PHNO-HT: AUSTRALIA: RIZAL PARK OPENED IN SYDNEY SUBARB


AUSTRALIA: RIZAL PARK OPENED IN SYDNEY
SUBARB


[PHOTO - 'POWERFUL SYMBOL OF NEW CHAPTER IN OLD
FRIENDSHIP' This is how President Aquino describes the Jose Rizal statue in the
new Rizal Park in Rosewood near Sydney on Friday during the unveiling of the
5-meter bronze statue. It was made and donated by well-known sculptor Eduardo
Castrillo. It's the seventh Rizal landmark in Australia. Malacañang Photo Bureau]
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, OCTOBER 29,
2012 (INQUIRER) By Michael Lim Ubac - There is a new Rizal
Park and it is in Australia, serving to "light the way" for 220,000 Filipino
migrants who have found refuge on a continent far away from home.
On Friday President Aquino unveiled a new statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in a quiet
park in Campbelltown City, in suburban Sydney, named after the Philippine
national hero.
Aquino unveiled the statue at the end of his three-day state visit to
Australia, with New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell and Campbelltown Mayor
Sue Dobson in attendance.
The brief and simple ceremony capped close to five years of fundraising by
Filipino migrants here for the statue, which cost at least US$36,995.
The statue was donated by renowned Filipino sculptor
Eduardo Castrillo.
Enrique "Iking" Reyes, great-grandson of Rizal's sister, Saturnina Realonda
Rizal, and his family were present during the unveiling of the statue.
Reyes' maternal grandmother, Adela Rizal Hidalgo, was the eldest daughter of
Saturnina Realonda and Manuel Timoteo Hidalgo.
A briefer provided by Ambassador Belen Anota to journalists explained
Castrillo's concept for the statue, which stands 5 meters tall, or 7 m including
the pedestal.
Eye of the storm
The statue shows Rizal in a typical European suit, with his his left hand
raised instead of resting on his side.
Castrillo said this showed Rizal's "readiness [for] the approaching storm,"
referring to the "storm of revolutionary protest against colonial tyranny that
resulted in Rizal's own personal storm."
His right hand holds the hero's first book, "Noli Me Tangere."
"The most common character trait shared by heroes is that they are brave who
dare enter the eye of the storm. Dr. Jose Rizal achieved significant literary
and scientific recognition in the European community—which at that time was the
center of power," Castrillo said.
"In spite of this, he decided to come back to the Philippines where danger
awaited him," he said.
Sixth statue
The statue is the latest addition to Rizal landmarks in Australia, which
already has five in New South Wales state and one in Victoria state.
In brief remarks, O'Farrel said he saw "some similarities" in Aquino's agenda
of change and Rizal's peaceful but powerful movement to unshackle Filipinos from
the abusive and tyrannical rule of the Spanish colonial government.
"Similarities about two men driven by social issues facing their countrymen;
two men who determined through peaceful means to deliver change to their
country; two men who understood the power of words," O'Farrell said.
The premier then quoted from Rizal's "Mi Ultimo Adios," saying that "we both
dreamt to see that gem of the sea of the Orient; the dark eyes dry, smooth brow
held to a high plane; without frown, without wrinkles and of shame without
stain.'"
New chapter in old friendship
Aquino described the statue as "a powerful symbol of this new chapter in an
old friendship."
"At the core of today's event is the spirit displayed by the Rizal Park
Movement of Campbelltown with the support of various groups as well as
associations and individuals here in Australia and in the Philippines … to
translate this park's 2008 master plan into reality," he said.
"Rizal's life and his eventual martyrdom served as the light, the ultimate
symbol that pulled our people together and inspired us to right an oppressive
system toward eventual freedom from colonial rule," Aquino said.
"His sacrifice embodied the power of one, a power that eliminated an entire
race, strengthened our forefathers' belief that so long as every Filipino was
unwavering in his or her sense of self-worth, hope of better times ahead would
not only endure but more importantly it would come to be realized," he said.

Good citizenship
Aquino recalled that Rizal, writing from London on Feb. 22, 1889, gave advice
to the women of Malolos, in Bulacan province, on the requirements of good
citizenship.
"In his letter he said, 'an example is the father who gave each of his sons a
lamp to light his way in the darkness. Let them intensify its flame, take care
of it, not extinguish it to depend on the light of others but to help one
another, seek each other's counsel in search of the way,'" the President said.

"This monument in this park pays homage to his ideals and will be an enduring
pledge that those ideals will continue to guide us and that Australians will be
there as true friends in our collective quest for even better lives for our
peoples," he said.


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




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HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE



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PHNO-HT: OFW VOTERS NEARING 1 MILLION / ABSENTEE VOTER REGISTRATION BY OCT 30


OFW VOTERS NEARING 1 MILLION / ABSENTEE VOTER
REGISTRATION BY OCT 30

MANILA, OCTOBER
29, 2012 (PHILSTAR) By Mayen
Jaymalin The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday reported that the
number of overseas absentee voting (OAV) registrants has doubled to almost a
million.
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the number of OAV registrants rose
from half a million during the last elections to 915,000 for the 2013 polls.

Brillantes said the number is still short of their one million target, but
the poll body would no longer extend the voter registration despite the request
of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
"The DFA is requesting for a month extension and we denied it already," said
Brillantes.
With a vote of 4-2, the Comelec ruled to deny the DFA's request last Tuesday,
he added.
"Commissioner (Lucenito) Tagle and I voted in favor of the granting of the
extension only because the request came from a certain Usec. Brillantes of the
DFA so we voted for him but we still lost," Brillantes said in jest.
FROM GULF NEWS
OFW voters for 2013 polls near one million mark By
Manolo B. Jara October 22, 2012

MANILA: The number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who registered to vote
in the May 2013 elections has neared the one million mark, according to the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
So far, the DFA said a total of 589,830 qualified OFWs enrolled in the
country's foreign diplomatic outposts to enable them to vote in the midterm 2013
polls less than eight months away.
In the 2012 presidential elections won overwhelmingly by then opposition
senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, the DFA recorded 235,950, bringing to 919,498
the total number of OFW registrants, the DFA explained.
Both the DFA and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said at the rate the
OFWs were registering, the target of one million expatriate Filipino voters
would be achieved before the deadline for their registration is to expire on
Oct.30.
The Comelec has designated the foreign office as the lead agency in the
registration of the estimated nine million OFWs through its diplomatic outposts
like embassies and consulates.
Officials have credited the increase in the number of OFW voters this year to
the active participation of embassy and consulate staffers as well as
representatives of non-government organisations and groups who encouraged them
to go out and register.
However, the Comelec warned there would be no extension when the deadline is
to end on Oct.30.
At stake in the 2013 midterm elections are 12 senators who are to be elected
nationally as well as those of provincial and local positions such as
congressmen, governors, mayors and party-list group nominees.
Under the Philippine party-list system, the nominees elected to the House of
Representatives are to promote and protect the interests of the country's
under-represented sectors especially OFWs, farmers, fishermen, vendors and
retirees like teachers, soldiers and policemen.
However, the Comelec clarified that OFWs qualified to participate in the May
2013 polls are to vote only for candidates for senator and party-list
representatives.
The DFA and the Comelec have launched a campaign called "Boto Nyo,
Kinabukasan Namin" (Your Vote, Our Future) to encourage more OFWs to cast their
ballots in the 2013 polls.

