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‘Noynoying’ shames its perpetrators, not P-Noy

March 22, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine STAR

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (JPE) offered President Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) unsolicited advice last Sunday, saying that P-Noy shouldn’t be bothered by the recent “Noynoying” gimmick of the militants branding the president as lazy and clueless.

JPE said in Filipino over DZBB: “I have gone through that in past years. There are groups that have nothing better to do than engage in name-calling. Yet if you put them in posts of responsibility, they are not likely to produce results.”

JPE recounted how he too had been called several names especially during the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship where he served as defense minister. Enrile narrated how he had been labeled as a “matador” (butcher), “diktador” (dictator) and “Martial Law administrator.”

JPE is right – it’s not worth P-Noy’s time to bother with inanities like this latest Leftist noynoying gimmick. If P-Noy gives this gimmick a response, it might become counterproductive. Presidential response will give it a semblance of hitting a sensitive nerve, thereby inviting more public attention. Noynoying is absolutely baseless, if not outright insulting to a head of State, and doesn’t deserve presidential rebuttal [...]

Read the full story >>   ‘Noynoying’ shames its perpetrators, not P-Noy


ALSO IN THE NEWS      

Noynoying

March 22, 2012 | Opinion

SKETCHES
By Ana Marie Pamintuan
The Philippine Star

During his presidency when insults were heaped on everything from his English proficiency to his ’60s pompadour and his late-night (till early morning) carousing, Joseph Estrada said he heeded an advice to ignore the carping.

“Ang napipikon, talo,” Estrada famously said in April 2000, attributing the advice to El Shaddai spiritual leader Mike Velarde.

The one who gets peeved, loses: it’s an advice that the incumbent Chief Executive would do well to heed.

Erap, for all his formidable natural charm and infectious sense of humor, was only human; he could also be pikon, and onion-skinned about criticism. He was known to be particularly sensitive to comments about his women [...]

Read the full story >>   Noynoying

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It’s time for Corona to face the music

March 22, 2012 | Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

Attempts by Chief Justice Renato Corona’s defense lawyers to present witnesses and evidence to prove that Corona has other sources of income backfired and only solidified the prosecution’s case against him.  Indeed, after failing to convince the senator-judges after six days of testimonies by witnesses and disclosure of evidence, there is a consensus among the senator-judges that only Corona could explain the discrepancies in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).  But taking the witness stand would only expose him to questions that he might not be able to satisfactorily explain.

Last March 19 – Day 31 of the impeachment trial – Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said that if the House prosecutors could show “intent to commit dishonesty,” then they have won their case.  On the other hand, she said that if the defense panel could show that Corona had acted in good faith and declared all deposits — both peso and dollar – in his SALNs, then he would be  [...]

Read the full story >>  It’s time for Corona to face the music

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I Beg Your Pardon

March 22, 2012 | Opinion

GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano

First, to former Associate Justice Serafin Cuevas who said that the impeachment trial is not intended for the Filipino people. I must assume that he just did not have enough time or energy to say that the impeachment trial is intended for the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.

Second, to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile who said that surveys caused the crucifixion of Jesus Christ who, after so many centuries, is still worshiped.

Third, to Senator Gringo Honasan who said that the senators will not be influenced by surveys by will judge individually and collectively.

I beg your pardon.

The impeachment trial is by the will of the people, not by the choice of Serafin Cuevas, not by the choice of  [...]

Read the full story >>    I Beg Your Pardon

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Great job by LRA’s Diaz

March 22, 2012 | Opinion

BY ELLEN TORDESILLAS
MALAYA

To those who follow the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, Eulalio Diaz III, a classmate of President Aquino whom he appointed administrator of the Land Transportation Administration, bungled his job, big time, in releasing a list of 45 properties credited to Corona.

But if you look at it from the point of view of the Aquino administration’s crusade against Corona and his benefactor, Gloria Arroyo, Diaz did a great job.

Imagine, with a phone call from Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupaz, head of the prosecution panel, he produced the list as his Jan 10, 2012 letter to Tupaz indicated: “Pursuant to your official request for the information relative to real estate properties registered in the name of Renato Corona et al, please find enclosed herewith certified true copies of titles registered in their names.”

Diaz related that he employed a “name search” in the LRA data base. He said that it was not Renato Corona’s name that he punched in. He also searched for real estate with the name of Cristina Roco Corona, Francis Vincent Corona, Charina Corona, Maria Carla Corona Castillo and Constantino Castillo III [...]

Read the full story >>   Great job by LRA’s Diaz

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Day 34 of Corona trial: How BGEI lot was sold to Manila

March 22, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Cathy Yamsuan, Cynthia D. Balana, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The capital gains tax and the value-added tax had not yet been paid 11 years after the sale of the Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI) property between Cristina Corona, wife of Chief Justice Renato Corona, and the Manila city government.

The title is also still in Cristina Corona’s name.

This was pointed out by Senator Franklin Drilon to former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, a witness for the defense, on the 34th day of the impeachment trial of Corona.

The lead defense counsel, Serafin Cuevas, later pointed out that no capital gains tax may be levied on the property.

BGEI certification

The certificate from the corporate secretary of BGEI did not say that Cristina Corona was authorized to receive the P34.7-million payment for the sale of the company’s property,  Atienza said Thursday [...]

Read the full story >>  Day 34 of Corona trial: How BGEI lot was sold to Manila

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The litigious Mrs. Corona

March 22, 2012 | Politics & Government

Marites Vitug


Lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas has confidently told reporters that Cristina Corona, wife of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona, would testify before the Senate. So far, this hasn’t happened and it looks like the idea, like soufflé, has slowly collapsed.

Perhaps, Cuevas’s initial burst of enthusiasm came from the fact that Cristina has many years of experience as a witness in various court cases which she filed versus her uncles and aunts to gain control of Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI), the family corporation.

For over 2 decades, she has lived the life of a litigant, appearing to be comfortable in courts, and more importantly, winning almost all of her cases.

Since the late 1980s, she has filed the following [...]

Read the full story >>    The litigious Mrs. Corona

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Corona approval score dips to 14% in latest poll

March 22, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Inquirer Research, Kate Pedroso, Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The majority of Filipinos not only disapprove of the performance of Chief Justice Renato Corona but also distrust him, results of the latest survey by Pulse Asia Inc. show.

Corona’s disapproval rating rose to 58 percent in March from 24 percent last November as his approval rating slipped to 14 percent from 38 percent.

The survey was conducted from Feb. 26 to Mar. 9 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult Filipinos, at a time when the impeachment trial against the Chief Justice filled the headlines. The opinion poll had a margin of error of plus-minus 3 percentage points.

As expected, the defense panel belittled the Pulse Asia survey, with Corona’s lead defense counsel dismissing the results as “very unreliable.”

Serafin Cuevas, the head of Corona’s legal team, surmised that the respondents of the survey may have little understanding of the issues being discussed in the Senate impeachment trial [...]

Read the full story >>   Corona approval score dips to 14% in latest poll

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FASAP slams SC

March 22, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Sheila Crisostomo
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – The Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) yesterday criticized the Supreme Court (SC) for upholding its ruling that recalled an earlier decision declaring as illegal the retrenchment of over 1,400 flight attendants of Philippine Airlines (PAL).

In a statement, FASAP president Bob Anduiza said the SC had “hijacked justice for the 1,400 victims of PAL’s illegal retrenchment.” “This ruling serves more of a cover-up of the justices’ tracks in suddenly recalling the Sept. 7, 2011 decision last Oct. 4. This latest ruling attempts to justify the meddling of CJ (Chief Justice Renato) Corona despite his assertion that he did not participate in this case, all at the expense of justice for the 1,400 flight attendants,” he said.

Anduiza added the high tribunal was supposed to have ruled on the case with finality.

With the recall, he said the case has again been re-opened “and it sets us up for tragedy [...]

Read the full story >>   FASAP slams SC

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The Clowns of GOP’s … and the Mormon

March 22, 2012 | Opinion

A Cup O’ Kapeng Barako
By Jesse Jose

Read the full story >>   The Clowns of GOP’s … and the Mormon

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and updates.
 

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


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Corona, money laundering

March 23, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

By Elfren Sicangco Cruz
BusinessWorld

Money laundering has aroused interest because of the impeachment trial of CJ Corona and, coincidentally, the threat of an international financial blacklisting if the Philippines does not enact into law amendments to its Anti-Money Laundering Act to suit international standards.

There is an observation that the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Law is severely restrictive and not compliant with international standards and best practices, otherwise Chief Justice Renato Corona �would be in deep you know what.�

This observation is obviously referring to the impeachment trial of CJ Corona and the prosecution�s request that his alleged dollar accounts in the Philippine Savings Bank be opened for public scrutiny. The allegation is that since Corona�s official Statement of Assets and Liabilities did not include any dollar deposits, then there is basis for assuming he misrepresented his SALN.

The public is aware that the Philippine Savings Bank refused to disclose the dollar accounts citing a bank secrecy law for foreign currency deposits. The Philippine Supreme Court then issued a TRO on the Senate�s order to PSBank to reveal the contents of the Corona secret dollar account. The senator-judges decided to comply with the Supreme Court decision by a vote of 13 senators in favor of not opening the secret dollar accounts and 10 in favor of requiring the PSBank to open the dollar accounts [...]

Read the full story >> � Corona, money laundering


ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

CJ told: Open dollar deposits, take leave, testify

March 23, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Ina Reformina
ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines � A church-based network of religious leaders, priests, seminarians and lay individuals laid down 3 challenges to Chief Justice Renato Corona regarding his ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate.

Representatives of the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, a church-based network of religious leaders, priests, seminarians and lay individuals, went to the Supreme Court (SC) this morning to deliver a letter addressed to Chief Justice Renato Corona in connection with his ongoing impeachment trial.

The group raised 3 main points in their 2-page letter: 1) a call for opening of Corona�s foreign bank accounts before the Senate Impeachment Court where the Chief Magistrate is being tried; 2) a call for Corona to take a leave of absence until a verdict is handed down by the Impeachment Court; and 3) a call for the Chief Justice to testify in his own defense.

�[W]e respectfully call on you to voluntarily open and make public the contents of your foreign currency deposit accounts� [w]e believe that the due time has come for this, given that the people�s search for the truth has taken sharper focus on your SALNs and bank records,� the letter read [...]

Read the full story >>�� CJ told: Open dollar deposits, take leave, testify

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Corona�s approval rating dips further in latest Pulse Asia survey

March 23, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Katherine Evangelista
INQUIRER.net�

MANILA, Philippines�Amid his ongoing trial at the Senate impeachment court, Chief Justice Renato Corona got a high disapproval rating compared with other top national officials, results of the latest Pulse Asia survey showed Thursday.

The nationwide poll, titled �Performance and Trust Ratings of Top Officials of the Philippine Government, Congress and the Supreme Court,� was conducted between February 26 and March 9, 2012, and had 1,200 respondents aged 18 years and above. The survey had a � 3% error margin at the 95% confidence level and used face-to-face interviews.

According to the poll, Corona registered a disapproval rating of 58 percent while only 14 percent had a positive opinion of the Chief Justice�s performance. Meanwhile, 26 percent of the respondents were uncertain over the matter.

Likewise, the poll showed that Corona had only 11 percent trust rating while 60 percent of the respondents expressed distrust of the Chief Justice [...]

Read the full story >> Corona�s approval rating dips further in latest Pulse Asia survey

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Doing nothing about doing nothing

March 23, 2012 | Opinion

Vantage Point
By Luis V. Teodoro
BusinessWorld

You know what they say about protesting too much, but that�s what the Aquino government has been doing since student activists coined the term �Noynoying� to mean �not doing anything despite the need to do something.�

Malaca�ang has mobilized its huge stable of photo- and videographers to disprove the suspicion that�s rapidly morphing into a conclusion, and already widespread long before the youth group Anak Bayan coined the term, that Benigno Aquino III is more preoccupied with dating rather than assessing typhoon damage, or with sampling Manila night life rather than defusing a hostage crisis � and very recently, with sleeping till 11 a.m. after a night of carousing rather than looking into how his government can relieve Filipinos from the inflationary impact of the oil companies� jacking up pump prices.

The photos and the videos show Aquino scanning important-looking documents, holding meetings, inspecting project sites, and in one instance, lugging around a big pile of documents, despite his having aides to do that for him. Aquino has also been photographed with his most-favored constituencies � some say his real bosses � the police and the military, whose affairs [...]

Read the full story >>��� Doing nothing about doing nothing

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Wikipedia users divided on �Noynoying� article

March 23, 2012 | Politics & Government

MANILA, Philippines � Despite President Benigno Aquino III�s dismissal of �Noynoying� as an act of people who refuse to see the good things that the current administration is doing, local activists� version of �owling� and �planking� is threatening to become a household word.

�Noynoying� has been used by activists during protest movements to demonstrate Aquino and the government�s lack of action on issues they say should merit immediate attention. In demonstrating Aquino�s alleged laziness, people lie on the ground, lean on objects, or pretend to sleep.

Aside from trending on microblogging site Twitter and having about 3,685 likes on Facebook as of posting time, �Noynoying� now has an entry in the user-managed free online encyclopedia Wikipedia. However, the article is currently tagged for possible deletion in accordance with the site�s deletion policy.

Stating that �Noynoying� is merely a meme that �may not be anything more than a one-time event,� Wikipedia users say the article should have been deleted �yesterday� or may be better off in UrbanDictionary or KnowYourMeme, user-managed sites which document memes and slang words [...]

Read the full story >>�� Wikipedia users divided on �Noynoying� article

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Social media activism

March 23, 2012 | Opinion

Power Point
By Elizabeth Angsioco
Manila Standard Today

I consider myself technology-challenged. Some friends say that I am averse to technology. I resisted computers. It took me many years before I could write directly on one. Until now, I have yet to maximize computers and the Internet. But I have since conceded that age is not a hindrance to learn at least some new ways to communicate.

Social media, specifically Facebook and Twitter, have emerged as potent platforms in advancing meaningful social change. Social media has become the citizens� forum and a melting pot of ideas.

It took me sometime before I entered Facebook. At first, it was just a convenient depository of pictures others take of me (because I don�t). Then I realized it can be an effective way of doing my advocacy for the reproductive health bill. And the rest is history.

I now use Twitter more than Facebook, and largely still, for my advocacies.

Many millions are in social media. Some even say that the Philippines is the social media capital of the world. Political [...]

Read the full story >>� Social media activism

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Pinoy drug convict on death row in China gets 2-year reprieve

March 23, 2012 | Politics & Government

Source: GMA News

(UPDATED 8:00 p.m.) The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Filipino who was sentenced to death in China earlier this month was given a two-year reprieve but his fellow drug convict, a Filipina, was not.

In a statement issued on Friday, the DFA said the two Filipinos were sentenced to death by the Hangzhou People�s intermediate court.

�The defendants were caught at the Hangzhou International Airport last Janauary 25, 2011 with about 12 kilograms of heroin,� the DFA said.

The drug convicts entered China from Dubai via Hong Kong.

The DFA said the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai will assist them in their appeal before a higher tribunal.

The two were given legal assistance throughout their trial. Their next of kin have also written letters of appeal that will be sent to Chinese authorities, the DFA added [...]

Read the full story >>��� Pinoy drug convict on death row in China gets 2-year reprieve

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More US troops welcome�Aquino

March 23, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Karl Malakunas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

President Benigno Aquino III said on Wednesday more US troops would be welcome to rotate through the country, but ruled out permanent bases.

Mr.� Aquino told Agence France Presse in an interview that talks were under way for the longtime allies to hold more military training exercises in the Philippines, as well as increase the number of times that US navy ships visited.

�We are talking with them. We will have more of the same, is what I am trying to say,� Mr. Aquino said, referring to a longstanding partnership that sees regular joint exercises and US port calls in the Philippines.

�Their ships can come and call on us, can be replenished, but our Constitution will not allow any permanent berthing here in any form.

