President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Hon. Jesus Gracia, Secretary of State Latin America Affairs and International Development Cooperation and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez along with the Organizers and Officers of the Madrid Fusion 2016. Event organizers paid a courtesy call on President Aquino Wednesday in Malacañan Palace. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Thursday belied Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s claim that the Aquino administration is behind the plunder charges against him over his alleged involvement on the multi-billion pork barrel scam. In a statement, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Marcos should just respond to the complaint in the proper forum. “Contrary to the claims of Senator Marcos, Government has no involvement in the reported case for plunder filed against him by an anti-corruption group,” Coloma said. “If the good senator strongly believes that he has nothing to do with the charges leveled against him, it is best that he respond in the proper forum,” he added. Marcos, who is running for vice president, said the Aquino administration had a hand in the plunder complaint filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman by an anti-corruption group calling itself as iBalik ang Bilyones ng Mamayan (iBBM). Marcos said he was no longer surprised with the filing of the complaint as “the present administration has a long-standing tradition of selective justice.” “Yun na nga ang problema sa atin. Everything is all about politics. Yung justice natin nagiging pulitika na rin. Iyan naman ang ginagawa, kapag hindi ka Read More …
Members of different militant groups troop to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday. The protesters condemned the bloody dispersal of drought-hit farmers and their supporters in Kidapawan, Cotabato province last Friday.(MNS photo) KIDAPAWAN CITY (PNA) – The Philippine National Police Region 12 (PNP–12) has relieved two of its top police officers in North Cotabato province concomitant to the controversial April 1 dispersal of thousands of protesting farmers who blockaded the segment of the Cotabato – Davao highway here to stage their plight on the harsh effects of the drought-spawned El Niño phenomenon. The protesting peasants withheld traffic flow along the highway for four days prior to the chaotic dispersal that claimed the lives of two farmers and wounding of over a hundred peasants and anti-riot cops alike. P/Sr. Supt. Danilo Peralta, administrative head of PNP – 12, confirmed Friday the relief of P/Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum as the provincial director and P/Supt. John Calinga as Kidapawan police director. The relief order stemmed from the law enforcement operation currently being investigated by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Peralta stressed that such directive is a standard operating procedure to any officer that will undergo investigation. The same order stipulated that P/Supt. Jose Briones, concurrent provincial police operations chief, would seat as North Cotabato police officer-in-charge while P/Supt Noel Kinazo, provincial police office deputy chief for administration, acts as Calinga’s replacement. Both Tagum and Calinga are mandated to submit themselves to the ongoing investigation, Read More …
Human rights advocates hold a protest rally commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law at the Mendiola Peace Arch on Monday. The protesters urged the government to uphold human rights and immediately address extra-judicial killings in the country. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte can only solve criminality in the country within six months if he would declare martial law, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile said on Thursday. “He’s a good friend of mine, si Digong (Duterte’s nickname) and I must publicly thank him for having supported me in all my political battles,” Enrile said during a weekly forum at the Senate. “But I can’t make a promise that I’ll be able to solve criminality in such a short period unless he will mobilize the entire organization including the police and the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and declare martial law then I believe him, if he’s going to declare martial law. My God, he’s only human being.” Enrile said he has doubts whether Duterte could fulfill this promise once he gets elected president in the upcoming May elections. “We’re talking of capability to do something. I don’t know, I don’t know his formula. That’s why I’m saying I have my doubt…pardon me for expressing my doubt but I hope he can do it,” he said. “The only thing that I can think of as a formula to really stop criminality in the country like a passing storm is to Read More …