Press Release No. 77-2012 / 15 May 2012
Embassy Reminds Filipinos To Register As Overseas Absentee
Voters
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh reiterates its invitation to all Filipinos
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to register as Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV).
The National Elections for Senators and party-list representatives shall be on
13 May 2013 - exactly a year from today.
If you are any of the following, you are required to register as an Overseas
Absentee Voter
. Those who will turn 18 years old by 13 May 2013
2. Those who have never registered as a voter since birth
3. Those who have registered as a voter in the Philippines but plan to cast
their votes in Saudi Arabia
4. Those who have previously registered as OAV but failed to vote during the
last two consecutive National Elections in 2007 and 2010
5. Those who have previously registered as OAV in other countries or regions
in Saudi Arabia and have since transferred to Riyadh or nearby areas
The Embassy wishes to invite all Filipinos in Riyadh and nearby regions to
register as Overseas Absentee Voters during the Embassy's field OAV registration
at the following venues:
* Al Danah International School (ADIS), Suleimaniah District, Riyadh
18 May 2012, Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
* International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR), Olaya District, Riyadh

25 May 2012, Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
* Al Taj International School, Suleimaniah District, Riyadh
08 June 2012, Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
* Palm Crest International School, Suleimaniah District, Riyadh
22 June 2012, Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
* Elite International School, Suleimaniah District, Riyadh
29 June 2012, Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
* Philippine International School in Buraidah (PISB), Buraidah, Al Qassim

05 to 06 July 2012, Thursday and Friday from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
* Riyadh International School, Suleimaniah District, Riyadh
20 July 2012, Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
* International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR), Olaya District, Riyadh

27 July 2012, Friday, from 8:00AM to 5:00PM
OAV Registration is also ongoing at the Philippine Embassy Lobby, Diplomatic
Quarter, Riyadh from Saturdays through Wednesdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm and on
Thurdays from 8:00am to 12:00nn.
All OAV registrants are encouraged to bring their Philippine passports (or a
photocopy), iqama, or other identification cards showing their full name.
The deadline for OAV registration is on 31 October 2012. END.
OFWs want online voting in all countries
House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed
amendments of the OAV By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief Published: 14:45
October 15, 2012
Manila: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) called on Congress to pass a bill
allowing online voting in all countries that host OFWs, a local paper said.
Congress should amend and improve the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) law,
which was passed and enacted in 2003, "to make it a more effective tool for
political empowerment of overseas Filipinos", Ellene Sana, Center for Migrant
Advocacy (CMA) executive director, told the Star.
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the
proposed amendments of the OAV. The Senate has not yet passed its own version of
the OAV, Sana said.
The proposed bill has authorised the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to
explore online voting on top of postal voting, and personal appearance in
designated voting centres abroad.
Article continues below
The proposed call urged the abolition of OAV's requirement that Filipino
immigrants and permanent residents must execute an affidavit of intent to return
and establish permanent physical residence in the Philippines.
The Senate should immediately pass the proposed amendments on OAV, so that
all OFWs can exercise their right to vote, Sana said.
There are about 10 million OFWs abroad. They remitted about $20 billion
(Dh73.44 billion) to relatives in the Philippines last year.


Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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PHNO-HT: CAMARINES SUR MAYOR IN COMA AFTER SHOOTING


CAMARINES SUR MAYOR IN COMA AFTER
SHOOTING

NAGA CITY, OCTOBER
29, 2012 (INQUIRER) By Juan Escandor
Jr. Inquirer Southern Luzon - The mayor of a Camarines Sur town was shot
in the head by a lone gunman at 3:45 p.m. while at a service center in this
city.
Lupi Mayor Raul Matamorosa was rushed to the Mother Seton Hospital, located
just a few meters from where he was shot, and was fighting for his life at the
intensive care unit, said Senior Police Officer Jose Luis Caparroso.
A radio report said Matamorosa was now on coma after being shot in the back
of his head while inside the Sony service center along the Diversion Road of
this city.
Caparroso, quoting witnesses, said the gunman fled on foot.
He said it was not clear if the gunman has a companion.
Caparroso said they found a spent bullet of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime
scene.
Caparroso said they have yet to determine the motive for the slay attempt and
could not say if it was election-related.
Matamorosa, 45, is a member of a Liberal Party. He is not running for
reelection but has endorsed the candidacy of his brother Roberto for mayor of
the town in the 2013 elections.

[PHOTO -Local mayors flank River Basin officials during the
recently-held RE forum. Left to right: Mayor Raul Matamorosa
of Lupi, Mayor Ma. Luisa Angeles of Bombon, Asec. Chito Monzon,
Presidential Assistant for Bicol, OPAB Dir. Jovie Morata, Mayor Emmanuel Requejo
of Canaman, Mayor Veluz of Del Gallego, Mayor Aquino of Ragay.]
FROM GMA NEWS
Camarines Sur mayor shot in the head, in critical condition –
report GMA News Online – Sat, Oct 27, 2012.. . .
Lupi town Mayor Leo Raul Matamorosa was shot in the head in Naga City at
about 5 p.m., Saturday afternoon, according to a report on Bombo Radyo. His
wounds were serious and he is reportedly in a coma.
The mayor's brother Bobby Matamorosa said doctors were trying to revive the
mayor. He also said that the mayor had no known enemies.
Lupi town is a 4th class municipality in the western part of Camarines Sur.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. Diosdado Arroyo referred to
Matamorosa as "one of my good friends," and condemned the incident as a
"senseless act of violence."
An initial investigation showed the mayor was in his vehicle when at least
one gunman approached the vehicle and shot him in the head. According to a SPO1
Caparoso, Matamorosa was about to have his television set fixed at a service
center in Naga City.
Police are still trying to determine the motive for the shooting.
Also, the Bombo Radyo report said that the mayor had arranged to have his
family join him for dinner Saturday night. — DVM, GMA
News


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




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PHNO-SI: 1st cyberLIBEL CASE: DOJ CORRECTS BOO-BOOS IN CYBER-PERLING'S CASE


1st cyberLIBEL CASE: DOJ CORRECTS BOO-BOOS IN
CYBER-PERLING'S CASE

APARRI, CAGAYAN, OCTOBER
29, 2012 (INQUIRER) By Melvin Gascon Inquirer Northern Luzon - Prosecutors
of the Department of Justice (DOJ) here on Thursday moved for the correction of
the charges filed against Esperlita Garcia, the antimining activist who was
arrested on October 19 for posting an allegedly defamatory note on Facebook.

Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Edward Javier filed an amendment to the
criminal information that indicted Garcia for grave oral defamation. The change
was approved by Provincial Prosecutor Amador Arao.
Garcia was charged based on a complaint filed in May 2011 by Gonzaga Mayor
Carlito Pentecostes Jr., who claimed that he was "maligned and discredited" in a
note she posted on Facebook about the magnetite mining controversy in their
town.
Amendments
Javier sought to make what he termed as "substantial amendments" or those
that change the nature of the crime originally charged to the November 14, 2011,
information that he filed in the regional trial court (RTC) here. That
information served as basis for Judge Conrado Tabaco of RTC Branch 9 here to
issue on October 9 an arrest warrant against Garcia.
In law, an information is filed by DOJ prosecutors who recommend the filing
of criminal charges in court against a respondent who stands to face trial as he
may be probably liable for the crime charged.
Garcia, 62, was arrested and detained overnight by the National Bureau of
Investigation on October 19, in circumstances that drew public condemnation over
how a statement made online was considered a criminal offense.
The information said Garcia was being charged with grave oral defamation,
supposedly under Article 258 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
Lawyer Mila Acacio, the handling prosecutor, declined to comment, for ethical
reasons. She said the case was raffled off to her only after the criminal
information was issued, and that her engagement would start only when she
appears as prosecutor during an arraignment on October 31.
Libel, not defamation
In the amended information, Javier said Garcia was instead being charged with
libel under Articles 353 and 355 of the RPC. Article 258 covers the crime of
abortion.
"We admit that we commit mistakes at times, and this is why we are correcting
them now, which is allowed under the law," Javier said, adding that the
inclusion of Article 258 was a mere "typographical error."
Javier also said Garcia was charged under the RPC, and not Republic Act No.
10175 or the anticybercrime law.
"Posting statements on Facebook is also considered writing [as provided for
in the RPC]," Javier said, declining to comment on a Supreme Court ruling which
declared that statements made online did not constitute publication, one of the
elements of libel.
He lamented that Garcia had been airing her complaints on his handling of the
case in the media, instead of resorting to legal remedies.

