nga matamdan ang mga doktor.

Si Dr. Peter Mancao, usa sa mga espesyalistang heart surgeon dihang gikuhaan sa Banat News og opinyon mibutyag nga kinahanglang maoperahan ang bata tungod kay peligro kini sa impeksyon ug mag-uga ang kasing-kasing.

“Iuli (heart) sa sulod kay nasirad-an man ang cavity, ato nang ablihan ug ihulog og balik,” matud pa niya. Kabahin sa problemang gamay ra ang espasyo diha sa ilawom aron mopaigo ang kasing-kasing, si Mancao nagkanayon nga mo-adjust og iyaha ang baga sa tawo ug kini maoy mohatag og lugar sa kasing-kasing.

Sumala pa ni Mancao nga nakasugat na sila kaniadto og susamang kaso didto sa Philippine Heart Center ug nabuhi ang bata, ang kalainan lang mao nga ang katunga ra sa kasing-kasing ang migimaw sa dughan. Si Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura nagkanayon sa Banat News, kagahapon palang siya nakadawat sa maong report ug mipasalig nga mopadala og tawo karong adlaw sa tambalanan aron mosusi sa gikinahanglang hinabang pinansyal sa bata. -

How many of us ever thought that Manny Pacquiao would be on American prime time national TV one day? Well that day has come, welcome to prime time TV Pacman! He’s much more than a boxer now, America has discovered the latest boxing celebrity who also moonlights as family man, actor and singer. Variety late night talk shows like Jimmy Kimmel certainly reaches the masses, watched by different age groups and backgrounds across the country, talk shows like these can make you or break you on primetime TV. Manny’s appearance tonight will only enhance his popularity even more in addition to winning over new fans who were watching.



Jimmy Kimmel showcased that Manny is a true but humble superstar backed up by a pronounced Pinoy presence in the audience chanting “Manny!”. His appearance today gave him the opportunity to become a very likable boxing household name reserved for American boxers like Oscar Dela Hoya who has dominated the media in recent years. Since the much talked about swanky blonde Pamela Anderson was also a guest, you can bet that many had more reasons to watch.

Manny was the main guest on the show tonight, stealing thunder from the former Playmate of the Year Pamela who knew more about the UFC but very little about boxing. Since Manny and boxing was the flavor of the evening, Pamela’s interview was short and sweet tonight. Jimmy Kimmel and Manny talked about a variety of topics that proved that he‘s much more than an athlete. Jimmy introduced Manny as the best pound for pound fighter in the world and the pride of the Philippines in addition to the describing him as Future President of the Philippines punching out pumpkins in his show. Anyone who didn’t know Manny before the show will discover that he is very likable and respectful individual. He stated that Miguel Cotto is the champion and he is only the challenger, can you get humbler than that?

Wapak Man, Manny’s new movie was also showcased on National TV defining his role as a superhero, similar to a hybrid superman and spiderman where he does his own stunts as similar to the famous Jackie Chan. However, the host had a little fun at Manny’s expense by capitalizing that superhero Wapak cannot do everything because he cannot turn invisible. Jimmy was also intrigued with Manny’s daughters name, Queen Elizabeth and how he chose the name based on the movie. They also talked about Manny’s hardened wooden stick he uses for pain management and mind conditioning as seen on previous episodes of 24/7 on HBO.

Manny spoke about what it was like to be the most popular guy in the Philippines. You know you’re a superstar when you can’t even go out in public without a crowd following you around asking to take pictures and for his autographs. Jimmy Kimmel must have found it unusual for Manny to live with eight people in his apartment in addition to having thirty people in Team Pacquiao. Manny explained that all members have their own specific roles with him.

To conclude Manny’s appearance he sang “Sometimes when we touch”, like it or not, its such a tender song for such a ferocious boxer. Ironically some would wonder how someone with such a killer instincts in the ring can be so gentle outside it.

Within a short amount of time Jimmy Kimmel was able to interview and talk about Manny’s lifestyle, activities and his personality. His appearance today’s show will return dividends to Manny’s ever increasing popularity beyond the sport of boxing in addition to identifying that he is truly one of the most popular Superstar athletes in the world today.

INQUIRER.net
First Posted 23:35:00 10/30/2009

Filed Under: Weather, Santi

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Close this MANILA, Philippines â€" (UPDATE) Typhoon “Santi” continues to close in on Metro Manila early Saturday morning but is expected to exit the country later in the afternoon.

As of 4 a.m. Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the typhoon’s center was located 60 kilometers south southeast of Metro Manila with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers near the center
and gustiness of up to 160 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon is moving west southwest at 24 kilometers per hour and is expected to cross the Southern Luzon region within 24-36 hours.

Storm signal no.3 remains raised in the provinces of Bataan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island and Metro Manila

Storm signal number 2 was raised over Pampanga, Bulacan, Quezon, Polillo Island, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Romblon and Calamian Group of Islands

Signal number 1 was up over Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Albay, Burias Island and
Northern Palawan.

According to PAGASA, Santi made landfall in Infanta, Quezon around 1a.m. Saturday, causing heavy downpour leading to power failure in Southern Luzon, including the Bicol region.

PAGASA expects gradual improvement in the weather later today (Saturday).

Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes under signals #3, #2 and #1 are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures against flashfloods and landslides.

Those living along the coast in areas under signal #3 and #2 are advised to be on alert against storm surges and big waves generated by the typhoon.

Los Angeles, Ca. -- "MANNY ARRIVES IN LOS ANGELES" -- After weeks of training in the Philippines, six-time world champion pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (not shown), General Santos, Philippines arrives in Los Angeles amid hundreds of cheering fans (pictured). Pacquiao is in town to prepare for his upcoming "FIREPOWER" World Welterweight championship fight against three-time world champion and the pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto, Caguas, Puerto Rico. Pacquiao vs Cotto is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions,Cotto Promotions,MGM Grand and Tecate, will take place, Saturday,November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be available live on HBO Pay Per View.

BUNDELKHAND, India (CNN) -- The cattle slowly drag the old-fashioned plow as a bone-thin farmer walks behind, encouraging them to move faster with a series of yelps.

Drought, debt and desperation have pushed some farmers in rural India to sell their wives.

It is a scene from times of old, but still the way many farmers operate in rural India, where the harvest often determines feast or famine.

The region is called Bundelkhand, spanning the two northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It is here that drought, debt and desperation have pushed people to extremes.

To survive the bad years, some farmers say they turn to the "Paisawalla" -- Hindi for the rich man who lends money. Farmers say the loans from these unofficial lenders usually come with very high interest.

When the interest mounts up, lenders demand payment. Some farmers work as bonded laborers for a lifetime to pay off their debts. Others here say because of years of little rain and bad harvests they are forced to give money lenders whatever they ask for.

Sometimes that includes their wives.

"It happens sometimes when somebody borrows money," says a farmer's wife who did not want to be identified. She should know, considering what police say she told them. She said a rich man bought her from her husband.

"He did buy me," she says. "That's why he told me he bought me."

For 30 days she says the man forced her to live with him.

When her case drew public attention, she retracted her police report and her husband took her back.

Ranjana Kumari with India's Center for Social Research says the exploitation of women is common in the region. And, she says, there is little support for women in India who have the courage to file a case with authorities.

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"Nobody's going to support or help them," Kumari says. "If a family decides not to help them, the system is already not so sensitized towards them, whether it is police, judiciary, whether the legal system. So the women themselves tend to withdraw these cases."

In another village, another story involving another farmer, and money lender.

"I sold my water engine and land and gave back his 30,000 rupees," the farmer says, describing his $600 loan payment.

The farmer, whom CNN is not identifying to protect his wife and children, says the lender then asked him to send his wife to help with chores while the lender's wife was sick. The farmer says he complied, and his children -- including his daughter -- went too.

But the mother never returned. The farmer says he believes she was stolen from him. The daughter says the lender sold her mother to another man.

State authorities say they have investigated the matter and found that the mother denies she was sold and has simply gone to live with a lover.

The daughter says that's not true, and claims that she and her father were told to keep quiet by some of the village leaders. During CNN's interview with the family, officials with the state magistrate's office barged into the farmer's home and began videotaping.

An Indian government report completed in 1998 says the region is prone to what it calls "atrocities," including the buying and selling of women.

However no one can say just how common these kinds of incidents are.

Social workers say this isn't just about poverty, but also an indication of the low social status of women in poverty-stricken areas such as Bundelkhand.

"Those women are very vulnerable to all kinds of physical and sexual exploitation." Kumari says. "Also there is much higher level of violence against women in that area."

The government and charities have been trying to help but the status of women and girls, often illiterate and seen as a financial burden, remains low. Nevertheless, attitudes are slowly beginning to change, Kumari says.

A farmer's wife in yet another village in the region said she was sold by her own parents 14 years ago.

"My mother and father got 10,000 rupees (about $200)," she says. "That's why they sold me."

She says she was 12 years old at the time her husband bought her. She never considered going to authorities because she says she had no where else to go. She accepted it as her destiny.

But now she has a daughter of her own and her perspective has changed.

Would she allow her daughter to be sold?

She looked up and shook her head firmly.

"No," she said, "I would not want this for her. Let her marry however she wants."

Matag Adlaw sa mga Minatay, mosanag gayud ang mga menteryo sa linibong kandila nga ihalad isip pag-ampo sa mga tawo. Magbaha pud ang nagkadaiyang mga bulak--bulak nga sinulod og lata, bulak nga sinulod og mahalon nga flower vase, bulak nga dagko, bulak nga gagmay, bulak nga puti, bulak nga pula, bulak nga mahalon (sama sa orchids), bulak nga tinuod, bulak nga plastic. Kining mga buluhaton usa kini ka timaan sa atong dakong pagtahod sa mga minatay.

CEBU, Philippines - Usa ka 22-anyos nga lalaki nga giingong naghambin og kaguol tungod kay gipakyas sa babayeng buot unta niyang pakaslan nagkutlo sa iyang kaugalingon pinaagi sa paghikot og wire sa iyang liog sa miaging gabii sa Villa Remedios, Opra, barangay Kalunasan ning dakbayan.

Migamit si Sammy Cortes Abendan og extension wire sa kuryente aron ihikot sa iyang liog.

Naabtan si Sammy sa iyang magulang nga si Lelita samtang nagbitay sulod sa iyang kuwarto, hinungdan nga nangayo kini og pakitabang sa iyang mga silingan.

Gitabangan nilang Alvin Dempara, Limboy Limpag ug Armando Omerez pagbadbad ang extension wire nga nakahikot sa liog ni Sammy. Gisulayan usab siya og tabang, apan nakutloan gyud kini sa iyang kinabuhi.

Ang kapolisan wala hinuoy nakitang mga senyales sa pagsukol gikan sa lawas ni Sammy, sama sa samad hinungdan nga gituohan kining naghikog gyud.

Nakit-an hinuon sa kapolisan ang marka sa iyang liog agi sa extension wire sa kuryente nga gigamit paghigot niini.

Si Sammy adunay gibilin nga usa ka suicide note sa lamesa sa kuwarto niini nga gi-address sa iyang amahan nga si Carlos ug sa iyang hinigugma.

Sa iyang suicide note, nangayo si Sammy og pasaylo nga iyang gihimo ang paghikog.

Si PO3 Geoffrey Gutual, sa Homicide Section sa pakighinabi sa Banat News nagkanayon nga posibleng ang kaguol ni Sammy nga gipakyas siya sa iyang hinigugma sa saad niini nga magpakasal kaniya ang hinungdan nga naghikog kini.

Matud ni PO3 Gutual nga si Sammy gibulagan sa iyang hinigugma duha na ka bulan ang nakalabay.

Ang kapolisan nagkanayon nga wala na madala sa ospital si Sammy.

Wala hinuoy nakitang foul play ang kapolisan.

By Kit Bagaipo
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 15:56:00 10/18/2009

Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Politics, Elections


TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines -- Actor Cesar Montano was sworn in as chairman of the revived Liberal Party-Bohol, on Saturday, in the presence of Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and Manuel "Mar" Roxas II.

Presidential aspirant Aquino and his vice presidential bet, Roxas, were welcomed by supporters here Saturday afternoon, during the mass oath-taking of new members of the LP-Bohol at the JJ's Seafood Village, this city.

Montano has declared his bid for Bohol governor in the 2010 elections.

The jampacked crowd was a festive gathering of old party faithful and zealous recruits who underwent an orientation seminar on liberal democracy earlier in the morning.

Roxas, the LP president, administered the oath together with Aquino, Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and former Bukidnon Rep. Neric Acosta, who are both groomed to be included in the LP senatorial line-up.

"I could have just lived a life in ease to enjoy the fruits of my labor but I cannot, in conscience, face squarely our Creator later if I could have given more for Bohol and had not done it," said Montano during his acceptance speech.

Montano has portrayed Jose Rizal, and has gained acclaim as an actor in movies such as Muro Ami, Bagong Buwan, Panaghoy sa Suba and The Great Raid.

He is also known here in the province as an advocate for children development, education, tourism, environment and culture and arts.

Montano's wife, actress Sunshine Cruz, also graced the affair with Quezon province governor, Raffy Nantes.

Aquino gave a solidarity message and reiterated his platform of government anchored on good governance, transparency, fighting graft and corruption, sound and sustainable development and commitment to the poor.

"Corruption is the single biggest threat to our democracy. It deprives the poor of the social services they badly need. It destroys the moral fiber of our society," said Aquino.

The Aquino-Roxas duo is buoyed by the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) on likely presidential and vice-presidential tandems which put them ahead of the pack at 57 percent.

A far second is a probable Sen. Manuel Villar-Vice President Noli de Castro team-up with 19 percent. The tandems of Senators Chiz Escudero-Loren Legarda and of former President Joseph Estrada-Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay are tied for third and fourth at 9 percent.

Saturday's visit to Bohol was the second in two days for Aquino.

On Thursday, the presidential hopeful conducted a "listening tour" to gather the various issues and concerns of the different sectors in Bohol.

Roxas failed to make it to Bohol then due to flu.

The MOVE-Noynoy (Movement of Volunteers to Elect Noynoy) has been working with the Aquino-Roxas campaign group and the Change Politics Movement (CPM).

The townhall dialogue also held at the JJ's Seafood Village presented the people's agenda before Aquino, who articulated his position on the different issues and concerns raised, together with LP campaign manager, Florencio "Butch" Abad and Acosta.

Aquino, likewise, met with local business leaders at the Metrocentre Hotel spearheaded by the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The presidential aspirant also barnstormed the campuses of the various colleges and universities in the city and staged hallway chats with students.

A symposium with the youth was also conducted at the Holy Name University gymnasium, which coincided with the launching of the Kabataang Bol-anon alang sa Kausaban ug Kauswagan - a local youth movement, which supports the Aquino-Roxas candidacy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:08:00 10/15/2009

Filed Under: Opinion surveys, Inquirer Politics, Eleksyon 2010, Benigno Aquino III, Manny Villar, Joseph Estrada, Chiz Escudero


MANILA, Philippinesâ€"A majority of Filipino voters believe that opposition Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III should replace President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2010, results of a nationwide survey conducted by Social Weather Stations from Sept. 18 to 21 showed



Sixty percent of 1,800 respondents mentioned Aquino after being asked: “Who do you think are good leaders who should succeed President Arroyo as President?” Respondents were allowed to give up to three names.

Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar, who was in the lead in opinion polls before Aquino announced his candidacy, was second with 37 percent, up from 33 percent in June.

Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada came in third at 18 percent (down from 25 percent), followed by Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero at 15 percent (down from 20 percent), and Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II at 12 percent (down from 20 percent).

The survey had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.3 percentage points.

In 10 previous surveys, which asked the same question, Aquino, only son of the late President Cory Aquino and assassinated Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., was not mentioned by respondents.

Aquino announced his plan to run for president on Sept. 9 amid the warm public sentiment for his mother who died on Aug. 1.

He topped a survey by the SWS in the vote-rich regions of Luzon early last month, winning the nod of an overwhelming 50 percent of respondents.

The survey, commissioned by private individuals and businessmen, was conducted on Sept. 5 and 6 among 1,200 respondents.

Huge declines for Noli, Loren

Vice President Noli de Castro and Sen. Loren Legarda both lost more than half of their supporters in the latest SWS survey, with the former getting 8 percent (down from 19 percent), and the latter receiving only 5 percent (down from 15 percent).

Support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. went up to 4 percent from 0.8 percent, while that for Sen. Panfilo Lacson fell from 7 percent to 2 percent.

Support for Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay also went down from 4 percent to 2 percent.

Bayani Fernando, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair, maintained his one percent, while those rooting for Bro. Eddie Villanueva rose from 0.8 to 1 percent.

Six percent of last month’s respondents could not give an answer, while 4 percent had no one to recommend.

Grateful

Aquino felt grateful that he topped the latest SWS survey.

“It humbles me to get such amount of support,” Aquino said, telling reporters that the survey showed that he was correct in “waging the people’s campaign.”

“But at the end of the day, I think … this is the expression of the people’s desire for substantive change in our country,” he said.

Aquino said the results should spur the Liberal Party to strive more to translate that support “into actuality.”

“Our platform, our solution is commensurate to the problems our countrymen are facing,” he said, adding that it was “imperative” that he and Roxas (his running mate) should work to change the government and society as a whole.

CEBU, Philippines - Duha ka lalaki ang nangalandig sa tambalanan human nagtinigbasay ug nagtargetanay og sundang ug kutsilyo, usa kanila kritikal kagahapon sa buntag sa sitio Tigib, barangay Lagtang dakbayan sa Talisay.

Ang mga nalandig sa tambalanan giila sa mga polis nga si Gary Zamora, 31-anyos, drayber sa habal-habal ug ang ama-ama niining si Tony Manuel Degamo, 38, parehong mga residente sa nahisgutang lugar.

Si Gary ang nakaangkon og samad tinigbasan sa agtang, walang bahin sa liog ug ang tuong kamot niini ang diriyot maputol ug kritikal ang kahimtang niini.

Samtang si Degamo ang nakaangkon og samad ubos sa walang suso human ang kutsilyong gi-target ngadto kaniya kang Gary mitaroy.

Ang duha daling gidala sa mga polis pinanguluhan ni PO3 Arnold Damasco ngadto sa Talisay City District Hospital apan tungod sa ilang kahimtang gibalhin ngadto sa Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Si Espina nga nahinabi sa Banat News mibutyag magpangayoan og kwarta si Gary sa igsuon niining babaye nga may uyab nga langyaw apan gumikan kay wala mosugot si Degamo nga hatagan kini og salapi nagkaaway ang duha.

Si Gary mipauli ug mibalik nga nagbitbit og sundang nga mubo ug kutsilyo apan dihang migawas si Degamo nga may dalang mas taas nga sundang gi-target nalang kini ni Gary diha sa dughan.

