Supreme Court: PDAF is unconstitutional

It is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. The Supreme Court has declared the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), also known as the “pork barrel” as unconstitutional. With a unanimous vote of 14-0 (Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. inhibited because his wife is a party-list representative), they find the system as unconstitutional for allowing legislators "to wield, in varying gradations, non-oversight, post-enactment authority in vital areas of budget executions" thus violative of the principle of separation of powers. The ponencia was made by Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

For more information on the ruling visit: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/19/13/sc-pdaf-unconstitutional

Napoles charges against Luy, PDI & Atty. Baligod

Many things have been reported about this so-called PORK BARREL SCAM, the mother of all scam considering the P10B worth of funds allegedly wasted and went to the pocket of some. Napoles camp thru their lawyer Atty. Lorna Kapunan now files different charges against whistleblowers Benhur Luy and Merlina Sunas of perjury charges, libel against the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), estafa case against Benhur Luy, collections case against designer Eddie Badeo and disbarment case against Atty. Levito Baligod.

The P10B funds involved in this scam is super huge that our government especially the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Commission on Audit (COA) should bring the matter to the proper forum. The taxes being collected from the people should and must not just be wasted like this, going unaccounted for a long period of time and allegedly seized by some for personal gains.

Napoles camp to file raps vs journalists, whistleblowers
Jeane Napoles owns a Ritz-Carlton unit 
Jeane Napoles and gifts for the super rich 
Lawyer defends Jeane Napoles' ritzy lifestyle

Inquirer: 28 solons linked to scam

The week is being started with a big bang about 28 solons being linked to scam, according to a series of reports of Inquirer. The 4th installment reported that there were 5 senators and 23 members of the House of Representatives that were allegedly made available their Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) or pork barrel worth over P10 billion to dummy non-government organizations for purported ghost projects over the past decade. Said information was according to the affidavits submitted by the whistleblowers to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

28 solons linked to scam
(First of a series) NBI probes P10-B scam
(Second of a series) ‘I am not involved in any scam’
(Third of a series) How P10-B racket works

Imee Marcos, Manny Villar & JV Ejercito Offshore Accounts?

Certain politicians, business people, professionals or people who worked for certain foreign companies landed in a partial list of more than 500 mostly private Philippine residents with ties to offshore corporations. Said list was made by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists or ICIJ in Washington, D.C., after a year-long multi-country investigation. Included in the list with offshore accounts are Imee Marcos, Manny Villar and JV Ejercito Estrada.


Imee Marcos, sons tied to offshore trust in Caribbean
Manny Villar, JV Ejercito linked to offshore accounts

DILG USec Rico Puno visits Robredo's condo & office

DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno has been reported visiting the condominium unit of the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. Also, a visit was made in Robredo's office at the NAPOLCOM. In both visits, the undersecretary was unsuccessful to enter the condominium unit and the office.

But why USec Puno did this? Reports says that Sec. Robredo has many confidential and important documents in his possession regarding various investigations being conducted by his office and USec Puno is said to be one of the personalities being investigated too.

Such a mysterious act only USec Puno can explain...

Mayor Lim & VM Isko Moreno on dispute

The order from the Commission on Audit or COA caused the rift between incumbents Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno. There was a memorandum issued by the city auditor stating that the city government is 45% above the employee ceiling. Lim trimmed down his employees to comply with the 3-day deadline but Moreno failed to follow the directive, Lim said. Also, there were claims of unpaid salaries due to failure of submitting their personal data sheets but alleged as “ghost employees.”

There will be a possibility of Lim vs. Estrada on the coming 2013 elections. Earlier news revealed that Moreno joined Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino. It said that Estrada is eyeing Moreno to be his running mate.

Isko Moreno, 28 councilors file complaint vs Lim
Isko, Manila councilors file complaint vs Lim
Lim vs Erap poll war worries Comelec
Lim threatens to 'tell truth' about Erap

 

Updates: SC CJ Renato Corona's Impeachment Trial

 

IF I AM SC CHIEF JUSTICE RENATO C. CORONA

If I am SC Chief Justice Corona I will resign.

Why? My appointment is questionable, to let President Aquino choose among the candidates of JBC, and to give this country peace.

If I am SC Chief Justice Corona I will waive all my legal rights to expedite the impeachment trial proceedings.

