Fans Split in Their Sentiments on Ruffa - John Lloyd Romance

8 July 2009

Fans and ordinary observers alike weigh in on one of the hottest showbiz toics of the day, the budding romance between beauty queen and talk show host Ruffa Gutierrez and teen idol John Lloyd Cruz.  

The results are mixed with some strongly opposed but more appear to approve or express tolerance of the relationship.  For John Lloyd's fans, the opposition could be the result of just plain jealousy. For others, it could be that they are separated in age by a full nine years (Ruffa was born on June 24, 1974 while John Lloyd was born June 24, 1983) or the fact that Ruffa although separated is still married and has two young daughters.  

If this fascinating report by ABS-CBN's Mario Dumaual is to be any judge, those who favor the relationship have a more than 3 to 1 advantage over those who oppose it.  Here is the report via kyte.tv:

end

 

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Cotabato Bombing Caught on CCTV — ABS-CBN Bandila Report, July 6, 2009

7 July 2009

Here is the ABS-CBN Bandila report showing the CCTV footage of the deadly Cotabato City Cathedral bombing early morning of Sunday, July 5, 2009.

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ABS-CBN's "May Bukas Pa" Thanks Our Lord "Bro" Jesus — Celebrates 38.7% Primetime Rating with a Thanksgiving Mass, Extends Run to January 2010

24 June 2009

ABS-CBN's primetime teleserye, May Bukas Pa, starring child sensation Zaijan Jaranilla as Santino celebrated its success with a thanksgiving mass to our Lord Jesus Christ, known in the series as "Bro."  

This is the ABS-CBN report by Mario Dumaual via kyte.tv:

Because of its phenomenal success, ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio announced that the series will extend its run up to January 2010.

To God be the glory!

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Rizal Shrine Painted Green by the NHI — Calamba Residents Want a Return to the Original Look

20 June 2009

The Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna has been painted green to the chagrin of some Calamba residents and visitors to the shrine.  Architect Reynaldo Inovero of the National Historical Institute (NHI) explained that the change was to reflect the Spanish equivalent of the surname Rizal which is Ricial, meaning 'green field.'

In this report by Maricar Bautista of ABS-CBN, she interviewed two visitors to the shrine and they both preferred the old look to the new one.

Why Rizal's House Turned Green, is an article by NHI Chairman Ambeth Ocampo explaining the change.  This blog post, House of Rizal, by Frank A. Hilario provides an informative and entertaining counterpoint to  Ambeth's piece.

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Part 1 - Vicki Belo's Past as an Adopted Daughter, The Men in Her Life, Her Success, in Probe Profiles with Cheche Lazaro — A Partial Transcript

17 June 2009

Last night, I caught a portion of Cheche Lazaro's maiden issue of Probe Profiles featuring who else but the controversial Dra. Vicki Belo.  It was my first time to know that Vicki is an adopted child. It's a fascinating story.  

This is a transcript of the portion of the show that I saw; Adel is Atty. Adel Tamano, Atom is Atom Henares, Vicki's estranged husband and Lolit is Lolit Solis.

TRANSCRIPT

Cheche: Sa gitna ng umiinit na isyu ng mga  sex videos, may mga balitang nagbalikan sina Vicki at Hayden pero itinanggi ito ng abogado ng doktor.

Adel:  As far as I know from my client, Hindi sila nagkabalikan but as to the romantic aspect, ang sabi niya sa 'kin, 'Hindi.'

Cheche: ... tungkol sa mga lalaking naging parte ng kaniyang buhay. Matindi kung umibig kaya't malalim din kung madapa.

Vicki: Ako ang type of girl na kailangan ko talaga ng lalaki sa buhay ko. Hindi ko ... as strong as I am in work, sa personal life gusto ko inaalagaan ako, gusto ko meron akong man to lean on... yung ganung style. 

Cheche: Do you consider that a weakness? 

Vicki: Of course ...  I'm so scared to be without a man.  

Cheche: Seventeen years old lang si Vicki nang makilala ang first love niya ... si Atom.

Vicki: Si Atom physically hindi ko siya type nung ma-meet ko siya, but he's so pursigido. Feeling ko mukhang ito na yata ito na yata pakakasalan ko, I better get to know him.

Cheche: Nagpakasal sina Vicki at Atom noong 1979. Sa Amerika sila tumira kung saan nagtrabaho si Atom sa isang bangko ...

