Duterte: If I had my way, I won't renew ABS-CBN's franchise

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he is personally against the renewal of franchise of media and entertainment giant ABS-CBN Corp., which he had accused of swindling him.

The president’s fiery remarks are the latest in what critics call a string of verbal attacks against dissenting media.

In an expletive-laden speech, Duterte targeted ABS-CBN anew for “stealing,” in apparent reference to his previous allegation that the media conglomerate failed to air his political advertisements during the election campaign in 2016, even though these were already paid for.

He added that the Lopez family, the owners of the broadcast network, had been sending emissaries to his office to negotiate, but he refused to talk to them.

“Now, ABS-CBN, their franchise is due for renewal... But I will never also intervene. But if I had my way, I will not give it back to you,” Duterte said.

ABS-CBN’s franchise expires in 2020. House Bill 4349, which proposes to extend the media giant’s franchise by another 25 years, is currently pending before the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.

Duterte first expressed his opposition to the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise on April 27, 2017, which came days after he signed a law renewing rival GMA Network Inc.’s franchise.

On March 30 last year, Duterte hit ABS-CBN and domestic newspaper The Philippine Daily Inquirer for their supposed “unfair” and “slanted” reporting of his administration, adding that “corrupt” media “ails the Philippine society.”

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/04/1839596/duterte-if-i-had-my-way-i-wont-renew-abs-cbns-franchise

Opinion about sa franchise thingy madidiskaril ang DTV migration sa bansa, dahil sa mga banta ng presidente ng bansa na ikakansela ang prangkisa ng ABS sa 2020 for political motive. Samantalang sila pa ang may pinakamalawak na DTT coverage at malakas humahatak ng DTV migration sa bansa. While yung ibang network ay may limited coverage. Dahil sa kanselasyon ng prangkisa kung matutuloy ito ng walang alternative good DTT Channels. Maaring maudlot lang ang dtv migration at bumalik ang mga tao sa analog at hindi na magmigrate pa sa digital tv. Iisipin ng publiko na palpak o nagflopped ang DTV.

Hindi basta-basta pwede irush ang pagtatayo ng transmitter kasi milyun-milyon ang halaga ng transmitter. Bawat parts nito ay imported mula US, Europe, o Japan. Tapos may ihihire pa na foreigner para sa setup at precorrections.

Kaya kung anuman ang iringan ng gov at ng station mabuti pa na isantabi muna hanggang mag-full digital na ang Pilipinas para may choice na ang viewers sa panonood.

Edwardson Diestro reacts "Ang layo pa ng 2020. Sana magkaayos na sila in due time at huwag pairalin ang pride. Nahawa tuloy ang Prexy sa mga trolls about utang sa kanila ng gobyerno or whatever dahil sa maling info na galing sa kaliwat kanan na unknown netizens and even hoaxers as well. And take note minsan na rin may public service show si Duterte sa ABS-CBN Davao."

Chris Navarra asks "may 'digital platform' naman sila. Hahaha at marami pa silang balak hahahaha!"

Joey Josh says "I somehow agree kasi yung ABS-CBN lang ang very active for the migration. Im sure other networks will follow whatever will ABS-CBN do. Kung ma stop ang migration baka hanggang 2030 pa yan at hindi masunod ng deadline kung saan ibang bansa ay naka 4K na at tayo analog pa rin. This is not just an ABS-CBN issue but the entire industry."

Duterte says if it were up to him, ABS-CBN franchise should not be renewed

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday lashed out anew at broadcast network ABS-CBN, saying that if it were up to him, its franchise will not be renewed.

"Now, ABS-CBN, ‘yung franchise nila is due for renewal. Sige padala ng emissary kausapin ako. Pinaalis na nila si Gabby [Lopez] eh, kasi nila nothing will happen eh. I will not talk to you. But I will never also intervene. Pero if I had my way, I will not give it back to you. Magnanakaw kayo eh. Niloloko ninyo ‘yung maliliit.," Duterte said in a speech delivered at the inauguration of Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

"Kaya kong sabihin kay Gabby Lopez, “P***** i** mo mukha kang pera," he said.

Duterte was referring to his political advertisements during the 2016 election campaign which he said were paid for but did not air on ABS-CBN. Lopez is the network's chairman emeritus, but was chairman at the time of the 2016 elections.