�There might be increases in terms of personnel, but it will have to be very clear on when they come in and go out. They cannot be here permanently.�

The negotiations come while the United States is expanding its military presence in the Asia Pacific as a counterweight� [...]

Read the full story >>�� More US troops welcome�Aquino

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Pacquiao: God told me to retire � but not yet

March 23, 2012 | Business & Lifestyle

By Peter Shadbolt
CNN

(CNN) � Like St. Augustine�s prayer �God make me chaste � but not yet,� Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao�s personal conversation with God may not lead to his retirement anytime soon.

Pacquiao said in a radio interview on Monday he had a dream in which God had told him to hang up his gloves, fueling speculation he may back out of a long-anticipated fight with American Floyd Mayweather.

�I will not stay long in boxing because He said: �You have done enough. You have made yourself famous but this is harmful�,� he told Manila�s DZMM radio.

However, his team say retirement is still a long way off.�

�A few years ago the pressure for him to retire was coming from his mother,� Pacquiao�s business manager Eric Pineda told CNN. �But recently he dreamt that God told him to retire but there�s nothing definite about his retirement either this year or [...]

Read the full story >> � Pacquiao: God told me to retire � but not yet

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Kudeta, di na uso

March 23, 2012 | Opinion

Pagtanaw at Pananaw
Ni Bert de Guzman

May mga report na dalawang dating Heneral na malapit kay dating Pangulong Arroyo ang nasa likod ng destabilization plot laban kay Pangulong Noynoy Aquino. Sino kaya sila? May ideya kaya rito si Bing Formento, bagong halal na pangulo ng Defense Press Corps of the Philippines?

Hindi na uso ang kudeta sa Pilipinas, hindi na rin uso ang Edsa revolt matapos maranasan ng mga Pinoy ang Edsa I at Edsa II na wala namang naibigay na pagbabago sa buhay ng mga mamamayan. Patuloy ang kahirapan, kagutuman, kawalang-trabaho habang ang mga mambabatas ay pagalingan nang pagalingan sa pagtatalumpati sa English at habol nang habol sa kanilang [...]

Read the full story >> Kudeta, di na uso

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

�

EXPLOSIVE!

Does Renato C. Corona have a clone living in the US?

March 24, 2012 | Featured, Politics & Government

http://raissarobles.com/2012/03/24/does-renato-c-corona-have-a-clone-living-in-the-us/

A Plaza Miranda exclusive

By Ra�ssa Robles

Read the full story >>� Does Renato C. Corona have a clone living in the US?


ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

Prosecution to check �Corona US properties�

March 24, 2012 | Politics & Government

Source: Sun Star Manila

MANILA � The prosecution admitted Saturday that a journalist blog post stating that a certain �Renato C. Corona� owns properties in the United States is highly suspicious, but will first verify it.

Raissa Robles, in her blog post, said a document obtained by �Yvonne� from US public records showed a �Renato C. Corona� owned properties in Tampa, Florida and Mountain View, California.

�You might say there are many Renato Coronas in the world. You would probably be right. There�s a long list of them in California alone. But how many Renato Coronas in the world have �C� as their middle initial; are 63 years old; was born in October 1948; and have relatives named Cristina, Carla, Francis and Charina? These are the same names mentioned in the documents obtained by �Yvonne��from US public records,� Robles said in her post.

Deputy Majority Leader Romero Frederico �Miro� Quimbo, prosecution panel spokesperson, however, said, �We are checking. The article does reveal highly suspect activities but we have to check [...]

Read the full story >>�� Prosecution to check �Corona US properties�

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Are Senator-Judges telling CJ Rene Corona to testify or lose?

March 24, 2012 | Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

Two separate surveys conducted by professional survey firms Pulse Asia and Stratpolls showed remarkably low public perception that embattled Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona is innocent of the charges against him in the Senate impeachment trial. The Pulse Asia nationwide poll was conducted from February 26 to March 9 while the latest available Stratpolls tracking was conducted only in the NCR (National Capital Region) from February 20 to 23.

Per the Pulse Asia survey that was released last Tuesday, 47 percent saw CJ Corona as GUILTY, 43 percent cannot yet decide either way at the moment but only 5 percent saw the CJ as INNOCENT. Per the Stratpolls February 20 to 23 tracking, an average of around 65 percent saw the CJ as GUILTY, while only 7 percent saw him as INNOCENT. There were 23 percent still undecided in the Stratpolls survey.

There could be a glimmer of hope for the CJ in the Stratpolls survey where his INNOCENT rating rose from a low of 5 percent to its February 23 rating of 11 percent. In the Stratpolls survey, the undecided expanded from 17 percent in February 20 to 32 percent on February 23. In the same survey, GUILTY perception diminished from 78 percent on February 20 to 57 percent on February 23. In the Pulse Asia NCR component of their nationwide survey, the CJ rated 4 percent as INNOCENT, 45 percent as undecided and 50 percent as GUILTY [...]

Read the full story >>� Are Senator-Judges telling CJ Rene Corona to testify or lose?

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Corona trial suspended with hanging question: Where did P34M go?

March 24, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net�

MANILA, Philippines�The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, suspended its trial on Thursday for a month long break with senators still clueless where the P34 million payment for a property sold by a corporation owned by the family of Chief Justice Renato Corona�s wife went.

The defense team presented former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to prove that Corona�s wife, Cristina, was authorized by the Basa-Guidote Enterprise Inc. (BGEI) to negotiate the sale of the property.

The property, located in Sampaloc, Manila, was sold at P34,703,800 on June 5, 2001 to Mrs. Corona �in trust� for the corporation.

After few hours in the testimony, however, Senator Joker Arroyo stood up and asked the relevance of the transaction in the ongoing impeachment case against Corona.

Prosecution chief and Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr. explained that the issue falls under Article 2 of the impeachment complaint, which alleges Corona�s failure to disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) [...]

Read the full story >>��� Corona trial suspended with hanging question: Where did P34M go?

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Cuevas goes ballistic over Corona bank accounts

March 24, 2012 | Politics & Government

Corona dollar accounts in trust for kids?

MANILA, Philippines � Lead defense lawyer Serafin Cuevas blew his top in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona on Thursday amid questions by Senator-judge Ralph Recto on Corona�s bank accounts.

He accused Recto of looking only at the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Cuevas also objected to what he felt was Recto�s alleged bias in favor of the prosecution.

�You are making a summation of facts solely on the basis in favor of one party. There is no evidence yet on our part. The only concept you have is the concept coming from the prosecution. Very unfair,� he said.

Recto raised the issue of the bank accounts that the Chief Justice did not declare in his annual Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALNs) following the testimony of former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza on the sale of a piece of land of a company belonging to Mrs. Cristina Corona�s family [...]

Read the full story >>�� Cuevas goes ballistic over Corona bank accounts

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COA joins fray in Corona trial

March 24, 2012 | Politics & Government

Auditors disallow P34-M purchase of lot by city of Manila

By Cynthia D. Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Eleven years after the fact?

The Commission on Audit (COA) has disallowed the P34.7-million payment that the city government of Manila paid in 2001 to Cristina Corona, the wife of Chief Justice Renato Corona, for a lot in Sampaloc, Manila, citing among other grounds, overpricing and failure to submit some requirements, documents obtained by the Inquirer showed.

A notice of disallowance, dated March 19, 2012, issued by the COA�s Manila city auditor has asked Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to direct at least eight former City Hall officials and Cristina Corona, who received the payment �in trust� for Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI), to settle the matter immediately.

The notice was signed by Roberto Limcolioc, the audit team leader, and Elinore Lavilla, the supervising auditor.

The audit disallowance was apparently the result of an audit by a team that evaluated an earlier notice of suspension, dated March 5, 2002, on the payment for the purchase of Lot 1-A-3 with an area of 1,020.7 square meters belonging [...]

Read the full story >>� COA joins fray in Corona trial

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Clergy Calls On CJ To Open Dollar Account

March 24, 2012 | Politics & Government

BY LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO and ROLLY T. CARANDANG
MANILA BULLETIN�

MANILA, Philippines � A network of priests, seminarians, and lay individuals, and a group of Catholic educators trooped to the Supreme Court Friday to deliver a letter urging Chief Justice Renato Corona to �make good on his word� by voluntarily opening to the public the contents of his foreign currency deposit accounts.

�We respectfully call on you to voluntarily open and make public the contents of your foreign currency deposit accounts. You have made numerous pronouncements that you will open them in �due time.� At this time when the people�s search for truth has zeroed in on your SALNs and bank records, there is no more appropriate time to open your dollar accounts than now,� read the groups letter to Corona [...]

Read the full story >>��� Clergy Calls On CJ To Open Dollar Account

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The ratings game

March 24, 2012 | Opinion

BABE�S EYE VIEW
By Babe Romualdez
The Philippine Star

In this world, perception has and will always be 90 percent of the game. And more often than not, surveys are regarded as the best indicators of the public�s attitude or belief about certain individuals or issues. Obviously, popularity plays a major role but what is important is how to manage getting the positive attention of people.

The latest survey results released by Pulse Asia once again shows Vice President Jejomar Binay on top of the heap. I had coffee with the vice president at his official residence, the Coconut Palace, the other day, and he told me that his high ratings can be attributed purely to the fact that he has been doing his job, just continuing the things he�s been doing when he was still mayor except this time moving around nationwide, pressing the flesh and listening to people.

Those familiar with the vice president echoed this assessment, saying he is probably one of the most highly visible politicians they know. As the country�s housing czar, Vice President Binay has the capacity to make a great impact on the lives of the poor, like for instance the resettlement of storm Sendong victims through government housing projects. His involvement� [...]

Read the full story >>�� The ratings game

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Magic tricks and contortions

March 24, 2012 | Opinion

Get Real�
By Solita Collas-Monsod
Pilippine Daily Inquirer�

I thought that the Supreme Court decision that justified the midnight appointment of Renato Corona as Chief Justice was a breathtaking exercise in judicial legerdemain, exceeding by far the legal contortions it engaged in later to show that plagiarism by a justice is not plagiarism. But I think I can safely say that it has been put to the blush by the arguments forwarded by the majority in its recent decision (7-2, with 5 abstentions) involving the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (Fasap).

I urge the reader to read both the majority decision and the dissenting opinion, the latter penned by Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno, who showed up the majority arguments for what they are. In the meantime, please allow me to describe, in layman�s language, some of the latest magic tricks and contortions on this 14-year-old case:

In June 1998, Philippine Airlines retrenched 5,000 employees, including 1,400 cabin crew, members of the Fasap (the continuing ordeal of the other 3,600 is still a nightmare issue). The retrenchment was described as a �cost-cutting measure� by PAL, which claimed to have incurred P90 billion in liabilities as a [...]

Read the full story >>� Magic tricks and contortions

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Llamas confirms: Left gaining ground in govt

March 24, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Florante S. Solmerin
Manila Standard Today

RONALD Llamas, the controversial political adviser of President Benigno Aquino III, on Friday said the Democratic Left was gaining influence in the government with its push for peaceful reforms while the Communist extremists were becoming irrelevant with their call for armed revolution.

Llamas said the Democratic Left had slowly but steadily established itself as a significant force and a constructive alternative to the �CNN,� referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People�s Army-National Democratic Front.

�The Democratic Left is open to forging alliances and working with reform-minded groups and individuals in both the public and private sector, in contrast [to] the CPP�s insistence on its monopoly of righteousness, Llamas told students and military officers at the National Defense College of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo [...]

Read the full story >> � Llamas confirms: Left gaining ground in govt

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

Corona changes story on California property

March 26, 2012 | Featured, Politics & Government

Daughter bought it �dirt cheap�

By Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

A day after dismissing as �not true 101 percent� reports that his family owned two properties in the United States, impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona on Monday admitted that one of his daughters bought a �dirt cheap� house in America.

�[This is] another black [propaganda],� Corona said, referring to the latest revelation of journalist Raissa Robles in her blog entry.

In a text message to reporters, the Chief Justice said his daughter acquired the property �dirt cheap at the height of the mortgage foreclosures in the US.�

He said his daughter just put a 10-percent down payment to acquire the house �with 30 years to pay.�

�I don�t think she bought it in 2008. Anyway, she is earning very well as a PT (physical therapist) and is in fact working at two jobs. And her husband is also earning well,� the Chief Justice said.

Corona did not identify who between his two daughters was the registered owner of the house, but his defense lawyer, Tranquil Salvador III, said the Chief Justice was referring to his elder daughter, Maria Charina [...]

Read the full story >> � Corona changes story on California property


ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

�Bitin�

March 26, 2012 | Opinion

With Due Respect
By Artemio V. Panganiban
Philippine Daily Inquirer

After 34 days of trial spanning nearly three months, the Senate impeachment court recessed last March 22, even though the defense had not finished presenting its evidence to explain alleged inadequacies and inconsistencies in Chief Justice Renato C. Corona�s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs).

Dollar accounts. Most significant, the defense had not yet explained what many consider as the most damning prosecution evidence, the respondent�s huge peso deposits and the yet undisclosed sums in his admittedly existent dollar accounts. Upon questioning by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) president Pascual Garcia III admitted that the respondent owned five foreign currency deposits in the bank.

Indeed, the trial began with effervescent hopes for a speedy and decisive conclusion prior to the Senate�s Lenten break. Unfortunately, it adjourned short of expectations, better expressed in the Filipino colloquial term �bitin.� [...]

Read the full story >>�� �Bitin�

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After 11 years, COA disallows BGEI lot transaction

March 26, 2012 | Politics & Government

Mrs. Corona�s role in BGEI questioned

MANILA, Philippines � Almost 11 years after the project was consummated, the Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the P34.7-million purchase of a Basa-Guidote Enterprises Inc. property for the construction of a train system in Sampaloc.

In a notice of disallowance obtained by ABS-CBNnews.com dated March 19, 2012, the Manila office of COA said �the amount of P34,703,800 was disallowed in audit because of the non-compliance, submission of [several] requirements.�

It also noted �irregularities� in the transaction, including the appointment of Chief Justice Renato Corona�s wife Cristina as BGEI�s exclusive agent.

The sale came into public knowledge during the impeachment trial of Corona. On Thursday, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza came to volunteer as a witness for the defense to explain the transaction between BGEI and the city of Manila [...]

Read the full story >>� After 11 years, COA disallows BGEI lot transaction

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�

PCIJ to Corona: �Everybody does it� is no excuse

March 26, 2012 | Politics & Government

�

NOT PARTISAN. Malou Mangahas of PCIJ
says her group is recognized for probity and
independence. Photo by GMA News TV

MANILA, Philippines � �Everybody does it anyway.�

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) rejected this argument of Chief Justice Renato Corona as it opposed his lawyer�s request to summon journalists to the witness stand.

Malou Mangahas, Karol Anne Ilagan and Ed Lingao of the PCIJ asked the impeachment court to deny the defense panel�s request to have them subpoenaed. They believe their testimony will be irrelevant.

In their opposition filed by their counsels on Monday, March 21, the three shot down Corona�s reasoning that omissions in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) were made in good faith because inaccuracies in the form are rampant among government officials.

�In this instant case, �. only Respondent�s actions and state of mind are material to his guilt. The fact that there may have been others who benefited from their improper conduct would do nothing to excuse the Respondent.�

In its reports and investigation, the PCIJ found that some members of the prosecution and cabinet members did not diligently disclose and fill out their SALNs [...]

Read the full story >>��� PCIJ to Corona: �Everybody does it� is no excuse

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Students think Corona must quit � poll

March 26, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Reinir Padua
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � Most students in five universities polled by a group distrust Chief Justice Justice Renato Corona, with majority of them saying Corona was no longer fit to lead the judiciary.

Defying the criticism of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who disapproved of a similar survey held previously, the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines on Monday released the results of another poll. SCAP leaders said the survey was guaranteed by their freedom of expression.

Gibby Gorres, SCAP national secretary general, also said the poll is excluded from the sub judice rule, which prohibits the discussion of the merits of a case outside the court, because the group is not a party to the impeachment case.

