New LTFRB chief is 5th among former Corona prosecutors to earn government post

by Erik Tenedero

MANILA, Philippines - LTFRB Chairman Atty. Winston Ginez is the latest addition to the growing list of former impeachment trial prosecutors to get a post under the Aquino administration. 

The Palace announces Tuesday the appointment of Ginez as new LTFRB chair replacing Atty. Jaime Jacob who resigned last March. 

More than a week ago, Atty. Al Parreño, also a former impeachment prosecutor, was appointed as new Comelec commissioner. But before this, he was assigned by the President as part of LTFRB's three-man board two months after the trial's conclusion. 

Parreño's appointment was immediately hounded by countroversy, not only because he was also a former impeachment prosecutor, but because he allegedly lacks the 10-year law practice requirement the Constitution mandates. 

Meanwhile, according to a report by Vera Files, Renato Samonte Jr., also a former prosecutor for the impeachment trial, was designated chief provincial prosecutor of Bulacan. 

Ginez, Parreño and Samonte are all private lawyers employed, allegedly pro-bono', by the House of Representatives who prosecuted former Chief Justice Renato Corona under the Articles of Impeachment. 

Also included in the list are former Quezon City Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya and former Akbayan Rep. Kaka Bag-ao. 

Abaya is now serving as Transportation secretary while Bag-ao is the current caretaker of Dinagat Islands after the former Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr. was found guilty of the murder of his wife Alona Bacolod-Ecleo. 

In DZMM's S.R.O, lawyer Katrina Legarda laments how the appointments appear to be "rewards" for lawyers who joined the team who prosecuted Corona. 

"Parang thank you, parang reward ang dating," she said. 

The impeachment of Corona was openly supported by the Aquino administration. 

Nancy Binay and everything wrong in Philippine elections

ANYARE? After a much prod from netizens, Nancy Binay refused to debate
Team PNoy senatorial bet Risa Hontiveros

Netizens were quick to point out Nancy Binay's seemingly "no show" policy when it comes to debates and public discussions involving candidates gunning for an election seat this coming midterm elections. Nowhere in any debate or program, be it on television or radio, even online-based news organizations, this daughter of the vice president was seen subjecting herself in a manner in which the public eye could scrutinize her qualities or qualifications (if there's any) to be the next representative of more than a billion Filipinos. 

We can safely assume that being a Binay already fronts her within the circuit of politics which includes exchange of words, exposure to criticisms and the need to address pressing issues demanded by the people, which in the first place a responsibility of those who hold public office. So Nancy, why so illusive?

Lately, the internet is abuzz with memes, satires, lampoons, even plain jokes floating in different social media - all with Nancy Binay in the center of it and her alleged incapacity to be a senator of the republic. The latest is a lengthy blog entry detailing a pseudo-temporary protection order (TPO) granted in favor of her by a Makati court against all forms of public discussions, debates and the likes. Her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay admits he's hurt by the criticisms thrown to her daughter. Nancy, posing a brave front dares her critics to file disqualification case against her. 

In an editorial by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, they tagged Nancy as "unqualified." By law, no provision could bar Nancy Binay from running for a senate position. But by standards, surely any thinking person would question her qualifications or lack thereof. 

She has no experience in holding public office, she was employed by her own parents, she was not a member of any advocacy group or has no advocacy of her own that she publicly pushed for and quite frankly, we have not heard of her before the 2013 elections started heating up. It was disturbing the way she admitted in interviews before that she was a half-hearted candidate. That it so happened that her name kept popping up in pre-election surveys, so her generous father offered her a space in his coalition ticket. And so the ball started rolling for Nancy Binay - the "nanay de pamilya" of the Senate. 

Nancy Binay's candidacy mirrors most of the rotten things in Philippine elections. To mention a few, there's political dynasty, the self-servicing multi-party system, acceptance of mediocrity and adherence to trapos. It is not her fault though and she is not alone making up this tragic veil enveloping this once Pearl of the Orient nation. 

