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PHNO- STANDARD: WHEN FIGURES LIE

STANDARD: WHEN FIGURES
LIE

MANILA, JULY 27, 2012
(STANDARD) By Alvin Capino | Posted on July 27, 2012 |
12:01am | 1 Comment
It is ironic that while President Benigno Aquino III was bragging about the
improved peace and order situation in the country during his third State of the
Nation Address, newsman and former Philippine Tourism Authority chief Nixon Kua
was dying in the hospital after being shot in the face during a robbery at the
exclusive and gated Ayala Greenfield subdivision in Calamba, Laguna.
I first met Kua when he covered the Presidential Commission on Good
Government for the Philippine Star in 1986. I was covering the same beat for the
short-lived "The Independent" newspaper. Kua would die that night from his
injuries.
The irony here is that Kua—the latest victim of the crime wave that has made
all Filipinos, whether they are living in well-guarded subdivisions or in
blighted residential areas, no longer feel safe—was an ardent supporter of
President Aquino during his presidential campaign and after he became President.

What anger Kua's friends are news reports that the four suspects should have
been in jail because they are implicated in various crimes including, according
to news reports, the non-bailable crime of gang-raping a minor for which they
have pending warrants of arrest.
It is clear that if the police did their job and put these notorious suspects
behind bars where they should have been, then the killing of Kua would not have
happened.
And yet the President in his Sona proudly declared: "Crime volume continues
to decline across the country. In 2009, over 500,000 crimes were recorded. This
year, we have cut that number by more than half, to 246,958. Moreover, 2010's
recorded 2,200 cases of carnapping has likewise been reduced by half to 966
cases this 2011."
The President boasted that the peace and order is better now than in previous
years especially in his first 25 months in office.
"It is these facts that, we hope, will be bannered in headlines. We do not
claim that we have ended criminality, but I'm sure no one would complain that it
had been reduced," the President said.
Mr. Aquino was wrong. Many people, including some of his own political
allies, are complaining that he has things wrong as far as his boast of improved
peace and order situation is concerned.
In fact, there are some who say that the President used 2011 data which would
be favorable to his claim of better peace and order situation rather than 2012
crime statistics which would belie this.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano says he is skeptical about the President's claims
that crime rates have gone down.
He says everywhere he goes, local government officials from barangay chairmen
to governors are telling him of the worsening peace-and-order situation in their
respective jurisdictions.
The obvious reason there seems to be a big discrepancy about the claim of the
President in his Sona about the improvement in the peace and order situation and
the actual situation where incidence of crimes, even just the ones actually
reported to the police, are rising is that the President used old statistics.

The speech of the President was supposed to present the latest state of the
nation but he used 2011 figures when in fact the Philippine National Police has
already released crime statistics for the first half of 2012 and even for the
first three week of July.
Malacañang Deputy Spokesman Abigail Valte has admitted that indeed Mr. Aquino
used old data in his SONA for the crime statistics.
Valte, as usual, has an explanation for what appears to some as a deliberate
effort to misrepresent the actual peace and order situation by saying they used
2011 data because the data for the year is complete.
"You can't do an apple-to-apple comparison if you use the 2012 data because
it is incomplete," Valte said.
The explanation of Valte on why Mr. Aquino used old 2011 figures is, like
many of her statements, quite comical. In other parts of the President's Sona,
he used 2012 statistics.
One of the highlights of the Sona, for example, is President Aquino's boast
about the growth of the gross domestic product. It should be pointed out to
Valte that the GDP growth cited by the President is the figure for the first
quarter of 2012.
The same thing is true about the President's figures on unemployment. He
cited 2012 statistics to show that the unemployment rate was dropping.
It would seem that the use of statistics in the Sona is selective. But why
are we surprised? As they say, "figures can lie and liars can figure."

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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rights reserved

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HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

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PHNO-STANDARD: KEEP THE NECK BRACE HANDY

STANDARD: KEEP THE NECK BRACE HANDY

MANILA, JULY 27, 2012
(STANDARD) By Jojo Robles - If I were former President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, I would enjoy my furlough.
That's because her temporary freedom could end at any moment, when
a new warrant for her arrest is issued on the separate, non-bailable charges of
plunder filed against her by the Ombudsman.
That's right – "when," not "if." This much can be gleaned from the statement
of Malacañang Palace yesterday in reaction to the decision of a Pasay City
regional trial court judge to allow the release of Arroyo on bail in connection
with the electoral sabotage case filed against her before it.
Let's go, as the sportscasters say, to the tape. This is what presidential
spokesman Edwin Lacierda had to say on the matter of Arroyo's release:
"The fight against corruption continues," Lacierda said. "That's the reason
why there is a PCSO case still before the Sandiganbayan."
The other case Lacierda is talking about involves Arroyo's alleged misuse of
funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, which she is supposed to
have committed with the help of the old board of directors of that agency. This
was the plunder case filed by the current PCSO board just days before President
Noynoy Aquino delivered his State of the Nation Address – where Aquino certainly
gave no indication that he was, in his "kanto boy" harangue, about to "forgive
and forget" the sins of his predecessor.
Even making allowances for the usual lying that is a major part of Lacierda's
job, I am forced to conclude that there will be no let-up in the current
Malacañang tenant's pursuit of Arroyo. Even the theory that Aquino may be giving
in to "international pressure" to release Arroyo is, in my opinion, not
acceptable, given the relentless campaign of this President to make his
predecessor's life a living hell.
(If the phrase "international pressure" meant anything to Aquino, he would
have first secured the approval of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
before taking on China, thus avoiding a lot of embarrassment for himself and his
country. No, this is one President who will not be swayed by what people outside
this country – who do not vote here or do not turn up in popularity surveys –
think.)
The PCSO case has already been submitted by the Ombudsman to the
Sandiganbayan anti-graft court, which will probably issue a new warrant to lock
up Arroyo once again. Best to keep the neck brace handy, is all I'm saying.
* * *
The electoral sabotage case, after all, worked to keep Arroyo in jail for
eight months. In the political calculus of Aquino and his sympathizers, this
fact more than makes up for the problem of having such a demonstrably weak case
filed against her for supposedly rigging past elections that no sane judge would
eventually refuse to grant her bail for.
As for the filing of the PCSO case, its timing is thoroughly suspect. I've
been told that Malacañang has had advance information that the Pasay judge,
Jesus Mupas, was about to grant Arroyo bail this month, which was why a new case
would have to be filed immediately against the former President to ensure that
she doesn't stay out of jail so long that she forgets that she is still Aquino's
Enemy Number One.
For those who may have forgotten the PCSO case, that's the one where Arroyo
and the old sweepstakes board was accused of "willfully, unlawfully and
criminally amass[ing]…ill-gotten wealth in the aggregate amount or total value
of P365,997,915.00." Arroyo has a new set of co-accused in this case: former
PCSO general manager Rosario Uriarte; assistant general manager for finance
Benigno Aguas; former PCSO board members Sergio Valencia, Manuel Morato,
Raymundo Roquero, Jose Taruc V, and Maria Fatima Valdes; and former Commission
on Audit Chairman Reynaldo Villar and COA Region 5 head Nilda Plaras.
If this new charge doesn't stick, either, others will surely be found. And so
on, until Aquino decides that he's had enough fun with his predecessor and
allows her to come and go as she pleases.
It would certainly be very convenient if Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is
already chief justice of the Supreme Court when the PCSO case "runs its course"
and "follows the process," as this administration likes to say when it is
employing supposedly legal means to persecute its political enemies. And if
Arroyo and her lawyers contest the maneuvers of government prosecutors in the
future, Chief Justice De Lima will surely be act accordingly and make sure no
inconvenient temporary restraining order is issued on her former office. The
lower courts, under the supervision of the high tribunal, can also be expected
to do what their chief justice desires – and justice will finally be served
seamlessly and without delay.
Again, I wouldn't get too comfortable on the outside, if I were Arroyo. I'd
consider her release on bail a short —maybe a very short—vacation.

