PHNO-BE: REMITTANCES FROM SEAFARERS UP 11.3%


 



REMITTANCES FROM SEAFARERS UP 11.3%

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Mayen Jaymalin - The continuing rise in deployment of Filipino seafarers abroad pushed up remittances from the sector by $250 million from last year, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines reported yesterday.

The TUCP said in the first eight months of the year, Filipino sailors aboard foreign-flagged ocean-going vessels wired home a total of $2.461 billion or 11.31 percent more than the $2.211 billion they remitted over the same period in 2009.

TUCP secretary-general Ernesto Herrera said with the current double-digit growth rate, the full year remittance from Filipino seamen is expected to hit $3.7 billion by yearend.

"The foreign exchange coming in from sea-based migrant Filipino workers is growing twice faster than those coming in from their land-based counterparts," he said.

"The intercontinental maritime transport of all kinds of commodities is growing along with global population expansion. Thus, the ever-increasing demand for a fresh supply of sailors."

The total remittances coursed through banks by all land- and sea-based migrant Filipino workers increased by $839 million or 7.40 percent, to $12.181 billion in the first eight months from $11.342 billion in the same period in 2009.

Remittances from land-based workers alone increased by $589 million or 6.45 percent to $9.720 billion from $9.131 billion from last year.

Filipino sailors on mostly foreign merchant ships wired home a total of $3.4 billion in the whole of 2009, up $366 million from $3.034 billion in 2008.

The 12.06 percent growth in remittances from sea-based migrant Filipino workers in 2009 was nearly three times faster than the 4.15 percent or $555 million year-on-year increase in the cash sent home by their land-based counterparts.

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PHNO-SP: ROACH MOCKS MARGARITO W/ HAND WRAPS / WOODS RELEASES GRIP ON NO. 1


 



ROACH MOCKS MARGARITO W/ HAND WRAPS / WOODS RELEASES GRIP ON NO. 1

[PHOTO AT LEFT - Photo is loading... Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach poses with metal gauntlet gloves to mock Antonio Margarito, during Pacquiao's workout in Los Angeles in front of reporters for an upcoming boxing match with Margarito]

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Abac Cordero - Freddie Roach should carry a metal detector when he visits Antonio Margarito's dressing room on fight night.

Margarito's trainer, Robert Garcia, kept the mind game going when he put on brass knuckles during their recent media workout at the Fortune Gym in Hollywood.

"That's [metal] what he [Richardson] found. Do you believe that? He [Margarito] got caught," Garcia said in an article that came out of Fanhouse.com the other day.

It was Shane Mosley's trainer, Naziim Richardson, who discovered the plaster-like substance in Margarito's hand wraps before their fight in January of 2009.

It led to the one-year suspension of Margarito, who claimed he had no knowledge of what his former trainer, Javier Capetillo, had placed on his hands for the fight, which he lost by knockout.

"That's what fell out when Naazim Richardson saw it," Garcia said at the gym packed with mediamen.

"Manny, be careful," he added. "Freddie Roach, you had better be in the dressing room like you said. You had better be there all of the time. Watch out, Freddie Roach."

Margarito hit the mitts for a couple of rounds before the media, and his punches sounded heavy on video.

Roach had said he will personally be there when Margarito's hands are wrapped, and make sure they're clean.

"Yes, I will be there," said Roach.

A day before Margarito staged his media workout, Pacquiao had his own time with the media a few blocks away at the Wild Card Gym.

And before the session started, Roach brought the house down when he wore a pair of armored gloves in mocking Margarito.

"I am going to make sure that Antonio Margarito wears hand wraps, not gift wraps, when he faces Manny Pacquiao," Roach was quoted as saying.

Westwood at the summit as Tiger releases grip on No 1 By James Corrigan, Golf Correspondent Monday, 1 November 2010

For the first time in 16 years Britain and Europe awake today atop of the golfing world as Lee Westwood displaces Tiger Woods from the No 1 position he has held for 281 weeks. The Englishman is not only the first professional from his own country to be rated as the best in the game in more than a decade, but also his own continent.

The 37-year-old's accession was confirmed yesterday when Martin Kaymer did not finish in the top two of the Andalusia Masters at Valderrama. The German – who had won his three previous tournaments including his first major, the USPGA – trailed in outside the top 20. This meant that when the rankings were published this morning Westwood, who has played only two events in the last three months due to a calf injury, became only the third Briton, after Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam to head the order.

