Aug 252015
 
Aquino assures OFWs of safeguards to prevent abuse in balikbayan box inspections

President Benigno S. Aquino III is the guest of honor in the El Shaddai Charismatic Renewal Movement 31st anniversary celebration, coinciding with the 76th birthday of its spiritual leader-founder Mariano Z. Velarde, also known as Brother Mike, at the El Shaddai House of Prayer at Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City Sunday morning, (August 23). After the program, the President, along with Bro. Mike, DILG Sec. Manuel Roxas III, and DND Sec. Voltaire Gazmin had a private breakfast. (MNS photo) CEBU CITY (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that safeguards will be put in place to prevent abuse in balikbayan box inspections. At a media briefing here, Aquino said he will review the Bureau of Customs’ proposed new policies in balikbayan box inspections with customs and finance officials on Monday afternoon. The BOC has earlier announced that it will issue stricter guidelines on balikbayan boxes by October in an effort to curb technical smuggling. In various posts on social media, OFWs complained that the measure would be an additional burden to them. Others have urged their fellow migrant workers to stop sending their packages until BOC clarifies the plan. Meanwhile, Customs chief Alberto Lina defended Monday the agency’s plan to open balikbayan boxes, saying the bureau is mandated to prevent the entry of contraband items as well as assess the value of items that need to be taxed. Lina said that under the law, the bureau can inspect all balikbayan boxes entering the Read More …

Aug 252015
 
Pemberton admits choking Laude to death

Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton when his mug shot was taken by Philippine National Police personnel. Pemberton is accused of murdering transgender Jennifer Laude in Olongapo, Philippines. MANILA (Mabuhay) – US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton admitted on Monday that he choked Jennifer Laude to death after learning that she was also a “man.” Pemberton made the admission during the hearing on Laude’s murder at the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74. Pemberton strangled and dragged Laude after discovering that she was a transgender, Laude family lawyer Harry Roque told reporters. In his testimony, Pemberton said that on Oct. 11, 2014, he went to the mall and several bars as part of his “liberty time.” After going to several bars, he went back to the mall and later went to Ambyanz Resto Bar where he met “two women,” one whom was Laude. He said Laude and the other unidentified woman went with him to Cellzone Lodge where one of the women performed oral sex on him. After the woman left, Pemberton and Laude were left alone inside the hotel room, where Laude also began performed oral sex on him. During the sex act, Pemberton said, he reached down between Laude’s legs and discovered that his sex partner had a penis. According to Pemberton, he got angry – feeling that he was being raped by another man. The American said he pushed Laude but the latter retaliated by slapping him. Pemberton said he then choked Laude. When he saw Read More …

Aug 252015
 
Aquino thumbs down call to be Mar’s VP

President Benigno S. Aquino III is the guest of honor in the El Shaddai Charismatic Renewal Movement 31st anniversary celebration, coinciding with the 76th birthday of its spiritual leader-founder Mariano Z. Velarde, also known as Brother Mike, at the El Shaddai House of Prayer at Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City Sunday morning, (August 23). Accompanying the President are DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas III and DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (MNS photo) CEBU CITY (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday rejected an administration lawmaker’s call for him to be Interior Secretary Mar Roxas’ running mate for the 2016 polls. In a media briefing here, Aquino said running for vice president will not sit well with his family. “Habang tinatanong mo sa akin ‘yan parang nakikita ko na ‘yung mga kapatid ko naiyak na at ‘yung mga pamangkin ko humahagulhol na,” the President told reporters. Aquino added that he could have agreed to earlier proposals for him to extend his term if he really wanted to stay in power. “Kung gagawin na rin naman lahat ‘nung trabaho, siguro dapat sumang-ayon na ako doon sa mungkahing pagtingin ‘nung Konstitutsyon ulit at term extension,” he said. The President further said that he should allow Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, whom he endorsed as his preferred successor last month, to continue the reforms that he started. “Kung sa atin parati iaasa ‘yan baka hindi tayo nakakatulong doon sa manigurado na tuluy-tuloy itong arangkadang nangyayari sa ating bansa,” Aquino said. Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, a Read More …