BMI Online Editor

Corona questions perjury, ethical violation charges before Sandiganbayan

General

Apr 082014

Corona questions perjury, ethical violation charges before Sandiganbayan

Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona testifies in his impeachment trial in the Senate in Manila May 22, 2012. Corona testified on Tuesday after he was accused of failing to disclose several bank accounts containing millions of pesos, and real estate properties in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN). REUTERS/Erik De Castro (PHILIPPINES – Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW BUSINESS) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former Chief Justice Renato Corona has filed a plea before the Sandiganbayan questioning the perjury and ethical violation charges filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman. On Wednesday, Corona filed a motion for judicial determination of probable cause before the anti-graft court’s Third Division. Corona’s motion is set to heard on April 11. If the court sides with Corona, the charges against him will be dismissed. If the motion is junked, the Sandiganbayan will proceed with the former chief magistrate’s arraignment and pre-trial proceedings. Last Tuesday, the Office of the Ombudsman filed cases against Corona for allegedly misdeclaring his assets in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) from years 2004 to 2010. In May 2012, the same issues with Corona’s SALNs prompted the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to convict and ultimately oust Corona for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Philippine Constitution. Corona is also facing tax evasion charges before the Court of Tax Appeals for failing to pay taxes worth P120 million and for failing to file his income tax returns (ITRs) for Read More …

De Lima: 3rd batch of pork scam cases ready

Entertainment

Apr 072014

De Lima: 3rd batch of pork scam cases ready

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, poses questions to Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged pork barrel scam mastermind during the hearing on Thursday (Nov. 7, 2013) at the Senate building in Pasay City. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to file two new sets of pork barrel scam complaints, according to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. De Lima said it now only a matter of deciding which one to file first. One of these cases is related to the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam, or the so-called 3rd batch, she said. She said alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles, lawmakers and implementing agencies will be included as respondents. She said new personalities will also be included. De Lima, however, refused to identify them nor say how many will be included in the new set of cases. She also refused to confirm if Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. will also be charged in the 3rd batch. The pork barrel scam involved the funneling of lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations to ghost projects of non-government organizations (NGOs) set up by Napoles. The lawmakers, in return, allegedly received huge kickbacks from the businesswoman. Meanwhile, de Lima said said she is not at liberty to disclose the strategy of the AMLC as far as the freezing of assets of senators accused of plunder and graft are concerned, but told reporters, “suffice it to tell you that AMLC is working on these.” De Read More …

‘Laban: The Legend of Urduja’ at Cal’s State Long Beach’s Pilipino Cultural Night April 25

Entertainment

Apr 072014

‘Laban: The Legend of Urduja’ at Cal’s State Long Beach’s Pilipino Cultural Night April 25

www.lbpcn.com A Filipino student association based in Cal State Long Beach is going to hold a Filipino cultural night and will stage a play entitled “Laban: The Legend of Urduja” as its 28th annual cultural presentation on April 25 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. California State University, Long Beach’s Pilipino Cultural Night (PCN) is an annual event that aims to share the culture and history of our people through the art of traditional dances and the eloquence of an original story. Over 1000 family members, friends, acquaintances, and people from all walks of life attend this momentous occasion to experience a perspective of the Pilipino culture that is not often seen. The group hopes that you can join them in celebrating their 28th annual Pilipino Cultural Night production as they “proudly present the passion for our culture!” Interested in sponsoring this grand event? Obtain the satisfaction of contributing to keeping the PCN tradition going while also promoting your business to over 1,000 attendees! All monetary contributions and/or other donations would be much appreciated. For any business inquiries please contact pcn@lbpac.com.