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All
rights reserved

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PHNO-STANDARD: COLUMN EIGHTY PERCENT FOR THE PRESIDENT

STANDARD: EIGHTY PERCENT FOR
THE PRESIDENT

MANILA, JULY 27, 2012
(STANDARD) By Harry Roque Jr. - That State of the Nation
Address was SO long. Whoever wrote it must be told that messages should be
understood.
You write a speech for more than thirty minutes and you're bound
to send your audience to sleep. In fact, beyond difficulties in staying awake,
one felt literally drained by the time the President concluded his remark. And
yes, I'm sure the President himself was exhausted after reading that opus.
Content-wise, President Aquino truly deserves a high mark of at least 80%.

Even his staunchest critics must acknowledge that this is a President who has
regained the trust of investors in this country.
Gross domestic product has grown by a better-than-expected 6.4 percent for
the first quarter. The peso is one of the strongest currencies in the region and
the stock market is among the best performing in the world.
The conditional cash transfer program. albeit controversial, has almost
certainly made the difference between dying of poverty and subsistence for at
least 4 million of its beneficiaries.
Our schoolchildren will soon have a textbook each, and the daunted classroom
and school chair shortage will be history by next year. What a difference good
governance can do!
While corruption still persists, one cannot deny that the problem is being
addressed when highest official of the land leads by example.
So why, despite these, am I giving the President a grade of only 80 percent?
Why not a 90 or even 100?
To begin with, I have naturally high expectations of President Aquino.
My conviction has always been that anyone can do better than former President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The truth is that we hit absolute rock bottom under
Arroyo that the only way to go is up. That's the law of physics.
I think a grade of 80 percent applies because there are areas of governance
that the President completely ignored in his address and in his performance.
Foremost of these is in the field of human rights and our failed criminal
justice system.
What Mr. Aquino and his advisers probably do not know is that a working
justice system and the protection and promotion of human rights are also
accepted indicators of good governance and economic development.
Contrary to the claims of many tiger economies, there is no antipathy between
economic development and the promotion of human rights.
In fact, the discharge of state responsibilities anent these rights is viewed
as investment in human capital. This explains why many of the very developed
economies of Northern America, Europe and Latin America are also bastions of
democratic principles and human rights.
Furthermore, Aquino owed it the nation to address these issues in his Sona.

Only last June, the Philippines was the subject of the Universal Peer Review
in the United Nations Human Rights Council.
There, one country after another berated the Philippines for its failure to
punish the perpetrators of extralegal killings, enforced disappearances and
torture. You would think that because of the tenacity of these criticisms, the
President would choose the Sona to give assurance that his administration
acknowledges the problem and that he will address it.
But no, not a word was said about human rights. This has prompted at least
two senior diplomats to remark that apparently, the PNoy administration is
oblivious to their concerns expressed in the UPR.
What's even sadder is that as a victim of human rights violations himself,
the President has every reason to give priority to the promotion and protection
of fundamental rights.
He still rages in anger recalling how his mother and his sisters were
subjected to degrading and humiliating treatment whenever they visited Ninoy in
his detention.
And of course, as a very young man, he himself became a victim of extralegal
killing when his father was martyred in 1983.
What to do?
Well, since I've had first hand experience with the President when we
successfully lobbied that the Philippines become a member of the International
Criminal Court, I have not given up on him.
My experience is that because of the many issues he has to deal with, one has
to be patient and yet clear on why emphasis should be accorded this field.
Already, Max De Mesa of the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates and
Katarungan, an umbrella organization of HR advocates focused on putting an end
to extralegal killings an enforced disappearances, have agreed to plot a master
plan on how Aquino's experience as a victim could be the trigger to his
presidency's potential legacy as a champion of both economic development and
human rights.
This much we should do since I have repeatedly said that we may be the next
victims of impunity.

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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rights reserved

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HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

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PHNO-STANDARD: MY FRUSTRATION OVER THE WEEKEND

STANDARD: MY FRUSTRATION OVER THE
WEEKEND

MANILA, JULY 27, 2012
(STANDARD) By Emil Jurado - I do not agree with analysts
who say that no one stood out among the first batch of nominees aspiring to
become the next chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima definitely stood out.
She was asked why she defied the Supreme Court temporary restraining order on
her watch list order preventing former President Gloria Arroyo from leaving the
country for medical treatment.
De Lima told the Judicial and Bar Council that she could not obey a wrong and
illegal order.
But who told her that the order was illegal when it is the Supreme Court
itself that rules on constitutional matters? Herself?
I think it was the height of hypocrisy when she told the JBC that she would
not be beholden to the President Aquino if she gets appointed as chief justice.
How can she not be beholden to him when she has acted as his Doberman all these
months?
As a lawyer, De Lima should realize that what the Supreme Court says is the
law, whether she likes it or not. Those who disagree may file a motion for
reconsideration.
I don't think that the disbarment case earlier filed against De Lima would be
resolved before the JBC decides on its short list to submit to the President.

If she makes it to that list, and, God forbid, if she becomes the next chief
justice, that would be the supreme insult to the high court.
I call de Lima a walking violation of the rule of law.
* * *
Last weekend was a big frustration for me. With my son Eric and his wife
Sarina, I was all packed and ready to see the island paradise they call Balesin
Island Club. No less than my former Ateneo High School student¯business tycoon
Bobby Ongpin¯was my host.
Balesin Island Club is a joint venture of the London-based Ashmore
fund management and the RVO Capital Ventures Group, under Alphaland, a high-end
property developer with Ongpin as its chairman and Mario Oreta as its president.

I was frustrated because I had been wishing to travel to the most famous and
exclusive international resorts like Mykonos, St. Tropez, Costa Esmeralda, even
as I have already been to Bali and Phuket.
Now Balesin counts itself as one of these luxurious and exclusive getaways.

Blame it all on tropical storm Ferdie that brought rain to many places in the
country. I was feeling under the weather myself so I sent my regrets to Bobby
and asked that my trip be rescheduled.
I have heard so much about Balesin. It was owned initially by my good friend,
the late Baby Ysmael. Later on, it was acquired by Ongpin's late Deputy Trade
and Industry Minister Ed Tordillas, when Ongpin was Trade Minister of the Marcos
regime. Balesin has been Bobby Ongpin's obsession since he put up his own
getaway villa when the island was still owned by the Tordesillas family. Soon,
Ongpin bought it, and has been its main unlicensed architect and engineer.
I got hold of a brochure and became frustrated even more. It is truly a dream
vacation spot.
* * *
I'm not all surprised that San Miguel Corp. president and chief
operating officer Ramon S. Ang has again made it to The Wall Street Journal
Asia's list of influential and prestigious businessmen.
The 57-year old businessman, who rose from the ranks, and engineered the
diversification of Southeast Asia's largest food, beverage, packaging, oil
refining and distribution, telecommunications, mining and airlines, is the only
Filipino on the recent "Power List Asia." The list is composed of top Asian
business leaders making headlines on select global and regional media.
In fact, it is the third time that Ang has made it to the elite list of
newsmakers in regional business.
I think Ang's most significant achievement is San Miguel's takeover of the
first airline in Southeast Asia¯the Philippine Airlines of Lucio Tan. I know and
everybody else knows that with Ang on top of PAL, the credibility and integrity
of our national flag carrier will again be a pride of Filipinos especially so
with its plans now to fly directly to New York and Europe, routes which have
been denied to PAL for years.
* * *
Finally, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel in the controversy
between the Bases Conversion Development Authority and the Camp John Hay's
247-hectare lessee-developer, Camp John Hay Development Corp. The matter is
about unpaid rentals and alleged breaches of its thrice-restructured Memorandum
of Agreement under the Ramos administration.
With the Baguio City Regional Trial Court directing BCDA and CJH Devco to go
into arbitration which is provided for under the agreement, the issues of unpaid
P3.1 billion lease rentals and alleged breaches of the MOA would be resolved
once and for all.
For a long time now, tourism in Camp John Hay has suffered tremendously. Even
locators at the Ecozone have been concerned over the prolonged dispute. More
importantly, Baguio City has been deprived of its 25 percent share of the Camp
John Hay income.

