Maniolas

Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City last January 23. The former senator had refused to accept his pork barrel funds from the start. He said in a privilege speech that the funds had corrupted legislators. Now, even the members of the media are being named as those who received “payolas.” (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – To make it easy for the law to investigate and prosecute erring government officials and employees, Senator Panfilo M. Lacson filed a measure seeking to exclude them from the Bank Secrecy Law or Republic Act 1405, ahead of the 17th Congress which opens on July 25. Senate Bill 47 removes from all public servants the protection under RA 1405, which prohibits the disclosure or inquiry into bank deposits, Lacson said Wednesday. “Uncovering ill-gotten wealth of government officials may soon get easier. Law enforcement authorities will be equipped with the tools needed to go after crooks in government,” Lacson said. “The avowed purpose of the law is meritorious in preserving the confidentiality of bank transactions,” the senator noted. “Unfortunately, this provision of the law prohibiting the disclosure of or inquiry into bank deposits had been exploited time and again to hamper and stall investigations of government officials and employees suspected of enriching themselves while in public office,” he emphasized. Lacson noted his bill will amend Section 2 of RA 1405, to exclude from the Read More …

Sharon Cuneta (MNS photo) Her upcoming comeback movie with Star Cinema is one of the many reasons Sharon Cuneta is determined to shed more pounds and regain her former figure. The “The Voice Kids” coach shared that she has already lost 50 pounds in six months. She intends to lose some more before she finally starts shooting her big-screen project. “In September, I will start shooting my movie na hindi ko pa ma-announce. Super [excited ako about it]. Magagalit si Tita Malou (Santos) kapag in-announce ko pero kapag in-announce po ito, sana po nakaupo kayo. Kapit lang po,” she said. Cuneta said she is inspired to work out knowing that the ABS-CBN executives still believe in what she can achieve at this point in her career. “Inspiration din ‘yung talagang naniniwala pa ang ABS-CBN at Star Cinema sa akin. Parang that adds to your inspiration tapos ‘yung fans mo hindi tumitigil talaga. ‘Yung messages na natatanggap ko from FB and from Twitter, tabon na tabon ng good vibes ‘yung hindi. Ang laki ng pasasalamat ko sa Panginoong Diyos. Talagang everything is possible with him,” she said. Cuneta shared she actually cried when she watched herself on “ASAP” in January. “Naiyak talaga ako. I knew na mataba ako matagal na. Parang sanay na ‘yung tao. There’s more to me than my weight. Lagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko ‘yun. But siyempre kung sa 38 years ko sa showbiz, mga 30 doon leading lady ako. So hindi ko ma-deny sa sarili ko Read More …

Celebrity doctor Hayden Kho and daughter Scarlet Snow (MNS photo) Celebrity doctor Hayden Kho has switched the Instagram account of his baby daughter, Scarlet Snow, to private, one month after introducing his first child with partner Vicki Belo to the public. The 36-year-old Kho pleaded for understanding as he begins regulating Scarlet Snow’s followers, which has ballooned to near 200,000. “It’s for her protection,” he said. “Don’t worry coz people can still request permission to follow and those who are already following would still be able to see her posts.” Kho admitted to be “very” protective of Scarlet Snow. He also explained that he decided to open a social media account for his daughter due to fears of identity theft. “The only reason we opened an account for Scarlet is because I wanted to prevent identity theft. So pagkapanganak pa lang niya, kinuha ko na agad lahat ng Scarlet Snow Belo sa Instagram, sa Facebook, at sa Twitter before pa makuha ng iba,” he said. Scarlet Snow was born through surrogacy. Kho and Belo first introduced her to the public last May 16 — leading to speculation that the baby was adopted. “She is 100 percent our daughter,” said Belo. Kho shared that he and Belo, at first, did not want to reveal Scarlet Snow. “Partly because we wanted to focus on her,” he said. “We don’t want to be busy na sasagot about sa mga issues. People are asking questions now.” The couple has also posted home videos of Read More …

National Federation of Filipino American Associations (Photo courtesy of NaFFAA Facebook page) Washington, D.C. Now in its second year, the Alex Esclamado Memorial Award for Community Service will be a main highlight at NaFFAA’s 2016 National Empowerment Conference in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania on August 4-6. The awards are open to all Filipino and Filipino American organizations and associations in the United States, including those that are not members of NaFFAA. No entry fee is required of the nominee-organization. However, awardees are expected to be present to receive the Alex Esclamado Memorial Loving Cup at the awards ceremony. Four awards will be given: One award for a Youth Organization (Youth Category) and Three awards for any organization engaged in the following areas: Youth Affairs, Education, Senior Citizens, Women, Health,  Immigration & Human Rights, Entrepreneurship, Arts & Culture, Aid to the Philippines, Civic Involvement. Deadline for submission of nominations is July 20. More information is available at naffaa.org or NaFFAA Facebook. “These awards are intended to encourage and inspire community workers, volunteers and leaders to continue their selfless endeavors in the service of their respective communities – whether  Filipino or mainstream American,” says NaFFAA National Chair JT Mallonga. “Most of all, they are meant to give proper honor and recognition to those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment and have provided significant and meaningful benefits to their intended recipients.” 2014 Awardees The Council for Filipino American Organizations of Central Florida, the West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service, Inc., Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Texas, and the Pilipino Read More …

Vice President Leni Robredo went to Malacanan Monday afternoon to pay a courtesy visit to President Rodrigo Duterte. She expressed her full support to the Duterte administration. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Vice President Leni Robredo went to Malacanan Monday afternoon to pay a courtesy visit to President Rodrigo Duterte. The vice president said that her closed-door courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte went well, describing it as “cordial”. “Natutuwa tayo na nagkaroon tayo ng pagkakataong makausap ang ating pangulo,” she said after the meeting. During the meeting in Malacanan, Robredo said she assured Duterte of her support for him and his administration. Vice President Leni Robredo went to Malacanan Monday afternoon to pay a courtesy visit to President Rodrigo Duterte. She expressed her full support to the Duterte administration. (MNS photo) “Sinabi natin sa pangulo na buong buo ang suporta natin sa kanya dahil ang kanyang tagumpay ay tagumpay ng ating bansa,” she added. This was the second meeting between Robredo and Duterte since being elected into office following the May 9 elections. They first met at Camp Aguinaldo Friday during the change of command ceremonies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “Mula simula, bukas po tayo sa pakikipagtulungan sa bagong administrasyon at ang aming pong naging pagpupulong ngayong hapon ng pangulo ay lalong nagpapatibay rito,” the vice president said. (MNS) Vice President Leni Robredo went to Malacanan Monday afternoon to pay a courtesy visit to President Rodrigo Duterte. She expressed her full support to the Duterte administration. Read More …