BMI Online Editor

Boy Scouts exec: Mercado’s accusations vs. VP Binay driven by politics

Feb 192015

Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV speaks with Former Makati Vice Mayor Nestor Mercado and Engr. Mario Hechanova. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado’s accusations against Vice President Jejomar Binay are only driven by “politics and personal vendetta,” an official of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) said during a Senate inquiry on Wednesday. During a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing, BSP senior vice president Wendell Avisado said Mercado’s revelations that Binay got kickbacks from a land deal between the Boy Scouts and property developer Alphaland was not motivated by concern for the organization. “Individually and collectively, we cannot see any other reason why Mr. Mercado is refuting the agreement now by his unfounded accusations, except his political vendetta against Vice President Jejomar Binay,” he said. “To destroy the name, honor and reputation of VP Binay, he does not mind unnecessarily dragging the BSP into the controversy, to the extent of destroying it with his malicious assertions,” he added. “By his reckless accusations, he is sowing confusion, suspicion and mistrust in the BSP as a noble youth serving institution.” Avisado also stressed that it was Mercado, then chairman of the BSP’s corporate assets management committee, who “strongly recommended” the transaction to the National Executive Board. “He was fully aware that the agreement was thoroughly discussed and approved by the BSP National Executive Board, the intention being to make the property earn money for the BSP to support its operations,” he said. “The fact is, Mr. Read More …

AFP chief: Soldiers saved 28 SAF troopers

Entertainment

Feb 192015

AFP chief: Soldiers saved 28 SAF troopers

Members of a religious group rally outside the Senate while the inquiry on the Mamasapano clash is ongoing on Monday. The group called for the scrapping of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in light of the clash that claimed the lives of 44 SAF policemen in the hands of Muslim rebels. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said his men saved at least 28 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25. Catapang said despite the delay in the deployment of reinforcements to the besieged SAF troops in Mamasapano, soldiers still managed to save 28 SAF men, composed of 11 wounded policemen and 17 unscathed ones. ”The soldiers saved 28 lives. It should be remembered too because if we did not [send reinforcements], then maybe it won’t be ‘SAF 44′ [but] ‘SAF 72,”’ Catapang said. Catapang issued this statement amid the ongoing rift between the military and the police force, which lamented the alleged delay in the deployment of military reinforcements to the besieged SAF men. SAF lost 44 of its men after being engaged by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a gun battle last January 25. The SAF men were deployed to arrest Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and his Filipino cohort, Abdul Basit Usman, in an operation dubbed ”Exodus”. Marwan likely died in the operation, according to the result of a DNA test Read More …

Alphaland president may have committed tax fraud in Boy Scouts land deal — senator

General

Feb 192015

Alphaland president may have committed tax fraud in Boy Scouts land deal — senator

Representatives from the Boy Scout of the Philippines national executive board for the year 2011 (L-R) Senior Vice President and Asst. Secretary HUDCC Atty. Wendel Avisado, Secretary General Rizal Pangilinan, International Commissioner Dale Corvera and Vice President for Visayas Atty. Arthur Umbac attend the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the Boyscouts of the Philippines and Alphaland deal. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The president of property developer Alphaland Corp. may have committed tax fraud for failing to pay the taxes for his shares from a land deal that allegedly benefited Vice President Jejomar Binay. During the continuation of the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said Alphaland president Mario Oreta may have failed to pay up to P600 million in taxes. Oreta said during the hearing that he got a 5-percent share from the joint property development deal Alphaland entered into with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) in 2008. The payment was in the form of shares of stock in Silvertown Property Development Corp., which was later acquired by Alphaland. The Alphaland official added that he used his firm, Noble Care Management Corp., as a vehicle for these transactions. Oreta said that he “held unto” the shares and then later asked Alphaland president Roberto Ongpin to transfer the shares to the mother company. Asked if his shares were eventually bought back, Oreta said: “If it says in the financial statement, then it must be true.” Former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado earlier Read More …