The new status is understood to be worth millions to the 37-year-old, who experienced a nose-pinching slump eight years ago when he fell from being fourth in the world to outside the top 250. Of course, his story is not only unlikely because of that comeback from plus-foured oblivion but also because of the identity of the sportsman he happens to be usurping.

Since relinquishing No 1 to Vijay Singh in 2005, Woods has retained the coveted tag for a record period. Westwood's achievement in overhauling the 14-times major winner will inevitably be downplayed in some quarters because of the Woods extra-marital scandal, which reduced the most acclaimed athlete on the planet to the most vilified. Yet Westwood's credentials are worthy, despite the absence of a major on his CV. In the last 18 months, Westwood has notched up two major runner-up placings as well as as two third places.

Furthermore, he has lifted his second European Order of Merit and his first US title in over a decade in Memphis in June. But it is his consistency which underlines his validity. Westwood has collected more than 20 top 10s in the last two years.

There will inevitably be raised eyebrows at the Worksop man's elevation. But the overwhelming likelihood is he would have already demoted Woods if he hadn't suffered the ruptured calf muscle in July that has blighted a season which promised so much. For so long it seemed that, while Woods was struggling to recover his swing and his psyche, it would be Phil Mickelson who would emulate the Fijian Singh in relegating Woods, but the left-hander wasted more than 10 chances to do so.

When Kaymer then won last month's Dunhill Links Championship, a week after he and partner Westwood had proved so influential in regaining the Ryder Cup, it became clear that one of them would fill the European void, which stretched back to Nick Faldo in 1994. In the opinion of their captain, Colin Montgomerie, both would have been deserving candidates.

"The world rankings reflect current form and you can't knock Lee Westwood and you can't knock Martin Kaymer," said the Scot, who came closest to following Faldo by reaching No 2 in the late Nineties. "Certainly, I would have to say they are one and two in the world. There's a lot of talk about Lee not having won a major, so how can he be No 1? But that didn't interest me when I was No 2 in the world and I was trying to get to Greg Norman, who was No 1 at the time."

Yet Montgomerie has a warning for his friend. Westwood is teeing it up alongside Woods at the WGC HSBC Champions event in Shanghai this week and the latter has an instant chance of reclaiming his long-held mantle. In the singles of the Ryder Cup five weeks ago, Woods reminded us of his old self in dismantling Francesco Molinari, and, as Montgomerie confirmed, he will have yet more incentive in the Far East to build on the improvements he has been making with his new swing coach, Sean Foley.

"Once you are No 1 you want to stay there, and you've got to improve because the standard behind you is improving," said Montgomerie "It might be the end of Tiger's reign for a limited period, but I don't think he will be very happy about being No 2 or 3 in the world. He hasn't gone anywhere, Tiger Woods – he will be back with a vengeance next year."

Westwood's and Kaymer's Ryder Cup colleague Graeme McDowell will break into the top 10 after clinching the Andalusia Masters yesterday. McDowell was three over par for the day to finish three under overall, two ahead of a chasing pack of three. Northern Irishman Gareth Maybin, the unfortunate Damien McGrane of Ireland and Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen were the only other men to finish under par for the tournament, each closing one under.

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PHNO-SB:WEDDING OF THE YEAR: GMA-7 NETWORK TO END 2010 WITH A BANG


 


WEDDING OF THE YEAR: GMA-7 NETWORK TO END 2010 WITH A BANG

PHOTO AT LEFT - Photo is loading... Iza Calzado plays the title role in Beauty Queen]

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark - How would you like to watch the wedding of the year that of Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid in the comfort of your own home? You don't have to go all the way to Batangas to finally see them exchange vows after years of waiting.

GMA 7 will air their Dec. 22 wedding on Dec. 26 as a TV special. It is the Kapuso network's gift to the couple.

"All the excellent singers will be there," says GMA Network Wilma Galvante, SVP for Entertainment. "It will be like a concert special."

The wedding coverage is just one of the many programs in GMA's fourth quarter salvo which Galvante and other network executives recently revealed to the press.

"We can't be complacent," says Leogarda Sanchez Matias, assistant vice-president for public affairs. "Even if our shows are ahead, we must be open to the possibility of the other network cooking up something new." Paolo Contis, Jennylyn Mercado, child actor Nicky Castro, Mark Anthony Fernandez and Lovi Poe topbill Little Star

And that "something new" is a whole package of shows such as Hanep Buhay, the first business reality-magazine show on local TV that shares tips on managing funds, starting a business and making better money decisions.