This is why we cannot push her to take on the spotlight of a public debate. Delivering a speech, be it a prepared one or extemporaneous, is on so many levels easier than participating in a public forum or let's just simply say debate. In speeches you just talk, give people the exact words they expect to hear from you which in this country means a candidate simply saying "I will end poverty." Period. 

This is probably why Nancy Binay finds no problem in joining her coalition's campaign sorties all around the country. The traditional politician's (trapo) acts are always easier: shaking hands with the locals, throwing candies and other goodies while on top of an open truck, waving and smiling - the usual. 

Debates would find her alone: no daddy, party mates, or campaign managers to feed her what to say or take hint in which side of the corner to stand. It will expose her to demons of politics, issues hounding her and her family. And of course, it would be the litmus test of her eloquence and her own grounds, which she would have to bring if she wins that coveted seat in the Upper Chamber. 

All these are enough reasons to fret. Maybe it's just the nerves. Maybe she can talk and speak herself but having to live in the shadow of daddy as personal assistant in all those years dried up her conviction, her confidence to stand on her own. But in this, the danger of her winning stretches further. 

The Senate is no practice field. It is where half of the country's future is decided. More than a billion Filipinos - hungry, dying and struggling - all resting their heads in laws and money a senator will have juggle. How can she lead us with still no experience of leadership at her age? How can she stand her ground if she didn't do so previously, contenting herself as the "forever personal assistant" instead of facing the concrete jungle of the professional world like most of us do? Where's the conviction in her words where she said she will address poverty if she didn't do so for the past years?

But in the end, beyond Nancy Binay and her likes, there's only that one chilling question every Filipino should ask: if we are correct and that she really is unqualified to be a senator, who's fault it would be if ever she get elected? 

_________________

The author's opinion DOES NOT reflect the views of his news organization. 

2 Pinoy films make it to 66th Cannes Film Fest

DEATH MARCH Photo taken from Adolf Alix Jr.'s Instagram
account

Two Filipino films have been chosen as official entries to the 66th Cannes Film Festival. 

"Death March" by Adolf Alix Jr. and "Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan" by Lav Diaz are among the 15 films that will be screened under Un Certain Regard section, considered as one of the most important for focus on "works that have an original aim and aesthetic."

"Death March", starring Sam Milby, Zanjoe Marudo, Sid Lucero, Jason Abalos and Carlo Carlo, is a historical film about the Fall of Bataan during the Japanese invasion under World War II. 

This is the second time that Alix's film will be screened at Cannes after the successful entry of his "Manila" starring Piolo Pascual last 2009. 

Meanwhile, Diaz will debut with his four-hour film which stars Sid Lucero, Archie Alemania, Angeli Bayani and Soliman Cruz. 

The festival will run from May 15 to 26. The winner for the Prix Un Certain regard will receive 30, 000 euros and will be announced at May 25. 

This year's jury will be led by Danish director Thomas Vinterberg. 

Here's the full list under Un Certain Regard:

-The Bling Ring (Sofia Coppola)

-Omar (Hany Abu-Assad)

-Death March (Adolf Alix Jr.)

-Fruitvale (Ryan Coogler)

-The Bastards (Claire Denis)

-Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan (Lav Diaz)

-As I Lay Dying (James Franco)

-Miele (Valeria Golino)

-L'Inconnu Du Lac (Alain Guiraudie)

-Bends (Flora Lau)

-L'Image Manquante (Rithy Panh)

-La Jaula de Oro (Diego Quemada-Diez)

-Anonymous (Mohammad Rasoulof)

-Sarah Préfère La Course (Chloe Robichaud)

-Grand Central (Rebecca Zlotowski) 

Meanwhile, three local films made it to the festival's short film category: "Oasis Redux" by Carlo Francisco Manatad; "Katapusang Labok" by Aiess Alonso; and "Mga Engkantong Laoag sa Mahabang Dapit Dapithapon" by Roderick Cabrido. 

Rigondeaux hands Donaire his first loss in 12 years

MANILA, Philippines - The winning streak of Nonito "The Filipino" Flash Donaire ends on the hands of undefeated Cuban fighter Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux in a superbantamweight unification bout Sunday, Philippine time at Radio City Music Hall, New York City. 

