Filipinos believe that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is the most corrupt leader the Philippines has ever had, worse than late dictator Ferdinand Marcos who ruled the country for more than 20 years, a survey showed Wednesday.

The survey, conducted by Pulse Asia Inc. in late October, showed that 42 per cent of 1,200 respondents nationwide tagged the 60-year-old economist as 'the most corrupt (president) in the history of the Philippines.'

Marcos, who was accused of looting some 5 billion dollars from the national coffers during his rule, only came second to Arroyo with 35 per cent of Filipinos believing him the most corrupt. Sixteen per cent of the respondents believed the convicted-and-pardoned Joseph Estrada was the most corrupt.

Corazon Aquino, who replaced Marcos, was considered 'the least corrupt or not corrupt (leader) in the history of the Philippines,' according to the survey.

The survey was conducted when the opposition-led Senate was conducting investigations on new corruption allegations against Arroyo, her family and close political allies.

Earlier in the week, the Berlin-based Transparency International said the Philippines is No. 10 among 180 countries where petty bribery and corruption is rampant.

But Arroyo said the popular perception does not reflect the reality of the progress her government is making in reducing corruption.

'We believe that perception will match reality in a few short years,' she said in a statement. 'The fact is that we are undertaking a strong and steady effort to curb graft through criminal justice, administrative control and procedural reforms.'

Why is it that most Filipino politicians are corrupt?

1. Philippine (菲律宾) 9.40

Expatriate businessmen in Asia perceive the Philippines as the most corrupt country in the region. Nearly $2 billion dollars, or roughly 13 percent of the Philippines' annual budget, is lost to corruption in the country each year, according to the United Nations Development Program.

Its judicial system is believed to be ineffective at prosecuting and punishing individuals for corruption when abuses are uncovered. Local corruption monitors confirm that graft and bribery in the Philippines remain rampant. Corruption has penetrated every level of government, from the Bureau of Customs down to the traffic police officers who pull over motorists to demand bribes.


2. Indonesia (印尼) 8.03

Not only on Asia's top 10 list, Indonesia has also been categorized as the number 5 of the 96 most corrupt nations in the world. In the past two years, Indonesia has lost more than $2bn due to corruption.

Former president Suharto, as the most corrupt political leader in the world in the past 20 years, has ruled this country with an iron fist for more than three decades. All the leading candidates have made fighting corruption a central theme of their campaigns but none have been clear on how they will solve the problem.


3. Thailand (泰国) 8.03

The Problem of corruption has been around for a long time in Thailand and its roots are deep in the culture - While huge amounts of money will be lost during the implementation of projects due to corruption, more will be lost while trying to fight against it and stop it.

Thailand’s ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has used very rough methods to control the media, which should be one of the most powerful watchdogs against corruption.


4. Vietnam (越南) 7.54

A country where its light-fingered bureaucrats cream off at least 20% of infrastructure spending. Corruption has been identified as one of the government's main challenges.Vietnamese is now battling corruption at all levels.


5. India (印度) 6.67

Corruption happens because they have a system that allows such corruption to flourish. It's a country that as high as 62 percent of citizens think that the corruption is not a hearsay, but they in fact had the firsthand experience of paying bribe or “using a contact” to get a job done in a public office.

It is not anymore confined to politicians or the government machinery alone. It is prevalent amongst almost every section of the society at every level.


6. Korea (韩国) 6.30

Since the financial crisis of 1997, Korea’s image was radically changed from a model developmental state with good governance to a country with rampant corruption and cronyism.


7. China (中国) 6.29

Corruption in China became increasingly serious during the early period of its social transition, resulting in severe economic losses and huge challenges to China’s government institution, as well as gradually becoming socially widespread.

Bribery has become the main accusation of corruption against China’s senior officials. it was found that the spouse (usually the wife) and the child played an important role in senior officials’ acts of corruption. Also, corruption cases have shown that having a “love affair” often coincided with the first steps of corruption.


8. Malaysia (马来西亚) 6.25

When we say money politics, people don’t get the real picture; it is nothing but bribery and corruption. It is buying votes to get elected to the leadership of UMNO, the dominant party in the Barisan National that rules the nation.


9. Taiwan (台湾) 6.23

Taiwan's problem lies in its own history. Taiwan was a notoriously violent and lawless frontier society. Since the government could not control its tough citizens, it granted them official titles to sustain the fiction of central control. Local government by gangsters, vastly preferable in the eyes of the Taiwanese to no government at all. Here we have local "muscle" being used to gain access to political and economic spoils which are used to legitimize community standing.


10. Macau (澳门) 5.11

N/A


11. Japan (日本) 2.10

Asia's 3rd least corrupt country. Since the years of the bubble economy and the ensuing economic and political turmoil after the bubble burst, political corruption in Japan has become a major concern for the general public, the most recent case is Abe cabinet's scandals.


12. Hong Kong (香港) 1.87

Asia's 2nd least corrupt country.


13. Singapore (新加坡) 1.20

Rodolfo Lozada Jr., a former technical consultant in an aborted broadband deal with a Chinese telecommunications company, was taken into custody after a court issued an arrest warrant in the perjury case filed against him by a former member of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Cabinet.

In his complaint, Mike Defensor said Lozada lied when he told the Senate last year that he had been kidnapped by security agents to prevent him from exposing the allegedly corruption-tainted contract and that Defensor instructed him to deny the abduction and any knowledge of the deal.

During the Senate hearings on the $330 million national broadband network contract with China's ZTE Corp., Lozada accused former elections commission chief Benjamin Abalos of demanding a huge kickback from the deal. He also claimed Arroyo's husband, lawyer Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, took part in backroom negotiations in the deal.

Both men have denied the allegations, and ZTE denied bribing Philippine officials. The deal was canceled by Arroyo in 2007 due to the controversy.

"In our country, you will be jailed if you tell the truth," Lozada told reporters as officers led him from the compound of La Salle High School _ a Catholic boys school in suburban San Juan which has been his family's home for over a year since testifying in the Senate.

Lozada, who became a rallying point for the opposition demanding Arroyo's resignation, has been living there, citing alleged threats to his life.

He was accompanied in the police car by Sister Mary John Mananzan, head of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines.

"We will not leave his side because we know he is a crusader for truth," Mananzan said.

In various radio interviews Wednesday, Lozada expressed defiance and said he was prepared to face the charges, which he claims were part of efforts by the Arroyo government to silence him.

"I respect Mike's right to protect his name but I am standing by my statement that they are doing this to cover up ... this deal," he said.

From: yahoo.com news

Sadly, in the euphoria that follows the victory of every Filipino boxer, such as the recent win of Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria, we conveniently overlook the plight of other champions who were celebrated during their heyday and forgotten soon after, neglected by the government which should reward them for a job well done.

A case in point is Luisito Espinosa, former world champion in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, whose story is told by San Francisco-based Filipino journalist Mike Genovea for Funfare readers.

Here it is:

The fists that once battered his opponents in the ring are now reduced to cleaning tables in a fastfood restaurant here in San Francisco.

The hands belong to Luisito Espinosa, 41, the former world champion in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

Espinosa retired after he was KO’d by Cristobal Cruz in their 2005 fight in Stockton, California.

To survive, Espinosa worked as a stocker at Costco (a membership wholesale store chain) for three years. Now a busboy at McDonald’s at the corner of Serramonte and Gellert Avenues, he’s applying for work at Lucky Chances, a casino owned by a Filipino, at nearby Colma area.

“I have to work to be able to pay for my bills,” said Espinosa who held the WBA bantamweight title from 1989 to 1991 and the WBC featherweight crown from 1995 to 1998. He assured that he’s still in shape because, as part-time job, he trains boxers while working out at the 3rd Avenue Gym.

“I am good for two more years,” said Espinosa, once dubbed as The Original Golden Boy of boxing, who couldn’t hide his resentment toward what he called “greedy” managers (“Except Papa Sarreal”) who were interested more in fattening their pockets than in advancing his career.

That’s why, unlike Pacquiao, he never came close to achieving mega-bucks purses despite being at the top for eight years.

