Philippine mayor arrested, escorted to graft hearing

 General
Jan 292015
 
Philippine mayor arrested, escorted to graft hearing

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The mayor of the Philippines’ main financial district was arrested Thursday for contempt and escorted to a Senate hearing to answer allegations of corruption after he repeatedly snubbed the legislature. Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. was picked up by Senate security personnel on orders of lawmakers investigating allegedly anomalous contracts in the city. Binay Jr. succeeded his father Jejomar Binay as mayor of the country’s wealthiest city after the latter was elected vice president in 2010. He was detained at the office of the Senate sergeant-at-arms then escorted to a sub-committee hearing amid shouts by his supporters. He refused to answer questions, saying his lawyers have advised him not to attend because they were questioning the Senate’s jurisdiction. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, chairman of the sub-committee, took note of Binay’s position and allowed him to leave more three hours after his arrest. The Binays have emerged as a powerful political dynasty and the father has been mentioned as a possible presidential contender in 2016. They have been dogged by criticism of nepotism and alleged corruption, which they deny. “Let me be clear, we are not fighting with the Senate as an institution,” Mayor Binay told the commitee. “What we are saying is we also have rights which need to be heard.” Pimentel insisted that his sub-committee has jurisdiction. The Binays also face plunder charges before the anti-graft prosecutor for the same allegedly overpriced projects. Binay later complained at a news conference that the Senate refused Read More …

BCDA: NLEX-SCTEX integration deal to be signed next month

 Entertainment
Jan 292015
 
BCDA: NLEX-SCTEX integration deal to be signed next month

Senate President Franklin Drilon delivering his eulogy for former Senator Flavier. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is targeting to seal the P600-million deal that would integrate the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) by early February. In a statement emailed Wednesday, the agency said it is coordinating with Manila North Tollways Corp. to speed up the signing of the agreement on the integration of the two expressways ahead of the February 12 deadline set by Senate President Franklin Drilon. “We are working at signing the agreement in the first week of February,” BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova said. “We are just waiting for the go-signal of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel before we can sign off on the agreement,” he added. Once signed, the toll integration agreement will be submitted to the Toll Regulatory Board for approval, the BCDA said. Drilon earlier met with the BCDA and the operators of the expressways in North Luzon to discuss the integration after his trip to Baguio during the holidays took 11 hours. At present, the operations of the SCTEX and TPLEX are already partially integrated, with motorists no longer needing to queue separately in La Paz to pay and get new toll cards for SCTEX and TPLEX. “We just need to thresh out details on the settlement of payments and other documentation,” Casanova said. There are also discussions between SCTEX and TPLEX to make driving through Read More …

Xian Lim’s exclusion from series a non issue — director

 General
Jan 292015
 
Xian Lim's exclusion from series a non issue -- director

DIRECTOR Richard Somes came to Xian Lim’s defense after the actor received negative write ups on his sudden exclusion from upcoming ABS-CBN series “Bridges of Love”. In an interview with Somes on Wednesday, he said that there was just a big demand from fans for Kim Chiu and Xian to reunite in a project. “That’s why pinagsama sila ulit kasi, nami-miss na ang partnership nila,” Somes said. Kim and Xian last worked together in hit primetime series “Ina, Kapatid, Anak,” which ran from October 2012 to June 2013. Somes also denied speculations that Xian was removed from the project because of bad acting. He said Xian has a “very good” acting range. “Ang actors sa ABS-CBN, they are all very good in terms of acting and how they deal sa set. Honestly, outsider akong director pero I haven’t seen any problem,” he said. “Kung anuman ‘yong isyu kay Xian or kung bakit pinalitan, wala akong problemang nakita. First hand, nakita ko talaga kung paano ka-dedicated si Xian or kung gaano niya kamahal ang role niya. Huwag na lang natin pansinin kasi hindi ‘yan totoo. Kung anuman ‘yan mga blind item na ‘yan, hindi ‘yan totoo.” ABS-CBN released a statement last January 10 confirming Xian’s exit from the program and his project with Kim slated to be aired later this year. Xian was replaced by Paulo Avelino in “Bridges of Love,” which also features Maja Salvador and Jericho Rosales. (Sunnex) DISCLAIMER: Sun.Star website welcomes friendly debate, but comments posted on this Read More …