The latest round of the survey included Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Davao University, University of the East-Manila and the Tarlac State University

�The survey was conducted to gauge the interest and satisfaction of the students concerning the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona,� said Kristine Baguio, SCAP deputy spokesperson [...]

Read the full story >>�� Students think Corona must quit � poll

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Cory, Noynoy and �noynoying�

March 26, 2012 | Opinion

ON DISTANT SHORE
By Val G. Abelgas

Something�s eerily familiar in what�s happening to the Philippines in the last two years and in the political events of almost three decades ago. Looking back, you get a feeling of d�j� vu.

Only a year after being thrust into the presidency by the EDSA People Power Revolt in 1986, President Corazon Aquino was beginning to lose popular support because of numerous policies that tended to show her rapid shift from being pro-people to one that was pro-Establishment.

With Cory still enjoying a plus 72 approval rating in October 1986, about eight months into her presidency, workers and students were soon back to the streets to stage protests over her labor, agrarian and economic policies that were deemed as mere continuation of those of the deposed President Ferdinand Marcos.

In February 1987, just a year into office, Cory completely lost the support of these sectors when troops guarding Malacanang opened fire on hundreds of farmers, many of them coming from the Cojuangco-Aquino family-owned Hacienda Luisita, who were protesting her failure to implement genuine land reform. The incident, infamously known as the �Mendiola Massacre,� resulted in the death of 12 farmers and injury to 19 other marchers [...]

Read the full story >>� Cory, Noynoy and �noynoying�

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Philippine economy booms despite �Noynoying�

March 26, 2012 | Politics & Government

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

To hecklers who claim he is just �Noynoying� in his job, President Benigno Aquino III has one answer: the economy is on the right track and �many things� have happened in the country since he took over the presidency 21 months ago.

During an interview with Agence France-Presse in Malaca�ang, Mr. Aquino pointed to a host of economic indicators to justify his enthusiasm, while displaying a relish for bare-knuckled political fights against his opponents.

Noynoying is a word coined by activists to refer to the President�s supposedly carefree style of coping with urgent problems confronting the country, including the escalating prices of fuel products.

�There are so many things that have transpired that none of us could even have imagined when we were campaigning,� Mr. Aquino said during last week�s interview, reflecting on his nearly two years in office that followed a landslide election win.

He referred mostly to the state of the nation�s economy, which after decades of underperforming has showed signs of steady, if incremental, improvement under his leadership and mantra of clean governance.

Kingpins of graft

Mr. Aquino cited a series of international credit ratings upgrades and the rise of the Philippine stock market to record highs in recent weeks as evidence [...]

Read the full story >>��� Philippine economy booms despite �Noynoying�

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Comelec: GMA conspired with co-accused to give P-Noy zero vote

March 26, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Perseus Echeminada
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � Commission on Elections (Comelec) prosecutors claimed yesterday that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her co-accused had conspired to give zero votes to then senatorial candidates Benigno Aquino III, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Panfilo Lacson during the 2007 elections in Maguindanao.

Comelec prosecutors made the allegations yesterday after they presented their first witness, lawyer Nelia Oreo, a former chairman of the Municipal Board of Canvassers of Pagalungan, Maguindanao, at the sala of Judge Jesus Mupas of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 112.

Oreo is one of the prosecution witnesses in the hearing on the petitions for bail filed by Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative, and former Maguindanao provincial election officer Lintang Bedol.

The Comelec had filed electoral sabotage charges against Arroyo, Bedol and former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. in connection with the alleged cheating in the 2007 senatorial elections in Maguindanao [...]

Read the full story >>�� Comelec: GMA conspired with co-accused to give P-Noy zero vote

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Senate defers anti-money laundering act amendments

March 26, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Cathy Yamsuan
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the presiding officer in the impeachment trial, said that whoever was behind the leakage of Chief Justice Renato Corona�s bank accounts could be the subject of a separate criminal complaint. INQUIRER file photo

The Senate on Wednesday deferred the approval of proposed amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla) after some lawmakers questioned the predicates under which the Anti-Money Laundering Council (Amlac) could share information with internal revenue investigators.

Although the amendments are needed to keep the Philippines off an international financial blacklist, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Joker Arroyo demanded that the Amla council and the Bureau of Internal Revenue first explain why they apparently use tax evasion �as an excuse to scrutinize the bank accounts of suspected money launderers.� [...]

Read the full story >>� Senate defers anti-money laundering act amendments

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�

Bayan opposing return of Arroyos to 5th district

March 26, 2012 | Politics & Government

I�m an Ibuna, Grace says; Lesaca may not run: Quito

BY CARLA GOMEZ
VISAYAN DAILY STAR

Bayan Muna will oppose the candidacy of any Arroyo, including that of Grace Ibuna, for the fifth congressional seat of Negros Occidental, Rep. Neri Colmenares said yesterday.

�(Former) President Gloria Arroyo, Mike Arroyo and the Arroyo family cannot be allowed to return to political power, whether nationally or in the 5th district,� he said.

A special election is set in June for the congressman of the fifth district of Negros Occidental following the death of Rep. Ignacio �Iggy� Arroyo Jr. on January 26.

Ibuna, long time partner of Rep. Arroyo, said �I am not an Arroyo. I am not going to run because of the Arroyos. I said I am only contemplating on running if Bebot (Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol) does not run.� [...]

Read the full story >> � Bayan opposing return of Arroyos to 5th district

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


PERRYSCOPE��

What �noynoying� is all about?

March 27, 2012 | Featured, Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

When I first read about �noynoying,� my initial reaction was it was about President Benigno �Noynoy� Aquino III�s romantic escapades and so I ignored it.� Haven�t we heard enough of his girlfriends?� But it turned out that anti-government groups protesting against rising gas prices coined �noynoying.�� They�re complaining that Noynoy hasn�t done anything productive.� Thus, �noynoying� became the new buzzword for a person who is idle and doesn�t work.� In all fairness to Noynoy, �noynoying� is not something new.� It�s been around since the colonial times when �Juan Tamad� � or Lazy John � became a folk hero for laziness!� So, what else is new, people?� Remember, when you point your finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you.

Now, don�t get me wrong, folks. I�m not accusing all Filipinos of being lazy.� On the contrary, Filipinos are some of the most � if not the most � hard-working people in the world.� The fact that there are more than 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in more than 120 countries would attest to the reputation of Filipinos as hard-working people.

But what is happening here is that a few Filipinos are bringing out the worst in themselves: crab mentality.� And to �crab� our president manifests a hangover from colonial mentality. The fact is: President Aquino is one of the most hard-working presidents of our time.� But instead of appreciating what he is doing, we are bringing him down!� And what we don�t realize is that by doing so, we�re bringing ourselves down, too� just like crabs [...]

Read the full story >> � What �noynoying� is all about?


Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

Pay the taxman, Pacman!

March 28, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

If Manny �Pacman� Pacquiao is really serious about his new mission as Bible Ambassador of the embattled Roman Catholic Church, then he should pay his taxes. Tax evasion cannot be considered a saintly act because it is cheating the Filipino people and depriving them of their rightful benefits.

BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) Director for Region 8, Atty. Rozil Lozares, hit the nail on the head when the taxman quoted from the Gospel what is a direct order from Jesus Christ to taxpaying citizens � �Give to Caesar what is Caesar�s and to God what is God�s.� Lozares was quoted in Filipino saying: �The Pharisees asked Jesus if the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus picked up a coin and showed to the Pharisees the face of Caesar on the coin. It was then when Jesus said: �Give to Caesar what is Caesar�s, and to God what is God�s.�

It was Lozares who filed the charges against Pacquiao for failing to submit his tax records after noticing a big drop in Pacquiao�s tax payments. In an earlier interview on DZMM radio, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares had mentioned that Pacquiao�s tax payments dropped from P100 million in 2008 to only P7 million in 2009. Pacquiao would belong to the highest income tax bracket, persons with taxable income of P500,000 or more, where the tax due is P125,000 plus 32 percent of the excess of [...]

Read the full story >> � Pay the taxman, Pacman!


ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

Pacquiao eyes suit vs BIR execs for harassment

March 28, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Mike Frialde
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao yesterday hit the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for filing what he said was a �harassment case� against him in connection with his alleged refusal to submit documents involving his business interests and income sources that were earlier summoned by the tax collection agency.

Speaking to reporters in Makati City, Pacquiao also dismissed reports that what the BIR had filed against him was neither tax evasion nor tax fraud, but simply for his alleged refusal to submit documents summoned by the BIR.

�The case against me is plain and simple harassment. Contrary to public perception, I am not charged with tax evasion or tax fraud. That is farthest from the truth. Over the years as a boxer, a product endorser and a businessman, I have not surcharged the government for what it is due. Hence, it is with a heavy heart to hear that I was charged with tax evasion or tax fraud. It was [...]

Read the full story >>�� Pacquiao eyes suit vs BIR execs for harassment

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What �noynoying� is all about?

March 28, 2012 | Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

When I first read about �noynoying,� my initial reaction was that it was about President Benigno �Noynoy� Aquino III�s romantic escapades and so I ignored it.� Haven�t we heard enough of his girlfriends?� But it turns out that anti-government groups protesting against rising gas prices coined �noynoying.�� They complain that Noynoy hasn�t done anything productive.� Thus, �noynoying� became the new buzzword for a person who is idle and doesn�t work.� In all fairness to Noynoy, �noynoying� is not something new.� It�s been around since the colonial times when �Juan Tamad� � or Lazy John � became a folk hero for laziness!� So, what else is new, people?� Remember, when you point your finger at someone, three fingers are pointing back at you.

Now, don�t get me wrong, folks. I�m not accusing all Filipinos of being lazy.� On the contrary, Filipinos are some of the most � if not the most � hard-working people in the world.� The fact that there are more than 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in more than 120 countries would attest to the reputation of Filipinos as hard-working people.

But what is happening here is that a few Filipinos are bringing out the worst in themselves: crab mentality.� And to �crab� our president manifests a hangover from colonial mentality. The fact is: President Aquino is one of the most hard-working presidents of our time.� But instead of appreciating what he is doing, we are bringing him down!� And what we don�t realize is that by doing so, we�re bringing ourselves down, too� just like crabs [...]

Read the full story >>� What �noynoying� is all about?

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�

Roxas likes �Noynoying� too

March 28, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Jeannette I. Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II on Monday redefined the term �Noynoying,� giving journalists a rundown of what he believed were President Benigno Aquino III�s virtues.

�For me, Noynoying means somebody who always tells the truth,� Roxas said in a speech at the weekly Kapihan sa Diamond Hotel news forum. �For me, Noynoying means somebody who is so careful about the people�s money, who does not borrow recklessly and who does not spend recklessly.�

�Noynoying,� a play on the President�s nickname �Noynoy,� is a new protest form characterized by lazing around, also known as the new planking [...]

Read the full story >>��� Roxas likes �Noynoying� too

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P-Noy�s �Euromoney�s Philippine Investment Forum� speech

March 28, 2012 | Politics & Government

Speech of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
At Euromoney�s Philippine Investment Forum
[Delivered at the Peninsula Manila, Makati City, on March 27, 2012]

Secretary Cesar Purisima; Secretary Sonny Coloma; Director General Lilia de Lima; Mr. Tony Shale; distinguished business leaders and members of the business sector; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen:

Good morning.

Once upon a time, the consensus among you was that we were the sick man of Asia. The diagnosis for this illness was as simple as it seemed insurmountable: a lack of political will; an entrenched system of corruption that could not be weeded out; and a feeling of utter impossibility among Filipinos and their leaders alike.

Since I am addressing you at a time when Filipinos are gearing up for Holy Week, I hope you permit me to state in a biblical vein: all it took was faith healing to invoke, in political terms, the biblical injunction from the Gospel of Luke chapter 4 verse 23: �Physician, Heal Thyself.�

Let no one doubt that we are doing the three things which were previously thought of as impossible: we are calling people to account; we are putting closure to the controversies that had sapped our institutions of their vigor and diminished their legitimacy in the eyes of our countrymen; in other words, we are exercising political will. We have reformed the manner in which we allocate and dispense public funds; we have thrown the book at the thieves; and we are collecting what the government is due. That is how we are fighting corruption [...]

Read the full story >>�� P-Noy�s �Euromoney�s Philippine Investment Forum� speech

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Deciding Corona�s fate

March 28, 2012 | Opinion

To the Point
By Emil Jurado
Manila Standard Today

The 23 senator-judges will have six weeks of recess beginning this week until May 7. This is a good time to scour their consciences on how they should decide on the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The defense team has this final stretch to rebut all the claims of the prosecution that Corona committed culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

That is, if the senator-judges rely only on what goes on in the trial.

But as I have stated time and again, Corona�s fate shall not be exclusively determined by the events during the trial. The proceedings may be quasi-judicial, but they are also quasi-political. And, my gulay, those senator-judges are politicians!

I wonder: How will the senator-judges decide? [...]

Read the full story >>� Deciding Corona�s fate

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CJ denies changing story on US homes

March 28, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Edu Punay
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � Chief Justice Renato Corona made clear yesterday that the California property identified as his by a journalist-blogger belongs to his daughter, a physical therapist in the United States.

In a text message to The STAR, Corona said he did not change his statement regarding the property.

�The question to me was whether I or my wife owned any property in the US,� he said. �We do not. What my daughter owns is hers, not mine nor my wife�s. So what story did I supposedly change?� [...]

Read the full story >>��� CJ denies changing story on US homes

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Sanford, Florida: A Memory of Palm City, Florida

March 28, 2012 | Opinion

Read the full story >>�� Sanford, Florida: A Memory of Palm City, Florida

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An affront to our intelligence

March 28, 2012 | Opinion

BY REY O. ARCILLA
MALAYA

�Noynoy�s mouthpieces insist that the emerging new arrangement with the US has nothing to do with China.�

ARE they taking us for fools?

I refer to President Noynoy Aquino and his mouthpieces that include not only his press secretary, but also his foreign affairs and defense secretaries.

Noynoy said he welcomes the proposal to have more US troops �to rotate� in the country, but ruled out permanent bases. How is that possible?

When you rotate troops, that could only mean there would already be those to be replaced situated somewhere in the country. Ergo, US forces will be based in the country on a continuing or permanent basis, with all their weapons, equipment and other war materiel [...]

Read the full story >>� An affront to our intelligence

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�

China hits plan for Pag-asa dev�t

March 28, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Pia Lee-Brago
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � China has expressed concern over the Philippines� plan to build a beaching ramp in the Kalayaan island group in the West Philippine Sea.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China warned on Thursday against any move by claimants that may complicate the dispute.

�China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. China opposes any country�s illegal activities that infringe upon China�s sovereignty over the Nansha Islands,� said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei in a press conference in Beijing.

The municipal government of Kalayaan, in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), will construct within the year a beaching ramp on Pag-asa, the largest of the Kalayaan group, which has been occupied by Filipino troops for decades. Apart from the troops, there are about 70 Filipino families living in Kalayaan, which is a municipality of Palawan [...]

Read the full story >> China hits plan for Pag-asa dev�t

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

On Corona�s claims of Ateneo honors

March 30, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

Human Face�
By Ma. Ceres P. Doyo
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

Did he lie? Did he misrepresent? Was he negligent?

The Internet is abuzz with expressions of shock and disgust coming mostly from some graduates of the Ateneo de Manila University, alma mater of Chief Justice Renato C. Corona who is going through an impeachment trial.

�Corona lied about academic honors!� by Riziel Ann Cabreros is about Corona�s claims, as shown in his resum�, that he graduated with high honors from Ateneo grade school, high school, college and law school. But record checks proved otherwise. (Writer Cabreros works with ANC as a segment producer of �Pipol� and as a news writer. She is a researcher for journalist Marites Da�guilan Vitug�s upcoming book on the Supreme Court, a much-awaited one, I must say.)

Cabreros asked: �Did Chief Justice Renato Corona embellish his academic achievements brandished on the website of the Supreme Court before it was altered just a few days ago?� [...]

