CJ Renato Corona had 82 Dollar Accounts

CJ Renato Corona withdrew over $418K on day he was impeached, says Carpio-Morales. Chief Justice Renato Corona had at least $10 million in “transactional balances” in 82 US dollar accounts in 5 banks, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales revealed Monday.

Carpio Morales said there were “significant deposits and withdrawals on various significant dates including the 2004 and 2007 elections as well as the week he was impeached specifically December 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, and 22, 2011.”

She said that on December 12, 2011, the day he was impeached, Corona pre-terminated a US dollar time deposit account amounting to $418,193.32 and then added to another bank in BPI San Francisco del Monte.

She said that from this amount, $417,978.80 was deducted from this account and placed in a regular trust fund placement.

“I listed all the different accounts. I classified them under one column. After grouping different accounts under one column, I got the dates the transactions occurred. I got the amounts the transaction occurred. But since I noticed that there were some accounts which were deposited in, let's say, A account, example P100,000, but on the same day, the P100,000 were withdrawn in 3 branches and transferred to 3 different accounts X, Y, Z, I had a bit of difficulty trying to analyze,” she said.

82 accounts, 423 transactions

She said the number of dollar accounts, from which transactions were made over the years, grew to 82 in 2011.

These are:

Bank of Philippines Islands (BPI) San Francisco del Monte - 34

BPI Tandang Sora - 18

BPI Acropolis - 8

BPI Management Investment Corp - 1

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) Cainta - 8

PSBank Katipunan - 6

Allied Bank Corp. Kamias - 4

Deutsche - 2

Citibank – 1

Asked what a transactional balance is, Carpio Morales said these are “fresh deposits.”

She said she asked the Commission on Audit (COA), in particular Commissioner Heidi Mendoza and COA Chairman Grace Pulido Tan, to help her with her own mathematical evaluation.

Her evidence came from a document provided to her by Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Vicente Aquino.

Mendoza herself later took the stand, but her presence was questioned by the defense. Lead defense counsel Serafin Cuevas said she was never presented as a witness.

Carpio Morales tried to explain the “inflow and outflow” of some amounts in several accounts via a PowerPoint presentation. Cuevas opposed such a presentation, noting Carpio-Morales was never privy as to how the AMLC arrived at the amounts.

Summarizing for Carpio Morales, Mendoza said their studies showed 423 transactions for all 82 accounts. There are four major accounts that spawned baby accounts, she said.

The total inflows, Mendoza said, reached $28,740,497.93, and total outflow totaled $30,758,878.71.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Derek Ramsay and Angelica Break Up

Derek admits break-up with Angelica.  Derek Ramsay admitted that his six-year relationship with Angelica Panganiban is over.

“Guys we truly appreciate all your concerns. Even though Angel and I are no longer together we still have the utmost respect for one another,” Derek said on his Twitter account.

Derek said in an interview weeks ago that he and Angelica were in a “cool-off” stage, but the actor-TV host said on Monday, May 14, that they have already called it quits and tweeted that they “are no longer together.”

Derek and Angelica were recently linked to Sam Pinto and John Lloyd Cruz, respectively.

“Guys pls don't believe any of the rumors about angel and john Lloyd. They did scenes for a movie and that's it. That's the truth. Tnx :),” Derek said.

Angelica and John Lloyd went to Vietnam recently to shoot a movie while Derek and Sam made a commercial last year.

Derek has also been defending Angelica from those saying negative things about her and their relationship on Twitter. He also asked people to stop making assumptions and just respect their decision.

“I'm not proud of the breakup! How I wish things were different. I can't be selfish and consider only my feelings,” Derek replied to someone on Twitter.

Derek, who always has good words for Angelica, asked the public to respect her as he will always “remain supportive of her.”

“There was no wasted time. I loved every minute we had together,” Derek tweeted.

source: Yahoo OMG

Tulfo Brothers Suspended by TV5, show Suspended by MTRCB

Tulfo Brothers–Erwin, Ben and Raffy received a suspension notice from TV5 on Wednesday, their show “T3: Kapatid Sagot Kita” was also suspended by the Movie Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) starting May 10, 2012.