Bisan samdan si Degamo naapsan niini si Gary nga nadagma ug diha-diha gitigbas kini makadaghang higayon. (Brenda Batuto)   .   (BANATNEWS)

   BIG CATCH

A boy shows off his surprise catch, a huge fish, believed to have been carried downstream to the Jones Bridge side of Pasig River from the Laguna de Bay at the height of Tropical Storm Ondoy.

By Gerard Pareja
Cebu Daily News

First Posted 14:14:00 09/29/2009

Filed Under: Weather, Disasters (general)


Samtang nagtan-aw ako sa mga hulagway sa dakong baha nga mihalok sa atop sa mga balay sa Manila, mga payag ug Pajero nga gianud, nasiplatan ko ang usa ka hulagway sa duha ka binuhat nga naglakaw sa usa ka football field sa UST (University of Santo Tomas) diin nagkahubas na ang tubig.

Akong gi-click ang maong picture kay buot kong masayran kon unsa kagrabeha ang katalagman ning maong dapit kay duna man kami uyuan nga nagpuyo mga duha ka eskina gikan sa campus ning maong tulonghaan. Dihang midako na ang thumbnail ning maong hulagway nahibawoan ko nga sa Flickr (usa ka photo sharing site) diay kini na post. Ug sama sa tanang hulagway nga ma-post sa Flickr mahimong maka-comment niani.

Dako ang akong dismaya dihang nabasahan ko ang unang komentayo nga gikan sa usa ka Bisaya nga nanghimaraut sa mga biktima sa baha. Nagkanayon siya nga mga hugawan gyud kuno kining mga tawhana, way panglimpyo ug maong gibaha kay na clog up ang ilang drainage ug modayon lag kinig basol sa gobyerno.

Gingil-aran ako sa maong komentaryo. Apan wa pa matapos dinhi ang akong ka dismaya kay dunay misakay sa iyang panghimaraut. Dunay mitubag kaniya ka miingong maayo kunong mag-usab ang mga taga-Manila kay wa mauyon ang Ginoo sa ilang gipanghimo. Ni mangno pa ang kanahan nga kon di kuno sila mag “change of heart” lagmit matagamtaman nila nahitabo sa Sodom and Gomorrah.

Pagkabugo na man lang gyud intawn aning duha.

Primero, wa tingay kahibaw ning kwanggol daku nga usa ka buwan nga gidaghanon sa uwan mibubo sa NCR (National Capital Region) sulod lang sa unom ka oras. Bisan pag kapanaminan sa kalimpyo ang ilang drainage bahaan gihapon kini. Wa siya mauyon nga gibasul sa mga biktima ang gobyerno. Kinsa man diay ilang basulon? Ang Meralco? Ang Sulpicio? Nga ang pagplano sa pag-atubang sa katalagman ug ingon man sa pag mintinar sa mga suba trabaho man sa gobyerno.

Ang ikaduhang mikomentaryo laing klase sa hangaw. Produkto kining tawhana sa self-righteous inspirational chuva nga pataka lag punting sa sala ug dayog gamit og mga ehemplo gikan sa Bibliya. Kani gong Bibliya mura man nig puspuro nga gamiton dayog pangduslit sa mga way buot ug way punay og panglatus ang alamag. Na stuck-up kining tawhana sa Old Testament diin nagpunayg panglatus ang Ginoong bungoton. Daw wa niya maabti ang Bibliya ni Kristo diin kaluoy, pasaylo ug gugma sa isig katawo maoy nagpatigbabao.

Angay nga moduyog kita sa taga Manila kay di lalim kining ilang naagian. Naagian ko man ang bagyong Ruping ug Nitang pero lahi ra ning kalaki ni Ondoy. Mao nga abrihi na ninyo inyong Facebook ug pangitaa kon asa kamo makahatag sa inyong hinabang. Ayaw kamo pagminaut kay simbakog makasugat kitag kalisud nga sama niani kinsa pa may atong pangayuag tabang?

Nangita kog kulba nga kanta kabahin sa uwan apan puros man love story ang lyrics sa mga kanta nga dunay rain ang title. Ang “Who'll Stop The Rain” ra sa Credence Clear Water Revival maoy kabahin sa usa ka pahimangno sa mga way pagpakaban sa mga hitabo. Ania ilang kanta:

Long as I remember

The rain been coming down

Clouds of myst'ry pouring

Confusion on the ground

Good men through the ages

Trying to find the sun

And I wonder

Still I wonder

Who'll stop the rain

I went down Virginia

Seeking shelter from the storm

Caught up in the fable

I watched the tower grow

Five year plans and new deals

Wrapped in golden chains

And I wonder

Still I wonder

Who'll stop the rain

Heard the singers playing

How we cheered for more

The crowd had rushed together

Trying to keep warm

Still the rain kept pouring

Falling on my ears

And I wonder

Still I wonder

Who'll stop the rain

A closer look into the latest collaboration between boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Nike offers even further excitement into their continued partnership. As previewed before, both parties linked up for a second sneaker design, this time focusing around a “Lights Out” theme on the Air Trainer 1, which pays tribute to his May 2nd knockout of British star Ricky Hatton. The sneakers, featuring a glow-in-the-dark motif and cultural references, look to release on September 25th, 2009 via Nike Park Fort in the Philippines.

By TJ Burgonio, Allison Lopez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:18:00 09/24/2009

Filed Under: Benigno Aquino III, Inquirer Politics, Eleksyon 2010, Elections


MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo’s open declaration of support for Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has exposed cracks in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Cabinet, administration and opposition officials said Wednesday.

Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III was the latest member of Ms Arroyo’s official family to announce in a radio interview Wednesday that “my sentiments are for Noynoy.”

Bello said he would quit the Cabinet if he eventually decided to support Aquino’s candidacy.

Bello is a former justice secretary of President Corazon Aquino whose death from cancer on Aug. 1 sparked an outpouring of sympathy that her 49-year-old son hopes to translate into votes in his run for the presidency as Liberal Party standard-bearer in the May elections.

Bello’s declaration followed that of Presidential Anti-graft Commissioner Jaime Jacob and Romulo.

And as though adding to the chinks in the administration’s façade, signs emerged Wednesday that Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane also plans to run for president.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, president of the United Opposition, said expression of support by Arroyo officials for Aquino indicated that “all is not well” within the Cabinet.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita conceded as much, telling reporters that Romulo’s statement created “ripples” in the political scene.

“Of course, it has effects,” Ermita said. “But in time, we’ll be able to overcome that.”

Binay said he expected more Arroyo administration officials to jump ship in the weeks leading to the Nov. 30 deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy.

“The exodus has already started and Secretary Romulo will not be the first and last high-level official who will express support for the opposition,” he said.

“After the Nov. 30 deadline, you can expect mass desertions to the side of the opposition,” Binay said. “Starting Dec. 1, Malacañang will be the loneliest place in the Philippines.”

Ermita warned Cabinet officials to keep their political preferences to themselves, saying the opposition could use these statements against the administration.

Ermita said that he found Romulo’s explanation of his statement of support for Aquino “acceptable.”

“The statement he made was in the context of just stating his support to a candidate other than that of the administration without necessarily saying that he’s looking out to openly campaign for that candidate and that he is firm in his stand that he continues to support President Arroyo up to the end of her term,” he said.

Ermita said he wasn’t aware if other Cabinet officials felt the same way as Romulo, but added that the administration would welcome if they expressed such feelings now. He said he did not find this alarming.

“I don’t think there’ll be such ... traitors. The Cabinet members are decent people. They won’t be able to sleep at night if they have that sinister design,” he said.

Pessimism in Cabinet

Binay said the President’s “alter egos” were supposed to back the administration party’s candidate, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.

“When you have a situation where two Cabinet members are not supporting Ms Arroyo’s choice for 2010 election, it shows that all is not well within the Arroyo Cabinet,” Binay said.

“The pessimism about the chances of Ms Arroyo’s candidate winning fair and square reached the highest level of government,” he said in a statement.

Malacañang has urged Cabinet members who cannot support administration candidates to resign, following reports that Romulo was supporting Aquino.

Romulo, who was with Ms Arroyo in her trip to Saudi Arabia, said he would not resign and that he would stand by Ms Arroyo until she stepped down.

Jacob has resigned to campaign for Aquino.

Ebdane’s ad campaign

An ad that appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer Wednesday indicated Ebdane’s plan to run for president. It showed an Iloilo mayor thanking Ebdane for a bridge built in the province and suggested “Di kaya si Jun Ebdane ang tamang daan sa 2010 (Isn’t Jun Ebdane the right way to 2010)?”

A tabloid news report said that the Mindanao Indigenous People Conference for Peace and Development wanted Ebdane to join the presidential race.

Crack insignificant

“What the opponent is watching out is if this is the start of the crack in the Cabinet ... but it’s not really that significant,” Ermita said.

He said that if the Cabinet men could not stop themselves from disclosing their choice of a non-administration presidential candidate, they should explain and “acquit” themselves before the President.

Otherwise, they could lose their jobs, the executive secretary added.

“If they feel deep in their hearts that they need to support another candidate, they should be man enough to tell this to the President rather than pretend that they’re still part of the party,” Ermita said.

Ermita said that Malacañang expected Cabinet men to “band together” to support the administration’s standard-bearer.

“Everybody will get a sense of how they should position himself as far as the issue of staying and be one with the entire membership of the Cabinet so that the candidate we have fielded and the party headed by President Arroyo would be the one supported,” he said.

Ermita said he believed Bello was merely expressing his personal sentiments without any commitment he would actively campaign for his preferred candidate.

“Let’s respect everyone for such a latitude. If that happens to other Cabinet members, it doesn’t mean they will turn their back on President Arroyo. I hope they’re aware of the implications of their actions,” he said.

Justino ‘Tining’ R. Romea was a Filipino composer, writer, director, musical arranger, poet and journalist. He composed the Awit sa Bohol or Bohol hymn and many school anthems

Born in Napo, Loon, Bohol who later settled in Maribojoc with his wife Susana Miranda (also from Napo) and family because they were able to acquire a property there.

Romea taught at the Bohol School of Arts and Trades (BSAT) now CVSCAFT.

Romea was commissioned to pen the Bohol Provincial Hymn. It was first sung publicly by a female choir of the College of Holy Spirit of Tagbilaran City on March 1, 1970 in time for the unfurling of the Bohol Flag during the opening ceremonies of the 1970 East Visayan Athletic Association held in Tagbilaran City.

On September 24, 1970, the Provincial Board passed Resolution No. 215 adopting it as the official song of the province of Bohol.

As the hymn's original version was in English, the Provincial Board, a few years after, endeavored to have it translated into the vernacular. A competition was launched and the entry of Maxelende Ganade emerged as the best and was adjudged the winner. The Boholano version was adopted by the Provincial Board in Resolution No. 151 dated September 13, 1974.

Romea also composed many school anthems like University of Bohol or UB Hymn, BSAT Hymn, Saint Joseph Institute of Technology in Butuan City, and he is best remembered for the love song "Ako Kang Paabuton," the folk song "Sa Daplin sa Baybayon" as well as most of the songs featured in the annual ‘drama’ presentations in his native Napo for which he served as writer, director and musical arranger.
Nong Tining was also a revered columnist of Bohol Chronicle. In fact, his column was in the frontpage of the Bohol Chronicle defying editing rules.

Romea's father Bernardo "Leon" Vidal Romea was a rondalla trainer, scriptwriter, director and musical Arranger for the "Drama" in Napo, Loon, Bohol.

Bernardo or "Pantaleon" or "Leon", as he was more popularly known, was born on March 12, 1895 in Barangay Napo to spouses Marcelo (Oyong Eloy) and Maria (Oyang Iyay) Vidal, a second wife. His grandparents were Domingo Romea and Cecilia Ordubanes of Barangay Taytay.

After completing his elementary education and first year of high school, the latter at Bohol High School, he qualified for a teaching post, a feat in those days. On June 16, 1910, at age 15, he was appointed temporary teacher in Loon. A few years later, he passed the teachers' examinations and went on to become principal for 19 years.

Romea's command of the English language was grammatically flawless. He bought American books and subscribed to local English magazines (e.g. Free Press, Graphics, etc.) hoping that his children would love or develop the habit of reading. They indeed became bookworms and their communication skills improved. His passion for music was such that he composed songs, organized rondallas wherever he was assigned in his teaching career, and promoted and participated in competitions. This went on even through his retirement years. He could skillfully play any of the string instruments in the rondalla but was at his best with the banduria.

Romea was keen in distinguishing the slightest discord that at times during rondalla rehearsals, he would suddenly wave a hand for a pause just to tune up a dissonant instrument. Romea was also called a "dramaturgo" for he wrote and directed stage plays or "drama" which always served as the culminating feature of the barrio fiesta celebration in Napo. In fact, he is acknowledged as the original playwright, director and composerâ€"musical arranger of Napo’s stage plays that are now mounted on May 25 of each year without fail. It is believed that Napo holds the record of staging the longest running series of annual plays in Bohol, if not the whole country.

By Norman Bordadora, Jhunnex Napallacan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:01:00 09/05/2009

Filed Under: Crime and Law and Justice, Rape, Punishment, Prison, Murder

Close this MANILA, Philippines â€" Unknown to many, the Department of Justice has approved the transfer of convict Francisco Juan “Paco” Larrañaga to a penal facility in Spain to serve the remainder of his life sentence for the rape and murder of the Chiong sisters in Cebu in 1997.



CONVICTED Paco Larrañaga, in leg chains, steps down from a bus on arrival at the New Bilibid Prison from Cebu City on May 15, 1999. He was 21 years old then.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said it would only be “a matter of time” for Larrañaga, a scion of Cebu’s Osmeña clan and a citizen of Spain by virtue of his father, to be transferred to a Spanish prison under the RP-Spain Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement.

Larrañaga, now 32, and six others were convicted of kidnapping, illegal detention, rape and homicide in connection with the abduction, rape and death of the sisters Jacqueline and Marijoy Chiong.

“He will be sent home to be incarcerated there,” Devanadera told the Inquirer after confirming the DoJ approval of the request for Larrañaga’s transfer.

“This is just a matter of time,” she said, and replied in the affirmative when asked if the convict would be in Spain before the year ends.

Reached by phone in Cebu Friday night, the sisters’ mother, Thelma Chiong, was initially at a loss for words.

She said her family had not been aware of the approval of Larrañaga’s transfer to Spain, and angrily added: “They cheated us of the justice we worked hard to achieve.”

Chiong said the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was “truly criminal-friendly.”

“They do it all the time … set free the criminals. Look what they did to the accused in the murder of [the late former Sen.] Ninoy Aquinoâ€"they were released from prison,” she said.

‘Speechless with rage’

Chiong said Larrañaga should not be jailed in Spain because he committed the crime in the Philippines.

“If he will be sent there, he would definitely be released and stay there as a civilian,” she said.

The mother also expressed the belief that Larrañaga’s family used its money to work on having him taken out of the Philippines and into a Spanish prison.

But while she said she was “almost speechless with rage” over Larrañaga’s impending transfer, her family could not do anything because it had been approved by the DoJ.

Asked if her family would not contest the decision before the Supreme Court, Chiong said: “I am already tired of this case. I leave it all up to God.”

She said she was wondering whether the treaty earlier proposed by Sen. Miriam Santiago for an exchange of prisoners between the Philippines and Spain was the basis of Larrañaga’s transfer.

If so, she said, there must be a Filipino prisoner in Spain that should be sent to the Philippines in exchange for Larrañaga.

Good conduct

The justice department’s evaluation of Larrañaga’s request under the RP-Spain Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement showed that he still had to serve 14 years, nine months and 28 days in prison, taking into account his good conduct time allowance.

Without that good conduct time allowance, Larrañaga still has to serve 25 years, two months and one day, the DoJ said, citing records of the Bureau of Corrections.

It was the Yorac Arroyo Chua Caedo and Coronel law firm, Larrañaga’s legal counsel, that filed the application for his transfer to a Spanish prison.

The convict signified his consent to the application by signing the document. He also submitted to the DoJ an affidavit dated Sept. 1, 2009, affirming his consent.

Devanadera on Friday sent a letter to Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo to facilitate the translation of the DoJ evaluation of Larrañaga’s request and the submission of the evaluation to Spanish authorities for their own perusal.

Copies of the DoJ endorsement of the transfer were also sent to Consul General Mercedes Alonso at the consulate of Spain and to lawyer Felicitas Aquino-Arroyo of the law firm.

The document signed by Devanadera read in part: “After evaluating the application for transfer and the documents submitted in support thereof, this department finds that the said application complies with the requirements of the RP-Spain TSPA and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

“Hence, the same may be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice of Spain for its own consideration.”

Devanadera told Romulo that Spain’s Ministry of Justice had also been provided certified true copies of the documents it earlier requested and which it considered necessary in its evaluation of Larrañaga’s application for transfer.

“We are also forwarding the certified copy of the May 5, 1999, decision of the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 of Cebu City which the Ministry of Justice of Spain has likewise requested,” she said.

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 18:08:00 08/25/2009

Filed Under: Politics, Eleksyon 2010, Elections


ILOILO CITY â€" Eight years after he was ousted over corruption scandals, former president Joseph Estrada said on Tuesday he was “99.9 percent” sure of running for president in the 2010 elections.

"It seems impossible now that the opposition will field only one presidential candidate. There is a 99.9 percent chance that I will be running for president," Estrada told a press conference on Tuesday here and attended by opposition leaders and prospective candidates.

Estrada visited Iloilo towns afterwards.

In a press conference in Antique on Monday, Estrada, chairman of the United Opposition (UNO), said he would announce his decision late September or early October. He added that 2010 would be "an opposition year."

Estrada has repeatedly said that he would run for president if the opposition failed to unite and field a common presidential candidate. But he has visited 64 of the total 81 provinces in the country since his release from house arrest in October 2007.

Estrada was ousted in a people's uprising dubbed "Edsa II" in 2001. He was later charged and convicted of plunder but was pardoned by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The deposed president said that if he were to run, he would pick a running mate from the opposition, which would include the likes of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Senator Loren Legarda who accompanied him during his trip in Antique.

Binay and Legarda are among those who announced their intentions to run for president but have been lagging in the popularity surveys lately. The vice presidency, however, has become Plan B for some presidential aspirants struggling to get ahead of the pack.

Binay said he would be willing to slide down as vice president if Estrada decided to run. Legarda said she was also open to discuss options.

Along with Binay, Legarda, and former senator Ernesto Maceda, Estrada arrived on Monday at the Evelio B. Javier Airport in the capital town of San Jose and was met by politicians from different political factions in the province that appeared to unite because of his arrival in Antique.

Antique Governor Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez, a close administration ally, Vice Governor Rhodora Cadiao and other officials welcomed Estrada's party. Former Assemblyman Arturo Pacificador of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan who run but lost to Perez in the 2007 elections also met with Estrada.

Cadiao, a member of the administration party Lakas-CMD, was later sworn in as a member of the Estrada's Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino and was designated by Estrada as his party's provincial head and official candidate for governor in next year's elections.

A 25-vehicle convoy accompanied Estrada from the airport to Sibalom town, 10 kilometers north of San Jose.