Liberal Party (LP) chairman President Benigno S. Aquino III raises the hands of the administration senate slate for the 2016 national elections during the Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid: Ang Pagpapakilala at the Balay Expo Centro Building in EDSA corner McArthur Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on Monday (October 12). The 12 senatorial bets includes COOP NATCCO party-list Representative Cresente Paez; Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) director and former Akbayan party-list Representative Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel; former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Emmanuel “Joel” Villanueva; former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla; Senator Ralph Recto; Senate President Franklin Drilon; former Senator and former food security czar Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima; Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Muslim Affairs and Special Concerns Nariman Ambolodto; Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III; and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) general manger and chief operating officer Mark Lapid. Also in photo are LP Presidential Candidate former DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II; LP Vice Presidential Candidate Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo; and LP vice chairman and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. (MNS photo) GUIMARAS (Mabuhay) – The ruling coalition is certain that administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II will prevail in the end as it rejected Senator Grace Poe’s camp that the presidential race is down to a two-way fight between her and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. In a statement, Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez, the ruling coalition spokesperson, said only a Read More …
Daniel Matsunaga (MNS photo) Daniel Matsunaga is the newest actor to join the Star Magic family. This was announced during a press conference for “Be My Lady” with his girlfriend Erich Gonzales. Matsunaga said he did not have any hesitations when he signed the contract because he knows that the talent management arm of ABS-CBN can only bring him to “better places.” “I’m very happy that I’m being co-managed now by Star Magic especially because I really want to be closer to Erich and by having the same management, everything goes better. I am very blessed,” he said. Matsunaga said he considers Star Magic the “best way I could go.” “I guess for my future as an actor, [Star Magic can help me] improve myself. I am looking forward to that. I know I can improve myself a hundred times more,” he said. “I know I am in very hands with Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) and Ms. Mariole (Alberto). It’s a great opportunity.” Prior to “Be My Lady,” Matsunaga’s first TV series with ABS-CBN after winning the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” was “Two Wives.” (MNS)
Pokwang (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Comedienne Pokwang said she’s proud to star in ABS-CBN’s new teleserye “We Will Survive”. “Ipinapakita dito kung gaano ka-strong ang mga Pilipina ngayon na nakaka-survive,” said Pokwang. Pokwang said Filipinos are naturally strong and the show aims to inspire and entertain Kapamilya viewers who are going through tough times. The television and movie actress has found love in “Edsa Woolworth” co-star Lee O’Brian. “Iba yung pagmamahal sa pamilya, sa anak ko, iba naman yung ngayon. Masaya lang kasi like pag meron kang gustong iiyak, kasi ayaw ko namang makita ng anak ko, gusto ko makita nya ang nanay nya strong. Pero pag kailangan kong umiyak, meron yung, ‘Babe, it’s okay.’ Nakakatuwa lang. Nakakawala ng pagod. Lalong nakakadagdag ng lakas para lumaban ka,” she said. Pokwang said their relationship is as strong as ever. As for any marriage plans, Pokwang explained, “Napag-uusapan na rin namin yan pero siguro sa ngayon kung ano ang meron kami, ine-enjoy namin. Masaya kami.” What’s definite now is that they want to do a movie together again in the near future. “Meron kaming napag-usapang dalawa. Napakagandang istorya, sana mabigyan ng chance,” she said. Pokwang stars with Melai Cantiveros in “We Will Survive”. (MNS)
Karla Estrada (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Filipinos love singing. In fact, there’s nary a gathering around these parts without the ubiquitous karaoke machine. While most do it for fun, some consider it their passion. A few even make a living out of it, including actress Karla Estrada. In a recent press conference, Karla, a single mom, shared how singing enabled her to support her brood back in the day. She said any singing engagement would do, even if it meant singing at wakes. “Ang importante kasi sa’kin, hindi baleng maliit ang venue basta marinig nila na ang galing mong kumanta,” Karla said. Karla fell in love with singing at nine years old. Since then, she has been dreaming of staging a grand concert at a big venue. Well, her dream is finally coming true. Karla will hold a major concert titled “Her Highness, The Queen Mother Karla Estrada in Concert” on April 30, 8 p.m. at Kia Theatre. She dedicates the show to her children, Margaret, Carmela, Jose, and teen sensation Daniel Padilla. “’Yung ‘Queen Mother’ na ’yan ay nangangahulugan na Queen ako for my children,” she said. “I believe na ang mga nanay ay Queen para sa mga anak nila.” Karla admitted she did not readily accept the show when Cornerstone Concerts offered it to her. “Kasi wala akong practice, ang tagal ko nang hindi kumakanta ng maraming set, pa-isa-isa lang,” she recalled. “Iba kasi ’pag maraming kanta na pine-perform, endurance kasi ’yun eh. Dapat kayanin mo, hindi Read More …