According to TV5 Corporate Public Relations Officer Peach Vibal-Guoguio, the Tulfo brothers, Erwin, Raffy, and Ben have been suspended as of May 9 after they uttered threats against celebrity couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto on national television last Monday.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) also issued 20-day suspension on “T3: Kapatid, Sagot Kita” May 10. The ground for suspension is the Presidential Decree 1986, “for airing scenes and utterances that are indecent and contrary to law, or with a dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of violence, or of a wrong or crime.”

Mon Tulfo, Raymart Santiago, Claudine Barretto fight at NAIA Terminal 3

A fistfight involving newspaper columnist Mon Tulfo and actor Raymart Santiago involving the latter’s wife, Claudine Barretto occurred at NAIA-3 on Sunday, May 6.

According to the report of dzBB, the skirmish started when Claudine reprimanded a Cebu Pacific flight attendant after she found out that some of her luggage was missing. She saw a then unknown man taking footage of what was going on.

Raymart confronted the man who turned out to be Tulfo. Raymart said that when he approached Tulfo to confront him, the columnist reacted by punching him.

Tulfo claimed he was simply defending himself since Raymart’s companions ganged up on him. As a result of the scuffle, Claudine got a bruise on the leg.

Tulfo reportedly clarified that he did not intend to kick Claudine and reiterated that he was outnumbered when the incident happened.

The Santiago couple and their children just arrived from Boracay while Tulfo just came from Davao.

Here is that video footage:

Mayweather vs Cotto Result: Mayweather wins via unanimous decision

Mayweather wins unanimous decision over Cotto.

Two judges scored the fight 117-111 and the third had it 118-110. The Associated Press had Mayweather winning 116-112. Punch stats showed Mayweather landing 179 of 687 punches to 105 of 506 to Cotto.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. finally found himself in a real fight, complete with a bloody nose and an opponent in Miguel Cotto who was never going to quit.  He used his speed and accuracy Saturday night to take a unanimous decision over a game Cotto in a bruising bout to win a piece of the 154-pound title. But it wasn't easy, as Cotto landed some hard punches and kept attacking all the way to the final bell.

Watch Mayweather vs. Cotto Replay at 9pm on AKTV!

Mayweather vs Cotto Live and Replay Schedule on TV5 and AKTV

TV5 and AKTV will air the Live Telecast and Replay of Mayweather vs Cotto Fight this Sunday May 6, 2012. Dubbed as “RING KINGS – Mayweather vs. Cotto!” will be viewed Via Satellite on TV5 at 10am, with Primetime replay at 9pm on AKTV!

Watch Mayweather vs. Cotto Live via Satellite on TV5 at 10am, and replay at 9pm on AKTV!

Andi Eigenmann and Albie Casiño Bar Encounter

ABS-CBN News reports that the young actor Albie Casiño was rushed to the hospital after his encounter with former flame Andi Eigenmann at a bar in Makati on Friday night.

Actress Andi Eigenmann allegedly splashed wine on Albie Casiño’s face and slapped him in a chance encounter Saturday morning at Fiamma Bar at Jupiter St. in Makati City.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Rina Casiño, Albie’s mother, said that he opted to “clean himself up in the restroom” and leave the venue to avoid worsening the situation. But Andi’s friends, however, followed Albie at the parking lot and allegedly attacked the latter. He was even hit on the head with a wine bottle.

He was rushed to the Makati Medical Center. He sustained serious injuries but according to one report, he was allowed to go home at around 3AM.

Rina Casiño, Albie’s mother, said that their family is planning to file charges against those who are involved.

Shaina Magdayao confirms breakup with John Lloyd Cruz

Shaina Magdayao confirms breakup with John Lloyd Cruz.

Her full statement was sent to entertainment website Pep.PH (Philippine Entertainment Portal), which said:

“To end all speculations, I confirm that John Lloyd and I have agreed to end our relationship. The reason is purely between John Lloyd and myself.
“I most humbly request everyone to allow us to move on with our respective lives with mutual respect and dignity.”