Read the full story >> � On Corona�s claims of Ateneo honors


ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

73% prefer Corona conviction, says latest SWS survey

March 30, 2012 | Politics & Government

SOURCE: Philippine Daily Inquirer

More than six of every 10 adult Filipinos would accept any outcome in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, but if it came down to their personal preference, 73 percent wanted a conviction, results of a Social Weather Stations survey released on Thursday showed.

Only one in every four respondents preferred an acquittal [...]

Read the full story >>� 73% prefer Corona conviction, says latest SWS survey

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�US house may belong to CJ�

March 30, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Jess Diaz
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � The California house that a daughter of Chief Justice Renato Corona had acquired may actually belong to her father, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II claimed yesterday.

Gonzales said congressmen prosecuting Corona in his Senate impeachment trial do not dismiss the possibility that the Chief Justice is the real and beneficial owner of the California property.

Gonzales said it is the theory of the prosecution panel that Corona is using his children to hide his unexplained wealth.

This is the reason why prosecutors attribute to the Chief Justice the ownership of a property in McKinley Hill in Global City, Taguig, which his daughter Maria Charina bought for P6.1 million in 2008, he said.

He pointed out that it was Corona who signed the reservation agreement for the property and it was he who paid for it in 27 installments as shown by receipts presented to the Senate impeachment court [...]

Read the full story >>�� �US house may belong to CJ�

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�

Corona urged to come clean on US properties

March 30, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Cynthia D. Balana, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II on Wednesday urged impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona to come clean on his reported properties in the United States and stop flip-flopping on the issue, saying the people deserve to know the truth.

�Ano ba talaga (what is the real score), Chief Justice Corona? Does your family own the properties or not?�� Gonzales asked. �The Filipino people deserve an explanation. They deserve to know the truth.�

Gonzales said the House of Representatives� prosecution panel was studying the possibility of including Corona�s properties abroad in its rebuttal after the defense shall have completed presenting its evidence at the impeachment trial in the Senate.

Journalist Raissa Robles reported in her blog that a certain �Renato C. Corona� was linked to two addresses in Tampa, Florida, and Mountain View, California, but the Chief Justice flip-flopped on whether he and his family owned the properties [...]

Read the full story >>�� Corona urged to come clean on US properties

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Corona�s daughter bought California and The Fort properties 22 days of each other

March 30, 2012 | Politics & Government

A Plaza Miranda Exclusive

By Ra�ssa Robles

http://raissarobles.com/2012/03/26/coronas-daughter-bought-california-and-the-fort-properties-22-days-of-each-other/

Soon after Chief Justice Renato Corona categorically denied that he and his family owned any property in the United States, a California lawyer sent me documentary evidence showing the purchase of a house in Roseville, California by the chief magistrate�s youngest daughter, Charina.

This purchase was made 22 days before she allegedly bought a condo in McKinley Hills at the Fort.

Later I will explain why the two shoulder-to-shoulder properties transactions could have an important bearing on the ongoing impeachment trial of CJ Corona.

Yesterday, CJ Corona reacted to my article entitled - �Does Renato C. Corona have a clone living in the US?� - by issuing a blanket denial to reporters covering the justice beat.

I was particularly intrigued by the following sentence which came out in ABS-CBN News.com, which quoted CJ Corona as saying �we have no property in the US.�

And so I phoned his lawyer Tranquil Salvador to clarify what the word �We� meant. I asked Atty Salvador who was the CJ referring to when he said �we� don�t own any property. Was he referring to himself and his wife only or does �we� include his three children?

Instead of answering, Atty Salvador said he would send me CJ Corona�s original text message. He did and it said [...]

Read the full story >>�� Corona�s daughter bought California and The Fort properties 22 days of each other

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So much to invest one�s life for

March 30, 2012 | Opinion

GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano

I thought that England would have cheaper gas prices. The past two days as a visitor in London, however, has taught me that oil producing countries do not always subsidize what their people consume. Gas here is P100 per liter and they have British Petroleum!

I also thought that England would be a model of efficiency. After all, Hong Kong was run by them as a colony and British rule produced a highly productive and efficient system. In fact, Hong Kong citizens ended up hiring Filipino domestics. But visiting Great Britain just proved to me that there are flaws in every country no matter how advanced, just somewhat different in nature or form. It came as a shock to this Third World citizen that it would take two hours for my small group to clear Immigration!

It was not that Immigration officers were making it difficult for tourists to get their travel documents processed; in fact, they were friendly. It was more systemic. There were several hundreds of non-British nationals who arrive but only a few Immigration officers were there to process all of us. I thought to myself that our NAIA 1 had taken a bad bashing from everyone about being one of the world�s worst, but our visitors get better Immigration service. And although we were again evaluated as somewhat deficient with our security measures, we don�t get bombs in our planes, or high-jackers who ram our planes into buildings [...]

Read the full story >>� So much to invest one�s life for

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The power play of the ANAYchists

March 30, 2012 | Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

My Facebook friend, Jay N. Ramos, was so incensed by the agitprop of the Left and their front organizations in attempting to use the problem of high prices to sow a climate of confusion and hatred against the President Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) government.

Jay came up with the right word to tag the destabilizers � ANAYchist (ANAY means termite). He gave it a scientific name of �Pestiferous Bangasus� and described it as �an annoying creature whose sole purpose in life is to undermine anything it can sink its mandibles into.�

The ANAYchists distort issues to make the government look remiss in its duties, insensitive to public needs and incompetent. They blame on the government the rising prices of basic goods that are caused by rising oil prices. Preying on the ignorance of many Filipinos � victims of the Information Gap that is rooted to our shallow, narrow-minded and showbiz addicted broadcast media � they peddle unrealistic solutions that will only result in a worse situation.

For the rising price of petrol that�s the result of oil distribution slowdown due to the political problems in the Middle East and the developing scarcity of oil in 20 years, our ANAYchists are prescribing two remedies. The first remedy is to [...]

Read the full story >>��� The power play of the ANAYchists

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Supreme Court slams door on coconut farmers

March 30, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Fernando del Mundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Coconut farmers can kiss goodbye their hopes of recovering nearly P60 billion worth of shares in San Miguel Corp. (SMC).

The Supreme Court slammed the door to any further judicial action concerning a 20-percent bloc of SMC shares when it issued an �entry of judgment� after declaring on April 12, 2011, that the contested portfolio belonged to Eduardo �Danding� Cojuangco, current chairman of the highly diversified conglomerate and uncle of President Benigno Aquino III.

A six-page entry of judgment notice dated March 16 on Cojuangco�s SMC shares was sent on Tuesday to the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), which sequestered the package after SMC stock certificates in blank were found in a Malaca�ang vault on the night the dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted during the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Final and executory

The document, signed by Deputy Clerk of Court Ma. Lourdes C. Perfecto, said that the high court�s decision had become �final and executory and is hereby recorded in the Book of Entries of Judgments.�

The action ends three decades of judicial battles over the SMC shares waged by the PCGG and representatives of farmers� organizations in an effort to recover alleged ill-gotten wealth of Marcos and his cronies [...]

Read the full story >>�� Supreme Court slams door on coconut farmers

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The importance of arresting retired general Jovito Palparan Jr.

March 30, 2012 | Opinion

AHRC � Media Statement
Mindanao Examiner�

IN THE STREETS of Metro Manila, it is common to see photographs or posters of missing persons posted on walls and electricity poles, with details of the missing person and how to contact the relatives looking for them. These families have taken it upon themselves to look for their loved ones, in the absence of any help from the government.

What is not common however, is the poster of Jovito Palparan Jr., a retired military general, also posted widely on public walls in Manila. He is not a missing person, but a person who went into hiding after the court issued arrest orders against him, to answer allegations of his and his men�s involvement in the disappearance of two activists, Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno in 2006. The inability of the government to arrest him is not surprising; in fact, him being actually arrested would be more of a surprise.

Failure to arrest persons subject to court arrest orders is not unique to Palparan. The failure or inability to arrest is unfortunately a norm more than an exception throughout the Philippines. Even ordinary criminals or escapees from jail can in fact roam freely. Unless they make trouble again, or they apply for employment requiring police clearance, they are not likely to be arrested. Under such circumstances, how can society expect Palparan to be arrested? [...]

Read the full story >> The importance of arresting retired general Jovito Palparan Jr.

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Helping Others is Our Path to Happiness

March 30, 2012 | Opinion

By Fr. Shay Cullen
(His columns are published in The Manila Times,
in publications in Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, and on-line)

What brings out the crowds to cheer on a hero, a liberator, a Messiah like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and the greatest of all, Jesus of Nazareth, and many more. All but one of the above was executed or assassinated and all were brutalized and jailed unjustly for their beliefs and mission. They had a common goal to bring justice, freedom and truth to the world held captive by tyranny and evil.

These great people of our generation, despite their human frailties, Jesus excepted, gave their lives for others without counting the cost. They are inspiring leaders that lived out the deepest values that makes us so human and dignified human persons. For believers, Jesus is divine but he humbled himself to be fully human like the rest of us and shared our human condition and came to redeem it.

We admire them in varying degrees because they are what we would all wish and aspire to be, but cannot find that same courage and bravery in ourselves. And yet they are liberators of our spirits and of all who are captive to fear and insecurity because they have stood non-violently against tyranny and oppression [...]

Read the full story >>� Helping Others is Our Path to Happiness

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

A Pulse Asia poll could have saved Jesus from crucifixion

March 31, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

When Pulse Asia released last March 20 its February 26 to March 9 nationwide poll on public perception regarding the on-going impeachment trial of Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice (CJ) Renato Corona, Presiding Officer Juan Ponce Enrile (JPE) dismissed its impact on the jurors, even alleging that it was a �survey� that condemned Jesus Christ to be crucified. JPE could not have been more wrong.

On the contrary, if Judea Governor Pontius Pilate had conducted a scientific survey like those done by Pulse Asia (and SWS), then the New Testament might have been written differently. The viva voce type of selection that Pilate conducted, when the crowd was made to choose between Christ and the criminal Barabbas, wasn�t based on a truly representative sample that reflected the cross section of Jerusalem folks. The Pharisees, Christ�s biggest enemies, fielded a �hakot� (planted partisans) crowd that was complemented by the followers of Barabbas.

The Jerusalem mob was like a sample of 80 percent communists and 20 percent pro-democracy Filipinos. Given a choice between communism and democracy, the communists would naturally drown out the pro-democracy folks. However, as we know from experience, we Filipinos aren�t disposed to accepting communism. Our disdain for communism was so intense that Dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos thought he could win in the February 1986 Snap Presidential Election by tagging Cory Aquino a communist. Few ever believed Marcos that Cory was a communist [...]

Read the full story >> � A Pulse Asia poll could have saved Jesus from crucifixion
�

ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

Prosecution: SWS survey tells CJ lawyers to do better

March 31, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Jess Diaz
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on the Senate impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona suggests that his lawyers should do better than �beating around the bush,� a prosecution spokesman said yesterday.

�The message of the survey to them is that they should present a more credible defense and answer the charges directly. The first two weeks of presentation of their case was full of holes,� Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said.

According to the survey, 73 percent of Filipinos want the Senate impeachment court to hand down a guilty verdict on Corona.

Angara said the opinion poll was conducted from March 10 to 13, more than a week after the prosecution had rested its case and two days into the presentation of evidence by the defense.

�They spent their first two days by questioning the impeachment process in the House of Representatives, an issue that the impeachment tribunal had resolved on Day One of the trial,� he said [...]

Read the full story >>�� Prosecution: SWS survey tells CJ lawyers to do better

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Corona risks conviction by not testifying, prosecutors say

March 31, 2012 | Politics & Government

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

MANILA, Philippines�Chief Justice Renato Corona would be risking conviction if he opts not to take the stand at his impeachment trial, House prosecutors said Saturday.

Only Corona, not indirect witnesses, could shed light on his statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs), dollar accounts, the sale of properties to his daughter, and his vote on key cases, prosecutor Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said.

�All this he has to testify on. Otherwise, they�re courting conviction especially since many senator-judges think he has to testify. That means they�re not satisfied with defense evidence so far presented. I don�t think the defense has a choice,�� Colmenares said in a telephone interview.

Besides, Corona�s failure to testify would be taken against him, said Marikina Rep. Romero Federico Quimbo, the prosecution�s official spokesperson.

The defense panel has balked at presenting Corona and his wife Cristina as witnesses when the trial resumes on May 7 to shield them supposedly from intense grilling and ridicule [...]

Read the full story >> Corona risks conviction by not testifying, prosecutors say

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�SC ruling on prime Quezon City land blow to land titles�

March 31, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

Registered owners of more than half of the land in Metro Manila may lose their properties as a result of a recent Supreme Court ruling that the �sale certificates� of former friar lands that lacked the signatures of prewar government officials should be deemed void, a senior justice of the court said.

In a 23-page dissenting opinion, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the Supreme Court�s March 6 decision in the ownership dispute involving the Manotoks and Barques over the P4-billion Piedad Estate in Quezon City would render millions of residents homeless.

�This is a disaster waiting to happen�a blow to the integrity of our Torrens system [of titles] and the stability of land titles in this country,� Carpio said.

�Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of landowners would surely be dispossessed of their lands in these areas,� he said.

With a split vote of 8-7, the tribunal upheld its Aug. 24, 2010, decision that awarded the ownership of the 1,282-hectare of lands to the national government [...]

Read the full story >>��� �SC ruling on prime Quezon City land blow to land titles�

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Aquino to do what�s right re coco levy funds�Palace

March 31, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Michael Lim Ubac, Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer

President Benigno Aquino III will decide based on �what is right for the people� the disposition of the coco levy funds.

�Every action that the President has taken is really for the people. That�s the reason why P-Noy (Aquino) is there,� said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, dismissing allegations by a farmers� group that Mr. Aquino was poised to enter into a compromise agreement with his uncle, businessman Eduardo �Danding�� Cojuangco, over the disputed funds and the assetsthat were acquired with them.

�Many such stories have been coming out but rest assured, the government will do what is right for the people,� Valte told� state-run dzRB radio.

�The President will always do what is right for the people,� she said.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has challenged the President to reveal what his plans are for the coconut levy funds, particularly with the 24-percent block of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) shares bought with the funds, after the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) and United Coconut Planters Life Assurance Corp. laid a P15-billion claim on the shares.

The 24-percent block of SMC shares�originally 27 percent but later diluted because of the SMC equity increase�is part of a bigger block of 47 percent SMC shares that the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) sequestered in 1986� [...]

Read the full story >>�� Aquino to do what�s right re coco levy funds�Palace

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�What Noynoying when there are 3.3 M jobs?�

March 31, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Celso Amo
The Philippine Star

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines � Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has joined the chorus in debunking the negative connotations of �Noynoying,� which activists have coined from the President�s nickname to denote a do-nothing demeanor.

Salceda said President Aquino was able to produce 2.1 million jobs last October and another 1.2 million jobs in January.

The job creation is something historical compared to the 1.7 million jobs created during the Estrada administration in 1999, as well as the 2.4 million jobs created during the Arroyo administration.

�I don�t see it as Noynoying if we know the numbers and know which numbers to look at,� Salceda said during the 4Ps press briefing at the Oriental Hotel Monday morning.

Wikipedia defines Noynoying as a protest gimmick in the form of neologism portraying Aquino as doing nothing on major issues such as disaster response and rising oil prices [...]

Read the full story >>� �What Noynoying when there are 3.3 M jobs?�

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De Lima does an Aquino, hits courts

March 31, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Evangeline de Vera
Malaya

JUSTICE Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said her efforts at curbing lawless elements are being thwarted by �less-than-respectable elements in the judiciary.�

Speaking before the annual convention of the Philippine Prosecutors� League at the Manila Hotel, De Lima said the public saw in the past year certain accused individuals apply for and being granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the Department of Justice from prosecuting them, while a former president questioned before the Supreme Court the authority of her department to issue watch-list orders and hold departure orders.