His father Dio and uncle Leo were also boxers.

Separated from his wife Marie Cherie (with whom he has three children), Espinosa is still recognized by Pinoys who go to McDonald’s. During our interview, six people said hi to him.

“Kung minsan nga binibiro ko sila. Kapag tinatanong nila kung ako si Espinosa na boxer, ang sagot ko hindi.”

Espinosa wrested the WBA bantamweight title in 1989 by knocking out Khaokor Galaxy in the first round. He defended his title twice before losing it to Israel Contreras by a fifth round KO in 1991.

He was in the limelight again in 1995 when he won the WBC featherweight crown by outpointing Manuel Medina. He defended his title seven times before bowing to Cesar Soto by unanimous decision in 1999.

Donaire’s sentimental homecoming in Bohol

Dubbed as The Filipino Flash, Nonito “Junjun” Donaire Jr. visited his native Bohol with his wife Rachel Marcial (a Fil-Am taekwondo jin) and some friends from the US.

According to Funfare Bohol correspondent Leo Udtohan, Nonito and Rachel were married on Aug. 28, 2008 and he promised Rachel the trip to Bohol.

“Junjun took the group to Balicasag Island for diving,” reported Leo. “They also visited the Hinagdanan Cave, the Blood Compact Marker, Baclayon Church and Loboc River. Junjun posed wide-eyed with the tarsier. They had lunch at Riverwatch (operated by Tessie and Libby Sumalpong).”

During a stopover at the end of Loboc River for a cruise, Junjun danced with a local dance group which entertains the “cruisers.”

“He danced very well at mahusay ding kumanta,” added Leo. “The local folks which mobbed him were very delighted. In fairness, he knows how to grind and has a good voice. He attracted crowds everywhere he went, including the Chocolate Hills.”

In Talibon, he paid a courtesy call on Mayor Juanario Item who gave him a Plaque of Excellence. Junjun was born in Talibon, raised in General Santos City in the Philippines and moved to the US when he was 10 years old.

Leo said that Junjun also visited Alejandro Gurrea Elementary School where he studied before moving to US, and the abandoned, old house where he was born. Junjun was with his mom Elvira while they recalled his childhood memories.

“He was misty-eyed when he entered the old house,” noted Leo.

From: yahoo.com news

And this time is no exception, even as his trainer, Freddie Roach, and Ricky Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., have traded barbs before the press, often times catching the soft-spoken, kind-hearted Filipino champion in the crossfire.

Pacquiao also refused to get carried away by Hatton’s recent statement, calling on his countrymen from Britain to go sell their houses, and put all the money on the 30-year-old pride of Manchester. He said he’s the sure bet.

“I don’t think he ever said that,” said Pacquiao of Hatton in defusing the situation.

“Even if people talk and say a lot of things, and that I’ve heard a lot being said against me, you will never hear anything from me that I’m going to exact revenge or something,” said Pacquiao in Filipino.

Pacquiao wore a white shirt, blue shorts, rubber slippers and a Patek Phillipe wristwatch when he emerged from his bedroom to greet the more than 50 persons having late dinner in his elegant 60th floor suite at The Hotel of Mandalay Bay.

They have just come from a four-hour journey from Los Angeles to this throbbing city where people party all day, all night.

Pacquiao, who came in ahead of the big group, which took the “Pacman” bus from LA, said he’s ready for the fight.

“I’m a hundred percent in condition. We just have to maintain it until Saturday. We’ll stay loose and no more heavy training,” said the 30-year-old southpaw who earlier in the day closed out his sparring at the Wild Card Gym in LA for a total of 149 rounds since March 17.

He said he’s in the same condition as he was when he demolished Oscar dela Hoya last December, although the style might change depending on how Hatton moves around the ring.

“It depends on his style. We may use a different strategy this time. But I’m ready. We don’t know if Hatton will initiate but people know my style, in and out, in and out, and waiting for the perfect timing. I can also slug it out from inside,” he said.

Pacquiao said Hatton can go to his body all night long, and it won’t make a difference because he’s got abs solid as a rock.

“In sparring I let them go to my body. That’s why I prefer he goes for my body than my head. It’s really hard to tell. We’ll just let our fists do the talking,” said Pacquiao.

Notes: Gerry Peñalosa is A-OK after taking a beating from Puerto Rico’s Juan Manuel Lopez last Saturday. Filipino doctor Allan Recto, who was in Peñalosa’s corner, said the 36-year-old boxer was brought to the hospital for precautionary measures after taking in more than 400 power punches before the fight was stopped after nine rounds. “He underwent facial X-Rays, and also on the neck and chest. They were normal. Preliminary readings of the CT scan were also normal,” said Recto. Now it’s up to Peñalosa if he wants to retire or continue fighting although his beautiful wife, Goody, hinted that it’s time to call it a day. “You’ve done everything,” the wife was quoted as telling his husband, a two-time world champion... Manny Pacquiao stayed as a -270 favorite (you need $270 to win $100) while Ricky Hatton jumped from +210 to +230 (turn $100 to $230). That the fight won’t last the distance is at -125 and going the full distance of 12 rounds is at +105. Pacquiao winning by decision is 2/1 and by KO is at 10/113. Hatton by decision is 9/2 and by knockout is 16/5. A draw gives a handsome dividend of 22/1... Pacquiao did not take the bus to Vegas, and as tradition dictated, took the 300-mile trip on his Lincoln Navigator with his wife Jinkee, 1996 Atlanta Olympics boxing silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, Pinoy trainer Buboy Fernandez and wife Claire, and Edward Lura on the wheel. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

from: yahoo.com new

After working out for weeks next door to a Thai restaurant where he would eat dinner, the Filipino boxing star has found his focus and is confident he can become a champion in a record-matching sixth different weight division.

"If that happens, people will look at me as my name is on the list with the greatest legends in boxing history and that will be my legacy," Pacquiao said.

"It's very important to me to win six. It's a big honor for my country."

Pacquiao, 48-3 with two drawn and 36 knockouts, and Hatton, 45-1 with 32 knockouts, are set to make their arrivals in Las Vegas on Tuesday to begin the final countdown for a highly anticipated junior welterweight title bout.

"Right now I'm ready to fight. My mind is very complete. I'm into the fight," Pacquiao said. "I can focus more in Hollywood than the Philippines. If I train in the Philippines there are lots of activities, invitations, events."

Hatton has a size advantage while Pacquiao will count upon his superior speed to conquer the Hitman from Manchester, the linear division champion who has never lost at junior welterweight and fights for his own claim on history.

"As long as I'm remembered as one of the best we've ever had. I would be quite content," Hatton said. "People see me as excited in the ring and a good guy to boot. Thats how I'd like to be remembered."

Hatton suffered his only loss in Las Vegas when now-retired Floyd Mayweather stopped him in 2007 in a welterweight fight for the "pound-for-pound" crown now seen as belonging to Pacquiao after his victory over retired Oscar de la Hoya.

"This is the second time I've challenged the front pound-for-pound number one fighter," Hatton said. "We haven't had too many British fighters that could say they were the number one pound-for-pound fighter.

"To be mentioned in some of the same breath as some of Britains boxing heroes, that would be spectacular."

Thousands of noisy supporters flocked to Vegas for the Mayweather fight, creating a raucous atmosphere more like a Premiership match than a typical US title bout, singing and chanting for hours at the weigh-in as well.

"I would like to think I've brought some of the best atmosphere fights that Vegas has seen in recent years," Hatton said. "I don't think anybody has drawn an atmosphere and a fan base like that over to the United States."

Hatton knows it's vital he fight better than he fared against Mayweather in his biggest prior fight.

"Well, its very important because if I perform like I did last time, I'll get beat again," Hatton said.

Pacquiao has pressure of a different type, stressing that he fights for the honor of his nation. For a man whose bouts silence the weapons of Filipino soldiers, the tension is huge.

"The pressure is there but I don't want to put in my mind anything about that," Pacquiao said. "I want to focus on the work and try to make people happy with my performance."

from: yahoo.com news

When the Game Boy was first launched this week in 1989, Japan was enjoying its economic "bubble years," Madonna's "Like a Prayer" topped international charts, and Chinese students were just starting to mass on Tiananmen Square.