Estrada, Binay and Antique officials later transferred to a mini-truck before reaching the town proper of Sibalom. As Estrada and Binay waved and greeted the crowd, their supporters distributed pocket calendars, caps and t-shirts printed with "Erap Para sa Mahirap," his campaign slogan in the 1998 elections.

Estrada was mobbed by hundreds of officials and residents when he spoke briefly in front of the municipal building and at the Polytechnic State College of Antique (PSCA).

During the stopovers, Perez kept on referring to Estrada as "Mr. President" and told her provincemates that Estrada would bring more projects to Antique if he would become president again.

Legarda, who played a prominent role during Estrada's impeachment trial before he was ousted, urged residents to "continue to love and support President Joseph Estrada."

At one point during the program at the PSCA, students first chanted "Erap, Erap," and then "GMA [Arroyo initial] Resign" as Maceda and actor Rez Cortez kept on asking the crowd if they wanted Estrada back in Malacañang.

From Sibalom, Estrada's party motored back to San Jose and again boarded the mini-truck and went around the town's main streets. They later proceeded to the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park for a short program before having their lunch at the provincial capitol.

Also on Monday, Estrada visited and spoke briefly in Hamtic town in Antique and the towns of San Joaquin, Miag-ao, and Tigbauan in Iloilo before staying overnight in Iloilo City.

On Tuesday Estrada continued his sorties to Passi City and the towns of Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, Calinog, Lambunao and Janiuay in Iloilo accompanied by Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand "Bong-Bong" Marcos Jr. and businessman and whistle-blower Jose "Joey" de Venecia III both planning to run for senator.

The Fort Bonifacio cell where former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. stayed for eight years has been preserved by the military to remember his heroism. Aquino was assassinated in Aug. 21, 1983.

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:14:00 08/11/2009

Filed Under: Television, Cory Aquino

Close this MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Willie Revillame has reportedly taken time off to reflect on the fallout caused by his cutting remarks on national TV, in which he ordered stricken from his ABS-CBN noontime show “Wowowee” onscreen inserts of ex-President Cory Aquino’s funeral cortege.



On Saturday, it was announced on the program that its beleaguered, controversial host was on an “indefinite” leave.

Though not an indication that he’s bowing to an online demand for his head by “concerned” televiewers (33,000 as of Monday), this seems to show that Willie is being very careful about this latest fiasco.

Meanwhile, Inquirer Entertainment was flooded with reactions from readers via e-mail, many of them indignant as expected, but quite a few offering sober assessments.

Wow, pare!

acalangian1@gmail.com
My family and I watch your show here in San Francisco (USA). But that Monday show, I think is the last [time] … Pare ang yabang mo. I have lost all respect for you.

grotchie@yahoo.com:
Willie is a very sarcastic and rude person. He should be banned as an entertainer [for] conduct unbecoming. No amount of explanation could excuse that [remark].

Bernard (bernpach05@yahoo.com)
Willie [displaying] his infamous temper on national TV, is the most obnoxious behavior.

papuyaya7@gis.net
His comment on Cory’s funeral was not good, especially coming from the host of a popular show seen all over the world.

fred_cpaz@yahoo.com
Despite previous controversies and suspensions, Willie Revillame still acts like he’s the boss ... I think it’s time for ABS-CBN to gamble on a new noontime host, if only to protect the network’s integrity.

Cesar Yap (ICesarY@kptc.com.kw)
Hindi lang isang beses nangyari ang kabastusan ni Willie Revillame … Dapat [na siyang] ipag-bawal sa show biz.

harbiltz@yahoo.com
Bwisit.

Misunderstood lang

Willie Monroyo (womonroyo@verizon.net)
I don’t get to watch the show daily here in the US. But I wholeheartedly agree with Willie that it was inappropriate to insert the Aquino funeral footage in the middle of a sexy dance portion.

Janette H. Malata (janette_42084@yahoo.com)
I am a UP Los Baños English instructor, not a fan of Willie’s. My mother, who is not a Willie fan, either, found his behavior reasonable. Too bad, he was misunderstood for voicing out a very reasonable objection. This is the only Willie controversy where I sympathize with him. I hope people would be more objective in looking at this issue.

glowmar@cox.net
A lot of [viewers] here in America love “Wowowee” the show, but not everyone loves Willie the host, because of the way he talks to his staff … and how he insults contestants. But in fairness, Willie has done a lot of good for many people … I believe he deserves another chance [though I also] wish he would be more sensitive and careful with his words from now on. That has always been his problem.

Atty. George Dee
Willie Revillame’s controversial remarks on the showing of the Cory funeral cortege, while not quite pleasant to our ears, is not enough to justify bashing and haranguing him publicly. His only fault, perhaps, was that he was too emotional and he came on too strongly with [when] articulating his feelings. His remarks were neither vituperative, malicious nor defamatory to President Cory. It is those who assail him who really desecrate Cory’s memory. She stood for freedom, and that includes freedom of expression. I am certain that she would have stood up in his defense.

julian.davao@yahoo.com
Perhaps it’s asking too much of personalities used to basking in the limelight to be discriminating in their choices of what [to show or say to] the public that adores them. It seems they are just not capable of such refinement. Many of them are not conscious of the responsibility that comes with fame. So fans end up idolizing people who are bereft of character and a sense of values that could bring out the best in Filipinos. Until such values become a primary concern, those who patronize these idols are doomed to be unrefined as well.

CEBU CITYâ€"The impossible just happened.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former President Joseph Estrada smiled at each other, linked their arms, and walked down the aisle on Saturday night in a cathedral.



PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former President Joseph Estrada, and Sen. Loren Legarda and Vice President Noli de Castro are the wedding sponsors of Mayor Vincent Frasco and Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Codilla in Cebu.

After months of exchanging barbs, the leaders of two opposing political parties appeared friendly with each if only for a few minutes.

The occasion was the wedding of Liloan Mayor Vincent “Duke” Frasco to lawyer Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia-Codilla, daughter of Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia, that was held at Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral here.

Ms Arroyo, an ally of the governor, was a principal sponsor along with Estrada, a family friend of the Frascos.

Ms Arroyo and Estrada were not supposed to walk together as they were not “paired” with each other on the list of principal sponsors.

During the wedding processional they walked with their assigned partners, but at the end of the ceremony “it just happened.” During the recessional, the two political powerhouses walked down the aisle together and continued to do so until they were outside the church.

Onlookers cheered at the rare sight.

A WOMEN'S blouse appearing to be stained with blood hangs in Michael Jackson's wardrobe - sparking a new mystery over the superstar's death.



     'Blood stains' ... blouse hangs in wardrobe

It still has a price label attached, indicating it had not been worn and could have been used to mop up blood.

The picture, among a remarkable set that emerged yesterday, was taken days after Jacko died in June.
It is thought the blouse was NOT seized by police probing the 50-year-old singer's death in his rented Los Angeles home.

Last night leading US lawyer Craig Silverman said: "It's pretty extraordinary that a bloody shirt would not be taken as evidence."

Mr Silverman, who is not involved with the case, said it could be a clue to what went wrong with Dr Conrad Murray's treatment of Jacko - or the personal physician's attempts to revive him.

The blouse's label reads, "Women's Clothing - Casual Top" with a price of just $3.99.

Los Angeles police could shed no light on the mystery last night.

Asked why the shirt was not taken in by investigators, a spokesman replied: "I don't know why."

He added: "Our detectives aren't speaking to the media about the investigation so we won't have an answer at the moment. I don't foresee one for some time."

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:25:00 08/05/2009

Close this MANILA, Philippinesâ€"One by one, friends, family members, employees of former President Corazon Aquino paid tribute to her through anecdotes, painting a picture of a woman who eschewed the trappings and temptations of her office and who was steadfast in her faith and service to the people.



During the three-hour necrological service at Manila Cathedral Tuesday, 19 people gave their heartfelt tributes, most of them ending up sobbing along with the audience.

Ms Aquino’s four daughters especially the youngest, Kris, openly cried upon hearing the tributes. Her only son Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was able to hold back from sobbing.

The senator spoke last, summarizing previous speakers’ testimonials.

He recounted how his mother insisted on going to Fort Bonifacio during the Marines standoff in February 2006, at the height of the protests against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over allegations that she cheated during the 2004 elections.

The senator said he was opposed to the idea of his mother joining the chaos in Fort Bonifacio, where tanks and heavily armed soldiers were on standby.

But his mother won in the end. Noynoy recalled her saying: “It is my obligation to go there. It is my obligation to prevent bloodshed.”

When he and the former President arrived near the gates of the military camp, they found the people agitated.

“When she arrived, she took out her rosary and started praying. The people calmed down,” the senator said.

He told the crowd at the cathedral that he chose this story because it encapsulated everything about his mother.

“This was the loving Cory, who’s ready to do what is right despite the consequences and who has full faith in God. She believed in doing whatever we can and letting God do the rest,” Noynoy said in Filipino.

Swipe at political mess

The senator took a swipe at the political situation, saying there seemed to be no change in the country. The former President had been a vocal critic of Ms Arroyo.

“When I see the state this country is inâ€"there are people who follow the law, who strive to study to be better, who are true to their fellowmen and are still asking ‘Why are we still in need?’ It hurts,” Noynoy said.

“There are those who fought before us. But we are still here, fighting,” he added.

There’s hope

On behalf of his family, Noynoy thanked the people who gathered in the streets to bid her mother farewell when her casket was transferred on Monday to the cathedral from the La Salle Green Hills stadium in Mandaluyong City.

He apologized to those who were waiting for hours to get a glimpse of the former President’s remains.

The senator said he was struck by how children, who did not see the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution and her mother’s presidency, expressed gratitude to his late mother.

“These were elementary children. They said ‘Thank You, Tita Cory,’” he said. This is proof that there is still “hope” for the country, according to Aquino’s only son.

Fought good fight

At the end of his speech, the senator said of his mother: “I really truly believed without an iota of doubt that you fought the good fight, finished the course, and undoubtedly kept the faith.”

Former employees and friends of the late President said they were struck by her humility and simplicity, even while she was the leader of the country.

Exceptional leader

Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, who was appointed by Aquino to head the Government Service Insurance System and other government corporations, said Aquino never asked special treatment for her or for her family.

“I realized I was serving an exceptional leader,” he said.

Aquino’s brother, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, said his sister forbade her siblings to build businesses or try to recover their wealth seized by the Marcoses while she was President.

Aquino was also adamantly opposed to the idea that she run for another term in 1992, Cojuangco said. When he offered this idea to her, his sister replied: “My role is to restore freedom and democracy. If I turn over it to my successor, then I’ll be playing that role.”

Anger extinguished

Makati Rep. Teddy Boy Locsin, who served as Aquino’s speechwriter, said working for Aquino extinguished his anger and desire for revenge.

When she told him over the phone that she took up Marcos’ challenge for a snap presidential election, Locsin said he realized then that Aquino “was the answer to my prayers.”

Working for the country’s first woman leader brought out the best in him, Locsin said. When he was at her deathbed, he felt like a “knight at the bedside of a dying sovereign.”

“I know I was lucky to have served a woman who never did wrong ... If you bring me before her again, I’ll be happy,” he said.

From ardent critic to fan

Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Conrado de Quiros said he was not a fan of Aquinoâ€"at first. “I wasn’t an ardent fan of Cory. I was an ardent critic of Cory,” he said.

Subsequent encounters with Aquinoâ€"which started from a phone call from her expressing her thanks for an article he wroteâ€"changed De Quiros’ mind. He also recounted how the former President visited his mother’s wake and was struck by her loquacious nature and grace.

In Aquino, De Quiros said he remembered the biblical phrase: “The exalted shall be humbled and the humbled exalted.

“In life and in death, Cory has beenâ€"pardon my Frenchâ€"one damn good person,” De Quiros said.

Businessman Ramon del Rosario Jr. said the business community was revitalized when Aquino rose to power in 1986.

He noted that one of Aquino’s legacies was her honesty and transparency in governanceâ€"traits that the business community should follow.

“There is no greater tribute to her than abiding by her values of integrity, courage, transparency, morality and love of country,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario, who was part of the Philippine contingent who went to the United States just a few months after Aquino was inaugurated, recalled the euphoria of the event. “I would say simply, she made us proud of being Filipino again,” he said.

Best friend forever

Aquino’s sister-in-law, Ma. Aurora Lichauco, made the audience chuckle when she said that she considered Aquino her “BFFâ€"best friend forever.”

“I look forward to seeing you again, although I hope not too soon,” she said.

Although the two women were different in temperamentâ€"Lichauco said she was outgoing while Aquino was “stoic”â€"they shared secrets, happiness and difficulties.

In her eulogy, Lichauco recounted how she and Aquino would visit Ninoy at the stockade and share the humiliation of long waits and body searches.

But sometimes, the two of them would just laugh at the “absurdity” of it all, Lichauco said.

Designer Paul Cabral, who was introduced to Aquino by daughter Kris in 2003, said the former President was so down to earth that when she wanted him to make a dress for her, she went to see him.

“There is warmth and kindness in her. What people say about her is true,” he said.

Paintings

The former President gave him gifts for birthdays and special occasions, even giving him one of her paintings.

“While you became a loyal patron, I became an admirer,” Cabral said.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said he lost a confidante in Aquino. He said he would miss her telling him that he was “one of [her] favorite mayors.” Aquino appointed Binay acting mayor of Makati after Edsa I.

Binay said he was indebted and grateful to Aquino when she expressed support for him when he was suspended by the Sandiganbayan in May 2007.

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:03:00 08/01/2009

MANILA, Philippines â€" Malacañang yesterday trumpeted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s meeting with President Barack Obama and the country’s designation as the US regional coordinator with Southeast Asia as a “triumph for all Filipinos.”

Critics said it made the Philippines a “glorified (US) errand boy.”

Militant lawmaker Teodoro Casiño of the party-list group Bayan Muna said Ms Arroyo had found a new role for herself as “Obama’s rah-rah girl.”

During Thursday’s meeting itself at the White House Oval Office, Barack was relaxed and confident as he sat cross-legged beside a visibly nervous Ms Arroyo.

Unleashing his charm, Obama touched Ms Arroyo’s arm, looked straight into her eyes whenever she talked, and was generous in his compliments.

At one point during a brief press encounter at the White House, a member of Ms Arroyo’s party asked her about her impressions of her host. Obama triggered laughter when he interjected: “I’m sure she thinks I’m much younger looking than she expected.”

‘No wonder US fell for him’

Ms Arroyo described Obama as “very cordial, warm, and welcoming” and added they “connected very well” on some areas of global concerns.

The members of Ms Arroyo’s party were conquered.

“He was charming and very diplomatic. He was more than what I expected. He looks younger, oozing with personality. No wonder America fell for him, he’s tall, lanky, and very confident,” Speaker Prospero Nograles said.

Mike Arroyo not around

Nograles also said in a text message: “I really told Obama this was a dream come true for me to come to the White House and meet him face to face: the most powerful leader of the world. Truly an experience that’s something to remember.”

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Obama had a “very firm handshake” despite having fragile hands but he refused to compare him with his predecessor, George W. Bush, whom he described as “also a cowboy.”

Ermita was also impressed with how precise the White House timing was, wrapping things up in one hour, including the Arroyo-Obama meeting and a joint briefing.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said: “Obviously, they had a great conversation. I’m privileged to be there. It was friendly, relaxed, very professional.”

Ms Arroyo’s husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, and Michelle Obama were not at the meeting.

By Christine Avendaño, Jeannette Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:10:00 07/20/2009

Close this MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Television host Kris Aquino revealed on Sunday night her ailing mother, former President Corazon Aquino, had stage 4 colon cancer and was now in "pain.”

Speaking on her late night TV show, Kris profusely thanked Filipinos for their prayers and asked them to pray some more that her mother would be in less pain.

"If I will not be in my shows in the following weeks or months, it's because I want to be with her,” Kris said, trying hard not to break down.

Kris said the family decided to go public with the status of their mother's cancer. When they first announced her illness early last year, they did not say what stage Aquino's cancer was at.

The former president has been at Makati Medical Center for a month now since her doctors ordered her confinement to address nutritional needs. She is being fed intravenously.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, meanwhile, said a series of Masses will start on Monday for the "speedy and ultimate" recovery of Aquino.

Lim said Masses will be said daily at 12:15 p.m. until Friday at the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas at Manila City Hall.

"She (Aquino) gave us our democracy and served the country without any accusation of anomaly. So I hope we would always include her in our prayers," the mayor said during the regular People's Day at City Hall.

MANILA, Philippines - Four pharmaceutical firms in the Philippines are now manufacturing vaccines against the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said yesterday.

PHAP said that research and development for vaccines against Influenza A(H1N1) has entered the production phase and vaccines might be out before November.

PHAP president Oscar

Aragon noted that four PHAP members are involved in vaccine manufacturing.

These are the GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Sanofi-Pasteur and Baxter. PHAP is an organization composed of research-based pharmaceutical companies.

“People are working round-the-clock to come up with the vaccines. The development process began when the companies received the ‘seed virus’ from the World Health Organization (WHO) last May.  They need that to start the production,” he told The STAR.

The receipt of the virus signals the start of the development process called “passaging” which will eventually yield a “working seed.” Passaging is the process for acclimating the virus to grow in a production environment at optimum yield.

It takes four to six months to produce any influenza vaccine because it will have to undergo the research and development process and the regulatory approval to ensure the safety and efficacy of the new vaccine.

But Aragon claimed that since Novartis and Baxter are using “different technology,” they might have the finished products ahead of time.

He added the companies have been working closely with the WHO, which is monitoring “how the virus behaves or if there is a mutation.”

“Vaccine should be specific to the virus and that is the reason why vaccine production is being done in cooperation with the WHO,” Aragon said.

“As an organization committed to protecting the health and lives of the people, research and development (R&D) to discover breakthrough medicine and prevent this new virus from further spreading is non-stop so that we could lessen the probability of a pandemic,” he added.

But the vaccines would be distributed around the world through the WHO. The GSK will donate some 50 million vaccines while Sanofi-Pasteur will give some 100 million vaccines to the WHO.

“The stocks of vaccines are to be allocated by the WHO. At this point, maybe it’s the Department of Health that’s going to influence the WHO (for the Philippines),” he maintained.

WHO commends DOH chief

Meanwhile, the WHO commended DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III for “his leadership and tireless efforts in responding to this emerging threat to the health of the people of the Philippines.”

In a letter to Duque, WHO director for Western Pacific Dr. Shin Young-soo said the first case of A(H1N1) in the Philippines was “swiftly detected and laboratory confirmation was promptly made at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicines (RITM)” while “contact tracing has also been thorough, allowing the DOH to detect further cases and slow down the spread of the virus.”

“The efficiency of the response indicated to me that the Philippines has the fundamental capacity to detect and respond to the new influenza virus. I should also add that WHO is also confident about the quality of the laboratory diagnoses carried out by RITM and about the epidemiological activities conducted by the National Epidemiology Center,” he maintained.