Now it is confirmed! Shaina Magdayao has already broke her silence with regards to her breakup with actor John Lloyd Cruz.

Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban in Cool-Off Stage

Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban in Cool-Off Stage.  Derek himself admitted this to Yahoo! Philippines OMG! over the phone on May 2.

“We are in a cool-off stage,” he said. “We’re giving each other space.” Derek did not give the exact reason for their decision but insisted no third party is involved.

“I trust her completely,” the host-actor said, referring to Angelica. “She’s not the type to fool around.”

Derek’s comment must have been prompted by Philippine Star entertainment editor Ricky Lo’s column that said Angelica and John Lloyd Cruz “discovered that they have something in common, that they like the same thing” while they were both in Vietnam.

Derek himself was in Australia while Angelica was in Vietnam, and they haven’t talked to each other since Holy Week.

But Derek is determined to take time out from his busy schedule to sit down and speak with Angelica to sort out their problems.

“If things go well, okay. But if not, she will always be my friend,” Derek declares.

The break-up talks are affecting Derek and could play a big role in how he fares in a frisbee tournament. He is in Boracay as of posting time.

Derek says he was looking forward to a relaxing time when things changed all of a sudden. He got messages asking about his relationship with Angelica the minute he got off the first station in Boracay.

Source: Yahoo! OMG!

PNoy on 26th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution

As the country marks the 26th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power that brought down a corrupt regime, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday urged Filipinos to continue the fight against corrupt officials.

"Recent events will show the fight that we started during the first People Power is not yet over. We need your help," Aquino said in his speech during the turnover of 1,500 housing units for military and police personnel in Cavite.

"Will we allow ourselves to be fooled by greedy and corrupt officials who want to cling to power?" he added, without mentioning Chief Justice Renato Corona, whom he assailed in his past speeches.

In an interview with reporters after the event, Aquino said the evidence presented so far against Corona might already warrant a conviction.

He also defended prosecutors who had been castigated by several senators for filing a flawed impeachment complaint and for submitting fake documents to the Senate.

"The prosecution have done really well. They have managed to unearth properties that were not declared in the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (of Corona)," the President said.

Aquino cited the "difficulties" faced by the House prosecutors, including their inability to access Corona's Statements of Assets, Liablities, and Networth, which he said were kept hidden in a vault.

Asked to comment on the setback suffered by the prosecution this week after Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile disallowed the presentation of witnesses for Article 3, Aquino said the fight was not yet over.

"There is still Article 7. And out of the eight articles, you only have to convict him (Corona) in one," he said.

Article 3 of the impeachment complaint against Corona pertains to the chief justice's alleged flip-flopping on decisions that were already final and executory.

Article 7 accuses Corona of partiality when he and the other justices of the Supreme Court granted former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of a temporary restraining order that would allow her to leave the country.

Meanwhile, a Palace officla said on Friday that the Aquino administration remains committed to the promises of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

“As we remember the historic events of People Power, so too must we remember the promise of Edsa – the promise of true democracy, of a government that renders meaningful public service, and of a country in which power lies in the hands of the common citizen,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

To fulfill the promises of Edsa, Valte said the administration would continue to work to achieve inclusive growth and ensure an effective justice system for all.

The reforms put in place by the Aquino government have already yielded results and it will continue to work to weed out corruption, she added.

Valte said the government would remain focussed on improving public access to social services, quality health and education, and other opportunities for advancement.

“As we continue to work for the benefit of the Filipino people, we call on our countrymen, especially the youth, never to forget the legacy that People Power has given us. Out of the dark days of Martial Law, where greed and abusive power ruled, the world witnessed the extraordinary solidarity, courage and conviction of the Filipino people that led to the peaceful ousting of a dictator and the reclaiming of a nation’s democracy,” she said.

She also called on Filipinos to become part of strengthening the country’s democracy and ensure that the country continues to progress and achieve the vision of a Philippines in which no one is left behind.

Aquino will lead on Saturday morning the 26th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

The President is also scheduled to unveil the statue of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin in Manila, one of the major figures during the Edsa Revolution.