A spirited sedan with style, value, agility and connectivity 2017 Mirage G4 SE Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has unveiled the all-new 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4. A sibling to the well-established and popular Mirage hatchback, the all-new Mirage G4 brings consumers a fresh dose of clean style, environmental consciousness, agility, connectivity, affordability and value. The Mirage G4 goes on sale this spring at Mitsubishi showrooms across the country. “A few years ago we entered the subcompact segment with the Mirage hatchback and its popularity with consumers has grown every year with its combination of top fuel economy, attractive pricing and one of the industry’s best new car warranties. The new Mirage G4 repeats that value equation in a four-door sedan package,” said MMNA executive vice president, Don Swearingen. “The Mirage hatchback and now the Mirage G4 sedan will form a formidable one-two punch in the subcompact segment.” The Mirage G4 will utilize the same powertrain of the 2017 hatchback, a revised 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The small displacement engine provides a harmonious blend of lively acceleration and efficiency. The Mirage G4 will be at the top of its class in combined fuel efficiency and C02 emissions. Inside, the Mirage G4’s long wheelbase provides for a spacious interior cabin and trunk. Adding an element of surprise and delight to the subcompact segment, the Mirage G4 will come equipped with available smartphone integrations, features typically reserved for higher priced vehicles. Support for Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone Read More …
President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the new facilities of the Kaertech Electronics Philippines, Inc. (KEPI), Innorev Building in Phase 6A Laguna Technopark, Inc., Special Export Processing Zone in Biñan City, Laguna on Thursday (March 31). Also in photo are KEPI President Michael Bouffaut, DTI Secretary Adrian Cristobal, Jr. and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman.(MNS photo) MANILA, April 6 (PNA) – Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz reiterated the warning issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that cautions job applicants not to be duped by a recurring employment scam using the name of a hotel company. “We were informed that in addition to the previous modus operandi of these unscrupulous scammers, which include sending e-mails to unsuspecting job seekers, they are now prowling for victims in social media. I advise our jobseekers to be extra cautious, and apply only at recruitment agencies licensed by POEA, and deal with licensed agencies with legal job orders,” said Baldoz. POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said that in a Facebook post, the scammer alleged that the management of Marriott Hotel Canada needs new workers for diverse positions such as stewards, nurses, technicians, fashion designers, comedians and entertainers, models, actors, dancers, medical doctor, artisans, mechanics, waiter, waitress and other hotel job category. Cacdac said a new email doing the rounds, is offering jobs with Marriott Hotel in the United Kingdom. He said scammers use legitimate company names, such as Marriott, to make false offers of employment but telltale signs of it Read More …
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In line with the economic diplomacy strategy of the Philippine Embassy that aims to diversify stakeholder profile in the Philippine economy, the Philippine Overseas Labor and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Offices (POLO-OWWA) in Washington, D.C. conducted the first-ever seminar on Options for Livelihood and Development for overseas Filipinos on 31 March 2016 at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall. Commercial Counselor Raymond Batac shared the presentation from the Philippine Franchise Authority (PFA) that gave an overview on franchising, including the benefits to and obligations of both franchisor and franchisee. “The primary advantage of a franchise is that it draws from the brand strength and business model of an already established enterprise. However, these factors also create responsibilities for the franchisee, particularly in meeting standards of quality and preserving the reputation of the business,” he explained to the participants. Dr. Josyline Javelosa, Philippine Agricultural Attaché for the Americas, presented investment opportunities in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors, ranging from the more traditional activities of rice and crop farming and fishing, to the increasingly lucrative agri-tourism and organic farming businesses. “Agriculture remains a top driver of the Philippine economy. Innovations in technology and services are changing the face of agriculture in the Philippines, and more and more avenues are being opened to those interested in entering the sector,” Dr. Javelosa said. The Embassy’s Economic Officer, Minister Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, assured the participants of the Embassy’s willingness to provide advice and appropriate referrals to US-based Filipinos who are looking into establishing businesses in Read More …