BMI Online Editor

Kapunan backtracks on alleged corrupt SC justice

Jan 292014

(Supreme Court of the Philippines} MANILA (Mabuhay) – Atty. Lorna Kapunan, former counsel of pork barrel scam principal accused Janet Lim Napoles, has backtracked in divulging the alleged corrupt Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (SC). In a 10-page compliance filed by Kapunan on Monday before the SC en banc, she defended herself to evade the danger of being cited for contempt by the SC after her interview in the program “Umagang Kay Ganda” with Anthony Taberna. Kapunan refused to disclose the name of the alleged corrupt SC Justice and instead argued that she uttered the statements as pure “hearsay.” She said that no personal accusations were made against the SC but a general knowledge she received without any legal basis at all. “This Honorable Court will please note from the replies above-quoted that no personal accusations were made and where information on corruption and bribe money was based on hearsay and/or general knowledge within the legal circles,” Kapunan told the SC en banc. Kapunan said that “in the interest of candor and transparency, gave the appropriate caveats – “known to receive”, “I am told”, “Hindi ko po alam (I don’t know).” She added that she has no intention to malign the Judiciary with her hearsay statements. “In summary, undersigned counsel respectfully submits that the remarks made in the subject interview were not intended to insult, malign, embarrass the Court or bring it into disrepute,” Kapunan said. Kapunan was in hot water after earning the ire of the SC Justices Read More …

Swedish King visits Laguna Jamborette, says scouting can change the world

Entertainment

Jan 292014

Swedish King visits Laguna Jamborette, says scouting can change the world

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) LOS BANOS, Laguna (Mabuhay) – Visiting Swedish monarch King Carl XVI Gustaf joined thousands of boy and girl scouts here participating in the 3rd One Regional Scout Jamborette saying scouting offers a lot of possibilities to change the world. The Southern Luzon scouting event started January 22 and will continue until January 26. During Saturday’s event, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) National Court of Honor conferred on King Carl XVI Gustaf the Mt. Makiling Award. The awarding ceremony was spearheaded by Vice President Jejomar Binay, the president of the BSP. The king said he is deeply honored by the award conferred on him noting that what all scouts should do is to work together to change the world and make it better, he said. “I think what you are doing here in your country is fantastic. But what we can do together not only here but also around the Read More …

Tesla cars to have same base price in China as US

Entertainment

Jan 252014

Tesla cars to have same base price in China as US

The Tesla Model SElectric carmaker Tesla Motors said its Model S flagship vehicle will have the same pre-tax price in China as in the US.©Tesla (SHANGHAI-AFP) – Electric carmaker Tesla Motors said its flagship vehicle will have the same pre-tax price in China as in the US, after Chinese media criticised foreign companies for charging higher prices in the country. The upstart US manufacturer’s Model S battery-powered car sells for $81,070 in the US and the company will receive the same sum for it in China, the world’s biggest auto market. Nonetheless the sticker price for the premium car will start from 734,000 yuan ($121,370), with the difference accounted for by $36,700 in taxes imposed by the Chinese government and shipping costs of $3,600, it said. Tesla’s openness over its pricing, which included an item-by-item breakdown of how it was reached, follows official moves and campaigns by state-run media against foreign companies for high prices in industries ranging from infant formula to pharmaceutical products. Last year, state broadcaster CCTV blasted Tata Motors’ Land Rover and Volkswagen’s Audi over higher prices in China than elsewhere. Tesla said the Chinese market could have absorbed a higher price for its cars and attacked rivals for charging more. “The price of a Model S in China is the same as the price of a Model S in the US, adding only unavoidable taxes, customs duties and transportation costs,” Tesla said in the statement. “If we were to follow standard industry practice, we could get Read More …

