Philippines News : 2015

Thursday 5 March 2015

Aquino: I did not order SAF on suicide mission Read more:

President Aquino walks with New Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) head, Chief Supt. Moro Virgilio Lazo, after the Assumption of Command Ceremony at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday March 4, 2015. Aquino said didn’t send the Special Action Force (SAF) on a “suicide mission” in Mamasapano. AP

MANILA, Philippines–He didn’t send the Special Action Force (SAF) on a “suicide mission” in Mamasapano, and neither would he order one in the hunt for other high-profile terrorists.

President Aquino made this clear when he sat down for more than three hours with SAF troopers on Wednesday in his second meeting with them since 44 of their comrades were slaughtered by Moro rebels in Maguindanao province on Jan 25.

“I think the group was satisfied,” said an Inquirer source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with media about the meeting.

The President recalled that he got the impression that the SAF troopers had been properly reinforced based on initial text messages he received through Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, and then Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima.

Purisima was under suspension for corruption at that time. He subsequently resigned.

In the first meeting on Jan. 30, none of the SAF troopers spoke. But the Inquirer source present on Wednesday said the President took the opportunity to assure the SAF troopers that he did not abandon them during the ill-fated operation.

It just so happened that there were “loopholes” in the operations that led to “improper reinforcement,” the source quoted Aquino as telling the police commandos.

One SAF trooper spoke up and told the President that his team was “happy” to capture terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” and that they would be willing to go even on a “suicide mission” next time.

“I don’t order suicide missions,” replied Aquino, who also denied that he had asked government troops to “stand down” while Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and other Moro rebels were raining bullets on the SAF men.

The source said the meeting at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City was arranged to help provide “closure” between Aquino and the SAF troopers.

‘Guidance’

Aquino noted that he had given “guidance” for the SAF operation to be “coordinated” with the military and other appropriate government agencies.

But there were problems with the “execution,” he told the SAF officers.

A Senate inquiry earlier showed that the then SAF chief, Director Getulio Napeñas, failed to coordinate “time on target” with the military shortly before his troops moved in on Marwan and another terrorist, Basit Usman.

In the Camp Bagong Diwa meeting, the source said, the troopers also informed the President about weapons and other equipment they needed as the PNP’s frontline unit against terrorism.

In Malacañang, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said the meeting was in part an “operations review” for the SAF.

“There was also a free exchange (between Aquino and the SAF troopers). There was an exchange of observations and suggestions,” Coloma said.

Tagbilaran sinkhole, GenSan erosion prompt warnings

30-meter deep sinkhole in Tagbilaran City. LEO UDTOHAN

A sinkhole in Tagbilaran City in Bohol province. Erosion in General Santos City in South Cotabato.

Residents and officials of the two areas are confronted with what appears to be natural phenomena that are threatening communities near them.

In Tagbilaran, the Central Visayas office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are taking a closer look at a sinkhole in the village of San Isidro that is 6 meters wide and 30 meters deep.

It was found on a lot owned by a Filomena Lim.

No one knows yet how it formed, but Rosita Lipio, property caretaker, quoted a nephew as saying it seemed like the earth suddenly opened. It happened past 4 p.m. on March 1.

Lipio reported it quickly to village officials, expressing fear the sinkhole would grow bigger. Village sentinels were sent to cordon the area off.

Ed Llamedo, DENR-Central Visayas spokesperson, said the occurrence of sinkholes is “actually dramatic.”

“It may appear in the surface that the land is still intact but cavities start to scour due to ground vibration, water seepage and fractures or joints on the surface,” he said.

Llamedo said he believed the sinkhole is one of the effects of the 7.2-magnitude quake that struck Bohol on Oct. 15, 2013 but which manifested itself only now. The quake killed 201 people in Bohol.

The Central Visayas office of the DENR said data and images provided by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority listed 1,182 sinkholes in Bohol.

In General Santos City, authorities had evacuated people living near a shore that had eroded by 100 meters.

The city government declared the community called Tinago in the village of Barangay South as “no-build zone” following the discovery of the erosion, which had grown to 70 meters in diameter and 60 meters deep.

erosion of the coast (encircled, right photo) in General Santos City. RONALD VELASQUEZ

Erosion of the coast in General Santos City. RONALD VELASQUEZ

Mayor Ronnel Rivera said an aerial survey of the area showed the extent of the erosion.

