Maniolas

President Benigno S. Aquino III along with former DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas, Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo and DILG Secretary Senen Sarmiento are prayed over by Bishop Francisco Santos and Bishop Jonel MIlan during the Thanksgiving Celebration and National Transformation Assembly of the Tarlac First Baptist Church. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Tuesday denied a newspaper report linking him to supposed attempts to bribe justices of the Supreme Court (SC) to disqualify one of his opponents in the presidential race, Senator Grace Poe. “Walang katotohanan. Siyento por siyento, kasinungalingan ito. Unang-una, hindi namin gawain ‘yan. Pangalawa ay wala sa track record namin ang ganoong gawain, ang ganoong pag-iisip, ang ganoong pagtatangka,” Roxas told reporters in a chance interview. Roxas, who was in Davao Region Tuesday, said he would rather focus on his campaign than pay attention to such baseless reports. “Hindi ito parang pingpong na may mga wala namang basehan o wala namang tinuturo na ebidensiya, pero bigla na lang ay may paratang na ibabato o itatapon. So bakit namin papansinin ‘yan eh wala namang katotohanan ‘yan,” he said. Roxas also pointed out that several appointed justices of President Benigno Aquino III appear to side in favor of Poe during the oral arguments. “Sa question and answer … yung mga appointee ni Pangulong Aquino ang isa sa mga napaka-aktibo sa paglilitis na ginaganap ngayon sa Supreme Court. So walang katotohanan ito,” he said. Earlier in the day, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. Read More …

Sharlene San Pedro (MNS Photo) Some eight years ago, Sharlene San Pedro appeared as host on “Goin’ Bulilit,” impersonating Korina Sanchez on “Rated KKK, Handa Na Ba Ako?” It became a huge favorite among fans, who still remember her well for it. Fast forward to 2016, Sharlene is all grown up and ready to take on more challenges. Most recently, she has been turning heads as MYX VJ. It all started with a guest stint on the music channel early last year. Sharlene was actually hesitant to take on the task fearing what it entails. “Na-pressure ako. Feeling ko may expectations silang sobra sa akin as VJ eh, wala naman pala. Lahat kami sa show masaya lang,” she said. She has since gotten the hang of it. “Enjoy ako dito kasi wala kang pino-portray na character. Kung sino ka, ’yun ang dapat mong ipakita sa tao,” she said, adding that she is flattered with the good feedback she’s been getting from fans. Part of the fun of the job is getting to learn more about the music and the artists she listens to. “Kasi kailangan mag-research ka din. Panoorin mo muna ’yung videos na ipapalabas niyo para kapag on-air na meron kayong masasabi sa mga viewers niyo,” she said. A college freshman at the University of the Philippines Diliman taking up BS Psychology, she intends to finish her course should her showbiz career fail to take off. For now, though, she is staying put. “Sabi kasi ni mommy na hangga’t Read More …

A new addition to the German carmaker’s most popular car range — the compact sporty Macan SUV — promises to perform despite having just four cylinders. The 2017 model year four-cylinder Porsche Macan.© Porsche AG When it goes on sale in June, the new model will cost from €55,669 (roughly $60,000 before taxes and destination charges) yet will still be able to keep up with its more expensive six-cylinder brethren. Porsche claims that the two-litre turbocharged engine under the car’s hood was specifically developed for this model and will deliver a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds, a top speed of 229km/h and has 252hp on tap. That power goes via a seven-speed paddle-operated PDK dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels. Helping owners make the most of the engine’s capabilities is a traction management control system that is as good at keeping the car planted when driving on the limit as it is at finding grip in icy conditions. And Porsche hasn’t scrimped on the interior. Many of the features and equipment on the new model are the same as those found on faster, more expensive models, including electrically adjustable seats, Alcantara trim, the Porsche infotainment package and an automated tailgate.   ch/cd – Relaxnews

— Warehouse personnel unload 2016 automated election ballots from a truck to a rented warehouse in Marcos Highway, Marikina City on Friday. The printing of 55.7 million ballots is still underway, but the Commission on Elections assured that the ballots will be ready for the May 9 national and local elections. (MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – Malacanang on Thursday said it is confident that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be able to pull off an uneventful presidential election in May amid the Supreme Court’s (SC) order for the printing of voter receipts. “We trust that the COMELEC will exert all efforts to ensure the orderly conduct of the national elections while complying with the Constitution and with the Supreme Court decision,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a text message. This was in response to Comelec chair Andres Bautista’s statement on Wednesday that the poll body might need to postpone the May 9 polls to comply with the SC ruling. The high court on Wednesday directed the Comelec to ensure that voter receipts will be printed to allow voters to verify their choices. The order granted the petition for mandamus filed by senatorial candidate Richard Gordon and his party Bagumbayan-VNP Movement Inc. Gordon and his group argued that such “physical record” would ensure a transparent and credible election. Gordon called the ruling a victory of “democracy and transparency.” However, Bautista said the printing of receipts will delay Comelec’s timeline. “We are looking at what are the Read More …

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago greets supporters during a campaign event at the University if Perpetual Help University in Biñan, Laguna on March 1. Santiago consistently topped a number of student-led election surveys organized in major universities around the country.(MNS photo) CAVITE, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – Presidential candidate Mar Roxas on Thursday said he is open to any lifestyle check following the call of one of his rivals, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, to bare where their huge campaign funds come from. Santiago on Wednesday said the “scandalous amounts” her rivals have so far spent for election advertisements should prompt graft and corruption investigations. Santiago, author of the proposed Anti-Premature Campaigning Law, questioned how other presidential aspirants can afford to spend for their respective campaigns way beyond the wealth declared in their statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). Roxas said he has nothing to hide and all his campaign expenses, including the donations, will all be documented and submitted to the Commission on Elections at the proper time. “Okay ako sa lifestyle check. Lahat ito isusubmit, bukas ito at walang itinatago, lahat malinis,” Roxas said. Santiago cited a report of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism which said that the Liberal Party bet has already spent P969 million despite a net worth of only P202 million, as indicated in his latest SALN. Roxas said his campaign expenses are coming from different sources. “May mga personal, may mga donations,” he said. Santiago also cited the expenses of other presidential bets, such as Read More …