MILF formally turns over to govt firearms of slain SAF men

Entertainment

Feb 192015

MILF formally turns over to govt firearms of slain SAF men

At a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, February 4, AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. shows a map where the January 25 Mamasapano clash that killed over 50 people, most of them PNP-SAF commandos, took place. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday turned over to the government the firearms of Special Action Force troopers slain in a clash in Mamasapano in Maguindanao last Jan. 25. Wednesday’s turnover was held during ceremonies at Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Handshakes among representatives from the government and the MILF highlighted the turnover of the firearms. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. was among the officials present. At least 16 firearms, including two machine guns, were included in the turnover. One of the firearms was an M-4 rifle with optics, laser designator and tactical flashlight. The Philippine National Police-SAF had lost about 63 firearms during the Mamasapano operation. Forty-four SAF troopers died during the hours-long gunfight with the MILF and its splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The troopers were then on a mission to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan of Jemaah Islamiyah and Filipino bomb maker and Abu Sayyaf member Basit Usman. Government peace panel chairperson Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said it was not easy to reach this step. “Hindi po madaling makarating sa araw na ito. Tulad po ng mga pamilya ng Special Action Forces, namatayan rin ng guerilla ang Read More …

‘So Goes’

Entertainment

Feb 182015

I love to travel. Who doesn’t? Whether it’s domestic, international, or even just local, exploring and discovering new places and things is an experience that definitely enriches one’s life. I have been blessed to have been given the chance to travel and sometimes, even to wander to different countries and cities all over the world; and in the process; have amassed a collection of photos, anecdotes and tips that I thought of sharing with others one day. And after much deliberation, I think that day has come. This month I am launching my new travel column in US Asian Post, the sister publication of Weekend Balita. The column, which started three weeks ago, is called “SO Goes.” Please make sure to get your free copy each week; or check us out online at www.usasianpost.com. Here’s an excerpt from my first column, first of a 3-part series on traveling and choosing your life partner: You should never marry until you’ve traveled together. Traveling will give you an idea on how your partner reacts to frustrations, when things don’t go as planned; or how independent or dependent s/he is; and even her/his habits. It will also help gauge your compatibility based on what you value and prioritize; your preferences about what to see and do; down to the temperature in your room. You basically discover a lot in a few days. I know my husband and I both did. These days when we ask ourselves how we knew we could marry each Read More …

Facilitation service a growing racket as Manila ports remain congested – solon

General

Feb 182015

Facilitation service a growing racket as Manila ports remain congested – solon

— President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Enterprising racketeers are taking advantage of the unabated cargo congestion in the ports of Manila, charging businessmen exorbitant fees in exchange for facilitating the release of their shipments, a lawmaker claimed on Monday. Citing reports reaching his office, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said various “facilitation services” have mushroomed and are supposedly helping traders process both inbound and outbound cargoes in exchange for a hefty fee. “Huge ‘facilitation services’ fees are being charged businessmen who are helpless and desperate in seeking the release of their shipments,” Albano said in a statement. According to the lawmaker, the Port of Manila remains congested despite the lifting of the truck ban imposed by Manila mayor Joseph Estrada last year. The accumulation of cargoes at the port has resulted in multi-billion peso losses for businesses and industries, he said. “[The port congestion] results in higher costs for businesses relying on imported finished products for local distribution and Read More …

JM de Guzman denies dating Meg Imperial

Entertainment

Feb 172015

JM De Guzman (MNS Photo) JM De Guzman denied that he is in a relationship with actress Meg Imperial. The issue stemmed from a photo of them together which went viral online last December. The photo depicts the De Guzman and Imperial in what seems to be a private party, fueling speculations that they are now together because of the caption which read, “Love couple.” De Guzman emphasized that he and Imperial are not a couple. “Hindi po. Siguro hindi pa po dumadapo sa akin. Hindi pa po ako ready sa relasyon. Mas may mga una akong kailangang gawin,” he said. Meg Imperial (MNS Photo) De Guzman, however, clarified that he is already over Jessy Mendiola, his former girlfriend. In a separate interview, Imperial admitted that she and De Guzman were in a party together last December but explained that it was not a date. “Yun yung wedding ng friend ko na parang malayong kamag-anak yata nila,” she said. Asked if their friendship is leading to something romantic, Imperial said: “Hindi ko masasabi kung papunta kami doon pero for now, we are friends and we are still getting to know each other as friends.” (MNS)