Dr. Bong Dacera, city disaster risk reduction and management office action officer, said what was happening in Tinago is underwater erosion.

Dacera said while only the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) could declare what it is, “based on our assessment, it is coastal subsidence.”

He said a few meters from the shores of Tinago, an underwater precipice of a steep cliff around 25 meters deep was located and that the movement of the sea over the years has eroded parts of it, causing the erosion.

“When compared to a surface phenomenon, what happened there is definitely a landslide,” he said.

Dacera said the city is expecting a team from the MGB national office to examine the phenomenon.

Results of the MGB study would be used by the city government in “disaster-proofing” the village of South and nearby coastal communities, said Dacera.

“Sinkhole or not, the risks are still high and looming for the residents of Tinago,” said Mayor Rivera, who had ordered the evacuation of at least 37 families living in the area.

From ‘accidental animator’ to Pixar codirector

As far as animation movies are concerned, Pixar’s releases soar above the rest—with brilliant storylines mixing smart humor and touching drama, like in 2003’s “Finding Nemo,” 2007’s “Ratatouille,” 2008’s “WALL.E” and 2009’s “Up.” These four films each won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

They also have something else in common: Filipino-American animator Ronnie del Carmen. The talented, self-taught Del Carmen has a life story that could easily be the subject of a feature film.

The 55-year-old had to overcome poverty and displacement, starting from scratch and personal loss to make a living in an industry he never imagined working in. “I’m an accidental animator,” he says. “I’ve been very lucky. People want to promote me to jobs that they think I can do.”

Now he achieves a career milestone as co-director (along with Pete Docter) of the much-anticipated Disney-Pixar film “Inside Out,” which opens in the United States in June and in the Philippines in August.

The very idea thrills him still. “It felt strange and out-of-body,” he recalls. “For one thing, I didn’t understand what that meant… But I automatically said ‘yes.’”

“Inside Out” is about what goes on in the mind of a girl named Riley, with the emotions Joy (Amy Poehler), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader) and Sadness (Phyllis Black) interacting and coming into conflict as Riley adjusts to life in a different city.

Del Carmen knows a thing or two about that. Born Ronaldo del Carmen in Cavite City in 1959, he recalls being artistically inclined, though he had no idea where the inclination came from. “It’s a mystery since I was little. I would draw all the time on the walls and the backs of notebooks,” he says. “My dad got upset with me.”

It became a habit. “I cannot not draw,” Del Carmen says, adding that he brings a sketchbook with him everywhere.

Change in fortune

His family experienced a change in fortune when he was 11. His father Rogelio and some friends pooled their money into a business venture; when the first transaction turned out successful, someone ran away with all the cash.

“We were a middle-class family… and the next week we were poor,” he recounts. “I barely finished high school. All my friends went to college, I had to work.”

His father left the Philippines to work in the United States when Del Carmenwas 17; he would not see his dad again until he was 29.

Five years later, he enrolled in the University of Santo Tomas (UST). “My friends from high school were all graduating,” he remembers. “I kind of shuffled into UST, the oldest student in every class.”

But his time spent drawing paid off as he often finished ahead of his classmates, talking to the professors because he had more in common with his teachers than his classmates. He half-heartedly took the required class in animation, knowing he had absolutely no interest in becoming an animator.

“It seemed like too much work for very little gain,” he says. He graduated from UST with a degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising; he also married his college sweetheart Tess.

Del Carmen then flung himself head first into the advertising industry, becoming art director at one agency.

Going to America

Then, the proverbial flash of lightning: The petition his father, now a US citizen, had filed came through, and the Del Carmens had a chance to immigrate to America. “When the petition came, I was almost ambivalent about it,” he says, noting he had a good career in advertising in the Philippines. Ultimately he took the leap, moving his family with him to the United States.

It was rough because he had to start over again. He couldn’t get a job in advertising. For months he was unemployed, and he thought he would have to wash dishes at a hotel.