The story narrates that " the leader of an anti-mining group in Cagayan was
arrested Thursday [October 18], despite a temporary
restraining order on the implementation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act or RA
10175, for posting an allegedly libelous account about a mining issue on
Facebook. The said post criticized a mayor in Cagayan province in May last
year."
This is dubbed as the first arrest triggered by an online libel complaint.
(Manila Times & ManilaStandardToday)
PDI News issued the following statements on their headline news:

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - Environmentalists and Internet users have
rallied behind Esperlita "Perling" Garcia, an antimining advocate who was
arrested on Thursday on libel charges for a purported critical post on Facebook
in spite of the Supreme Court's suspension of the cybercrime law.
Garcia was charged with libel by Gonzaga Mayor Carlito Pentecostes Jr. for
the note she posted on Facebook in April 2011, or 18 months before the enactment
of RA 10175, which punishes online libel with up to 12 years imprisonment. (PDI
news)
Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said Penetescoste's libel suit was based
on a Facebook article posted by Garcia who claimed that an anti-mining rally was
canceled last year because the mayor harassed the activists.

Reyes said that Garcia was arrested Thursday and was freed on Friday when she
posted bail of P10,000.
Facebook post - that's a fact. But why Presidential spokesperson Edwin
Lacierda has a very unclear position regarding the arrest of Cyber-Perling?
Malacañang clarified on Monday that the arrest of an anti-mining group leader
in Cagayan was not in any way connected to the Cybercrime
Prevention Law. (ABS-CBN news)
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda (photo) said the
arrest of the 62-year-old Garcia, was prompted by a violation of the Revised
Penal Code.
Lacierda denied the claim of the militant youth group Anakbayan that Garcia
was arrested for violation of the harsher electronic, or e-, libel law.
He said that the arrest order against Garcia was based on a libel suit under
Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code. "If you notice, the bail posted was
P10,000. The penalty
for online libel is prision mayor, which is higher than the penalty
imposed under the Revised Penal Code. So this is not a case of e-libel,"
Lacierda said. "Let me be clear, let me also inform our good friends from
Anakbayan and I hope they don't ride on this issue but apparently they already
rode on it, but they're claiming that this is the start of e-martial law. Let me
tell Anakbayan, please don't be ignorant of the issues. First, you're entitled
to your opinion but you are not entitled to your facts," Lacierda said.
Oh very nice and highly professional statement Lacierda! You sound too
defensive boy!
People in the Philippines let me quote the following statement from GMA news.



However, Lacierda admitted puzzlement on why the arrest was ordered
despite the fact that the article was posted online, noting the temporary
restraining order issued by the Supreme Court on the implementation of the
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
"Ang cause kasi nito galing sa Facebook. Kaya nagtataka rin kami bakit…
may Supreme Court decision na on the issue of publication pagdating sa
cyberspace, bakit ito natuloy pa," Lacierda said.

Lacierda said only the judge could answer questions surrounding the arrest of
Garcia, president of the Gonzaga Alliance for Environmental Protection and
Preservation.

"As to why it was able to pass and the judge was able to issue a warrant
of arrest in spite of a Supreme Court decision and the issue of publication when
it comes to libel online, that's something that the courts and also the fiscal
would have to answer to."
Lacierda also added that Esperlita Garcia has several options open to her.
"May motion for reconsideration before the fiscal, or merong petition for review
before the [Department of Justice] proper dito sa Manila, or pwede siyang
mag-file ng motion for judicial determination of probable cause. There are still
redress of grievances, but may remedies pa rin 'yung akusado."
Anakbayan's president, Vencer Crisostomo, insisted that Garcia was arrested
on the basis of a libel suit filed by Mayor Carlito Penetescoste Jr. of Gonzaga,
Cagayan.
The mayor denied the allegation of Cyber-Perling and filed a libel suit
against Garcia.
It was the second known case of an alleged cybercrime since 16 nurses were
sacked in August for having "liked" criticism on Facebook against the
Taguig-Pateros District Hospital.
In the previous month, Crisostomo said the 11-year-old son of an anti-mining
leader of the Subanen tribe in Zamboanga was killed in an assassination attempt.

On March 5, paramilitary troops under the Armed Forces murdered an
anti-mining Lumad leader in Bukidnon, he added.


Philippines: Anti-Mining Activist Arrested over Facebook Post
First Post:2012-10-2523:15 By: Karlo Mikhail Mongaya Source: Global
Voices Online
The arrest of a 62-year old anti-mining activist in the Philippines for a
Facebook post spawned fears of a clampdown on dissenters through the recently
enacted anti-cybercrime legislation.
Critics of the cybercrime legislation won a tactical victory when the
Philippine Supreme Court issued a 120-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
against the law as it deliberates on at least 15 petitions calling for the
junking of the law.
However, they claim that the case of Esperlita "Perling" Garcia is a preview
of how the law could be used to suppress the people's freedom of expression and
right to expose and criticize government abuses online.
Garcia is President of the Gonzaga Alliance for Environmental Protection and
Preservation which is opposed to magnetite mining operations in Gonzaga town in
Cagayan Province. The Cagayan provincial government authorized mining by Chinese
and Taiwanese corporations in the area.
Gonzaga Mayor Carlito Pentecostes Jr. charged Garcia with libel for a
Facebook note posted last April 2011. The note condemned Pentecostes for
harassing community leaders planning an anti-mining demonstration.

Environmentalists and internet freedom advocates has setup the"Cyber-Perling"
Facebook page to draw attention to Garcia's plight. The page has gathered more
than 800 likes as of this writing.
A factsheet on her October 18 arrest can be read on the said page.
'Cyber-Perling' was released on bail last October 19 after a day in detention.

Activist youth group Anakbayan warned that the incident is a strong
indication of an impending E-Martial Law once the cybercrime law becomes
effective:


"This is a preview of what to expect once the TRO lapses: the Cybercrime
Law will be unleashed by the Aquino regime against its countless critics and
opponents" said Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan.
He said it was not surprising that an anti-mining activist is the first
victim of 'e-Martial Law', considering the intensifying resistance nationwide
against foreign, large-scale, destructive mining operations, and President
Noynoy Aquino's bias in favor of those.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, however, insisted that the arrest
did not in any way arise from the Cybercrime Prevention Act:

"This is not a Cybercrime case. This is a case of libel filed. In fact, if
you notice, the bail posted was P10,000. The penalty for online libel is prision
mayor, which is higher than the penalty imposed under the Revised Penal Code.
Obviously, this is a case filed under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code. So
this is not a case of e-libel.
The youth activists answered Lacierda by pointing out that Facebook, blogs,
and social networking sites are not included in the Revised Penal Code, which
limits libel to printed and broadcasted materials.

"Lacierda has now morphed into an e-Martial Law spokesman who is also
lawyering for those who want to stifle internet freedom and free speech. He
knows very well that libel under the law currently only applies to print and TV,
making the case vs Perlie baseless, and yet he twists and spins to justify
repressive and fascist acts.
They reiterated that it is "a preview of how rights will be curtailed once
the Cybercrime Law is passed." Lawyers also reaffirmed this observation. Atty.
JJ Disini points out in a Facebook post:

"Well, someone should tell Atty. Lacierda the fact that this is not even a
proper case of libel because public officials, as a rule, are not allowed to sue
for criminal libel. This is clear from the landmark [United States Supreme
Court] case of New York Times v. Sullivan cited with approval by our Supreme
Court in the recent case [decided in 2005] of Guingging v. Court of Appeals."

PITIK-B(u)LOG said the case is a wakeup call for everyone to take action
against the cybercrime law.

"Ilang ESPERLITA GARCIA pa ba ang dapat hulihin para maniwala ang
sambayanan na ang R.A. 10175 ay inilalagay sa panganib ang ating freedom of
expression? Kailan natin maiintindihan na sa ating pagsasawalang-kibo ay
unti-unti rin nating kinakatay ang ating mga karapatang pangtao? Hindi lang ang
R.A. 10175 ang dapat sisihin sa pagkitil sa ating freedom of speech, kasama na
dito ang mga taong nagkibit ng balikat at nagsawalang-kibo. Apathy kills.