DOLE: Additional funeral benefits for SAF 44 released this week

Entertainment

Feb 172015

DOLE: Additional funeral benefits for SAF 44 released this week

President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Troopers during the Necrological Service at the NCRPO Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (January 30). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Relatives of the 44 Special Action Force troopers who died in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 may soon get additional assistance by way of funeral benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment. The assistance from the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) is ready for release this week, the DOLE said as it cited a report from Employees’ Compensation Commission Executive Director Stella Banawis. “ECC Regional Extension Units staff were already instructed to coordinate with the families of the SAF 44 and the GSIS branch in their areas. They will inform the families once the checks are available for them to claim,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said, quoting a report from Banawis. Baldoz added the Government Service Insurance System had processed the funeral benefits of the 44 and the concerned GSIS branches have been advised to release these. For now, the ECC and GSIS are working on processing the death benefits for the 44. Under the ECP, an employee from the public or private sector who died in a work-related accident or illness will be granted a funeral benefit of P20,000. His or her beneficiaries will also get a death benefit in the form of monthly pensions. Last week, the ECC Board ordered the urgent release of Read More …

De Lima: Source of Mamasapano viral video identified by NBI

General

Feb 172015

De Lima: Source of Mamasapano viral video identified by NBI

Members of a religious group rally outside the Senate while the inquiry on the Mamasapano clash is ongoing on Monday. The group called for the scrapping of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in light of the clash that claimed the lives of 44 SAF policemen in the hands of Muslim rebels. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already identified the source of the six-minute viral video that showed a wounded member of the Special Action Force (SAF) being shot at close range. “NBI has already identified where it came from and who uploaded the video,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters Monday. They showed a man, who was later identified by relatives as police officer Joseph Sagonoy, one of the 44 SAF men killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in camouflage uniform sprawled on a cornfield being shot twice at close range. The SAF commandos were on a mission to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir aka Marwan and Filipino bomb maker Abdulbasit Usman. The video also showed the group, most of whom were armed, taking magazines and other ammunition from several other fallen men, again, in camouflage uniform. Gunfire is repeatedly heard in the background while at least two of the perpetrators shouted, “Allah hu akbar!” However, de Lima refused to identify the source adding that the NBI is still working to further authenticate the video. “…Because this will be used as evidence. This will not be admissible unless authenticated,” de Lima explained. “We should Read More …

Marcos: Aquino knows everything about Mamasapano incident

Entertainment

Feb 172015

Marcos: Aquino knows everything about Mamasapano incident

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senator Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said the whole truth surrounding the botched Mamasapano incident would only be known if President Benigno Aquino III revealed what he knew about “Operation Exodus” and his role in the operation. During the weekly Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel, Marcos said Aquino was key because he knew everything about the operation which killed 44 elite policemen, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters, and five civilians last month. “Siguro ang pinakamadaling solusyon diyan ay sabihin na lang ng Pangulo kung ano talaga ang kanyang parte dito. Saan siya sa planning? Saan siya sa implementation? Ano ang mga order niya nung nagka-encounter na dahil siya lang naman ang nakakaalam ng lahat,” Marcos said. (The easiest way [to find out the truth] is for the President to reveal his role [in the incident]. What was his role during the planning? What was his role during the implementation? What were his orders during the encounter because he knows everything?) The senator maintained that Aquino was privy to the operation and could have readily accessed all information from the police and the military. “May access siya sa impormasyon ng police, may access siya sa impormasyon ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at alam niya kung ano ang ginawa niya noong siya ay nasa Read More …

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