Shin added that communication between the DOH and the WHO “has been transparent and conducted in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).”

Duque announced that the Philippines would adopt the WHO-recommended changes in reporting of A(H1N1).

“The WHO will no longer be issuing global table updates that show the number of confirmed cases for all countries but will instead continue to document the global spread with updates describing the situation in newly affected countries,” Duque said. This means that the DOH will issue updates probably on a weekly basis.

The health chief had reiterated that while the virus has been proven to be mild, the public should not let their guard down. He warned that there are some cases that “become serious” especially if the patients have underlying medical conditions.

“So, again, we are urging the public to be more vigilant in guarding their health against A(H1N1) despite its generally mild clinical manifestations in most of the cases reported in the country,” Duque added.

The DOH said yesterday that 95 percent of the 1,709 cases of Influenza A(H1N1) in the country have already recovered, proving that the virus is “mild in nature.”

Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, director of the DOH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, noted there was also no indication that the virus was mutating.

“According to the WHO, it seems there’s no mutation. It has still the same protein particles, meaning to say if there is resistance (to Oseltamivir), it’s not that much. It could be an isolated case,” she added.

Oliveros said the WHO had instructed countries to monitor “specific resistance” to Oseltamivir.

“So in shifting to mitigation, one of the functions or objectives of getting throat swab (samples) is not only to confirm cases but also to study if there could be some resistance already to Oseltamivir,” she added.

Based on its June 27 update, there were 1,709 cases in the Philippines. A total of 1,568 of them are Filipinos and 235 have history of travel to countries with confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has recorded its first cases of A(H1N1) in four police recruits in Cordillera, but the PNP leadership has already taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

In his report to PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, Cordillera Police Regional director Chief Superintendent Orlando Pestaño said the four recruits are confined at the St. Louis University Medical Center.

Meanwhile, seven students tested positive for A(H1N1) virus in Los Baños, Laguna, according to Dr. Alvin Isidro, head of the Municipal Health Office. He said they are already implementing measures to contain the spread of the virus. â€" With Cecille Suerte Felipe and Rudy Fernandez

Thousands of protesters pour into Makati City Wednesday to express their disgust over efforts to rewrite the Constitution. AP

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)â€"Overlooked and begging for respect all season, the Orlando Magic can no longer be ignored. After 14 frustrating years, they’ve returned to the NBA finals.

Dwight Howard(notes) dominated inside for 40 points, Rashard Lewis(notes) added 18 and the Magic, a team that can make 3-pointers drop from thin air, hit 12 in a 103-90 victory over LeBron James(notes) and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night.

“Total domination,” Lewis said. “He totally dominated the game. He carried us on his back tonight.”

The Magic will be making their first finals appearance since 1995, one year before Shaquille O’Neal(notes) bolted as a free agent for Los Angeles, leaving this Florida franchise in ruins.

It’s been a long, slow climb back, but Orlando has been rebuilt and will meet the Lakers on Thursday night at the Staples Center in Game 1.

Disney World vs. Disneyland.

Series at a Glance vs. 
Magic win series 4-2
Game 1: at CLE
ORL 107, CLE 106 - Final

Recap | Box Score

Game 2: at CLE
ORL 95, CLE 96 - Final

Recap | Box Score

Game 3: at ORL
CLE 89, ORL 99 - Final

Recap | Box Score

Game 4: at ORL
CLE 114, ORL 116 - Final OT

Recap | Box Score

Game 5: at CLE
ORL 102, CLE 112 - Final

Recap | Box Score

Game 6: at ORL
CLE 90, ORL 103 - Final

Recap | Box Score

Game 7: at CLE
Mon, Jun 01 - 8:30 pm EDT

TV: TNT


Series Breakdown

“I just think this team all year long has shown an incredible amount of heart,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. “This team just keeps fighting back. They deserve it.”

Oh, and memo to Nike executives: It’s time to break out the Howard puppet. LeBron’s can go in summer storage.

For now, the only matchup between James and Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant(notes) will have to be limited to those cute TV commercials.

The Magic made them irrelevant.

With the city’s most famous athlete, Tiger Woods, sitting courtside, Orlando made believers of all those who wondered if they were better than the Cavaliers, a team that won 66 games in the regular season, or the defending champion Boston Celtics.

The Magic made both disappear in the postseason.

James scored 25 in his worst game of the series, but the 24-year-old was magnificent for most of it, adding to a legacy still in its infancy. But the league MVP had to do most of it alone, as Mo Williams(notes) lost his shooting touch and Cleveland’s bench was badly outplayed by Orlando’s reserves.

Delonte West(notes) added 22 and Williams 17 for Cleveland, which went 0-5 in Orlando.

During the closing minutes, James was mocked by Orlando’s crowd singing “M-V-P” as Howard shot free throws.

And after Superman muscled underneath for a thunderous dunk with 2:21 left, the crowd moved into finals mode chanting, “Beat L.A.!”

Howard’s one flaw has been his free-throw shooting, but he made 12 of 16 in Game 6.

The Magic’s season hasn’t been without its share of turmoil. Point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in early February, a setback that at the time seemed as if it would prevent Orlando from doing anything special this year.

But general manager Otis Smith acquired guard Rafer Alston(notes) in a trade with Houston. Alston, a former playground legend, fit in perfectly. In the opening round against Philadelphia, the Magic lost the opener before rebounding and winning a close-out Game 6 on the road.

Then, following Game 5 of the Boston series, Howard called out Van Gundy for not getting him the ball enough and challenged his substitution patterns. The Magic shook off that spat, too, winning two straight, including Game 7 on Boston’s parquet.

In the conference finals, they beat Cleveland with a devastating mix of inside power and outside firepower.

All year, the Cavaliers ended their pregame huddle the same way, with James leading them in a cheer he used with his high school team.

“One, two, three,” James said.

“Hard work,” they replied.

“Four, five, six,” he offered.

“Championship,” they yelled.

But when the final horn sounded, James could only pull out his jersey and walk slowly off the floor just as he did last year after losing Game 7 in Boston. As great as James was, this wasn’t his season, and once again Cleveland fans will feel nothing but heartache as they wait for a team to end the city’s 45-year championship drought.

Everything that could go wrong did in the first half for the Cavaliers.

They couldn’t stop Howard in the paint and when Cleveland’s defense focused its efforts on containing him, the Magic worked the ball around the arc and took turns launching 3-pointers.

Lewis and Alston drained 3s late in the second quarter as the shoot-first-ask-questions-later Magic built an 18-point halftime lead. On Cleveland’s last possession before halftime, James, who didn’t score in the period, drove the lane and missed a runner while being knocked to the floor.

He sat there in disbelief, looking for a call, looking for help, looking lost.

Cleveland’s coaching staff stormed off barking at the officiating crew and coach Mike Brown was assessed a technical.

When the Cavs came back out after halftime, Howard was practicing his free throws. As he walked toward Cleveland’s bench, injured forward Lorenzen Wright(notes), dressed in a suit, jumped up and grabbed the net to try and knock out one of Howard’s attempts.

The shot dropped in anyway, another symbolic moment.

MANILA, Philippines - Controversial cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho on Thursday broke his silence and apologized for the proliferation of several video footage showing his sexual trysts with various women, among them actress Katrina Halili.

In a statement released late Thursday, Kho said he did not intend to publicize the said footage and deplored the fact that they were uploaded on the Internet without his consent.

“I deplore the fact that without my knowledge and consent, these recordings were uploaded on the Internet, downloaded, reproduced in optical media form, distributed and sold to the public," he said.

“I sincerely apologize for the harm it has done to other parties. I must emphasize that there was no malice on my part, or intention to hurt anyone with these recordings," he added.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has summoned a certain Eric Johnston Chua, a friend of Kho’s who is believed to be the one who uploaded the video on the Internet, for questioning.

The NBI has also subpoenaed Kho and his erstwhile girlfriend, celebrity surgeon Vicki Belo, to shed light on the issue. The two are expected to appear at the NBI headquarters in Manila on Friday.

Halili, who said she felt violated and betrayed by Kho, has already asked the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) to revoke the license of the embattled surgeon.

Kho said in his statement that as a result of the controversy, he has decided to suspend his practice of medicine.

“I own up to my responsibility as a professional, and have decided to suspend my practice of medicine," he said. - GMANews.TV
Email this | Email the Editor | Print | ShareThis

05/21/2009 | 10:22 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Thursday that the country already has a case of the dreaded Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

The patient, who is now quarantined, is a 10-year-old girl who arrived in the Philippines last May 18 after going to the US and Canada, according to the DOH.

She no longer has fever and cough, but still suffering from sore throat, said Dr. Eric Tayag, chief of the DOH Epidemiology Center. The DOH did not disclose where the girl is confined.

The girl only showed symptoms of the disease a day after her arrival, according to a report by radio dzBB quoting Tayag.

The patient's parents haven't showed symptoms of the disease but were nevertheless given oseltamivir, an anti-viral drug, the report said.

The government will conduct contact tracing to identify and diagnose individuals who might have come into contact with the infected girl. Health authorities will also checked the plane boarded by the girl for traces of the disease.

The DOH urged the public to remain calm following the discovery of the country's first A(H1N1) case. They were also told to observe proper hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.

Taiwan was the last country near the Philippines that reported a case of the disease, on Wednesday. Struck by the disease was a 52-year-old man, the country's first.

The World Health Organization raised its tally of swine flu cases around the world to 11,034 and 85 deaths.

WHO says most of the new 791 cases have been reported in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Mexico confirmed three more deaths linked to swine flu, while the United States confirmed two since Wednesday's tally.

At least 38 other countries have also reported cases since the outbreak began last month. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV, with an AP report

MANILA, Philippines â€" The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) welcomed Saturday the release of Andreas Notter and renewed its appeal for the release of remaining hostage Eugenio Vagni.

In a message on its website, the ICRC noted Vagni remains in captivity after at least 94 days in captivity.

"ICRC welcomes freedom of Andreas and renews appeal for Eugenio to be freed after 94 days in captivity," it said in a crawler message on its website (www.icrc.org).

Notter was found in Indanan, Sulu early Saturday morning. Before him, Mary Jean Lacaba was released last April 2.

Only Vagni remains in captivity. The three ICRC workers were abducted in Sulu last Jan. 15.

On the other hand, the ICRC shared Notter's concern about Vagni.

“We are, of course, very relieved that Andreas will soon be back in the arms of his loved ones," said Alain Aeschlimann, the ICRC's head of operations for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Aeschlimann reiterated his appeal to the Abu Sayyaf to let Vagni go safely.

“But we remain very concerned about Eugenio’s safety and we call on the abductors to let him go safely, immediately and unconditionally,"
he said.

Referring to recent official and behind-the-scenes endeavours to resolve the ordeal, Aeschlimann said the ICRC appreciated all genuine efforts that had been made by national and local authorities.


Military's role

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), meanwhile, described the safe recovery of Notter as a relief to all government agencies working for the ICRC victims, and is a proof of their unrelenting efforts.
04/18/2009 | 05:57 PM

AFP chief of staff Gen Alexander Yano said Notter is currently undergoing procedural psychological debriefing and medical checkup sessions.

“We cannot at the moment disclose the details that transpired, as doing so may derail current efforts by TF ICRC and security forces to ensure the safe release of the remaining victim, Vagni," Yano said.

“All nonviolent mechanisms are being exhausted to ensure that this (release of Vagni) will happen at the soonest possible time," he said. “We pray that this too will lead to the safe release of Vagni, and the kidnappers to come to their senses and release the last victim." - GMANews.TV

By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 15 Apr 2009




Oscar de la Hoya announces his retirement Wednesday during a press conference at the Nokia Plaza in downtown Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES -- Boxing's Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya formally announced his retirement today during a press conference held at the Nokia Plaza in downtown Los Angeles surrounded by family and close friends and in front of the international media.


De la Hoya, a 10-time world champion and the only boxer in history to have won six titles in six divisions, kept his emotions in checked and told the fully packed media conference "now I understand why an athlete has so much hard time retiring."

De La Hoya looked like a shell of himself when he was pummeled from end to end by Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao last Dec. 6 in Las Vegas before Oscar quit on his stool in round eight. "After that fight, I thought that was it for Oscar," De La Hoya's wife Millie told the media when it was her turn to speak. But it took Oscar 'four agonizing months' before arriving a decision.

"The decision was based on making sure, first of all, I would not disappoint fans and myself. It is not fair to step inside the ring and not give my best," De La Hoya said.

On hand to give their support to De La Hoya were his wife Millie, business partner Richard Schaefer, Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, his father Joel de la Hoya, Sr., AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke and head of HBO pay per view Mark Taffet.

Taffet revealed to the audience a few stats of the Golden Boy franchise where Oscar appeared in HBO-televised fights a record 32 times, 19 of them pay-per-views and garnered the highest grossing pay per view of $120 million against Floyd Mayweather. De La Hoya had an overall total of 14.1 million buys and $696 million total revenue, "a record," Taffet said, "that probably can never be duplicated."

04/11/2009 | 04:56 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | ShareThisThai riot prompts Arroyo to leave early for Dubai

The protests that forced a standoff at the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in Pattaya Thailand have prompted President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to leave for Dubai ahead of schedule.

In a statement, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo "remained calm and collected" throughout the tension caused by the protests.

"President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remained calm and collected all throughout. We are proceeding to Dubai ahead of schedule," he said in a statement posted on the Office of the Press Secretary Web site, Saturday evening.

Remonde also cited a claim by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo that despite the protests that cut short the summit and other related summits, "much has been accomplished."

Quoting Romulo, he said there was already an agreement in principle as to the amount of contribution to the US $120-billion Equity Fund, including $24 billion from 10 Asean members, $24 billion from South Korea, and the balance from Japan and China.

A second accomplishment was the establishment of the Asean political security community.

The third accomplishment was the initial convening of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, he said.

A separate report on Bombo Radyo said Mrs. Arroyo was initially to proceed to Dubai Sunday night, after hearing Easter Mass in Thailand.

The flight from Bangkok to Dubai would take five hours, the report said. - GMANews.TV PATTAYA, Thailand â€" Thailand declared a state of emergency in the city hosting a summit of Asian leaders and canceled the event for security reasons Saturday after more than 1,000 anti-government protesters stormed the venue.

The leaders, including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, were being evacuated by helicopter from the seaside city of Pattaya to a nearby military airport, a security official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The red-shirted protesters, who are calling for the resignation of Thai Prime Abhisit Vejjajiva, smashed through the glass doors of the convention hall and ran through the building, overturning tables, blowing horns, waving Thai flags and screaming, "Abhisit get out!

All the leaders were safe, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat. Nine leaders from Southeast Asian nations were in a nearby hotel on the convention grounds at the time the protesters broke in.

"The meeting cannot go on. We have to consider the security of the leaders," government spokesman Supachai Jaisamuth said. "The situation is too violent and it is a security concern for the leaders."

The chaos dealt a major blow to Abhisit, who has been trying to project an image of calm and normality since taking power in a parliamentary vote four months ago after a court dissolved the previous government for election fraud.

It also scuttles a chance for the 16 regional leaders, including those from China, Japan and South Korea, to confer on ways to combat the global slump that has battered Asia's export-oriented economies. North Korea's recent rocket launch also was to be discussed at the weekend summit.

The protesters are supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 military coup. They say Abhisit was not elected by the people and should step down so new elections can be held.

"We want to tell Abhisit himself that this meeting cannot go on," protest leader Arisman Pongreungrong said after leading the mob into the convention hall.

Abhisit, who has repeatedly refused to step down, went on national television and declared a state of emergency in the area surrounding the summit.

"I am using my power as the prime minister to declare a state of emergency in the area of Pattaya and Chonburi," he said.

The decree gives the military the right to restore order, allows authorities to suspend civil liberties, bans public gatherings of more than five people and bars the media from reporting news that "causes panic."

Earlier, organizers said all morning meetings at the summit had been delayed after protesters blocked traffic around the hotels where delegates were staying and amid clashes between anti- and pro-government groups. There were unconfirmed reports of protesters carrying guns.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said two or three people were injured in the clashes and that authorities were investigating reports of shots fired and an explosion.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was scheduled to meet with the leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Saturday morning. That was to be followed by meetings between ASEAN leaders and the president of South Korea, and later with Japan's prime minister.

A breakfast meeting of the foreign ministers from Japan, China and South Korea was also canceled.

After the protesters broke into the convention hall, a reporter saw at least three people with cuts from the glass and blood on the floor.

Panitan said protesters have been warned that "very tough standards will be applied to them very soon." - AP

CHICAGO â€" One of the oldest surviving Filipino American World War II veterans received the first lump sum from the US Department of Veterans Affairs at a reception held Wednesday (April night at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Alberto Bacani, 98, of Alexandria, Virginia, got his $15,000 check from former US Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, representing the Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, according to the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc., a national advocacy group.

Earlier, at 5:30 p.m., General Taguba and Philippine Ambassador Willy Gaa led Filipino veterans and their supporters in the laying of wreath at the National WWII Memorial on 17th St. and Independence Ave SW, in Washington, D.C.

They honored the 67th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan when about 10,000 American and 60,000 Filipino soldiers surrendered after three months of defending the Philippines, which was a US territory, and began the 55-mile "Death March" to Capas in Tarlc and other prison camps in April 1942.

The VA one-time payment of $15,000 is given to each of the surviving former Filipino soldiers, who are US citizens. This is authorized as part of the stimulus budget in the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on February 17.

The Filipino veterans, who are not US citizens, get a lump-sum pay of $9,000 each.

The "Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund" in the Public Law 111-5 Title X, Sec. 1002 restores the honorable "active service" designation of former Filipino soldiers who were stripped of their US veterans' status by an act of Congress in 1946.

About 250,000 Filipino soldiers fought under American command from 1941-46.

Less than 18,000 Filipino veterans are now surviving and would be eligible for the VA compensation benefit.

Soldier, teacher and librarian

Bacani is a retired Philippine Army major. He was born in Isabela province in the northern Philippines. He was a prisoner-of-war for ten days after the Fall of Corregidor, the island guarding the mouth of Manila Bay. [It was in Corregidor where Gen. Douglas MacArthur ran the resistance against Japanese invaders during the first months of the war. ]

Bacani retired as a teacher in 1976 and as registrar of the University of the East in the Philippines.

In the US, Bacani retired in 2008 as a librarian and as a federal employee in the Environmental Protection Agency in Crystal City, Virginia.

He has said his secret for long life is to “live one day at a time."

Meanwhile, Consul General Blesila C. Cabrera led the wreath-laying at the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Bridge at the corner of State St. and Wacker Drive in Downtown Chicago Monday (April 6) at the 67th commemoration of the Fall of Bataan.

After the wreath laying, the veterans and friends, Consulate officers, and leaders of the Fil-Am community, marched to the Philippine Consulate General to hold the rest of the program. - GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philppines - It's rare to see her cry even in the most trying times. The stern-looking President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had in fact survived impeachment moves and crushed rebellions against her administration sans shedding a tear. But on Thursday, the chief executive failed to hide her soft side. She grieved for her Palace aides killed in an air tragedy.



