Maniolas

By Cielito M. Reganit Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrives with husband, Jose Miguel, at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City, Metro Manila, April 11, 2012. Arroyo entered a plead of not guilty to allegations of graft and corruption in the tainted telecommunications deal with China in 2007. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo (PHILIPPINES – Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) MANILA  (PNA) – Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday lauded the Supreme Court decision that acquitted her from plunder charges and said that justice and righteousness have once again prevailed over injustice and wrongdoing. In a statement released after the landmark ruling, the former leader also urged the public to keep faith in the justice system. “With the High Tribunal rendering a final decision on this unfortunate episode, I sincerely hope that everyone will respect and recognize the truth that has been established,” she said. Voting 11-4, the high tribunal granted Arroyo’s petition seeking the dismissal of her remaining plunder case at the Sandiganbayan over the alleged misuse of the Php 366-million confidential intelligence fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). In the statement, Arroyo thanked the High Court for finally stopping the persecution she had unjustly gone through for the last five years. She also thanked her supporters for their prayers and immeasurable help in keeping her faith and conviction that truth and justice will ultimately prevail. “It is my fervent hope that nobody else will suffer the persecution that had been levied on me through Read More …

President Rodrigo R. Duterte delivers a speech before the San Beda Law Alumni Association during the Testimonial Dinner Reception at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in San Juan City on July 14. (MNS photo) MANILA, July 18, (Mabuhay) – Incoming Finance Department spokesperson Paola Alvarez on Monday said the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte will no longer be a collision of politics and Filipino fashion in an attempt to “step away from the norm.” Alvarez, daughter of incoming House Speaker Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez who also served as the spokesperson of PDP-Laban during the campaign period and currently helping with the SONA preps, said that the event on July 25 will center on the message of the President that guests, especially the ladies, will be asked to tone down their sartorial picks. “We will downplay the event. It will not be a fashion show. We want to center on the what the President’s message is to our people especially it’s his first State of the Nation Address. So it will be a different take because our guests will be requested not to wear their gowns as what we have previously been seeing in the past SONAs,” she said. Guests will be asked to wear business attire. Female guests have the option to wear a Filipiniana but only if it is knee-length. She said that this will be SONA’s new dress code under the Duterte administration. “During the previous SONAs, most people Read More …

Philippine National Police Chief Director-General Ronald dela Rosa answers questions during a press conference at Camp Crame, Wednesday. Three high-ranking PNP officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs tagged by President Duterte reported to Dela Rosa to clear their names. (MNS photo) CEBU CITY, July 18, (MABUHAY) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed Monday that some of the police directors recently relieved from their posts were involved in the narcotics trade. At a command conference in Cebu City, Dela Rosa said some of the relieved senior officials were receiving drug money. Dela Rosa ordered a reorganization of senior officials in the PNP during his first day in office last July 1. The massive reshuffle covered the PNP Command Group. Regional directors were also reassigned to “other equally-important positions in different levels of command.” President Rodrigo Duterte himself recently named five police officers, including two who are already retired, as drug coddlers. Nine police officers also tested positive for drug use earlier this month. The PNP has yet to announce the results of a further confirmatory test to verify the presence of shabu and marijuana in their urine samples. APOLOGY FOR MAYOR Dela Rosa also apologized to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña for the inclusion of the city’s police director among the officials sacked from their posts. Osmeña earlier threatened to stop giving rewards to policemen who arrest or kill drug pushers after Cebu City Police Office Director Benjamin Santos Jr. was reassigned. Dela Rosa Read More …

Maine Mendoza (MNS photo) A year since entering show business, Maine Mendoza looks at her success squarely in the eye and acknowledges it’s something she herself did not think was possible this early in her career. “Pinangarap ko lang naman kasi talaga is lumabas sa mga billboard, magazines, lumabas sa commercials. Happy ako na nangyayari na (lahat ito),” Maine said at the press conference of hers and Alden Richards’ movie “Imagine You and Me.” First known for her Dubsmash videos, she rose to popularity upon joining “Eat Bulaga!” as Yaya Dub. The chemistry between Alden and Maine took the country by storm, to say the least. At this point, Maine isn’t obsessing over her popularity, whether it further waxes or suddenly wanes. Alden Richards (MNS Photo) “Ang main purpose ko naman kaya ko ito ginagawa ay para makapagbigay ng kasiyahan sa mga tao kasi nakikita ko sila na masaya at nai-inspire ko sila,” she said. “Fulfilled na ako na narating ko na ’yung pangarap ko. So ini-enjoy ko na lang kung ano ’yung dinadanas ko ngayon. Mawala man ito, okay lang, masaya na si Menggay.” Maine takes her steps one at a time. She doesn’t think too far ahead, let alone how long her tenure in the industry would be. “Sa ngayon, as an actress, ang dami ko pang pagdadaanan,” she said. “Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko ba ito. Baka mamaya two years from now gustuhin ko ulit bumalik sa normal na buhay.” Pressure will always be there for Read More …

1.6 Turbo GDI engine and independent multi-link rear suspension highlight the most powerful and dynamic Hyundai Elantra ever 2017 Elantra Sport FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif  – Today at a meeting of the Washington Automotive Press Association in Alexandria, VA, Hyundai Motor America unveiled the all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. The most powerful Elantra model ever, the Sport benefits from a variety of important powertrain, chassis and styling upgrades over the current SE, Eco, and Limited models. 2017 Elantra Sport The Elantra Sport is powered by a 1.6 Turbo GDI four-cylinder engine generating more than 200 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Drivers may choose between a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. Helping to ensure the most powerful Elantra ever is also the most fun to drive, the Sport is exclusively outfitted with an independent multi-link rear suspension designed to elevate on-road dynamics and feel. Finally, Elantra Sport is visually differentiated with unique bodywork and model-specific interior appointments such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and red contrast stitching. “Elantra Sport demonstrates our commitment to providing drivers with compelling vehicle choices that align with their interests,” says Mike Evanoff, Hyundai Motor America manager of product planning. “This is a vehicle that reflects our own passion for cars and driving, expressing it with sharp looks, proven in-car technology, upgraded power, and fun, sporty handling.” The Hyundai Elantra Sport will arrive in North American showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2016. Additional details, including full specifications and Read More …