U.S. would welcome Japan air patrols in South China Sea

 General
Jan 292015
 
U.S. would welcome Japan air patrols in South China Sea

By Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo TOKYO (Reuters) – The United States would welcome a move by Japan to extend air patrols into the South China Sea as a counterweight to a growing fleet of Chinese vessels pushing Beijing’s territorial claims in the region, a senior U.S. Navy officer told Reuters. Currently, regular patrols by Japanese aircraft only reach into the East China Sea, where Tokyo is at loggerheads with Beijing over disputed islands. Extending surveillance flights into the South China Sea will almost certainly increase tensions between the world’s second- and third-largest economies. “I think allies, partners and friends in the region will look to the Japanese more and more as a stabilizing function,” Admiral Robert Thomas, commander of the Seventh Fleet and the top U.S. navy officer in Asia, said in an interview. “In the South China Sea, frankly, the Chinese fishing fleet, the Chinese coast guard and the (navy) overmatch their neighbours,” Thomas said. China’s foreign ministry said it had no immediate comment on the interview. Thomas’s comments show Pentagon support for a key element of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push for a more active military role in the region. That is crucial because U.S and Japanese officials are now negotiating new bilateral security guidelines expected to give Japan a bigger role in the alliance, 70 years after the end of World War Two. “I think that JSDF (Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces) operations in the South China Sea makes sense in the future,” Thomas said. Read More …

Philippines says peace pact collapse would aid terrorists

 General
Jan 282015
 
Philippines says peace pact collapse would aid terrorists

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president warned on Wednesday that the collapse of a peace deal with the country’s largest Muslim rebel group would abet terrorism and fresh violence after criticism of the accord followed the killing of 44 police commandos in what authorities said was an accidental clash with the guerrillas. President Benigno Aquino III called for continued support for the pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, but added he also expected the insurgent group to help authorities identify the rebels who killed the elite police commandos and recover their firearms and belongings. The Muslim autonomy deal signed last March stands to be one of the legacies of Aquino, whose six-year term ends next year. He was treading on delicate grounds when he spoke about the police killings — the government’s biggest single-day combat loss in recent memory — in a nationally televised address late Wednesday. “If the peace process were derailed, how many more graves would we have to dig?” Aquino asked. He cited a decision by at least two senators to withdraw support for a proposal in the peace deal to establish a more powerful autonomous region for minority Muslims in the south of the predominantly Roman Catholic nation. The Moro rebels have agreed to embrace autonomy instead of a separate Muslim homeland after years of Malaysian-brokered peace talks. “If this law is kept from being passed at the soonest possible time, the peace process will be derailed,” Aquino warned. “If that happens, we cannot Read More …

Laurice longs for male companionship

 Entertainment
Jan 282015
 
Laurice longs for male companionship

Laurice Guillen (MNS Photo) FIVE years after the death of husband Johnny Delgado, actress-director Laurice Guillen discloses that she is longing for male companionship. “But from the start,” Direk Laurice said, “I’d make it clear to him na ‘di ko ini-expect na magiging intimate kami sa isa’t isa. “I just want somebody na matatawagan ko if I need to have someone to talk to. Or have a companion kung may pupuntahan ako. “Ang lungkot, ha, kapag dumarating ka sa bahay at wala ni isa kang maka-usap. “Okay, may dalawa akong anak (She has two grown-up daughters.), pero may sarili na rin silang buhay. Kaya mahirap nang asahan,” she said with a sigh. That’s why she appreciates it when she’s busy. Like now, as she has a new directorial project for GMA 7, “Second Chances.” “Second Chances” is a story about heartaches and the healing power of love. Starring in it are Jennylyn Mercado, Camille Prats, Rafael Rosell and Raymart Santiago. Also part of the cast are Roi Vinzon, Mariam Quiambao, Gerard Pizarras, Luis Alandy, Jackie Rice and Ricky Davao. “I know most of them, that’s why it’s a breeze working with them. Kaya, we have time to talk. Na, of course, I welcome,” she revealed, smiling. “Second Chances” started airing last January 13.(MNS)

Vice Ganda-led zany cast unloads laugh-a-minute comedy in ‘The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin’

 Entertainment
Jan 282015
 
Vice Ganda-led zany cast unloads laugh-a-minute comedy in ‘The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin’