President Arroyo cries beside Press Secretary Cerge Remonde during a brief religious service Thursday for victims of the chopper crash. - AP

Mrs. Arroyo emerged misty-eyed from a religious service held at the Loakan Airport in Baguio City in honor of the three Palace officials and four military personnel who died on a thickly forested mountain in northern Philippines on Holy Tuesday.
An aide comforts President Gloria Arroyo who cries during a religious service for the eight fatalities of the chopper crash. - PCPO

It was supposed to be short and safe flight, just over 30 minutes from Baguio to Banaue, Ifugao. The group was tasked to give a protocol briefing to local officials.

But the weather was rough. Amid thick fog and heavy rains, the Bell 412 presidential chopper boarded by Mrs Arroyo's aides fell down the rugged mountains of Ifugao and Benguet provinces. Six of them were found inside the totally burned chopper. One was recovered near the wreckage, while the last was seen on a cliff, about 60 meters from the crash site.

It was an unusual, dreadful sight for the President. She sent off her people - who had always assured her of her safety - inside metal caskets. Their remains, mostly charred, where loaded into a Hercules C-130 and flown to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City and later brought to the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Makati City for internment procedures.

Despite her despair, Mrs. Arroyo has kept her faith. All will eventually go back to their Creator, thus she believes there will be life after death.

“Now is the appointed time for our dear friends and colleagues, who perished in Tangawan, to return to their Maker," says the President in a statement.

“Like His only Son whose martyrdom we commemorate this week, what is required of us in the face of tragedy is our prayerful acceptance of His Will and an unshakable faith in life after death," she adds.

The remains of the President's aides will be later transferred to the Palace's Heroes Hall. Mrs. Arroyo says she will “miss them so much" because they were part of her official family.

“We share in the grief of their friends. We pray that God will give them strength, the grace of faith and discernment in their hour of need," says the President.

Killed in the crash were Press Undersecretary Jose Capadocia, Presidential Appointments Secretary Marilou Frostrom, Senior Military Aide to the President Brigadier General Carlos Clet, Presidential Management Staff Asst. Director Perlita Bandayanon, pilot Major Rolando Sacatani, co-pilot Captain Alvin Alegata, Clet’s aide Quarter Master 3rd Class Demelyn Reyno, and crewman Sergeant Rohegem Perez. - GMANews.TV

BOHOL Gov. Erico Aumentado has urged Mayor Dan Lim to expedite the construction of the ultimate solution to the flooding, foul odor and environmental pollution problems in some areas in Tagbilaran City â€" a centralized wastewater treatment facility.

In a letter to Lim, Aumentado expressed his grave concern over media’s latest tag of Tagbilaran as a ‘stinking city’ from ‘crime city’ of the recent past.

“Obviously, media refers to the foul odor in the drainage system along CPG Avenue in front of Rose Pharmacy and Mercury Drugstore up to the corner of Allied Bank despite the fact that the unauthorized connections were already cut off. Similar foul odor is also noted at the Central Market and ICM area in Dao District,” the governor observed.

The tag does not sit well for Tagbilaran City which has been lauded as one of the Eight Dream Cities in the country by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), cited as one of the most livable cities in terms of quality of life by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and the gateway to Bohol’s tourism havens. Thus, the first impression the city gives to tourists and guests is of utmost importance to the rest of the province, he wrote.

Aumentado added that his concern was “heightened more than ever” because of the forthcoming Sandugo Festival, Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan or TBTK (Global Conference of Boholanos) and the Bohol Day celebration where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is invited to be the guest of honor on the historic day, July 22.

“On this score, I urge your good self to expedite the process for the construction of Tagbilaran’s waste water treatment facility which you promised to be in place by the time the drainage system and the San Jose Street asphalting shall be completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” he reminded the mayor.

All your conditionalities have been met â€" including the concreting instead of the asphalt overlay of CPG Avenue as programmed originally, Aumentado said.

“It is your turn to honor your commitment done publicly and during the [Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project Phase 2] BCRIP 2 coordination meetings which I presided,” he added.

The governor also said that he learned from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Central Office that the city government has filed a loan application for the establishment of a centralized waste water treatment facility in Taloto District.

However, It has not yet complied with DBP’s requirements to release the funds for the purpose until now, he observed.

“Thus it is time for the city government to focus on the requirements and implement with dispatch the waste water treatment facility to erase once and for all the ignominious sobriquet of “stinking city”,” he wrote.

Aumentado reminded Lim of the general welfare clause under Section 17 of the Local Government Code where it is the executive’s responsibility to abate public nuisance such as foul odor in the drainage system, prevent pollution and environmental disaster, among others.

“Just as you have risen to the occasion when Tagbilaran was branded as “crime city” before, I know that with the same fervor and able leadership, you will marshal the talents and resources of the city government to solve the problem head on. I know you can do it, but do it fast â€" and now,” he said.

MANILA, Philippines - Seventeen Filipino seafarers on board a Greek-owned bulk carrier were kidnapped by Somali pirates on March 19, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday. This development brings to 71 the total number of Filipinos held by the pirates since November last year.

DFA spokesperson Ed Malaya told GMANews.TV that the MV Titan, a St. Vincent-flagged ship with 24 men on board, was en route to South Korea when it was hijacked by Somali pirates in the troubled Gulf of Aden.

"The DFA instructed the Philippine embassy in Nairobi to coordinate with proper authorities concerning the safety and well-being of the seamen," Malaya said.

Reports from the Philippine Embassy in Kenya said that aside from the 17 Filipinos, three Greeks, three Romanians, and one Ukranian seamen were also aboard the ship.

Data from the DFA showed that aside from the MV Titan, three other vessels with 54 Filipinos remain anchored in Somalia.

The other vessels hijacked by Somali pirates include the MV Stolt Strength (with 23 Filipinos), MT Longchamp (with 12 Filipinos), and a previously unreported MV Saldanha (hijacked last Feb. 22 with 19 Filipinos).

The MV Stolt Strength, which was hijacked last Nov. 10, has been in the hands of Somali pirates for 133 days.

Third ship

MV Titan is the third ship predominantly manned by Filipinos that was hijacked by Somali pirates this year.

Last year, 208 Filipinos on board 17 vessels were kidnapped by pirates in the Horn of Africa.

Somali pirates are known to demand ransom from shipowners in exchange for the release of their vessels, including crewmen and valuable cargoes. The Philippine government, however, won't confirm any exchange of money between shipowners and pirates.

The government maintains that it does not talk directly with the kidnappers but merely coordinates efforts to expedite the safe release of the Filipino seamen. - GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippinesâ€"The clamor for the abrogation of the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) could have prompted US President Barack Obama to finally call President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to reaffirm ties between the two countries, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said Sunday.

“Maybe this (clamor for VFA abrogation here) was a wake-up call for President Obama,” Zubiri said in a phone interview.

Obama called up Ms Arroyo on Saturday night to reiterate Washington’s commitment to the VFA, which some senators now want junked following renewed questions on who should have custody of American serviceman Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, who was convicted of raping a Filipino woman.

Malacañang crowed about the Obama call, especially in light of attempts by Ms Arroyo to meet with the US president, who is barely three months into the job.

Zubiri said the move taken by Obama was “good” for RP-US relations. “Maybe, the US government feared losing the agreement and found it difficult to hold training exercises here for US forces,” he said on radio dzBB.

Obama was apparently advised not to snub the Philippines lest Manila decide to renegotiate and abrogate the VFA, said the Senate majority leader.

A resolution seeking to abrogate the treaty, which has the support of six senators, has been referred to the Senate foreign relations committee under Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, proponent of the resolution, said Obama’s phone call could be “consuelo de bobo” (consolation), especially after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton bypassed the Philippines in her Asian tour.

But Pangilinan maintained that “Obama will only go out of his way to call other heads of state if it is in the best interest of the United States for him to do so.”

Study matter

Malacañang on Sunday said the phone conversation between Obama and Ms Arroyo reaffirming both governments’ commitment to the VFA should be considered by the Senate.

“A treaty is an executive action subject only to ratification by the Senate. (So) whatever they discussed should rightfully be considered in the deliberation of the treaty by the ratifying body,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said on Radyo ng Bayan.

Remonde said Malacañang was not expecting senators opposed to the VFA to change their position on the issue just because of the conversation.

But he said the senators should “carefully study the matter and consider what would really be for the good of the country.”

Sen. Loren Legarda, who signed Pangilinan’s resolution, called on Ms Arroyo to uphold the national interest as she stressed that the VFA was a violation of the Constitution.

Onerous

For his part, Sen. Francis Escudero expressed the hope that Ms Arroyo would push for changes in the VFA that would make it “mutually beneficial” to the two countries.

“The VFA, as it was crafted, is onerous and needs changing to deter people like Daniel Smith and his ilk from taking advantage of its infirmities,” Escudero said.

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that Smith’s transfer from a Makati jail to the US Embassy in December 2006 violated the VFA.

The high court ordered the government to negotiate Smith’s detention in a Philippine-run facility as he awaits the result of his appeal. The US Embassy, however, has stalled on the negotiation.

Obama and Ms Arroyo did not speak specifically about Smith in their telephone conversation, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Sunday.

“They spoke about the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement in general terms, reiterating their commitment to it. The working details would be tackled by lower [officials] in the regular meetings on the VFA,” said Assistant Secretary Eduardo Malaya, DFA acting spokesperson.

Critical to relationship

Malaya referred to a statement issued by the US Office of the Press Secretary which stated that the US considered the VFA “critical to the bilateral relationship and our strategic interests.”

He said Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Clinton earlier had the opportunity to speak about VFA during Ms Arroyo’s last visit to the United States.

Obama’s phone call was not exactly a “surprise” because the White House, a few days before, had sent advance notification to Malacañang about the US leader’s intention, according to Malaya.

“It’s part of the preliminaries between two heads of state who wanted to speak to each other over the phone,” he said.

Malaya said Ms Arroyo also used the opportunity to “very firmly” express the Philippines’ gratitude to Obama for his administration’s passing of an economic stimulus bill that included benefits for Filipino World War II veterans.

The DFA spokesperson said another topic in the conversation was US cooperation with the Philippines and other countries on other issues such as the environment and interfaith dialogue.

Malaya recalled that the United States had pledged $35 million, through the US Agency for International Development, to help protect the Coral Triangle, which includes the biologically diverse waters of the Philippines and its neighbors.

“That there is a significant readiness on the part of the Unites States to engage the Philippines and other countries with regard to issues such as environment, climate change and interfaith dialogue, is quite important to us,” he said.

Unimpressed

In the House of Representatives, some lawmakers were unimpressed by Obama’s call because Ms Arroyo failed to assert Philippine custody over Smith.

“In her giddiness over Obama’s call, the President forgot to ask Obama to turn Smith over to Philippine authorities or to tell him how unfair and onerous the VFA is,” Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño said.

Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra said Obama’s charm did not in any way boost the merits of having a VFA.

“If Obama had told the President that Smith would be turned over to us, then that would have made our day, a change in policy that we could believe in,” he said in a text message.

In a radio interview, Muntinlupa Rep. Rufino Rozanno Biazon said Ms Arroyo should not have been happy just because Obama called her.

“She should have told him that the country would abrogate the VFA if the United States would continue to insist on its own interpretation,” he said.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay downplayed Obama’s call, insisting the need to review the VFA.

In a statement, Binay, the United Opposition president, said Obama’s support for the VFA was expected because it was consistent with US interests and policies.

“The VFA needs to be reviewed from the framework of what is best for the Philippines,” Binay said. With reports from Christian V. Esguerra and Marlon Ramos

By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:09:00 03/16/2009

Close this MANILA, Philippinesâ€"Arnel Pineda does not have the smoldering sexuality of a Jim Morrison or the wild antics of a Mick Jagger onstage.



FILIPINO vocalist Arnel Pineda performs with lead guitarist Neal Schon in Journey’s concert.

But on Saturday night, he wore leather pants and pranced like a true rock star as he led Journey in a rousing performance before an audience of 25,000 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) open-air grounds in Pasay City.

The concert, part of the Asian leg of the American pop-rock band’s current world tour, opened last week in three cities in Japan.

After Manila, it rolls into Macau, China, on March 20, and proceeds with five dates in Hawaii starting March 25, before returning with an extended itinerary in the United States in May.

Pinedaâ€"who had told the media that his only problem was missing his family in Quezon City while on the road with Journey in the United States and Europe for seven months last yearâ€"was in high spirits at the MOA show.

He gladly cheered up the hometown crowd, which included a number of Caucasians and other racial colors.

The 41-year-old native of Sampaloc, Manila, who began singing professionally at 15 and worked as a musician in Hong Kong for many years, was a dynamic presence onstage.

He danced, twisted his body, sprinted and even leapt in mid-airâ€"in between singingâ€"without skipping a beat.

The band sounded great as well. Drummer Deen Castronovo, who provided excellent rhythm along with bassist Ross Valory, sang lead vocals in several numbers. Jonathan Cain multitaskedâ€"playing the guitar, blues harp and piano with enviable ease.

Revelation

But Neal Schon was relentless in his lead guitar heroics. He kept his axe screaming with joy and moaning with pain throughout the evening, acting as a perfect counterpoint to Pineda’s soaring vocals.

Schon has wonderfully maintained his widely recognized skills since being recruited by Latin rock superstar Carlos Santana’s group at age 17. (He reportedly got an offer to join guitar god Eric Clapton’s early ’70s group, Derek and the Dominos, but Schon chose Santana because the group called first.)

The MOA concert was a mixture of classic and new Journey material. It opened with “Never Walk Away,” an upbeat track off the group’s latest release, the double album “Revelation,” which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard charts in June last year and sold a million copies six months later.

This was followed by “Only the Young” from 1983’s “Frontiers” album, prompting baby boomers in the audience to sing along. A middle-aged Filipino woman was spotted mouthing every line of most of the ’80s songs, while couples around her hugged and swayed to the music.

Another tune, “Lights,” released only as a single in 1978, delighted the crowd.

Two cuts from “Revelation” seemed to have a special meaning for most of Journey’s members.

In a sense, the ballad “After all these Years” and the fast-paced “Change for the Better” could describe the trials and tribulations the band had gone throughâ€"including a 10-year hiatus and losing Steve Perry as lead singer in 1997, which prompted a frustrating search for a replacement, until Schon found Pineda on YouTube in 2007.

High notes

While comparisons with Perry’s clean, high tenor was inevitable, Pineda’s inspired performance at MOA revealed his own distinct vocal quality, which is a little rough but nevertheless awesome in its ability to reach the high notes.

When Cain and Schon played an introspective, bluesy intro to Journey’s most famous power ballad, “Open Arms,” Pineda sang with an emotion so effusive that it sent a powerful vibe of love and understanding that seemed to embrace the crowd.

By the time “Separate Ways,” “Faithfully,” “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Any Way You Want It”â€"all big hits during Journey’s peak years in the ’80sâ€"came, the crowd was in worship mode.

If the band was not exactly a favorite of critics because its songs tended to hew close to the pop-hook formula, the audience, which cut across varying age levels and social classes, couldn’t care less. They wanted to have a good time and did.

Beyond his wildest dreams

If there was a song that Pineda could best identify with, it was “Wildest Dream.”

At one point during the gig, he referred to his newfound fame as “the most precious moment of my life,” and later thanked the band “for trusting me with their songs.”

And if he gets to keep his job as Journey’s front man and try his hand writing songs in the next few years, that would surpass even his wildest dreams.

Standing onstage, his head bowed and eyes closed, Pineda embodied all the hopes and aspirations of his countrymen.

As his voice filled the concert venue with another soulful melody, the audience’s faces lit up with pride.

Sunday, March 8, 2009
02:05 PM

The second half of the much-anticipated reunion concert of the influential '90s band, the Eraserheads, became a bitter-sweet moment following the demise of rapper Francis Magalona last Friday, March 6, due to leukemia.



Above, Ely Buendia gave a "show-must-go-on" performance even if he's grieving over the death of good friend Francis (inset). Click HERE to view PEP's tribute to the the Master Rapper Francis Magalona.




Francis M during happier times

Francis was a good friend and supporter of the legendary quartet. The Master Rapper (Francis's nickname in the local music industry) collaborated with the Eraserheads in the song "Super Proxy" which was included in the band's best-selling 1995 album, Cutterpillow.
A tribute album dedicated to the music of the Eraserheads dubbed as Ultraelectromagnetcjam (2005) saw Francis doing a cover of "Super Proxy" (this time titled "Super Proxy 2k6") with former vocalist Ely Buendia returning the favor by assuming rap duties.

Kiko (Francis's nickname) remained good friends with the individual members of the Eraserheads, even after the band disbanded in 2002. True to his nature, Francis avoided taking sides despite the rumored rift between Buendia and drummer Raimund Marasiganâ€"continuing to collaborate with both artists on several occasions.
Weeks before he succumbed to his illness, Francis, despite his condition, still managed to book studio time to do a record with Ely. The album, dubbed as the Sickos Project, is now slated for a posthumous release.

BY A HAIRLINE. When Ely was hospitalized in 2007 following a heart attack during an out-of-town gig with his current band Pupil, Francis actively supported a benefit gig organized for Buendia's behalf.
Writing in his blog at the time, Francis openly toyed with the idea of an Eraserheads reunion.
"Fast forward to right now, 9:58 am, Jan. 9, a lot of what if's scenarios pop in my head. What if the E-heads members are back, like long-lost blood brothers? What if 'the most significant OPM band of Pinoy Rock' would be in one room, what would happen?" wrote Francis, before adding: "Para sa akin panahon na para mag-reunite ang E-heads. Sugod na mga kapatid...rock & roll na hanggang umaga."

Francis's hope for a reunion took some time until last year when the Eraserheads mounted a one-night get together concert to finally meet the nagging clamor coming from fans and fellow artists.
The August 30, 2008 affair was unfortunately cut short after Ely experienced chest pains backstage during an intermission.
Last night, March 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, the Eraserheads staged the continuation of their reunion concert. Francis was supposed to join the band on stage to perform "Super Proxy."
Francis, unfortunately, passed away at high noon a day before the big concert.

PAYING HOMAGE. Kiko's passing prompted to band to dedicate their concert to the man dubbed as the "Master Rapper."
"Ide-dedicate namin namin yung buong show sa kanya para may soundtrack siya sa paglalakbay niya maliban sa kanta niya," Eraserheads guitarist Marcus Adoro said to PEP hours before the concert.
Strumming his guitar aimlessly at first, Ely led his bandmates in doing a short cover of Francis's hit single "Kaleidoscope World." Before launching Super Proxy's distinct intro rift, Ely egged the huge crowd to wholeheartedly chant Francis's name to salute OPM's fallen icon.