Video games had recently moved from the arcades into family homes. In Japan children were playing Nintendo's Family Computer or "Famicom" games on their television sets, and simple handheld games called Game and Watch.

But the Game Boy -- sold at 8,000 yen (80 dollars at today's exchange rate) -- was the first portable console with changeable game cartridges and marketed as "35 hours of games in your pocket with just four batteries."

"Children were so happy they could play on the train after school and before the inevitable evening crash courses," recalled Hirokazu Hamamura, head of Enterbrain, a publishing company on the gaming industry.

"If Nintendo beat its rivals in this field, it's because the company has spent decades in the universe of social gaming," he said.

Kyoto-based Nintendo started off in 1889 as a maker of card games and moved into toys in the early 1900s. In 1983, it launched the hit Famicom, called the Nintendo Entertainment System in the United States.

Nintendo "understood the young public, which was not the case for electronic groups like Sony, which targeted adults," said Hamamura.

Sony came up with the Walkman in 1979 but only launched a hand-held game console, the PlayStation Portable, years after the Game Boy.

The Game Boy -- first associated with games ranging from Tetris to the endless adventures of Pikachu and its Pocket Monsters friends -- has since then kicked off a revolution in gaming software.

"Video games played on television essentially revolved around fight games or a game between two players or against the console," said Hamamura.

"But with the Game Boy and Tetris, the types of missions began to evolve," leading to more diverse and sophisticated games such as Pokemon, he said.

Consoles of the Game Boy series -- which includes the pocket, lite and colour versions -- have since sold 118 million units, while the follow-up Game Boy Advance series sold 82 million consoles.

Twenty years on, Nintendo's portable consoles have grown up with their users. Nintendo in 2004 launched the dual-screen or DS portable console, which has since sold more than 100 million units around the world.

It boasts games such as the popular "Dragon Quest," but also study applications, restaurant guides, dictionaries and other functions. Some primary schools in Japan now use it to teach English and Japanese kanji characters.

"Nintendo has always preserved the same philosophy: entertaining the family," said Hamamura. "But in 20 years the company has also expanded its range of games with educational titles, which has turned adults into players."

Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata reportedly said recently that "it's a grand vision to have every student at every school using a DS.

"It will take time and energy to reach that goal because the DS has been viewed by teachers as an enemy for a long time."

From: yahoo.com news

"For me, this is not a regular fight," said the Filipino southpaw. "I consider this fight to be the toughest of my boxing career. After all he is undefeated at 140 pounds."

The former four-weight world champion challenges Hatton hfor his IBO light-welterweight title on May 2.

The Briton has never lost at his natural weight while Pacquiao, who declined to make any predictions about the fight, will be boxing in the division for the first time.

"I want to let my fists do the talking in the ring," 'Pac-Man' Pacquiao, ever respectful of his opponents, added in a teleconference call on Friday. "This is not an easy fight.

"Ricky Hatton is a different kind of fighter than I have been fighting before. He's a good fighter and a strong fighter. I expect him to be in 100 percent condition. He has a lot of energy and throws a lot of punches."

Widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Pacquiao said he and his team had been repeatedly watching video tapes of previous Hatton fights.

"He has a strong left hand, so we have studied that and prepared for that," the 30-year-old added.

But Pacquiao would not detail how he and trainer Freddie Roach planned to neutralise the Englishman's strengths.

HATTON'S STYLE

"We're ready for Ricky's style," he said. "We have been working on different techniques. I don't want to tell you what they are. I want to surprise you."

Pacquiao enhanced his impressive resume by outclassing 10 times world champion Oscar De La Hoya in December and promoter Bob Arum believes the Filipino now merits consideration as one of the greatest fighters ever.

"I personally have never seen such explosiveness combined with speed in all my years of boxing," said Arum, who has promoted boxing greats such as Marvin Hagler, Floyd Mayweather Jr and De La Hoya.

"I believe Manny's body of work establishes him as one of the best fighters in the history of boxing."

Idolised in the Philippines, Pacquiao has always strived to perform well for his fans.

"All I'm trying to do is give happiness and enjoyment to the people," he said.

Remarkably, his success in the ring has even led to temporary ceasefires in the 40-year guerrilla war being fought between Philippine troops and the Maoist-led New People's Army .

Steffani Cacho, Western Mindanao Command information officer, was quoted as saying in December: "If Manny fights, the guns will be silent."

On Friday, Pacquiao said in reply: "If that's a reason for them to be silent, I can fight every day."

From: yahoo.com news

Speaking at a conference call to promote his megabuck match with Pacquiao, Hatton said he has studied his opponent’s style very well — and concluded that the Pacman “fights the same way all the time.”

“I do really believe he's [Pacquiao] very effective at what he does, but I think he fights the same way all the time. He throws the same punches all the time. He throws a right jab, a one-two. He shuffles in and out with his feet, which obviously if you don't get to — if you don't get adjusted to the style of his feet obviously it could cause you problems,” Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) elaborated.

Hatton’s statements are somehow in contrast with the general perception that Pacquiao has metamorphosized from a one-dimensional slugger to a complete fighter. The General Santos City-based southpaw used to rely only on his powerful left straight to knock out opponents.

But under the guidance of renowned trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao (48-3-2, 38 KOs) has added a lethal right hook to his arsenal, and now uses remarkable footwork — consistently darting in and out to poke short stabs at his opponent then immediately staying out of harm’s way.

Still, Hatton is not convinced in Pacquiao being a “complete fighter,” saying it just takes proper adjustment to beat the current pound-for-pound king.

“But I think you get adjusted to this style — I don't see a versatile fight in Manny Pacquiao,” he continued. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: yahoo.com news

"The Holy Grail of current exoplanet research is the detection of a rocky, Earth-like planet in the 'habitable zone,'" said Michel Mayor, an astrophysicist at Geneva University in Switzerland.

An American expert called the discovery of the tiny planet "extraordinary."

Gliese 581 e is only 1.9 times the size of Earth — while previous planets found outside our solar system are closer to the size of massive Jupiter, which NASA says could swallow more than 1,000 Earths.

Gliese 581 e sits close to the nearest star, making it too hot to support life. Still, Mayor said its discovery in a solar system 20 1/2 light years away from Earth is a "good example that we are progressing in the detection of Earth-like planets."

Scientists also discovered that the orbit of planet Gliese 581 d, which was found in 2007, was located within the "habitable zone" — a region around a sun-like star that would allow water to be liquid on the planet's surface, Mayor said.

He spoke at a news conference Tuesday at the University of Hertfordshire during the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science.

Gliese 581 d is probably too large to be made only of rocky material, fellow astronomer and team member Stephane Udry said, adding it was possible the planet had a "large and deep" ocean.

"It is the first serious 'water-world' candidate," Udry said.

Mayor's main planet-hunting competitor, Geoff Marcy of the University of California, Berkeley, praised the find of Gliese 581 e as "the most exciting discovery" so far of exoplanets — planets outside our solar system.

"This discovery is absolutely extraordinary," Marcy told The Associated Press by e-mail, calling the discoveries a significant step in the search for Earth-like planets.

While Gliese 581 e is too hot for life "it shows that nature makes such small planets, probably in large numbers," Marcy commented. "Surely the galaxy contains tens of billions of planets like the small, Earth-mass one announced here."

Nearly 350 planets have been found outside our solar system, but so far nearly every one of them was found to be extremely unlikely to harbor life.

Most were too close or too far from their sun, making them too hot or too cold for life. Others were too big and likely to be uninhabitable gas giants like Jupiter. Those that are too small are highly difficult to detect in the first place.

Both Gliese 581 d and Gliese 581 e are located in constellation Libra and orbit around Gliese 581.

Like other planets circling that star — scientists have discovered four so far — Gliese 581 e was found using the European Southern Observatory's telescope in La Silla, Chile.

The telescope has a special instrument which splits light to find wobbles in different wavelengths. Those wobbles can reveal the existence of other worlds.