Vicki: May plano rin ako na when I get married,  I'll be a perfect wife, I will cook perfect everything...

Atom: At first, she didn't have a job so she would stay home and cook.  Ako naman yung my job naman was to clean the house. WWe have these we have these memories of choosing a Christmas tree you know ... in the middle of the snow. 

Cheche: Buntis sa panganay nilang anak, nagdesisyon ang dalawang umuwi at mamalagi na sa Pilipinas kung saan may mas magandang alok ng trabaho para kay Atom.

Atom: I would consider a blessing and at the same time a mistake was living next to her parents. You lose that independence ... you lose that ... independence from other people and dependence on each other.  Ah, and then we got rather busy ... Quark first.   She was busy taking care of him. She went back to medical school.  She used to do 36 hours shift.

Cheche: Nagsimulang magkaroong ng lamat ang kanilang samahan.

Atom:  Over time ... what I was doing and what she was doing and ... we gradually ... 

Cheche: Nagloko si Atom, isang bagay na hindi matanggap ni Vicki.  Pagkaraan ng labing-isang taon, naghiwalay sila.

Vicki:  Parang my dream got shattered 'coz that was my plan for my life. It was so hard to accept failure; it's the biggest for me what I see as the failure in my life, di ba, and I think a lot of it is the pain na hindi ko matanggap na hindi nag-work yung aking magandang plan.

Cheche: Sabi ng kaibigang si Lolit Solis, binago ng naging relasyon kay Atom ang pagtingin ni Vicki sa mga lalaki.

Lolit: Siguro, when she got married to Atom, akala niya it will last forever. Kaya nung makita niya pwedeng pang mabago yung istorya, nagkaroon siya ng parang takot.  Mabait na mabait ka sa guy, later on makikita mo nagloloko na siya. 

Cheche: Sinundan si Atom ni Joey Santos, isang negosyante at sabi noon ni Vicki, 'man behind the woman.'  

(Author's Note: The recording I made is quite poor at several points which gives me a difficult time transcribing. I'll do my best, please bear with me.  This article consisting of a partial transcript will come in several installments.  Thanks for bearing with me.)

Akala ko naman tatagal ...

Tumagal nang labimpitong taon ang pagsasampa ni Vicki at ni Joey.

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Welcome Back Ted Failon! — Broadcaster Ted Failon Is Now Back On the Air at ABS-CBN!

8 June 2009

Ted Failon is back! Ted reunited with fellow broadcasters Karen Davila and Julius Babao in tonight's TV Patrol thanking them for their support.  

Ted also thanked all the people who helped him and his family during his ordeal involving the suicide of his wife Trina Etong.  

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Eric Johnston Chua Insists He Gave Dr. Vicki Belo the Only Master Copy of Hayden Kho Sex Videos — 2nd Interview with Jay Ruiz of ABS-CBN, June 4, 2009

4 June 2009

In an exclusive second interview with Jay Ruiz of ABS-CBN, Eric Johnston Chua claimed that he gave to Dr. Vicki Belo the only master copy in one DVD of Dr. Hayden Kho's sex videos.

This is the transcript of Jay Ruiz's report and interview with Eric Chua:

Preface by Karen Davila: Walang ibang may hawak ng master copy ng mga sex video ni Hayden Kho kundi si Vicki Belo. Ito ang idiniin ngayon ni Eric Chua sa eklusibong pagharap niya sa ABS-CBN News. Si Chua ang itinuro ng kampo ni Dr. Kho at Belo na nagpakalat ng Hayden Kho sex video.  Exclusive, nagpa-patrol, Jay Ruiz. 

 

Jay: Mahigit isang linggo matapos ma-interview ng ABS-CBN News si Eric Chua, muli siyang humarap sa amin para sabihin ang kanyang nalalaman sa pagpapakalat ng mga sex videos ni Hayden Kho. Hindi raw niya matiis na manahimik habang nasisira ang reputasyon niya at ng kanyang pamilya. 

Eric: Now I'm infamous as the guy who spread the video. I go around and people would ask me, "How could you do that to the girls?"

Jay:  Sa kuwento ni Eric, nagsimula ang lahat noong December 9, 2008. Inamin raw ni Princess Velasco kay Dra. Vicki Belo ang kanyang naging bawal na relasyon sa boyfriend niyang si Hayden.  Si Velasco ay empleyado sa Belo Medical Clinic at girlfriend naman ni Dr. Herbert "Bistek" Rosario na kaibigan nina Hayden at Eric.