I-Witness will present a new series of documentaries this month, with Howie Severino, Kara David, Jay Taruc and Sandra Aguinaldo retelling their classics.

"It's about time we re-introduce I-Witness to a new generation that were too young to see these episodes back then," says Matias. In November, too, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho's The Good Trip will revisit people and places that marked Jessica's 26 years in the business.

Wish Ko Lang will air its eighth anniversary specials starting Nov. 27 and Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown will proclaim its grand winner on Dec. 3.

Being up on your toes does not apply only to the news department.

GMA's entertainment arm is all decked up with holiday cheer as it unveils 12 Hearts of Christmas.

"Twenty top GMA stars will team up with 12 chosen families nominated by the audience for making a difference in their communities. These families will get a combination of cash and gifts," says Angel Javier, head of Entertainment Publicity.

Claudine Barretto, Isabel Oli and Jewel Mische will not be idle. Galvante promises a daily soap for Claudine and drama outings for Isabel and Jewel.

As for talks that Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj will join the network, Galvante says, "Under our contract, her manager is Bb. Pilipinas Charities. After Venus' reign, GMA has the option to get her as an exclusive contract artist." Jessica Soho with Pres. Noynoy Aquino in an edition of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

The holiday season will be packed with work for the controversial Heart Evangelista. Heart plays the title role in the telefantasya Dwarfina. The series, which debuts in November, shrinks Heart to the size of a six-inch dwarf, the product of a family curse.

The talent search genre is far from shrinking though. Galvante reveals a re-loaded talent search via Stardom, which replaces StarStruck as the station's flagship artista search.

"Years after it was first aired, we feel we have exhausted StarStruck. So we came up with a new talent search with other production treatments to it."

Little Star is another replacement, this time of Trudis Liit (its star, Jillian Ward, topbills Batang Milyonarya in 2011). Like Trudis, the new afternoon drama topbills a little girl, Nicky Castro, who shares top billing with Jennlyn Mercado and Lovi Poe.

This early, Galvante can tick off what the early 2011 program mix looks like:

"Captain Barbell (with Richard Gutierrez) in the title role will introduce special effects and a league of superheroes. Our primetime queen, Marian Rivera, headlines the epic fiction soap Amaya. The drama series is set in the 1500s and backed up data furnished by the UP research department. A team of consultants check on details, read the script and comment on it to make sure everything is correct."

She is just as proud of a weekly Wakasan series. The daily afternoon show will be hosted by prominent celebrities, and depicts stories about life, women, children, etc.

Capping the weekend is a horror-comedy series "that's not gory but geared for kids," says Galvante. "It will feature Philippine folklore and carry lessons for children."

And oh yes, she adds, brace yourselves for a sayaw series called Dance With Me. The station's first danserye, Galvante notes, will hold nationwide auditions to search for the best dancers.

All these, on top of existing series like Koreana, Beauty Queen, Anatomy of a Disaster and others point to one thing: GMA 7 aims to end the year with a bang and greet 2011 with an even bigger bang.

Coach potatoes out there, prepare the popcorn and the remote control . You're in for one hell of a ride around lively Kapuso city.

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PHNO-SB: ONE FOR PINOY CINEMA


 


ONE FOR PINOY CINEMA

[PHOTO AT LEFT - Photo is loading... Sine Sindak hosts John Lapus and Tuesday Vargas with 'Queen Victoria' and Eldar]

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Jerry Donato - If its name means one for Juan dela Cruz cinema, then Cinema One has been living up to it with flying colors. It has acquired movies from film productions such as Star Cinema, FPJ, RVQ and Regal Films. Cinema One is an advocate of Philippine Cinema for the consumption and appreciation of Pinoys out there who are also acquainted with Hollywood.

Recently, Cinema One put the spotlight on Regal Films' White House as featured movie in the channel's Sine Sindak sa Enchanted Kingdom. The Halloween outdoor screening treated Cinema One guests and theme park visitors to Topel Lee's cinematic scare tactics and engaging storytelling. Everybody journeyed with Gabby Concepcion, the movie's lead in search for the soul of his daughter snatched by the Black Lady (Iza Calzado). Often, one found oneself at the edge of the seat as Topel set the eerie mood with his visuals and sounds.