"It is great work and shows the potential of this detection method," said Lisa Kaltenegger, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

From: Yahoo.com News

A motorcade will be held around the city to fete the country’s new boxing heroes next to Manny Pacquiao after Donaire and Viloria scored a pair of convincing stoppages over their Mexican rivals.

Donaire retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) world flyweight titles with a fourth-round technical knockout of erstwhile unbeaten Mexican Raul Martinez while Viloria knocked out champion Ulises Solis of Mexico with a single punch in the 11th round to wrest the IBF junior flyweight crown.

Their feats also prompted Sen. Manny Villar to file a resolution commending the duo for bringing honors to the country.

“With their victories, Nonito and Bryan once again made the Philippines proud. They have once again proved to the world that Filipinos have what it takes to excel in whatever field of endeavor. They bring great pride and inspire all Filipinos to excel in their undertakings to achieve success and world recognition,” said Villar.

Also to be honored in the Manila motorcade are WBC international minimumweight champion Denver Cuello and super flyweight titlist Drian Francisco.

Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday urged Pacquiao to consider holding his next fight after Ricky Hatton in the country, saying such a fight can be rightly billed as the second Thrilla in Manila following the huge turnout which witnessed the Sunday card at the Big Dome.

“I know that the big money fights are in the United States and elsewhere. But I believe Manny has already achieved such an iconic stature in the world of boxing to make a big fight happen in the Philippines,” said Legarda said.

“While Filipinos follow Manny’s fights wherever they are held, the Donaire and Viloria fights showed that the victories of Filipino athletes are extra special when posted before our countrymen,” Legarda.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has directed his chief of staff Ric de Guzman and department of public services chief retired colonel Carlos Baltazar to make the necessary coordination with the traffic bureau for the routing scheme of the motorcade, consisting of three vehicles.

Lim said he would be taking a separate vehicle “so as not to diminish the luster of their glory.”

Lim described the fight of Donaire, Viloria and Cuello as very impressive and an inspiration to aspiring boxers not only in Manila but in other parts of the country.

Cuello, meanwhile, stopped Hiroshi Matsumoto of Japan in four rounds while Francisco won over Indonesian boxer Sahril Fabanyo in their 12-round super flyweight bout.

Legarda issued her call for Pacquiao as she noted the overwhelming pride and joy that Filipinos showed following Donaire and Viloria’s victories. - By Sandy Araneta (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: Yahoo.com News

The 5 foot 7 inch Hatton, who has never lost at his natural weight of 140 pounds, is one inch taller than former four-weight world champion Pacquiao.

"I don't see it being a distance fight," Hatton said during a teleconference call on Tuesday. "Manny goes for the knockout, I go for the knockout. It'll be an absolute war.

"Manny isn't the most elusive guy ... and when he gets hit, he will be hit by the strongest man he has ever been in with. I've never been more confident.

"Very rarely do I have an opponent against whom I have a height advantage, albeit a miniscule one, and certainly a strength advantage," added the 30-year-old from Manchester.

"Manny hasn't fought anybody as fiery, as ferocious and certainly as big and strong as Ricky Hatton. Ricky Hatton is a handful."

Hatton , who is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

UNDISPUTED KING

Pacquiao's most recent bout, a stoppage win over Oscar De La Hoya in December, was at welterweight but he has never fought in the 140-pound division where Hatton is the undisputed king.

"He's had one fight about 135 pounds and that was against Oscar," Hatton said. "He's a southpaw, he's got his hand speed and his footwork so I'm aware of the dangers.

"But he should certainly be worried about my power. He has won world titles in different weight divisions but down there."

Hatton will be fighting for the fifth time in Las Vegas, his most recent appearance there resulting in an 11th-round TKO of American Paulie Malignaggi in November to retain his IBO belt.

However, the Nevada desert venue was also the scene of his only defeat -- by Floyd Mayweather Jr in December 2007 -- a bitter loss that prompted him to re-evaluate his career.

"The Mayweather fight taught me I needed to pull my socks up and stop thinking I could walk right through opponents," said 'Hitman' Hatton.

After an unimpressive comeback bout against Juan Lazcano in Manchester, Hatton fired his long-time trainer Billy Graham and turned to the father of his sole conqueror, Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Under Mayweather's guidance, Hatton has rediscovered some of the boxing skills he felt he had lost in recent fights and he believed his stoppage of Malignaggi proved how much he had improved during their short time together.

"That was with just seven weeks of training camp," Hatton said of his November win when he frequently out-jabbed an opponent who had been widely viewed as holding an advantage in hand speed and boxing ability.

"If we did that in seven weeks, with another training camp we're going to be that much better. Everyone thinks I'm just a fat little brawler but there's more to me than that."

From: Yahoo.com News

Donaire, the reigning IBF flyweight champion from Bohol, put the title he sensationally won against Vic Darchinyan in July of 2007 at stake against the Mexican-American who said he didn’t come here to lose. But lost Martinez did as Donaire beat him via a technical knockout in the fourth round.

Donaire and Martinez have faced each other once, during their young, amateur days in the United States. The Filipino won that one on points, but even both fighters have a very vague idea of how it went.

After beating Darchinyan, Donaire knocked out Luis Maldonado in December of 2007, but spent 11 months looking for a fight until he crushed Moruti Mthalane last November for a 20-1-0 record.

Martinez was the busier fighter last year. He fought four times, and won them all, fighting as heavy as 117 lbs, and dropping down to 112 for this one. He considers himself the underdog against Donaire. Abac Cordero - (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: yahoo.com

Sitting for a free-wheeling, no-holds-barred Conversation at the sala of his house on Folk St. in North Greenhills, San Juan City, Pres. Joseph “Erap” Estrada simply smiles. His no-comment response seems to say it all.

But in a forthcoming TV commercial for an arthritis medicine, Erap will be shown running alongside that man in an earlier commercial for the same product, who is asking him, “Makakatakbo ka pa ba?,” with Erap answering, “Sino’ng may sabing hindi? Humabol kayo!”

He said that what he’s preparing for is his comeback movie, Ang Tanging Ama, produced by Star Cinema for the Metro Manila Film Festival in December, with Ai-Ai delas Alas as his leading lady, directed by Wenn Deramas who also directed Ai-Ai’s other hit Tanging Ina movies.

As he turns 72 today, Erap is still as playful as ever, his sense of humor intact.

He points to the wall where hang two huge paintings of him and his wife, Sen. Loi Ejercito, done by Isabel Diaz (sister of Gloria Diaz).

“Loi commissioned those paintings,” he says, “so the artist would make her look slimmer.”

Around the sala are piles of boxes to be distributed today among poor folks as part of his birthday celebration. Before this Conversation, Erap showed us a DVD titled DESTINY (Power Returns to the Masses) which showcases his rise in politics, from San Juan Mayor to President of the Philippines, and how he was robbed of the Presidency which he was never able to fully served.

Earlier that day, Star Cinema executive producer Malou N. Santos and company sat with Erap to finalize the production of Tanging Ama. No, he doesn’t reveal how much his talent fee will be (must be immaterial) but only how excited he is to return to a field he left more than two decades ago.

What’s on Erap’s mind on his birthday?

How will you spend your birthday?

“I’m giving away about 30,000 gift packs to residents of depressed areas in Metro Manila, like Payatas and Dagat-Dagatan...” (Adding in half-jest) “...instead na maghahanda ako para sa mga burgis. Maghahanda na ako, GRO pa ako. With so many hungry people around, I’d rather feed the poor.”

Do you still have a birthday wish?

“Yeah. Sana this government will concentrate on the problems of our people, like unemployment and food security. You know, an empty stomach knows no law. Kapag nagutom na ang tao, pati pagdadasal nakakalimutan na.”

Tell us more about your comeback movie, Tanging Ama.

“They are still preparing the script. It’s a comedy, like the Erap series (Erap Is My Guy, Ander de Saya si Erap, Tatay Na Si Erap, etc.). Maybe I’ll play a jeepney driver. The last time I did a comedy was many years ago, Machunurin, with Gloria Diaz. It was like an Erap movie. Comedy. The last time I did a movie was in 1988, Sa Kuko ng Agila, with (then Sen.) Nikki Coseteng. Comedy is better than drama these days. Sa dami ng naghihirap ngayon, bakit mo pa paiiyakin ang tao? It’s better to make them laugh. It will be a relief.”

