Maniolas

Janet Lim Napoles arrives at the Senate for the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged P10 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, which reportedly involves her group and several legislators. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – The plunder trial of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles and Gigi Reyes began Wednesday at the Sandiganbayan, with Napoles’ property custodian first to testify. The two women’s plunder case on their alleged involvement in Senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s alleged P172 million kickbacks is the first pork barrel case to move on to the trial phase since the scandal broke out in 2013. Marina Sula, property custodian of Janet Lim Napoles Corporation who became president of Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation Inc. (MAMFI), was the first witness to testify in the trial. In Wednesday’s hearing, Sula narrated how she helped Napoles come up with names of fake non-government organizations (NGOs) used in funneling money from lawmakers’ pork barrel. She said Napoles instructed her and another employee, Merlina Sunas, to produce a list of possible names of NGOs. She claimed to have registered at least 20 fake NGOs at the Securities and Exchanges Commission, and opened bank accounts for each organization. During the direct examination, Sula identified the incorporators of the NGOs involved in Enrile’s case as house helpers and drivers of Napoles, while two are relatives of Sunas who had no knowledge that they would be registered as NGO officials. It was also mentioned in the hearing that Napoles had Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2016 East-West Center (EWC) / East-West Center Association (EWCA) International Conference at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (January 15). (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – No credible threat has been monitored in the country despite the recent terror attacks in Jakarta, Indonesia, President Aquino assured the public on Friday. The President, however, said the government would remain vigilant and continue to boost intelligence sharing with other regional allies to thwart any security threat as well as prevent radicalization of persons who become threats to peace and order. Target-hardening efforts across the country will also be sustained to keep the country safe from lawless elements, according to the President. “The last report I read says there is no credible threat,” the President said in a press conference during a visit in the province of Bulacan. “Is there a general threat? Yes. We are not immune to extremism but all our agencies, law enforcement and intelligence, are focused on this problem and trying to thwart potential problems,” added Aquino who met with top security officials last Thursday shortly after the attacks in Indonesia. Aquino admitted that authorities have monitored two Filipinos, one living in Saudi Arabia and the other in Lebanon, who attempted to join a group of Islamic militants. These two half-Filipinos, however, never lived in the country, he said. “Now, having said that, we have a big population in Middle East, Read More …

(photo courtesy of UP Program for Environmental Governance Facebook page) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the University of the Philippines (UP) have forged a partnership to launch a unique training program focusing on environmental governance. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje and UP President Alfredo Pascual will lead the unveiling of the UP Program for Environmental Governance or UPPEG at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman on Jan. 18. UPPEG is the newest training program being offered by the country’s premier university. It harnesses the “multi-disciplinary expertise” of the DENR and the UP System—through its Center for Integrative and Development Studies—in the field of environmental governance. The training program is open to all government and private organizations that have a stake in effective environmental governance like the Department of the Interior and Local Government and peoples organizations. UPPEG taps the expertise of 22 high ranking UP professors as trainers. They are expected to promote the program’s primary objective of strengthening the competence of environmental authorities, especially those who are at the forefront of implementing the government’s policies on natural resource conservation and protection. The trainers will discuss issues ranging from policy formulation and analysis, transformational leadership, conflict resolution, effective communication skills, resource mobilization for business development and networking, environmental management planning, and managing environmental risks and resiliency. Thirty provincial environment and natural resources officers or PENROS comprise the first batch of trainees under a six-module program consisting of 19 sessions to be Read More …

Ciara Sotto (MNS photo) Actress Ciara Sotto finally broke her silence on rumors that she has left her husband, Jojo Oconer, and their home. In an Instagram post, Sotto confirmed that she has decided to go back to the house of her parents, Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa. She said the past weeks have been difficult for her and her son. “The truth is painful, but it is what it is. I know that the Lord will strengthen me after this,” she wrote. “I prefer to keep my privacy at this time and I would appreciate the public respecting this. Thank you to those who are sending me messages of support and encouragement.” Sotto did not say the exact reason why she left her husband and their home. But in her Instagram posts last week, the actress hinted at instances of cheating. Sotto married Oconer in 2010. They gave birth to their first child, Vincezo Xose, last year. (MNS)

President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the concession agreement from BulacanGovWinhelminoSy-Alvarado for the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project at the Atis Function Hall of the BarCie International Center in Catmon, Malolos City, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The concession agreement will undertake the detailed design, construction, and maintenance of the conveyance facilities, treatment facilities and water source within a 30-year concession period. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III reiterated on Friday his reasons for turning down a bill providing for the increase in pensions of Social Security System (SSS) members. Aquino, during an event in Bulacan, said it was unfair to grant the increase at the expense of the other SSS members. “Matutuwa yung 2 million, mapapahamak yung 30 million. Tama ba ang pagbabantay natin ng pondong ito?” he said during an ambush interview broadcasted over state-run Radyo ng Bayan. (While 2 million (members) will be delighted, the other 30 million will be at risk. Are watching over this fund appropriately?) The President discussed the factors considered, including the current income generated by SSS and the current economic and financial situation affecting the agency’s holdings. President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the 3rd Global Social Business Summit and Gawad Kalinga’s 13th Anniversary at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation of the GK Enchanted Farm in Barangay Encanto, Angat, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The event has for its theme: “The Business of Kindness: Doing Good Makes Business Read More …