The theme for this year’s celebration will be “Ano ang Iyong Taya Para sa Pilipinas Natin?”

Source: interaksyon.com

Jessica Sanchez Enters Top 24 of American Idol Season 11

Another Filipino may soon be conquering the international music scene in the name of Jessica Sanchez who was included in the Top 24 of the new season of American Idol. She has been one of the early favorites, gaining a resounding “yes” from the three judges when she auditioned for the singing search. So it’s no surprising that this girl was named as one of the bests.

Sanchez is 15 years old, born and raised in Southern California, and is of Mexican and Filipino heritage. Her name rings a bell because she was one of the contestants of America’s Got Talent Season 1 when she was 11 years old.

Check out Jessica Sanchez's Latest Performance:

Grace Lee Patrol ng Pilipino Personal Interview

Korean radio and TV personality Grace Lee has become a hot topic after President Benigno Aquino III revealed that they are seeing each other.

ABS-CBN reporter Marie Lozano takes a closer look at the life of the woman of the hour in this week's episode of "Patrol ng Pilipino."

Patrol ng Pilipino” airs on Tuesday February 14, 2012 after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN or on DZMM TeleRadyo at 9:15 p.m.

Zamboanga del Norte Flash Flood

More than 3200 families or 13,000 individuals were evacuated as flash flood swaps most part of Zamboanga del Norte as the water level of the Dapitan City river rose due to continuous heavy rains. Towns and cities affected are Barcelona, Oyan, Opao, Ba-ao, Burgos, Sulangon, Polo, Tamion, Diwa-an, Sinonoc, Owaon and Ilayan.

According to the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Bulletin, there was an estimated damage cost of P412,000.oo. No casualty nor missing persons were reported.

The heavy downpour was brought about by the Low Pressure Area (LPA), which is estimated based on satellite and surface data at 650 km East of Mindanao (7.8°N, 133.0°E). Tail-end of a cold front affecting Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao and is expected to make landfall Saturday evening says PAGASA.

Renato Corona's Dollar Account

A spokeswoman of Chief Justice Renato Corona's defense team on Friday said Malacañang should not meddle with Corona's dollar accounts because it is not a crime to own one.

Atty. Karen Jimeno said President Aquino cannot dictate on Corona whether or not he can have a dollar account. This, after the President challenged Corona on Friday to present information on his dollar accounts if he has nothing to hide.

Jimeno said the money in Corona's dollar accounts were part of his savings before he became Chief Justice. Then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Corona as an associate justice of the Supreme Court in April 2002. She named him chief justice in May 2010.

Jimeno said the defense, when they present their witnesses, will have a chance to explain the accounts of Corona.

On Thursday, the SC voted 8-5 to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) from releasing records of Corona's alleged foreign currency deposits.

Under the Foreign Currency Deposit Act, a disclosure of foreign currency bank accounts can only be made upon written permission from the depositor.

The senator-judges have scheduled a caucus on February 13, Monday at 11 a.m. to discuss the SC order.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, meanwhile, warned the Senate against deferring to the SC order stopping the opening of Corona's dollar deposits.

"It won't stop. Ngayon foreign currency deposits. Nagpaparinig na ang defense, sabi nila even in the peso accounts, they are going to say 'It's a fishing expedition.' What will stop them now from going to the SC and say 'Your honors, the peso accounts, while it has been revealed, was a product of the fruit of the poisonous tree.' That's another question of law. The SC will say, 'Teka, we have jurisdiction. We are going to rule on that.'

"They will emasculate every order of the Senate. That is why it is untenable for the Senate to consider to even defer to the Supreme Court even in interlocutory orders because the basis is grave abuse of discretion. E kung sa final judgment sabihin nila may grave abuse of discretion, di paano na?"

Source: ABS-CBNNews.com

Negros Earthquake Latest Update and Photos

The death toll in Negros Oriental from Monday’s magnitude-6.9 earthquake continued to rise, with the military reporting 48 fatalities Tuesday noon and at least 92 more missing.

Colonel Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the Army's 302nd Brigade, said 60 houses with 42 persons were reportedly buried in Barangay Solongon, La Libertad town, and another 29 houses with 30 persons in Barangay Planas, Guihulngan City.