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All
rights reserved

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PHNO-BE: PAL'S AMBITIOUS PLAN: DOUBLE BOEING 777 FLEET; FLY NON-STOP TO PARIS, TORONTO, NEW YORK

PAL'S AMBITIOUS PLAN: DOUBLE BOEING 777 FLEET; FLY NON-STOP
TO PARIS, TORONTO, NEW YORK

[PHOTO - PAL/SMC pres. Ramon Ang, Dan Schull of
Boeing and Michael Tan of the Lucio Tan group toast the arrival of PAL's third
Boeing 777-300ER as emcee Patti Grandidge looks on.]
MANILA, JULY 27, 2012 (INQUIRER) By:
Daxim L. Lucas, Doris C. Dumlao - The Philippine Airlines said that it
would acquire three more Boeing 777-300ERs in addition to the three it has on
its fleet in a bid to save money by shifting away from its current flagship, the
gas-guzzling Boeing 747-400.
The announcement made by PAL president and chief operating officer Ramon S.
Ang Monday evening effectively raised the flag carrier's order for the more
fuel-efficient aircraft from four to six by converting previous options for two
more planes into firm orders.
PAL's first two B777 aircraft were leased from GE Capital Aviation Services
(Gecas), with its most recent delivery being company-owned. The three additional
B777s—scheduled for delivery in November 2012, April 2013 and November 2013—will
all be company-owned.
Along with what sources said was a soon-to-be unveiled order for more Airbus
planes, the new acquisitions would be part of the airline's operations overhaul
which, Ang said, would save it as much as $300 million in operating costs a
year.
The PAL chief said the airline would also implement by October a scheme
wherein its biggest aircraft would be used mainly for long-range flights, while
shorter routes would be serviced by smaller aircraft.
At present, even short flights like the one-hour Manila-Cebu route are, on
occasion, serviced by PAL's largest aircraft, the Boeing 747-400, with only a
few seats occupied on any given flight.
Ang added that apart from the inefficiency of using half-full, wide-bodied
aircraft to service short routes, the high frequency of take-offs and landings
also added to the "fatigue" experienced by a particular airplane, contributing
to faster depreciation and higher maintenance costs.
Ang also disclosed PAL's plan to soon introduce nonstop flights to Toronto,
Paris and New York City.
He said that Toronto could be added in three months while flights to Paris
could be started by February next year.
He said the strategy for PAL was simple: modernization of its fleet,
expansion of its network and improvements in passenger service. "PAL must become
known for its warm, sincere and hospitable service. Each of us must be
passionate about exceeding the expectations of our passengers in creative and
helpful ways," Ang said.
He described PAL as operating in a very competitive environment—but one with
a wealth of opportunity. "The Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for air
travel and we need to improve our competitiveness as an airline," he said.
"Our number one priority is to turnaround PAL by tapping into the strengths
of San Miguel Corp. and the Lucio Tan Group of Companies. As PAL president, I am
committed to transforming our airline's business operations," he said.
Also unveiled Monday night were: New inflight dishes prepared by five
top-rated guest chefs; new book-and-buy ticketing kiosks to be installed at
selected Petron gas stations; and Apple inflight iPads for entertainment on
board trans-Pacific flights.
The first three Boeing 777-300ERs were delivered in November 2009, January
2012 and June 2012. The 370-seater B777s currently fly to Vancouver, Japan, Hong
Kong, Australia and Japan (via Cebu).
At present, the airline—51 percent owned by tycoon Lucio Tan and 49 percent
by San Miguel—flies to 30 international and 20 local destinations.
Combined with its budget carrier subsidiary, Air Philippines, it has a total
of 56 aircraft consisting of five Boeing 747-400s, three Airbus A340-300s, three
Boeing 777-300ERs, eight Airbus 330-300s, 25 Airbus A320s, four Airbus A319s,
five Bombardier Q400s and three Bombardier Q300s.
PHILSTAR BUSINESS COLUMN
Can P-Noy deliver Cat-1 upgrade? DEMAND AND SUPPLY
By Boo Chanco (The Philippine Star) Updated July 27, 2012 12:00 AM

It was a grand launch by Philippine Airlines last Monday of their new planes,
new in-flight cuisine and new flight attendants. It is new management after all,
led by San Miguel's Ramon Ang, and you can feel they are raring to go.
Except for one thing… one big thing… we are still mired for almost five years
now in the ignominy of a Category 2 downgrade by the US Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) based on technical reviews. Two other foreign aviation
regulatory entities aside from the FAA have downgraded us: the EU and the ICAO
or the International Civil Aviation Organization.
What these agencies are saying is that our country's aviation regulatory
set-up is highly deficient or unsafe. It is so unsafe that the Europeans who
come here as tourists and ride Philippine-registered aircrafts do so at their
own risk. Their insurance will not cover those rides on PAL, Cebu Pacific, Zest,
SEAir, etc.
Well… what can we say? Philippine aviation used to be regulated by the Air
Transportation Office. Congress quickly passed the bill establishing CAAP or the
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines after the downgrade during the watch
of Ate Glue. CAAP was supposed to be a more autonomous authority that will
improve the situation.
But nothing has so far convinced the FAA and ICAO and the Europeans that we
deserve a restoration to Category 1. It wasn't surprising we got nowhere during
the watch of Ate Glue. Her DOTC Secretary then, a former police officer, was
more interested in other things like the ZTE deal.
When P-Noy took over, he appointed the Aquino family pilot to head CAAP even
when industry murmurs indicated he didn't have the necessary managerial skills
for such a critical mission. I took the pains of listening to Ramon Gutierrez
and getting his side of the story and to his credit, he also quickly responded
to my questions every time I e-mailed him. I gave him the benefit of the doubt.

But apparently, I was not the only one he was stringing along. He was doing
the exact same thing to P-Noy. Unfortunately for him, P-Noy had the power to
fire him after he failed to deliver on his promises. To P-Noy's credit, he took
the difficult task of firing a family friend for non performance.
So now we have a new CAAP director-general in Gen. William Hotchkiss, a
former commanding general of the Air Force. General Hotchkiss is known for his
tough management style and hopefully we finally have the right man.
I talked to him during the PAL launch last Monday and he seemed pretty sure
that we will get that upgrade soon but wouldn't promise a date. I have my doubts
but again, I will take his word for it… for now.
He said they are feverishly working on it, keeping 12 hour days in the office
in their attempt to satisfy the FAA. He refused to say more about it beyond
letting me know that they will make a status report to P-Noy in two weeks.
Since he wouldn't talk about it anymore, we ended up reminiscing about the
Blue Diamonds of the Air Force. The general and his Deputy Director General at
CAAP, John Andrews, are Blue Diamond veterans.
The Blue Diamonds, to update our younger generation, is Philippine Aviation
at its best. Once upon a time, we had enough fighter planes in the Air Force to
have an aerobatic team that flies in formation during important national
celebrations.
It is almost unfair our young people are being deprived the thrill of seeing
the Blue Diamonds display their stunts and fly low at the Luneta as part of the
traditional civic-military parade during Independence Day. Those were the days
when our Air Force was one of the best in the region.
Unfortunately, as with everything else that got neglected by the Marcos
dictatorship and the succeeding administrations, our Air Force deteriorated and
the Blue Diamonds are now just a memory. Gen Hotchkiss and I can only shake our
heads in regret.
That is also the story of how our aviation sector was downgraded to Category
2: the ATO and even the CAAP became infested with bureaucratic vermin. They
allowed PAL to ignore its bills (landing fees, etc) amounting to billions of
pesos. We need technically qualified people at CAAP and its rules must be
responsive to its needs and responsibilities.
A veteran newsman covering the aviation sector for decades told me during the
same PAL cocktails that it may take as long as three years for us to convince
the FAA and ICAO we have mended our rotten ways. So as we watched an audio
visual presentation flashed on the giant screen announcing the new Boeing 777s
and the plans to fly to more US cities, Europe and the Middle East, we concluded
Ramon Ang is dreaming.
We need dreamers like Ramon Ang but we also need government officials who
will do what they must to make those dreams come true. Those 777s cannot fly to
the US and Europe any time soon. Lucky for RSA that Canada is allowing the use
of those long range aircrafts to fly to Vancouver and Toronto. New York may be
near enough from Toronto but still quite far without the Cat 1 upgrade.
I am told by sources that FAA's beef is the way CAAP is struggling to provide
qualified check pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers and updated airport
technology to ensure safety. Mar Roxas has sat on a proposal to provide a modern
Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM)
system for our prime gateway airport and for the country.
Mar suspects, likely for good reason, that corruption tainted the purchase of
that facility through JICA during Ate Glue's watch. But studying it for a year
is a bit much. He has to move on with a solution of his own by now. Besides, I
am told most of the equipment has been delivered waiting to be put into action.