"Kami ‘yung—because money was not there. So ‘nung panahon na tumaas na ‘yung rating ko, mga last minute, two days before. Anong… How would you spend it? You went to buy boats? Then you have to verify. In two days, can you do that? Kung binayad ko na lang sana na maski maka—for the first time may maglalabas ‘yung mukha ko. Tinanggap ‘yung two million ko, ang p***** i** niya, hindi lang man lumabas…," he added.

"Marami kami. Marami kami. Most of the congressman. Kasi --- p***** i** itong mga ABS-CBN. F*** you," Duterte said.

"Sige hirit, sige kuha ng pera namin, hindi naman pina… Not even say, 'We’re sorry but we could not find the appropriate space for your advertisements,'" the President said.

"Kaya binabastos ko kayo. Kayong mga mayaman? Talagang binabastos ko kayo kasi bastos kayo numero uno eh," he said.

In April 2017, Duterte first lashed out at ABS-CBN and Philippine Daily Inquirer for what he says was unfair coverage dating back to the campaign period.

He hit out at the television network then for supposedly not airing a political ad that was already paid for by his campaign.

When asked if he had plans to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, he replied, "Yes." The franchise is set to expire in 2020.

"If ganoon ka kaano, you're engaged in swindling for all we know ilang kompanya dito na hindi n'yo pinalabas. If you operate, ABS-CBN, tapos manloloko lang kayo ng tao, mag-swindling kayo, I have to stop you, 'di ba?" he said.

In December 2017, however, Duterte said he was willing to enter into a compromise deal with ABS-CBN if the company would promote his bid for a shift to a federal form of government.

GMA News Online is contacting ABS-CBN Corp. for comment as of posting time. —KG, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/662961/duterte-says-if-it-were-up-to-him-abs-cbn-franchise-should-not-be-renewed/story/?just_in

No ABS-CBN franchise if Duterte had his way

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday vowed to “never intervene” in ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal but said he will not hand it to the network if he had his way.

“Now ABS-CBN, ’yang franchise nila is due for renewal. Sige padala emissary para kausapin ako. Pinaalis na nila si Gabby (Lopez) kasi nothing will happen,” Duterte said in a speech during the opening of a drug rehabilitation facility in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

“I will not talk to you, but I will also never intervene. Pero if I had my way I will not give it back to you,” he added.

House Bill 4349, which seeks to renew ABS-CBN’s franchise for 25 years, is still pending at the committee level in Congress.

The president has repeatedly threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which expires in 2020.

In the same speech, Duterte also challenged the network to prove that he has unexplained wealth, as alleged by one of his staunchest critics, Senator Antonio Trillanes III.

The president dared ABS-CBN to go with him to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to look into his account.

“I am challenging ABS-CBN. Magpunta kami sa central bank and I will ask the governor to open my account. Pindot lang ’yan computer,” Duterte said.

“Pagka-sumobra ng P40 million, I will step down. Pero ’pag hindi umabot ng P40 million, maglinya kayo lahat diyan kay sampalin ko kayo isa-isa.”

Trillanes has accused Duterte of maintaining secret bank accounts since the 2016 national elections and has dared him to sign waivers allowing the Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Ombudsman to investigate the alleged accounts.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/04/18/no-abs-cbn-franchise-if-duterte-had-his-way

Duterte opposes new ABS-CBN franchise

President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday stepped up his threat to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, calling the network’s executives “thieves” for duping ordinary people.

Speaking in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Duerte revealed that the Lopez-led ABS-CBN had been sending an emissary to secure the renewal of its congressional franchise. He said he turned the emissary down.

“Now, ABS-CBN’s franchise is due for renewal. They are sending an emissary to negotiate with me…. Nothing will happen. I will not talk to you but I will never also intervene,” Duterte said.

“But if I had my way, I would not give it (franchise) back to you. You are thieves. You are duping small people,” he added.

Duterte claimed ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez 3rd had to retire because nothing was happening as far as the franchise was concerned.

He challenged ABS-CBN executives to let him slap them in the face if records showed he had less than P40 million in his bank accounts.

“This is a challenge which I am hurling at you now. Let’s go to the central bank and then I’ll tell them to open the computer and look at my account. If it exceeds P40mn, I will step down,” he said.

“But if it doesn’t reach P40mn, line up so I can slap you,” the president added.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th had alleged that Duterte logged about P1bn worth of transactions using various bank accounts.