Learning on the job

RONNIE Del Carmen at work

Then, another flash of lightning; his phases in life overlapping like animated slides. He got a job—in animation. “It was drawing,” he admits. “Drawing kind of saved my life and made this career for me.”

He knew nothing about animation, but that’s never stopped him. He learned on the job and worked on TV shows such as “Where’s Waldo?” and the critically acclaimed “Batman: The Animated Series.” From there, he made the jump to feature-film animation for DreamWorks, working on 1998’s “The Prince of Egypt” and 2000’s “The Road to El Dorado.”

That’s when he lucked out yet again and joined Pixar in 2000.

His works for the studio include “Ratatouille” (storyboard artist), “Finding Nemo” (story supervisor), “Brave” (story artist), “Monster University” (story artist) and the breakthrough “Up.”

He collaborated with codirectors Docter and Bob Peterson in the story for “Up.” He directed the short “Doug’s Special Mission,” which was included in the “Up” DVD.

All these paved the way for his codirecting stint with Docter on “Inside Out,” which elates and challenges him.

Many talents

Del Carmen is a storyteller of many talents—and mediums.

Aside from TV and film animation, he did books and had a particularly impressive stint doing comic books. This is why he received an Annie Award (the industry’s animation awards) for the 2002 film “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” a Daytime Emmy Award for the animated TV series “Freakazoid!” and a 1995 Eisner Award for the comic book “Batman Adventures Holiday Special.”

But from all types of storytelling, his favorite is feature-film animation. “I have story-boarded sequences that, on pitches, people cry, and I kind of have to step back and say, ‘What did I just do?’

You don’t get to do that with either comic books or just making books. That’s when I’m most involved in creating the characters. There’s a certain life to it that I’ve created, along with everyone else making it with me. I don’t get that hit with anything else.”

And for someone who’s worked with Batman, Superman, Waldo and the Xenomorphs from “Alien,” Del Carmen has an unusual but meaningful choice for favorite character: grumpy with a golden heart Carl Fredricksen from “Up.” It so happened that his father Rogelio had fallen ill while Del Carmen was working on the film; Rogelio had lost the ability to speak, and Del Carmen would visit him at the hospital, showing the sequences he had drawn up.

THE EMOTIONS (From left) Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith)

“I’d say, ‘Dad, you look exactly like Carl,’” he recalls. His father didn’t live to see the finished film. “My dad kind of lives in the film,” he says. “I see it as a memorial to my dad. Batman was my first love as a kid to do comics, and I still love the character. I loved the horror aspect of ‘Alien.’ But the most emotional thing I’ve ever done in my career has been to show an old man go through these emotions, realizing what his life amounted to. I don’t think I’ll ever get that shot again. It’s been rewarding I got to do it.”

It should come then as no surprise that Del Carmen’s children share a passion for storytelling.

Daughter Gerin, 25, is starting her own career in film. His eldest son Geo, 27, wants to be a lawyer, which Del Carmen points out is another kind of storytelling.

So now that he has codirected a feature film, does that mean doing a feature film by himself is next? There’s no sign of that yet, but he is hopeful.

“I would love to be able to helm a production, but I also like to tell the story I [myself] want to tell,” he says.

There is one story he’s likely to tell. His childhood in Cavite has left him with a different feeling whenever typhoons come. Instead of getting scared, he remembers being excited about the prospect of classes being suspended the next day, and he and his friends wading into the floodwaters to catch fish and frogs.

He’s story-boarded a short film titled “Ulan.” “It’s like a childhood memory of being out in the rain,”he says. “I’ve been planning to produce it, and I’ve pitched it around. At storytelling workshops, I tell them that some of the most compelling stories of our lives come from our childhood.”

At the cusp of his greatest career achievement—so far—Del Carmen gets poetic when talking about animation: “I have only one lesson because this is the life I lead: I would love for everybody to tell their stories…

“That kind of bond and trust and facility to build a common dream,whether in industry or animated features, it’s about trying to create something that doesn’t exist. But if I can tell you this dream, this story, you will join me and make it.”

Talk about making it. For Ronnie del Carmen, everything is animated. He’s lived a life that refuses to fit in frames and faces a future bigger than any big screen.