But what makes Cinema One unique is its annual competition Cinema One Originals which was promoted in Sine Sindak. For the past six years, it has given new filmmakers the chance to tell Pinoy stories in an unconventional way. Many think indie/digital cinema is the new face and future of Philippine cinema. Cinema One is in the forefront.

"The main objective is for Cinema One to create its own movies offering something different to moviegoers (as compared to mainstream)," says channel head Ronald Arguelles of Cinema One Originals. "Studios do the same (type of movies) and there has to be a variety. (Cinema One Originals) also gives new talents the opportunity they need." Cinema One channel head Ronald Arguelles

"For the past years, we have given the audience different movies. They are not just the typical romantic comedies . We have horror movies but are unique and different. Cinema One has also been recognized in film festivals abroad."

Cinema One movies speak for themselves. They have "crossed boundaries" in what story to tell and how to tell it. It has proven that digital cinema is evolving.

What are Cinema One Originals plans next year?

"We aim to do 10 films and to have a sharing agreement (with filmmakers)," answers Arguelles. "This is (to) excite them that they will have ownership with the movies."

Before they watched White House, John Lapus and Tuesday Vargas hosted a pre-screening show with games. Pilipinas Got Talent finalist Markki Stroem serenaded the crowd while White House stars Jairus Aquino and Joem Bascon invited guests to watch the movie in theaters.

Early in the afternoon, Sine Sindak participants toured Enchanted Kingdom and tried some rides. Some went to Grand Carousel, Flying Fiesta and Bump n' Splash. Others opted for Rialto Theater, Rio Grande Rapids, Jungle Log Jam, Anchors Away and Space Shuttle Max. Anchors Away and Space Shuttle gave everyone the heads up for the night's good scare White House.

This is Cinema One's very original trick or treat.

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PHNO-SB: EVERYBODY'S A WINNER IN THE 10.10.10 RUN FOR PASIG RIVER


 


EVERYBODY'S A WINNER IN THE 10.10.10 RUN FOR PASIG RIVER

[PHOTO AT LEFT - Photo is loading... SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy and ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez]

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) COMMONNESS By Bong R. Osorio - A few weeks ago, over 100,000 Filipinos braved the streets on a Sunday morning to take a stand for the environment, specifically the dying Pasig River. Wearing their sweatpants and specially made singlets, they filled major roads as they ran from three to 21 kilometers in order to help raise money and awareness for the ongoing cleanup campaign of ABS-CBN Foundation's "Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig."

Numbering 116,000, the participants easily made the event the largest footrace in the world, making everybody — from top finishers to tail-enders — an instant winner. But aside from a new world record (Guinness is expected to make the official announcement soon), what made the event special was the overwhelming support of different sectors who showed up and helped make the Pasig River fun run a peaceful and triumphant activity.

There were the 50,000 devotees of El Shaddai, led by their chief evangelist, Bro. Mike Velarde. There were the throngs of students from colleges and universities such as University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, Manila Doctors College, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines, who came brandishing their school colors. There were units from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines. Runners from private corporations such as Sun Life, Pilipinas Shell, Maynilad, Manila Water, Ayala, and government offices also came in droves. Philstar.com's Kevin and Rose Ann Belmonte

Adding color and prominence to the event were some of the country's rich and famous in the fields of business, politics, sports, and entertainment.

ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III, ABS-CBN Publishing head Ernesto "Ernie" Lopez, and Ayala Land chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala were in Marikina with other VIPs to join the ceremonial 21-kilometer run of the military and police. SM vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson and her brother, SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy, were also present to cheer for the runners, while Philstar.com president Kevin Belmonte and Rose Ann Belmonte (photo at left) ran the 3K race. ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez, meanwhile, ran the 5K race with award-winning director Brillante Mendoza.

Presidential sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz was also there to remind the people to treat the Pasig River like an heirloom we ought to preserve and pass on to future generations. Vice President Jejomar "Jojo" Binay, Manila Mayor Alfredo "Fred" Lim, Pasay Mayor Antonino Calixto, and Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, also basked under the sun to show their allegiance to the cause. Former President Fidel V. Ramos, who led the gun start at SM MOA with wife Ming Ramos, even showed his good form when he did pushups with some Philippine Army officers.