Via unanimous decision, the judges score in favor of the Olympic gold medalist, 115-112, at 116-111. 

This means that aside from the WBA superbantamweight belt, Rigondeaux now holds the WBA and the RING titles. 

"We made a mistake. I made a mistake. I didn't study the fight and I should've," Donaire said in a report by ABS-CBN's Yong Chavez. 

From the opening round, the Cuban already showed force with Donaire taking his time finding the right rhythm. 

Rigondeaux's speed gets in the way of the Filipino fighter as the fight progresses. 

Donaire struggled to land his killer blows with Rigondeaux running away, squaring the perimeter of the ring. 

By the 10th round, down goes Rigondeaux after the Filipino successfully landed a straight punch. 

Donaire committed to keep the face lost the momentum still having a hard time chasing the very fluid Cuban. 

Enter the last round, Donaire's left eye went bleeding apparently due to a straight left he took from the opponent making it even harder keeping the pace

As Donaire's winning streak ends, Rigondeaux' stretches to 12 . 

Meanwhile, this is the first time The Filipino Flash lost for the past 12  years. 

Donaire named Fighter of the Year by Boxing Writers Association of America

Two days before his unification bout versus Cuban Guillermo "El Chacal" Rigondeaux, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire was named Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

This is the latest addition to Donaire's string of awards after his successful bouts in 2012 where he defeated Wilfrido Vasquez Jr. (February), Jeffrey Mathebula (July), Toshiaki Nishioka (October), and Jorge Arce (December).

The Filipino Flash was also named Fighter of the Year by Yahoo! and the RING Magazine. Meanwhile, he was named Boxer of the Year by the ESPN.

Donaire received the Sugar Ray trophy in an annual ceremonial dinner by the BWAA.

“Wow. I am very emotional right now, cutting down weight and fighting. It is an overwhelming thing to be in front of everybody here in attendance, people that I look up to,” he said in a report by PhilBoxing.

He thanked Top Rank and TV networks HBO and ABS-CBN and wife Rachel who's pregnant with their first son.

This Sunday, Donaire will risk his WBO and RING superbantamweight titles while Rigondeaux will put his WBA belt on the line in a unification bout that will be held at the Radio Music Hall in New York City.

Solaire Resort and Casino: The international experience

I've been yearning to go and see for myself the grandeur people talk about whenever I hear Solaire. I was witness to reports when it had its $1 million opening last March 16 with no less than President Benigno Aquino III gracing the event. I knew it was only a matter of time until we get to experience its extravagance. 

As I stepped inside, it's as if the pages of magazines on features about Macau and Las Vegas sprang to life. The high ceilings were adorned with majestic chandeliers with colors reminiscent to Manila Bay's infamous burst of sunset. This I noticed immediately that's why I was surprised to read from Megastyle that the resort and casino's interiors were actually accented with the "waves and water of Manila Bay" and was inspired by contrast of "the sun of Northern Spain blending into the air of Southern France." 

The grand carpeted staircase leading to the VIP Gaming Areas is so eye-catching it's like a celebrity of its own with people making sure they take a picture of it (or with it). A little more walk around the place and you'll notice how spaciousness is a luxury of its own. 

By numbers, Solaire prides itself with its 295 gaming tables, 195 on the main floor (which we got to see) and 100 in the VIP area (obviously we didn't get to reach this since we're no VIPs), plus the 1, 200 slot machines. According to media reports, these numbers are at par by Las Vegas' standards. 

Finestra

Solaire, for now, houses seven restaurants all headed by world-class chefs. Our group chose Finestra which is best for my taste since it serves classic Italian food. There we had our good friend Mar Verdan's despedida and to say that the whole dining experience was a special treat would be an understatement. 

The word "Finestra" means window in Italian but the restaurant itself will give you, not only a window to peek on Italian dining, but more like an entire trip to taste the finest of Italian cuisines from mozzarela cheese to classic bloody red wine.

I wish I took note of that one pasta among the three that we ordered because that was the best tasting for me so far. I remember it was at the bottom of the menu so you can just check it our or ask their courteous staff for the spicy one. 