Don’t you have any “first-time” jitters? Hindi ka ba naninibago?

“Technically, yes. High-tech na ang paggawa ng movies ngayon. And also, so many actors and actresses were discovered during my absence that I don’t know most of them.”

Is the movie in preparation for, uh, 2010?

(Emphatic) “No! Last year pa plinano ‘yan, eh, kaya lang na-delay. I chose Ai-Ai as my leading lady because she’s the Box-Office Queen; di ba her movie (Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat) was the top-grosser in the (2008) Metro Manila Film Festival? Our movie will also be shown at the Metro Manila Filmfest in December.”

Are you and Ai-Ai really going to have a kissing scene?

“Maybe. She will play my wife.”

You look fit, as macho as ever.

“My doctor gave me a clean bill of health during my recent executive check-up. My blood pressure is normal, my blood sugar is normal, everything is normal. I undergo executive check-up every six months.”

How’s your diet?

“I should start going on a diet before I start shooting the movie in July or August. I eat three square meals a day, no more snacks in-between. I have to lose 10 to 15 pounds. Now, I’m 185 lbs.”

Are you still fond of lechon?

(Laughs) “Wala kasing bawal sa akin, eh! I can eat anything. But I should stop eating lechon muna and fatty food.”

Do you work out?

“I have my own gym at home. I work out every day on the stationary bike; I lift dumbbells, I do sit-ups. Nagsa-sauna bath din ako every other day.”

Do you sleep soundly?

“These days, since I’m busy, I go to sleep at around 2 a.m. and wake up at 7 a.m. Ayoko namang uminom ng sleeping pills because they affect my memory; nagkakaroon ako ng mental block. If I sleep five to six hours, okey na ako.”

How do you cope with stress? Do you get a massage; do you watch movies?

“Massage, yes; I don’t watch movies, kaya nga hindi ko na kilala ang mga artista, eh.”

What about your sex life?

“Yes, okey na okey! Somebody asked me, ‘Ayos ba ang sex life mo?’ I said, ‘Dati, araw-gabi. Ngayong more than 70 na ako, gabi-gabi na lang!’ Joke only ha!” (Followed by laughter)

Looking back, what are your fond memories about showbiz?

“It wasn’t really all glamour and money. Showbiz launched my political career. I acquired my assets through showbiz. FPJ and I learned our lesson early. When Jose Padilla Jr. died a pauper, na ni pampalibing ay wala, it was an eye-opener for us. Leopoldo Salcedo died under the same circumstances. And they were big stars during their time, ha! FPJ and I told ourselves that we should learn from those incidents. So we started producing movies in which we also starred. We banked on our status as superstars. Sa layout pa lang ng aming movies, with our names printed in big, bold letters, theater-owners all over the country nag-a-advance deposit na. You know, it’s easy to be a superstar but it’s hard to maintain it.”

You starred in more than a hundred memorable movies, most of them classic. What are your top three favorites?

“Markang Rehas for which I won my first FAMAS Best Actor award. There’s also Kumander Alibasbas. And Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa.”

Unlike most of the stars today who spend their earnings as if there were no tomorrows, you and FPJ led simple, if colorful, lives.

“And we started saving early. We spent wisely. If I earned P1 million per picture, I would save 70 percent of it and invest it on real estate. I also bought houses and lots.”

What were your whims... women?

“You know, one advantage of superstars is that sila ang nilalapitan ng mga babae, unlike those executives in Makati who couldn’t get women without spending too much.”

What do you miss most about FPJ?

“His friendship. He was like a brother to me, one person who I could really trust. He also gave me (pieces of) advice. When we started producing movies, he advised me to get my own directors and scriptwriters, ‘So they can take care of you,’ sabi niya.”

You’ve played all kinds of roles. Any more roles left unplayed?

“I played mostly marginalized characters — farmer, labor leader, taxi driver, squatter, etc. The public loved watching FPJ and me in those roles. They didn’t want us in glamorous roles. We did one movie together, Los Palikeros, and it was a big flop. Ayaw ng mga fans na naka-Amerikana kami, eh. All the movies that FPJ and I did together were box-office hits, except that one. Ayaw maniwala ng mga tao na palikero kami, eh. Pang-Romeo Vasquez ang ganoong pelikula, eh.”

Sa babae, pareho ba kayo ng taste ni FPJ?

“No. Kaya nga hindi kami nagkaribal, eh. Ako mahilig sa morena, siya mahilig sa maputi. If ever we had a crush on the same woman, nagbibigayan kami.”

No sharing?

“No!”

After everything that happened to you, especially in politics, haven’t you become more careful about choosing your friends?

“You know, maybe one of my faults is that I’m too trusting. That’s what I learned in politics. That’s what put me down — my being too trusting.”

Can you tell who are true and sincere friends?

“It’s hard. I haven’t found somebody like FPJ. When I ran for mayor (of San Juan back in the late ’60s), he helped me campaign from house to house. When I ran for Senator, he was with me in the campaign, at ganoon din when I ran for Vice President. When I ran for President, he stopped making movies and concentrated on campaigning for me; he was with me day and night. And he never asked me any favor. It’s hard to find a true friend like FPJ. He was one of a kind. Wala siyang katulad.”

Is it true that you were the one who convinced FPJ to run?

“Yes, it’s true. At first, he was reluctant. Pero nang maging malakas na ang clamor, pumayag na siya. He visited me at the Veterans (Hospital where Erap was detained — RFL). He was there from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Naka-six cups of coffee kami. He was honest. Sabi niya, ‘Erap, how could I be President? I don’t know anything about politics, how much more about government?’ I told him, ‘There’s no school for presidents. When I ran for mayor, I didn’t know anything about public administration but after three years I was chosen one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), in the field of public administration.’ A bar topnotcher could become president, but what would he know about medicine, about agriculture, about science and technology? I told FPJ, ‘What is important is for you to be surrounded by people who are experts in their respective fields. Let them do the work for you and make only the major decisions. And whenever you make decisions, you must always remember to decide for the greater good of the greatest number and you’ll never go wrong.’ The next day, FPJ talked to brilliant minds like Randy David and others. And then, he called a press conference and announced that he was running.”

You are known to be forgiving, one who doesn’t hold grudges...

“...That was what I learned during my incarceration. In the Lord’s Prayer, it says there, ‘Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.’ If you don’t know how to forgive, you are not a true Christian. When I learned how to forgive those who have sinned against me, nagkaroon ako ng peace of mind.”

...and you are prayerful.

“You know, I pray to the rising sun. God said, ‘I’m the Light and the Way and the Truth.’ That light was made by God and I see God’s image there.”

As a father, do you play favorites?

“No. But I’m a disciplinarian. I make sure that all my children get the best education. I remember my father telling me, ‘Ang dugo na nananalaytay sa kanilang mga ugat ay Ejercito, so they are your responsibility. Give them the best education’.”

How many children do you have all in all?

“Twelve lang.”

What if others would come up and claim that they are your children, too?

“Kung akin, akin talaga. Hindi ko idi-deny.”

If you were to live life all over again, would you do it the same way?

“Yes, I won’t change anything.”

And how do you want to be remembered?

“As the champion of the poor.”

From: yahoo.com news

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com) - CONVERSATIONS With Ricky Lo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Andreas Notter, 38, was freed on the outskirts of the town of Indanan on Jolo island in the extreme south of the country following a joint operation by the military and local police, the officials said.

The government said it had no immediate details about the fate of a second International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hostage, 62-year-old Italian national Eugenio Vagni, who was believed to be unwell and in need of hernia surgery.

The two men, along with a local colleague, were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf group on January 15 as they left a prison on Jolo. The Filipina, Mary Jean Lacaba, was released on April 2.

"I am very glad to be with you. I am still a bit confused how it happened," a haggard looking Notter told reporters as he was formally turned over to Red Cross representatives by Jolo governor Abdusakur Tan and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

"I walked out and happy to be alive and safe," he said, adding that "everything happened very quickly."