Overall Deputy Ombudsman Arthur Carandang had also said the Office of the Ombudsman possessed documents of bank transactions that showed the same thing.

This statement was what prompted Malacanang to dismiss Carandang, who was leading the probe into Duterte’s supposedly hidden wealth.

ABS-CBN has been a frequent target of Duterte’s rants, with the president accusing the network of accepting funds from him without airing his political advertisements.

To recall, Duterte said in April 2017 that he would block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s 25-year congressional franchise.

ABS-CBN’s franchise will expire on March 30, 2020. Its renewal remains pending in Congress.

In his speech during the inauguration of the Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center in Bukidnon, Duterte hit Lopez Holdings Corp., which controls ABS-CBN, for not paying its debt to the state-run Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

He also again brought up his grievances against the Prieto family, owners of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which he had accused of being biased against him.

“They used to be Lopez – Lopez Group of Companies many years ago. You borrowed heavily from DBP,” he said.

“At the end, at the maturity, your debt to a government lending institution, DBP, was condoned,” he added.

Lopez Holdings Corp. earlier said it did not have unpaid obligations to the DBP or other government financial institutions after Duterte announced on August 30 that he was going after the company over supposed debts to the state-owned lender.

Duterte also claimed the Prieto family, which owns Dunkin’ Donuts in the country, has not paid P4bn in tax liabilities since the previous administration.

http://www.gulf-times.com/story/601724/Duterte-opposes-new-ABS-CBN-franchise

Race for TV ratings lead remains tight

TV network giants ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. continue to contest the nationwide ratings lead for the month of July.

In a statement, ABS-CBN claimed it is still the undisputed number one TV network in the country as it pulled in more viewers nationwide compared to other TV networks last month when it garnered an average audience share of 44 percent compared to GMA’s 33 percent.

ABS-CBN’s data came from multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media which uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes.

ABS-CBN said it was also the TV network of choice for households in Metro Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 42 percent against GMA’s 28 percent, as well as in total Luzon (39 percent against GMA’s 37 percent), Total Visayas (51 percent against GMA’s 26 percent), and total Mindanao (53 percent against GMA’s 26 percent).

Kantar Media data showed “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” was the most watched program in the country, with an average national TV rating of 42.8%, while variety show “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 40.5% on weekdays and 38.1% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 37.4% on weekdays and 36% on Saturdays.

ABS-CBN said it had 8 of the 10 highest-rated shows nationwide for July, including “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” “TV Patrol,” “Bagani,” “Since I Found You,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Umagang Kay Ganda,” “Magandang Buhay,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “The Blood Sisters,” “ASAP,” “Banana Sundae,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “MMK,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice” and “Gandang Gabi, Vice.”

ABS-CBN reported a net income of P411 million for the first quarter and as of end-July, it has sold 5.5 million boxes of ABS-CBN TVplus since its launch in 2015.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Thursday, GMA Network said it has widened its lead over rival ABS-CBN in nationwide television ratings, citing latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For July, GMA said it posted an average total day people audience share of 41.8 percent in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement, topping ABS-CBN’s 36.7 percent.

“GMA’s solid ratings performance was a result of the network’s continued leadership across all dayparts,” the company said.

“The Kapuso Network continued its dominance in the viewer-rich areas of urban Luzon and Mega Manila, which respectively account for 72 and 59 percent of all urban viewers in the country,” it said.

In the morning block, GMA said it registered 38.6 percent people audience share as against ABS-CBN’s 34.9 percent.

The company said it also posted a bigger margin in the afternoon block with 43.4 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 35.9 percent.

GMA said it was also ahead of its main competitor in the evening block with an average of 42 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 38 percent.

More GMA shows also made it to the list of top programs in NUTAM with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)” keeping its spot as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide. The newly-launched Kapuso telefantasya and Alden Richards-starer “Victor Magtanggol” immediately entered the list following KMJS.

More GMA shows also made it to the list including “Magpakailanman,” “24 Oras,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “Kambal, Karibal,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” and “The Clash.”

Completing the list were “The Cure,” “Amazing Earth,” “Inday Will Always Love You,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Wowowin,” “Imbestigador,” “You’re My Destiny,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Unang Hirit,” “Kapag Nahati ang Puso,” “My Guitar Princess,” “Tadhana,” “The Stepdaughters,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Eat Bulaga” and “Contessa.”