PHL bags ‘Best National Tourism Organization’ award in India

Entertainment

Apr 072014

PHL bags ‘Best National Tourism Organization’ award in India

(From left) Special Chief Secretary Chandana Khan and Mrs. India International 2013 Amita Motwani present the ‘Best National Tourism Organization’ award to Philippine Tourism Marketing Officers Madvhi Awasti, Navritu Kaushal Rai, and Sanjeet. Travel and tourism professionals in South India voted the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) as the “Best National Tourism Organization” for 2013. “South India Travel Awards will create an all-India platform to recognize those behind the success of the travel and tourism industry and to recognize their achievements,” Amit Bhasin, Convener of the India Travel Awards, said The DOT was awarded for its branding campaign and roadshows in South India, particularly in the cities of Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Last year, the Philippines organized three roadshows and one location meeting with filmmakers in the region alone to promote various destinations and facilitate business-to-business deals among its private sector partners. Amit Bhasin added that the South India Travel Awards, supported by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, is the first of the four regional recognition events (the other three are in the North, East, and West) leading to the nationwide India Travel Awards scheduled later in the year. The South Indian cities of Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai collectively make up 1.22 million out of 5.24 million Indian passports issued nationwide in 2012. These are also the top three cities in the number of passports issued for the same year. The United Nations World Tourism Organization predicts that India will have 50 million outbound travels by 2020. “We are very Read More …

Pacquaio-Mayweather could still happen: Roach

Entertainment

Apr 072014

Pacquaio-Mayweather could still happen: Roach

By Rebecca BRYAN Top Rank host Crystina Poncher poses a question to Manny Pacquiao during Wednesday’s Media Day at the Wild Card boxing gym in Hollywood. Pacquaio will have a rematch against Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 12. Photo: Benny Uy LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Trainer Freddie Roach says avenging losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez are the top items on Manny Pacquiao’s to-do list, but believes the Filipino will one day face Floyd Mayweather. But Hall of Fame trainer Roach said Pacquaio’s legacy depends more on turning the tables on the two opponents who beat him in 2012 than on a belated, late-career tilt at Mayweather. “In the history books you have to avenge your losses, you have to avenge your losses in life,” Roach said Wednesday at his Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, where Pacquiao’s media workout drew a throng. Pacquiao, the former world champion in eight weight divisions, will get his shot at retribution against Bradley in Las Vegas on April 12. Both fighters are calling it a chance for redemption, after Bradley beat Pacquiao by a controversial split decision in June 2012 – a bout that many observers thought Pacquiao had dominated. “We feel we got robbed in the last fight – now we need to be sure that we get the victory,” said Pacquiao, 35, who will be fighting to regain the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown he surrendered to Bradley. Six months after losing to the American, Pacquiao Read More …

Jinggoy to appeal Ombudsman’s decision on plunder raps over ‘pork’ scam

Entertainment

Apr 072014

Jinggoy to appeal Ombudsman’s decision on plunder raps over ‘pork’ scam

Senator Jinggoy Estrada shows some documents during his privilege speech on the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) issue at the Senate on Wednesday (March 12, 2014). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Although he called the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation as “moro-moro,” Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday said he will appeal the decision to file plunder charges against him over the alleged pork barrel scam. Estrada said his camp will file a motion for reconsideration before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday next week, although he is pessimistic about this move. “Maghahain na po kami sa darating na Lunes sapagkat natanggap na po ng aking abogado ang joint resolution na nanggaling po sa Ombudsman. Siyempre ine-expect ko na ibabasura nila iyon. Pero siyempre, we will exert all legal remedies,” the senator said. On Tuesday, the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it has decided to charge Senators Estrada, Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile with plunder over the pork barrel scam. The three senators are being accused of pocketing the kickbacks from the alleged scam, supposedly engineered by detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles. They have earlier denied these allegations. Estrada added that even before the recommendations were made, he did not fully trust the Ombudsman’s deliberations on the plunder charge. “Alam naman namin na moro-moro na lang iyan. Kaya ito na nga ang nangyari. Mukha talagang [minadali] ang kaso laban sa amin. It took them only six months to read voluminous documents,” he said. Revilla’s camp had also earlier Read More …

Maja says Anne inspired her to record

General

Apr 062014

Maja Salvador (MNS Photo) “The Legal Wife” star Maja Salvador said fellow actress Anne Curtis was one of her “inspirations” in recording her debut album titled “Believe.” Salvador said that just like Curtis, she also believes that “dreams do come true.” Curtis, a self-confessed non-singer, has held a number of concerts both in the Philippines and abroad, on top of her hit albums. « Isa si Anne sa inspirations ko. Kasi sabi niya, ‘dreams do come true.’ Totoo po ‘yun. Totoong totoo kasi kapag ikaw, tulad ng sinasabi ko lagi, kapag may isa kang pangarap, paniwalaan mo na mangyayari ‘yon and it will come true,” Salvador told reporters in a recent interview. Salvador said she is also thankful to her boyfriend, actor Gerald Anderson, for inspiring her and supporting her newest project. “Isa siya siyempre sa nagbibigay inspirasyon,” she said. “In fairness to him, very supportive, bumili siya ng album. She went on to express her appreciation to her handlers. “Happy rin ako na supportive sa akin ang aking Star Magic family,” she said. Salvador is set to launch her debut album on “ASAP” this Sunday. With “Believe,” the actress-dancer hopes to be a “total performer.” “Gusto ko po maging total performer so makikita niyo po akong sumasayaw at kumakanta. So baka pwedeng ipa-combine na po ‘yan ngayon. Sobrang mahal ko rin po ang pag-arte so actually after ‘The Legal Wife,’ magiging busy kami sa album tour,” she said. (MNS)