Why? If I truly believe that I served and did my job with all honesty, dedication, transparency and respect to the institution where I belonged, it will not be an issue.

If I am SC Chief Justice Corona I will command my counsels not to be so legally technical in the impeachment proceedings.

Why? It brings doubt than enlightenment and causes delay in the proceedings.

If I am SC Chief Justice Corona I will let my bank records be opened to public.

Why? If I have nothing to hide, it is not a violation against "bank secrecy law," it is allowed under the law in view of an impeachment trial, and not to create havoc again to people like what happened in former President Estrada's impeachment trial.

If I am SC Chief Justice Corona I will not ask the Supreme Court to stop the impeachment trial.

Why? It is the only forum and sole way where I can prove my innocence to the Filipino people.

BUT I am not SC Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” ~~ Chinua Achebe

Corona had P19.7M by end-2010: bank records
Corona's SALNs: 2002 to 2010
PSBank president reveals Corona bank accounts
PSBank exec fails to bring CJ dollar accounts
PSBank seeks SC TRO vs subpoena for Corona records
PSBank's Garcia is 'seasoned,' 'won't play games,' fellow bankers say
Senate stands by decision to subpoena CJ bank records
Suarez wants probe of leak of CJ bank docs

Manny Pacquiao's P25M yacht

The P25M Italian-made yacht of Manny Pacquiao, named “Sarangani’s Pride,” is his surprise treat to the family after his victory over Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez. It has been considered as the “Ferrari” of yachts with four rooms—two suites and two guest rooms—each with their own bathrooms. It’s also equipped with modern facilities such as a satellite. And to top it all, the yacht includes three jetskis, worth P1 million each. But the said gift created another controversy for Manny showing his extravagance while he could just use the money to help our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao victimized by Sendong.

Personal View: I guess Manny should not have been criticized for wanting a P25M yacht as a gift to his precious family. On his part, he may have been thought about and paid it before the disaster happened. He can afford it while at the same time extended his help to our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao out of his personal money.

What is important is we all try to extend our help to our fellow Filipinos, cash or in kind, the help that really comes from our hearts. Together we can be able to help them start a new life and give hope that they can move on from our support and the government as well.

Let us look forward for the coming 2012 with positive outlook in life, good words and deeds, and work together for our beloved country because the worst is yet to come, as experts said so.

Pres. Aquino vs CJ Corona

The hottest issue in the land now happened during the justice summit held at Manila Hotel where President Noynoy Aquino openly criticized the Supreme Court (SC) and Chief Justice Renato Corona. Others find it rude and disrespectful but it’s the opposite for many. Was this an insult or the president is just trying to send a strong message to members of the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Corona about their performance?

If respect is an issue here then I believed the president did nothing wrong. Why? The former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Chief Justice Renato Corona never show that to now President Aquino. Days after the 2010 Elections, the former president appointed Corona as the 23rd Chief Justice of the Philippines. Why such an act? Why not give the honor to the incoming president of appointing the Chief Justice with the help of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)? Respect begets respect.

Of course I wanted the executive and judiciary branches of our country to work harmoniously for the benefit of the country but how will it happen if everything started in bad taste. Can we blame the president for mentioning the midnight appointment during the summit if from the start of his presidency he was deprived of appointing his Chief Justice, a true disrespectful act? Can we blame a president if he blatantly criticized the Supreme Court for questionable decisions or unattended jobs?

The Filipino people are thirsty for righteous leaders, someone who will fight for their rights and keep his promise. Many government agencies are used to wrongdoings and abuse of powers brought about by the former government. I guess that’s the reason why many Filipinos see nothing wrong about the justice summit incident.

If Chief Justice Renato Corona values transparency, justice and respect over the laws of the land then he will resign from his post. He from the very start had the choice of accepting or not the appointment but even if he did there still time to think it over. His resignation will not only give peace between the executive and judiciary branches of the land but an honorable act and a righteous example of a “diplomatic sacrifice” for love of country.

The people’s reaction over this issue must serve as a warning to other members of the Supreme Court. Being members of the highest court in the land, it is your utmost responsibility to interpret the laws in its essence and render decisions righteously and with all integrity apart from affiliations, interest or personal grudge.