From the list of pizzas, my pick was their Margherita Bufalina with tomato, buffalo mozarella and basil. The crust was gummy and chewy which is what I always look for in pizzas. Another pick for the group is the Prosciutto with aged Parma ham and Tellagio cheese.

I didn't get to main courses but a friend told me it would be a total sin if I don't go back and try Roasted Branzino and Prawns but I think I'd like to try their sardinian lamb chops. 

The star of Finestra's dessert is definitely their 24 karat chocolate fondant. From real 24-karat gold on top, the warm chocolate oozes from the middle as you slice this precious little devil. It was definitely a heaven for chocolate lovers like me. 

Also, I had the Tiramisu Solaire but I wasn't as impressed compared with what I had with other Italian restaurants before. 

To simply put, I guess I really fell in love with the way Finestra exudes that fine genuine Italian flavors and experience in the midst of the bustling crowd of Manila. This sets the bar, not only for Italian restos, but for the rest of European ones entering the country. 

What's next?

It is truly a game changing move with the opening of Solaire. Entertaining and dining will never be the same from here on. When Mike French, Solaire's Chief Operating Officer proudly said "there's really no reason to leave Manila anymore" I didn't immediately buy it. But when I saw the caliber of goods Solaire offers, I think it was indeed a genuine claim, not only by businessmen, but for ordinary Filipino patrons as well. 

But what am I excited for as the next phases of Solaire slowly unfolds?

I almost wet myself when I heard it features a 1, 800 seater lyrical theatre which can accommodate Broadway shows. I also can't wait to see the brands which will be part of the retail mall to be opened in the next phase. Also, I can't wait to try Strip Steakhouse headed by Canadian chef, Chef Trevor Macleod on our next visit. 

What else can I say? Maybe you should just visit Solaire next and go international with the experience. 

(Apologies for the quality of the photos. They were taken using only my iPad mini and Blackberry phone)

'Pusong Mamon' not 'Pusong Bato': A story of a compassionate cop

In a country where presence of police officers creates more suspicions and scare than comfort, one law enforcer proves heroism and compassion are virtues still present within their ranks. 

In just a few minutes, PO1 Jessie Mallari became a social media hero when a photo of him helping an old wounded beggar outside a church in Davao City quickly spread like wild fire. 

In an interview with ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda, Mallari recounted how an old man, wounded and bleeding, caught his attention that early morning of March 24. 

"Mula alas-5:00 ng madaling araw maaga siyang dumating sa simbahan so hanggang tanghali nandun siya. Naglilimos kasi siya," he said

According to the young police officer, the old man's head accidentaly got hit causing it to bleed. 

A certain photo journalist took shot of Mallari putting bondage around the old man's head and the rest, as people would say, is history. 

"Tinulungan ko siya nilagyan ng bondage tapos pinatigil 'yung dugo pero noong mga alas-7:00 ng umaga, napansin namin dumudugo ulit 'yung sugat niya so tinulungan namin ulit tapos dinala na namin siya dun sa bus namin para dun na siya mag-stay kasi mainit na."

After earning hundreds of praises from netizens, PNP Chief Director General Allan Purisima recognized Mallari together with another police officer with a new pistol and some cash. 

"This shows na hindi lahat ng pulis ay masama. Madami tayong katulad ni PO1 Mallari," he said. 

Many people are saying that the power of social media should once again remind our law enforcers that their tiniest moves never go unnoticed. But Mallari wasn't thinking that way. Suprised by the attention and praise he's getting, the young police officer said he was just simply doing his job adding, "human reaction naman na tumulong." What he did was a very simple act of of kindness. But maybe in a world hungry for stories of kindness and compassion, Mallari's small unknowing contribution definitely deserves a headline.

Happy with the new positivity brought to the entire police force, Davao City police chief Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa said Mallari's act should serve as an inspiration and proof that there are still officers out there who stay true to their mandate of serving and protecting the people. 

"Na-prove naming mga pulis-Davao na kahit kami'y tinatawag na may pusong-bato, mayroon kaming pusong-mamon para sa mga mahihirap, may kapansanan at lalong-lalo na sa mga inaapi," he said.