Some Bangsamoro leaders still apprehensive over peace talks – MILF official

Entertainment

Jan 252014

Some Bangsamoro leaders still apprehensive over peace talks – MILF official

President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes vouchers for Scholarship Grants to beneficiaries during the Ceremonial Launch of Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program: Peace Dividends of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in Barangay Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday (February 11, 2013). The strong partnership between the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has become more evident as both sides work together in the process of identifying beneficiaries and their immediate needs that will be addressed by the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program. The FAB indicated that “the Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities.” In photo is MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau). MANILA (Mabuhay) — Despite the significant progress in the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), some Bangsamoro leaders remain apprehensive over the negotiations, an MILF official admitted. “Admittedly, may mangilan-ngilang leaders ng Bangsamoro ang atubili o di kaya may alinlangan sa isinasagawang pag-uusap ngayon,” Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF first vice chairman for political affairs, said. Jaafar did not elaborate on the cause of the misgivings but said he believes majority of the Bangsamoro people will support the agreement once it is signed by both parties. “Pero naniniwala ako na pag nandiyan na, pirmado na ‘yung Comprehensive Compact Agreement… susuportahan siya ng nakararami sa Read More …

De Lima: Revilla Sr. may be included in pork barrel probe

Entertainment

Jan 252014

De Lima: Revilla Sr. may be included in pork barrel probe

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima during the 8th East Asia Conference (EAC) on Competition Law and Policy at the Mindanao Ballroom, Sofitel Philippine Plaza in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Wednesday (August 28, 2013). EAC is an open event for key high-level officials of competition agencies in East Asia. EAC participants exchange ideas, views and experiences on emerging regional competition issues; and undertake to strengthen understanding and cooperation with regard to the implementation of competition policy and law across the region. In photo is Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) chairman Kazuyuki Sugimoto. (MNS photo) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) – First, his son. Now, former Senator Ramon Revilla, Sr. may just find himself in the center of the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into the alleged siphoning of lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to so-called “Napoles non-government organizations (NGOs).” His namesake, incumbent Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., was part of the first batch of respondents charged by the NBI and “pork barrel” scam whistleblowers before the office of the Ombudsman. The complaint alleged that Revilla Jr. pocketed P224.51 M as kickbacks from Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged scam architect. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima is set to meet with primary whistleblower Benhur Luy, Napoles’ former aide, and his lawyer, Levito Baligod, to find out if they are in possession of evidence against Revilla Sr. So far, De Lima said she is not aware of any sworn statement by Luy or Read More …

Single Ruffa Gutierrez wants an ‘inspiration’

Entertainment

Jan 242014

Single Ruffa Gutierrez wants an ‘inspiration’

Ruffa Gutierrez (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Having been single for two-and-a-half years, Ruffa Gutierrez believes 2014 will be her lucky year when it comes to her love life. Despite her successful career, Gutierrez admits that she still needs an inspiration apart from her two daughters, Lorin and Venice. “Feeling ko ngayong 2014, dadating na ‘yung love life ko. I don’t know, I just feel it. Hindi ko alam kung Mr. Right, sana siya na ‘yung Mr. Right. Two years and six months wala akong love life so feeling ko kailangan namang may inspirasyon,” she said. According to Gutierrez, she has the full support of her two kids when it comes to her love life. In fact, the former beauty queen said there are times when Lorin and Venice would ask her to get back with their father, Ylmaz Bektas. “Hindi naman nila ako pine-pressure pero there are times na gusto nila makipagbalikan ako sa daddy nila. There are times naman na gusto nila makahanap na ako ng love. Pero kapag nakikita nila na Ylmaz and I are talking again, ‘Oh I hope you and Babba can be a family again,’” she said. “Medyo confused pa sila sa aspetong iyon. But I know that deep down in their hearts, they just want me to be happy. Whatever makes me happy, I’m sure hindi naman din ako magpapakilala ng isang tao sa kanila na alam kong hindi ako sure,” Gutierrez added. Gutierrez said she will stay true to her mantra this Read More …

Lacson: I am color-blind to politics in the Yolanda rehab

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Lacson: I am color-blind to politics in the Yolanda rehab

President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery former Senator Panfilo Lacson in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 10, 2013). The “rehabilitation czar” is the man in charge to oversee the overall efforts being undertaken by the national government in reconstructing the areas destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) – Six weeks after being appointed as ‘Rehabilitation Czar’ by President Benigno Aquino III, Secretary Panfilo Lacson said his committee has already accomplished a lot in the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the places hit by super typhoon Yolanda. In an interview during the Experts Forum on Rebuilding Communities and Ecosystems After “Yolanda”, Lacson emphasized the progress achieved by the ad hoc committee Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR), which he currently serves as head. “I think we are progressing very well. Just because we are quiet doesn’t mean wala kaming ginagawa. I think, I may be biased, I may be subjective but I think we have accomplished much in six weeks because that’s the time I have spent so far being the [head of PARR].” Lacson said he is forced to finish the rehabilitation and rebuilding process within 20,000 hours as his office is only co-terminus with the current administration. “We’re giving ourselves 20,000 hours to accomplish our task because translated into actual years and months, that’s more Read More …