Arroyos WLO & ADO: News & Updates

I first heard the news over the radio (DZMM) about the TRO issued by the Supreme Court (SC) allowing former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and his husband Atty. Mike Arroyo to travel abroad and seek medical treatment abroad immediately. SC Spokesman Atty. Midas Marquez said the judges ruled with 8-5 votes stating that the ban was unconstitutional due to lack of charges on any crime and its consistency with the constitutional presumption of innocence.

It is really hard to comprehend national issues like this if you do not understand the laws. If you are an ordinary Filipino thinking of what the Arroyos have been accused of, you will probably be one of those opposing the travel. On the other hand, you will allow such travel for humanitarian reason or for not believing the charges. Of course for our politicians, it depends on their political affiliations and personal stand on the matter. On the part of our government, they will exhaust all possible means to stop the Arroyos for fear of escaping from possible charges and not serving justice to the Filipino people for crimes believed to have been committed by the Arroyos.

All I know and understand right now is that as a Filipino people we must stay calm amidst this issue and let the legislative and executive resolve the issue. Let us always work hard every day, be the best we can and continue praying for our country.

Arroyos decide to leave on Thursday
SolGen files appeal on Arroyo travel ban TRO
BI: Arroyos should have asked de Lima to lift WLO
Clinton distances self from Arroyo travel woes
Topacio: I'll have my 'ball' cut off if Arroyos don't return
Lacierda tells Topacio: Have pity on your wife

DOJ rejected PGMA's ADO

A photo shows former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wearing a halo vest as part of her recuperation from surgery. The photo is part of the petition submitted by Arroyo's lawyers to the Supreme Court to allow her to travel out of the country to seek medical attention. BUT the Department of Justice (DOJ) rejected the former president’s request for an allow departure order (ADO) to seek treatment abroad. According to Elena Bautista-Horn, spokesperson of GMA, under the Section 6 of the Constitution, an ADO can only be rejected if it involves national security, public safety or public health.

Doctors of the former president at St. Luke’s Medical Center have said that a tetracycline bone biopsy is unavailable in the country and that’s the reason why the former president needs to seek medical treatment abroad. Former President Arroyo was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and hypoparathyroidism.

• Arroyo's rights violated, spokesman says
• DOJ rejects Arroyo request for travel
• Arroyo asks SC to nullify watch list order, asks for TRO
• DOJ denies Arroyo request for travel abroad
• GMA breaks silence: I need a cure
• GMA tells de Lima: I shall return to face the charges
• Ona, Horn lock horns over GMA treatment
• GMA not in any immediate danger: DOH chief

Mikey on Beachfront House in California

Son of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and now Ang Galing Party-list Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo would have commit mortgage fraud, according to financial advisor James Triguero. The later wonders how he got a loan for $1 million to buy the beachfront house in California while functioning as a congressman in the Philippines and only makes P455,000 a year. Beachway LLC acquired the controversial property where Arroyo has a minority stake.

Mikey committed fraud to purchase beachfront house?

Senator Pangilinan's tweet on Willie

After several major advertisers pullout their advertisements on Willie Revillame’s “Willing Willie” being aired over TV5, and criticisms from his co-celebrities like Jim Paredes, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, Bianca Gonzales, Tuesday Vargas, Aiza Seguerra and Lea Salonga, it’s now husband of Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, who called Revillame as “unrepentant, arrogant and incorrigible.” The senator made such statement after Revillame considers of filing libel cases against his fellow celebrities who criticized him. As for Senator Pangilinan for the possibility of being included in the libel case, he quipped: “Sue me, too.”

* Willie threatens to sue his Twitter critics
* Celebrities react to Willie's tirade
* After ad pullout, Willie announces leave from show
* MTRCB members inhibit from Willing Willie probe
* CBCP-NASSA condemns 'Willing Willie' incident
* More firms pull out ads from 'Willing Willie'

Bishop Bacani: Impeach Ombudsman Gutierrez first before RH Bill

Bishop Teodoro Bacani wants the House of Representatives to prioritize the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez instead of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. He said that the impeachment will help eradicate corruption in the country and RH bill is a waste of time and described as a poison that kills the lives of innocents.

Ombudsman Gutierrez is faced with a possible impeachment at the House of Representatives for betrayal of public trust due to her low conviction rate and inaction on the NBN-ZTE scam, fertilizer fund scandal, "Euro generals" scandal, and the Philip Pestaño case.