As expected, sports icon and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao drew the wildest cheers when he hosted the pre-race program along Ayala Avenue with TV stars Piolo Pascual, Zaijan Jaranilla, and ABS-CBN sports correspondent Dyan Castillejo. He and Castillejo also ran the 10-km race, to the delight of onlookers and runners. Kapamilya artists headlined by Luis Manzano, Karylle, Jovit Baldivino, and Melisa Cantiveros, meanwhile, provided entertainment after the race with rock bands Kiss Jane, Frio, and 6 Cyclemind. Gina Lopez, Dyan Castillejo and Manny Pacquiao (photo at right) show off their finisher bands

By spending just one morning in the run, they have helped raise P12 million, which will be used to clean more esteros that flow into the Pasig River. And in return they got more than just the right to brag that they were part of a record-breaking run for a cause.

Families had a time to bond, students were exposed to realities beyond the four corners of the classroom, companies got to nurture camaraderie among their employees, the military and the police got to display their "fighting form," while the nation's biggest names got to use their influence and celebrity not just for their own good but also the betterment of the nation.

It was a win-win situation for every Filipino. Next year, presumably on 9/11/11, Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig will call on Filipinos once again to run for the Pasig River. Gina Lopez said they aim to break the world record every year until the river is cleaned.

The event has stirred environmental people power and encouraged individuals to help in the cause. Media in general helped convince the people that the Pasig River is their responsibility, no matter where they live or how old they are. The Pasig River is intimately connected to our history and identity as a people; we should revere it as we revere our past and who we are. If we leave it to die, it will say a lot about the Filipino character. It will show disregard not only for history, but also for the environment. It will show giving up and losing hope.

With the huge success of 10.10.10, cleaning the Pasig River no longer looks like a race that is impossible to finish. That is, if Filipinos decide to run and work together once more, and be winners again.

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PHNO-HL: NOY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT G20 SUMMIT / IT PAYS TO BE AN AQUINO


 


NOY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT G20 SUMMIT / IT PAYS TO BE AN AQUINO

[PHOTO AT LEFT - Photo is loading... President Aquino had bilateral meetings with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (left photo) and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam last week. The President returned to Manila last night.]

HANOI, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Delon Porcalla – President Aquino is hopeful that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – of which he participated for the first time as chief executive last week here – in the G20 Summit will be institutionalized.

In a statement he delivered at the 13th ASEAN +3 Summit here, he noted South Korea's support for the ASEAN chair's participation in the upcoming G20 Summit in Seoul. South Korea is this year's summit chair.

"Our march towards a more equitably progressive region should not be stymied. It remains our collective goal to enhance the resilience of the regional economy against international volatility and external shocks," he said.

Mr. Aquino said that this month's Summit in Seoul is an opportunity for ASEAN to raise issues of common interest. He added that accelerating reforms in international financial institutions to ensure inclusiveness and equitability are among the Philippines' concerns.

"As we in the global south cooperate among ourselves, there remains a need to establish a framework for sustainable growth and development through closer coordination between G20 countries and non-G20 countries," the President said.

The G20 was established in 1999, in the wake of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, to bring together major advanced and emerging economies to stabilize the global financial market.

Since its inception, the G20 has held annual Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meetings and discussed measures to promote the financial stability of the world and to achieve a sustainable economic growth and development.

The G20 is made up of the finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries, namely, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The European Union, represented by the rotating council presidency and the European Central Bank, is the 20th member of G20.

It pays to be an Aquino, as Noy gets state invites By Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) Updated November 01, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (6) View comments

HANOI – Being the only son of a martyred opposition senator and a democracy icon, President Aquino is now reaping the fruits of the advocacies his parents had fought for, enjoying not only local but international recognition as well.

Already, his counterparts in Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar and New Zealand have personally extended their invites to Mr. Aquino when they all participated in the recently concluded 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and related summits here last week.

Apart from these, Mr. Aquino is also looking forward to his upcoming travel to Japan in mid-November, where he is slated to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, which will be held in Tokyo and Yokohama.

A jubilant President also revealed to Manila-based reporters over dinner late Saturday that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long had invited him to visit Singapore. So did Prime Minister Vejjajiva Abhisit of Thailand, New Zealand PM John Key and Myanmar PM Thein Sein to their respective countries.

Mr. Aquino said the Singaporean leader advised him to just set the date when he will be free. As for the rest, he also had to check his schedule.

The President's promise to embark only on limited and fruitful trips may no longer be observed, following the successive invitations that are being extended by his fellow heads of state in the region.

On the other hand, Mr. Aquino has invited the leaders of Brunei and Vietnam to participate in this month's launching of his Public-Private Partnership program.