Indeed, infrastructure hasn't kept pace with the growth of the Philippine
aviation industry so that there is a serious congestion at NAIA now while many
provincial airports are ill-equipped and without facilities for night
operations. It is such that local airlines that invested billions on aircraft
purchases and leases are now being punished with curtailed flights.
Sure, we have done a lot of things by now to modernize operations of CAAP but
it still seems that the measures we have taken are stop-gap in nature. FAA is
looking for sustainability.
For example, we have hired retired pilots of PAL to perform the role of check
pilots. Because the pay of pilots are way above what government officials get,
we were unable to get licensed check pilots until these retired pilots agreed to
do one for their country with little regard for the salary.
That may seem OK for now but the FAA wants a game plan for the future. That
goes too for air traffic controllers and inspectors. P-Noy must find a way to
upgrade salaries further for these technical personnel so that more young people
will find it worthwhile to train to serve in these functions and not leave for
better pay abroad. That's how to convince FAA that this time we are serious.

The stakes are high in terms of dollars and cents for Philippine carriers and
more importantly in terms of national pride. P-Noy must have a single-minded,
all hands on deck focus on getting that Category 1 upgrade within his term,
preferably in the next year.
Otherwise, the only recourse of our airlines is to wet lease (including crew)
aircraft registered in the US and Europe. But that cannot be done under the
present Philippine law, one other reason FAA is withholding an upgrade. I
understand CAAP has asked Congress to revise Republic Act 9497 to allow such
leases by local carriers in the country.
PAL used to fly US-and European-registered airplanes, which the airline
rented, and which were allowed under the now-defunct Air Transportation Office
(ATO), before the creation of CAAP. I know this demand of the FAA sounds like a
commercial strong arm tactic but it is also the only way we can get our upgrade
quicker.
Or maybe, PAL can register its new planes abroad, instead.
The question is: Can P-Noy deliver a Cat 1 upgrade? I hope so.
BTW… I was told Mar Roxas doesn't have the guts to move the corporate jets
out of NAIA and into Sangley to relieve congestion. Maybe P-Noy, who got rid of
the wang wang, can show him how to have the balls to deal with big shots.
Air traffic talk
Lady Radar Controller: "Can I turn you on at seven miles?"
Airline Captain: "Madam, you can try."

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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rights reserved

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HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

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PHNO-SP: PACQUIAO: PEACEBUILDING PRESIDENT OF ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA 101

PACQUIAO: PEACEBUILDING PRESIDENT OF ROTARY CLUB OF MANILA
101

[PHOTO - Manny Pacquiao
welcomes his new role as champion of the poor]
MANILA, JULY 27,
2012 (BULLETIN) Champion boxer Manny Pacquiao adds another
feather in his cap by being named Peacebuilding President of the Rotary Club of
Manila 101, inducted by Vice President Jejomar Binay, no less.
"Gusto kong mapabilang sa grupong ito. Isang grupong may malasakit sa ating
pinagmulan at may layuning makatulong sa bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong ng
kapayapaan," Manny said on "24 Oras," July 25.
The report added that Manny is confirmed to run for re-election as
congressman of Sarangani under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party.
"Regular member po siya ng PDP-Laban so magkakandidato po siya sa UNA. Ang
alam ko congressman uli, eh," Vice president Binay said.
On "TV Patrol" that evening, Manny expressed gratefulness to have been given
the opportunity to champion the rights of the poor Filipinos.
"Malaking karangalan para sa akin ito. Thank you sa tiwala. Magandang 'yung
adhikain na magbigay ng tulong sa mga mahihirap na tao," he said.
Dyan Castillejo reported that Pacman's next opponent is still being decided
on as he is yet to speak with his promoter, Bob Arum, who will arrive in Manila
next month.

Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE
NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved

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ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

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PHNO-SB: GERALD QUITTING ON SARAH?

GERALD QUITTING ON SARAH?

MANILA, JULY 27, 2012 (BULLETIN) By NR RAMOS - Tongues are
wagging that the burgeoning romance between two of Tinseltown's hottest
celebrities has fizzled out.
Apparently, the buzz was ignited on Twitter, following several posts by
columnist and part time actor Ogie Diaz about a certain "G" having given up his
pursuit of a certain "S" all because of the latter's mother.
Though Diaz never actually mentioned any names in any of his posts, this did
nothing to deter several of his followers to assume that he was talking about
Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo.
Diaz posted, "Sinabi daw ni G ke S after a live show, "Im ready, but i think
ur not. Ur mom doesnt like me."
Not a few deem this as a telling anecdote relating to a recent TV appearance
of the two, where Anderson waxed poetic seemingly urging Geronimo to give love a
try before time runs out.
"Kasi ang bilis ng oras 'di ba? Kaya kung may gusto kang gawin, may gusto
kang sabihin, sabihin mo na, gawin mo na. Sinasabi ko lang kasi, time lost may
never be found again," said Anderson.
Another post of Diaz read, "Tumimbre na si Madir Dear sa produ na wag ng
ituloy ang movie ng anak na si S with G dhl ang sey ni madir, "Wag na, nahuhulog
na anak ko!"
According to several kibitzers, this relates to a report of a planned third
movie pairing Geronimo and Anderson being canned upon the urging of the Geronimo
matriarch.
Diaz also posted several other tweets seemingly pointing towards other, more
obvious facets of the Anderson-Geronimo romance.
"Sinabihan daw ng fadir si G na umakyat ng ligaw sa bahay. Ginawa naman daw
ni G. Pero pag andun daw si G, iniirapan sya ng madir ni S," one post went.
Earlier, Anderson admitted in an interview that he has been courting Geronimo
for six months now. Then recently, Anderson revealed that he doesn't get to
visit Geronimo at home as often as he used to.
"Sa ABS-CBN [Studios] minsan, pero sa bahay hindi," said he.
Another post of Diaz read, "Dapat daw, me duet sina S at G sa concert ni S.
Pero si Mother Dear daw ang umayaw."
Anderson had admitted that he was present during Geronimo's recent birthday
concert but only as spectator.
"Oo, I was there to support her," he said.
If the tweets prove to refer to the two lovebirds, it is not going to be much
of a surprise to most.
Last year, it was revealed that Geronimo had a short lived romance with
actor-dancer Rayver Cruz that was aborted after the former's mother made clear
her stance on the matter by allegedly confronting the latter asking him to cease
and desist.
But it is not as if Divine Geronimo hides the fact that she doesn't quite
agree for her daughter to engage in the frivolities of romance as yet.
Said she in an earlier Yes! magazine interview, "Vocal naman ako na hindi ko
naman pinagbabawalan ang anak ko totally.
"Ang sa akin lang po, ang palagi kong 'pinapakiusap sa kanila, kung
magkagusto kayo, sana hindi ngayon. Sa tamang edad na o sa tamang panahon.
"For now, sabi ko, hindi pa dapat.
"Iba siya sa mga kaedad niya na talagang exposed, na alam nila kung paano
paikot-ikot, kung paano sumuong sa ganoong relasyon at kung paano lumabas. 'Yong
anak ko, hindi, e.
"Kilala ko siya. Ang buhay niya, trabaho, school, bahay, kami, family. Hindi
siya exposed sa labas.
"So parang alam ko kung mapapahamak ang anak ko, at alam kong base sa mga
taong nagbibigay ng warning sa akin na mapapahamak siya kung pababayaan ko siya.
Hindi po ako nanghuhusga. Kumbaga, kung ano lang 'yong nararamdaman ko."
Although seemingly submissive, Geronimo was a picture of defiance during her
last concert, making obvious her wish for "freedom."

Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE
HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

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PHNO-SB: SNOOKY SERNA: THIS TIME, NO PROMISES

SNOOKY SERNA: THIS TIME, NO
PROMISES

[PHOTO -Left:
Snooky's ex-husband Ricardo Cepeda with his new love Marina Benipayo. Right:
Snooky Serna with Regal Matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde and her daughter
Roselle Monteverde-Teo during her contract signing with GRowl Films, new sister
company of Regal Films.]
MANILA, JULY 27, 2012 (PHILSTAR) FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo - When
Snooky Serna met with movie reporters during her contract signing with GRowl
Films a few days ago, she promised not to make any more promises like she used
to.
"I just want to say that I'm in a very good place now and that I'm happy,"
said Snooky who looked radiant in a long blue dress with a low neckline, adding,
"let's not talk about the past; past is past."
So it was presumed that she has (finally, finally?) really bidden her pagong
(turtle) days goodbye (and good riddance!), saying that now she'd rather wait
for her co-workers on the set rather than let everybody wait for her.
"Now, I think twice before I do anything rambunctiously," she stressed, maybe
referring to making moves in her personal life and career. (According to Mr.
Webster, rambunctious means "marked by uncontrolled exuberance.") "Dapat
isip-isip bago mag-desisyon."
But for sure, Snooky didn't act "rambunctiously" when she signed up with
GRowl, a new company put up by Regal Matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde and her
daughter Roselle with their good friend Girlie Rodis as partner (that explains
the "GR" in capital letters in the name of the company).
"I'm happy to be back in Regal," gushed Snooky who was built up a teenage
star with Dina Bonnevie and Maricel Soriano as the Original Regal Babies in the
early '80s. "It has been a long time. If I remember correctly, the last time I
did a movie with Regal was 15 years ago na yata."
That movie was called Yakapin Mo Akong Muli, her return team-up with Albert
Martinez when Albert came back with wife Liezl Martinez after a long stay in the
US. Sadly, the public was no longer enthusiastic in "embracing" the
Snooky-Albert love team.
"I'm just grateful to Regal and to GRowl for 'embracing' me back," said
Snooky who will play mother to Coco Martin in her first GRowl movie. Snooky is
pushing 46 (how time flies, 'no!) and Coco is into his early 30s so, well, puede
pa rin if in the story Coco's character was a pre-pubescent baby delivered when
Snooky's character was 10 or 12. (In the ABS-CBN soap Angelito: Ang Bagong
Yugto, Snooky again plays mother to Charee Pineda as she did in the first yugto,
Batang Ama, both with JM de Guzman in the title role.) "So, puede namang Nanay
ako ni Coco because I have grown-up kids," Snooky justified.
Snooky is thrilled as a balik-Regal.
"I practically grew up in Regal and it makes me sad that some of my mentors
in the company are gone, like Tito Joey (Gosiengfiao) who directed me in several
movies and also Tito Lino (Brocka) who directed me in Experience (with Hawaiian
boy Tom Babauta)." It was also Brocka who directed Snooky in her first movie,
LEA Productions' Wanted: Perfect Mother.
Four years shy of being a golden girl, Snooky has indeed made "rambunctious"
decisions such as falling in love with the wrong men after she separated from
her husband Ricardo Cepeda by whom she has two daughters (Sam, 19, a bright
student taking up European Studies at La Salle; and Saachi, 15, a high school
senior) and admittedly not taking care of her career.
Asked if either of or both her daughters are interested in following in her
footsteps, Snooky said no.
"Both of them are not interested in showbiz. To each her own hilig. Iba ang
hilig nila."
Even if she didn't say so, it was obvious in her aura that Snooky is at peace
with herself and the world around her, and she credits her having converted to
Iglesia ni Kristo for the positive change in her outlook.
"I have no love life," she volunteered. "Ayoko na muna. I'd rather be happy
alone than be with somebody and be miserable." Wow, mayroon ba siyang
pinatatamaan? Snooky laughed out loud, "Wala naman."
Teased that she should follow Ricardo who has found a new love in
beauty-queen/actress Marina Benipayo (who herself is separated from her
husband), Snooky said that she didn't have to.
"I'm happy for Ricardo," she continued. "If he's happy, then it's good for
our children because he will make them happy, too. Ricardo is a good provider. I
have custody over our daughters and, in fairness, Ricardo checks on them
regularly. I heard that he's also okay with Marina's kids. Marina has been a
good stepmother to my daughters and I really thank her for that."
Come to think of it, would she agree to work with Marina (who plays mother to
Daniel Padilla in the ABS-CBN soap Princess & I) in a teleserye?
"Why not?"
If ever, what role would she choose, the bida who's inaapi or the kontrabida
who keeps on slapping the bida?
"For a change," Snooky replied, more in jest, "I would like to be the
kontrabida," adding in haste, "uy, joke lang ha!"
In the next breath, Snooky reiterated how happy she is to be back home at
Regal, and then described her present life in one word.
"Chill," she smiled. "Chill lang!"

Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE
HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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PHNO-SB: GOLDEN MOMENTS

GOLDEN MOMENTS

[PHOTO -BATANGAS GOVERNOR
VILMA SANTOS]
MANILA, JULY 27, 2012 (PHILSTAR) CONVERSATIONS With Ricky Lo -
If Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos were to write her autobiography, she would need
more than three volumes to include all the interesting aspects of her life which
has been a journey that slipped to the depths of despair and sprang back to
heights of ecstasy.
And if her life story were to be filmed, she would need a series of trilogies
(to surpass Shake, Rattle & Roll which is now on its 14th edition) to cover
her showbiz and political career and, lest you forget, her checkered love life.

Asked how many leading men there would be, Vilma said in jest, "Basta,
marami! All-star-cast, hehehehe!"
This year, Vilma is celebrating her 50th year in showbiz and Star Cinema has
seen it fit to mark the milestone with the movie The Healing, Vilma's second
time to work with director Chito Roño (the first was in Dekada '70) and her
first time to work with Kim Chiu in a story about a faith healer who brings not
just healing but also a curse to a community.
Opening nationwide in more than 100 theaters on Wednesday, July 25, The
Healing also stars, among others, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Jhong Hilario,
Allan Paule, Daria Ramirez, Cris Villanueva, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion,
Martin del Rosario, Chinggoy Alonso, Pokwang, Carmi Martin and Joel Torre.
Oh wait, when she turns 59 on Nov. 3 this year, Vilma will indeed release her
biography.
Asked if somebody, anybody, would scream "Ouch!" when he (or she) read it,
Vilma broke into her Star For All Seasons smile, "Wait and see!"
Meanwhile, to celebrate her 50th year in showbiz, Conversations asked Vilma
to make a list of the "golden moments" in her life.
Nov. 3, 1953, the day I was born.
In 1962 when I was eight years old, I went with my uncle, Amaury Agra (a
cameraman) to Sampaguita Studio to watch a shooting. (Dr. Jose) "Doc" Perez, the
Starmaker and head of the company, saw me, and there and then let me play one of
the two kids in Anak, Ang Iyong Ina, starring Lolita Rodriguez and Luis
Gonzales. I didn't even have a screen test.
A few days later, during a shooting lull I wandered around the huge studio
and found myself in the office of Doc Perez where some 800 tots were auditioning
for the title role in Trudis Liit, the next Sampaguita tearjerker. Join ako sa
audition bigla! Doc Perez said, "Cry!" I cried. He said, "Laugh!" I laughed. He
made me do other things. Next thing I knew, bida na ako sa Trudis Liit.
When I won Best Child Actress (for Trudis Liit), my first award.
My full name is Rosa Vilma Santos. Doc Perez said, "Ang dami nang Rosa…may
Rosa Rosal, may Rosa Mia, may Rosa Aguirre." He dropped Rosa and that's how I
became known as simply Vilma Santos.
My next movie was Ging (Premiere Productions) where I played a child actress.
When I saw it in the theater, I cried and cried dahil naawa ako sa sarili ko.

Another movie that made me cry was Love Story (Ryan O'Neal and Ali McGraw)
and my own movie Anak where I played an OFW back from years in Hong Kong only to
find that my daughter (played by Claudine Barretto) has grown estranged from me.