Forget RH bill, impeach Merci instead: bishop
55 lawmakers ready to interpellate RH bill
Church sets ‘grandmother’ of all rallies vs RH Bill
Thousands of women attend pro-RH bill march
Solon wears polo, delays RH bill
House leader insists RH bill a priority measure
Congress fails to tackle RH bill anew
Miriam wants RH bill passed

House Justice on Gutierrez: Sufficient in grounds

To impeach or not to impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez? That’s the issue of showdown between allies of President Aquino and former President Arroyo in the House Justice Committee. They need to vote if the impeachment complaints against Gutierrez are sufficient in grounds. And the winner is… The committee declared the complaint filed by former Rep. Risa Hontiveros and endorsed by Akbayan sufficient in grounds with votes of 41-12. Same vote was casted in reference to the complaint filed by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Renato Reyes and endorsed by Bayan Muna also sufficient in grounds.

What’s now left for the Ombudsman? I think Mercy should have had resign long after President Aquino resumed office. She’s been considered as an ally of PGMA and accused of not doing her job among the many cases of massive corruption during PGMA’s reign. I just hope that these congressmen will be fair and just as they bring the issue in the floor to give justice to many Filipinos.


* Solon optimistic Gutierrez will be impeached
* Belmonte: We have numbers to impeach Gutierrez
* Gutierrez seeks Supreme Court's mercy
* Ombudsman: My conscience is clear
* ‘Ombudsman’s stance will speed up impeach proceedings’
* House panel votes to proceed with Ombudsman impeachment

PNOY: Shalani out, Barbie in

Did PNoy and Shalani Soledad called it quits? Rumors spread that the president and the Valenzuela councilor already broke up adding up the recent Saturday night date of the president at the Nuvo bar and restaurant in Greenbelt2. Personally, I find Shalani nice and really had a natural beauty without make up. She seems to be supportive even the tough times of the campaign prior to the 2010 Elections but now the relationship is said ended. This seems to be sad news for those who like PNoy and Shalani as couple.

PRESIDENT NOYNOY'S DATE WAS ... BARBIE PALAGOS
President had a hot date, but it was not Shalani

Pres. Aquino over IIRC report

People and politicians had different views over the issue of furnishing the Chinese Embassy at first with the comprehensive report of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) regarding the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking incident. President Noynoy Aquino clears his stand on the act in a press conference yesterday prior his departure to the USA. Also, said report will undergo a review committee again to determine what criminal and/or administrative case/s can be charged to the people and institutions found negligent that were involved in the report.

First Report of the IIRC on the Rizal Park Hostage-taking Incident
IIRC finds 12 people, 3 networks liable
IIRC cites 8 critical incidents in hostage fiasco

Be Careful!

BE CAREFUL! When 2010 Miss Universe 4th Runner Up Maria Venus Bayonito Raj made her courtesy call to President Noynoy Aquino, the president told her to be careful now that she’s a public figure. Also, a message of gratitude from the president for giving positive news amidst the different negative ones arising from the recent Quirino Grandstand hostage crisis. Raj, wearing a modern Filipiniana terno, was accompanied by her mother, Ester Payoniyo, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Head Stella Marquez-Araneta and Uniprom Director for Entertainment Sienna Maris Olaso.

President Noynoy's first paycheck

President Noynoy Aquino just received his first paycheck for the month of July last Monday, August 2, as the president of the country amounting to 63,002.17 pesos. It is his net income following the mandatory salary deductions.

This is the first time for me to see a president showing his paycheck in public. To think that the job of a president is really a tough one, demanding and stressful, there are really few good people who want to show that even in this time there are still trustworthy public servants who can still live by example.

I just wish you Mr. President all the best and luck in this world that you will someday fulfill all the good things and changes you want for our country with the help of the Filipino people.

Senator Roxas files electoral protest

The running mate of President Noynoy Aquino, Senator Mar Roxas, officially filed his electoral protest today, Friday. In the petition, Senator Roxas questions the results of the May 2010 vice-presidential election. He asked the Supreme Court (SC) acting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to consider the uncounted null votes of more than 2 million. Votes totaling to 727,084 is the lead of VP Jejomar Binay over Senator Roxas as compared to the number of null votes that could make a difference on the results depending on the automated election rules to be applied.

Roxas files poll protest