Mr. Aquino was on a two-day state visit to Vietnam that ended on Oct. 27. He was Vietnam President Nguyen Minh Triet's guest here since Oct. 26, after which they all attended the ASEAN Summit, which is headed by Vietnam this year.

Also, the Philippine president has invited Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darrusalam and President Lee Myung-Bak of South Korea to invest in the country.

Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said the offers were made at the sidelines of the 17th ASEAN Summit and related summits, where the three leaders had individual and separate bilateral meetings.

Carandang said the meeting with Bolkiah, which he described as "a very casual discussion," was held at one of the numerous conference halls of the Melia Hotel here.

"The President invited Sultan Bolkiah and the Brunei Investment Agency to attend the public-private partnership conference in Manila next month," Carandang said.

The PPP program was created through the President's issuance of Executive Order 8 transferring the Build-Operate-Transfer Center under the helm of the National Economic and Development Authority, in a bid to hasten the implementation of public-private partnership programs.

The center, which was named Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines, aims to accelerate the financing, construction and operation of key government infrastructure projects.

Carandang also said prospective South Korean investors could avail themselves of the Aquino administration's public-private partnership program.

"We also took the opportunity to invite the Koreans to send a delegation to the PPP conference in November," he said.

The meeting, which Carandang described as casual, provided the Philippines with an opportunity to thank South Korea "for its support in investments and trade and the growing amount of assistance that they are providing for different projects in the Philippines."

"The Koreans are the largest group of tourists coming into the country lately and so we've also assured them that we are taking steps to improve the security situation so that they do not have to worry about their safety," he said.

Carandang said the President also offered Philippine assistance in the Six-Party Talks of which South Korea is a part.

"We leave it up to the Six-Party countries to decide if they want to take us up on the offer. Anything from participating as a mediator to hosting possible talks was offered by President Aquino so we are eager to see if the Six-Party Talks move forward and if there's anything the Philippines can do to help, we will do so," Carandang said.

The Six-Party Talks are aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear program through a negotiating process involving China, the United States, North and South Korea, Japan, and Russia.

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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi

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PHNO-HL: FRAT BOMB BLAST: GRENADE LOBBED AT WRONG GROUP


 



FRAT BOMB BLAST: GRENADE LOBBED AT WRONG GROUP

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Edu Punay - Victims in the grenade explosion at the conclusion of this year's Bar exams in Manila last September could have not been the actual target, an investigator said.

An official of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) privy to follow-up operations revealed that they have received information that the suspect lobbed the MK2-type grenade at the wrong group in the crowd on Taft Avenue.

"It was accidental in the sense that those who sustained several levels of injuries from the explosion were not really the target," the source told The STAR over the phone yesterday.

"We are now establishing which group the attack was targeted at. We have our lead," the official added.

The NBI official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said information they have gathered shows that the primary suspect, Anthony Nepomuceno of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity, accidentally removed the pin from the grenade while looking for his target.

"It seems he got scared when he removed the pin, that's why he just threw it to the center of the group nearest him," the source said.

Most of the 50 victims were female students from San Beda College of Law, 32 of them members of the college-based Alpha Phi Beta (APB) sorority and League of Lady Barristers.

"We are looking at an attack possibly planned by a group, perhaps a fraternity, and everybody knows that it's a no-no for a fraternity to attack a sorority," the source said.

Believing that the attack was "planned," Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has directed the NBI to establish the motive.

She earlier revealed that investigators were looking at "some sort of fraternity war with a little twist" as possible motive behind the explosion.

Fratmen condemn grenade throwing

The San Beda APB urged investigators to pursue the probe and get the mastermind to serve justice to its wounded members.

Lawyer Francisco de Guzman, alumni lord chancellor of the fraternity, said in a statement that their organization believes that the Bar blast was not a mere case of "reckless imprudence or pure accident."

"It was a meticulously planned, well-orchestrated and perfectly executed conspiracy. From our perspective, its purpose was not just to kill innocent people in cold blood but to sow terror and create a condition of widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the legal community," he said.

For the first time, the San Beda APB publicly condemned the attack.

"We are not bloodthirsty war freaks or limelight-seeking gangsters. It is those who masterminded and executed the bombing who, by such brutal and public attack, have declared war, not only against us, but against the entire legal profession, especially academe," De Guzman said.