�Therefore, I cannot help but ask myself, what is going on here? How dim-witted do they think we are? Half the problem is the existence of less-than-respectable elements in the judiciary, who issue blatantly unfair and illegal orders without even blinking an eye. But the point is, we cannot take what they dish out lying down,� she said [...]

Read the full story >>��� De Lima does an Aquino, hits courts

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A new Manny Pacquiao

March 31, 2012 | Opinion

By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Manila Standard Today

WHEN pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao asked one of his aides to get a chair and have us sit next to him at the 12th Annual �Flash� Elorde Awards Banquet of Champions, we were pleasantly surprised. Not too long ago, he was visibly upset by our comments after his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez and our condemnation of his indiscriminate ways and the leeches, who surround him.

But then, it seemed so long ago and time and circumstance have combined to change it all in a blessed way.

After we sat down, Manny proceeded to ask us about our favorite passage in the Bible and we answered Psalm XXIII � �The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.�

Sufficiently impressed when we told him, the psalm says it all, Manny recited several excerpts from the scriptures, chapter and verse, in amazing fashion. We couldn�t believe how much he had memorized and the ease with which he quoted the Bible and reflected on the meaning of the passages he cited. This was certainly a new Manny Pacquiao, far removed from the wild and wooly individual, whose lifestyle brought untold pain to his charming wife and threatened to wreck his family [...]

Read the full story >>�� A new Manny Pacquiao

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Pacquiao told: Submit tax records or face jail time

March 31, 2012 | Politics & Government

Source: Sun Star Manila

MANILA � Sarangani Representative and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao can get away with contempt charges filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) if he can submit documents in connection to the huge drop in his tax remittances.

Pacquiao, who has since cried foul over the case, was challenged by BIR Commissioner Kim Henares to do just that after the agency pushed for a �realistic assessment� of his tax liability.

�The sooner he submits, the sooner this controversy will die down. We haven�t mentioned of any liability yet, that�s why we are investigating him,� Henares said Thursday.

�We have to see the gravity of the violation. As of now, we are not even talking or thinking of tax evasion. We are only asking him to submit the documents,� she added [...]

Read the full story >>� Pacquiao told: Submit tax records or face jail time

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�

How We Help End Hunger

March 31, 2012 | Opinion

By Fr. Shay Cullen
(His columns are published in The Manila Times,
in publications in Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, and on-line)�

Hiking through the Zambales hills visiting the villages of the Aeta indigenous people is an exhilarating and yet saddening experience. I have been thinking about my recent visits to the villages of the aboriginal people that first settled the Philippine islands and survived for thousands of years as hunters and gatherers in the abundant rain forests. Today, their future is uncertain and fraught with danger.

There, they developed a simple but beautiful culture that was at one with nature. They never over-hunted; their numbers were well-balanced for survival and healthy living. They had a well developed herbal medical practice that helped them survive thousands of years like the natives of the Amazon forests without modern medicine or much contact with the western world.

They protected the natural habitat and the native birds and animals thrived. Their cultural dances imitate the creatures of the forest such as their respect for nature. Today, all that has changed, the forests and animals are long gone and a greatly diminished environment is all that remains [...]

Read the full story >>� How We Help End Hunger

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

The Judiciary under scrutiny

April 2, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

Counterpoint
By by Alvin Capino
Manila Standard Today

This era is probably the most controversial in the history of the Judiciary in the Philippines. This is not only because of the unprecedented impeachment trial of no less than Chief Justice Renato Corona instigated by Malaca�ang.

Almost on a daily basis, we read and hear news reports and commentaries in media about controversies involving the Judiciary from the lower courts to the appellate courts and even the Supreme Court ranging from a judge getting legal advice from dwarfs to alleged emissaries of a judge asking for a P100 million bribe for a favorable ruling.

One running controversy for example that tends to erode public faith in the Judiciary for example is the multi-billion peso case of the Steel Corporation of the Philippines against the country�s largest insurance companies.

In a letter to Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr., SCP, through its legal counsel, Nonnatus P. Chua, has accused three appellate justices of �manifest partially, evident bad faith and gross inexcusable negligence� in deciding the case and promulgating the decision dated Feb. 8, 2012 which declared as null and void the Order dated June 1, 2011 of the� [...]

Read the full story >> � The Judiciary under scrutiny


ALSO IN THE NEWS� ��
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The SC rules on Danding and SMC

April 2, 2012 | Opinion

BY DUCKY PAREDES
MALAYA

�(T) he resulting duty of the borrower in a contract of loan is to pay, not to return, to the creditor or lender the very thing loaned. This explains why the ownership of the thing loaned is transferred to the debtor upon perfection of the contract.�

THE Supreme Court has ruled in G.R. No. 166859, that the stake of businessman Eduardo �Danding� Cojuangco in San Miguel Corp. was not acquired using coco levy funds.

In fact, the SC goes further. Here is the applicable ruling:

�Did Cojuangco breach his �fiduciary duties� as an officer and member of the Board of Directors of the UCPB? Did his acquisition and holding of the contested SMC shares come under a constructive trust in favor of the Republic?

�The answers to these queries are in the negative.

�The conditions for the application of Articles 1455 and 1456 of the Civil Code (like the trustee using trust funds to purchase, or a person acquiring property through mistake or fraud), and Section 31 of the Corporation Code (like a director or trustee willfully and knowingly voting for or assenting to patently unlawful acts of the corporation, among others) require factual foundations to be first laid out in appropriate judicial proceedings. Hence, concluding that Cojuangco breached fiduciary duties as an officer� [...]

Read the full story >>�� The SC rules on Danding and SMC

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End to bloodletting?

April 2, 2012 | Opinion

Viewpoint
By Juan L. Mercado
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

�I sinned by betraying innocent blood,� Judas Iscariot�s scream reechoes every Holy Week for two millennia now. For 30 pieces of silver, Judas sold out his Friend who was crucified.

Innocent blood is still spilled here on Holy Week 2012. Ferdinand Marcos imposed Presidential Decree 276 in 1973. Thousands of farmers still go to their graves today, clutching worthless coconut levy stock certificates.

PD 276 decreed that �coco levies� were owned by cronies �in their private capacities.� By stroke of a dictator�s pen, taxes morphed into individual loot. If PD 276 is not scrubbed as unconstitutional, then �Marcos found a legal and valid way to steal,� wrote then columnist Antonio Carpio, now a Supreme Court justice.

Under Marcos, the Floirendos got bananas, and Roberto Benedicto oversaw sugar. Eduardo Cojuangco emerged as coconut czar, while Juan Ponce Enrile served as martial law commissar [...]

Read the full story >>� End to bloodletting?

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Speculation? No, it can be reality

April 2, 2012 | Opinion

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

�What makes the majority (the voting was 8-7) believe that the other 150 owners of friar lands in the same situation as the heirs of Severino Manotok cannot lose their lands as a function of the precedent in this ruling?�

THE Supreme Court ruling reiterating its earlier edict that friar lands whose deeds of conveyance did not have the signatures of the secretary of agriculture and the director of the bureau of lands belong to the state as in the case of the denied petition of the heirs of Severino Manotok.

In her dissent, Associate Justice Maria Lourdes P. Sereno stressed that the ruling promulgated on March 6 �created changes for the system of property rights in the Philippines.�

The ponencia penned by Associate Justice Martin Villarama says �the Court simply adhered strictly to the letter and spirit of the Friar Lands Act and jurisprudence interpreting its provisions.�

How na�ve can these learned jurists get? [...]

Read the full story >>��� Speculation? No, it can be reality

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Are heinous crimes rooted to deteriorating moral standards?

April 2, 2012 | Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

PNP (Philippine National Police) spokesman, Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, had assessed that the ease with which criminals commit murders these days could be the result of the deterioration of the moral standard in our country.

Cruz was referring more to the audacity and harshness of criminals today.

In general terms, crime stats show a marked decrease over the last two years and an increase in the solving of these crimes. What alarms many Filipinos is how easy criminals would cross that line and take another person�s life. Media that are addicted to showbiz, scandal and crime stories heighten that alarm.

Indeed, there is basis to believe that our moral standard has deteriorated. More people are inclined now to steal, bigger amounts at that, when they land an important public office. Alcohol and drugs are also major contributory factors in the murders that have been reported. Drug addicts will do anything to get the money with which to buy drugs. Population density, especially in the poorest communities, increases the pressure to commit crimes. So where does a society�s moral standard become a factor? [...]

Read the full story >>�� Are heinous crimes rooted to deteriorating moral standards?

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Power crisis: Who�s to blame?

April 2, 2012 | Opinion

BABE�S EYE VIEW
By Babe Romualdez
The Philippine Star

In 1987, the late Energy Secretary Ronnie Velasco warned the Cory government of a severe power shortage as a consequence of the cancellation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Before he could explain why, a Cabinet official reeking with newly acquired �arrogance of power� told Velasco, on nationwide television, to �shut up� and just explain the corruption surrounding the Westinghouse deal. One year later, massive blackouts started taking place, literally taking the country into the �dark ages.� Towards the middle of 1992, record power outages lasting for 12 hours resulted in billions of pesos of business losses, with hundreds of thousands of workers laid off (many of them in the garments and semiconductor industries).

After FVR took over as president, he quickly moved to solve the power crisis by figuratively taking the bull by the horn, engaging in fast-track emergency measures. But the quick fix solution however became even more costly in the end especially for the consuming public. Power barges were quickly utilized to address the crisis with 40 power plant projects signed over to independent power producers � with the controversial �take and pay� provisions that forced Filipino taxpayers to pay for fixed energy costs, currently estimated at P4 billion a month, whether these IPPS supplied electricity or not [...]

Read the full story >>� Power crisis: Who�s to blame?

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Fire hits market on lot cited in Corona trial

April 2, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Jeannette I. Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

Fire struck early Sunday a public market that had been built on the former Basa-Guidote lot in Sampaloc, Manila, destroying around P3 million worth of property.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered a thorough investigation of the blaze which gutted nearly half of the market�s dry goods section.

The fire which started at 1:50 a.m. Sunday reached the third alarm before it was put out by firemen of the Manila Fire District at 4:30 a.m.

By then, the blaze had razed 80 of 292 stalls in the dry goods section of the Sampaloc Public Market at the corner of Legarda and Bustillos Streets.

MFD arson investigators said the fire started in stall 239, leased to footwear vendor Ely Morales, but the cause remained� [...]

Read the full story >>��� Fire hits market on lot cited in Corona trial

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Manny Pacquiao�s Last 3 Fights to Include Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

April 2, 2012 | Business & Lifestyle

By Leo Reyes
Bleacher Report

Regardless of the outcome of his June 9 fight with Timothy Bradley, eighth-division world champ Manny Pacquiao has calendared three more fights before retiring from professional boxing to continue his rising career in politics.

If indeed Pacquiao will retire in 2013 as he had announced earlier, it is obvious he will be returning to the ring in November after his date with Timothy Bradley on June 9.

Most likely, he will face Juan Manuel Marquez for the fourth time to�finally�settle their differences. It seems fight fans would still patronize another showdown between these two great�fighters as they continue to talk about their controversial encounter last November in Las Vegas [...]

Read the full story >>�� Manny Pacquiao�s Last 3 Fights to Include Unbeaten Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

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After 100 years, Pinoy hero reburied with military honors

April 2, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Jun Elias
The Philippine Star�

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union ,Philippines � Jose Baliton Nisperos was awarded the US Congressional Medal of Honor almost 100 years ago on Nov. 25, 1912 for single-handedly repelling Islamic rebels in Basilan on Sept. 24, 1911.

The Philippine Scouts corporal was the first Asian and Filipino to receive the highest military decoration of the United States government.

The Philippines was an American territory and the Philippine Scouts a division of the US Army at the time.

Nisperos was medically discharged from the US Army because of the severity of his wounds and given a pension of [...]

Read the full story >>� After 100 years, Pinoy hero reburied with military honors

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Case of Fil-Canadian boy in �spoon, fork� controversy goes on

April 2, 2012 | Business & Lifestyle

ROUCHELLE DINGLASAN
GMA News �

Six years ago, a Filipino-Canadian boy made headlines after school officials said he �ate like a pig� for using a spoon and fork as he had his lunch.

According to the news site The Filipino Reporter, the case of Luc Cagadoc, now 13 years old, has reached the Quebec Court of Appeal.

Born in the Philippines but raised in Canada, Cagadoc was reprimanded by Marguerite-Bourgeoys School officials in 2006 for eating in the customary Filipino manner � with a spoon and fork � during lunch break.

�The school board and the school, Lalande School in Roxboro, backed up the lunch monitor, with school officials and teachers saying the boy ate like a pig and should learn to eat like other Canadians,� The Filipino Reporter said.

In 2010, Cagadoc and his family won the case they filed before the Quebec Human Rights Tribunal [...]

Read the full story >> � Case of Fil-Canadian boy in �spoon, fork� controversy goes on

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


PERRYSCOPE��

The people have spoken: �Guilty!�

April 4, 2012 | Featured, Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

When the Senate impeachment court was going into a six-week recess in observance of Holy Week, two surveys caught a lot of people by surprise.� Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations (SWS) � the country�s top pollsters � released their surveys about people�s reaction as the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona concluded the prosecution phase and began the defense phase.

The first was Pulse Asia who released its survey on March 20, two days before the impeachment trial was suspended for the long Holy Week break.� It couldn�t be timelier.� The effect was devastating!

The survey, conducted from February 26 to March 9, showed Corona�s approval rating at 14% while his disapproval rating went up to 58%, a 34% increase since November 2011 before the House of Representatives impeached him.�� It also showed his trust rating drop to 11% from 29% last November while his distrust rating drastically increased to 60% from 27% last November.

And here�s the stinger: The survey showed that nearly half (47%) of the respondents view Corona as guilty while only 5% said that he is innocent of the charges.� The rest of the respondents (43%) were undecided.

A week after the Pulse Asia survey came out SWS released the results of its own survey: 73% of the respondents believe that Corona is guilty of the impeachment charges while only 25% believe he is innocent.

It�s interesting to note that the survey was conducted on March 10-13 just when the defense started its presentation of witnesses and evidence.� When the respondents were asked if it was important for Corona to testify personally at the trial, 73% answered �Yes� while 26% said �No.� [...]

Read the full story >> � The people have spoken: �Guilty!�


Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

Passion and Revolution

April 6, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano

I read a few decades ago a book by Rey IIeto entitled Pasyon at Rebolusyon. It makes good reading for all Filipinos, but maybe a must for all public officials and employees. For that matter, even the hierarchy of the Catholic Church may be wisely guided by the insights of the author. Ileto gave a context of a Filipino angst which may have morphed over the last century but, in essence, may still holds true.

The author linked religiosity and political life, religiosity and the Catholic religion, religiosity and revolution. It is to his credit that his wonderful perspective appears to become more accurate with time instead of being watered down by it. Ileto saw the intimacy of faith and governance. I think that Ileto believed it was more than intimate. He sounded so much like describing the two faces [...]

Read the full story >> � Passion and Revolution


ALSO IN THE NEWS� ��
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The champion of the little people

April 6, 2012 | Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

If you study the life of Jesus Christ, you�ll note that an important point of His ministry on earth was to champion the cause of the least of our brethren or those we often refer to as the little people. Christ empathized with the little people and it was for them that He dedicated his great commandment � �Whatsoever you do to the least of your brethren, you do unto me.�

The greatest enemies of Christ were the Pharisees � the pretenders to being paragons of virtue and piety. Christ disdained the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. It could well be that Christ had the little people and the Pharisees in mind when He said: �The first shall be the last and the last shall be the first. The proud will be humbled and the humble will be exalted.� Christ also downplayed the distracting addiction to wealth and power when He said: �What good is it for a man to gain the world yet lose his soul?� [...]

Read the full story >>�� The champion of the little people

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Can We Believe and Achieve the Resurrection?