Reform of bank regulatory standards pushed

Panglao, Bohol – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), together with other major central banks in Asia, has pressed the need for reform on the international bank regulatory standards, highlighting the challenges of some national financial authorities to implement global reforms to over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently hosted the eighth meeting of the Financial Stability Board (FSB) Regional Consultative Group.

FSB, an international body that monitors and makes recommendations about the global financial system, is a panel made up of central bankers, finance officials and top regulators from the world’s largest economies.

During the meeting held in Bohol, it was discussed that the BSP, as well as the other national financial authorities across Asia, is finding it hard to catch up with the implementation of certain international bank regulatory standards which are also being applied to other major markets in the world like the United States and Europe.

Implementation of global reforms to OTC derivatives markets was the subject of attention by the members of the FSB Regional Consultative Group for Asia (FSBA).

Co-chaired by Japan Financial Services Agency vice minister for international affairs Masamichi Kono Kono and BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr., FSBA’s membership includes financial authorities from Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Merely a contract between two or more parties, derivative is a financial instrument generally used as an instrument to hedge risk.

OTC derivatives, on the other hand, is one distinct type of derivative that is traded and negotiated between two parties without going through an exchange or other intermediaries. The OTC market is composed of banks and other market participants, like hedge funds, and because there is no central exchange, traders are exposed to more counterparty risk.

BSP Governor Tetangco Jr. said in a briefing on Wednesday evening that the reason the topic was focused on this matter because many jurisdictions in Asia, including the Philippines, find it difficult to comply with the current content of the global reforms on OTC derivatives set by the FSB.

“On the global reform of OTC derivatives, we undoubtedly subscribe our full support and intention in improving our transparency to be able to better monitor the risk and linkages with OTC derivatives but the structure component of the reform agenda makes it difficult for us to meet the prescribed minimum standard at this time,” he added.

Discussions on OTC derivatives were centered on the impact on Asia of the reforms’ implementation in the US and Europe, cross-border implementation issues more generally, and the market infrastructure supporting derivatives markets in Asia.

Japan Financial Services Agency vice minister for international affairs Masamichi Kono, who is also present in the briefing, said there’s a need to consider individual national circumstances in the implementation of agreed international reforms while still maintaining consistency of outcomes and ensuring that the objectives of the reforms are achieved.

“Appropriate application of proportionality and sequencing of the reforms’ implementation will be useful,” Tetango added.

Members also highlighted the need for technical assistance with implementation of the reforms.

Given the current interest rate environment and taking into account the specific features in Asian banks and Asian markets, FSBA members also talked about how to effectively monitor and control interest rate risk in the banking book of Asian banks.

The next topic addressed by members was that of long-term investment (LTI) in Asia, particularly the potential impact on investment arising from financial regulatory reforms and other factors.

Protect water consumers, MWSS urged

An advocacy group with more than 100 organizations under its wing asked the regulatory office to protect consumers after the two varying rulings by the arbitration panel on the water firms’ petition for increased rates.

In a statement, the Water for the People Network (WPN) said the decision of the arbitration panel on the petition of the Manila Water recently disallowed the firm to pass on to consumers the costs of its corporate income tax, as well as declared the firm as a public utility.

MANILA WATER CHECKED — A worker from Manila Water checks out the firm’s water meters installed on Agham Road in Quezon City yesterday. A decision of the arbitration panel has ruled against Manila Water’s passing off its corporate income tax to consumers. (Mark Balmores)

WPN said regulators of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) should clarify the next steps given the contradicting arbitral rulings.

While the decision of the Manila Water’s arbitration panel is welcome, the WPN reiterated the MWSS privatization remains problematic as exemplified by the conflicting arbitral decisions.

The group noted that the MWSS privatization and its provisions under the concession agreements allow the private water concessionaires to challenge and reverse regulatory decisions.

Already, the Maynilad has demanded that government pay the company P208 million in monthly “losses” due to the delay in the implementation of the arbitration decision.

The WPN added that the appeal of the regulatory office of MWSS against implementing the ruling on Maynilad is strengthened with the release of the arbitral decision on Manila Water’s petition.