Here are some of the Negros Earthquake Photos taken from Facebook.

Army soldiers used picks, shovels and chainsaws in a race against time to rescue at least 71 people buried in landslides that covered 80 houses in two barangays (villages) in Guihulngan City and the adjacent La Libertad town, both in Negros Oriental.

President Benigno Aquino III will visit Dumaguete City, one of the areas affected by the temblor, on Wednesday, his 52nd birthday, Malacañang announced.

“(The President) will inspect damaged areas and meet with our countrymen affected by the calamity, as well as with the government workers who are providing much needed relief operations on the ground,” his spokesperson, Edwin Lacierda, said.

The number of victims of Monday’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake could still go up as some 90 houses were buried in Barangay Solinggon in La Libertad and in Sitio (sub-village) Moog, Barangay Planas in Guihulngan City. Eighty others were injured.

At least 45 people were confirmed dead—28 in Guihulngan, 10 in La Libertad, three in Jimalalud town, two in Tayasan town and two in Bindoy town, officials said.

In Moog, 29 houses were buried 6 meters (20 feet) deep when a portion of the mountain fell over the mountainside neighborhood during the temblor.

Magnitude 6.8 quake jolts Negros-Cebu

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit the Negros-Cebu region, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The following intensities were felt in the following areas:

Intensity VII - Dumaguete City
Intensity VI - La Carlota City and La Castellana, Negros Occidental
Intensity V - Roxas City; Dao and Ivisan, Capiz; Iloilo City
Intensity IV - San Jose de Buenavista and Pandan Antique; Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Kalibo, Aklan; Sagay, Negros Occidental; Dipolog City
Intensity III - Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Legaspi City, Albay; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro
Intensity II - Cabid-an, Sorsogon

 Initial information from the agency said the quake occurred at 11:49 a.m. in the following epicenters:

70 kms (44 miles) north from Dumaguete, Negros
79 kms (49 miles) west northwest from Tagbilaran, Bohol
80 kms (50 miles) south southeast from Bacolod, Negros
574 kms (356 miles) south southeast from Manila

The agency said the earthquake had a depth of 46.6 kms.

Marco Alcaraz and Precious Lara Quigaman Wedding

Marco Alcaraz has revealed that he is set to tie the knot with beauty queen/actress Precious Lara Quigaman in October this year.

Alcaraz said he and Precious are planning for a beach wedding and they’ve found the perfect resort in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Stay tuned for more updates on Marco Alcaraz  and Precious Lara Quigaman Wedding. Highlights, Photos and Video will be updated here.

Kris Aquino and James Yap Marriage Annulled

The Queen of All Media Kris Aquino’s marriage to basketball star James Yap is finally over.

Kris Aquino herself confirmed in an interview during her newest television series “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” on Thursday, that her 6-year-marriage to Yap, father of her youngest son Bimby, has been annulled by the court.

Mutual psychological incapacity and personal disorders were cited as the reason for annulment. The two got married on July 2005.

PNoy confirms he and Grace Lee are Dating

Grace Lee and President Benigno Aquino III are dating. Confirmed.

29-year-old TV and radio personality Grace Lee, of Korean descent, is the entertainment news presenter for noontime newscast “Balitanghali” on GMA News TV Channel 11. She became talk of the town last week after Mo Twister spearheaded the rumor that she’s dating the President.

Lee did not confirm nor deny the rumor but said she’ll leave it up to the President to speak on the matter.

Earlier today, February 1, President Noynoy manned-up and finally confirmed the said rumor.

Mayweather vs Cotto Fight May 5 2012

Its Official! Welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. will soon be picking a fight as the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted for a 5-0 vote on Wednesday, granting the unbeaten champion to host another grand battle in the likes of Miguel Cotto.

Image courtesy of pound4pound.com

 Floyd Mayweather Jr (42-0 26OKs) will Face Miguel Cotto (37-2 32KOs) on May 5, 2012. This will be another exciting boxing event.

Stay tuned for more Mayweather vs Cotto Fight Latest News and Updates