April 6, 2012 | Opinion

By Fr. Shay Cullen
(His columns are published in The Manila Times,
in publications in Ireland, the UK, Hong Kong, and on-line)

Christians have celebrated the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, we have recalled the dramatic events in that life of one who brought into the world the unconditional, self- sacrificing love that makes us so human and so divine. When we love others like the Good Samaritan, generous, self-giving to a stranger, to a victim, the way Jesus himself did, risking all for the dignity and the rights of others, we can hope for eternal life.

Perhaps we don�t have to risk all as he did confronting the corruption and the hypocrisy of the elite and the religious authorities, who executed him, but by living a life for others and not ourselves as he taught. If we can, then perhaps evolve to a higher spiritual level and experience our own resurrection.

We may reach that level of goodness and spiritual maturity that will enable us to cross successfully to the life of eternal goodness beyond the grave and as Jesus did and we could overcome death and live forever. That is the dream of all people of faith; to unite with the God of eternal love and gain eternity. Death that ends in nothingness is difficult to accept and contemplate but the faith and belief in life hereafter and in the Resurrection is what gives us hope and the strength to live an unselfish life [...]

Read the full story >>� Can We Believe and Achieve the Resurrection?

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Crucifixion �Star� Nears End Of His Vow

April 6, 2012 | Politics & Government

BY AARON B. RECUENCO
MANILA BULLETIN�

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga � Ruben Enaje is near the end of his 27-year vow.

Enaje will be nailed to the cross for the 26th straight year today, Good Friday.

The �crucifixion� of Enaje and 20 other penitents has been the high point of the Good Friday observance in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, an event that draws thousands of the devout and the curious to the small village.

But the 51-year-old artist feels he is getting too old to continue the ritual. �I can already feel my body complaining,� Enaje told the Manila Bulletin in Filipino.

He looked at the huge wooden cross that he keeps in his workplace. �This will be my retirement cross. I put my heart into making this because this will be part of my last performance next year,� he said [...]

Read the full story >>��� Crucifixion �Star� Nears End Of His Vow

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The people have spoken: �Guilty!�

April 6, 2012 | Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

When the Senate impeachment court was going into a six-week recess in observance of Holy Week, two surveys caught a lot of people by surprise.� Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Stations (SWS) � the country�s top pollsters � released their surveys about people�s reaction as the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona concluded the prosecution phase and began the defense phase.

The first was Pulse Asia who released its survey on March 20, two days before the impeachment trial was suspended for the long Holy Week break.� It couldn�t be timelier.� The effect was devastating!

The survey, conducted from February 26 to March 9, showed Corona�s approval rating at 14% while his disapproval rating went up to 58%, a 34% increase since November 2011 before the House of Representatives impeached him.�� It also showed his trust rating drop to 11% from 29% last November while his distrust rating drastically increased to 60% from 27% last November.

And here�s the stinger: The survey showed that nearly half (47%) of the respondents view Corona as guilty while only 5% said that he is innocent of the charges [...]

Read the full story >>�� The people have spoken: �Guilty!�

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Class legislation in Manotok case

April 6, 2012 | Opinion

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

�This is a disaster waiting to happen � a blow to the integrity of our Torrens system and the stability of land titles in this country.�

SENIOR Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio does not dispute the validity of R.A. 944 �confirming and declaring, subject to certain exceptions, the validity of existing TCTs (transfer certificates of title) and reconstituted certificates of title covering the Banilad Friar Lands Estate situated in Cebu.�

He dissented in the Manotok land case promulgated on March 6, 2012 saying that the law should apply to all friar land cases all over the Philippines. If the intent of the law is limited to Banilad, a case of class legislation prohibited by the Constitution becomes real and apparent.

Carpio declared in his 23-page dissent (Justice Villarama�s ponencia had 30 pages) �to limit its (RA 944) application to the Banilad Estate will result in class legislation� [...]

Read the full story >>� Class legislation in Manotok case

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SC ruling dispossesses millions of lot owners

April 6, 2012 | Opinion

GOTCHA
By Jarius Bondoc
The Philippine Star

Catastrophic is the Supreme Court ruling on the Piedad Estate. On surface, it merely reverts to the State a thousand hectares of Quezon City prime commercial-residential land straddling Commonwealth Avenue. Yet actually upset are the Torrens titling, home financing, and executive-legislative-judicial remediating systems.

That this occurs because an absent justice was made to �cast a tie-breaker� is another blow against impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona. The implications are farther-reaching, though. From the SC�s 8-7 final vote, millions of lot owners nationwide can lose their property if falling within former friar lands like Piedad Estate.

It all began with the Manotok clan, owner of a 34-hectare slice of Piedad near UP-Diliman and posh Ayala Heights, repelling two belated claimants. One group came out to contest the Manotok holding after fire gutted the Quezon City land registry in 1985. Another emerged, as court battle ensued, to say that land tenure had passed on to them. The Court of Appeals deemed the last-minute claimants� titles and deeds bogus [...]

Read the full story >>��� SC ruling dispossesses millions of lot owners

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Act of Valor � Racist propaganda movie

April 6, 2012 | Opinion

Telltale Signs
By Rodel Rodis

Terror Alert! A group of 16 Filipino suicide bombers are poised to infiltrate the US border in Mexico wearing deadly explosive vests to be detonated in heavy metropolitan areas to kill Americans. A crack team of US Navy SEALs have been dispatched to intercept them.

That is the surprising plot of the new Hollywood film �Act of Valor� which premiered as the top box office draw of the weekend it opened in theatres all over the US last month and which remained in the top 5 for a month.

The film features real-life active duty US Navy SEALs playing themselves in a plot the movie publicizes is �based on actual events.�

Imagine what image of Filipinos is being formed in the minds of millions of Americans who have viewed or will view this film in movie theatres, on HBO and in DVDs. Why Filipnos? [....]

Read the full story >>�� Act of Valor � Racist propaganda movie

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The disappointment shows

April 6, 2012 | Opinion

ON DISTANT SHORE
By Val G. Abelgas

When the �noynoying� concept went viral, Malacanang spokesmen pointed to President Noynoy Aquino�s high approval ratings to stress that those who were �noynoying� during protests and rallies do not reflect the sentiment of the Filipino people. Now that the latest Social Weather Station survey showed that his net approval rating has dropped by nine percentage points, the Palace spokesmen downplayed the poll results, saying that they were simply the result of the recent rise in oil prices and the transport strikes.

Aquino himself made an even bigger turnaround and said that the rating drop must be ignored and that governance �should not be survey-driven.�

�Governance is about doing what is right, which sometimes entails some sacrifices, for the good of the people,� he said. Why is this line so familiar? Because Gloria Macapagal Arroyo echoed the same line every time a new survey showed her declining [...]

Read the full story >>� The disappointment shows

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�

Adult Language, But Right on Target � and the Truth of the Matter

April 6, 2012 | Opinion

A Cup O� Kapeng Barako
By Jesse Jose

THIS SENIOR CITIZEN NAILED IT!!!!!!!!!

Alan Simpson, Senator from Wyoming, Co-Chair of Obama�s deficit commission, calls senior citizens the Greediest Generation as he compared �Social Security� to a Milk Cow with 310 million teats.

August, 2010.

Here�s a response in a letter from a unknown fellow in Montana� I think he is a little ticked off! He also tells it like it is!

�Hey Alan, let�s get a few things straight�

As a career politician, you have been on the public dole for FIFTY years.

I�been paying Social Security taxes for 48 YEARS (since I was 15 years old. I am now 63).

My Social Security payments, and those of millions of other Americans, were safely tucked away in an interest bearing account for decades until you political pukes decided to raid the account and give OUR money to a bunch of zero ambition losers in return for votes, thus bankrupting the system and turning Social Security into a Ponzi scheme that would have made Bernie Madoff proud.

Recently, just like Lucy & Charlie Brown, you and your ilk pulled the proverbial football away from millions of American seniors nearing retirement and moved the goalposts for full retirement from age 65 to age 67.� NOW, you and your shill commission is proposing to move the goalposts YET AGAIN.

Millions of other Americans, have been paying into Medicare from Day One, and now you morons propose to change the rules of the game. Why? Because you idiots mismanaged other parts of the economy to such an� extent that you need to steal money from Medicare to pay the bills [...]

Read the full story >>� Adult Language, But Right on Target � and the Truth of the Matter

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

P-Noy: Do what�s right, stay hopeful

April 8, 2012 | Featured, Politics & Government

By Aurea Calica
The Philippine Star

�

MANILA, Philippines � President Aquino called on Filipinos yesterday to always live by God�s compassion and to think of others, stay the right course and remain hopeful despite the many challenges and difficulties, saying the country is on the rise.

In his Easter message, Aquino said the people must remember how Jesus Christ has owned up to the sins of humanity to let the faithful enjoy God�s kingdom.

�Indeed, His rise from the dead fulfills the promise for eternal life,� Aquino said.

The President said the country is showing that it is also rising from hopelessness that drove people to leave and take risks overseas just to escape from the clutches of corruption and poverty.

�But the Catholic Church itself said: to lose hope is a big sin. So we held on to our faith and trusted in His endless love. This is what is giving us light to a progressive and just society,� Aquino said [...]

Read the full story >> � P-Noy: Do what�s right, stay hopeful


ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

8 signs of hope

April 8, 2012 | Opinion

By Alex Lacson
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hope is one of life�s great essentials. A person who sees no future in a company will look for opportunity elsewhere. A man who sees no hope in a country will migrate to another place.

Is there really hope for our country?

If we simply remove our blinders, put in place by our prejudices and unhealthy loyalties, we will see that there are indeed signs of hope. Some of these signs are obvious while others are not too visible to the naked eye. But they are there, so real, like the invisible air we breathe.

The first of these signs is that the fight against graft and corruption being waged by President Aquino appears to be true. A number of corrupt practices have been stopped, including the �pabaon� practice among the high officials in the military; many questionable government transactions involving billions of pesos are being scrutinized. The long arm of justice seems to be finally catching up with those who, for many years, were beyond its reach.

Secondly, there seems to be serious efforts to build a good government, as many good leaders have been appointed to important positions. For example, Education Secretary Armin Luistro is on track to wipe out our country�s backlog of 66,000 classrooms nationwide by 2016. This would be a great achievement by itself [...]

Read the full story >>�� 8 signs of hope

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A resurrection experience

April 8, 2012 | Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

Throughout Holy Week and the week before it, I thought a lot about the Resurrection � that of Jesus Christ and the experiences of resurrection that I was given in life.

Resurrection need not only be the miracle of rising from the dead, a privilege, it seems, that�s reserved only for Jesus Christ. When we fall into the darkness pit that will ensure our final turnover to the custodian of hell, and then we succeed with the grace of God to rise from the depth of that darkness pit and live in the light anew � that is a resurrection experience.

When we develop into the transactional animals that market dynamics produce, sink deep into the sin of excessive greed, and barter our principles for the material gain or the acquisition of temporal power � we are souls crying out for rescue, souls seeking a resurrection experience. In our country, by just glancing at the news we can see many souls desperately seeking a resurrection experience [...]

Read the full story >>� A resurrection experience

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�

27 nailed to crosses in Pampanga, Bulacan

April 8, 2012 | Business & Lifestyle

By Ding Cervantes
The Philippine Star

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines � Twenty-seven penitents in Pampanga and Bulacan fulfilled their vow to have themselves crucified on Good Friday despite admonitions from the Church.

Fifty-one-year-old Ruben Enaje had his hands and feet nailed to a wooden cross in Barangay San Pedro Cutud here, leading 21 other �Kristos� in the reenactment of the crucifixion in the province.

In Paombong, Bulacan, four men and a woman were nailed to crosses one after another on Good Friday.

Crucifixions in Pampanga were also held in Barangays Sta. Lucia and San Juan, which, like in the previous years, have become a major tourist attraction.

Marni Castro, co-chairman of San Fernando�s Maleldo (Holy Week) committee, said the city government contributed P450,000 for the traditional Lenten event [...]

Read the full story >>��� 27 nailed to crosses in Pampanga, Bulacan

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Shrine draws a million

April 8, 2012 | Business & Lifestyle

Devotees flock to Lucban

By Delfin T. Mallari Jr.
Inquirer Southern Luzon

LUCBAN, Quezon��Grabe (Awesome)! Beyond description.�

This was how Fr. Joey Faller, the priest who built the Kamay ni Hesus (Hand of Jesus) shrine here, described the throngs of devotees who had been flocking to the religious site to mark the Holy Week.

�Such tremendous expression of faith is really heartwarming. It is a manifestation of the strengthening spirituality of our people,� Faller, a renowned healer, said in an interview on Good Friday.

He said this year�s visitors�devotees, picnickers, curiosity seekers, kibitzers and balikbayans�had been arriving in droves since Palm Sunday.

With more people expected to come until Monday, a holiday, Faller predicted the multitude of visitors would surpass his estimate of one million for the entire Holy Week observance [...]

Read the full story >>�� Shrine draws a million

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In the end only one thing counts

April 8, 2012 | Opinion

No Limitation�
By Ted Laguatan�

�The UP Law (debating) Team has defeated Greece after defeating Argentina and is now among the top 8 in the world� Hope you can catch tomorrow�s match. Should UP Law win in the morning, there is another match in the afternoon/evening with the world championship set for Saturday. Good luck to the team. Their performances have been sterling. They have won six matches � three to go.�

Atty. Ramon Paterno, Washington DC based World Bank executive, former UP debater and former member of the UP Student Council, emailed this to various recipients.

In turn, his email was forwarded to me with a comment by my friend Ed Maranan, a martial law detainee and one of the most prolific writers in the Philippines. He has won an unprecedented 33 prizes in the prestigious annual Palanca awards for writers. In college, Ed and I were also members of the UP Student Council and debaters. His comment [...]

Read the full story >>� In the end only one thing counts

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Should surveys on Corona be banned during his trial?

April 8, 2012 | Opinion

Ban will violate freedom of expression

By Sonny Angara
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Some quarters have called for the banning of surveys regarding the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona. These calls for a survey ban seem to have been prompted by the recent release of a few nationwide surveys on the impeachment trial:

The Laylo Research Group and Pulse Asia both published results of surveys conducted in February and March.

Social Weather Stations (SWS) released results of a survey conducted on March 10-13, wherein 73 percent of those polled thought the Chief Justice was guilty while some 25 percent thought he was probably innocent. (See table.)

Don�t shoot messenger

Defense lawyers were quick to find fault with the sample size, saying that 1,200 respondents could not adequately represent the sentiment of the whole nation. Some have also criticized the timing or motive of these surveys. This caused my fellow spokespersons�Representatives Erin Ta�ada and Miro Quimbo�to say: �Don�t shoot the messenger! [...]

Read the full story >>��� Should surveys on Corona be banned during his trial?

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Senator Lapid�s millions subject of Ombudsman probe

April 8, 2012 | Politics & Government

Special Report by Gerry Lirio, News5
INTERAKSYON

MANILA, Philippines � Senator Lito Lapid, one of the judges in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, is himself the subject of a discreet inquiry by the Office of the Ombudsman, its curiosity triggered about the lawmaker�s reportedly fabulous assets here and abroad.

The antigraft watchdog, mandated by law to conduct investigations motu propio or even in the absence of a formal complaint, started making quiet inquiries about the senator�s own assets and liabilities shortly after his wife Marissa was caught red-handed by US authorities with some $50,000 at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on January 15.

Two of Lapid�s closest business associates confirmed to News5 having received calls separately in February from an Ombudsman investigator inquiring about the senator�s wealth a week after Marissa�s arrest. One said the senator cajoled him to keep silent; the other said he would talk only if he were caught in the middle.

Marissa is out on bond, but is still in the United States, staying in a family-owned house at No. 2055 Buffalo Drive in Las Vegas. The house has been placed under lien by a US court to ensure that she would appear in court if and when indicted for [...]