He said his "brothers" have kept quiet all throughout the ordeal because they have chosen, sans fanfare, to attend to the various needs of those maimed, wounded and traumatized by the harrowing experience.

"We are a peace-loving, school-based organization. We do not pick fights with others just because of petty jealousy. We do not insult, provoke, bully or harass students inside the campus nor do we ambush them outside school gates," he said.

"The chilling message of the ruthless and arrogant bombers and their coddlers was loud and clear: 'We are above the law. We are the law. We can hit anyone we want, anytime we want, anywhere we want... and get away with it,'" he added.

Conspiracy theory

The NBI is now hunting down two unidentified men who allegedly helped Nepomuceno escape from four fratmen who tried to subdue him while running away from the blast site.

A cartographic sketch of one of the two other suspects was released last Thursday. The NBI said the man was about 23 to 24 years old, 5'7" to 5'9" in height and stocky, and poked a .45-caliber pistol with his left hand at the group of men.

In filing the charges of multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder against Nepomuceno, the NBI cited the testimonies of a female law student, a pedicab driver and an eatery owner.

The first witness told investigators that she saw a suspicious-looking male carrying a dark-colored backpack with a touch of gray, wearing wide dark sunglasses and half of his face covered with a dark handkerchief, walk from the direction of Tapa King on Taft Avenue around 10 minutes past 5 p.m. last Sept. 26.

"After a few minutes, (the suspect) turned and faced toward St. Benilde's gate. Suddenly, unexpected by the victims, (the suspect) treacherously lobbed a grenade directed to the southbound side of Taft Avenue and after a few seconds a loud explosion occurred," the NBI complaint stated.

It was discovered that the suspect fled toward the direction of Estrada Street, but was impeded by four members of Beta Sigma Lambda fraternity upon reaching a coffee shop after the witness shouted for help.

"Harangin nyo! Harangin nyo! Sya yung nagpasabog!" shouted the witness, according to the NBI.

But while tackling the suspect, two men came to the suspect's rescue. One of them even pointed a gun at one of the four men.

"The man who held the gun was seen pressing the trigger but by some cause other than his own spontaneous desistance the gun did not go off. Anxious of the gunman the fratmen backed down. Thus, the trio was able to wiggle free and ran toward the path going to Estrada Street," the NBI said.

The second witness told investigators that he saw the suspect, pale and panting, hide inside a red pickup after the scuffle. Two women and another man then also boarded the vehicle and covered the suspect before they went to Good Choice restaurant along Leon Guinto Street.

It was found out later, based on the statement of the third witness, that the APO rented the eatery beside the Good Choice restaurant for their Bar operations for the four Sundays of the exams.

De Lima said the suspect would undergo preliminary investigation to determine if there is ample evidence to file the case in court. She has opted to leave the creation of the investigating panel of fiscals to Prosecutor General Claro Arellano.

"It will go through the usual process. And since this will undergo preliminary investigation proper, I'll be hands off on this henceforth," she said, citing the possibility that the findings of the prosecutors would eventually be submitted to her office for review.

She added that her department could place the eyewitnesses under its witness protection program, if the NBI sees the need for it.

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PHNO-HL: MILITARY PREPARED TO HELP POLICE LOOK FOR LACSON


 



MILITARY PREPARED TO HELP POLICE LOOK FOR LACSON

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Alexis Romero - The military is ready to help police locate Sen. Panfilo Lacson.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said they will conduct intelligence operations if police authorities ask them.

"The AFP will be in support to the (Philippine National Police) in terms of intelligence collection or gathering of evidences as requested or as they are obtained," he said.

Mabanta said the military has yet to verify reports that Lacson is in Metro Manila or in Northern Luzon.

"Sorry, (I have) no information (on that)," he said.

On Sunday, a report from The STAR quoted a senior military official as saying that Lacson is in the country.

"He (Lacson) is here," the official, who requested anonymity, said.

"In fact, on several occasions he was seen in southern part of Metro Manila."

A source also claimed that Lacson is spending time with "a notorious character somewhere in Northern Luzon."

Lacson has a standing warrant of arrest for his alleged participation in the kidnapping and murder of publicist Salvador Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

Previous reports said Lacson left the country before a warrant of arrest could be issued against him.

Lacson himself confirmed that he flew to another country to escape what he called "political harassment" by the Arroyo administration.

The fugitive lawmaker was said to have been spotted in Hong Kong and in Rome.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said they can never rule out the possibility that Lacson is in the country.