Eric:  Upon hearing of Princess' report, Vicki asked Princess to get us to go over to her place.

Jay: Nang makaharap ni Vicki Belo si Eric at Bistek, isinumbong rin nilang may mga sex videos si Hayden na nakatago sa kanyang computer.

Eric: ...  At times, I didn't thought these recordings ... 

Jay: Dahil dito, pinakiusapan daw sila ni Belo na kunin ang mga computers ni Hayden sa tinitirhan niyang condominium.

Eric: Vicki assured us that the computers were property of the Belo Medical Group and that she owned the apartment where Hayden was staying and she even gave us the key to the apartment and provided us with the driver and a car to take us there.  

Jay: Pagdating sa bahay ni Belo bitbit ang mga computers, nabalitaan daw nilang nagtangkang magpakamatay si Hayden.

Eric: Just when we were about to start working on the laptop, we received information that Hayden had attempted to commit suicide so we all rushed back to the condominium.  When we got there, we found Hayden sprawled on the bed unconscious.

Jay: Pitong araw mula noon at nang gumaling si Hayden, muli raw ipinatawag ni Belo si Eric para buksan ang computer ni Hayden at ipakita ang mga sex videos. 

Eric : We got to work, compiled the videos and when we were confident have already been located, she gave me a DVD disc and asked me to burn her a copy of the videos.  After that, she told me  to delete the files on the computer.

Jay:  Bagama't masama ang loob niya kay Hayden dahil sa pang-aagaw nito umano sa girlfriend ni Bistek, wala raw motibo si Eric para ipakalat ang mga video.

Eric: ... Yeah, I'd say that's the master copy ... as far as I know, that's the only copy.  But I don't know if she made second or third generation copies of the first one but ... the copy she told me to make in the computer was one ... one disc.

Jay: Nagpakita na si Eric sa NBI kanina para magsumite ng kanyang affidavit. Sa ngayon, pinag-aaralan na ni Eric Chua na magsampa ng kasong libel laban sa mga taong nag-akusa sa kaniya. Hindi raw kasi tama na basta pangalanan siya sa media nang walang inilalabas na ebidensiya.  Jay Ruiz, patrol ng Pilipino.

End comment by Karen Davila: Patuloy naman po naming kinukuha ang reaksyon ni Dra. Vicki Belo pero hindi sumasagot ...

Here's Eric Johnston Chua's second interview with Jay Ruiz of ABS-CBN via kyte.tv:

VIDEO UPDATE

5 June 2009 8:16am

We now have this short video report from GMAnews.tv on Eric Chua submitting his affidavit to the NBI yesterday:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

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Manny Pacquiao on Floyd Mayweather, Jr. — "He's Good But Not That Good ... Mas Gusto Kong Kalaban 'Yung Maraming Sinasabi!"

28 May 2009

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has confirmed that his next fight will be on October 17.  There are many fighters who want to face Pacquiao but he prefers to fight Floyd Mayweather, Jr. 

"Mas ok nga kung si Floyd Mayweather ... gusto ko nga yung maraming sinasabi," said Pacquiao of his desire to face the former  pound-for-pound king who's been drumbeating his own skills while belittling Pacquiao's fighting record.

Here is Dyan Castillejo's interview with the Pacman courtesy of ABS-CBN Sports via kyte.tv:

 

new

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Here's the Video Clip of Erik (Eric) Chua's Short Interview with Jay Ruiz of ABS-CBN, May 25

26 May 2009  9:06am

Here's the exclusive video clip of Erik Chua talking with ABS-CBN ace reporter Jay Ruiz and giving his message to the public that he is innocent of charges implicating him in the uploading and attempt to sell the Hayden Kho sex videos, from kyte.tv:

Thank you for bearing with me on this one.  

Here's my earlier post on Erik Chua late yesterday evening, Eric Johnston Chua Did Not Go to NBI Today, May 25, But Has Talked to Jay Ruiz of ABS-CBN — Denies Involvement in Hayden - Katrina Sex Video Upload.

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Brillante Mendoza Becomes the First Filipino to Win Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival

25 May 2009

Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza became the first Filipino to win the Best Director award with his full-length film Kinatay at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.  Kinatay tells the story of a woman kidnapped, raped, murdered and chopped to pieces.  The film stars Coco Martin, Mercedes Cabral and Maria Isabel Lopez.   