How many more Esperilta Garcia should be arrested before the people believe
that R.A. 10175 will put our freedom of expression in danger? When will we
understand that our indifference is slowly killing our human rights? R.A. 10175
is not the only thing that should be blamed for the curtailment of our freedom
of speech, alongside this are the people who stay on the sidelines and do not
care. Apathy kills.
Originally posted on Global Voices Online. It is published here under
Creative Commons license. Thumbnail image: Cyber-Perling facebook
page



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-BE: YES, PH CAN ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS, BUT...


YES, PH CAN ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS,
BUT...
[
PHOTO -THE PHILIPPINE tourism booth at the Travel Rave
Expo, Sands Expo and Exhibition Center, Singapore. Photo by
Marlet D. Salazar]
MANILA, OCTOBER 29, 2012
(INQUIRER) By Marlet D. Salazar - The country's tourism line that
"It's more fun in the Philippines" is boosted by new data from the World Tourism
Organization.
The date shows international tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 5 percent or
467 million tourists this year with the Asia-Pacific region posting the
strongest gains.
The gains are affirmed by a study conducted by global travel market research
company PhoCusWright which states that Apac is set to gain $357 billion in
travel and tourism in 2013.
The optimism in the Asian travel and tourism industry was shared by industry
leaders and movers during the annual TravelRave 2012 held in Singapore recently.

Neeta Lachmandas, Singapore Tourism Board's assistant chief executive
officer, sees that by the year 2020, the global spend on tourism whether inbound
or outbound will grow by 40 percent.
"It is important for us to create a platform for travel industry leaders and
players and harness the goodness in Asia," she says during the first-day press
conference. "It is equally important to embrace the challenges and because Asian
tourists are different in their own ways, we have to start strategizing and
collaborating."

Growth in SEA
Southeast Asia reported a strong start this year with a growth of 9 percent
and an increase of 3.1 million additional international visitors. Most of these
visitors come from the Americas, Europe and Asia which account for 90 percent of
international arrivals.
TravelRave 2012 was also the venue for the annual ITB Asia's Trade Show for
Asian Travel Market running on its fifth year. The dynamic travel market is
evident with a significant increase of 15 percent from last year among
participants from 72 countries.
"We saw a double-digit growth in all segments of the show," says Martin Buck,
vice president, Messe Berlin Singapore (MSB), organizer of ITB Asia.
DAVID Scowsill, president and CEO of World Travel and Tourism Council. Photo
by Marlet D. Salazar
The Philippines' Department Tourism (DOT), together with a couple of travel
agencies participated in the travel expo held at The Sands Expo and Exhibition
Center, Marina Bay Sands. The agencies, Ang's Travel and Tours, Pan Pacific
Travel Corp., and Shroff International Travel Care Inc., hoped to attract the
wholesale and retail market.
However, if the Philippines wants the share of the pie of Asian tourism's
multibillion dollar earnings, the government needs to work on having direct
flights to prime tourist destinations. Majority of the foreigners randomly asked
by SundayBiz the reason why they don't visit the Philippines replied, "You don't
have direct flights to Cebu, or Palawan, or Boracay. It's a bit of a hassle to
go to Manila then change planes."
ITB Asia posted 865 exhibiting companies that needed an increase of 13
percent in gross floor space and 17 percent increase in net floor space compared
to last year which was held in Suntec, Singapore.

Visa simplification

[PHOTO -DAVID Scowsill, president and CEO of World Travel and Tourism
Council. Photo by Marlet D. Salazar]
Buck also reported that ITB Asia had already sold out as early as five months
ahead of the schedule with the top four industry sectors well-represented in the
show: hotels and resorts, tour operators, tourism organizations and
associations, and travel agencies as well as business travel and MICE (meetings,
incentives, conventions and exhibitions).
David Scowsill, president and CEO of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC),
says "WTTC is forecasting growth for the overall region of almost 6 percent in
2012 which is triple the growth of Europe. There are variations within the
region with strength in China, India, Indonesia and the Philippines compensating
for the weaker growth in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, but the
overall picture is one of dramatic growth over both the short-term and
long-term."
He added that in 10 years, there shall be a 9- to 10-percent growth in the
industry creating about 328 million jobs. For the travel industry to flourish
even more, governments and players need to focus on addressing challenges such
as taxation, visas and sustainability.
He encouraged government agencies to simplify visa applications. "We want
electronic visas and visas on arrival," he says. "The United States lost $600
billion (in tourism) in the last 10 years due to visa refusal."

MAC drives growth
Lachmandas adds that the mass affluent class (MAC) or high-end mass market
especially those from China, India and Indonesia generate more outbound travel
posting $300 billion. "There is a huge appetite for travel," she says. "And this
opens for more opportunities."
TravelRave 2012 also provided a venue for movers and players to engage in
dynamic conferences that tackled the challenges, changes, and even evolutions
concerning the travel industry.
The high-level "Asia Travel Leaders Summit" saw industry leaders from hotel
groups and business travel sharing insights on how they as competitors make the
industry more vibrant to lure more and more visitors in Asia. The "Tourism
Destination Investment Conference" explored the development of tourism
infrastructure in the region with special conference on "Hotel Technology."
The fifth annual "Aviation Outlook" focused on market opportunities
especially now that budget airlines provide opportunities for more travelers who
could not travel before because of steep cost of airfare.
TravelRave is an annual travel festival initiated by the Singapore Tourism
Board. This year's week-long expo is in partnership with Messe Berlin Singapore,
Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore and Questex Media Group.



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




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PHNO-SP: PACQUIAO ARRIVED IN LA FROM MANILA TO START TRAINING


PACQUIAO ARRIVED IN LA FROM MANILA TO START
TRAINING


[PHOTO -Chris Farina/Top Rank Manny Pacquiao will start
training Monday for his fourth fight against Juan Manuel
Marquez.]
LOS ANGELES, OCTOBER 29, 2012 (ESPN)
Manny Pacquiao has finally arrived in the United States for the
remainder of his training camp in preparation for his fourth showdown with Juan
Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles from the Philippines on Philippine Airlines
flight 102 at 8:05 p.m. PT Saturday -- only two weeks after he was supposed to
arrive.
When the fight was made in mid-September, Pacquiao said that he planned to do
his entire training camp in the United States, but later delayed his arrival
because of his congressional schedule in the Philippines, which did not sit well
with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. He expected Pacquiao on Oct. 14, which forced
him to scrap various promotional activities already scheduled.
Pacquiao has been training in the Philippines, but without trainer Freddie
Roach. They will begin working together on Monday at Roach's Wild Card Gym in
Hollywood. Pacquiao is expected to begin sparring on Monday.
Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs), the only eight-division champion in boxing
history, will meet Marquez in a welterweight fight on Dec. 8 (HBO PPV) at the
MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao leads the series 2-0-1 with all three outcomes
quite debatable, especially his majority decision win in June November 2011,
also at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao elected to fight Mexico's Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs) for the fourth
time rather than fight Timothy Bradley Jr. in a rematch of their massively
controversial fight in June, which Bradley claimed via split decision to win a
welterweight belt.
Pacquiao starts serious training in Los Angeles
By: Eddie G. Alinea, Philippines News Agency October 29, 2012 1:38
AM
MANILA, Philippines - Out to give boxing fans and his countrymen the
victory they want in his mind, eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao is
embarking on what could be his toughest preparation for his fourth fight with
Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez starting Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at the Wild Card
Gym in Los Angeles.
Pacquiao and his team, including assistant trainers Buboy Fernandez and Roger
Hernandez, business manager Michael Koncz and chief security Calos Homo, flew to
LA Saturday night via Philippine Air Lines flight PR 102.
Monday afternoon is expected as the start of his roadwork followed by a light
workout at the Vine Street sweat shop in the heart of Hollywood to gauge the
gains of the first leg of his recent preparations in General Santos City.
Sparring starts promptly on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila) as agreed upon by the
fighter and chief trainer Freddie Roach in their telephone conversation a week
ago, with Pacquiao assessing with his guru the progress of his three-week build
up program.
Roach has lined up a bevy of sparring mates for the purpose of toughening up
his pupil's ring savvy -- welterweight prospect Frank Gomez and old hands Rey
Beltran and Ruslan Provodnikov who, the trainer said, have all been eager since
three weeks ago to begin the regimen prepared by Roach himself.
Both the Pacman and his Hall of Fame trainer vowed to win convincingly,
including by knockout this time following the 2-1 win-draw result of the tree
previous encounters with Marquez.