During the performance, bassist Buddy Zabala was caught by the camera gazing at the sky while playing his bass notes while Marasigan pounded his drum kit with added ferocityâ€"perhaps his own personal way of paying tribute to Kiko's memory. It was also evident that Ely took it upon himself to deliver Kiko's lines in the song flawlessly. Buendia's effort to sing Francis's rap lines was understated yet undeniably touching.
Video clips of Francis were also flashed on the monitors placed on top of the stage.

Incidentally, the reunion concert was produced by MTV Philippines. Francis served as MTV Philippines' first local video jock along with Regine Tolentino and Donita Rose.

MANILA, Philippinesâ€"(UPDATE 5) Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona died Friday at the Medical City in Pasig City, his co-hosts at the GMA Network’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” said. He was 44.

Magalona succumbed to multiple organ failure “secondary to severe sepsis and secondary to pneumonia,” according to a doctor who was not authorized to talk to media.

He passed away at 12 noon, said Philippine Daily Inquirer sources.

The acclaimed rapper-musician was rushed to the Medical City on Thursday night, Inquirer sources said. He was “intubated” upon admission and placed in the Intensive Care Unit at 3 a.m. Friday.

He was described as “toxic” during the early hours of Friday, the Inquirer sources said.

Doctors still managed to administer chemotherapy on Magalona. He expired before a bone marrow transplant could be scheduled, they said.

Magalona had been undergoing several chemotherapy sessions since he was diagnosed with the disease in August last year but was too weak to fight the infection, sources said.

Magalona is the son of popular 1950s movie tandem Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran.

“I don't want a media circus. I want privacy with my family,” Francis said in a phone interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, after reports of his illness broke out.

“What I'd rather talk about is how to we can solicit blood donations to replace the supply that I have consumed in the hospital,” said Magalona, the father of eight children.

Francis' wife, Pia Arroyo-Magalona, said her husband started exhibiting symptoms in March this year. “It was very gradual, hindi siya biglaang lumabas [it didn't manifest right away].”

Magalona was supposed to perform “Superproxy” with the Eraserheads in the band’s reunion concert, “The Final Set” at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City on Saturday.

He had been in collaboration with Eraserheads and Pupil frontman Ely Buendia for an album to be released this year.

Telecommunications giant PLDT also scheduled in April a golf tournament fund-raiser for Magalona.

Magalona is survived by his wife Pia, and children Maxene, Saab, Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, and Clara.

The 10 remaining convicts of the Aquino-Galman double murder case walked out of their detention cells as free men Wednesday afternoon.

Radio dzBB's Lito Laparan said the convicts were released past 3 p.m. after Public Assistance Office (PAO) chief Persida Reuda-Acosta handed over the release order to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Acosta had been helping the victims secure the pardon from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

On March 2, President Arroyo handed down an order of commutation. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez signed the release order Wednesday morning.

Those who were granted executive clemency were:

* Ruben Aquino

* Arnulfo Artates

* Romeo Bautista

* Jesus Castro

* Arnulfo De Mesa

* Rodolfo Desolong

* Claro Lat

* Ernesto Mateo

* Filomeno Miranda

* Rogelio Moreno

The report said they were transported to the Evangelista Medical Hospital in San Pedro, Laguna where they will undergo medical check-up.

The convicts have been incarcerated for 26 years for the killing of former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman on Aug. 21, 1983. Last month, two other convicts, former Sergeants Felizardo Taran Jr. and Rolando de Guzman were also released.

Healing political wounds

In a press briefing at Malacañang, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the clemency was part of President Arroyo's 10-point agenda, which includes healing the political wounds that the three EDSA revolts caused.

"Let’s hope it would. One of 10 point agenda is healing [the] wounds of EDSA...we should not think of any other motive" Ermita said.

Ermita also explained that the convicts' original life sentence was up to 40-years of imprisonment with a commutation of 28-34 years.

"They have served more than 31 yrs, 8 mos. They are within the range they are eligible for parole. It behooves upon the action of the BuCor which is under DOJ. Multiple serious illnesses certified by BuCor and DOH [were also considered by the President.] With that as basis the recommendation was approved by the President," he said.

Abuse of power

For his part, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III condemned the release of his father’s murderers, saying the President abused her powers to grant clemency.

In a separate radio report, Aquino was quoted as saying that the clemency was a solid proof of injustice under the Arroyo administration.

He added the soldiers’ released is part of the continuing cover up - the very reason why until now the mastermind behind his father’s murder remains unknown. - GMANews.TV

The world’s pound-for-pound boxing champion is scheduled to arrive in the United Kingdom on the last week of February.

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is scheduled to be at The Trafford Centre, a large commercial complex in Manchester, at 12:30 p.m. on February 27.

The Philippine boxing sensation will have a press conference slated on March 2 at 12:30 p.m. in London.

However, the venue for the said meeting has yet to be confirmed.

Pacquio will fight United Kingdom’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With less than three months to go before the much-anticipated boxing match, the Filipino boxing champ had been warned of his opponent’s alleged “dirty tactics”.

Boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz recently reported that the warning came from Craig Christian, trainer of WBA featherweight champion Chris John’s Australian Craig Christian.

Nathanielsz’ article cited Australian web site Sports Nuts which quoted Christian as claiming that Hatton was “one of the dirtiest fighters out there.” -- with a report from DANNY BUENAFE, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau



       

By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 05 Feb 2009

The hugely successful boxing event in Tagbilaran City last Jan. 31 featuring the smashing return of AJ 'Bazooka' Banal and Czar Amonsot will be shown on Studio 23 on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 9:00 p.m. and will be replayed on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10:00 a.m. on ABS-CBN Channel 2.


Czar Amonsot (R) waits in a neutral corner as Referee Dilbert Peligrino counts on the downed Zoel Fidal in this bit of action during last Saturday's fight in Tagbilaran City.

Banal (18-1-1 15KOs) knocked down his Indonesian opponent Nouldy Manakane (17-8-1 8KOs) in the second round before finishing him off in the 4th round with a stunning 1-2 combination. Amonsot (19-3-1 11KOs), likewise, knocked down his opponent Zoel Fidal (16-7-2), also of Indonesia, in the 2nd round before sending Fidal to the canvas for good in the 5th round.

The event dubbed as 'They Are Back' was staged by ALA Promotions with the support of Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Neri Lim and city of Tagbilaran and was witnessed by an estimated crowd of 15,000 who filled the parking lot of the Island City Mall.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI on Friday lamented the shortage of organs for transplants but denounced any selling of organs as immoral.

"The problem of availability of organs for transplant, unfortunately, isn't theoretical but dramatically real," the pontiff said in a speech to participants of a Vatican-sponsored meeting on organ donations.

But any "buying and selling of organs ... would go against the meaning of donation" and would be "morally illicit," the pope said.

A few years before he was elected pontiff, Benedict said in an interview that he carries a card identifying him as an organ donor. - AP

Text of US President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as delivered.

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land â€" a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America â€" they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted â€" for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things â€" some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions â€" that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act â€" not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions â€" who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them â€" that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works â€" whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account â€" to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day â€" because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control â€" and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart â€" not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort â€" even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus â€" and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West â€" know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment â€" a moment that will define a generation â€" it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends â€" hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism â€" these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility â€" a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence â€" the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed â€" why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America. - AP

By JOHN NADEL, AP Sports Writer
5 minutes ago
 
AP - Jan 23, 18:52 EST 1 of 4 Boxing Gallery LOS ANGELES (AP)â€"Shane Mosley dominated from start to finish, knocking out Antonio Margarito for the first time in his career in the ninth round Saturday night to win the WBA welterweight title in a stunning upset.

Margarito was coming off an impressive victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cotto six months ago, and boxing experts had tabbed the 30-year-old slugger one of the top pound-for-pound fighters.



Sugar" Shane Mosley pounded welterweight champ Antonio Margarito, scoring a TKO in the ninth to win the WBA belt.

But Mosley must not have been paying attention.

Despite his advancing age, the 37-year-old Mosley used his superior quickness from the beginning, and Margarito never was able to display the power and fortitude he showed against Cotto.

“It was my strategy, my focus, my game plan,” Mosley said when asked what won the fight. It was a tough fight, but it was a great plan. It was my left hook. I caught (Fernando) Vargas with it, I caught (Richardo) Mayorga with it.

“He’s a tough fighter, he had a lot of endurance. I prepared very hard, I trained hard. He was very powerful, but he couldn’t resist my rhythm.”

Mosley brought in Nazim Richardson to train him for this fight, replacing his father, Jack. That move worked to perfection.


Antonio Margarito, left, of Me…

AP - Jan 23, 7:08 pm EST
“When you have a great game plan and an excellent athlete, then everything works out very well,” Richardson said.

The bout was held before an announced crowd of 20,820â€"largest to attend a sporting event at Staples Center since it opened in October 1999. The fans were clearly pro-Margarito despite the fact that Mosley grew up in suburban Pomona, but it meant little once the bout began.

“I feel OK. I was just getting caught over and over,” Margarito said.

Margarito didn’t win a single round on one judge’s scorecard, one on another and two on the third. The Associated Press had Mosley every round but one.

Mosley, who weighed the maximum 147 pounds, raised his record to 46-5 with 39 knockouts. Margarito, known as the “Tijuana Tornado,” weighed 145.8 pounds. He dropped to 37-6 with 27 knockouts after being stopped for the first time.

Both fighters earned around $2.4 million.

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are serenaded by Beyonce in their first dance of the night at the Leadoff Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC January 20, 2009.
REUTERS/Rick Wilking

MANILA, Philippines â€" The planned May 2 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton would push through after all, this was according to a spokesman for Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.

According to The Guardian’s online edition, the week-long deadlock about the revenue split has been resolved and Arum expects Pacquiao to make an official announcement by Friday to confirm that his fight against the British boxer would take place in Las Vegas.

No other details were disclosed but the Filipino boxing icon, who cemented his status as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, is likely to agree on the 52-48 revenue split also proposed by Arum.

GMANews.TV tried to get Pacquiao’s comment but he did not answer or return our calls.

Pacquiao has earlier indicated that he won’t fight Hatton unless the revenue split made in his favor. He has been demanding a 60-40 split from the total proceeds of the total revenue purse since he further gained world recognition after his eighth round win against Oscar De La Hoya last year.

Hatton’s camp, however, wanted a 50-50 sharing deal after already reaching a verbal agreement with Arum.

Arum has suggested a 52-48 split favoring Pacquiao, who is expected to rake in between $20 to 40 million depending on the draw of pay-per-view television audience.

Ray Hatton, Ricky’s father and manager, has threatened to drop out of the fight if Pacquiao would insist on the 60-40 split. He added that he could arrange another super-fight for his son, a match that could also draw a huge crowd.

Two of the venues being eyed for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight are the MGM Grand Garden or the Thomas Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao is expected to watch Antonio Margarito defend his World Boxing Association welterweight title against “Sugar" Shane Mosley on January 23 in Los Angeles. â€" GMANews.TV

(Updated 4:46 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines â€" More than two million tourists, including Filipinos, have flocked to Washington DC in the wake of preparations for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States.

With temperatures dipping between -5 to -22 degrees Celsius in the US capital, several tourists came to witness a historical event unfold even as only those with tickets are allowed to grace the event at the Capitol Hill.

"Alam namin itong inauguration is very historic [We know that this inauguration is very historic] and Obama was born and raised in Hawaii where we live now," a Filipina tourist said in an interview with GMA News’ Raffy Tima over QTV Balitanghali on Tuesday.

Obama was born in Honolulu in 1961, two years after Hawaii became a state. He lived in Indonesia for four years when he moved there with his mother and stepfather, but he spent 14 of his first 18 years as an islander.

"I know there is no getting around the fact that for a first African-American male to be President is a historic moment never to be duplicated and to be part of that is really beyond excitement. It’s really great to come down here and do it," said another tourist from Connecticut.

Filipino exchange student Luisa Kristabel “Abbey" Manliclic won’t watch the inauguration on television. Unlike most of her peers, she has the rare chance to see the swearing-in of the first Black-American president right in the US capital.

While thousands of Americans, including Hollywood's A-listers, scramble to get hold of the coveted inaugural invitation, Manliclic would personally witness Obama taking his oath from Chief Justice John Roberts on the steps of the Capitol.

"I feel great, it’s like a chance of a lifetime," the 16-year-old said in an interview with GMANews.TV. "He’s the first Black-American president so the event would be nothing short of great."

Two other Filipino students - college freshmen Paul Michael Thomas Cruz and Anna Marie Liwanag - have been invited to the inauguration and have reportedly flown to Washington.

Back in Manila, Abbey's father confessed he was more excited for her daughter. "I told her it might be impossible to take a picture with her and Obama," Abel, Abbey's father told GMANews.TV, "So she should take a picture with his wife, Michelle instead."

BAGUIO CITY -- The mercury in Baguio City dropped to 7.5 degrees Celsius, the coldest temperature recorded since January 1986, and just more than a degree higher than the coldest day experienced here in 1961.

Efren Aquino, weather observer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) here, said the temperature recorded on Thursday was the fifth coldest temperature Baguio has experienced since the coldest day here on January 18, 1961, (6.3 degrees Celsius).

Aquino said the other coldest days here were February 28, 1963, at 6.7 degrees; January 8, 1986, 6.8 degrees; January 9, 1971, 7.1 degrees; and December 13, 1991, 7.6 degrees.

Aquino said they expect temperatures to remain chilly until February due to the cold front brought about by the northeast monsoon.

THE MAN BEHIND ESTRADA’S OUSTER. Once mortal enemies (and before that, the best of friends), former President Estrada and former Gov. Chavit Singson shake hands and let bygones be bygones when the latter on Friday condoles with Estrada on the death of his mother Doña Mary Ejercito at the Pinaglabanan Church in San Juan. Even in death, it would seem, the mother continues to look after her favorite son Joseph. She’ll be laid to rest this morning at the family mausoleum in the San Juan Cemetery. NIÃ'O JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines - There will be no discrimination between "rich" and "poor" schools in the random drug tests ordered by President Arroyo, the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) said.

Ched chairman Emmanuel Angeles said that while exclusive schools for the rich are perceived as the more likely targets of drug rings, these syndicates also invade schools for the "masses."

"Maaring ganoon, pero maski paaralan sa masa ini-invade ng drug pushers (We may do that but we must remember drug rings have invaded even schools for the masses)," was Angeles’ response in an interview on dzXL radio when asked if they will conduct tests in exclusive schools first.

He said he expects officials of colleges and universities, which the CHED supervises, to have their own mechanisms for drug testing ready.

These schools should also have related services such as counseling and drug education, he added.

"Ang pamantasan na ang bahala niyan, meron silang school physicians, merong drug education program at director of student affairs. Lahat yan inaasikaso ng kolehiyo at pamantasan (Colleges and universities have their own physicians, drug education programs and directors of student affairs. All those we expect colleges and universities to have)," he said.

President Arroyo on Tuesday ordered the random drug tests in schools in the wake of the "Alabang Boys" drug scandal, involving alleged bribery for the release of three boys from rich families arrested in an anti-drug operation.

Arroyo also named herself anti-drug czar following continued bickering between the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Justice. - GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippines - Those calling for the revival of the death penalty in the wake of the "Alabang Boys" drug mess should be careful of what they wish for - they may end up at the receiving end, a Catholic bishop said.

Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said the death penalty may be a dangerous weapon especially when used together with weak law enforcement, dysfunctional justice and the great divide between rich and poor.

"Would that those advocating death penalty are very, very certain that they themselves would not be subjected thereto in the event that they are found - truly or falsely - guilty of heinous crimes in the course of time," he said in his web log.

Several sectors called for the revival of the death penalty law in the wake of irregularities surrounding the "Alabang Boys" drug scandal.

On the other hand, Cruz said those "publicly and loudly" advocating the revival of the death penalty appear to be seeking political mileage.

"With weak law enforcement agencies, a dysfunctional justice system plus the great divide between the powerful rich and the helpless poor before the law of the land, how on earth could death penalty be justified? While there are still some capable and upright law enforcement agents, while there are also certain competent and trustworthy members of the judiciary â€" all of whom look and treat everybody as equal before the law â€" these valuable public servants are not only relatively few but in fact still becoming fewer during the incumbency of a locally and internationally well acknowledged corrupt and corrupting national leadership," he said.

On the other hand, he said criminals in uniform plus hoodlums in robe equal injustice, while power plus corruption equal injustice, and goons with guns plus gold equal injustice.

This is why all kinds of prisons all over the land are filled with powerless and penniless individuals who are readily caught, ceremoniously tried and immediately convicted, he said.

"As usual, the well-known 'big fishes' â€" much bigger criminals, more lawless characters and antisocial individuals â€" are all together free to benefit from their gross misdeeds and enjoy life much. These basically unjust realities in the Country are definitely neither the rational nor decent premises of a death penalty," he said.

Cruz said, a credible and effective law enforcement and dependable and trusted justice system is the winning combination that deters crimes.

"The truth of the matter is that human justice, no matter how strict and proper, nevertheless still remains fallible. And death penalty is so terminal that human life remains ended no matter how well a wrong judgment is subsequently corrected. That is why life imprisonment, no matter how long since inflicted and notwithstanding the prolonged difficulty thereto appended, is nevertheless subject to correction when proven unjustly imposed. How does one correct an execution once already done?" he added. - GMANews.TV

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 09 Jan 2009



Mayor Lim with Amonsot

Popular Tagbilaran City Mayor and passionate boxing fan Dan Neri Lim will host the comeback fights of two promising fighters from the province of Bohol â€" AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Czar Amonsot â€" at the Island City Mall car park on January 31.


Mayor Lim is best remembered for teaming up with the famed ALA Gym to stage the WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight title defense of Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista against Tanzania’s Oboto Ameme that drew over 25,000 fans at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex in Tagbilaran City on November 19, 2005.

Amonsot won the WBO Asia Pacific lightweight title with a smashing 8th round knockout victory over tough Indonesian Victor Mausul while Banal won a six round unanimous decision in a rematch with Sonny Saguing in only Banal’s third fight as a pro.

To Mayor Lim the return of Banal (17-1-1, 14 KO’s) and Amonsot (18-3-1, 10 KO’s) could be an even bigger attraction because “both fighters are talented and I am a believer of their potential. They deserve nothing less.”

Banal who suffered a stunning 10th round knockout in a WBA Interim title fight against Panama’s Rafael Concepcion at the jam-packed Cebu Coliseum when he was ahead on the scorecards of all three judges is determined to redeem himself from that July 26 setback.

The talented 20 year old southpaw faces dangerous Indonesian super flyweight champion Nouldi Manakane who has a record of 8 knockouts in 17 wins with 7 losses and 1 draw. Manakane is coming off a 7th round TKO over Muhadin Crusher last December 8.

Besides Banal, all eyes will be focused on Amonsot who has been cleared by a top neurosurgeon, Dr. Almario G. Jabson to resume boxing after an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging” conducted at the Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital showed absolutely no sign of the spec of blood detected outside his brain following a bloody brawl in a WBO Interim lightweight title fight against Australia’s Michael Katsidis on July 21, 2007 in Las Vegas.

