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Lacson says he's building up more cases vs. Miriam

 News
Feb 132013
 
Lacson says he's building up more cases vs. Miriam

(Updated 1:56 p.m.) In a phone interview with reporters on Thursday, Lacson said he is looking into allegations that Santiago used her pork barrel to construct a cockpit arena in Pasig. “Kasi may sinisimulan akong imbestigahan ngayon, ‘yung paggamit niya ng pork barrel under the guise na sports complex ‘yung ipapagawa eh cockpit arena ang kinonstruct. ‘Yun ay sinisimulan ko na mag-gather ng mga dokumento at ebidensya at kung mayroong basehan again ire-refer ko ‘yan sa Ombudsman,” he said. In a text message to GMA News Online earlier in the day, Lacson was more succinct: “I have just started my investigation. Every time she opens her big mouth, I will gather evidence to expose her misdeeds and corrupt ways.” Santiago’s office said she will issue a statement within the day. Lacson issued the statement a day after Santiago threatened to expose his alleged sins, even his supposed true sexuality. “Maghanda ka (Lacson) dahil meron akong parliamentary immunity, ibulgar ko lahat ng kasalanan mo pati ang sexuality mo,” she said in a radio interview Wednesday. On Thursday, Lacson this was “really below the belt.” “Unang-una hindi totoo [‘yun]. Uso naman ang aminan pero bakit ko aaminin kung talagang hindi totoo kung bakla ako eh baka wala nang macho dito sa mundo,” he said. He said Santiago should read the law again to realize that parliamentary immunity is not in effect during session breaks. He also said Santiago should not use this to trample on the rights of others. “That’s a big Read More …

A chick at last for 'Pag-asa,' first Philippine eagle bred in captivity

 News
Feb 132013
 
A chick at last for 'Pag-asa,' first Philippine eagle bred in captivity

Twenty-one years ago, the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City made history when it successfully bred and hatched “Pag-asa” (Tagalog word for hope), the first Philippine eagle born in captivity. Pag-asa’s birth was the fruit of long and often tedious work to save the Philippine eagle, listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as one of the country’s threatened birds due to loss of habitat. Last week, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) recorded another historic moment with the birth of Pag-asa’s first offspring, representing the second generation of the endangered species bred at the center. A still-unnamed eaglet rests at the Philippine Eagle Center days after hatching. Philippine Eagle Foundation The chick, hatched on February 9, 2013, weighed 158 grams. Its hatching process was assisted by Anna Mae Sumaya, the PEF’s curator for conservation breeding. PEF executive director Dennis Salvador said the center waited four days to announce the hatching of the eaglet because they wanted to make sure the chick would survive. “The chick hatched from a breech position so I had to help it to avoid damaging the vital veins that could potentially cause its death,” said Sumaya. Normally, chicks crack through the upper part of the egg, the broad end, where the air space is located. But in this case, the chick started to crack the shell on its side, prompting Sumaya to assist in the hatching process. The chick completely hatched at 1:55 am, about 48 hours after it began Read More …

Lolong buried in Agusan Sur; bones to be exhumed for museum

 News
Feb 132013
 
Lolong buried in Agusan Sur; bones to be exhumed for museum

Less than a week after it died, Lolong  which held the world record as the largest saltwater crocodile – was buried at an eco park in Bunawan town in Agusan del Sur province Wednesday. But local residents plan to exhume Lolong’s bones and reassemble as part of their plan to set up a memorial for the crocodile, radio dzBB reported early Thursday. Lolong’s skin will be stuffed and displayed in the “Lolong Museum” in the area. Presently, local government officials are looking for a top-notch taxidermist who can create a life-size replica. A replica made out of resin is also being planned, according to a separate report on “Saksi.” On Wednesday, workers wrapped Lolong’s body in a fish net and placed the body in a one-meter-deep grave. Many residents were sad at Lolong’s death last Sunday, since their Lolong-related businesses had to shut down for now. They voiced hopes that once the Lolong Museum is set up, their businesses – ranging from souvenir shops to habal-habal rides – can be revived as well. Other businesses included bakeries that made bread in Lolong’s image. — LBG, GMA News

