Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada get longer visiting hours on New Year’s Eve

 News
Dec 292014
 
Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada get longer visiting hours on New Year’s Eve

Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada will be able to spend more time with their families this coming New Year’s Eve at their detention facility inside Camp Crame after the Philippine National Police approved their request. According to deputy PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Robert Po, the request of the two senators were partially approved. “I think it was granted partially but they were given a little leeway,” he said at a briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon Ciy. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor last week said the two senators have asked to be allowed to entertain visitors until 2 a.m., or a nine-hour extension in their regular visiting hours.  The regular visiting hours are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. This year, the New Year’s Eve will fall on a Wednesday. “I am not sure how long the extension was granted but not the whole request was granted,” Po further noted. Visitors of the two lawmakers may bring food like lechon or roasted pig. However, dancing on loud music is prohibited. Any form of gadgets will not be allowed inside the PNP Custodial Center, where the two senators are detained. Po said visiting rules will be strictly implemented. Revilla and Estrada are facing plunder and graft cases before the Sandiganbayan for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. They were earlier allowed by the PNP to hold a Christmas party for their families at their detention facility. Read More …

Filipina chosen for Tournament of Roses Royal Court

 Entertainment
Dec 292014
 
Filipina chosen for Tournament of Roses Royal Court

Gabrielle Current The 126th Rose Parade is just days away, and one Filipina worthy of a mention is on the Royal Court. Gabrielle Current, who lives in Pasadena and is a senior at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy was selected from over 800 young women who competed for the honor of serving as a member of the 2015 Tournament of Roses Royal Court. Gabrielle is a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. As the President of Vivace & Friends, she was responsible for producing a benefit concert this summer that raised $5,000 for Youth Orchestra Los Angeles.  She is a model and is currently signed with LA MODELS and has been featured in ad campaigns for Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Target, Ross, Kohls, among many others.  Gabrielle loves musical theater and has performed in Phantom of the Opera, Titanic, God Spell, West Side Story, 9 to 5, and Xanadu.  She hones her voice by studying Classical Voice at the prestigious Colburn School of Music in Downtown LA.  Her plan is to attend college after graduating in 2015 and to major in music management. Gabrielle Current The Royal Court is comprised of seven girls who were chosen based on a number of criteria, including poise, personality, public speaking ability, academic achievement, and community and school involvement. They serve as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses – It is a very prestigious honor, but not an easy feat to pull off with grace.  Gabrielle has attended over 100 public Read More …

US Marine: PHL has no case

 Entertainment
Dec 292014
 
US Marine: PHL has no case

Pemberton asks court to dismiss criminal charges AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. (left) and US Marine officials inspect the 20-ft. shipping container which was converted into a temporary detention cell for USMC Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, suspect in the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey Laude, in Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, October 22. (MNS photo) Manila, Philippines  – A US Marine facing trial for the murder of a Filipina transgender woman urged the Philippine Department of Justice on Monday to dismiss the case against him. In a petition filed with the department, the lawyer for Private First Class Joseph Pemberton argued that prosecutors did not present enough evidence to charge him with the killing of Jennifer Laude. The body of Laude 26, also known as Jeffrey, was found at a cheap hotel in the red light district of the northern port of Olongapo in October after she checked in with Pemberton, police in that city said. But the petition argued that the evidence linking Pemberton to the killing was “based on nothing but conjectures and speculations”. “There was no evidence presented as to the details of the purported assault during the preliminary investigation other than the surmises and conjectures of the supposed witnesses and the baseless conclusions of the (Olongapo) police,” the petition argued. The murder case against Pemberton was filed with an Olongapo court which issued a formal arrest warrant for him last week. However a petition to the justice department is also an option Read More …