Earlier, Maynilad and Manila Water filed an arbitration case in the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to contest the MWSS decision denying the water firms’ petition for rate increase.

After the ICC upheld the petition of Maynilad the MWSS deferred from implementing an increase until the ICC has likewise reached a decision on the case of Manila Water.

The MWSS in August 2013 denied the petitions of both Maynilad and Manila Water for a hike in its basic charge after water advocates revealed that the two water firms were, among others, unjustly charging expenses unrelated to the delivery of water service such as corporate income tax, donations, advertising, rest and recreation, and the cost of future projects.

Sandigan recommends reduced jail sentence for convicted ex-ambassador

The former Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria was sentenced to serve at least 30 years imprisonment after being found guilty by the Sandiganbayan in the malversation of almost $100,000 from the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) funds that were used in 2007 in bringing back home 25 freed kidnapped Filipinos.

In a 27-page Decision, the Sandiganbayan First Division found former Ambassador Masaranga Umpa guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating three counts of Malversation of Public Funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code and sentenced him to a minimum 30 years imprisonment.

On the other hand, the First Division “recommends to the Chief Executive, through the Department of Justice, for the commutation of the penalty, if not pardon of the accused in these cases.”

In the Decision that was penned by Associate Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada and concurred by First Division Chairperson Efren dela Cruz and Associate Justice Rafael Lagos, the graft court admitted that “while it is obliged to apply the penalty provided for the offense charged, believes that it is too harsh and excessive under the circumstance.”

‘No basis’, says Palace on treason charge

Malacañang is not worried about the treason complaint filed against President Aquino over the bungled Mamasapano operation and the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. asserted that the complaint filed by former assemblyman Homobono Adaza before the Office of the Ombudsman has no basis.

“The President is determined to pursue the peace process despite charges that have no basis,” Coloma told reporters in the Palace.

In the complaint, Adaza claimed that President Aquino and other top government officials should be charged with treason for pursuing an agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and pursuing a bill that seeks to create a Bangsamoro political entity, which he said violates the Constitution and gives aid to the enemies of the state.

The commander-in-chief was also accused of issuing a stand down order from sending reinforcements to the beleaguered Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during the January 25 operation in Mamasapano just to save the BBL.

The President, however, is immune from any lawsuit during his incumbency.

‘ENEMIES OF PEACE’

The President earlier used the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution to push for the peace measure despite the Mamasapano massacre. Aquino, heavily criticized for the bungled police mission, made a pitch for the swift approval of the BBL as he vowed to fight the “enemies of peace” in the south.

“If we give in to the enemies of peace, it’s as if we’re also allowing the conflict in Mindanao to worsen. If we surrender the establishment of the Bangsamoro, it’s like we’re allowing them to bequeath arms to the next generation of our fellow Filipinos,” the President said.

“We would never allow this to happen. It’s only by attaining lasting peace that all the sacrifices will be worth it for those who fought in EDSA, including those who lost their lives to end fear and violence in society,” he noted.

Several lawmakers have expressed misgivings on the passage of the BBL following the MILF’s reported involvement in the Mamasapano clash that martyred 44 SAF commandos. Some wanted to amend provisions of the President’s priority bill while others refused to support the peace measure due to the alleged insincerity of the MILF.

Palace warns vs ‘opportunists’ who may sow dissent

Watch out for “opportunist groups.”

Malacañang aired this warning as it called on groups planning a justice march for the martyred 44 commandos of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) this Sunday to remain vigilant against the possible infiltration by a desperate few instigating a military-backed uprising against President Aquino.

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government upholds the people’s freedom of expression but would not tolerate any action that violates the Constitution.

“While we join the commemoration of the heroism of the PNP-SAF44, it is important to be vigilant and watchful of groups that want to take advantage of the grief and use the opportunity to pursue their dubious goal,” Coloma said in a press briefing.

“Let’s observe that in the past days, there have been calls for the resignation of the President coupled with coup threats and other destabilization efforts. These opportunist groups have even used the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution as an occasion to call on the public to wield people power against the government,” he added.

The Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PNPAAAI) had earlier announced plans to hold a “March for Justice for SAF 44” on March 8. The organizers have already issued guidelines to keep the nationwide activity non-partisan and focus on the demand for justice for the slain troopers.