TFC@theMovies brings top-grossing Filipino film of all time to over 40 theatres in U.S. and in Canada starting January 30 REDWOOD SHORES, CA – When gay soldier character Benjamin “Benjie” Santos VIII, played by host-actor-singer Vice Ganda, first came into public conciousness in 2011 by way of ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s action-comedy, “The Unkabogable: Praybeyt Benjamin”, the character became an icon for unlikely heroes and the film became the first in Philippine cinema history to break the P300 million mark. The good news is that Benjamin is back and so is the team of Vice Ganda and director-writer Wenn V. Deramas to give life and zest to the sequel, The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin, the box-office toast of the recently held 40th Metro Manila Film Festival.  Again, the dynamic artist-director duo wove magic at the box office, this time breaking all Philippine records by grossing Php435 million as of January 14, 2015. TFC@theMovies happily brings this comedy treasure to North America starting January 30, and will screen in over 40 theaters in U.S. and in Canada. In The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin, after defeating terrorists and saving the world from a zombie attack, Praybeyt Benjamin is promoted to colonel and has become an international superstar.  Once simple and humble, he allows success to get into his head.  After making a fatal mistake in one mission by disobeying his new commanding officer General Wilson Chua (played by Richard Yap), Benjamin is subjected to disciplinary action.  He is given a new mission: gain the confidence of General Chua’s brat kid, Bimbee (played by James “Bimby” Aquino-Yap) and extract Read More …

What’s that ring? Zsa Zsa explains gift from BF

 Entertainment
Jan 282015
 
What’s that ring? Zsa Zsa explains gift from BF

Zsa Zsa Padilla (MNS Photo) Zsa Zsa Padilla denied that she and her architect boyfriend, Conrad Onglao, are already engaged. Contrary to speculation, Padilla said that the ring she is wearing is not an engagement ring, but a promise ring. “May promise siya sa akin and tignan natin kung may matupad,” the singer-actress said. Just recently, Padilla and Onglao celebrated their 10th month as a couple. Although they have been in a relationship for only less than a year, the two admitted in previous interviews that they are now sharing a home. Asked why she and Onglao celebrate their “monthsaries,” Padilla said related a conversation she had with her daughter, singer-host Karylle. “Gusto kong makigaya ng monthsary. Sabi ko ‘[Karylle], bakit ba nag-ma-monthsary?’ Sabi niya, ‘Kasi mama, ang mga relationships ngayon mahirap na mag-last kaya kada-month na talaga [sine-celebrate].’” Padilla said she is happy with how her relationship is blossoming, adding that she has been praying for this since her longtime partner, film icon Dolphy, passed away in July 2012. “I did [pray for someone like Conrad to come into my life]. I even asked the universe na this is what I want. Sabi ko kailangan talaga kumpleto,” she said. Padilla and Onglao became a couple early last year. (MNS)

No one should be spared from liability on SAF-MILF ‘misencounter’: Bam Aquino

 General
Jan 282015
 
No one should be spared from liability on SAF-MILF ‘misencounter’: Bam Aquino

Police Deputy Director General Ager P Ontog Jr, Deputy Chief PNP for Operation/ Commander National Task Force SAFE 2013 gives out guidance regarding the deployment of PNP personnel in the field especially in areas vulnerable to attacks of lawless elements in response to the call for Secure and Fair Election (SAFE 2013). MANILA, Jan 28 (Mabuhay) – No one should be spared from liability in connection with last Sunday’s supposed misencounter between elite policemen and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao, a neophyte senator said Wednesday. “People died, maraming namatay na kapulisan, hindi pwedeng mawala na lang yun. That has to be investigated and if there are charges that have to be filed, they have to be filed,” Senator Bam Aquino told reporters. Asked if the liability could go as high as Malacañang, Aquino, cousin of President Benigno Aquino III, said, “Yes.” At least 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were killed while 12 others were wounded in an encounter with MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a splinter group of MILF, in Mamasapano town last Sunday. They were supposed to arrest Zulkipli ‘Marwan’ Hir, one of the most wanted Jemaah Islamiyah leaders operating in Southeast Asia. The leadership of the PNP claimed they were not aware of the operation. Sen. Aquino said the Senate investigation will try to find out what really happened and the incidents that led to it. The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs will Read More …

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