He called on the authorities to do everything they could to secure Vagni, whom he said was in pain from his condition.

Puno said the kidnappers had been trying to slip through a large military-police cordon when they were intercepted.

"They gave chase and the kidnappers were forced to leave Mr Notter behind, because they were not able to drag him with them any more," he told reporters, adding that the rescue was a "result of very intense operations" against the Abu Sayyaf.

The office of Philippine President Gloria Arroyo hailed the rescue.

"This is a major breakthrough that we hope shall eventually lead to the rescue of the last remaining hostage, Eugenio Vagni," spokesman Cerge Remonde said in a statement.

ICRC spokeswoman Anastasia Isyuk said the group feared for Vagni's safety and that there was no information about him.

"We're relieved to hear the latest news (about) Andreas and remain concerned about the safety of Eugenio," Isyuk said. "We are hopeful that he remains safe and unharmed."

Armed forces chief General Alexander Yano declined to give further details of the rescue mission as he said it would compromise efforts to free the remaining hostage.

He said "non-violent" efforts were under way to free the Italian including dialogue headed by five Muslim clerics who were dispatched to the Abu Sayyaf's stronghold last week to negotiate.

Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross chapter, said there had been reports of intense clashes around Indanan late Friday, just a day after the military said it was prepared to rescue the hostages.

The Abu Sayyaf had threatened to behead one of the foreign hostages unless government forces pulled back from around their positions on Jolo.

They have been locked in an intense stand-off with troops after being cornered in a jungle area near Indanan, where the military said their supplies were running low.

Abu Sayyaf militants have kidnapped other Westerners over the past decade, many of whom, according to the Philippine military, were released after the payment of large ransoms.

The militants also murdered an American hostage, Guillermo Sobero, in 2001. The following year a second American, Christian missionary Martin Burnham, was killed in a military attack that led to the rescue of his wife.

The group is on the US government's list of foreign terrorist organisations, and a small number of American forces have been rotating on Jolo island since 2003 to provide intelligence information to their Filipino counterparts.

From: Yahoo.com News

Failon and his relatives, however, insisted that Trinidad Arteche-Etong, 44, shot herself in their house at 27 General Aquino street, Tierra Pura Subdivision in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

Failon (Mario Teodoro Failon Etong in real life), a news anchor of ABS-CBN TV Patrol, claimed that his wife committed suicide inside the bathroom of one of their daughters.

He said that his wife had experienced financial problems after the Holy Week.

Trinidad Etong suffered a gunshot wound in the left temple and died at the New Era General Hospital in Quezon City last Thursday night.

Both Failon and his wife tested negative for powder burns, but forensic experts said paraffin tests are unreliable.

Asked how the parricide angle could be pursued, San Diego clarified that they would have to conduct further investigation.

Dr. Filemon Porciuncula, head of the QCPD Crime Laboratory, said Failon and the other household helpers all tested negative for gunpowder burns and nitrates. Trinidad had also tested negative for gunpowder burns and nitrates. “This must be supported by the bullet trajectory found in the crime scene,” San Diego said.

“That (looking into the parricide angle) now appears to be the direction of the investigation,” he said.

Police arrested last Thursday driver Glenn Polan, housemaids Carlota Morbos and Wilfreda Bolleser, and houseboy Pacifico Apacible and brought them to the QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal, Quezon City.

The police also took into custody Pamela Arteche, sister of the victim.

QCPD investigators said the sworn statements earlier given to the police by Failon and housemaid Morbos showed conflicting accounts of the events that transpired when Trinidad was found with a gunshot wound in the head.

Copies of the statements, with the conflicting entries already highlighted with a green marker, were shown to The STAR by a police source yesterday.

Failon’s statement read: “Pinuntahan ko po yung kwarto sa itaas pero naka-lock. Sumigaw po ako kay Lot (referring to housemaid Carlota Morbos) at pinakuha ko po yung susi kay Carlota at nang inabot nya ang susi, katabi ko na po si Carlota. Nang buksan ko ang kwarto nguni’t wala doon si misis. Kaya bubuksan ko sana yung pinto ng banyo pero naka-lock kaya bumaba si Carlota at kinuha yung bungkos ng susi at noong ibigay sa akin ni Carlota, binuksan ko yung pinto at pagbukas namin ay nakita namin na nakahandusay ang asawa ko na naliligo sa kanyang dugo.”

In her statement, Morbos said: “Habang ako ay nasa kusina at nagluluto ng pangtanghalian, dumating si Kuya Ted. Tinanong nya ako ang ‘Ate mo Day?’ At sumagot ako ng ‘nasa itaas po.’ At humingi sya sa akin ng isang basong tubig at binigyan ko sya. Ininom nya ito at pagkaubos ng tubig ay iniwan nya ang baso sa kitchen. Pumasok na sya sa loob ng bahay tapos umakyat po si Kuya sa itaas ng bahay. Bubuksan na po nya sana yung pintuan ng kwarto ng anak nyang panganay. Naka-lock po yung pintuan ng kwarto. Bumaba po sya ulit at pumunta sa kusina at hiningi nya sa akin yung susi ng kwarto ni Katrina at ibinigay ko kay Kuya Ted ang susi at sinabi nya sa akin ‘halika Lot samahan mo ako.’ Pumanhik kami sa itaas ng kwarto ni Katrina ngunit wala doon si Ate Trina kaya pumunta kami sa CR at binuksan ni Kuya Ted ngunit iyon at naka-lock. Inutusan ako ni Kuya Ted na kuhanin ang susi. Bumaba ako at naiwan si Kuya Ted sa tapat ng pintuan ng CR.”

Superintendent Franklin Moises Mabanag, chief of the Quezon City Police District-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, also told reporters in an interview that Morbos described the victim to be in a sitting position while Failon said his wife was almost in a lying down position.

Mabanag, however, noted that Failon and the household helpers were consistent in saying that the cleaning of the bathroom where Trinidad was found and the vehicle used in bringing her to the hospital was not on orders of Failon.

Porciuncula said they would also test the bloodied shirt and pants worn by Failon on Wednesday afternoon. He said they had also requested for the clothes worn by Trinidad.

He said that they would determine the actual point of entry of the bullet in Trinidad’s head. Doctors at the New Era General Hospital had initially told them the point of entry was the victim’s left temple.

QC prosecutor issues subpoena on Failon

Quezon City Chief Prosecutor Meynardo Bautista Jr. summoned yesterday Failon to appear before a preliminary investigation on the obstruction of justice charge filed against him and members of his household.

Bautista issued the subpoena after Failon failed to present himself during an inquest proceeding of the obstruction of justice charges last Thursday evening.

During the inquest proceedings, prosecutor Mary Jean Pamitan ordered the release of Pamela and Morbos without posting bail since there is no sufficient evidence against them.

The prosecutor, however, recommended a P12,000 bail bond for Apacible, Bolleser and Polan.

Apacible and Bolleser cleaned the bathroom where Trinidad was found and Polan cleaned the Mitsubishi Pajero that was used to transport the victim to the New Era General Hospital.

Lawyers of Failon’s camp posted bail for Bolleser, Apacible and Polan who were all released yesterday afternoon after Failon visited them at the QCPD headquarters.

Failon told reporters that the police have been unfair in handling the case and in filing of charges against them.

He accused the police investigators of getting back at him for his past exposés against police abuses.

Police investigators denied Failon’s allegations and assured the victim’s family that the police are conducting an impartial investigation.

“Kung gusto nyong bawian ako sa mga balita at kumentaryo ko sa dzMM, ako na lang. Kung maari ako na lang at huwag na idamay sila Pamela,” Failon said.

QCPD director San Diego maintained the probers are conducting the investigation objectively and were not getting back at Failon.

Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said the work of the police was not done with partiality, and that Failon’s accusation was wrong.

Members of the media, except for a news crew of ABS-CBN, were barred from the detention area when Failon visited the QCPD.