More viewers nationwide also preferred GMA’s coverage of Manny Pacquiao’s fight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last July 15 as well as President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23.

GMA’s coverage of the much-awaited bout between Pacquiao and Argentinean Lucas Matthysse garnered a people audience share of 49.2 percent in NUTAM which topped ABS-CBN’s 30.7 percent.

“SONA 2018: The GMA News Special Coverage” was likewise the most watched with 41.2 percent overnight people audience share in NUTAM versus ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

GMA said Nielsen data is “statistically considered more representative of the total TV population” as it gathers a greater number of sampled homes nationwide in comparison to Kantar Media, with approximately 900 more homes surveyed in total urban and rural Philippines.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/08/05/1839654/race-tv-ratings-lead-remains-tight

ABS-CBN, GMA clash over TV ratings in July

ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network, Inc. both claimed to lead in TV ratings in July, citing different audience management providers.

In a statement released on Friday, ABS-CBN said it recorded an average audience share of 44% versus GMA’s 33%, based on data from Kantar Media.

“ABS-CBN was also the TV network of choice for households in Metro Manila, where it scored an average audience share of 42% against GMA’s 28%, in Total Luzon, where it got 39% against GMA’s 37%, in Total Visayas where it garnered 51% against GMA’s 26%, and in Total Mindanao where it hit 53% against GMA’s 26%,” the Lopez-led media giant said.

Kantar Media data showed “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” was the most watched program in the country, with an average national TV rating of 42.8%, while “It’s Showtime” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 39.2% on weekdays and 35% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 33.4% on weekdays and 23.4% on Saturdays.

ABS-CBN said it had 8 of the 10 highest-rated shows nationwide for July, including “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids,” “TV Patrol,” “Bagani,” “Since I Found You,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Umagang Kay Ganda,” “Magandang Buhay,” “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” “Asintado,” “Araw Gabi,” “Blood Sisters,” “ASAP,” “Banana Sundae,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “MMK,” “Goin’ Bulilit,” “Wansapanataym,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Rated K,” “I Can See Your Voice” and “Gandang Gabi, Vice.”

ABS-CBN said it garnered an average audience share of 47% in the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 midnight), compared to GMA’s 33%.

In the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 noon), ABS-CBN recorded a 39% share versus GMA’s 30%, while in the noontime block (12 noon to 3 p.m.) it posted a 43% share against GMA’s 33%. In the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), the media giant said it got 42% versus GMA’s 36%.

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes, which it says represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population. Local current subscribers include Peoples Television Network Inc., Viva Communications Inc., and Solar Entertainment Corporation, while international subscribers include Turner Broadcasting System Asia, Google Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Home Box Office (Singapore) Pte Ltd, MTV Asia, and Fox International Channels.

Meanwhile, GMA said on Thursday it recorded an average total day people audience share of 41.8% in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) in July against ABS-CBN’s 36.7%, citing data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

“GMA’s solid ratings performance was a result of the Network’s continued leadership across all dayparts. The Kapuso Network strengthened its lead in the morning block, registering 38.6% people audience share as against ABS-CBN’s 34.9%,” the company said in a statement.

GMA noted its average total day people audience share stood at 46.1% in Urban Luzon, versus ABS-CBN’s 31.3%. In Mega Manila (with official data from July 1 to 21), the comapny said its average total day people audience share stood at 47.2% against ABS-CBN’s 29.5%.

GMA said Urban Luzon and Mega Manila account for 72% and 59% of all urban viewers in the Philippines.

More GMA shows also made it to the list of top programs in NUTAM with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)” keeping its spot as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide. The newly-launched telefantasya and Alden Richards-starrer “Victor Magtanggol” immediately entered the list following KMJS.

More GMA shows also made it to the list including “Magpakailanman,” “24 Oras,” “Lip Sync Battle Philippines,” “Pepito Manaloto,” “Kambal, Karibal,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” and “The Clash.”

Completing the list were “The Cure,” “Amazing Earth,” “Inday Will Always Love You,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “Wowowin,” “Wish Ko Lang,” “Imbestigador,” “You’re My Destiny,” “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Unang Hirit,” “Kapag Nahati ang Puso,” “My Guitar Princess,” “Tadhana,” “The Stepdaughters,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Eat Bulaga” and “Contessa.”

