Top MNLF exec says Misuari’s endorsement of Duterte not linked to peace process

 Entertainment
Mar 072016
 
Top MNLF exec says Misuari’s endorsement of Duterte not linked to peace process

Presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte chants “Mabuhay ang Moro people!” before entering his vehicle after his campaign rally in Cotabato City on Saturday. Majority of the Bangsamoros in the event expressed support for Duterte for his clear stance on resolving the Mindanao conflict.(MNS photo) KIDAPAWAN CITY, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) -– A top official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) clarified that the recent pronouncements of their chairman, Professor Nur Misuari, is not, in anyway, connected to the ongoing peace process between their group and the Philippine government. In an interview, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, also chief MNLF negotiator for the MNLF-GRP peace talks, said that he respects Misuari’s position. “Each one of us has his own position as to whom to vote,” said Parcasio. On Sunday, Misuari spoke to MNLF sympathizers and leaders who gathered in Kidapawan City where he asked them to support Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential bid. Misuari spoke through a mobile phone patched to a microphone and was heard by hundreds of his supporters during their general assembly held at the JC Complex in the city. When asked if he was surprised to hear Misuari endorsed, for the first time, a presidential candidate, the lawyer said, “For the first time, Mindanao people was offered an opportunity of having a President that comes from Mindanao.” For Parcasio, Duterte’s heart is for Mindanao, adding, “His finding solution to problems faced by the Moro and the indigenous peoples is proof of his sincerity in public Read More …

Poe on impending SC decision: I’m at peace, happy

 Entertainment
Mar 072016
 
Poe on impending SC decision: I’m at peace, happy

Students from the Batangas State University welcome presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe in Lipa City on Friday. Poe and running mate Sen. Chiz Escudero made rounds in several schools in Lipa City, amid cases seeking her disqualification in the 2016 national election.(MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe said she is at peace, and not bothered at all, by whatever the Supreme Court (SC) will decide on the disqualification case against her. “Wala (None),” was Poe’s categorical answer when asked in an ambush interview in Butuan City on Monday if she had any apprehensions about the impending decision of the high tribunal. Asked why, the senator said: “Hindi ko alam. Kasi para sa akin mas mabuti na ring magkaroon ng katapusan ang isang bagay, kung ano pa man ‘yan.” (I don’t know. For me, it would be better if things would be decided on, whatever it may be.) “At sabi ko naman gusto kong makapaglingkod sa ating mga kababayan, pero kung ano man ang magiging desisyon ng Korte Suprema ay tatanggapin ko, pero ang aking ipinaglalaban dito ay para sa mga ibang batang katulad ko rin na doon talaga—sa tingin ko – dapat magkaroon ng malinaw na desisyon ukol dito,” she said. (I’ve been saying I would like to serve our fellow countrymen, but whatever the Supreme Court decision would be, I would accept it. But I’m fighting for the rights of other foundling like me and that matter—I think—should be given a clear decision.) Poe was Read More …

Pre-trial of Bong Revilla’s plunder, graft deferred anew

 Entertainment
Mar 072016
 
Pre-trial of Bong Revilla’s plunder, graft deferred anew

Senator Bong Revilla, shown in photo on his way to be detained on plunder and graft charges, said his lawyer, Sal Panelo, only talked about the rats and roaches in his cell in jest. Revilla’s lawyer has said the senator’s family saw rats “as big as cats” inside the senator’s cell. (MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – For the fourth time, the Sandiganbayan First Division deferred the scheduled pre-trial of the plunder and graft cases against Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. At the scheduled pre-trial on Monday, the prosecution panel admitted that it is not yet done with the marking of voluminous documentary evidence for the graft case. Revilla’s lawyer Ramon Esguerra, in turn, manifested that their camp will first await for the prosecution to finish with its marking of exhibits in order for his client to identify the best counter exhibits to present. Under the rules of criminal procedures, only the marked evidence will be allowed to be presented before the court during the trial proper. Meanwhile, for the plunder case, both the prosecution and the defense admitted that they were not yet done with the stipulation of facts. Revilla, in an alleged conspiracy with his former chief of staff Richard Cambe, is accused of amassing P224-million worth of kickbacks by allocating his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel for 2006 to 2010 to the fake non-government organizations allegedly owned by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the Read More …

Jessy open to audition for Darna role

 Entertainment
Mar 072016
 
Jessy open to audition for Darna role

Jessy Mendiola (MNS Photo) Jessy Mendiola admitted that she is willing to audition for the role of Darna in the planned superhero film adaptation. Earlier, director Erik Matti admitted that Star Cinema has yet to find an actress who will replace Angel Locsin as Darna. Matti said he suggested to the ABS-CBN film outfit to hold auditions for the role since it would require a lot of action scenes. Mendiola said it would be an honor for her to portray Darna in the upcoming film. “Bakit naman hindi? [Audition] naman talaga ang dapat,” she said. “I am really happy and flattered that people want the role for me. I do want the role also. But kung kanino man mapupunta yon, I’m sure naman napag-isipan ‘yan mabuti ng mga kataas-taasan.” Asked how she would prepare for her audition should it push through, Mendiola said: “Proper training, proper workshop, proper guidance.” “Ako kasi, ang tingin ko sa isang heroine, hindi lang yung physical or look yung pagiging hero. Kailangan yung personality niya, yung pinagdaanan niya, yung aura niya, kung gaano siya kalakas, kung paano niya tine-take ang mahihirap na bagay sa buhay, ‘yun ang superhero para sa akin,” she added. Matti weighed in on the actresses who are supposedly being considered to play the Filipina superhero. According to Matti, Mendiola could be a good fit for the role, but he added: “Maputi lang siya masyado. Personal ko ito na comment ha, hindi ito comment ng ABS-CBN. Maputi lang masyado si Jessy. Pinay Read More …