During the EDSA anniversary rites, President Aquino lashed out at desperate groups riding on the Mamasapano incident to derail the peace process.

He lamented that these groups merely criticize the government but do not present alternative solutions to the problem.

Coloma said these groups do not want peace because they will benefit from chaos and violence.

“The government appeals anew for calm and reason.”

‘DAY OF HEALING’

At the Lower House, a group of lawmakers filed House Resolution No. 1952 seeking to declare March 6, 2015, a National Day of Healing for Unity and All-Out-Peace, All-Out-Justice in commemoration of the 40th day of the Mamasapano massacre.

Led by former Justice Secretary and 1-BAP partylist Rep. Silvestre Bello III, the group asked the 290-man Lower Chamber “to lead this nation’s call for calm and sobriety amidst these troubled times, and in unity with the independent efforts of our peace-loving citizens’ peace advocacies and to commemorate the thousands of lives lost from decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.”

“This unfortunate incident has likewise caused a national divide threatening to polarize the country and its peace-loving people, with some sections issuing condemnation, hasty judgment and espousing bloody retaliation and all-out war,” the three-page resolution said.

Joining Bello in filing the resolution are AKBAYAN partylist Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez III, Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte, Zambales Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, Sorsogon Rep. Deogracias Ramos Jr., Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo, AMIN party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, TUCP party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, and Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong.

The lawmakers cited that civil society groups, peace movements and communites across the country have started to unify in a gathering of peace advocates calling for “All-Out-Peace, All-Out-Justice,” which will culminate on the 40th day of the tragic Mamasapano anti-terror raid last Jan. 25.

“In order to maintain calm and sobriety in these tension-filled times and arrive at an objective and impartial result to the ongoing investigation on the Mamasapano incident, there is an imperative and urgent need to pause and re-assess our common aspirations to bring peaceful solutions to our nation’s problems,” the group said.

House pressed to resume own Mamasapano probe

Lawmakers who are former police and military men are pressing on the House leadership to resume the joint investigation by two House committees on the tragic death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos last Jan 25.

Magdalo party-list Rep. Francisco Ashley Acedillo, who belongs to the “Saturday Bloc” of the House of Representatives, led the filing of House Resolution No. 1961 to call for the resumption of the chamber’s Mamasapano probe, which had been indefinitely suspended pending the results of the investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Board of Inquiry (BOI).

“These members of the House are of the belief that the continuance of the joint hearings on the Mamasapano massacre… must proceed as it is in aid of legislation – in order to cover ground that the Senate was not able to cover, as well as to inform and educate the members of the House on their deliberations on the BBL on issues which came to the fore only in the aftermath of the Jan. 25, 2015, debacle in Mamasapano, Maguindanao,” the group said in filing the two-page resolution.

Last Feb. 11, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety conducted a probe on the Jan. 25 carnage jointly with the House Committee on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, but decided to suspend the investigation pending results of the inquiry being conducted by BOI. The PNP board is due to submit its report to Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today for President Aquino’s review.

The group cited the need to continue the House investigation to review the operational aspects of the Government of the Philippines (GPH)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire agreement, the current operational and coordinative framework between the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other security bureaus.

The House resolution said resumption of the House probe will “help in the deliberations of the ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, allow it to pursue its oversight functions over several aspects of the GPH-MILF peace process as well as the operations of the PNP/AFP/other security bureaus, and support the pursuit of justice in behalf of the victims of the carnage in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.”

Joining Acedillo in filing the resolution were Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, and Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop.

The House independent bloc led by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and 33 other lawmakers, led by the Makabayan bloc, called on Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. to reopen the Mamasapano probe.

Belmonte said the House is ready to resume the probe once it receives the BOI report. He said “there are still unanswered questions” on the bloody raid.

“Once the BOI report is in and their vital questions unanswered, we could reopen. Multiplicity of investigations not desirable,” he said.

The speaker had earlier manifested that if they are satisfied with the BOI report, they are not likely to resume the House Mamasapano hearings.