[PHOTO -Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao will
be embarking on what could his toughest preparation for his fourth fight with
Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez starting Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at the Wild Card
Gym in Los Angeles.]
To accomplish that, Team Pacquiao has instituted several changes in training
regimen, first by doing away with pitching camp in Baguio City, a tradition
practiced in his last four fights, and instead held it in GenSan in far away
Mindanao.
"Our purpose in this fight is to win with no doubts left after the fight," we
will do that," Pacquiao told this writer before enplaning. "We succeeded in
holding camp in GenSan without any distraction and I believe we can do that also
in LA."
"Boxing fans, our kababayans included, must understand our goal. Kaya sana
they understand na gagawin namin itong ilang restrictions na ito para na rin
mabigyan ko sila ng magandang laban at magandang resulta," Pacquiao said.
"Everybody knows naman that every time I fight, I do it for the fans. In my
last few fights, I failed to make the fans happy. They, in fact, doubted my
victories although I believe I beat Marquez handily, not only twice but all of
those fights," he said.
"Gusto kasi ng fans mapatulog ko lahat ng kalaban ko. Kung hindi man dapat
bugbog sarado," he said. "I understand them. Gagawin natin 'yan at magagawa
lamang 'yan kapag busog sa ensayo. Naka-focus ako sa preparasyon simula pa
lang."
"My only appeal to our kababayan ay ipinalangin nila ako na huwag magkaroon
ng grabeng injury sa training at lalo na sa laban. Sana ipagdasal din nila na
manalo tayong muli alang-alang sa bayan, sa lahing Pilipino," he said.
Several more alteration in preparations await the former welterweight kingpin
in LA, where the team will stay for five weeks before driving to Las Vegas for
the final week prior to the all-important fight that is hoped to erase all
doubts that marked their previous meetings.
For one, Roach has ordered the closure of the Wild Card Gym to everyone,
including relatives, close friends, members of his new congregation and plain
kibitzers, to prevent distractions in Pacquiao's training. Pacquiao approves of
the decision to close the gym during the duration of his five-week LA camp.
"Handa-ng handa na tayo sa lahat ng gagawin sa training na inihanda ni
Freddie based on our conversation last week," Pacquiao
said.




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: AT HOME WITH REGINE


AT HOME WITH
REGINE

[PHOTO
-Regine Velasquez-Alcasid enjoys being a homemaker]
MANILA, OCTOBER 29, 2012 (PHILSTAR) By Nathalie Tomada -This was
another stage that Regine Velasquez-Alcasid visibly ruled. In the kitchen of her
home tucked away in a hilly portion of an exclusive Quezon City subdivision, the
Songbird, sans make-up and dressed down in a striped shirt and jeans, was
whipping up a delectable feast, allowing her few media guests a front-seat view
to this relatively new chapter in her life — as a homemaker.
The singer-actress showed she really is the woman of the house she shares
with hubby Ogie and their nearly year-old son Nate — being very hands-on in
manning the kitchen, where she enjoys cooking food she learned on her own and
from her parents.
This side of hers is also explored via her new cooking show Sarap Diva on GMA
7 every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. (She also co-hosts the talk show H.O.T. TV on
Sunday afternoons.)
"I really enjoy doing Sarap Diva, kwento-kwento lang at the same time, I'm
learning," said Regine who admitted that she needs to learn more regular Pinoy
food recipes, as her specialties, based on what were served at her home, were a
fusion of international dishes.
And just like in her show, her cooking led to some kwento — a free-flowing
and intimate chat that had her opening up on some career and personal
highlights, as well as some challenges before she became the country's top
female pop singer.
One was the "close to traumatic experience," as she described it, of being
bullied as a child.
Regine revealed that she got teased and taunted in grade school because "ang
alam nila di ako marunong magbasa."
She added, "My mother thought there was something wrong with my eyes because
when they would check my books, they couldn't read what I wrote (to think) I
just copied what was written in the blackboard. I had to be seated in front
because they thought I had weak eyesight. Di pala nila mabasa kasi bali-baligtad
yung 'b' at 'd' ko… I couldn't distinguish 'b' from 'd'."
Regine's coping mechanism was her mastery. She was excellent at memorizing
things, especially by ear, and this helped in developing her singing.
"Up until I was grade six, I would listen to the record four times and I
would memorize (the entire thing)," related Regine, who broke into the music biz
after winning the singing show Ang Bagong Kampeon when she was only 14.
Plus, her family always provided positive encouragement, never letting anyone
undermine her. "My father would tell (the people at school) matalino talaga anak
ko, kasi magaling sa memory. Paano ka magiging bobo kung ang galing ng memory
mo? I couldn't comprehend it because I knew I'm not (stupid)."
Many years later, Regine would comprehend her experience. She remembered
watching an Oprah episode on dyslexia, where some symptoms discussed were
interchanging the letters "b" and "d" and the inability to spell.
(According to the US-based National Institutes of Health, Dyslexia is a
brain-based type of learning disability that specifically affects a person's
ability to read. Studies said signs and symptoms, some of which are very poor
spelling and letter-reversal, vary from person to person and differ in degree
from mild to severe.)
The episode felt like a blast from the past. "I thought, this sounds
familiar! Para akong nag-tunnel and returned to grade school. This happened 10
to 12 years ago. (So) kelan lang yun? The whole time I didn't know what it was.