Comelec to start issuing notices to campaign violators

 News
Feb 132013
 
Comelec to start issuing notices to campaign violators

After a one-day leeway, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start sending out notices to national candidates will illegal campaign posters on Wednesday. Candidates who will not remove such posters within three days after receipt of notice will be slapped with charges, Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. warned on Wednesday. “Wala naman kaming taong magtatanggal ng dinidikit nila (candidates). ‘Pag di nila tinanggal after three days from notice mag-uumpisa na kami mag-file ng charges,” said Brillantes in an ambush interview in San Juan where he was attending an event by good governance group Kaya Natin!. He admitted that as of Wednesday, the second of the 90-day campaign period for national candidates, all the Comelec could do was monitor and issue warnings regarding violations on election rules. “Tignan natin within the next few days. Probably by the weekend, tapos na ho yung three days, baka makakita na tayo ng konting galaw from us. Ngayon, puro warning lang ho kami. ‘Yung mga nagdidikit, okay, ‘di pa namin kayo hahabulin pero tatanggalin din niyo ‘yan,” he said “‘Pag ‘di niyo tinanggal, kayo na ho ang bahala. Kami naman ang bahala sa inyo,” he added. Brillantes appealed to candidates who violate campaign rules not to risk possible consequences that may jeopardize their candidacy. “Kaya pakiusap ko sa mga kandidato wag na kayong mag-risk kasi kung idemanda namin kayo doon lang medyo masisira na kampanya niyo e at malamang matalo pa kayo,” he said. “We’re giving them a chance. I’m announcing ‘yung mga nagdidikit diyan Read More …

Senate war gets uglier as Miriam threatens to expose Lacson's sexuality

 News
Feb 122013
 
Senate war gets uglier as Miriam threatens to expose Lacson's sexuality

The discord within the Senate got uglier Wednesday after Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago launched another attack against Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, this time threatening to expose his real sexuality. “Maghanda ka (Lacson) dahil meron akong parliamentary immunity, ibulgar ko lahat ng kasalanan mo pati ang sexuality mo,” Santiago said in a radio interview. She noted that Lacson, former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is known to some people as “Pinky Lacson.” In a text message to GMA News Online, Lacson denied being gay as insinuated by Santiago. “I am sorry to disappoint the lady senator. If she’s insinuating some lunatic idea about my sexuality, let me emphasize this — I am not gay and I do not intend to be one,” he said. Santiago, who is waiting to be summoned by the International Criminal Court where she has been named judge, said she will try to remain a senator for another month when Congress resumes session in June to answer Lacson’s allegation that she is using Senate funds for her personal needs. ‘Pinky’ Lacson “[Tatawad ako para] masagot ko naman ‘yung mga pagbibintang ni… ‘di ko na alam pangalan niya, kasi ibang tao tawag sa kanya Ping Lacson, ibang tao naman tawag sa kanya Pinky Lacson,” the feisty lawmaker said. She also said that she will find out all of Lacson’s wrongdoings and expose them. “Tapos ikaw (Lacson) hindi ka na senador wala ka nang parliamentary immunity pag sumagot ka sa akin demanda kita ng libel,” Santiago said. Lacson Read More …

Comelec notes continued violations of campaign rules

 News
Feb 122013
 
Comelec notes continued violations of campaign rules

The Commission on Elections on Wednesday found continued violations of the campaign rules for the May elections as it started a “documentation tour” of compliance with campaign rules. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez led the team that took pictures of the campaign posters. Among the first seen by the Comelec were campaign materials of Kabataan party-list on the posts of LRT in front of Luneta Park and along Taft Avenue in Manila. Comelec spokesman James Arthur Jimenez posted on Twitter a photo of posters plastered along Taft Avenue, belonging to the youth-oriented party list. In his post, he indicated the photo was taken as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. There was also an oversized tarpaulin of Buhay party-list hanging on an electric post along Quirino Avenue. The poll body prohibits posting of campaign materials on public infrastructures, among others. Comelec earlier said those who will be found to have illegal campaign posters will be given a notice which they should act on within three days or they will be charged with an election offense. The Comelec is now enforcing campaign rules for candidates in the senatorial and party-list elections, after the campaign period for such posts started on Tuesday. “(The candidates concerned), however, will have to be given official notice of this violation, and the opportunity to address (the) problem,” Jimenez earlier said on his Twitter account.  As of posting time, the areas covered by the documentation tour are Intramuros, Finance Road, Taft Avenue and Quirino Avenue in Manila. Earlier in the Read More …