When I developed a crush (my first) on my classmate in elementary school. I
wonder, nasaan kaya siya ngayon?
I reached the so-called "awkward stage"…too old for child roles but too young
for adult roles.
My first team-up with Bobot (Edgar Mortiz) was in Young Love (Sampaguita
Pictures) in 1970, kasama namin sina Tirso (Cruz III) at Nora (Aunor). Soon, we
became known as Vi & Bot and Guy & Pip.
Uy, baka hindi n'yo alam, naging recording star din ako, hehehe! Remember
Sweet Sixteen (you know, never been kissed, never been loved…)? Kinareer ko
talaga ang pagka-singer ko.
I signed a contract with Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions (TIIP) owned by (the
late) lawyer Espiridion Laxa who became like a second father to me.
My 18th birthday (Nov. 3, 1971) was a whole-day celebration. Fans from as far
north as Ilocos and as far south as Cebu came to greet me. The day was capped by
a formal ball at The Plaza with then senatorial candidate Manda Elizalde as
special guest.
My philosophy in life is: Make hay while the sun shines.
[PHOTO -With Kim Chiu and director Chito Roño in The Healing.]

Did you know that I'm afraid of snakes, especially the long and big ones?
That's why when I go to the Manila Zoo, I stay away from the snakes. You can
just imagine how traumatic it was when as Darna (Lipad, Darna, Lipad) I had to
fight with snakes. Hindi ako nakatulog ng ilang gabi. I had nightmares about
snakes.
My first TV show was D'Sensations. Bata pa ako noon. Marami kami roon. Then,
I hosted my own show, VIP (Vilma In Person).
My first time to visit Disneyland with my mom. We both cried because we
missed my siblings. How we wished that they were with us. A few years later, our
wish came true when we all traveled together and visited Disneyland.
Being paired with top actors like Dolphy, Fernando Poe Jr. (Bato sa Buhangin)
and Eddie Rodriguez (in Nakakahiya). Nakakalungkot isipin na wala na silang
lahat.
In 1972, I won my first FAMAS Best Actress award (for Dama de Noche). I never
thought I would win, kasi ang bibigat ng ibang nominees including sina Pilar
Pilapil and Amalia Fuentes (for Uliran). Nag-tie kami ni Boots (Anson-Roa, for
Tatay na si Erap).
Working with top directors like Lino Brocka (Rubia Servios, Aida Macaraig,
etc.), Ishmael Bernal (Relasyon, Broken Marriage, Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, etc.),
Mike de Leon (Sister Stella L.), Celso Ad. Castillo (Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim
ng Tagak), Laurice Guillen (Ipagpatawad Mo, etc.) and others. And then, na-direk
na rin ako ng new breed of directors like Rory Quintos (Anak); Olive Lamasan (In
My Life); and Chito Roño (Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?; Dekada '70; and now, The
Healing).
I met Edu (Manzano). We got married in Las Vegas.
Luis Philippe (Manzano) was born on April 21, 1981.
Did you know that I am hypochondriac? When I read or hear about symptoms, the
next day parang nararamdaman ko na at nag-e-excuse ako sa shooting.
When I was declared the first Best Actress Grand Slam winner (for Relasyon).

[PHOTO -With husband Sen. Ralph Recto during their wedding on Dec.
10, 1992.]
My team-up with Boyet (Christopher de Leon). I have lost count. I think more
than 20 'yon. Uy, never lumigaw sa akin si Boyet, ha! Never talaga, hehehehe!
(Note: Cineaste Mario E. Bautista very kindly furnished Conversations the
complete list of the 22 Vi-Boyet films: Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw, Masarap Masakit
ang Umibig, Relasyon, Pinay American Style, Magkaribal, Broken Marriage, Nakawin
Natin ang Bawat Sandali, Ikaw ay Akin, Disco Fever, Sinasamba Kita, Haplos,
Pakawalan Mo Ako, Karma, Minsan Pa Natin Hagkan ang Nakaraan, Paano Ba ang
Mangarap, Imortal, Ipagpatawad Mo, Dolzura Cortez Story, Nag-iisang Bituin,
Hanggang Ngayon Ika'y Minamahal, Dekada '70 and Mano Po 3: My Love.)
I signed a contract as endorser for Lux in a commercial, and then for
Eskinol.
In 1985, I met Ralph (Recto) in Hong Kong. He was then a student. We got
married on Dec. 10, 1992. Then, he won as congressman of Batangas. Then he
became a senator.
When Ralph and I had our first LQ (Lovers' Quarrel). It was an ordinary
misunderstanding. When Ralph was gone for almost one month, Luis approached me
and said, "Mom, I miss Tito Ralph!" Ralph and I kissed and made up.
Ryan Christian was born on March 29, 1996.
Looking back, my career took a sharp turn when I played the title role in
Burlesk Queen, directed by Celso Ad. Castillo. It was a very controversial film
that won awards at the Metro Filmfest and the awards were later taken back.
I also did a landmark sexy role in Miss X, directed by Gil Portes, shot in
the Red District of Amsterdam.
Years back, I went bankrupt. Ang dami kong utang! All my earnings went
straight to payments for my debts; hindi ko nahahawakan ang pera ko. I didn't
lose hope. Finally, I was able to settle everything. I learned a lot from that
episode in my life — that is, to save and to spend wisely.
In 1998, I was elected Mayor of Lipa City. My critics were saying na wala
akong magagawa dahil artista lang ako but I have proven them wrong.
I'm grateful to my constituents in Batangas for trusting me enough to
vote for me as the first lady governor of the province after I served three
terms as Lipa mayor.
How different is winning a Best Actress award from winning in an election?
Magkaibang-magkaiba. You win an acting award for a done job. Sa politics, you
win and you have to prove that you are worth it by doing your job well.
When I delivered by first SOPA (State Of The Province Address) as Governor of
Batangas.
I am liberal as a mother, pero may limitations. Kami nina Luis at Ryan, para
lang barkada. Did I ever spank them? Never! Wait, I did spank Luis, but only
very mildly, when he was two years old kasi he had this bad habit of throwing
away toys handed to him. That was the first and the last time I did it to him.
Later, I explained to him why.
My annual vacations with my family and close friends. This year, we've been
to Singapore and other Asian countries, and then to Hawaii. During these
vacations, I can relax and be myself, no pressure. I feel recharged when I
return to work.
My most painful and saddest experience was when my father (Amado Constantino
Santos) died in 1984. I still miss him so much that I can't help but cry.
My most joyful experience was when I gave birth to Luis and Ryan. Heaven! I
couldn't believe na may dalawang nilalang na nanggaling sa katawan ko. The
experience was incredible!
I used to be an insomniac. I would stay awake until the early morning hours.
No, hindi ako nagpa-treat or nagpa-therapy. Basta na lang nawala when I started
observing regular working hours as public servant. Now, I can sleep like a log.

No, I'm not afraid of growing old. I believe that life would be much easier
if the emphasis is on how to grow old gracefully rather than on how to look
young forever.
What's the best thing about me? I'm a simple person. If you know me well, I
am a good friend.
And the worst thing about me? Don't push me too hard because I know how to
fight back.
I have nothing against people who undergo cosmetic surgery. No need for me —
so far. Well, I guess I won't mind kung kinakailangan na. Hindi pa naman. I
think that being happy is the best beauty regimen. It lights up your life, it
makes your complexion glow, it makes you look at the positive side of life.
Do I have regrets? Yes, I have, including not having finished schooling but I
tried to make up for it by self-study. Marami din akong natutuhan through
experience. Sabi nga ng song na My Way, "regrets I have a few but then again too
few to mention…"
The best lesson I learned from showbiz? People say that showbiz is the most
ungrateful profession but I beg to disagree. I owe showbiz a lot. I am what I am
today because of showbiz. I am blessed in this industry. Malaki ang utang na
loob ko sa industriya at sa madla, at sa aking Vilmanians.
My dream roles? To play Princess Diana and Mother Teresa, my role model.
Mother Teresa never preached; she just did her work, helping the sick and the
poor. I really admire people who do missionary work.
Yes, I believe in the afterlife.
What would I tell God when I meet Him? "Please allow us, most especially my
family, to be with You in Paradise!"

Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE
HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All rights reserved

PHILIPPINE HEADLINE
NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

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PHNO-PNoy: DISMAYED: PNoy HITS COURT DECISION TO GRANT GMA BAIL

DISMAYED: PNoy HITS COURT DECISION TO GRANT GMA
BAIL

[PHOTO - Former President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo walks hand in hand with grandson, Diggy Arroyo, as she leaves
the Veterans' Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). With her are daughter-in-law Kakai
Manotok Arroyo and grandson, Nacho.]
MANILA,
JULY 27, 2012
(ABS-CBN) By Willard Cheng - President Aquino expressed dismay
over the decision of Pasay Regional Trial Court branch 112 Judge Jesus Mupas to
allow former President Arroyo to post bail.
In an interview with reporters, Aquino said Mupas used a very strict standard
of proof in looking for corroborative evidence proving Mrs. Arroyo ordered
Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. to rig the 2007 elections.
Aquino said it is "impossible" to obtain such corroborative evidence since
there is no other witness to the alleged instruction of Mrs. Arroyo to Ampatuan
other than former Maguindanao provincial administrator Norie Unas.
"Alangan naman nating isipin na magbibigay ng testimonya 'yung dalawa laban
sa sarili nila. So pwede nang testigo 'yung isa. Paano kaya tayo magkakaroon ng
corroborative, 'yung makaka-susuog, makakasang-ayon doon sa binanggit na
pag-uusap nitong dalawa? So medyo ang taas naman yata ng test na parang
imposible na ma-attain dahil wala nang ibang nakarinig ng kanilang usapan doon
sa issue ng electoral faud," the President said.
Aquino is waiting for the decision of the Sandiganbayan on whether it would
issue a warrant of arrest against Mrs. Arroyo who was charged with plunder over
the alleged misuse of PCSO funds.
Plunder is a non-bailable offense.
"Meron pang case pending before the Sandiganbayan, plunder. And plunder is
non-bailable also. So hinihintay natin 'yung decision ng Sandiganbayan," he
said.
Gloria Arroyo leaves VMMC ABS-CBNnews.com Posted
at 07/25/2012 2:39 PM | Updated as of 07/25/2012 11:01 PM
MANILA, Philippines (5th UPDATE) – Former President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo, a key target in the government's anti-corruption fight, was granted bail
on election fraud charges on Wednesday and walked out of an Army hospital where
she had been detained since December.
But Arroyo could soon be back in detention with government lawyers seeking
another arrest warrant from the anti-graft court, Sandiganbayan, over charges of
plunder over alleged misuse of state lottery funds, a non-bailable criminal
offense.
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo walks hand in hand with grandson,
Diggy Arroyo, as she leaves the Veterans' Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). With
her are daughter-in-law Kakai Manotok Arroyo and grandson, Nacho. Footage taken
by ABS-CBN News showed the 65-year-old Arroyo walking hand in hand with her
grandson, Nacho Arroyo, outside the hospital before boarding a white van at
around 2:30 p.m.
Television footage briefly showed her smiling and waving to supporters as her
convoy made its way to her house.
Her legal spokesman, Raul Lambino, said some of the former President's
supporters wept tears of joy when the order for Arroyo's release was finally
delivered to the Veterans' Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).
"It got quite emotional a while ago when the release order was delivered," he
said.
Arroyo's release came on the same day a Pasay City regional trial court
allowed her to post bail of P1 million in the electoral sabotage case against
her.
Arroyo was arrested at an exclusive hospital shortly after immigration
authorities blocked her at Manila airport while trying to leave the country in
November.
Arroyo was charged with electoral sabotage, a crime punishable with life in
jail, for allegedly conspiring with a feared political warlord to rig the 2007
senatorial elections.
Her successor, Benigno Aquino III, had vowed to have her brought to justice
for many acts of corruption he alleged she committed during her nine years in
office that ended in 2010.
Arroyo has also been charged with corruption for approving an allegedly
graft-tainted contract to set up a national government broadband system as well
as siphoning off $8 million in state lottery funds.
Medical treatment abroad?
In an interview, Arroyo's daughter, Luli Arroyo-Bernas, thanked the court for
granting her mother's bail petition.
"We thank God and all the people who are praying for her," she said in a
television interview, her voice cracking with emotion.
She insisted her mother was innocent and that the bail decision showed
"there's still hope that justice can prevail in the country."
Arroyo's family and lawyers said the former leader would seek further
treatment for her ailment, and may consider going overseas. She underwent spine
surgery last year.
"We will bring her to an alternative treatment facility," said Arroyo-Bernas.
"We'll do everything possible to make her well again."
Many fear she might escape prosecution once she leaves detention. In November
2011, she attempted to leave for Hong Kong for treatment but was stopped at the
airport by government agents. Days later, she was arrested on election fraud
charges.
Arroyo, a sitting member of the lower house of Congress, will have to get
permission from three separate courts before travelling abroad.
Arroyo's daughter said her mother is set to go to Tagaytay City on Thursday
to visit an alternative medical facility.
Arroyo camp caught unawares
Arroyo's chief of staff, Elena Bautista Horn, urged the media to give the
former President time alone with the family.
"Let us be considerate enough to give her the chance to make up for lost time
with her children and grandchildren and let us help her to continue and support
her recuperation from her ailment," she said in a statement.
She said the Arroyo family was caught unawares by the Pasay court's decision
allowing Arroyo to post bail.
She also said the Arroyo family made no preparations for the former
President's return to her La Vista Subdivision home.
"Hindi rin kami nakahanda sa mga pangyayari ngayong araw...Wala kaming
paghahanda. Wala kaming pagkain dito," she said.
She also noted Arroyo already wants to return to work as congresswoman of
Pampanga's 2nd District but was prevailed upon to rest.
Meanwhile, visitors of Arroyo flocked her home in La Vista Wednesday night.

Among those seen entering Arroyo's home were House Minority Leader Danilo
Suarez and Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado. -- Reports from Reuters
and Agence France-Presse; Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All
rights reserved

PHILIPPINE
HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE

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PHNO-HL: AQUINO'S RH BILL ENDORSEMENT AN OPEN WAR ON CHURCH - BISHOPS

AQUINO'S RH BILL ENDORSEMENT AN OPEN WAR ON
CHURCH - BISHOPS

[PHOTO -Lipa Archbishop
Ramon Arguelles. (southernluzoninquirer.com
photo)]
MANILA, JULY
27, 2012 (INQUIRER) By Philip C. Tubeza -
It's now open war.
Members of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) on Tuesday denounced President Benigno Aquino's decision to push for the
passage of the reproductive health (RH) bill during his State of the Nation
Address (Sona) on Monday.
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said the President's open endorsement of the
bill during his Sona was a declaration of "open war" against the Catholic
Church.
"Aquino declared an open war, a head-on collision against us and against the
Catholic Church. So terrible, so blatantly Aquino missed the point," Arguelles
said in an interview.
"We in the prolife movements are so disgusted with these vigorous
pronouncements in support of responsible parenthood," he added.
Arguelles dismissed the President's contention that slowing down the
country's population growth would benefit the nation. In contrast, the prelate
said, the country's booming population would drive its economy.
Real face
"(Aquino's) selective 'matuwid na daan (straight path)' program shows its
real face … Time is essential. Our camp must act now," he said.
Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, member of the CBCP Permanent Council, said Mr.
Aquino's statement was a "bad omen" for the Catholic Church and was undermining
its moral authority.
"Aquino is undermining the moral force of the Catholic Church. We have to
move our people to vigilance and teach more our congressmen about the dangers of
the RH bill," Bastes said.
"Poverty, not population, must be eliminated. The more contented people are
in the Philippines, the greater is our nation. Don't kill people," he added.

