Abra mayor dismissed for grave misconduct Artemio Dumlao (The Philippine Star) - July 24, 2019 - 12:00am BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — For approving the award of a printing service contract with companies owned by their family, the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of the mayor of Bangued town in Abra. In an 18-page decision dated June 24 and released yesterday, the anti-graft agency said Dominic Valera and his wife Mila, the incumbent vice mayor, and three other municipal government officials were found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Valera was also perpetually disqualified from holding public office. The vice mayor was suspended for one year. The ombudsman said acting municipal accountant Henry Bodaño, acting treasurer Romie Turqueza and budget officer Amelia Bersamira were also dismissed for opting to “remain silent” when they … [Read more...] about Abra mayor dismissed for grave misconduct
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Michael V. takes on the ‘4-pronged challenge’
Multi-tasking is not new in showbiz. Michael V. (fondly known as Bitoy) is doing in Family History what other actors (including the late FPJ and Eddie Rodriguez, and Ronnie Ricketts) have been doing — that is, taking on what can aptly be called as the “four-pronged challenge,” meaning writing, producing, directing and starring in a movie. An herculean task, isn’t it? Set for nationwide release on July 24 (Wednesday), Family History marks the return of GMA Films which is co-producing it with Bitoy’s own Mic Test Entertainment. From the title, you might think that the movie is straight drama. Actually, it’s not. “’Yon ang dating,” said Bitoy during the presscon. “The formula is just bright. Tamang-tama ang timpla. There are scenes that will make the audience laugh and laugh, and then cry at the same time. Since I am the director, I see to it that the comedic element is present. Hindi mawawala ang comedy sa lahat ng ginagawa … [Read more...] about Michael V. takes on the ‘4-pronged challenge’
3 patay matapos umanong makipagbarilan sa pulisya sa Abra
Patay ang 3 lalaki matapos umanong makipagbarilan sa mga pulis sa Bangued, Abra nitong Huwebes ng madaling araw. Ayon sa pulisya, naharang ang 3 lalaki sa checkpoint at biglang nagpaputok ang mga ito. Agad namang bumawi ang mga pulis at nabaril ang tatlo. Wala pang pagkakakilanlan ang mga lalaki. Hinala ng mga pulis ay mga gun for hire ito. Bisitahin ang Patrol.PH para sa iba pang mga balita. … [Read more...] about 3 patay matapos umanong makipagbarilan sa pulisya sa Abra
‘Hail to the ‘accidental’ Chief Justice’
It was my first time to meet in person the incumbent head of the country’s highest judicial body, Chief Justice Lucas Purugganan Bersamin. Not knowing much about him, it was a pleasant surprise when he spoke about his plans and dreams for the Supreme Court (SC) and the entire Philippine judiciary in the remaining days of his tenure as Chief Justice ending on October 18 this year. President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Bersamin on November 26, 2018 and became the 25th Chief Justice of the High Court. Sadly though, the Chief Justice cited, he has only brief time of what remains of his tenure before he steps down from office. This will be on his 70th birthday when he reaches the mandatory age of retirement for justices and members of the judiciary. Upon his assumption into the top SC post, he bared his four-point agenda which consists of the updating of the Rules of Court, purging the Bench of misfits and scalawags, initiation of Bar reforms, and the adoption of legal clinics to … [Read more...] about ‘Hail to the ‘accidental’ Chief Justice’
Palace urges public to be vigilant vs electoral fraud
Palace urges public to be vigilant vs electoral fraud (Philstar.com) - May 13, 2019 - 8:44pm MANILA, Philippines — As counting begins for the 2019 midterm elections, Malacañang called on the public to remain vigilant against any form of electoral fraud. Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said fraud occurs when voters do not participate after casting their votes. "As counting begins, we call on everyone to be vigilant guard against any act of irregularity in the election," Panelo said in a statement released Monday night. The Malacañang mouthpiece noted that although there was the usual confusion and complaints in faulty vote counting machines, there were "no major untoward incident" that disrupted the elections. Panelo lauded government authorities for enforcing election laws, such as arresting those who violated the gun ban and the liquor ban, as well as those who committed vote buying. "We express our … [Read more...] about Palace urges public to be vigilant vs electoral fraud