"I had a feeling I already have that because I have a friend who has a school
for special children and na me-mention niya sa akin yun, and I said I think I
have that (because) di ako makapaniwala na I have such good memory and I can't
spell; there has to be something wrong.
"Kelan lang ako nakaka-spell dahil sa text because, of course, there's the
dictionary… though what's weird is I can somehow spell hard and long words, but
I can't spell 'tongue.' Also, it isn't spelled the way you would pronounce it.
So I have a hard time with that."
When it comes to her scripts, "Babasahin ko ang script, so nakabisado ko kung
paano isinulat. Pero kapag inilagay mo sa teleprompter at iba ang
pagkakasunud-sunod, hindi ko na mababasa 'yon."
While there was no mention during the interview if she eventually consulted a
doctor, one thing is certain: Challenges like that didn't get in the way of her
continued success. (According to Dyslexia.com, it's a gift rather than a
disability because individuals with dyslexia or dyslexic tendencies are
"highly-creative" like US actor Tom Cruise and journalist Anderson Cooper, to
name a few famous dyslexics.) With her revelation, one can't help but appreciate
all the more her musical journey, which now on its 26th year.
Regine is set to celebrate the milestone via a grand concert on Nov. 16 at
the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Expect hubby Ogie to offer ample support on and off
stage.
Regine was asked how her love story with Ogie started. "Our history goes a
long way back. I first met him at the concert of Dingdong Avanzado at the old
Rizal theater where we were both guests. After he sang, he approached me and
introduced himself. According to him, I told him, Ang yabang mo naman ang galing
mong kumanta."
"And nanonood daw siya sa concert ko pero di ko naalaala. One time, he asked
me nasayo pa ba yung bear? Anong bear? He said, I gave you a bear, di ko talaga
maalala.
"We also went out on a date but it was a group date, which included my
father. During that date, pinatayan ko siya ng ipis sa harapan niya kasi 'eww'
ng 'eww' sila (laughs). Tapos kinwento niya kay Dingdong (Avanzado).
"We actually even have a picture together on my 21st birthday na nagsusubuan
ng cake kasi tinutukso na kami kasama nila Pops (Fernandez).
"Tapos ang tagal namin nagkita ulit. We first met again in GMA 7's
(now-defunct) S.O.P."
Regine said she only had one other boyfriend (Ariel Rivera) before Ogie.
According to her sister, Cacai, a number of eligible guys have expressed
interest including a politician who asked for a date with Regine through her.
But Cacai said a guy has to be so obvious with his intentions for Regine to get
it — and it was Ogie.
Asked if she's ready to be a political wife should Ogie enter politics in the
future, she said, "Several people have asked him, special groups have approached
him, but he doesn't want to. Before, he was kinda interested and open to the
idea, ewan ko why nagbago siya. But I'm just preparing myself because that might
change. It's a calling. And who am I to stop what he wants to do in life. One
thing is for sure, my husband is happy being a public servant." (Ogie was
appointed president of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit in 2010.)
"In all fairness to my husband, one year pa lang siya sa OPM ang dami na
nyang na gawa. Na-set-up niya ang benefits for the singers and na set-up niya na
bumababa ang mga tax. So kahit papaano, marami siyang nagawa." These are apart
from the activities held under his leadership that have reenergized the OPM
(Original Pilipino Music) scene.
Aside from being a supportive and proud wife, she is also a proud mother of
Nate.
She said of her firstborn: "I think aside from getting much of my looks, he
also has my mannerisms, like the way he sleeps. Although nowadays, he's
beginning to look like Ogie. As a father, Ogie is very playful with him."
Asked if she wants to have another child, Regine, who had Nate when she was
40, said, "I'm not young anymore (so) I'm leaving it up to God. I'm happy (to
say) that Nate was conceived — not with the help of science although we had
thought of it — through natural means."
Regine's Silver Concert is happening on Nov. 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena,
with tickets already selling fast amidst a concert scene swamped with foreign
visitors. It's titled Silver because it's actually a celebration of her 25th
year in the biz, which was supposedly last year but then, she got pregnant with
Nate. As she said, it's never too late to celebrate.




Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

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




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NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE




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PHNO-SB: NOY IN NEW ZEALAND: 'PRESIDENCY NOT EXPECTED'


NOY IN NEW ZEALAND: 'PRESIDENCY NOT
EXPECTED'

[PHOTO -President Aquino chats with New Zealand Prime Minister
John Key at a joint press conference at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand
yesterday. AP]
AUCKLAND, OCTOBER 29, 2012 (PHILSTAR) By Ana Marie Pamintuan – He did
not believe the presidency was his destiny, he is not competing with his
esteemed parents, and he would be happy if he could put the country on the path
toward its "rightful place in the sun."
President Aquino recounted to local media here the developments leading up to
his fateful decision to seek the nation's highest post, and explained his goals
as Chief Executive.
"Did I expect it? Not especially… I wasn't aiming for it. I wanted to do my
part, but I wasn't volunteering to try and fix the mess that my predecessor
left," he told Radio New Zealand. "Do I think it was my destiny? No."
He recalled his father, the late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., telling him when he
was about 15 that "our people are the best people in the world."
It was martial law and he had asked his father why people they thought were
loyal to the senator would no longer even speak to them.
The President said he decided early on not to compete with his parents
"because they're my idols and my mentors… how does one compete with the
standard?"
"All I want is this: when the time comes that God calls me from this world, I
want to be able to say that I'm leaving it a lot better than how I found it,"
the President said.
"If we are successful – and so far we are, we have been very successful – and
that attitude becomes a permanence and if they, our people, have that confidence
to be able to demand of their leaders certain minimum standards, then this is
but the start of a rightful place in the sun. And if I was part of attaining
that dream, then I'm very glad that I was given that opportunity."




Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi

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




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NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE




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PHNO-SB: GUTIERREZ FAMILY: THE STORY BEHIND THE FAMILY PICTURE


GUTIERREZ FAMILY: THE STORY BEHIND
THE FAMILY PICTURE


[PHOTO -The Gutierrez Family led by Eddie Gutierrez and
Annabelle Rama (clockwise from bottom left): Venice and Lorin with mom Ruffa,
Richard, Ritchie Paul, Elvis,Rocky, Raymond and Rocky's son David — Photos by MAU MAURICIO]
MANILA, OCTOBER 29, 2012 (PHILSTAR) FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo - The
future "Loudspeaker of The House" has spoken.
"I'm ready," declared Annabelle Rama, who's running for congresswoman in the
North District of Cebu, during a break at the recent pictorial with all members
of her family. "There's no more turning back."
It's the first time for the Gutierrezes to sit for a pictorial which was
specially arranged for the 2013 Family Calendar.
"I've been going around Cebu and my constituents have been asking for a
picture of our family," said Annabelle. "So here we are," all smiles!
It was A-list photographer Mau Mauricio who took the pictures, the same guy
who takes those glossy portraits for Esquire Philippine Edition.
Okay, say "Cheese!" Click: Annabelle with husband Eddie Gutierrez, Ruffa and
daughters Lorin and Venice, Rocky with son David, Elvis, Ritchie Paul, and twins
Richard and Raymond.
[PHOTO -Annabelle, who's running for congresswoman in Cebu's North
District, in 'Team Rama' outfit]
All members had tight individual schedules, Eddie with the ABS-CBN soap Ina,
Kapatid, Anak; Richard with his GMA shows (Extreme Challenge, etc.), Raymond
with his own GMA show H.O.T. TV (and as fashion consultant of Esquire), and
Ruffa with her myriad activities.
It was Ruffa who nagged everybody to keep one Sunday morning free. As
creative director, Raymond was in-charge of the "motif" (what clothes to wear,
etc.). The photo session proceeded without any hitch. Everybody, smile and again
say, "Cheese!" Click, click, click!!!
Morning of the next day, Annabelle flew back to Cebu where she has been
staying for weeks now, not yet campaigning (the 45-day campaign officially
starts on March 28 next year yet) but paying "my constituents" regular visits to
check what their problems and concerns are. Cebu's big businesses are found in
the North District, such as SM Mall, Ayala Center, hotels, etc.
"I come to Manila only when I have to attend meetings and contract-signings
for my talents," said Annabelle. "I fly in in the morning and fly back to Cebu
late the same day."
A Sto. Niño devotee (who grew up with the nuns at the Asilo dela Milagrosa in
Cebu), Annabelle prays and hears Mass regularly at the Sto. Niño Shrine. For
years now, while based in Manila, she would go to Cebu purposely to attend Mass
at the Shrine and then return to Manila.
When she filed her Certificate Of Candidacy (COC) first week of October,
Annabelle and her entourage (including her friend-reporters from Manila like
Ronald Constantino, Jun Lalin and Jojo Gabinete) first heard Mass at the Cebu
Metropolitan Cathedral and walked to the Sto. Niño Shrine before going to the
COMELEC.
At the media briefing, the Cebu press asked Annabelle how she felt being
called "The Loudspeaker of The House" (that is, if and when) and she admitted
that she was proud of the "title" (given to her by Funfare).
If elected, she promised, "I will be the Loudspeaker of my constituents in
Congress."