Voice of the people
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros urged President Aquino to listen to the voice of
the people, whom he noted are majority Catholic.
"Aquino has credited the Filipino people as his bosses for the changes made
by his administration. Now he is imposing on the Filipino people his own stand
on the RH bill. He should listen to the voice of the majority of our people who
are Catholics," Oliveros said.
But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Mr. Aquino was
pushing for the consolidated version of the population management bills pending
in the House of Representatives.
"Remember that the President did submit as a priority measure in the 112th
[legislative-executive development advisory council] meeting the draft bill of
the administration which has been consolidated with the six pending bills in
Congress," Valte told a news briefing in Malacañang.
No hurry
Despite the President's endorsement of the RH bill, the Senate leadership is
in no hurry to pass the controversial bill.
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile described the President's statement as a
"desire," while Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said it was a "very wise move"
but intended more as a piece of "advice."
"No pressure. The President knows that all legislation is open to debate,"
Enrile told reporters.
"That is a statement of his desire and to the extent that we can accommodate
it, we will accommodate it. But if not, then we say, 'we beg your pardon."
Sotto said the Senate was under no pressure to pass the RH bill simply
because the President advocated responsible parenthood in his Sona.
"Everybody is in favor of responsible parenthood … that's why the proposal of
the President is good," he said.
Senator Pia Cayetano, a cosponsor of the RH bill, said she was "not
surprised" that Enrile and Sotto were not feeling any pressure.
"They don't want it anyway," she said. "I will pressure them simply by doing
what is my job, which is to make sure that the bill will go through the
process." With Norman Bordadora and Christian V. Esguerra

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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rights reserved

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PHNO-HL: SWS: NOY GOVT RATING HITS RECORD LOW, 44; STILL IN 'GOOD' TERRITORY

SWS: NOY GOVT RATING HITS RECORD LOW, 44; STILL
IN 'GOOD' TERRITORY

[PHOTO - PRESIDENT NOYNOY
AQUINO]
MANILA, JULY
27, 2012 (PHILSTAR) By Helen Flores - The net
satisfaction rating of the Aquino administration hit a record low but remained
in "good" territory in the May 2012 survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The SWS poll, taken from May 24 to 27, found 63 percent of the respondents
saying they were satisfied with the performance of the government, while 18
percent said otherwise, for a "good" satisfaction rating of 44, down from
March's 46 ("good").
SWS said the Aquino government's May 2012 score was its lowest net rating so
far.
Its highest net rating of 64 was achieved in September and November 2010.

However, the survey research institution noted that the Aquino
administration's score remained better than those of previous administrations,
where the highest 36 was reached in November 1998 under former President Joseph
Estrada.
Results of the SWS May 2012 survey were published in the newspaper
BusinessWorld yesterday.
Popularity sustained
Malacañang, for its part, bragged that President Aquino beat all his
predecessors – excluding his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino – in
terms of sustained popularity, which went on until his second year in office.

"The Aquino administration has enjoyed the longest period of public support
since the survey began in February 1989," Secretary Edwin Lacierda, spokesman
for Aquino, said in a statement released to the media.
The Cabinet member noted the "sustained and positive numbers" that the Chief
Executive has been enjoying, which are "testament to the Filipino people's
enduring trust in our policies, initiatives, and reforms."
"The recent SWS survey shows continued satisfaction with the national
administration. Prior to the State of the Nation Address of the President, the
administration received a satisfaction net rating of 44," Lacierda said.
Still the same
SWS said satisfaction with the government "hardly changed" in most
geographical areas and socio-economic class, except in the Visayas and among the
ABC class where it fell to "moderate" from "good."
It stayed "very good" in Mindanao, improving to 58 from 55. It also remained
"good" in balance Luzon at 45, up by six points from March.
However, it fell by five points but remained "good" in Metro Manila at 41,
and plunged by 20 points to a "moderate" 29 in the Visayas.
By socioeconomic class, the administration's net satisfaction score dropped
by two points but stayed "very good" at 50 among the class E.
It remained "good" (44) among the class D or "masa" but dropped by 11 points
to 27 among the ABC.
Meanwhile, the government scored "good" in six out of 12 key issues rated in
the survey. These included the areas of promoting the welfare of overseas
Filipino workers, 39 from 49 in March this year; and providing enough supply of
electricity, 37 from 57 in March 2000 (when the issue was last tested).
It also received "good" scores in defending the country's territorial rights,
35 from 27 in December 2000; helping the poor, 35 from 44 in March this year;
distributing land, 34 from 29 in September 2010; and foreign relations, 33 from
46 in the last survey. – With Delon Porcalla, Artemio Dumlao

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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rights reserved

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PHNO-HL: PROTESTERS FAIL TO STOP GMA FROM LEAVING VMMC / SUPPORTERS GATHER

PROTESTERS FAIL TO STOP GMA FROM LEAVING VMMC /
SUPPORTERS GATHER
[PHOTO -YES WAY: She tried
to stop former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on her
way out of Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City but her convoy took
the other way. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ]
MANILA, JULY
27, 2012 (INQUIRER) By Julie M. Aurelio -
Angry protesters tried but failed to stop former President and now
Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from going home Wednesday
afternoon after she posted bail.
Arroyo left Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City shortly
before 3 p.m., riding a white van hours after she posted bail in a Pasay City
court.
But instead of exiting through the main gate on North Avenue, her convoy
passed by a smaller gate on Mindanao Avenue, away from the throng of media
people, protesters and supporters who waited to see her.
What greeted them was the black vehicle of Arroyo's lawyer Ferdinand Topacio,
whose path was blocked by media people and even angry protesters who had been
waiting since 11 a.m. despite the unbearable heat.
News crews barred
When the news broke out, more than 50 members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan
and allied groups dashed to Mindanao Avenue in a bid to catch up with the former
President's seven-vehicle convoy.
The protesters tried again to block the convoy on Mindanao Avenue but the
vehicles slowly made their way through the crowd.
Sadly for news crews tailing Arroyo, guards at the posh La Vista subdivision
barred them from entering the gated village.
The convoy arrived at the subdivision shortly before 3:30 p.m.
Outside the sprawling house on 14 Badjao St., the gate was seen partially
open, revealing a team of around 10 police officers standing on the lawn.
Two police ambulances and a mobile patrol were parked on the street, along
with the white van which brought Arroyo home.
A black SUV with an "8" plate was seen driving away from the house.
Elsewhere along the street, it seemed as if neighbors were still unaware that
the congresswoman had arrived from her eight-month hospital stay at VMMC, as
there were no onlookers seen peering from their gates to check what was going
on.
Superintendent Michael Macapagal of the Anonas police station said the police
officers assigned to the Arroyo house were from the Police Security and
Protection Group.
"We are just tasked with manning the periphery of La Vista," he told
reporters outside the subdivision gates.
Upon her arrival at La Vista, Arroyo, wearing her neck brace and a scapular
over her dark blouse, was seen waving to her supporters also gathered outside
the subdivision.
One of her lawyers, Raul Lambino, said the former President would most likely
stay the night at the exclusive subdivision to receive visitors.
"She was very happy when we learned that the bail was granted, as she is
innocent of the accusations," Lambino said.
Asked about Arroyo's condition, VMMC director Nona Legaspi said in a text
message that the former President "is OK" and that her condition had improved.

She added that Arroyo's "medical needs once out on bail will be her (Arroyo)
concern."
Protesters try to block Arroyo convoy By Matikas
Santos INQUIRER.net 2:52 pm | Wednesday, July 25th, 2012

[PHOTO - A handful
of angry protesters from various militant groups block the white Toyota coaster
carrying former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The vehicle was en route to
her home in La Vista, Village, Quezon City, Wednesday afternoon after it picked
up Arroyo from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center following a court ruling
allowing her to post bail. Video by Matikas Santos
]
MANILA, Philippines—Members of militant groups who are protesting the release
order of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are trying to block the white
convoy bearing the jailed leader.
The white convoy is trying to come out at gate 2 of the Veterans Memorial
Medical Center towards Mindanao Avenue.
The policemen at the area are helpless in stopping the protesters composed of
members of League of Filipino Students, Gabriela, Bayan Muna and Bayan.
Pro-Gloria Arroyo 'volunteers' at VMMC gate increasing in
number By Matikas Santos INQUIRER.net

[PHOTO VIDEO -GLORIA
PA RIN' Supporters of jailed leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who called
themselves "volunteers" converged Wednesday noon at Gate 1 of the Veteran
Memorial Medical Center, about 20 meters away from militant groups protesting
the release of the former President. Video by Matikas
Santos, INQUIRER.net]

MANILA, Philippines—They're increasing in numbers every minute.
From a group of 30, ralliers who called themselves volunteers for former
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo converged on Wednesday noon at gate 1 of the
Veteran Memorial Medical Center bearing placards that speak of their love for
the jailed leader.
By 2 p.m., their number increased to around 200, more than the number of
anti-Arroyo militants who were already at VMMC since mid-morning. The militant
groups are composed of Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan,
Pamalakaya, among others.
The pro-Arroyo "volunteers" told earlier to INQUIRER.net they're from a
community near Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City and that nobody paid them to
show support for Arroyo.
About 30 riot policemen are guarding the gate of VMMC while less than 10
traffic enforces from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are manning
the flow of vehicles at the intersection along North Avenue.

Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All
rights reserved

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