In winning the coveted award, Mendoza beat other better known directors such as Tarantino who directed the Brad Pitt-starred movie Inglourious Basterds, Pedro Almodovar ("Los Abrazos Rotos" or Broken Embraces), Jacques Audiard (Un "Prophete" or A Prophet) and Ang Lee who directed Taking Woodstock.

This is the video clip from GMAnews.tv of Mendoza's victory:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

And this is the one from ABS-CBN via kyte.tv (I hope you don't see a "Page not found" message):

Speaking of Kinatay, Director Brillante Mendoza admits that "there were some critics who wouldn't like it kasi medyo violent 'yung film.  

More when I return.

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Hayden Kho Take 2, "I Apologize ..." — Dito Nagsalita Na Siya, Hindi Statement Lang — Pero Mukhang May Mga Ayaw Maniwala

22 May 2009

This is the apology of Hayden Kho, Take Two — this time around he's the one speaking instead of just a prepared written statement being flashed onscreen.

In case, you also want to read the words instead of just hearing them, this is the full transcript of  Mariz Umali's report including the text of the sound bites from Dr. Hayden Kho:

Igan Arnold Clavio:  Inako ni Hayden Kho ang kasalanang nagawa at lubos na pinagsisisihan ang nangyari.  Depensa ng abogado ni Dr. Kho, lulong daw si Hayden sa droga nang panahong ginawa niya ang mga kumakalat na sex video.  Pero ang ilang Senador, hindi tanggap ang paliwanag na ito.  Saksi si Mariz Umali.

Hayden:  I deeply regret everything that has happened because of my poor judgment... Hmmm... Nagsisisi na po ako.

Mariz:    Halata ang lungkot at pagkabalisa sa mukha ni Dr. Hayden Kho nang humarap sa media.  Muli niyang iginiit nagawa lang niya ang video bilang bahagi ng pribado niyang buhay, bagay na wala siyang intensiyon na ipakita sa iba. Sa halip ang sinisisi niya ang mga taong nagkalat nito.

Hayden:  Sa dami nang nadamay, sa dami ng mga nasaktang tao dahil may nagnakaw at nagkalat ng videos... Right now, I may feel deep remorse ... you know, it's too much to ask for forgiveness right now...  Sana ... sana, someday people will learn to condemn the sin and not the sinner.

Mariz:  Pero ang biktima niyang si Katrina Halili, bingi sa pagso-sorry ni Hayden.  

Katrina: Dapat 'yon, hindi lang ganoon ... hindi, hindi lang paghingi ng tawad.  Dapat po siyang parusahan.

Mariz: Aminado ang abogado ni Dr. Kho na si Atty. Lorna Kapunan, lulong daw si Hayden nang panahong ginawa niya ang mga kumakalat na sex video.

  

Atty. Lorna Kapunan:  These all happened when ... ah ... he was a drug user.  These all happened before December when Hayden was getting his treatment. 

Mariz:  Pero hindi bumenta kay Senador Bong Revilla ang depensang ito ng kampo ni Hayden.

Senator Bong Revilla: Palusot ng magagaling na abogado, 'no ah. Sa korte na lang sila magpaliwanag. 

Mariz; Paniwala pa ni Senadora Miriam Defensor-Santiago, mahihirapan lang ang kampo ni Hayden kung gagamitin nitong depensa ang umano'y problema sa pag-iisip ng celebrity doctor.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago: He has never appeared in public that he has indicated other signs of insanity so he cannot claim that overnight, he became insane.

Mariz: Ako si Mariz Umali at ako ang inyong saksi!

This is the video of the report by Mariz Umali of Saksi courtesy of GMAnews.tv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

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Ted Failon Expresses His Gratitude to All Those Who Prayed For and Supported Them in Their Terrible Ordeal

22 May 2009   2:28am, Manila time

Ted Failon who has been vindicated by NBI official findings that his wife, Trina Etong, committed suicide, has given this brief message to the Filipino people:

Ngayon pong nailabas na ang NBI report, makapagpapahinga na po kami ng aking mga anak at makapagluluksa.  Napakahirap po kasi ng sitwasyon na kayo na ho 'yung namatayan, kayo na 'yung nawalan, kayo pa ho 'yong pinahirapan nang husto.  Sa lahat po ng taong nagdasal at nagdarasal, tumulong po't tumutulong para kami makaraos sa problemang ito ... maraming, maraming salamat po.