What Kris learned from Wenn Deramas

 Entertainment
Mar 072016
 
What Kris learned from Wenn Deramas

Kris Aquino (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Kris Aquino on Tuesday paid tribute to film and TV director Wenn V. Deramas, who died on Monday due to cardiac arrest. Deramas directed Aquino in the 2012 movie “Sisterakas,” whichalso starred Ai Ai delas Alas and Vice Ganda. He also did the 2014 movie “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin,” which starred Aquino’s son James “Bimby” Yap Jr. with Aquino herself making a cameo. Wenn Deramas (MNS Photo) “Si Direk Wenn, he was proud of himself and he should be and parang laging ini-instill niya sa lahat ng tao na ipagmalaki mo kung ano ang nagagawa mo, kung sino ang natutulungan mo kasi nagbibigay ka ng inspirasyon sa iba,” Aquino said as she shared the lessons she learned from Deramas. “Palagi niyang sinasabi respetuhin mo ang oras ng ibang tao, huwag kang male-late. Kasi ang daming pwedeng manakaw sa iyo na pwede mong mabili ulit, pwedeng ibalik sa iyo. Pero ang oras, kapag nawala na sa iyo, kahit kailan hindi na maibabalik,” she said. Aquino added that Deramas, who is best known for his comedy blockbusters, loves making people laugh. “Alam mo ganoong tao lang talaga siya na he would make you laugh,” Aquino added.(MNS)

Gloria wants Isabelle to delay her wedding

 General
Mar 072016
 
Gloria wants Isabelle to delay her wedding

Gloria Diaz (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — While Gloria Diaz is not against the decision of daughter Isabelle Daza’s decision to settle down with French national Adrien Semblat in December, she has suggested that Isabelle wait for at least three more years before walking down the aisle. “After all, she’s only 27. And I do think 30 is the right age for her to marry,” she explained. She said she was 36 when she married Isabelle’s dad. “And yet, naganak pa ako ng dalawa. “Yes, dalawang babae. Isabelle and Ava,” she beamed. Adrien, the country manager of Adidas Philippines, is only the second boyfriend of Isabelle. They were introduced by a common friend. The two will have a Catholic ceremony and as much as possible, they want to keep the wedding very intimate, with only close friends and family in attendance. Isabelle is currently busy with her new soap, “Tubig at Langis,” which also stars Zanjoe Marudo and Cristine Reyes. Since both of their jobs are here, Isabelle reportedly has no plans of leaving showbiz after their wedding.(MNS)

Can the BIR’s 5-year plan make an impact?

 Economy
Mar 072016
 

Taxation will always be contentious. Many Filipino taxpayers still struggle to understand taxation and tax compliance; among them there has emerged the view that the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) regulations and processes are far from ideal. So let’s examine the bold statement in the Bureau’s vision and mission — “The Bureau of Internal Revenue is an institution of service excellence and integrity. We collect taxes through just enforcement of tax laws for nation building and the upliftment of the lives of Filipinos.” That guiding principle informs Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 6-2016, which was issued prescribing the strategic plan of the BIR for 2016 to 2020.

Daily Mail picks PHL as Asia’s next must-see destination

 News
Mar 072016
 
Daily Mail picks PHL as Asia’s next must-see destination

United Kingdom’s Mail Online recently posted an article calling the Philippines, Asia’s new must-see destination is the Philippines… complete with thriller Manila and 7,000 perfectly-preserved paradise islands.” [via the Daily Mail] http://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Philippines-60×60.jpg The article by Peter Lloyd listed the reasons why the Philippines should be on the traveler’s list, posting anecdotes and pictures from his travels in the country. The UK publication highlighted the South East Asian archipelago’s 7,000 isles with its stunning remote islands. The writer encouraged visitors to enjoy the capital city of Manila for all its hustle and bustle, even accepting the notorious epic traffic saying, “the adrenaline-inducing roads were surprisingly entertaining thanks to inventive ways locals out-smart their tail-backs with jeepneys – Manila’s death-defying buses (military jeeps left-over by US troops following the Second World War).” Photos of the Philippine jeepney were captioned with, “The thriller that’s Manila: The city’s famous Jeepney buses – old US military trucks from WW2 – ensure the capital’s roads are never dull.” Another street scene was captioned, “Traffic: Famed for its epic gridlock, the adrenaline-inducing transport system is an unlikely (but must-see) tourist trap.” The writer spoke of the multiple offerings of culture, shopping and nightlife with VIP beach breaks. Lloyd recommended going beyond Manila and praised the country’s idyllic islands which he said, “feel truly secluded and untouched.” He recommended visitors see the islands of Bohol, Panglao, and Palawan. Lloyd wrapped up his anecdotes by saying he discovered the magic of the Philippines in the “heady combination of the people Read More …

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