Before leaving Camp Karingal, Failon told reporters: “Kahit yung iba twisted yung report, naiintindihan ko kayo.”

Failon evaded questions posed by reporters, including why he did not report to the police the supposed discovery of his wife inside the bathroom after the shooting.

Prosecutor Bautista said Failon, Bolleser, Apacible, and Polan remain liable for obstruction of justice.

Investigators said Failon might have obstructed justice when he gave limited details to the authorities and refused to surrender his mobile phone.

Bautista said Failon is now considered “at large” because he was not presented for inquest. The Prosecutor’s Office has scheduled the preliminary investigations into the charges against Failon and other suspects on April 21.

“He (Failon) must appear in the hearings to rebut the charges against him. If not, the case would be resolved using the evidences gathered, without his response,” Bautista explained.

DOJ probes link of Failon’s friend

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to invite a friend of Failon who was at the house of the broadcaster when his wife was shot last Wednesday morning inside the couple’s house in Quezon City.

Gonzalez said he received information that businessman Delfin Lee was in the house of the Failons during the shooting incident.

“He (Lee) is significant in the case,” said Gonzalez, who clarified that he wants the NBI to check all angles in the investigation.

Gonzalez said among the speculations that circulated in text messages was that Lee allegedly helped Failon carry the body of his wounded wife from the bedroom to one of the bathrooms inside their house in Quezon City.

“With so many speculations it’s important that we should look at these different information dispassionately so we can piece together the puzzle. The NBI has to look into all these things. The caveat is that’s very raw information. But in the milieu we have now, it’s good to look at all information,” Gonzalez clarified.

Lee, according to initial reports, is connected with ABS-CBN and serves as a major sponsor who donates houses given as prizes in television shows like “Pinoy Big Brother,” “Wowowee” and other game shows of the network.

Lee, however, denied yesterday that he was at the crime scene and said that he was willing to cooperate with the police in the investigation of the case.

There is a witness to prove that he wasn’t at the Failon’s Tierra Pura residence last Wednesday morning, Lee said.

Lee was reportedly spotted at the New Era General Hospital last Thursday night. He was even interviewed by reporters and said he last visited the family during the blessing of their house last year.

“If they can find him (Lee), they should ask him – just an invitation,” Gonzalez added.

Gonzalez said investigators should focus on the motive of the shooting even as he also defended the police from criticisms in handling the investigation.

“The police are doing well. Although there are some lapses which may be caused by confusion, there is no violation of rules,” he said.

He said there was nothing wrong with the warrantless arrest of the household helpers of the Failons after charges of obstruction of justice were filed against them.

“That (warrantless arrest) is allowed. You can be arrested without warrant if the crime is committed in your presence. It also applies to fugitives,” he explained.

Gonzalez earlier tapped the NBI to assist the police investigators.

“I want them to be supportive of the police in the gathering and interpretation of evidence. Every suspect at the scene of the crime can be invited for questioning. But they cannot be held unless you inquest them,” he said.

Gonzalez believes that the cleaning of the crime scene was not a lapse in judgment but rather an “intentional act of tampering evidence.”

NBI to reconstruct crime scene

The NBI will try to reconstruct the crime scene, including possible retrieval of bloodstains and fingerprints in the house of Failon after members of the household contaminated the crime scene.

Head Agent Arnel Dalumpines, chief of the NBI Special Task Force (STF), said bureau forensic experts would use special chemicals and equipment to try to find the bloodstains from the walls, floors and other areas of the house where the victim was shot.

Dalumpines said the NBI agents would try to get more fingerprints with the use of chemicals and equipment.

He said the NBI would coordinate with the QCPD and review the other pieces of evidence that the police investigators have gathered.

National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) director Rosales has created a Special Investigation Task Group to assist in the investigation of the death of Mrs. Failon.

The Task Group is headed by acting QCPD director San Diego.

Rosales clarified that there is no quarrel between Failon and the QCPD and the investigation on the case of Trinidad would go on.

“Failon is being probed on the death of his wife because he was there in the area when her body was found. Had he been in the province at the time, there is no need for him to be investigated,” said Rosales.

He appealed to Failon to fully cooperate with the police investigators so “the truth would come out.”

Rosales clarified that he gave no orders to relieve Superintendent Mabanag as head of the CIDU of the QCPD. With Edu Punay, Perseus Echeminada, Non Alquitran, Sandy Araneta, Mark Madrona - By Reinir Padua (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: Yahoo.com News

Failon’s wife Trinidad Arteche Etong, 45, was declared dead by doctors of the New Era General Hospital at 8:50 last night. She had been in a coma and declared brain-dead after she sustained a bullet wound in her left temple after the shooting incident at 10:30 a.m. inside their house on 27 General Aquino street, Tierra Pura Subdivision in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

Failon, Mario Teodoro Failon Etong in real life, a news anchor of ABS-CBN TV Patrol, claimed that his wife committed suicide.

Police picked up from the Failon residence driver Glenn Ponan, housemaids Carlota Morbos and Wilfreda Bollicer, and houseboy Pacifico Apacible and brought them to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters at Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

Superintendent Franklin Mabanag, chief of the QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), said the four househelpers and Failon would face inquest for obstruction of justice or violation of Presidential Decree 1829, the law penalizing the obstruction of apprehension and prosecution of criminals.

Mabanag said the househelpers had cleaned the bathroom where the victim was found as well as the blue Mitsubishi Pajero with license plate XPE-293 that was used to bring the victim to the nearby New Era General Hospital.

Members of the household also claimed the caliber .380 Walther PPK pistol used in the shooting was found on the right side of the victim when she was discovered slumped inside the bathroom of the couple’s child on the second floor of the house.

He said Failon had immediately committed a violation when he touched the gun that was used in the shooting.

PAO fetches Failon from QCPD headquarters

Police investigators brought Failon to the Quezon City Police District headquarters in Camp Karingal last Wednesday night but he was later released.

Senior Inspector Roberto Razon said Failon’s arrival at the QCPD-CIDU at past midnight yesterday came after eight hours of negotiation.

Failon’s lawyers, ABS-CBN broadcaster Korina Sanchez and three bodyguards accompanied him to Camp Karingal.

QCPD director Senior Superintendent Elmo San Diego said Failon was already considered a suspect along with the other members of the household and all were being investigated.

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta later fetched Failon from the police headquarters and accompanied him to the hospital to visit his wife.

Acosta also insisted that the police could no longer place Failon under arrest because the nine-hour period for his detention had already expired and the police have to secure an arrest warrant to hold Failon.

She said their entry into the case is an offshoot of the memorandum of agreement with the National Press Club (NPC), which provides that the PAO can provide legal assistance to newsmen who are facing criminal charges.

Failon must be accorded his constitutional right and must be treated as innocent until proven guilty, she said.

She also denied reports that Failon escaped from Camp Karingal, saying that she requested investigators to allow the broadcaster to visit his wife at New Era Hospital.

Acosta, Failon’s temporary lawyer, noted that there is no direct evidence yet linking Failon to the incident. She said that as of now, no complainant against Failon has been filed.

“We fetched Mr. Failon this morning to bring him to the hospital. He’s not going to flee. He is always available for statements. He’s not a fugitive. His wife needs him right now,” Acosta explained.

Acosta added that Failon’s househelpers cleaned the bathroom where the bloodied victim was found.

“We cannot blame the maids for cleaning the crime scene. They are not aware of the rules on the preservation of evidence,” the PAO chief said.

Acosta repeatedly said Trinidad’s shooting was a case of suicide.

She said that Failon left his gun at their house since he does not have a permit to carry firearms.

“It is a suicide as far as our forensic consultant is concerned,” Acosta told reporters during a press briefing at the hospital.

The police, however, insisted that the findings of PAO are immaterial to the investigation, since the Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) report would prevail in resolving whether the incident was a suicide or homicide.

Acosta said at the time of the incident Failon was hosting his daily morning radio program on dzMM and they have tapes to prove it.

She added that based on the affidavits of Failon, his driver and other witnesses, “this is generally a case of suicide.”

Acosta said if the case were not a suicide the relatives of Failon’s wife, especially her sisters and brothers, would have complained.