This is the video clip from ABS-CBN via kyte.tv:

Let's pray that our Lord will continue to sustain Ted, his daughters Kaye and Charisma and the entire Failon and Arteche families as they move on with their rudely-interrupted lives beyond the tragedy of Trina Etong.  

 

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I'ts Official from the NBI — May 21, 2009 — Trina Etong, Wife of Ted Failon, Committed Suicide

BREAKING NEWS

21 May 2009, 11:58am, Manila time

This just came in.  It's official news from the NBI.  Trina Etong, wife of ABS-CBN broadcaster Ted Failon committed suicide.

John Consulta of GMA-7 reported that NBI Director Nestor Mantaring has announced the findings in an ongoing press conference.  According to the NBI, it is impossible for Ted Failon to have done the shooting given the time frame of the incident.  It was disclosed, according to John Consulta's report that Trina asked a bank manager named Joy to falsify bank records to make it appear that her account still has a substantial balance.  The bank manager reportedly refused.

Here is the video clip of John Consulta's report courtesy of GMAnews.tv, mainit-init pa:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

This is vindication for Ted Failon and his entire family.

To God be the glory!

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My Notes on the ANC Leadership Forum, May 11, 2009

11 May 2009 9:10 pm

I arrived home from work in time to catch what was left of the ANC Leadership Forum aired live at ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel). The ANC Leadership Forum, held at the Loyola campus of the Ateneo de Manila University, was hosted by Tina Monzon-Palma and Ricky Carandang. 

The presidentiables who attended the forum are Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Richard Gordon, Governor Ed Panlilio, Senator Mar Roxas and Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.  

I took these notes, obviously incomplete  and probably containing some inaccuracies, which is my fault alone:

Question - Will you form a coalition with Manny Pacquiao's political party?

Gordon: Yes.

Panlilio: Yes, if people with him adopt principles of good governance.

Roxas: He should remain a symbol of unity, an idol of the youth.

Teodoro: Yes, he is very much welcome ... he has good drawing power.

Escudero: Yes, 'wag n'ya lang isama yung pinuntahan n'ya kanina sa Malacañang ...

Question - What was the last book you read or the last movie you've seen?

Panlilio  :  Book: Leadership Secrets of St. Paul

Roxas  :  Book: 1776 about the American Revolution

Teodoro  :  Book: Power and Prosperity, about rewards and incentives; Movie: John Adams, about the second President of the United States

Escudero:  Book:  Dinner with a Perfect Stranger;  Movie: Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo

Gordon   :  Book:  Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama; Movie: We are Marshals

Question:  Will you support an investigation of the Arroyo family for corruption allegations?

Roxas  :  Yes.  NBN-ZTE, fertilizer scam ... etc.

Teodoro  :  Walang makakapara n'yan.  Ngunit kung ito'y haka-haka ... political harassment, tutulungan ko ang aking Pangulo.  Secretary Teodoro is runaway winner of  the Most Loyal to GMA Award.

Escudero :  Yes.  Dapat panagutin s'ya sa mga pagkakamali at paglabag sa batas na ginawa n'ya.

Gordon  :  Kung magpa-file ng kaso, dapat i-file.  Hindi dapat haka-haka, hindi kuro-kuro.

Panlilio  :  We must be a nation of laws ... dapat lang magkaroon ng prosecution dito.  Let the law and justice take its course.  Hindi lang sa gobyerno ... kahit sa private sector at mga simbahan ... may corruption.

Question :  What are the positive contributions of the Arroyo administration?

Teodoro  :  Maraming positive, 7.3 pct GDP growth ... etc.

Escudero :  Isa lang para sa 'kin.  Dahil sa ilang paglabag sa batas ... at hirap na dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan ... Ginalit n'ya ang maraming Pilipino ... para makilahok sa susunod na halalan.  This is the most creative answer of the night. Expect bright answers like this from Senator Chiz no matter what position he eventually runs for in 2010.

Gordon   :  Transaction sa lahat ng mga Congressman.  Kapag naging Presidente, wala na dapat kaibigan ... truth palagi hindi lies.  But she has work ethic ... Kulang sa suheto sa mga nakapaligid.

Panlilio  :  When I first read this question, hindi ako makatulog.  Nag-provide siya ng transition nung mabakante ang presidency.  Sa environment, pinirmahan n'ya agad yung zero waste management law nung 2001 and last year yung R.A. on renewable energy... kung ii-implement n'ya ito is a different matter altogether.  What is often lacking is the political will to implement these programs.