UNA may drop Chiz as candidate after proclamation rally snub

 News
Feb 122013
 
UNA may drop Chiz as candidate after proclamation rally snub

(Updated 12:30 p.m.) TAGBILARAN CITY — The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) may drop re-electionist Senator Francis Escudero as its guest candidate if he continues to snub its sorties, Vice President and coalition stalwart Jejomar Binay said Wednesday. Binay said Escudero is “likely” to be removed as UNA senatorial bet if he repeatedly fails to show up or send a representative to the coalition’s political rally, similar to what happened during the coalition’s kickoff sortie in Cebu on Tuesday night. “Sa sitwasyon ngayon, kami naman ang kawawa sa usapan na ito. Siya, dinadala natin, pero paano naman kami?” Binay told reporters. He added that Escudero will be given the chance to make up for his absence in UNA’s first official sortie, since the senator has already made a commitment to attend future political rallies of the coalition. “Alam mo naman na may usapan na sila ay sasama sa sortie naming paminsan-minsan. Tingnan natin kung darating na sila… In fairness to him [Escudero], he requested to attend the LP [Liberal Party] sortie,” Binay said. In a text message to GMA News Online, Escudero said he was not able send a representative to UNA’s rally like his fellow common candidates Sen. Loren Legarda and former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares for obvious reasons. “Di tulad ni Loren, wala na akong tatay. At di tulad ni Grace, five years old pa lang mga anak ko. Sent a video message but they decided not to show it,” he said. Read More …

Moderate rains expected over Eastern Luzon, Visayas

 News
Feb 122013
 
Moderate rains expected over Eastern Luzon, Visayas

Satellite image at 8 a.m., 13 Feb 2013. Satellite image at 8 a.m., 13 Feb 2013 Weather Central Rain may fall over the eastern parts of Luzon and Visayas due to the northeast monsoon on Wednesday, state weather forecasters said. PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier also said Metro Manila is no longer likely to experience a repeat of Tuesday’s surprise rain showers. “Kahapon kasi kaya tayo inulan, lumakas ang northeast monsoon at tumagos sa Luzon, umabot sa Metro Manila. Light rain lang naman,” Javier said in an interview on dzBB radio. Effects of Amihan monsoon “The northeast monsoon has strengthened as it now affects the entire eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas.  For the whole day today, light to moderate rainshowers or thunderstorms should be expected over eastern —Samar and Leyte provinces—  and central —Cebu and Bohol— sections of  Visayas and the whole of Mindanao, particularly in CARAGA and Davao regions,” said GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz. “Bicol, Quezon, and parts of southern Luzon –particularly MIMAROPA)— as well as Batanes and extreme northern Luzon will also have light rains today,” he added.   24-hour weather forecast ending 8 a.m., February 14, 2013  In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA also said the northeast monsoon is affecting Eastern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. PAGASA said Eastern and Central Visayas and Caraga will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms. Cagayan Valley, Aurora and Quezon provinces, and Bicol will experience cloudy skies with light rain. Metro Manila and the rest Read More …

Binay: Chinese New Year reminder of PHL, China brotherhood

 News
Feb 102013
 
Binay: Chinese New Year reminder of PHL, China brotherhood

Chinese New Year. Seng Guan (信願寺) temple in Manila’s Chinatown district on Sunday was crowded with people mostly wearing red, hoping for good luck and happiness in the Year of the Snake. Klein Sze/ Ang Pahayagang Plaridel The celebration of the Chinese New Year should be a reminder to the peoples of the Philippines and China of their brotherhood amid their seeming differences, Vice President Jejomar Binay said Sunday. In his Chinese New Year message, Binay said the kinship of the Filipinos and Chinese span millennia, and Sunday’s occasion reminds them they can work together harmoniously. “New Year celebrations such as this remind us that China and the Philippines have more similarities than differences, more brotherhood than anything else,” he said in his message posted on his Facebook account. The Philippines and China had been engaged in a territorial dispute over parts of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). Last January, the Philippines handed a note verbale to Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing to notify China of its decision to elevate its complaint to an Arbitral Tribunal. The Arbitral Tribunal is an option provided for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China’s nine-dash line overlaps with the territories of its Asian neighbors like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. But Binay also pointed out several Filipino customs sprout from Chinese roots. He also said the age-old values of hard work, respect for elders, and sense of duty to our country “are common threads Read More …

PNP: Number of Comelec gun ban violations now over 700

 News
Feb 102013
 
PNP: Number of Comelec gun ban violations now over 700

The number of violations of the Commission on Elections’ gun ban breached the 700 mark as of Sunday afternoon, the Philippine National Police said. Law enforcers have also seized more than 600 firearms and 4,000 rounds of ammunition since the ban started Jan. 13, radio dzBB’s Divine Caraecle reported. As of Sunday, the report said at least 704 violators had been arrested for violating the ban, 626 of them civilians. Other arrested violators included three soldiers, 12 PNP personnel, one Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, 11 government employees, and 50 security guards. The gun ban will remain in effect until June 12. While the gun ban is in effect, only law enforcers in uniform and on duty are allowed to carry firearms outside their homes. In general, permits to carry firearms outside residences are suspended. — LBG, GMA News

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