“As it is, they are one praying for her and for Ted Failon’s family,” she said.

She also revealed that the broadcaster’s wife made a financial investment that failed. “That’s what I heard from the family,” she said.

Failon has admitted that he and his wife quarreled on Tuesday night about some problems having to do with money but refused to elaborate.

He reportedly told his wife that they could cope with financial loss since they were poor before.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Gonzalez said he ordered PAO chief Acosta to stop acting as Failon’s lawyer.

“That is not their mandate (in PAO). I’ll charge them for administrative violations (if they continue). I have already called her (Acosta) and I’m issuing a formal memo,” said Gonzalez.

In an earlier telephone conversation, Acosta explained to Gonzalez that she believes it was within her authority to serve as lawyer of Failon.

The PAO chief served as Failon’s lawyer after dzMM officials contacted her last Wednesday afternoon to notarize the sworn statement of the broadcaster.

“She should not do that when there is no court order or mandate from us. She’s crazy. That’s none of her business,” Gonzalez said.

Lawyer Filomeno Arteche III, a cousin of Trinidad, denied earlier reports that the victim is already clinically dead.

“Her vital signs are significantly improving and her blood pressure is normal but she’s not yet out of danger,” Arteche said.

He reiterated that no one in their family is blaming Ted Failon right now. “We’re all sad (about the incident). We’re just praying for Trina’s speedy recovery,” Arteche said.

He said five of Trinidad’s siblings, together with Failon’s sister, are waiting at her hospital room.

He refused to comment if Trinidad had indeed attempted suicide.

“I haven’t seen any evidence and I have no basis to conclude.”

Escape from Karingal?

Police officials said Failon apparently “escaped” from the QCPD when he left after giving his statement to investigators.

“Technically he (Failon) slipped out of this office,” said lawyer Vimar Barcellano, chief of QCPD.

Investigator Police Officer 3 Joy Marcelo told reporters that Failon’s camp had asked permission from QCPD-CIDU deputy chief Superintendent Gerardo Ratuita to leave the office after giving his statement to visit his wife at the hospital.

Ratuita did not give Failon permission, but when the police official temporarily left his office, Failon and his companions left the QCPD-CIDU at past 7 a.m.

Barcellano said Failon’s camp was insisting the broadcaster should be released upon giving his sworn statement.

“But until the prescriptive period of 72 hours has not lapsed, our investigation is still not finished,” he said, noting a lot of verification still had to be done.

Mabanag said charges of obstruction of justice should have been filed as early as yesterday morning against Failon if he had stayed in the police headquarters.

“He (Failon) was abiding with the cleaning (of the bathroom where Etong was found and the Mitsubishi Pajero used to bring the wife to the New Era General Hospital). He also secluded himself from the investigation,” Mabanag said.

The househelpers cleaned the crime scene and they claimed that they did it on their own.

“There was a direct order from Ted for them (househelpers and drivers) not to talk to us,” Mabanag said.

Marcelo said investigators are also considering the filing of charges of obstruction of justice against Trinidad’s sisters Pamela and Nancy Arteche “because they refused to speak up.”

Mabanag said there were traces of blood in the master’s bedroom based on forensic examination done by the team of Dr. Filemon Porciuncula.

He said Failon had initially asked them not to go the master’s bedroom to respect the family’s privacy.

The police official also noted there were blood traces that did not appear to be just drops leading to the stairs.

Ratuita added that the slug recovered was deformed, indicating that it had hit a blunt object after passing through Trinidad’s head.

He noted that there was no bullet marks on the wall of the bathroom where the victim was found.

Investigators said the bullet’s trajectory was downward.

Mabanag said investigators have located the point of ricochet of the bullet behind the toilet bowl near the area where the victim was shot.

He said the point of ricochet was near the floor and investigators were puzzled why the point of ricochet was not level with the supposed point of entry of the bullet.

Mabanag also clarified that Failon had no scratches on his face or a bruised nose as earlier reported by investigators.

Failon not yet off the hook

Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said Failon and other members of the household were not yet off the hook, despite testing negative for gunpowder burns.

Dr. Porciuncula said that this was still inconclusive to determine if anyone among them fired a gun.

Police investigators and SOCO went back to the house of the couple before noon yesterday for a secondary search.

The family had initially barred the police from entering the house, but investigators insisted that the house is a crime scene and police have the right to enter.

Upon the arrival of the barangay chair and a lawyer from Failon’s camp, the police were finally allowed to enter the house.

Justice Secretary Gonzalez also ordered the Bureau of Immigration to include Failon in the bureau’s watch list to prevent the broadcaster from slipping out of the country.

Under immigration rules, a person placed in the watch list would be allowed to leave the country only after securing some requirements such as a police clearance. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be assisting the QCPD in the investigation of the case.

NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said Gonzalez ordered him to conduct a joint investigation with the Quezon City police.

Mantaring said the NBI’s Special Task Force (STF) led by head agent Arnel Dalumpines would coordinate with the QCPD. - With Perseus Echeminada, Edu Punay, Jess Diaz, Sandy Araneta, Mark Madrona - By Reinir Padua (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: Yahoo.com News

"Manny overextends himself with kindness; he can't say no," Michael Koncz, a boxing manager and Pacquiao team member, told The Los Angeles Times. "We all knew the torch was passed when Manny beat Oscar ... he'd be the face of the sport now.”

Pacquiao pummeled De La Hoya for eight one-sided rounds last December, which turned out to be the Golden Boy’s last outing as a professional prizefighter.

The General Santos City-based southpaw flaunts an exciting, fan-friendly fighting style, and flowing charisma, which together make him the ideal successor to De La Hoya as boxing’s premier ambassador.

And these traits make Pacquiao a crossover star, says his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc.

“That's why people are becoming fascinated with him," Arum said. "Manny's looked at as an exotic, and once people see him fight they are looking up information about him to help transcend the lefts and rights and jabs. It's why CNN is out here today, why Time magazine has listed him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.”

As of the moment, Pacquiao is at the 21th spot of Time’s list of 100 most influential people in the world, surpassing Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arum used to handle De La Hoya’s career, helping transform the Mexican-American Olympic gold medalist to a worldwide attraction.

Pacquiao faces British star Ricky Hatton on May 2 (May 3 in Manila) in what could be his toughest challenge so far. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: Yahoo.com News

In a radio interview today, Kaye Failon discounted the “foul play” angle in the shooting of her mother Trinidad Etong, 45.

She said her mother, still in critical condition at the New Era Hospital, continues to fight for her life.

Ted Failon, after being subjected to a paraffin test at the QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit earlier, was found negative for gunpowder burns. He reportedly sneaked out of the police headquarters to visit his wife at the hospital.

The QCPD has dispatched several personnel to escort the broadcaster back to the headquarters as of this posting. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: yahoo.com news

Reports identified the two as Pacifico Apacible, Failon’s alleged driver, and Carlota Morbos, a household helper.

Reports quoted police as saying that a case of obstruction of justice will be filed against the two aides.

Apacible and Morbos refused to comment when interviewed by reporters.

Police are currently conducting a search operation at Failon’s house in Tierra Pura Subdivision, Quezon City, under efforts to gather evidence on the shooting of his wife Trinidad Entong.

The victim, 45, is still in critical condition at the New Era Hospital, although earlier reports said her vital signs have stabilized. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: Yahoo.com News

In an TV interview, Pamela Trinchera said she and her sister, Failon’s wife Trinidad Etong, were together Tuesday night when the victim wrote a note for the news anchor.

"Ako nakaharap sa TV habang siya naman ay naka-squat sa floor (I was in front of the TV while she was squatting on the floor)," Trinchera said.

Trinchera said Failon used terms of endearment such as "mommy", "ma" and "be" (baby) when referring to his wife.

"Nag popo sila sa isa't-isa...Alam ko na may mga 'po' doon (They’re using ‘po’ when addressing each other. I know the are ‘po’s’ in the note)," Trinchera said, referring to the note retrieved by police investigators.

She said the couple had been discussing some financial problems before the shooting of her sister. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

From: Yahoo.com News