Roxas  :  Ang isang mabuting nagawa ni Pangulong Arroyo ... inappoint n'ya kong DTI Secretary.  Sinuportahan n'ya ko nung nilabanan ko ang pharmaceutical cartel ... sinimulan ko yung IT BPO call center space ... gumawa kami ng strategic plan ... nilabanan ko yung cement cartel. This was the best self-promo campaign of the night.     

Question :  Who do you admire the most, living or dead?

Escudero :  Walang iisa ... piliin yung magagandang qualities sa lahat ng tao

Gordon  :  My father ... an American who became Filipino and raised his children as Filipinos.  This was the most emotional moment of the night as Senator Gordon fought back tears while reminiscing about his late father.

Panlilio  :  Andres Bonifacio, Tarik Soliman, Jose Abad Santos.  He related how then Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, seeing his son crying, told him:  "Don't cry. Not everyone is given the opportunity to die for his country." (Abad Santos was executed by the Japanese in 1942 for his refusal to render the oath of allegiance to the Japanese Empire.) I rate this the most patriotic answer of the forum especially given the way Among Ed delivered it. Any Filipino who makes positive mention of Andres Bonifacio and reflects proudly on Jose Abad Santos' now-forgotten sacrifice  in the same sentence must have within him beating a patriot's heart. I looked up Tarik Soliman and it turns out he's a Capampangan who fought in the Battle of Bangkusay.   

Roxas  :  among the living, Cory Aquino;  among the dead, his father, Gerry Roxas

Teodoro  :  Rizal, Bonifacio, Marine soldier ...

After this, the would-be candidates gave their one minute closing messages.

My position remains the same, issues are more important than personalities.  It's too early to pick a presidential bet just yet. Let's ask them, from where they are, from whatever public position they occupy, to SPEAK OUT and WORK NOW on the issues that can improve our lives and secure a better future for the Philippines.  

Take the case of Senator Mar Roxas, for example.  I have two posts concerning him regarding tuition fee increases and has actually emailed him on one of them at mar@marroxas.com, without receiving any reply so far.  These posts are:

Let's Encourage Senator Mar Roxas to Make a Clear, Principled Stand on the Issue of Tuition Fee Increases (Lalaban Tayo!)

Let's Urge Sen. Mar Roxas to Act Quickly On Two (2) Tuition Fee-Related Resolutions Filed by Sen. Manny Villar (Ngayon Na, Now Na!)

Now, Senator Mar Roxas has done many things for this country especially in the ongoing investigation of the Legacy scam and I have given him credit whenever he deserves it, for example, in this post:  The Senate Resolution that Won Back Custody Over Jun Lozada, SRN-1049 (Adopted Resolution No. 172), Filed by Senator Mar Roxas.

But he should really work on the issue of tuition fee and state his position clearly if he is to maintain his credibility. Napaka-importante po nito para hindi niya pansinin. This issue belongs to what should be his "core advocacies" because he is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture.  Siya po dapat ang unang pumapadyak sa isyung ito. Hindi ko po siya kukulitin dito kung wala siyang pwede o DAPAT na gawin.  You can email Senator Mar Roxas at mar@marroxas.com and this is the Official Mar Roxas website.

The same principle goes for all of these aspiring presidentiables, not just Mar Roxas.  

I'll appreciate it a lot if you can give me guidance or share with me your thoughts on this matter.  

 

For more on the issues over personality paradigm, here's my post dated March 30, 2009,  2010 Presidential Campaign Issues. 

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Maria Ressa Brings Great Credibility to ABS-CBN's "Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo" But How Will She Handle a Case Similar to That Faced by Cheche Lazaro?

11 May 2009

Maria Ressa is a respected voice in journalism, not just here but around the world.  I have only the highest regard for her and her presence at the helm of ABS-CBN's Current Affairs lends a powerful voice to the Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako ang Simula initiative. 

But does everyone in ABS-CBN see things the way she does?  For example, will Ms. Ressa herself listen to and air the appeal of somebody like me who's having problem with the way the DepEd is curtailing the rights of parents when they oppose tuition fee increases?  I guess this is a deviation from the topic of the election but right on target when it comes to the issue of individual persons pushing small, incremental changes in our society. I once was interviewed (two years ago) by an ABS-CBN reporter on the issue of tuition fee only to be told later that my story could not be aired because I was "alone" in pursuing the issue.  I hope Ms. Ressa has a different viewpoint. 