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-PNoy: NOY FALLS ILL, CUTS SHORT DINNER W/ AUSSIE PM / NOY'S 'WHEELCHAIR' JOKE


NOY FALLS ILL, CUTS SHORT DINNER W/ AUSSIE PM / NOY'S
'WHEELCHAIR' JOKE

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, OCTOBER 29, 2012 (INQUIRER) By Michael
Lim Ubac Philippine Daily Inquirer - President Benigno Aquino was taken ill,
prompting him to cut short his attendance at the official dinner hosted by
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Held at the private dining room of Parliament House, the dinner was attended
by the Australian ruling class—top officials of the Gillard Cabinet, members of
the Senate and House of Representatives, diplomats, military officials and other
invited guests.
A concerned Gillard then dispensed with the formalities and protocol after
Mr. Aquino complained that he was not feeling well.
"Can I acknowledge Your Excellency, Mr. President. Thank you for gracing us
with your presence this evening. We are very, very disappointed that you had
become unwell, but we wish you a very speedy recovery and a good night's rest
here in Australia," said Gillard, who delivered her speech ahead of the
President.
Warming up
"As the President—and I have warmed up—I have remarked, and if all members of
this, delegation could note this that he should be saved from any paperwork
during the course of this evening," she said to chuckles from the banquet
guests.
"I know what it's like to be chased around with paperwork when you're feeling
unwell and I'm sure it's going to aid his recovery if he is left undisturbed
tonight, which is my way of acknowledging our other honored Filipino guests,"
she added.
Mr. Aquino spoke briefly but left soon after his speech without touching his
food.
Escorted by Gillard
On instructions from the prime minister, the guests went ahead with the
traditional toast usually led by heads of state or government, and partook of a
three-course meal, with a pan fried snapper as the main course.
Sought for comment, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang confirmed that
Mr. Aquino, who came from a state visit to New Zealand, was sick.
"Yes, a bit. But he should be better tomorrow," Carandang said.
Asked if his boss was nursing a cold or flu, Carandang said: "No. He's fine.
He finished all his duties today."
FROM PHILSTAR
GMA camp hits P-Noy for 'cruel joke' By Paolo
Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated October 24, 2012 12:00 AMComments (112)


MANILA, Philippines - A spokesman for Pampanga Rep. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo slammed yesterday President Aquino for making fun of her
life-threatening condition.
Lawyer Raul Lambino was reacting to the President's joke before members of
the Filipino community during a state visit in Auckland, New Zealand.
Aquino supposedly said, "Our countrymen who are corrupt in the Philippines
have luxurious, expensive and fast cars. But if they want to escape
(prosecution), they use a wheelchair."
The President said he just got the joke in a text message.
Lambino said Aquino was obviously referring to an incident at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport in November 2011 when Arroyo, in a wheelchair, was
prevented from leaving for Hong Kong to seek medical treatment.
There was no hold departure order (HDO) issued against the former President,
as there were no cases yet filed against her.
The only basis by which she was barred from leaving was a watch-list order
issued by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, which is not equivalent to an HDO.
Under Philippine laws, the right to travel is almost absolute, and only an HDO
can prevent a person from going abroad.
"Making fun of the ailment of person, a very serious one at that, is cruel,"
Lambino said.
"It has now become easy for him to tell those kind of jokes. It's
unpresidential to be cracking those jokes," he added.
As this developed, Malacañang defended yesterday Aquino's allusions to
Arroyo, saying the blame should be on the guy who created the wheelchair joke.
"It was not the President who crafted that joke," deputy presidential
spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
"First, let's not take ourselves too seriously. And again, at the end of the
day, it was a joke," she told Palace reporters.
Arroyo is currently confined at the intensive care unit of the Veterans
Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City due to ischemia of the heart,
apparently a complication of her neck ailment.
The former leader was arrested shortly after the 2011 incident on charges of
electoral sabotage.
She was detained at the VMMC for a year and was eventually ordered released
by the Pasay regional trial court, which granted her bail.
She was, however, re-arrested and detained at the VMMC earlier this month,
this time on plunder charges. Months ago Arroyo underwent three surgeries to
relieve pressure on her neck. The titanium implants have dislocated and have yet
to be corrected in another operation. Her doctors said she is at high risk of
"sudden death" and insisted that any corrective surgery must be done abroad.

Arroyo is seeking re-election for the second district of her home province,
Pampanga. – With Delon Porcalla
PNoy takes swipe at Arroyo anew

VIDEO: ublished on Oct 22, 2012 by TheABSCBNNews
President Benigno Aquino is on a week-long state visit to New Zealand
and Australia. In his meeting with the Filipino community in Auckland, the chief
executive highlighted the gains of his administration while also taking another
swipe at his predecessor, the detained former President Gloria
Arroyo.


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




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HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE [PHNO] WEBSITE


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PHNO-HL: GMA ARRAIGNMENT TODAY? / TIGHT SECURITY FOR GMA ARRAIGNMENT


GMA ARRAIGNMENT TODAY? / TIGHT SECURITY FOR GMA
ARRAIGNMENT

[PHOTO -HOUSE ARREST?: The TV Patrol, on its poll question earlier
today asked the public if they are agree on the house arrest for Gloria Arroyo,
the outcome said that 87% of those who voted said that they are not agree on the
house arrest motion while the other 13% said that they agree for the house
arrest. ]
MANILA, OCTOBER 29, 2012 (PHILSTAR) By Michael Punongbayan - Unless the Supreme Court (SC) issues a
temporary restraining order (TRO), former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo will be arraigned on Monday, according to Sandiganbayan
spokesman Renato Bocar.
As of yesterday, the anti-graft court's First Division had issued no order
canceling the arraignment, Bocar said.
This means that the scheduled arraignment on Monday "will proceed unless
restrained by the Supreme Court," he said.
Arroyo filed a petition for certiorari before the SC on Wednesday questioning
her indictment before the Sandiganbayan.
Arroyo, through her lawyer Anacleto Diaz, is seeking a TRO from the SC in an
effort to stop the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan from proceeding
with the plunder case.
Arroyo claimed she was wrongly prosecuted for crimes she did not commit,
denying any involvement in the alleged misuse of funds of the Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during her presidency.
Director Diosdado Calonge, head of the Ombudsman's prosecution team, agreed
with Bocar that Monday's arraignment should push through unless a TRO is issued.

Former PCSO board member Manuel Morato, also a respondent in the criminal
charge, is also scheduled for arraignment on Monday.
However, it is uncertain if Morato would be able to appear since he underwent
heart surgery at the St. Luke's Medical Center earlier this week.
One of his lawyers, Dennis Manicad, told The STAR yesterday that Morato is
still recuperating in the hospital's intensive care unit.
Arroyo herself is under hospital arrest, having been confined at the Veterans
Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) because of aggressively worsening health
problems.
Arroyo's principal congressman-ally, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, said
Arroyo could be physically fit to attend her arraignment on Monday, but only if
the hearings would take only an hour.
"I'm not a doctor and I really don't know her physical capability to go to
court, but if the hearing lasts for just an hour, I think she can," he said.

Suarez said he and 16 other Arroyo allies recently visited the former
president at her VMMC suite.
"It was an occasion that was festive, meaning, the president was happy
because her colleagues paid her a visit. We were joking about those who are
running unopposed," Suarez said. "But if you look at her body language, you will
see that she has moments of pain, she didn't feel well," he added.
Arroyo was supposed to be arraigned two weeks ago, but her doctors took her
to the hospital's intensive care unit for a heart-related problem, prompting the
Sandiganbayan to reset her arraignment to Monday.
The anti-graft court earlier ordered her arrested, but before the police
could serve the warrant on her, Arroyo had herself confined at VMMC, where her
detention was later processed.
No consolidation
Arroyo was granted bail after she was placed under hospital arrest on charges
of electoral offense, along with former elections chief Benjamin Abalos.
The former president and Abalos are also co-accused in a graft case before
the Sandiganbayan, along with former socio economic planning secretary Romulo
Neri, over the botched national broadband network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE
Corp. in May 2010.
In a three-page ruling dated Oct. 19, 2012, the anti-graft court said the
criminal charges against both accused, though stemming from the same NBN deal,
could not be fused together.
"Consolidation is addressed to the sound discretion of the courts, both by
the court that will order the transfer of the case to another, and more
importantly, by the court that will accept such transfer, given that such case
was not originally raffled to it, and hence, the same would add to its
caseload," the Sandiganbayan Fourth Division said.
The court noted when magistrates of the anti-graft court's Fifth Division,
then headed by Associate Justice Roland Jurado, directed the consolidation of
the two cases, prosecutors in the Neri case had already presented six of its 26
witnesses, while those handling the Abalos case had already presented 16 of 66.