Read the full story >>�� Senator Lapid�s millions subject of Ombudsman probe

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LP open to coalesce with other parties for 2013 polls

April 8, 2012 | Politics & Government

Source: The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � The Liberal Party said yesterday it was open to coalescing with other parties for the 2013 senatorial elections but only with those or with individuals who have the same principles.

This, as Vice President Jejomar Binay�s Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban and former President Joseph Estrada�s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, have joined forces to form the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

But LP stalwart Florencio Abad said, it is too early to make any conclusions, �no matter how tentative, about possible coalition arrangements among parties and personalities.�

�Expectedly, parties will be posturing to strengthen their bargaining position come coalition talks. But for sure, the Aquino administration will not forge any coalition with parties and personalities where its anti-corruption and good governance will be compromised and weakened,� Abad said, reacting to reports that the camp of Binay would also accept and field the allies of former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo [...]

Read the full story >> LP open to coalesce with other parties for 2013 polls

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Binay, Estrada join forces for 2013, 2016 polls

April 8, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

MANILA, Philippines�Vice President Jejomar Binay has begun mobilizing his forces in preparation for his presidential run four years from now, in what could be a repeat of his showdown against then Senator Manuel Roxas II for the vice presidency in 2010.

But first things first: the mid-term elections next year.

Binay�s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) has formally joined forces with former president Joseph Estrada�s Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) to form what is now called the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Estrada said on Wednesday that the alliance was a �done deal� and confirmed that it was part of Binay�s eventual candidacy in the 2016 presidential election, not just in next year�s senatorial race.

�Sigurado na iyon,� the former president told the Inquirer in a phone interview, referring to Binay�s presidential run [...]

Read the full story >>� Binay, Estrada join forces for 2013, 2016 polls

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


BALITANG KUTSERO �

Pacman and the Taxman

April 9, 2012 | Balitang Kutsero, Featured

Balitang Kutsero
By Perry Diaz

After several months of trying to interview Manny �Pacman� Pacquaio, my perseverance finally paid off � he returned my call! Our conversation went as follows:

Pacman: Hello, Perry. This is Manny.

Perry: Oh, hello, Manny, what a pleasant surprise!� How are you?

Pacman: I had better days.� I feel like I�m being crucified!

Perry:� Well, it�s Holy Week� it�s time to be penitent for a lot of people.

Pacman: Penitent?� No way I�m going to the penitentiary!

Perry: You don�t have to go to the penitentiary to be penitent for your sins.

Pacman: My sins!!!� I�ve been holier than most people.� God even talks to me!

Perry: That�s what the midnight chief justice said, too. He said he�s been communicating with God.� That�s why he has a Mass in front of the Supreme Court every morning.

Pacman:� Hoy, don�t compare me to that midnight cowboy [...]

Read the full story >> � Pacman and the Taxman


Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

Crucifying the CJ?

April 10, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

By Ducky Paredes
Malaya

�Gloria�s appointed, unlike previous Chief Justices (mostly men of honor who would resign at the first whiff of scandal involving their Court or their relatives), has vowed never to resign.�

THE man must be los�ing something or suf�fering some mental im�balance. Chief Justice Renato Corona claims that he spent the Holy Week in prayer and now claims that he found parallels in his persecution and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In an Easter Sunday message that may well be a form of blas�phemy, Corona shamelessly com�pared himself to the Son of God. He said that, just like Jesus, he also has �sufferings caused by such injustice by complicity, trial by publicity and conviction by popu�lar opinion (that) seem like dark thunderstorm clouds.�

�It began when the chief priests and other leaders plotted against the Son of God leading to his arrest, mockery, trial and crucifixion� But in the end, it will still be between us and our Creator, just like the time of the Son of Man when he called on his heavenly father.� [...]

Read the full story >> � Crucifying the CJ?


ALSO IN THE NEWS� ��

Dip in Aquino�s satisfaction rating should do him good

April 10, 2012 | Opinion

By Ellen Tordesillas
Malaya

�The number used to send the �Binay messages� was also the same one used earlier to send anti-Chief Justice Renato Corona messages.�

President Aquino�s satisfaction rating may have dropped a little but by any standard it�s still high.

The Social Weather Stations survey, conducted among 1,200 respondents nationwide March 11-13, 2012, saw the President�s satisfaction rating dip from nine points from plus 58 in Dec. 2011 which was �very good� to plus 49 which is still �good.�

His predecessor, Gloria Arroyo never hit that high a satisfaction rating in her nine years of stolen presidency. The highest she got was plus 30 in March 2004, two months before the 2004 elections where she again robbed the people of their mandate [...]

Read the full story >>�� Dip in Aquino�s satisfaction rating should do him good

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Noynoying�good for the economy?

April 10, 2012 | Opinion

By Myrna Rodriguez Co
Philippine Daily Inquirer

In the perception war that is Philippine politics, President Noynoy Aquino has been looked at by critics as lackadaisical, laid back, do nothing.

And thus in the recent months, in very Pinoy fashion, a new word has been hatched to describe the presidential work style:� Noynoying.� It has come to mean a carefree way of dealing with the problems of the state.

Noynoying began to catch public interest as a protest gimmick that young activists used to denounce what they regard as lack of action by the government on the issues of disaster response and rising oil prices.

It is a play on �planking� (meaning to lie vertically, face down) and Aquino�s nickname, �Noynoy.�

The term caught fire [...]

Read the full story >>� Noynoying�good for the economy?

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�

Kim�s Manny Problem

April 10, 2012 | Opinion

By Ducky Paredes
Malaya

�The sooner he submits, the sooner this controversy will die down. Wala naman kaming sinasabing liability kaya nga ho namin sya iniimbestigahan�

What should Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares do about Filipino boxing sensation and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao? She has a real problem. The boxer-congressman paid only P7 million in 2009, after paying P125 million in 2008.

Apparently, this was no misunderstanding or some kind of a screw-up. The Pinoy world boxing champion and reigning best pound-for-pound boxer in the world has had a change of mind about how much taxes he should be paying. Henares can�t figure him out. Thus. she wants some kind of explanation from the World Boxing-Champion and Congressman. She hopes that Pacquiao would just submit the pertinent documents required of him instead of defending himself on television and the print media about being harassed by the BIR.

In fact, the one that feels more harassed is the government�s tax collection agency which wants only to see Pacquiao�s documentary evidence that will prove that P 7 million is exactly the amount that he must pay as his income tax even if it is apparent that his income stream increased even more in 2009 [...]

Read the full story >>��� Kim�s Manny Problem

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Pacman and the Taxman

April 10, 2012 | Balitang Kutsero

Balitang Kutsero
By Perry Diaz

After several months of trying to interview Manny �Pacman� Pacquaio, my perseverance finally paid off � he returned my call! Our conversation went as follows:

Pacman: Hello, Perry. This is Manny.

Perry: Oh, hello, Manny, what a pleasant surprise!� How are you?

Pacman: I had better days.� I feel like I�m being crucified!

Perry:� Well, it�s Holy Week� it�s time to be penitent for a lot of people.

Pacman: Penitent?� No way I�m going to the penitentiary!

Perry: You don�t have to go to the penitentiary to be penitent for your sins.

Pacman: My sins!!!� I�ve been holier than most people.� God even talks to me!

Perry: That�s what the midnight chief justice said, too. He said he�s been communicating with God.� That�s why he has a Mass in front of the Supreme Court every morning [...]

Read the full story >>�� Pacman and the Taxman

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LP vs UNA: �A case of David vs Goliath�

April 10, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer

�

The senatorial slate to be fielded in the midterm elections next year by the combined forces of Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada against the ruling coalition could be a match between �David and Goliath,� according to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

Enrile compared the Biblical story between the young David, then soon-to-be-king of Israel, and Philistine�s giant and fearsome warrior Goliath to the coming electoral battle in 2013 during an interview over dzBB.

In the next senatorial race, the Binay-Estrada forces, being in the opposition, would represent David, while the senatorial ticket to be formed by President Benigno Aquino III�s Liberal Party (LP) would take the place of Goliath because of the latter�s control over the resources needed to secure victory for the President�s candidates, Enrile said [...]

Read the full story >>� LP vs UNA: �A case of David vs Goliath�

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LP not threatened by Binay-Erap coalition

April 10, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Ira Pedrasa
ABS-CBNnews.com

Arroyo ally joins Binay-Erap slate

MANILA, Philippines � The political party of President Benigno Aquino III does not feel threatened by the alliance forged by Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada, called the United Alliance (UNA).

Liberal Party (LP) spokesman Lorenzo Ta�ada III, in a statement, said: �The LP is not threatened with the coalition of PDP-LABAN and [Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino]. It is the right of political parties to form coalitions if it is within their interests.�

He said even LP can form its own coalition with other political parties �if the other political parties agree with the agenda of reform as espoused by PNoy.�

�But as of now, discussions on forming a coalition are too early. The LP is more concerned at this time in party building in the different provinces and municipalities,� he added.

Talks are now ongoing with other political parties to join the team forged by Binay and Estrada [...]

Read the full story >>��� LP not threatened by Binay-Erap coalition

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Lakas-Kampi-CMD Disintegrating?

April 10, 2012 | Politics & Government

BY BEN R. ROSARIO
�MANILA BULLETIN

MANILA, Philippines � Is the once formidable Lakas- Kampi-CMD party losing grip on its key members?

This surfaced Monday after party leaders abruptly agreed to call for a caucus within the next three to four weeks in a bid to plan out strategies for the 2013 mid-term elections after two of its strongest senatorial bets decided to join the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), newly formed political alliance of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and former President Joseph E. Estrada.

A highly-placed Lakas-Kampi-CMD source revealed that the party has not given its blessings to former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, who were invited by Binay to join UNA�s 2013 senatorial slate.

Neither was Lakas-Kampi-CMD, a political party founded by former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, was invited to join UNA.

�We still maintain a strong political force in the country. We have solid local bases in many congressional districts. We might decide on the senatorial slate in our next caucus, perhaps next month,� said the source who requested anonymity [...]

Read the full story >>�� Lakas-Kampi-CMD Disintegrating?

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Distribute to farmers lands obtained through coco levy fund, DAR told

April 10, 2012 | Politics & Government

Source: CBCP News

QUEZON City, April 8, 2012�The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to sequester and distribute the lands of Filipino mogul Eduardo �Danding� Cojuangco, which he has obtained by the arbitrary use of the coco levy funds during Marcos� time.

In a statement, Pamalakaya national chairman Fernando �Ka Pando� Hicap said, President Benigno C. Aquino III�s uncle had obtained a relatively huge chunks of land in Central Luzon and in Bugsuk, Pandanan, Matanglue and Gabung, all in Palawan Islands, through the use of coconut levy funds, sheer violence, influence peddling and manipulation during the term of former President Ferdinand Marcos, referred to as the �Dictator�.

�If we go back in history, Danding had entered an agreement with Marcos, with the condition that the former would get 10 hectares of land for every hectare he would give up to the national government. The deal was signed on January 5, 1973 between Danding and Marcos� agriculture and natural resources ministers at that time,� Hicap said. The lands are to be used as coconut seed [...]

Read the full story >>� Distribute to farmers lands obtained through coco levy fund, DAR told

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�

China: The Frog and the Scorpion

April 10, 2012 | Opinion

By Conn M. Hallinan
Dispatches From the Edge

http://dispatchesfromtheedgeblog.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/china-the-frog-and-the-scorpion/

Behind the political crisis that saw the recent fall of powerful Communist Party leader Bo Xiali is an internal battle over how to handle China�s slowing economy and growing income disparity, while shifting from a cheap labor export driven model to one built around internal consumption. Since China is the second largest economy on the planet�and likely to become the first in the next 20 to 30 years�getting it wrong could have serious consequences, from Beijing to Brasilia, and from Washington to Mumbai.

China�s current major economic challenges include a dangerous housing bubble, indebted local governments, and a widening wealth gap, problems replicated in most of the major economies in the world. Worldwide capitalism�despite China�s self-description as �socialism with Chinese characteristics��is in the most severe crisis since the great crash of the 1930s.

The question is: can any country make a system with serious built in flaws function for all its people? While capitalism was� [...]

Read the full story >>� China: The Frog and the Scorpion

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


PERRYSCOPE��

Why the people judged Corona �guilty�

April 11, 2012 | Featured, Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

"Are there eight senator-judges who could explain to the people � the voters � who voted them into office why they would acquit Corona?"

NEWS REPORT SAYS that Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is �poised to move to cite for contempt public opinion poll makers Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Station for conducting their March surveys asking respondents to give their take on the guilt or innocence of the accused in the ongoing impeachment trial.�

�The accused,� the report continues, �as one would know, is no less than the sitting Chief Justice of the Philippines. Pulse Asia would have a guilty verdict at 47%, and SWS, at a whopping 73%.�

But Miriam was not alone in trying to silence the people�s �court of public opinion.� Several groups have also called for the banning of surveys regarding the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, which has been suspended until May 7 in observance of Lent.

Critics of the surveys � particularly the supporters of Corona � are concerned that the survey results are sub judice, which means that they could influence the decision of the 23 senator-judges.� But many are of the opinion that the impeachment trial is not a judicial process where the sub judice rule applies but a process for seeking the truth to determine whether an impeached public official has indeed betrayed the office that he was entrusted with.� And if found guilty of �betrayal of public trust,� he should be summarily removed from the office he betrayed [...]

Read the full story >> � Why the people judged Corona �guilty�


Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

Why not go nuclear?

April 12, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

ON DISTANT SHORE
By Val G. Abelgas

In the history of man, the fear of the unknown has always hampered progress. Fortunately, there were people who were willing to take the risks and challenge convention, and pave the way for a better life for their fellow men.

For example, from the first time man saw a bird flying, he also wanted to soar to the sky. And why not? If man could fly, he would be able to reach more lands in shorter time. First, there were the mythical Daedaelus and his son Icarus who literally copied the birds and made themselves giant wings to escape from a labyrinth in Crete. The myth goes on to say that Icarus disobeyed his father and flew too high. The wax that kept the feathers together melted and he fell to the sea and drowned.

The tragedy that befell Icarus did not stop man from the quest to fly, and many tried different ways to soar to the sky. Finally, on December 17. 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright broke the barrier and successfully launched into the sky the Wright Flyer and became the first to fly a controlled and sustained aircraft [...]

Read the full story >> � Why not go nuclear?


ALSO IN THE NEWS� �� �

VP Binay�s foes are right on cue

April 12, 2012 | Opinion

AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star

When VP Jojo announced the latest recruits of UNA (United Nationalist Alliance) along with their roster of 2013 senatorial candidates � he inadvertently presented some very controversial persons for his foes to capitalize on. Most notable of these was Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, one of the biggest defenders of the unlamented Arroyo regime.

Following the announcements of these questionable new allies of Vice President Jojo Binay, a series of messages that could be classified as grey propaganda were text blasted last April 6. Black propaganda is the use of vicious lies and half-truths against another person. Grey propaganda appears to be saying something nice about a person, but in truth it�s derogatory.

The April 6 text message said: �Let�s pray for unity this Holy Week. VP Binay will unite all factions against the vindictive Yellow Army.� This message came from this mobile number (unlisted in my directory as these text blasts usually are): 09179650804. The clear message is to seed the idea that VP Binay is no longer supporting President Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy). It�s also intended to sever VP Jojo�s support base in the Yellow Forces, the strongest political brand today [...]

Read the full story >>� VP Binay�s foes are right on cue

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David and Goliath

April 12, 2012 | Opinion

There�s The Rub�
By: Conrado de Quiros
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

It�s looking like a battle between David and Goliath. So says Juan Ponce Enrile about the looming fight between the government-backed Liberal Party and Jojo Binay and Joseph Estrada�s coalition in next year�s elections.

The coalition is called the United Nationalist Alliance and bills itself as the unity ticket. Proof of its unity being that its prospective senatorial candidates come from the most disparate, even conflicting, political camps: Koko Pimentel, Miguel Zubiri, Mitos Magsaysay, J.V. Ejercito, Juan Ponce �Jackie� Enrile Jr., Joey de Venecia, Ernesto Maceda, Gregorio Honasan, Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Jamby Madrigal, and Ma. Lourdes Nancy Binay.