The hard-hitting southpaw who has been anxiously looking forward to a return to the ring takes on Indonesia’s No. 2 lightweight contender Zoel Fidal.

Youthful Michael Aldeguer who has assumed the mantle of ALA Promotions president from his respected father, boxing patron Tony Aldeguer who stays on as chairman conceded that he is taking “a big risk” in pitting Banal against Manakene who has, in the past, dropped a twelve round unanimous decision to WBO Asia Pacific and world No.1 ranked Promuansak Posuwan of Thailand on September 3, 2007 and suffered a second round KO at the hands of Hussein Hussein of Australia when Hussein Hussein was at his prime on September 22, 2006.

As far as Aldeguer is concerned Banal “has to be tested to see if he really has what it takes to make a comeback and to find out if he is potentially a future world champion. Manakane is the perfect test.”

An ocean of Black Nazarene devotees flood the Quirino Grandstand at the start of the procession bound for Quiapo Church on Friday. Benjie Castro

01/09/2009 | 11:35 AM

MANILA, Philippines â€" Tens of thousands of Filipino Catholic devotees jammed the streets of the capital Friday, throwing handkerchiefs and surging forward for a chance to touch a black statue of Jesus Christ that many believe can deliver miracles.

The annual procession honoring the 402-year-old image of Christ â€" known as the Black Nazarene â€" took a different route this year to give the devotees more space and reduce the chance of stampede, which has sometimes marred past events.

The life-sized wooden figure â€" believed to have been brought by Spanish missionaries from Mexico in 1606 â€" made its way through the streets of Manila in a cart pulled by plainclothes police officers as barefoot, mostly male devotees wearing traditional maroon shirts pushed against each other and stretched hands to get closer.

The cart was pulled on a rope on its way back to the downtown Quiapo church. During the past events, the statue was pulled around the church square, but this time organizers decided to take it first to a central park and through the city streets so more people would have a chance to see it.

Some 1,500 police were securing the procession. Police said the figure was fitted for the first time with a global positioning satellite device to make it easier to track.

Many believe the Black Nazarene holds mystical powers that can wash away sins or cure illnesses. People hurl towels or handkerchiefs to be wiped on the image.

"I believe that Nazarene will give me what I'm asking for," said Joselito Pagul, who turns up for the procession every year.

No police estimate of the crowd was immediately available, but radio and television reports put it at tens of thousands. Last year, about 80,000 took part and two people died.

The Spanish missionaries' ship that brought the original statue to the Philippines, a former colony, caught fire and the image was burned but survived as a testament to a unique brand of Catholicism that combines folk superstitions. The Philippines, Asia's most predominantly Christian nation, is 80 pecent Catholic.

The archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, said many Filipinos are devoted to the Black Nazarene because they identify with him in the midst of poverty and suffering.

"They see Christ in themselves when they suffer from poverty and oppression," Rosales said at a dawn Mass. "In their devotion they see God's love for them amid all this misery." - AP

The coldest, windiest, and driest continent, overlying the South Pole. The lowest temperature ever measured on Earth was recorded at the Russian Antarctic station of Vostok at âˆ'89.2°C (âˆ'128.5°F) in July 1983. Katabatic (cold, gravitational) winds with velocities up to 50 km/h (30 mi/h) sweep down to the coast and occasionally turn into blizzards with 150 km/h (nearly 100 mi/h) wind velocities. Antarctica's interior is a cold desert with only a few centimeters of water-equivalent precipitation, while the coastal areas average 30 cm (12 in.).

Antarctica's area is about 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles), which is larger than the contiguous 48 United States and Mexico together. It is the third smallest continent, after Australia and Europe. About 98% of it is buried under a thick ice sheet, which in places is 4 km (13,000 ft) thick, making it the highest continent, with an average elevation of over 2 km (6500 ft).

Although most of Antarctica is covered by ice, some mountains rise more than 3 km (almost 10,000 ft) above the ice sheet. The largest of these ranges is the Transantarctic Mountains separating east from west Antarctica, and the highest peak in Antarctica is Mount Vinson, 5140 m (16,850 ft), in the Ellsworth Mountains. Other mountain ranges, such as the Gamburtsev Mountains in East Antarctica, are completely buried, but isolated peaks called nunataks frequently thrust through the ice around the coast.

The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest remnant of previous ice age glaciations. It has probably been in place for the last 20 million years and perhaps up to 50 million years. It is the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth, with a volume of about 25 million cubic kilometers (6 million cubic miles). Glaciers flow out from this ice sheet and feed into floating ice shelves along 30% of the Antarctic coastline. The two biggest ice shelves are the Ross and Filchner-Ronne. These shelves may calve off numerous large tabular icebergs, with thicknesses of several hundred meters, towering as high as 70â€"80 m (250 ft) above the sea surface.

Updated December 06, 2008 12:00 AM 

NESKOWIN, Oregon â€" A romantic marriage proposal on the West Coast turned deadly for a Filipina bride-to-be when a wave swept her out to sea.

Scott Napper had taken 22-year-old Leafil Alforque to Proposal Rock near Neskowin Beach to pop the question at a place that got its name from couples ready to marry.

Napper and Alforque had been dating since they met on the Internet in 2005.

But Alforque had arrived in Oregon on a visa from the Philippines just three days before the fateful trip to the coast, The Oregonian reported.

Napper said the tide had receded around Proposal Rock on Saturday when the couple began to walk to it. He planned to propose and give her the ring he carried in his pocket.

About 10 feet (3 meters) from the rock, a wave about 3 feet (.9 meters) high suddenly came toward them.

“I turned into it to keep from getting pulled under it,” Napper said.

By the time he turned to find Alforque, only 4-foot-11 (1.2-meter) and 93 pounds (42 kilograms), she had been caught by the receding waters.

Bombardment ... heavy artillery firing on Gaza from behind the Israel border




  Innocent victim ... wounded Palestinian child is carried to hospital in Gaza's Beit Lahiya

THE terrorist-plagued Gaza Strip was scythed in TWO yesterday â€" as Israeli ground troops swept in with tanks and helicopter gunships.
The ferocious blitz on Hamas fanatics firing rockets across the border followed a week of air strikes on their lairs.
Last night the onslaught was feared to have taken the Palestinian death toll since Israel began hitting back after Christmas to more than 512.

At least 64 were killed yesterday. Israeli commanders said one of their troops died.
Meanwhile the list of Gaza’s wounded in the past week was said to have soared to 2,600.
Israel vowed to halt the terror raining down on its own citizens for good.

On alert ... Israeli soldiers

But even as its troops rooted out those responsible at least 45 MORE rockets and mortar shells screeched out of the skies to explode deep inside its territory.

The towns of Netivot and Beersheba were among those hit. To the north in Sderot a woman was injured as one slammed into her house.
Among civilian casualties in Gaza yesterday was a Palestinian Oxfam paramedic killed in an ambulance by an explosion.The ambulance’s driver was injured in the blast. A fellow medic lost a foot.
Oxfam chief John Prideaux-Brune said: “Hospitals are overflowing with dead and wounded while facing severe shortages of essential medical supplies.

Bombardment ... heavy artillery firing on Gaza from behind the Israel border
“Oxfam and local partners have had to suspend all our work, apart from emergency medical aid.”
Defiant Hamas guerillas were feared to have taken to a secret network of underground tunnels â€" in a tactic perfected by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
That terror group claimed victory when Israel was forced to move out in 2006.

Assault ... graphic shows targets hit and troop crossings
Its killers used the underground warren to pop up and massacre Israeli forces.
Yesterday one Hamas leader claimed that the thousands of advancing troops and tanks had fallen into a similar trap.
He sneered: “They have come to where we wanted and they will soon receive our gifts.”
Fellow terrorists claimed to have laid ambushes and booby traps around their strongholds.
The suburbs of Gaza City and the town of Beit Lahiya saw some of the heaviest fighting yesterday after Israel staged its stealth attack in the night.


Columns of tanks poured over the border at a series of carefully selected points.
Fierce fighting erupted immediately. Parachute flares dramatically lit up the scene.

Innocent victim ... wounded Palestinian child is carried to hospital in Gaza's Beit Lahiya

In the Hamas stronghold of Zeitoun, troops were locked in gun battles with extremists. Israel said just ONE of its soldiers was killed yesterday â€" although around 40 were wounded. Hamas claimed to have captured two enemy soldiers. But Tel Aviv insisted none of its men was missing.
Israeli commanders warned the offensive could last for many days.
But pressure for a ceasefire looked certain to mount as the civilian toll climbed.
Gaza is just 30 miles long and seven miles at its widest â€" but is one of the most densely packed places in the world with 1.5million people. Yesterday’s ground assault followed days of air and artillery strikes aimed at Hamas leaders.

At least three were killed â€" with Abu Zakariya, 40, the most senior. He had masterminded the rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza City.
Casualty of war ... wounded Israeli soldier is taken on stretcher to hospital in Beersheba
Yesterday’s risky operation was ordered to mop up remaining resistance. In Gaza City at least five Palestinians were killed and 40 wounded.
Twelve died in Beit Lahiya. In the southern town of Rafah, a man and two teenage sons were killed.
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak insisted the aim of the ground push was solely to protect southern Israel from Hamas rocket attacks.

He declared: “It won’t be easy. It won’t be short.” Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, vowed death to the advancing Israeli forces. Spokesman Abu Ubaida ranted: “The Zionist enemy must know his battle in Gaza is a losing one.”

As Palestinian civilians took refuge in their homes, humanitarian agencies warned water, food and medicines were in desperately short supply.

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The US called for an urgent ceasefire â€" but said an end to Hamas rocket strikes must be guaranteed. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the ground operation to halt. Last night 90 per cent of the mobile phone network in Gaza was down â€" along with landlines.
Telecoms officials said Gaza was close to losing contact with the rest of the world.
Palestinians said troops broke into broadcasts on Hamas TV channel Al Aqsa and appealed to them not to act as human shields. Hamas stepped up rocket attacks on Israel after calling off a six-month “truce” last month.

The Iranian-backed fanatics, who won elections in 2006 and drove out their more moderate Fatah rivals, claimed Gaza had been crippled by an Israeli blockade.

WASHINGTON -- Was it a walk?


LeBron James wants the NBA to take a closer look at what he calls his "crab dribble." The move, James insists, does not constitute traveling.

A referee disagreed Sunday.


Fast Facts
 
• Driving to the basket for a layup that would have tied the game, LeBron James was called for traveling with 2.3 seconds left as the Cavaliers lost to a sub-.500 team for the first time this season (19-0 entering the game).

• Washington won its seventh of its last eight home games against Cleveland.

• Cleveland shot a season-low 39.4 percent, scoring a season-low in points.

• LeBron James led Cleveland with 30 points and 10 assists, but no other Cavalier player scored more than 13 points.

-- ESPN research
James was whistled for taking an extra step while driving for a potential tying layup with 2.3 seconds left, and his Cleveland Cavaliers lost 80-77 to the Eastern Conference-worst Washington Wizards despite wiping out a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

"Bad call," said James, who compiled 30 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. "We all make mistakes, and I think I got the wrong end of the bargain. I watched it 10 times after the game, and it was clearly a good play."

Without raising his voice or getting particularly animated, James dissected the game's key sequence in extensive detail -- even pointing out that he felt he was fouled as he released the shot, which went in.

His biggest beef, though, was with what he considered a misunderstanding of the way he moved to the basket.

"You have your trademark play, and that's one of my plays. It kind of looks like a travel because it's slow, and it's kind of a high-step, but it's a one-two just as fluent as any other one-two in this league. I got the wrong end of it, but I think they need to look at it -- and they need to understand that's not a travel," James said. "It's a perfectly legal play, something I've always done."

Indeed, Washington's Caron Butler -- who scored 19 points and guarded James most of the game, including on that closing play -- remembers that same move, without an official's call, from one of the teams' recent playoff meetings.

"I definitely knew he traveled, but I didn't know they were going to call it," Butler said about what happened Sunday. "That was one of them situations in which a great player made a move, good officiating, and they called the call. And I was like, 'Oh, man, there is a God.' "

That was hardly the only contentious moment in a game between teams that faced each other the past three postseasons, with Cleveland winning every series.

There was some trash talk between James and injured Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson, who was out with a bad back and sat on the sideline in a burgundy velvet jacket and bow tie. There was the homemade sign held by a Wizards fan that showed James with a blue tear on his cheek and "Crybaby" written in place of "Cavaliers" on his white headband and blue shirt.

Oh, and there was the ejection of Cavaliers coach Mike Brown, who ran nearly the length of the court to protest an offensive foul call against James with about 6 1/2 minutes left.

The Cavs were down 70-54 early in the fourth quarter, then 71-58 after Butler made one of two technical free throws when Brown was tossed for all his pointing and yelling.

With assistant coach John Kuester running the team after Brown was restrained and led off the court, the Cavs chipped away until James' drive with 1:01 left tied it at 77-all.

"We're not saying we want Mike Brown to get thrown out if we're flat or not making shots. We're not saying that," James said. "But sometimes you need a coach to do something, and that definitely fired us up."

None of his teammates scored more than 13 points, the Cavaliers shot 39 percent for the game and they were held to their lowest point total this season.

At 77-77, Cleveland's Delonte West missed a 3-point attempt, and Dominic McGuire grabbed the rebound while being scratched below the left eye by James, drawing some blood. The Wizards called timeout and set up Antawn Jamison's baseline jumper with 10.5 seconds left

"That just gave us a sigh of relief," Butler said.

Jamison led Washington with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while McGuire had 10 points and 10 rebounds for his first NBA double-double.

Cleveland's next possession ended with James' travel, and Butler added a free throw for the final margin. James fell into the courtside seats while trying a desperation 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

How surprising is this result? The Central Division-leading Cavaliers (27-6) are neck-and-neck with the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics for the best record in the East, while the Wizards (7-25) aren't even close to climbing out of last place. No other club in the conference has fewer than 12 victories.

And yet when these teams last played, on national TV on Dec. 25, Washington led by seven with a little more than 1 1/2 minutes left before Cleveland closed with an 11-0 run to win.

"I was pulling for the guys to pull it through, to find a way to kind of sneak this one by them like we did the last game," Brown said, "but it didn't happen."

It did not, and the Wizards noted what interim coach Ed Tapscott had written in red on the grease board in their locker room: "REDEMPTION."

01/01/2009 | 05:24 AM

BANGKOK, Thailand â€" At least 54 New Year's revelers died when a fire swept through a packed nightclub in the Thai capital, police at the scene said Thursday.

Workers counting the bodies at the scene told Associated Press photographer Sakchai Lalitkanjankul that about 100 others were injured when the blaze broke out in the building, which has two stories and a basement.

Police Maj. Gen. Chokchai Deeprasertwit said the fire may have been caused by firecrackers brought into the Santika Club by guests or sparks flying from a New Year's countdown display on the nightclub stage.

The police officer said 53 bodies had been counted at the scene while another person died at a hospital.

He said death came through burns, smoke inhalation and injuries during the stampede to escape from the club, which had only one door for entry and exit.

The rescue workers said most of the bodies were found in the basement of the club, which attracts a well-heeled crowd of Thais and foreigners. The corpses, placed in white body bags, were laid out in rows in the parking lot in front of the club. - AP

01/01/2009 | 02:37 AM

MANILA, Philippines - A 74-year-old man was killed while his grandson still remains missing in flash floods that hit three towns in Bohol province Wednesday, a report said.

GMA’s regional network news Balitang Bisdak, reported that flood waters caused by rains induced by a low-pressure area killed Ebaristo Ramos of Clarin town, while his 6-year-old grandson remained missing.

According to the report, the town of Clarin was most affected by flood waters.

Also flooded were the villages of Macaas, Poblacion Centro, Tinangnan and Bataria in the town of Tubigon.

Authorities also noted minor landslides in the villages of Taninsiras, Tinangnan, Busungon and Ubujan.

Meanwhile, two bridges in the town of Cortez were submerged in floodwaters, leaving motorists stranded in the town.

Officials of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) claimed they had made preparations for whatever calamities, but the floods came suddenly.

The RDCC is now focusing its attention on the flood victims even as it braces for more floods caused by continuous rains in the province of Bohol. - GMANews.TV

President Arroyo and husband Jose Miguel Arroyo pause during a visit in Sagada, Mountain Province, on Monday. Allan Martin Tamayo-

A little girl gives a kiss to a figure of the Child Jesus on Christmas Day at Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces Cathedral in Kidapawan City. Geonarri Solmerano

LOS ANGELES -- Isang maligayang Pasko ang aking ipinahahatid sa inyong lahat at sana, madama ninyong lahat ang tunay na diwa ng Kapaskuhan at sana, kayo pong lahat ay nasa mabuting kalagayan ng pag-iisip, pangangatawan at higit sa lahat, sa ispirutwal na aspeto ng buhay.

Kararating ko lang po, kasama ang tatlo kong mga anak, upang ditto ipagdiwang ang Kapaskuhan, sa piling ang aking asawang si Jinkee.


Matapos ang aking laban noong Disyembre 6, umuwi ako sa Pilipinas upang kasama kong mag-celebrate ang aking mga kababayan na hanggang ngayon ay tuwang-tuwa pa rin matapos nating manalo kontra sa Golden Boy ng boxing, si Oscar Dela Hoya. Kasabay din nito ang padiriwang ng aking ika-30 kaarawan noong isang linggo na kumumpleto ng kasiyahan ng isang bansang naghahangad ng isang malaki at magandang balita.

Sa aking pagbabalik ditto, ako, at ng aking tatlong anak ay hihintayin ang pagsisilang ni Jinkee sa aming ikaapat na anak, na isa ring babae.

Masaya po ang pasko ngayong taon na ito dahil bukod sa tagumpay natin laban sa Goliath ng boksing na si Dela Hoya, nakuha rin natin ang dalawa pang sinturon ng World Boxing Council na magkaibang timbang. Ito ang super-featherweight title ng Mexican na si Juan Manuel Marquez at ang lightweight championship belt ni Mexican-American na si David Diaz.

Masaya ako dahil nakapagbigay din ako ng saya sa inyong lahat at tatlong beses ngayong taon na ito na tayong lahat at naging iisang bansa sa pagsigaw at pagpapangarap ng tagumpay.

Kahit minsan man lang, nagkabuklod-buklod ang pamilya, ang mga magkakaibigan, at kahit na ang mga magkakaaway. Sa isang pagkakataon, nawala ang traffic sa EDSA, tumigil ang putukan sa mga hanay ng kampo ng mga magkakasalungat na idolohiya. Pati ang krimen ay tumigil dahil halos lahat ay nanonood ng aking laban at halos lahat ay sabay-sabay nananalangin para sa ikapapanalo nating lahat bilang isang bansa, isang lipi, isang diwa.

Sa araw ng pasko, sana ay maunawaan ng lahat ang tunay na mensahe ng araw na ito, na ang pagsilang ni Kristo ay nagdudulot ng pag-asa, panibagong buhay at kaligtasan ng sanlibutan.