No free movies for senior citizens during filmfests –lawyer

 News
Dec 292014
 
No free movies for senior citizens during filmfests –lawyer

Unang.HiritDecember 29, 2014, 8:00 pm MondayNarito ang presyo ng ilang bilog na prutas, na sinasabing swerte ang hatid sa unang… 24OrasGMADecember 29, 2014, 6:29 pm MondayNarito na ang malalaking balitang aming tinutukan sa nakalipas na #24Oras. Tumutok na sa GMA-7… tunaynabuhayDecember 29, 2014, 6:00 pm MondaySa mga anak ng mag-asawang sina Eddie Gutierrez at Annabelle Rama, isa si Ruffa Gutierrez… GMAMagpakailanmanDecember 29, 2014, 5:21 pm MondayLaban, Jamich! Kaya niyo yan! AlistoGMADecember 29, 2014, 5:04 pm MondayMaraming salamat sa panonood ninyo, mga Igan. Hanggang sa susunod na Lunes, sama-sama tayong maging… EBdabarkadsDecember 29, 2014, 4:52 pm Monday“2014 Rewind: He wins.” — MTV https://www.facebook.com/MTV/posts/10152551421781701 Winner talaga ang mga makeup transformation ni Paolo… GMAMagpakailanmanDecember 29, 2014, 3:50 pm MondayKung kakaunti lang ang meron ka, hanggang saan ang tulong na kaya mong iabot sa… kapusomojessicasohoDecember 29, 2014, 1:48 pm MondayHindi talaga nagpaawat ang kilig dahil nagtrending din po kagabi ang DongYan, si Marian Rivera… EBdabarkadsDecember 29, 2014, 12:08 pm MondayEat Bulaga na po! 😀 Ating balikan ang isa sa nagpasaya sa inyong tanghalian ngayong… tunaynabuhayDecember 29, 2014, 12:00 pm MondayBago sumabak sa politika, marami muna ang pinakilig ni Isko Moreno noong siya ay nasa… EBdabarkadsDecember 29, 2014, 11:35 am MondayMga Dabarkads, panoorin po natin ulit ang The Ryzza Mae House! 😀 Tutok na sa… Unang.HiritDecember 29, 2014, 11:00 am MondayAyon kay DOTC Sec. Jun Abaya, pag-aaralan ng ahensya at ng iba pang kaugnay na… Unang.HiritDecember 29, 2014, 10:00 am MondayAyon sa PAGASA, lumakas pa ang Bagyong #SeniangPH matapos mag-landfall ito sa Hinatuan, Surigao del… Read More …

Earthquake shakes southern Philippines

 General
Dec 292014
 
Earthquake shakes southern Philippines

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook parts of the southern Philippines on Monday but was too far offshore to cause serious damage, Philippine and US agencies said. The quake’s epicentre was in the Sulu Sea, about 205 kilometres (127 miles) west of the southern port city of Zamboanga, said Philippine government seismologist Ishmael Larag. The quake set furniture swaying in Zamboanga but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. “It was too far from inhabited areas to cause damage,” Larag told AFP in Manila. No tsunami warning was issued although there may be aftershocks, he said. The US Geological Survey said the quake was 37 kilometres (23 miles deep).

AFP units on patrol told to be on the lookout for missing AirAsia plane

 News
Dec 292014
 
AFP units on patrol told to be on the lookout for missing AirAsia plane

Navy and Air Force units conducting maritime patrols in Philippine waters have been ordered “to be extra observant” for potential leads that will help in the search for AirAsia flight QZ8501, which went missing Sunday morning. According to a press release from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, two C-130s, two Fokker planes, an Islander aircraft, and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz have been told to “report any unusual sightings”. Air traffic control lost contact with the AirAsia airplane, which was flying to Singapore from Surabaya in Indonesia, on Sunday morning after the pilot asked for a course change because of bad weather. Indonesian authorities believe the plane may have gone into the Java Sea. — JDS, GMA News

Solon seeks steep penalties for making, spreading bomb jokes

 General
Dec 292014
 
Solon seeks steep penalties for making, spreading bomb jokes

A lawmaker has proposed fines of as much as half a million pesos for pranksters who make and spread bomb jokes. House Bill 5294, filed by Agusan del Norte Rep. Erlpe John Amante, seeks to impose steep fines on people who spread bomb jokes and those who maliciously accuse another person of being the prankster. The measure, known as the proposed “Anti-Threat Jokes Act of 2014”, imposes a penalty of imprisonment of from six months to a year or a fine of from P100,000 to P500,000 on those who make bomb jokes.  The bill also proposes a penalty of six months to one-year imprisonment or a fine of P300,000 to P1 million on any person found to have maliciously and willfully accused another person or entity of making bomb jokes with the full knowledge that the charges are false. Presidential Decree 1727, the existing law penalizing those who make bomb jokes, provides for imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to P40,000 for pranksters. No laughing matter Aside from penalizing pranksters found guilty of spreading bomb jokes, HB 5294 prohibits any person or entity from maliciously and willfully disseminating the false presence or threats of bombs, explosives, incendiary devices, and other life-threatening materials by word of mouth or in written, printed, electronic communications, such as but not limited to electronic mails and social media.  Noxious gases, poisonous substances, and biological weapons are considered life-threatening materials that should not be joked about.  Amante said Congress must legislate Read More …