Easter Brunch Made Easy

Entertainment

Apr 062014

With Delicious Make-Ahead Egg Casserole Cheesy Bacon & Egg Brunch Casserole (Family Features) Plan an Easter gathering everyone can enjoy with a make-ahead menu that includes crowd-pleasing brunch casseroles packed with everyone’s favorite flavors – and leaves you plenty of time to spend with the family. “Combine all-star breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon and cheese into a single dish in this Cheesy Bacon & Egg Brunch Casserole, seasoned with ground mustard and nutmeg,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “The best part about this recipe is you can assemble it the night before – just add an additional 1/2 cup of milk – chill it in the refrigerator and bake it off in the morning.” Serve a spring-inspired dessert topped with an array of fresh fruit to complement your brunch casserole. Find everything you need to create a complete brunch menu and more easy Easter-themed recipes at www.McCormick.com, www.Facebook.com/McCormickSpices and www.Pinterest.com/mccormickspices. Cheesy Bacon & Egg Brunch Casserole Serves: 12 8 slices bacon 1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup) 1 loaf (8 ounces) Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (5 cups) 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup cottage cheese 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups milk* 2 teaspoons McCormick® Mustard, Ground 1 teaspoon McCormick® Black Pepper, Ground 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Nutmeg, Ground Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside. Remove all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add onion Read More …

Tuason to appeal immunity application

Entertainment

Apr 062014

State witness Ruby Tuason reads her opening statement during the Feb. 13, 2014 Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged pork barrel scam as Justice Secretary Leila del Lima (right) and whistle-blower Benhur Luy (left) listen. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The camp of Ruby Tuason plans to appeal her application for immunity from lawsuit before the Office of the Ombudsman after she was indicted for plunder charges. Tuason’s lawer Dennis Manalo said they were not surprised by the Ombudsman’s ruling given Tuason’s admission that she was involved in the pork barrel scam. He said they have five days to file a motion for reconsideration to resolve her pending application for immunity. Tuason, who is under the witness protection program on a provisional basis, is currently out of the country. “We are hoping that in the assessment and evaluation of Tuason’s application for immunity, things will turn around for the better insofar as she’s concerned,” Manalo said. “It is Mrs. Tuason herself who said a crime was committed and she was involved in the commission of that crime. She admits probable cause but what she is saying is that she is entitled to benefits of immunity as provided for under the law because she voluntarily stepped forward with her statement and cooperated with government in the prosecution of this case,” he added.(MNS)

GPH peace panel assures Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro within the framework of 1987 Constitution

Entertainment

Apr 062014

GPH peace panel assures Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro within the framework of 1987 Constitution

(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III, escorted by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, signs the Guest Book at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Perdana Putra Building in Putrajaya on Friday (February 28, 2014) during his State Visit to Malaysia. President Aquino and PM Najib are expected to discuss the upcoming signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. (MNS photo) MANILA(Mabuhay) – The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel assured that the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamaro (CAB) signed recently with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was within the framework of the Constitution. This was in reaction to the speech on Wednesday of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago during the graduation ceremonies of Gordon College in Olongapo City. “Honorable Senator is a brilliant professor and an expert in constitutional law. We certainly appreciate her insights and opinion on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. We assure the good Senator and the public that through every stage of the negotiations, we remained ever mindful of the President’s (Benigno Aquino III) instructions that any agreement we must conclude must be within the framework of the 1987 Constitution, and accordingly, the roadmap set by the CAB leads to Congress as the established lawmaking institution,” said GPH peace panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer in a statement. “We will be seeking a meeting with the Honorable Senator and other legislators to extensively discuss the different provisions in the CAB and to allow for a deeper Read More …

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