Alam kong naging mahirap din para sa pandaigdigang ekonomiya ang makabangon sa isang krisis kaya naman hindi natin maiiwasan na makaramdam ng kahirapan sa buhay. Hindi nangangahulugan na tayo ay dapat na malungkot dahil sa hirap ng buhay o sa kawalan ng mga biyaya. Mahalaga para sa atin na maintindihan ang kahalagahan ng araw na ito na dapat ay magdulot ng saya at pag-asa.

From my family to yours, may you have a Blessed Christmas.

Hanggang sa muling Kumbinasyon. God Bless Us All.

By Doreen G. Yu

BOHOL is emerging as one of the country’s top tourist destinations. And with good reason.

Bohol was believed to have been settled in the 1200s by Lutaos of northern Mindanao, who built a community of stilts between mainland Bohol and Panglao island. The settlement was subsequently abandoned because of raids by Portuguese marauders.

Fast forward to 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi came from Mexico â€" in the name of Spain â€" with four ships and about 400 men. With the help of his Malay pilot, Legazpi met with two local kings, Datu Sikatuna of Bool and Datu Sigala of Loboc. He assured them that he was not Portuguese, and that he came in peace. Whatever he said and however he said it, Legazpi convinced the kings of his peaceful intentions, and confirmed this with the famous blood compact â€" first with Sikatuna on March 16 â€" or 25, there is some confusion â€" 1565, and three days later with Sigala. There is also some issue on the site of the compact; there is monument along the coastal highway, but some locals told us the ritual actually took place on board Legazpi’s ship.

At any rate, Boholanos commemorate the event with the Sandugo Festival, held in June and not March, for practical reasons â€" there are more visitors, especially balikbayans, in June, since it is summer in the Western hemisphere, and it is, after all, a big tourist draw.

Also a big tourist draw are the enigmatic Chocolate Hills â€" 1,268 of them, uniform in shape and size, now in the running as one of the New Seven Wonders of the natural World (you can still vote online until Dec. 31 at www.new7wonders.com). Geologists have not quite figured out how these hills â€" green in the rainy season, brown or chocolate in the dry â€" came to be, but locals will gladly oblige with the legend (two giants fighting threw stones at each other) or the romance (a giant fell in love with a mortal maiden, who died, and the hills are his tears).

The hills are outcroppings of limestone, since about half of the province is covered with it and other non-metallic minerals like silica and clay. It is an industry that the provincial government is encouraging investments in.

Agriculture is another major invetsment area, since 60 percent (or 256,000 hectares) of the province’s total land area is arable. Major crops are rice, coconut, corn, mango and the signature local product, ube kinampay, a purple yam.

Brandied about very liberally these days â€" sometimes inappropriately â€" eco-tourism truly can apply to Bohol, to include also cultural and heritage tourism.

BEA JR. first came to Bohol in 2002, after moving back to Manila from Spain following the death of her husband in a plane accident. She was working with the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, and visited the ancestral houses of Baclayon, the province’s oldest town located next to the capital Tagbilaran.

“I was amazed at how well the houses were kept. But as I interacted with the people of Baclayon and I saw their way of life, their arts and crafts, I realized that not only the ancestral houses of Baclayon were intact â€" it was the entire culture,” she says.

“And then I learned that there was a plan to demolish those houses to give way to the widening of a highway,” she continues. “I learned that the highway was being widened to encourage tourism in the province. But I thought that demolishing the houses was like getting rid of important tourist attractions. So I started talking to the residents and to the provincial government, convincing them not to demolish the ancestral houses. Talking to them worked; so the houses stayed, and a highway was built in a different location.”

Thus began an amazing partnership. Bea Jr., together with Joel Uichico and the Ayala Foundation, has embarked on community development projects in two towns â€" Baclayon the mainland, and Dauis on Panglao island.

The conversion of some of Baclayon’s ancestral homes into transient homestays, cafes and bed-and-breakfasts for tourists has further enabled the community to preserve their heritage structures and simultaneously generate income from tourism.

Furthermore, the introduction of diving and adventure tours as an alternative to unsustainable fishing has benefitted not only local fishermen but also the environment. The boats of Pamilacan island’s fisherfolk have been converted into tour and diving boats, boosting tourism and providing alternative livelihood to the community.

The fishermen have also been trained as guides â€" and spotters, some of the best â€" for dolphin and whale watching tours. Microfinance loans are available to convert fishing boats to tour and diving boats. A multi-purpose cooperative in Pamilacan provides assistance to micro-entrepreneurs to go into tourism-related ventures like catering and massage services, and souvenir making.

The municipality of Dauis in Panglao island boasts of historical sites and white sand beaches. The colonial church of Dauis was the center of Marian pilgrimages in Bohol and now doubles as tourist center with a heritage themed banquet hall, a museum, a modern heritage-inspired cafe, and a souvenir shop that proudly showcases the crafts and artistry of the locals of Dauis and neighboring towns. The municipality’s jewelry tradition is being revived. Exquisite tamborins, peinetas and other jewelry based on traditional designs show fine craftsmanship and detailing.

“The province has everything,” Bea Jr. enthuses. “Natural beauty, rich culture, and a resilient and joyful people. There is so much to be proud of in the Boholano culture and way of life, which also includes dance, food, handicrafts and rituals. I admire the fact that tradition is an important component of the Boholano identity. In Bohol, you don’t need to look far to see beauty. There is an abundance of beauty not only in the environment but also in the people.”

BACLAYON became a parish in 1717, and the church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion was built in 1721 by the Jesuits, the second oldest stone church in the country (the oldest is San Agustin in Intramuros, built in 1571). The pipe organ was installed in 1824, and together with other instruments acquired by the church, established the tradition of liturgical music that was highlighted by the Misa Baclayanon in 1827.

Though there are no records of who built the organ, it is believed that Fr. Diego Cera, who built the famed Las Piñas Bamboo Organ, had a part in the construction of the Baclayon organ, since he was “prior vocal” to the parish since 1821.

The organ was subsequently forgotten and fell into disrepair. Fortunately, on a visit to Bohol early this year, Bea Jr.‘s sister Patsy and her husband Alonso Halffter saw the sad state of the organ, and Alonso pledged to restore it. So it was dismantled and its parts sent to Las Piñas to be worked on by Diego Cera Organ builders led by Cealwyn Tagle.

After months of careful work, the Baclayon pipe organ once again made music last Dec. 6, played by distinguished conductor and composer Maestro Cristobal Halffter and his wife, acclaimed pianist Maria Manuela Caro.

It was a red letter day for the town of Baclayon and its lovely people â€" and all of Bohol. Crowds filled the church, the churchyard and the surrounding areas, where the concert was shown on video walls set up outside the church.

For Maestro and Señora Halffter, the journey from Spain was a long and tiring one, and the steps up to the organ loft a perilous climb. But the elderly couple, with their generosity of spirit and immense love of music, filled the church â€" indeed, all of Bohol â€" with the wonderful sounds of music.

Certainly, Maestro Halffter has played on instruments of far better tonal quality, but as he said, “It is important for me to be here.”

It is important too for the people of Baclayon and of Bohol, proud of their heritage, proud to share it with visitors from near and far. And we can only add,

(Update) BAGHDAD â€" The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush says he would do it again and that he was forced to write a letter of apology after being tortured in jail, the journalist's brother said Monday.

Muntadhar al-Zeidi's outburst during a Dec. 14 news conference with Bush and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has been repeatedly broadcast worldwide, making him a symbol for opponents of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq. Thousands of Iraqis have rallied to demand his release.

The prime minister's office said last week that al-Zeidi had written a letter of apology and asked al-Maliki to recommend a pardon. But his brother, Uday al-Zeidi, told The Associated Press that the letter was written against the journalist's will.

"He told me that he has no regret because of what he did and that he would do it again," Uday al-Zeidi said by telephone.

He said he visited his brother in jail on Sunday and found him with a missing tooth and cigarette burns on his ears. Muntadhar al-Zeidi told his brother that jailers also doused the journalist with cold water while he was naked, Uday al-Zeidi said.

The investigating judge in the case has said that the journalist was beaten around the face and eyes when he was wrestled to the ground after throwing the shoes.

"The thing that makes you cry and laugh at the same time is that when the prime minister said that that my brother was not tortured and will not be tortured, he was under severe torture by security authorities," he said.

Iraqi authorities could not immediately be reached Monday for comment on Uday al-Zeidi's allegations.

The prime minister, meanwhile, claimed that al-Zeidi said in the letter that a known terrorist had induced him to throw the shoes.

"He revealed ... that a person provoked him to commit this act and that person is known to us for slitting throats," al-Maliki said, according to the prime minister's Web site. The alleged instigator was not named.

The premier also said that his government remains "committed to protecting the journalist in performing his professional duty" and guarantees him the right to practice his profession "on condition that he does not violate the dignity of others."

Neither Bush nor al-Maliki have sought charges, but investigating judge Dhia al-Kinani said last week he does not have the legal option to drop the case.

Al-Zeidi is expected to face charges of insulting a foreign leader, for which a conviction could bring two years' imprisonment. -

12/22/2008 | 06:19 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Corazon Aquino on Monday apologized to former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada for helping oust him in January, 2001.

Aquino, who was one of the rally leaders at the height of so-called EDSA 2 issued the apology to the former actor was later detained for six years and convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan.

“Nagulat naman ako sa iyo, Erap. Ang galing mo talagang mag-talumpati. I feel guilty tuloy," she told the crowd during the launching of the “Global Filipino" book of former Speaker Jose de Venecia, which was an authorized biography written by US journalist Brett Decker.

“Lahat naman tayo ay nagkakamali. Patawarin mo na lang ako," Aquino said.

Aquino, the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and a majority of Estrada’s cabinet men who deserted him and civil society were instrumental in his ouster.

The book-launching was attended by numerous political celebrities which also included former President Fidel Ramos.

Estrada, in his speech, recalled the time where he was “unceremoniously unseated" as President, saying that a group of elite businessmen and several “power-hungry" politicians succeeded in toppling him.

In Sept. 2007, the special division of the Sandiganbayan â€" two female justices of whom have been promoted to the Supreme Court â€" found Estrada guilty of plunder, a conviction that was largely based on bank documents and the testimony of his estranged buddy former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit" Singson.

A month later, however, President Arroyo granted him pardon. Estrada had been under house arrest since June 2001, when the charges were filed at the anti-graft court. He was under detention at his 15-hectare resort in Tanay, Rizal.

For his part, Estrada said that the Aquino apology vindicated him and that it was the greatest Christmas gift that he received this year.

“That was the best Christmas gift that I received this year, coming from the most trusted President of the country. I feel vindicated," Estrada said.

Aquino also lauded De Venecia for finally revealing all that he knows about the massive corruption in the Arroyo government.

She said De Venecia was very lucky because he has Gina as a wife.

“I could not say no to Gina when she asked me to come. You know Joe, you are very lucky because of Gina... Gina works all the time with you. I am here because I want to show to Joe my thanks that he is now joining us," Aquino said.

Aquino said the Filipino people should unite to save the country and bring it to progress.

“We must unite so that we will have leaders who will truly serve the people's interest," Aquino said.

Estrada said that he read De Venecia's book from cover to cover.

He said he salute De Venecia for finally revealing what he knows.

“Let this not only be a best seller, but let this have Part 2 because I always believed that JDV know many things about this administration and he has much stories to tell. I was with you with your proposed moral recovery. You an I can still make a difference because we are both man of conviction. The only difference between us is that I became a man of conviction because I was convicted," Estrada said. - GMANews.TV

By DUNCAN LARCOMBE
Royal Correspondent

Published: Today

PRINCE Harry is planning a romantic New Year break with girlfriend Chelsy Davy in a £1,000-a-night beach hut.
The 24-year-old Royal and his sweetheart will spend nine days lapping up the sun on the paradise holiday island of Mauritius.
Harry hopes the trip will make up for last year when he saw in 2008 from his frontline foxhole in Afghanistan.

Idyllic ... resort where Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy will stay
Chelsy, 23 â€" trapped in Kenya last year during tribal violence â€" is also looking forward to a better New Year break.

Last night a source close to the couple said: “Harry will join the rest of the Royals at Sandringham for Christmas but head for Mauritius after that.

“He has had a very busy year and is looking forward to chilling out on the beach with Chelsy.”
Sources said the couple will be joined by the rest of Chelsy’s family, including brother Shaun and parents Charles and Barbara.

They have booked a five-star resort on the island.
Harry has booked the beachfront suite so he and Chelsy can see in the New Year in style.
He will be joined by his police protection officers, with the taxpayer paying their part of the bill.
The source added: “He’d love to visit the Davys in Zimbabwe.
“But that’s impossible due to the problems of the Mugabe government.”

By ROBIN PERRIE

Published: Today

THE bride looked stunning in a beautiful white gown on the day of her dreams.
She beamed for photos after tying the knot with a romeo who had romantically proposed on Valentine’s Day.

But the reception turned out to be anything but OK! for newlywed Morgan Medley.
Bloodied ... bride Morgan
She spent her wedding night in HOSPITAL after being attacked â€" by the Best Man.
Unconscious
Morgan, 52, said boozed-up Darrell Clarke, 26, punched her in the face during a row in a hotel car park.

She was knocked unconscious and her dress was left covered in blood.
Morgan said yesterday: “It was supposed to be the best day of my life. I ended up in casualty with a bloodied nose and two broken teeth.”
Trouble flared after she married her second husband lorry driver Shawn, 43, at the Carlton Park Hotel in Rotherham, South Yorks.

Morgan recalled: “The ceremony went without a hitch. But Darrell had started drinking at noon and we didn’t get married until 4pm. When we got to the speeches he was so drunk he was really slurred.

“By the end of the day he had drunk about a dozen cans of lager, wine, champagne, vodka and eight Tequila shots.
“I went outside with one of my friends and I was moaning about Darrell.
“He must have heard because next thing he came marching up to me, pushing his chest into me and shouting and yelling abuse.

“Before I could really do or say anything he had gone for me.
I can’t remember much else, but from what people say I slumped to the ground with blood all over my dress. I was unconscious for a few minutes and all hell broke loose around me.
“Two lads at another wedding got involved and were throwing punches at Darrell.
“Shawn and a friend of mine tried to break it all up and in no time the police and an ambulance were there.”

Court

The drama finally ended up in court yesterday as Clarke â€" the fiancé of Morgan’s daughter Samantha Hawkridge, 22 â€" was charged with actual bodily harm.

He pleaded guilty, but insisted that he had only pushed the bride.
Clarke, of Rotherham, was given a 12-month community order, 80 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £250 compensation by the town’s JPs.

After the case he said: “I feel distraught.” And he said of Morgan: “She’ll never get to see her grandson again.”
Ex-ad sales boss Morgan, of Milton Keynes, Bucks, admitted: “This has caused a huge split in the family.
“My daughter and Darrell are engaged now so she doesn’t speak to me. It’s a nightmare which is still continuing.”

r.perrie@the-sun.co.uk

NEW DELHI (AFP) â€" An Indian woman has given birth to her first child at the age of 70 after receiving IVF treatment, newspapers reported her doctor as saying Monday.

Rajo Devi, who married 50 years ago, gave birth to a baby girl on November 28 after in vitro fertilisation, said Anurag Bishnoi, a doctor at the Hisar fertility centre in Haryana state.

"Rajo Devi and (her husband) Bala Ram approached the centre for treatment and the embryo transfer was done on April 19," he told the Hindustan Times. "Both the mother and child are in good health."

Bishnoi claimed Devi was the world's oldest mother.

Another 70-year-old Indian was reported to have given birth to twins via IVF in July this year, while a 66-year-old Spanish woman had twins in 2006.

Devi's husband, aged 72, had also wed his wife's sister after 10 years of his first marriage did not result in children. His second wife also failed to become pregnant.

It was not clear whose egg and sperm were used in the successful treatment.

"IVF has revolutionised the way we look at infertility," said Bishnoi. "Infertility is no longer a social taboo or a divine curse. It can be treated scientifically."

By Delon Porcalla

The Catholic Church can blame the government for massive corruption in the country, but this in itself is a testament on how miserably it has failed to shepherd its flock, a senior lawmaker pointed out yesterday.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III said perceptions of the Philippines being the most corrupt in Asia and second most corrupt in the world only show that priests failed in their mission to lead people in the right direction.

“We were the only Catholic country in Asia for 400 years. Please ask the bishops why we are the most corrupt nation. That should answer everything,” he said. About 85 percent of the 85 million Filipinos are Catholics.

As far as Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante is concerned, corruption is not just limited to the government bureaucracy and some parts of the business sector because even religious entities such as the church and several other groups have the same problems.

The Baptist bishop-turned-lawmaker urged Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Angel Lagdameo, also the Archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo, to look in his own backyard first before pointing an accusing finger at anyone.

“That should be his (Lagdameo’s) first concern (address corruption and human right abuses in the Church). Anyway, the people he accuses of corruption and human rights abuses are also members of his church,” Abante pointed out.

“Every nation has its own human rights violations, our country has the history of it since time immemorial. Even the US is not spared from that. What we must do is to be vigilant and check the abuses or corruption both in the government and business sectors,” he said.

Abante is pastor and bishop of the Bible Believers League for Morality and Democracy.

Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza, for his part, urged everyone to be “constructive rather than destructive in our efforts to improve our society.”

“We need to work together for economic progress to improve the plight of our poor brothers and sisters,” Daza said.

“The Philippines can shine during these times of global crisis by having more political stability and good governance to help our domestic businesses and encourage foreign companies and investors to come to the Philippines,” he said.

Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said the public should support Lagdameo’s position by making President Arroyo accountable on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Archbishop Lagdameo has aptly stated the sense of shame and embarrassment that the Arroyo government must bear and which the people must denounce and call GMA to account for,” said the deputy minority leader, former spokesman for the left-wing National Democratic Front.

“Human rights is definitely an area where the country could use improvement, not only in the area of civil and political rights but also in the realm of economic and social rights,” Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said.

Updated December 18, 2008 12:00 AM 


Isang fetus na may gulang na 2 hanggang 3 buwan ang ka­muntik nang maapakan ng mga nagsimbang gabi, sa Quiapo, Maynila matapos iwan sa tabi ng isang basura­han, kahapon ng madaling-araw.

Sa ulat ni Det Denito Ca­bat­bat ng Manila Police District MPD)-Homicide Sec­tion, da­kong alas-4:30 ng madaling-araw nang madis­kubre ng isang parking boy ang isang kahon na kinala­lagyan ng fetus sa hara­pan ng Quiapo Church at Mer­cury Drugs, sa may panulukan ng Quezon Blvd. at R. Hidalgo St., Quiapo.

Ayon sa parking boy, na­pansin nito ang isang kahon sa tabi ng nasabing basura­han sa akalang may laman na pakikinabangan ay binuksan niya ito subalit tumambad sa kanya ang isang asul na panty ng babae na dito ibinalot ang fetus at inilagay din sa plastic bag. (Ludy Bermudo)