To get back on track, given the simple concept of Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo as stated by Ms. Ressa:   

The idea for Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo was simple: get the people to care and to take action.  It’s people power with new technology!  If you see something wrong or something good, tell us about it.  If you see someone trying to buy the votes, snap a picture on your cellphone and send it to us.  If you see a town mayor using public vehicles for his campaign, shoot video with your cellphone and send it to us.  If you see violence, tell us about it, and after a verification process, we will put it to air.  Two months into the 4-month campaign, we received reports from the provinces that Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo helped level the playing field where incumbents were running after we ran a story with the cellphone picture of city resources used for campaigns.  So cellphones became effective weapons!

how will ABS-CBN defend people who participate in Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako ang Simula in the event that legal charges, say, illegal wiretapping, are filed against them by the people they are covering? 

I have to ask this question because Cheche Lazaro of ABS-CBN is actually facing such a situation now with the illegal wiretapping case filed against her by an official of GSIS concerning her coverage of Manila school teachers. Ms. Lazaro's case is more compelling because she appears to be the only person facing charges now after charges against ABS-CBN executives were dropped by the public prosecutor who handled the case.

My personal position on this matter is that citizen journalism through the use of cellphones and other similar devices to expose wrongdoing and deter abuse should be afforded legal protection by our laws. What is ABS-CBN's strategy to deal with this matter considering that we still have in place a strict anti-wiretapping law?

I know Maria Ressa has an answer and I hope she shares it with me ... with all of us. I have my own answer as I'm sure you have yours and I hope she's interested to hear from me ... from all of us.  My email address is rollyocampo@yahoo.com. 

 

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Barin Should Resign! Philip Piccio Should Be Next SEC Chairman

23 April 2009

I just stumbled upon the following April 20 ABS-CBN TV Patrol news video at kyte.tv wherein it now appears that SEC Chairman Fe Barin was simply compelled to disclose the existence of its revocation order of the pre-need license of Prudentialife Plans because of questioning by Senator Mar Roxas. 

Asked what the SEC should do, Philip Piccio, the fighting President of the PEP Coalition blurted out: 

I-reveal!  So that people will know!  For those na mga nagbabayad pa, tumigil na sila ng bayad.  Di ba?  Hindi yung palala pa nang palala o palubog pa sila nang palubog.  

Chairman Fe Barin does not have the interest of millions of  pre-need planholders at heart.  She should resign from her post as SEC Chairman and the other SEC Commissioners should go along with her.  The sooner they go, the better!

Our candidate for next SEC Chairman?  Philip Piccio!  

Go Philip, go!

  

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Many Filipinos Get to See Delfin Lee For the First Time Through ABS-CBN TV Patrol Report

22 April 2009

Hundreds of thousands if not millions of Filipinos had their first glimpse of the person first introduced to the public by DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzales simply as "Delfin Lee" in a news report by ABS-CBN.  According to Secretary Gonzales, he received a text message saying that Lee was in the Failon household at the time of the shooting and that he (Lee) helped Ted move the body of the seriously wounded Trina from their bedroom to the bathroom.

Delfin Lee is reportedly a longtime friend of Ted Failon and also of Vice President Noli De Castro.  This article by Sun Star Pampanga identifies Lee as the president and chief executive officer of Globe Asiatique Realty. Lee has denied that he was at the Failon residence at the time of the shooting.  I recall seeing Vice President Noli De Castro on TV say that he requested Lee to go to the Failon household upon learning of the incident because he could not contact Ted.  According to Lee, he reached Failon's house only in the afternoon of April 15, hours after the shooting incident happened.  He strongly denied the accusations emanating from the text message received and reported by Secretary Gonzales.

This is the picture of Lee that I took as his interview was being aired at ABS-CBN's TV Patrol.  I believe that showing this constitutes fair use of ABS-CBN's rights over their video.

Anyway, if there are objections from ABS-CBN, I'll promptly pull it down.

Any legal advice from my readers are most welcome.  Thanks a lot!

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Trina's Cremation Pushes Through Tomorrow, April 22, Despite A Last-Minute Visit by NBI Operatives at Arlington Funeral Homes

21 April 2009   8:38pm Manila time

About an hour ago, ABS-CBN showed a video of the visit by NBI operatives in the wake of Trinidad "Trina" Etong.  Ostensibly, they went there to pay their respects but it was evident they made the visit for some other purpose.  As to what precisely, Chief of the NBI special task force Arnel Dalumpines failed to specify.  The video footage just showed him saying that they were respecting what Ted Failon's lawyers told them.  It was unclear what discussion transpired between the two groups.  