The Fourth Division said common witnesses – identified as The STAR columnist
Jarius Bondoc, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., and former secretary
Margarito Teves – will also have to be recalled if the cases are to be fused,
which would "entail delay for the Abalos case."
Magistrates further emphasized that Neri himself objected to the
consolidation of the cases, believing that it would be prejudicial to him
because it "would be absurd given that he was a principal and material witness
in the Abalos case and had, in fact, already testified against accused Abalos."

The Fourth Division favored Neri and said it is a fundamental rule that an
accused is entitled to nothing less than the cold neutrality of an impartial
judge.
"This court would not want Neri to entertain any doubt in his mind that such
formed opinions might impact on the proper disposition of the Neri case where he
stands as the accused himself," the court said. – Jess Diaz,
Mayen Jaymalin, Janvic Mateo
Security tightened for GMA arraignment By Reinir
Padua (The Philippine Star) Updated October 28, 2012 12:00 AMComments (64)

MANILA, Philippines - Tight security will be implemented both at the
Sandiganbayan and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) for the scheduled
arraignment of former president now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on
plunder charges tomorrow.
Bomb experts from the Explosives and Ordnance Divisions of the National
Capital Region Police Office and the Quezon City Police District will be
deployed inside and outside the anti-graft court.
The Police Security Protection Group will provide close-in security for the
former president.
Police officers will secure the vicinity of the Sandiganbayan and the route
that the former president will be taking for her scheduled court appearance.

Police said they would be on guard against groups, both supportive and
critical of Arroyo, that might take advantage of the situation.
Policemen will also patrol major intersections along the route that Arroyo's
convoy will be taking in going to the court.
Lawmen are also ready to control the crowd in case protesters force their way
toward the Sandiganbayan and the VMMC. The hospital's presidential suite will be
under heavy guard while Arroyo is out of the hospital.
Sandiganbayan spokesman Renato Bocar earlier said Arroyo's arraignment would
proceed as scheduled unless the Supreme Court (SC) issues a temporary
restraining order (TRO).
Earlier, the former president filed a petition for certiorari before the SC
questioning her indictment before the First Division of the anti-graft court.

She wanted the SC to issue a TRO to stop the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan
from proceeding with the plunder case.
VMMC director Nona Legaspi has also said the former president would be
brought to the anti-graft court regardless of her medical condition.


Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
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PHNO-HL: IN JAIL?: NOY PREDICTS CORONA, GMA REUNION / WHAT'S UP WITH CARPIO & SERENO


IN JAIL?: NOY PREDICTS CORONA, GMA REUNION / WHAT'S UP WITH
CARPIO & SERENO

[PHOTO COURTESY OF GETREALPHILIPPINES.COM-According to
Sen. Loren Legarda, morale in the ranks of the Philippine judiciary has
"plunged" since the start of President BS Aquino's vendetta versus Corona late
last year. Since then have staff have been feeling "like lost
sheep".]
MANILA, OCTOBER 29, 2012 (PHILSTAR) Taking the cue from her boss, deputy presidential spokesperson
Abigail Valte yesterday said President Aquino's prediction that former chief
justice Renato Corona may be reunited with his patron, former President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo, in jail is very plausible.
Valte told state-run radio dzRB that such a scenario is legally possible
under the current circumstances, particularly because Arroyo is now under
hospital arrest on plunder charges – a non-bailable offense – while the ousted
chief magistrate is facing charges of tax evasion.
Under Philippine laws, an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, a
power that has been vested in the judiciary – and not the executive department –
and is guaranteed by the Constitution that Aquino himself had sworn to uphold.

The President had earlier declared that he thinks Commission on Elections
commissioner Grace Padaca is "not guilty" of the graft charges she is facing.

The justice system provides that Padaca and Arroyo should be presumed
innocent, both being an "accused" in a case.
Unlike Arroyo's plunder and electoral sabotage cases, Padaca's trial before
the Sandiganbayan has not yet started. The warrant for her arrest was not served
for four months and her P70,000 bail was shouldered by Aquino himself.
The mandate of finding an accused guilty rests on the judiciary.
Valte dismissed observations by Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua that Aquino seemed
to be cruel to his political enemies and that his government was bent on
pursuing vindictiveness, to the point of sacrificing the rule of law.
"There's no cruelty there. Obviously, the rights of these people are being
afforded to them. They are being made to answer the charges against them in the
proper forum. So how can that be cruelty?" she asked.
"How can observing due process be tagged as cruelty? Obviously that's an
exaggeration," Valte said, defending the prejudgment Aquino made on the cases
against Arroyo even if all of these are still undergoing trial, and no final
judgment has yet been made.
Carpio declines Sereno post offer By Edu Punay
(The Philippine Star) Updated October 28, 2012 12:00 AM






From left- Aquino, Sereno,
Carpio

MANILA, Philippines - Is there still animosity between Chief Justice Ma.
Lourdes Sereno and her colleagues in the Supreme Court (SC)?
A highly placed source thinks so, citing as proof Senior Associate Justice
Antonio Carpio's turning down Sereno's offer for him to head the high court's
computerization program.
And it was not just a simple rejection, the insider told The STAR.
Sereno, whose appointment meant a second and probably final bypass to
Carpio's bid to become SC chief, made the offer in a personal note thanking the
latter for substituting for her in an event.
In his reply note, Carpio advised the Chief Justice to offer the post to "the
junior justices so they can work their way up."
"It's not even a subtle attack. It was very obvious," the source said.
Sereno is President Aquino's first appointee to the high court. With her
appointment to the highest SC post, she in effect bypassed Carpio and 10 other
more senior magistrates.
The top SC post is traditionally reserved for senior justices.
Sereno's predecessor Renato Corona was ousted by the Senate impeachment court
for betrayal of public trust for failing to declare all his wealth in his
statements of assets and liabilities and net worth.
Aquino had made no secret of his disdain for Corona, an appointee of former
president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Sereno had testified
against Corona in his impeachment trial.
Computerization is one of the priorities of the new Chief Justice. During her
oral interview with the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), she proposed the
creation of a body of experts or the adoption of a written manual or software,
which would identify possible conflicts in decisions handed down by the court.

"So if you appoint someone to such a crucial post, that entails a lot of
trust. But when the offer was rejected, what does that say?" the source said.

Some quarters believe the continued absence of senior justices in the weekly
flag-raising ceremony at the SC – despite a reported internal memorandum from
Sereno requiring their attendance – is a form of protest.
A member of the high court revealed to The STAR that they would always
address Sereno as "madam" instead of "chief" during closed-door sessions.
Even members of her staff seemed unprepared for their sudden transfer to the
Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ).
In one instance, the source bared, a decision was returned to the OCJ because
it was signed by the chief-of-staff of Sereno. They were told of court rules
that a member of the staff is not allowed to sign decisions on behalf of the
justices.
In her interview with the JBC, Sereno was asked about what she thought was
her ascendancy over other members of the court, considering she was 12th in
terms of seniority and had often dissented in big cases.
In her response, Sereno cited the case of the late chief justice Claudio
Teehankee who had never lost the respect of other justices despite his
dissenting opinions on many rulings favoring the Marcoses.
She said she had already proven her capability to work with senior colleagues
during her leadership of the steering committee of the consultative council on
constitutional amendments, where justices would "yell at one another during
deliberations."
She said there was nothing to heal in the SC in the first place because the
ouster of Corona and her appointment had never caused a rift among the justices.

Upon her appointment, she adopted a "dignified silence" policy, which
involved centralizing or restricting the release of information regarding the
judiciary, thus making it harder for reporters to secure rulings.
Previous justices were reportedly more liberal in disseminating
information.


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




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