Unconstitutional BBL provisions scrapped House dilutes peace measure to keep powers of Comelec, COA, Ombudsman, CSC, CHR, PNP

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Wanlu brings PH puppetry to world stage

JUST A THOUGHT: Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. – Lao Tzu

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AMBASSADOR OF PUPPETRY: Ventriloquist-comedian Wanlu may as well be the Philippine ambassador of puppetry.

The “Talentadong Pinoy” Hall of Famer has been waving the national flag in puppetry conventions and festivals throughout Asia in the last few years.

WANLU and his puppet Nicolo are the Philippine ambassadors of puppetry in international meets

In April, Wanlu visits the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur to hold a series of puppetry workshops. Wanlu finds this special considering that the Philippines does not have its own puppetry art while Malaysia is famous for Wayang kulit or shadow puppetry.

“We might not have our own puppetry art but Pinoy puppeteers are very good with ventriloquism and hand puppetry; in fact, we are probably the best in Asia,” Wanlu says.

Before then, in March, in celebration of World Puppetry Day, Wanlu holds the 4th Battle of Ventriloquists with an exhibit of ASEAN puppetry arts. The exhibit, set from March 19 to 21 at Resorts World Manila, includes performances by puppeteers from Indonesia and Singapore.

Dr. Luy Chee Luen of the University of Malaya has scheduled two puppetry workshops under Wanlu’s supervision.

From Malaysia, Wanlu flies to Tokyo, Japan to participate in a ventriloquist convention organized by the Japan Ventriloquists Association (JVA). JVA President Takeshi Ikeda has asked Wanlu to show how ventriloquism and puppetry were used to heal victims of super storm “Yolanda” in Tacloban.

His next trip will be in September for the World Puppet Carnival (WPC) in Kazakhstan. Wanlu has been designated by WPC organizer Rod Petrovic to handle the ventriloquist shows nightly during the seven-day carnival.

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INTIMATE WASH FOR HIM AND HER: Can’t take away the sex from Ai Ai delas Alas, who launched recently her new business, a brand of intimate wash for women called Affection.

Ai Ai’s son, Sancho, is behind the brand’s male counterpart, Great. Mother and son believe men and women should keep their private parts clean and hygienic at all times.

Sancho, who has launched an acting career on GMA-7, also has a T-shirt line called Sail City.

By the way, Ai Ai is the latest Filipino actress to acquire an immigrant status in the US.

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CNN’S HOLLYWOOD EXPRESS: Get the latest updates, profiles of new films coming up on “CNN’s Hollywood Express,” airing on consecutive dates on local channel 9TV.

This week, the spotlight is on the movies “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “In Focus,” “Unfinished Business.”

Catch “CNN’s Hollywood Express” on Saturday, March 7 at 9 a.m.; Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.; and Monday, March 9, at 2 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

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CASA MARCOS PA RIN: Spotted at Casa Marcos restaurants spread out around Ortigas, Quezon City and The Fort: Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino, Lani Misalucha, Noli de Castro, Tillie Moreno, among others.

Then and now an acknowledged favorite among entertainment celebrities, CM has maintained its presence in the Metro’s culinary and entertainment scene through downsized outlets in strategic places.

The historic restaurant can be found at Ortigas Center, Il Terrazo on Tomas Morato, and Burgos Circle at The Fort.

Muffin Galvez, a third generation Del Rosario, says the new Casa Marcos now carries a strictly Spanish menu. Pride of the house are CM’s Spanish sisig jazzed up by bits of chorizo, chicken in white wine sauce, and lengua Sevillana rendered salpicao style.

Alex Gonzaga in her element

Alex Gonzaga has become hot commodity since returning to the Kapamilya Network.

She has a number of projects that shows her different abilities. Two of these are her comedic talent seen on the late-night gag show “Banana Nite” weeknights, and her hosting skills on “The Voice of the Philippines” and “ASAP” weekends. She has also branched into writing, having released the bestseller “Dear Alex, Break Na Kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine.”

Soon, she will wear the hat of a concert performer for the first time ever via “AG From the East: the Unexpected Concert” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

ALEX GONZAGA

Despite these responsibilities, the 27-year old is unruffled.