"I have certain information but it's still being validated so I can't disclose yet," she said.

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PHNO-HL:NOY'S AIDE TWEETS 'WINE SUCKS' AS NOY TOASTS W/ VIETNAM LEADER


 



NOY'S AIDE TWEETS 'WINE SUCKS' AS NOY TOASTS W/ VIETNAM LEADER

MANILA, NOVEMBER 1, 2010 (STAR) By Aurea Calica - Malacañang conceded yesterday that government officials must be more circumspect in the use of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook in light of the incident involving Assistant Secretary Maria Carmen Mislang.

Speaking over state-run radio station dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said she was not aware of any directive from President Aquino as regards the case but it would go without saying that they should be more careful in public or even in the Internet.

"But the President did not say we should not be using Facebook or Twitter," she said.

However, Valte said the comments of Mislang, Mr. Aquino's speechwriter on the country's relations with Vietnam, were personal.

"First of all, the sentiments of Assistant Secretary Mislang are her own and, of course, not the sentiment of the Philippine delegation nor of the President," she said.

Mislang said the wine served by the Vietnamese government "sucks" and that crossing the streets of Vietnam would be an easy way to die.

Not much Vietnamese men are good-looking, she added.

Mr. Aquino was aware of the tweets and that Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang had talked to Mislang to settle the matter, Valte said.

Techie Palace aide tweets 'wine sucks' as P-Noy toasts with Vietnam leader (philstar.com) Updated October 29, 2010 04:55 PM Comments (8) View comments

Hanoi, Vietnam - A subordinate of Secretary Ricky Carandang who was among the 52-man Philippine delegation here has expressed her distaste - although over social networking site Tweeter - of the wine offered by the host while President Aquino was having a toast with his Vietnamese counterpart.

Assistant Secretary Mai Mislang, who is from the office of the Presidential Communications Office for Strategic Planning and Development, sent a "(the) wine sucks" message as Mr. Aquino was the guest of Nguyen Minh Triet at the Banquet Hall of the Government Guesthouse late Tuesday.

Mr. Aquino was on a state visit here from Tuesday to Wednesday, upon the invitation of the Vietnamese leader, who is chairman of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whom he first met last September in New York at the UN General Assembly.

The Chief Executive was apparently unaware of the Tweeter exchange Mislang and Carandang - who acted as his spokesman in the state visit and ASEAN bilateral meetings here - have been doing, much less the offensive remarks, especially since the Philippine government is just a visitor in this city.

Carandang, who was anchor of giant TV network ABS-CBN before joining government, have in turn showed his picture with Trade Secretary Greg Domingo and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima dining at Lotus restaurant, which may be a relatively harmless one.

But Mislang, who was Mr. Aquino's staff during his three-year stint at the Senate, even commented that Vietnamese people, particularly the lean male ones, do not have good looks that could attract women. She also said that if you want to die, just cross the busy streets here.

Mr. Aquino, Carandang and Mislang are all billeted at the Grand Plaza Hotel here, where they will be staying until Oct. 31 (Sunday), until after the 17th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are concluded afternoon.

Sought for his comment after Mr. Aquino's talks with fellow ASEAN heads of state, Carandang downplayed the booboo and defended his underling.

"Mai is one of the hardest working people in our office she is trusted by the President and this is just a minor issue. So, I don't think it's going to become anything more. As far as we are concerned tapos na iyun, it's a closed book," he told Manila-based reporters at the National Convention Center here.

Nonetheless, he said he already reminded Mislang about the repercussions of her actions. "I told her that she should restrain herself next time. Wala na iyun and she's being more careful now. Siyempre ma-e-excite ka kasi this is her first state visit."

Mislang was among the 56-man Philippine delegation to Mr. Aquino's US working visit last month.

When asked if Mr. Aquino had been apprised of the offending remarks, Carandang replied: "The President knows about it and he knows that I have taken the appropriate action. I just told him that I have talked to her already."

The message on Tweeter had already been deleted, an act Carandang said Mislang did on her own.

Initially, the cabinet member, himself a techie, found nothing wrong with Mislang's message. "I think it was a pretty harmless Tweet. I think obviously it might be potentially embarrassing. As long as people are careful about it in the future, I dont think it will create any kind of incident."

"No offense meant to anybody. It was something that was spontaneous. We talked about it and we're all being careful now about tweeting. We have already fixed it, tapos na iyan. It's been a closed book already," Carandang said.

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