Enrile sees UNA as David. That is because the LP has the resources of government behind it. �They hold the government, the money, the bureaucracy.� But who knows, he says, �David might win.�

I agree: David might win. But I disagree: David won�t be UNA [...]

Read the full story >>��� David and Goliath

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Binay Keeps +70 Rating

April 12, 2012 | Politics & Government

BY ELLALYN B. DE VERA
MANILA BULLETIN

Vice President Jejomar Binay retained an �excellent� net satisfaction rating of +70 in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results.

The nationwide survey conducted from March 10-13 with 1,200 respondents found that 79 percent said they were satisfied with the Vice President�s performance in the past three months, while only 9 percent said they were dissatisfied.

The percentage of those satisfied and dissatisfied brought the net rating of Binay to +70, which is the same as his net rating in December 2011.

The SWS survey result was first published in the BusinessWorld on Wednesday.

SWS noted that the Vice President�s present rating is four points lower than his personal record-high of +74 (excellent) recorded in March 2011 [...]

Read the full story >>�� Binay Keeps +70 Rating

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Preparing for the 2016 elections

April 12, 2012 | Opinion

BY DUCKY PAREDES
MALAYA

�Knowing what we know about Philippine politics, however, the best-laid plans of our politicos never really work out as intended.�

WITH just about everyone expecting that the former administration party will disintegrate. I like what Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., Lakas president, is saying: �The next elections is still over a year away and while there are already feelers being sent seeking the party�s support, we do not want to focus our efforts there this early. Instead of following what other political parties are doing now, our party, through our members who are incumbent officials, would rather spend our energies on serving the constituency and addressing their more immediate concerns.�

Bong explains: �Kaya nasusuya na ang taumbayan. Katatapos pa lang ng eleksyon, eleksyon na naman ang iniintindi ng mga pulitiko.� He says that Lakas, the former administration party that had been in power in prior administrations and was in power from 2001 to 2010, and notes that the real strength of a political party is its grassroots membership, the quality of its incumbent members on the ground, coupled with the support of recognized leaders and senior statesmen. �Ultimately, the party that has the most number of performing incumbent officials is the strongest political party.� [...]

Read the full story >>� Preparing for the 2016 elections

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Why the people judged Corona �guilty�

April 12, 2012 | Opinion, PerryScope

PerryScope
By Perry Diaz

News report says that Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is �poised to move to cite for contempt public opinion poll makers Pulse Asia and the Social Weather Station for conducting their March surveys asking respondents to give their take on the guilt or innocence of the accused in the ongoing impeachment trial.�

�The accused,� the report continues, �as one would know, is no less than the sitting Chief Justice of the Philippines. Pulse Asia would have a guilty verdict at 47%, and SWS, at a whopping 73%.�

But Miriam was not alone in trying to silence the people�s �court of public opinion.� Several groups have also called for the banning of surveys regarding the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, which has been suspended until May 7 in observance of Lent [...]

Read the full story >>��� Why the people judged Corona �guilty�

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Binay dared to choose: Aquino or Arroyo?

April 12, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Gil C. Cabacungan, Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Leaders of the ruling Liberal Party on Tuesday dared Vice President Jejomar Binay to lay down his cards to let the public know whether he was supporting the administration�s anticorruption reforms, specifically the prosecution of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the trial of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Budget Secretary Florencio �Butch� Abad Jr. and Cavite Representative Joseph E.A. Abaya issued the challenge after Binay�s coalition for the 2013 midterm elections, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), invited allies of Arroyo and critics of the administration to join its senatorial ticket.

UNA is a coalition between Binay�s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and former President Joseph Estrada�s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino.

�Should UNA proceed to put up its own slate, it will have to define itself in relation to the administration. Will it be pro, anti or otherwise? That�s for UNA to determine, especially on key issues of the day, such as the prosecution of former President Arroyo, the impeachment of the Chief Justice, the RH (reproductive health) bill and sin taxes indexing,� said Abad in a text message [...]

Read the full story >>�� Binay dared to choose: Aquino or Arroyo?

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The Trayvon Martin Tragedy: Is it a Racial Killing?

April 12, 2012 | Opinion

Read the full story >> The Trayvon Martin Tragedy: Is it a Racial Killing?

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Miriam Santiago �worthy of the fires of hell�

April 12, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

She may be untouchable in the impeachment court. But in the eyes of God, Senator-Judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago could be �worthy of the fires of hell.�

In a blunt admonition of the feisty lawmaker, Fr. Catalino Arevalo, spiritual adviser of the late President Corazon Aquino, said Santiago should issue a public apology for repeatedly berating the House prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

�If you call anybody �you fool,� you are worthy of the fires of hell.� And she called them gago, which is Filipino for fool, before millions of people,� Arevalo said in his homily at the historic Our Lady of Edsa Shrine yesterday during the First Saturday Mass in honor of the Blessed Mother.

�I did not say that. Jesus said that,� said Arevalo, the octogenarian Jesuit who delivered the homily at Aquino�s funeral mass in 2009.

Arevalo based his message on the Gospel reading on Friday, Matthew 5:20: �But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment. And if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council. And if you say, �You fool,� you will be liable to the fires of hell.� [...]

Read the full story >>� Miriam Santiago �worthy of the fires of hell�

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�

Ang pagpapatuli, prostitution

April 12, 2012 | Opinion

Pagtanaw at Pananaw
Ni Bert de Guzman

Maluwag ang daloy ng trapiko. Maluwag huminga dahil ang polusyon na dulot ng mababagal o mabibilis na sasakyan ay biglang naglaho nitong nakaraang Semana Santa, laluna noong Huwebes at Biyernes. Kaysarap ng oxygen na sa araw-araw ay ginagapi ng carbon dioxide at maruming hangin na ibinubuga ng mga pabrika, ng mga tambutso ng jeepneys, buses, kotse, tricycles at iba pa. Ito ang situwasyon ng Mahal na Araw noong Huwebes Santo, Biyernes Santo, Sabado de Gloria at Pasko ng Pagkabuhay!

Hindi na ituturing pang gawaing kriminal ang prostitution matapos lagdaan ng Pangulong Noynoy Aquino noong Marso 28 ang Republic Act 10158 o ang Act of Decriminalizing Vagrancy. Iniutos niya ang pagpapalaya sa mga taong convicted sa kasong vagrancy o paglaboy maliban kung sila ay may iba pang kasong kinakaharap [...]

Read the full story >>� Ang pagpapatuli, prostitution

Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news and�updates.
�

DISCLAIMER: Commentaries or articles may be submitted for publication. However, the commentaries and articles submitted by writers and readers for publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Balita and its Editor. The Editor does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of writers and readers exercising their right to free expression. Global Balita and its Editor reserve the right to reject any commentary or article submitted for publication.

Global Filipinos in perspective --

����������������� "From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"


FEATURED��

Can We Be Heroes

April 14, 2012 | Featured, Opinion

GLIMPSES
By Jose Ma. Montelibano

Filipinos should be battle-ready. We have enemies who are determined to harm us, steal from us, abuse us, destroy us. We have no choice but to fight back, to defend ourselves, to defeat the enemies, and to establish the way of life that benefits us, our families and nation.

No, I am not talking about fighting the Chinese whom some suspect are intruding into our territory to eventually take the wealth beneath the sea. Because the existence of oil and gas reserves in quantities that are awesome have been confirmed by exploration companies, there is unusual interest in areas where possible mother lodes to this reserves are. The Philippine government and the Filipino people believe that most of these strategic areas are well within our territorial boundaries.

China says otherwise. We do not know to what extent China will go to back up that claim. We are hoping that China is just posturing so they have an edge when we go to any negotiation table. They can claim never theirs to start with. But China can be more belligerent than that. It depends how worried or desperate they are about their own energy needs � and we do not have a good reading about their situation. All I can say is that China will move aggressively if [...]

Read the full story >> � Can We Be Heroes


ALSO IN THE NEWS� ��
�

Standoff at Scarborough

April 14, 2012 | Politics & Government

Aquino: Our sovereignty must prevail without violence

By Christine O. Avenda�o, Tina G. Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

President Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday he wanted a peaceful resolution of the ongoing standoff between a Philippine warship and two Chinese vessels in the Scarborough Shoal, but made it clear that the country�s sovereignty over the area must prevail.

The President was told about the incident on Tuesday night and he promptly met Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and military officials, his spokesperson, Edwin Lacierda, said.

Speaking to reporters after he accepted an honorary doctorate from Centro Escolar University at Manila Hotel, Mr. Aquino expressed hopes officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) would resolve the impasse in talks with their� counterparts in Beijing.

The Philippines said the standoff began on Sunday when its Navy tried to detain Chinese boats fishing in its waters but were stopped by two Chinese surveillance craft. The Chinese Embassy accused the Philippine warship of harassing the fishermen and called for it to leave Chinese territory [...]

Read the full story >>� Standoff at Scarborough

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�

CJ must go on leave

April 14, 2012 | Opinion

BY AMADO P. MACASAET
MALAYA

�Would the result of the voting be different if the Chief Justice had been on leave? Definitely. The heirs of Severino Manotok would have won.�

WHEN an official in the executive department is suspected of having committed a wrong, either of two things immediately happens. The head of the agency orders a preventive suspension to stop the official from using the powers of his position to unduly shield himself from any responsibility.

Or the official himself goes on leave while the investigation is going on. The honest intention is precisely to give the investigators a free hand in looking into the alleged offense.

Since the Chief Justice may not be placed under suspension while facing impeachment trial, decency and delicadeza dictate that he should go on leave.

Chief Justice Corona has declared he will not go on leave. He will continue to herd his peers for whose interest we can only guess. We have seen how the Chief Justice railroaded the temporary restraining order against the secretary of justice. If Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had not defied the order, Gloria Arroyo would have left minutes after she got the TRO [...]

Read the full story >>��� CJ must go on leave

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Corona and the Facebook �bikini� issue

April 14, 2012 | Politics & Government

MANILA, Philippines � When a Cebu student was not allowed by her school to participate in her graduation ceremony because of bikini shots of her on Facebook, many Filipinos expressed anger at what they believed was a violation of her freedom of expression.

Chief Justice Renato Corona however, had a different take on the issue.

The chief magistrate believes that the reason the student was ultimately not allowed to attend her graduation had something to do with the impeachment trial against him.

Despite a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a regional trial court commanding St. Theresa�s College (STC) to let the student participate in the ceremonies, STC defied the order and turned away the student and her parents on the day of her graduation [...]

Read the full story >>�� Corona and the Facebook �bikini� issue

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Corona says judiciary is under attack

April 14, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Edu Punay
The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines � Impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona said yesterday the judiciary is under threat of destruction due to attacks on the Supreme Court (SC).

In his speech during a forum organized by the Batangas Regional Trial Court�Judges Association, Batangas First-Level Court Judges Association Inc. and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Corona said there now seems to be an apparent lack of respect for the court with the defiance of various court orders.

Corona cited the defiance of St. Theresa�s College in Cebu of a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the school�s decision not to allow five students to attend their graduation rites for posing in bikinis and posting the photos on Facebook.

�Disrespect and defiance to Supreme Court order strengthened Cebu school not to follow TRO,� he lamented [...]

Read the full story >>� Corona says judiciary is under attack

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Kind

April 14, 2012 | Opinion

There�s The Rub�
By Conrado de Quiros
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

Gringo Honasan had some interesting things to say before the country burrowed into the pit of Lent last week. We could have been a little kinder, he said, and refrained from dragging Renato Corona�s kids in the mud. That was what happened when the prosecution presented evidence that showed Corona had put several of his properties in their names. �I have expanded the presumption of innocence to the presumption of honor. Bakit mo naman sisirain �yong kinabukasan ng mga anak at mga apo? Had we been more compassionate, more considerate, more Christian to each other, we should have avoided that.�

He himself hasn�t decided on Corona�s innocence or guilt, Honasan said. But in any case, the world will not come to an end whatever verdict the impeachment court renders. �Hindi naman lulubog sa dagat ang Pilipinas.�

We should have been a little kinder and not dragged Corona�s kids in the mud? [...]

Read the full story >>��� Kind

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Sandiganbayan orders Marcos crony to return $50-M loot in nuclear plant deal

April 14, 2012 | Opinion, Politics & Government

By Leila B. Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer�

The Sandiganbayan First Division has ordered businessman Herminio Disini, a crony of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, to surrender $50.6 million in commissions that he received for helping two foreign firms obtain the contract to build the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in 1974.

The antigraft court said the commissions were �ill-gotten� and that Disini should reconvey to the government the total amount, with interest, until fully paid.

�The evidence presented by the Republic proves that Disini used his influence and close relationship with President Marcos to obtain and amass large amounts of money, which he subsequently stored in various accounts,� the court ruled in a decision issued on April 11.

Although it found Marcos to have had a �personal financial interest� in the transaction, the Sandiganbayan said there was no evidence to show that either Marcos or his wife, Imelda, received any part of the commissions from the BNPP deal.

�Considering that there is no preponderant evidence that defendant Marcoses received any part of these commissions, the Court cannot pronounce any liability on their part,� the Sandiganbayan said. [...]

Read the full story >>�� Sandiganbayan orders Marcos crony to return $50-M loot in nuclear plant deal

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Pacquiao joins Binay�s party; oath-taking readied

April 14, 2012 | Politics & Government

Source: Sun Star Manila

MANILA � The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, is preparing for the swearing in of its latest recruit, Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao.

Reports of Pacquiao bolting the majority coalition of congressmen backing President Benigno Aquino III surfaced on Thursday, when the world boxing champion expressed willingness to join Binay�s camp after the two met in an event of the Philippine Sportswriting Association (PSA) last month.

But for party president Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, it actually took 10 months for them to finally convince Pacquiao to be part of PDP-Laban, which recently formed an alliance with the camp of former President Joseph Estrada for the 2013 midterm elections.

�We already have a meeting of the minds but we have yet to finalize the schedule of the oath-taking. I cannot say yet if it will happen before he takes on Timothy Bradley this June,� Pimentel said, referring to Pacquiao�s upcoming defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title in Las Vegas [...]

Read the full story >>� Pacquiao joins Binay�s party; oath-taking readied

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Sen. Estrada slams door on alliance with Arroyo parties

April 14, 2012 | Politics & Government

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Senator Jose �Jinggoy� Estrada on Thursday slammed the door on two political parties identified with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over a possible coalition with the newly formed United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) for next year�s midterm elections.

Estrada said he was against accepting prospective candidates affiliated with Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) and more so, Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), a party formed and headed by Arroyo.

As president of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) of former President Joseph Estrada, the senator signed a �covenant� with Vice President Jejomar Binay�s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) to form the UNA coalition.

The younger Estrada said accepting Lakas members would be �too much of a liability� for UNA.

�They�re identified with FVR (former President Fidel V. Ramos) and with GMA (Arroyo),� he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a phone interview [...]

Read the full story >>�� Sen. Estrada slams door on alliance with Arroyo parties

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Annoying P-Noy

April 14, 2012 | Opinion

PAGE ELEVEN
BY ELINANDO B. CINCO
MANILA BULLETIN

MANILA, Philippines � FROM a fairly viewed perspective, bystanders and kibitzers will not stop annoying President P-Noy with trivial brickbats. And casually gauged in the frequency of their pestering, they are having a field day.

People close to him insist the President is taking all this taunting good-naturedly. If ever the mocking gets into his nerves, as press reports alleged, it is because some of the teases are tinted with personal allegations.

What were they? We knew them. They flourished in great abandon (in some instances, wantonly) during the 2010 presidential election campaign.

So, let us talk about the �Noynoying� teasing.

I read it first in the papers last February. I immediately cast my suspicion that some imaginative opposition congressmen had coined the word. Most probably the same guys who thought of K.K.K [...]

Read the full story >>� Annoying P-Noy

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