‘Yolanda’ multi-donor fund created to fast-track rehab efforts

Entertainment

Jan 232014

‘Yolanda’ multi-donor fund created to fast-track rehab efforts

Aerial shot of the province of which was heavily damaged by super typhoon Yolanda (MNS photo) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) -– A multi-donor fund has been created to fast-track rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by super typhoon “Yolanda,” Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PARR) chief Panfilo Lacson said. In his keynote speech at the Experts Forum on Rebuilding Communities and Ecosystems After “Yolanda” at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Lacson said the fund was created for those “who want to just part with their money out of the goodness of their hearts but do not have the organization or time to commit to this humanitarian effort.” Lacson said the fund will be managed by “very credible and top executives” from ABS-CBN Corp., GMA Network, Philippine Long Distance Company, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, as well as SGV founder Washington SyCip. The rehabilitation chief said the fund will be opened as soon as the initial donations entrusted to Taiwan-based Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) arrive. The first set of accounts (Dollar savings account no. 105-310-463-926 and Peso savings account no. 005-310-633-988) have been opened at the BDO Ayala Avenue branch. Lacson said other savings account will be opened soon in Metrobank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Philippine National Bank, and Bank of the Philippine Islands. Lacson said some companies, meanwhile, have committed to get directly involved in rehabilitation efforts. He said 9 sponsors have agreed to take the lead in the reconstruction and rehabilitation works in 16 of the 24 Read More …

Pope says Internet ‘gift from God’

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Pope Francis VATICAN CITY, January 23, 2014 (AFP) – Pope Francis described the Internet on Thursday as “a gift from God” and called on Catholics to “boldly become citizens of the digital world”. “The internet… offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God,” the Argentine pontiff said in his first World Communication Day message, given annual by the pope. “Let us boldly become citizens of the digital world. Let our communication be a balm which relieves pain and a fine wine which gladdens hearts,” he said. The 77-year-old pontiff is a keen Twitter user whose account has attracted more than 10 million followers. But he also makes a point of privileging human relationships and physical touch, often walking among the crowds who flock to see him in St. Peter’s Square and embracing the ill or disabled. “As I have frequently observed, if a choice has to be made between a bruised Church which goes out to the streets and a Church suffering from self-absorption, I certainly prefer the first,” he said. “Those ‘streets’ are the world where people live and where they can be reached, both effectively and affectively. The digital highway is one of them, a street teeming with people who are often hurting, men and women looking for salvation or hope,” he added. However, Francis warned people not allow the desire to be connected to the digital world twenty-four hours a day to isolate them from society. “It is not Read More …

Despite court documents, Bangayan insists he’s not ‘David Tan’

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Despite court documents, Bangayan insists he’s not ‘David Tan’

AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE HEARING. Senator Cynthia Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, listens to Sen. Ralph Recto as he questions representatives of the Department of Agriculture about the claims made by certain groups and agencies concerning the actual state of rice supply in the country. Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Senators Grace Poe, Nancy Binay and JV Ejercito also attended the hearing.(MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Businessman Davidson Bangayan on Wednesday remained firm that he is not suspected rice smuggler “David Tan,” despite being confronted at a Senate probe with court documents showing he used the alias. During the Senate agriculture committee’s inquiry on rice smuggling, senators consistently got a negative answer from Bangayan whenever the trader was asked if he and “David Tan” are the same person. “My name is Davidson Bangayan. I’m not David Tan,” Bangayan said at the start of his testimony during the probe. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima however said that her agency already has two witnesses who said that Bangayan used the alias “David Tan.” De Lima even presented before the committee court documents from a libel case Bangayan supposedly filed against Jesus Arranza, chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries, in 2005. In these papers, de Lima said Bangayan admitted to being “David Tan.” “How come in that document, he explicitly admitted that Bangayan aka David Tan? At sa attachment niya, Bangayan aka David Tan? Siya ang nag-attach noon,” de Lima said. The Senate committee Read More …

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