“Kaya ’yan! Hangga’t may oxygen, kaya ’yan,” said Alex, quoting her titular character in yet another TV series, “Inday Bote.”

She is able to manage her time because “’yung iba naman naming ginagawa, hindi buong araw, like ’yung ‘ASAP,’ ‘The Voice,’ so may mga times din na nakakapagpahinga.”

She added, “Hindi naman nagkakaro’n ng super super major conflict kasi isang network lang ’yung ginagawalan ko. Nagkakaroon ng time for each (endeavor)… So far so good, wala talagang problema.”

It isn’t as if her previous network did not take good care of her. Alex attested, “Binigyan nila ’ko ng time para matapos ko ’yung pag-aaral ko… Meron din silang binigay sa’king mga trabaho…”

SISTER’S WEDDING

Asked if keeping herself busy is a coping mechanism for the time her sister Toni Gonzaga marries fiancé Paul Soriano, Alex admitted it could be that.

However, she pointed out, “Si Direk Paul hindi naman siya iba sa’min. Ang tagal na rin namin siyang nakasama… Parang nakapag-sink in na rin sa’kin (Paul and Toni’s engagement).”

As to Toni leaving their home, “Isipin ko na rin siguro, if ever dumating ’yung time na umalis na siya, ’di lang kami nagkikita dahil may taping siya,” she said.

I WISH

On the upcoming TV series “Inday Bote,” Alex portrays a free-spirited young woman who is ready to do everything for her family. Because of her kind heart, she will be given a strange bottle, which, unknown to her, houses dwarves with magical powers.

Alex was asked what her wishes would be given the same opportunity for real. Quick with a reply, she hopes her relationship with her Toni will not change, even after the latter’s marriage.

“Feeling ko lang, baka siyempre, iba na ’yung priority niya, iba na ’yung family niya, ’yun lang ’yung wish ko,” Alex shared, “Whatever happens, hindi magbabago ang closeness namin.’”

She also wishes for the success of “Inday Bote.”

“Maraming bata, maraming Pilipino (sana) ang ma-inspire kay Inday Bote; siya ang maging beacon of hope, icon of youth.”

Directed by Malu Sevilla and Jon Villarin and produced by Dreamscape Entertainment Television, “Inday Bote” also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Kean Cipriano and Alonzo Muhlach, among others. (With report from Jojo P. Panaligan)

Lea Salonga still in talks on taking role in ‘Allegiance’

Manila, Philippines – Tony award winner Lea Salonga says talks have not yet been finalized on her joining the cast of George Takei’s musical “Allegiance” on Broadway, but added it is a show she wants to be part of.

The Broadway veteran played the lead female role Kei Kimura when the musical made its sold-out premiere in 2012 at The Old Globe in San Diego, California.

LEA SALONGA

“Star Trek” actor Takei’s personal and heartfelt show about Japanese-Americans imprisoned during World War II goes to Broadway this fall with him in a starring role.

“Of course I’d like to be a part of it, if only to be part of something that’s very important in Broadway history,” Salonga told The Associated Press in a telephone interview late Monday.

“Allegiance” is multigenerational tale with two love stories that’s framed by a Japanese-American war veteran looking back on his family’s time in a Wyoming internment camp. Previews begin Oct. 6. It will mark the first Asian-led cast of a musical on Broadway in more than a decade, since “Flower Drum Song.”

The story of “Allegiance” covers an important part of American history, when tens of thousands of Asian-Americans were put in camps just because they looked like the enemy, said Salonga.

“This kind of prejudice and bigotry is actually still happening,” added the 44-year-old Salonga. “It’s still relevant and that’s the sad and scary part of it.”

She said with very few Asian-led musicals on Broadway, “Allegiance” is “a big, big deal” and also excites her because it will be another milestone for Takei.

The actor famous for playing Hikaru Sulu in “Star Trek” turned his childhood memories in an internment camp into the musical. Takei turns 78 next month.

Salonga – the original “Miss Saigon” in London and New York who also starred in the Broadway revival of “Flower Drum Song” in 2002 – will have a concert on March 14 at the Town Hall in New York. She has also been busy as a coach in “The Voice of the Philippines” singing contest that ended its second season Sunday.