My guess is that the NBI team went to Arlington to make a last-minute request to delay the cremation of Trina. 

All indications however point to an "all systems go" for Trina's cremation tomorrow morning at 11am. The cremation will be preceded by a mass to be officiated by close Failon family friend, Fr. Gerry Orbos.  Trina's ashes will not be buried yet and will kept by the Failon family.

UPDATE

NBI WANTS THIRD AUTOPSY ON TRINA ETONG

21 April 2009   10:55pm Manila time

You will note that the first part of this post is based on an ABS-CBN video.  I just came across a gmanews.tv article posted 9:24pm entitled, NBI wants own autopsy exam on Failon's wife.

Just as I suspected, said article quoted NBI special task force chief Arnel Dalumpines as saying that "they will ask the Failon family for permission to do a third autopsy."

A third autopsy may happen or it may not.  That will be one of the questions that tomorrow will answer.  

The first autopsy was done by the PNP SOCO medico-legal team which was joined by Dr. Erwin Erfe. The second one was done very early this morning (April 21) by Dr. Rachel Fortun. 

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Both Drs. Erfe and Fortun were personally commissioned by Ted Failon to do the autopsies. 

Both forensic experts gave the opinion that the most probable cause of Trina's death is a self-inflicted gunshot wound entering from the right temple and exiting the left temple.  

 

 

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Trina Committed Suicide Says PAO Forensic Consultant Dr. Erwin Erfe

21 April 2009

Dr. Erwin Erfe, a forensic expert identified closely with the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) headed by the controversial Atty. Persida Acosta, has made the conclusion that Trinidad "Trina" Etong committed suicde.   

The primary basis for Erfe's conclusion is that the contusion collar was uniformly level. According to him, "the contusion collar was very uniform" which means that "the gun used was directly perpendicular" to Trina's head.  Based on this, he pronounced that it's most likely a suicide.

Erfe obtained his medical degree from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) and a is a graduate of Forensic Science and Medicine at the Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine (VIFSM) medicine graduate of the PLM.   Erfe also holds a law degree from the Manila Law College and is a professor of forensic medicine at the Ateneo Law School.  You can find his credentials here.

As expected, DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzales was quick to shoot down Erfe's conclusions. According to Gonzales, it is "not proper" for Erfe to be talking because he is not a member of the official team investigating the death of Trina Etong .   

Here is the video of Erfe's interview courtesy of gmanewstv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Please stay tuned for more updates. 

Let's continue praying for the Failon family, the authorities and the Filipino nation as we draw near to laying to rest Trina Etong's mortal body.

 

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QCPD Will Turn Over Trina Suicide Investigation to NBI (With Video Update)

20 April 2009

LIVE BLOG POST

BREAKING NEWS

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will turn over to the NBI the investigation into the death of Trinidad "Trina" Etong, wife of ABS-CBN embattled broadcaster Ted Failon.  This is the announcement made in the ongoing press conference being conducted in Camp Crame by DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno.  I'm watching it at ANC.

In addition, the Napolcom and the internal affairs service will also investigate the possible administrative liability of police officers involved in the controversial arrest of Trina relatives and Failon househelp. Considerable criticism has been generated by the arrests which were publicly perceived to be attended by excessive use of force.  Effective today, the police officers involved are placed on a 30-day preventive suspension.

Puno added that, as part of the moral transformation of the Philippine National Police, the Chief PNP will conduct intensified refresher courses for all investigators on police operating procedures and procedures on arrest.

"To regain and maintain the public trust in the Philippine National Police (PNP)," this, Puno emphasized repeatedly, was the reason why they are resorting to these steps.

Puno also clarified that as far as the QCPD is concerned, it has no problem with the scheduled cremation of Trina's body on Wednesday, April 22 at 11am.

With respect to the objection to Trina's cremation, I guess Secretary Raul Gonzales of the DOJ is the one person primarily standing in the way at this point (that's the subject of my immediately preceding post).

As I post, it's already 12:23pm, Manila time, and the Puno press conference is still ongoing.  

VIDEO UPDATE (20 April, 2009, 1:36pm) from gmanewstv: 

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

 

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