14 Filipino journalists to ride Papal plane

 News
Dec 292014
 
14 Filipino journalists to ride Papal plane

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in history, Filipino journalists will join the Pope on board the Papal plane when he flies from Rome to the Philippines next year. Bishop Mylo Vergara, during a press conference on Monday, said 14 local journalists from Catholic, broadcast and print media will have the opportunity to join Pope Francis on the long-haul flight. “The Holy See press office has managed to include, in the official list of the Vatican Accredited Media Personnel (VAMP), 14 Filipino journalists,” Vergara said. “They are tasked to cover the papal visit starting from Rome, to Sri Lanka to the Philippines from January 12 to 19, 2015.” Pope Francis will visit the Philippines next month. He is set to arrive in Manila on January 15 and will later head to Leyte to meet with survivors of super typhoon “Yolanda.” Among the names mentioned were Lito Zulueta from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Lynda Jumilla-Abalos from ABS-CBN, Kara David from GMA 7, and Pia Hontiveros from 9TV. Other media networks with representatives are TV5 Network Inc., CBCP News, Radyo Veritas and Union of Catholic Asia News (UCAN). “One significant event that I’m sure those included in the Papal flight may experience is the press conference, which Pope Francis does during the Papal flight,” Vergara explained. The bishop called the opportunity “one of the great Christmas gifts” to Filipinos this year. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Read More …

#InquirerSeven Most Fist-Pumping Stories of Pinoy Pride of 2014

 News
Dec 282014
 
#InquirerSeven Most Fist-Pumping Stories of Pinoy Pride of 2014

popular Militant commander who facilitated Peshawar school attack killed 47 relatives, friends of 57 passengers register with Changi Airport Indonesia resumes search for missing AirAsia plane UN going bananas 1 dead, hundreds stranded in Greek ferry disaster  High-profile inmates crave taste of good life Diseased hierarchy Malaysia Airlines sympathizes with AirAsia over missing QZ8501 flight videos 40th MMFF Awards Night 2014 MMFF New Wave PM leads remembrance ceremony marking 10th anniversary of tsunami Thousands protest in Mexico City over missing students Prayers offered at tsunami memorial for hundreds killed in 2004 MANILA, Philippines –  With 2014 slowly moving over to usher the new year, INQUIRER.net looks at all the triumphs of Filipinos around the world that brought pride to the country. This fourth of seven #InquirerSeven listicles remembers the seven Most Fist-Pumping Stories of Pinoy Pride of 2014. Read the full list of the Inquirer #BestOfSeven 2014 Yearender special. MICHAEL MARTINEZ WINS HEARTS AT OLYMPICS Despite being the Philippines’ lone entry in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and finishing 19th out of 24, 19-year-old Michael Martinez won the hearts of many Filipinos for his gutsy and passionate performance. REFRESH YOUR MEMORY: Sochi Olympics: Martinez ends up at 19th but gains attention of nation, world Lone PH bet Martinez stands tall at Sochi Winter Olympics Michael Martinez conquers Sochi with gutsy performance in Men’s Free Skating FILIPINOS RETURN TO STAGE ‘MISS SAIGON’ Following in the footsteps of award-winner Lea Salonga, Filipinos took to the stage in the 2014 revival of “Miss Read More …

Saudi: Salaries will not be cut to curb spending

 General
Dec 282014
 
Saudi: Salaries will not be cut to curb spending

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia is not planning to cut public salaries, wages and allowances, state-run media reported Sunday, just days after a statement said efforts were being made to reduce government spending in the face of a nearly $39 billion deficit that is largely due to falling oil prices. The Saudi Press Agency quoted an unnamed Finance Ministry official as saying there is no validity to comments being made on social media that the government plans to cut wages. The official said that neither Finance Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf nor any other official from the ministry made such statements. On Thursday, an official statement carried on SPA in English said there would be “more efforts to reduce current expenditures, especially expenses of salaries, wages, allowances and the like, which represent nearly 50 percent of the approved budget expenditures” for 2015. A hashtag on Twitter about reducing wages has since attracted thousands of comments, reflecting the sensitivity of any discussion of public sector wages — the main source of income for most employed Saudis. The International Monetary Fund says Saudis are primarily employed in the public sector, which is also the leading source of new jobs. Of the kingdom’s roughly 20 million citizens, 67 percent are under the age of 30. Many youth seeking to marry are struggling to afford housing — a common prerequisite to marriage in the Middle East. Last year, hundreds of thousands of users weighed in under the Twitter hashtag: “The salary does not cover the Read More …

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