More viewers nationwide also preferred GMA Network’s coverage of Manny Pacquiao’s fight last July 15 as well as President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23.

GMA’s coverage of the much-awaited bout between Pacquiao and Argentinian Lucas Matthysse garnered a people audience share of 49.1 percent in NUTAM which topped ABS-CBN’s 30.8 percent.

“SONA 2018: The GMA News Special Coverage” was likewise the most watched with 41.2 percent overnight people audience share in NUTAM versus ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

The listed media company noted the Nielsen survey covered 900 more homes in the Total Urban and Rural Philippines compared to Kantar Media. Its clients include TV5, Aksyon TV, CNN Philippines, and Viva Communications.

PRESIDENT DUTERTE WANTS TO APPROVE OR DENY THE RENEWAL OF ABS-CBN’S FRANCHISE

• President Rodrigo Duterte said he doesn’t want to renew ABS-CBN franchise.
• He accused the Network as thieves.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he is not keen on renewing the franchise of media giant ABS-CBN (if he had it his way).

The President is on an offensive side (again) versus broadcast giant ABS-CBN after said he won’t renew its franchise if it is just up to him.

On his inauguration speech in a drug rehabilitation center in Bukidnon, he slammed ABS-CBN for its alleged biased reporting and swindling.

“Now, ABS-CBN, their franchise is due for renewal. They sent emissaries to me. They sent Gabby away because nothing will happen. I will not talk to you, but I will also never intervene. But if I had my way, I would not give it back to you,” the President said.

ABS-CBN’s franchise which will end in 2020 is up for renewal in Congress. But Duterte wants it blocked (if given the chance).

“Magnanakaw kayo eh, linoloko niyo ‘yung maliliit (You are thieves, you trick the small people),” Duterte added.

Currently, the House Bill 4349, the bill which seeks to renew the franchise granted to ABS-CBN for 25 years is still pending at the committee level.

Duterte has been at odds with the country’s largest media network ABS-CBN after the latter purportedly didn’t show his political campaign ads.

As early as April 2017, Duterte already said he does not want to renew ABS-CBN‘s franchise because they swindled him.

According to the President, he will file a complaint to the Congress so that ABS-CBN‘s franchise won’t be renewed because they did not show his political ads during the 2016 general election campaign season even though they have already paid for it.

"I believe that ABS-CBN will still continue its day to day activities. BROADCAST OPERATIONS will only be affected by this move," sinabi ni Perry Patts.

SM Prime eyeing ‘main mall’ in Ecija’s ‘flood-free’ city

SAN Jose City -- Amid the construction boom here, SM Prime Holdings Inc., the operator of SM Group’s shopping malls, is reportedly planning putting up another branch in this city to become its so-called “main mall” in Central Luzon.

This was revealed to the Journal Group by Mayor Mario “Kokoy” Salvador, who said that due to the city’s flood-free characteristics, SM Prime has already acquired several lots and is scouting for more in Bgy. Abar 1st in preparation for their future expansion.

“Ang plano daw nila, ito ang gagawing pinaka-main mall ng SM sa Central Luzon kasi ito lang ang hindi binabaha, ’di katulad sa nangyari sa SM-Rosales at SM-Cabanatuan na binaha,” Salvador said.

“Ito ang parang gagawin nilang main mall, pati mga stocks nila dito dadalhin, depende siguro sa laki ng lupa na maa-acquire nila,” the mayor added.



Aside from this, Salvador said an additional six-megawatt renewable energy plant is being constructed to augment the existing 24 MW biomass facility of the Lucio Co-led San Jose City I Power Corporation in Bgy. Tulat, the city’s designated agro-industrial zone.

“Mayroon na naman additional na 6MW na itinatayo si Lucio Co na renewable energy plant, kaya magiging 30MW na ang total energy generated ng biomass power facility natin sa San Jose,” he told this reporter.

It was learned that the first 12MW and the second of the 24 MW biomass projects cost P1 billion each.

http://www.journal.com.ph/news/provincial/sm-prime-eyeing-main-mall-in-ecija-s-flood-free-city

Duterte dares to accompany ABS-CBN in opening his bank account

DAVAO CITY— President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday dared television network ABS-CBN to go with him to the Central Bank and he will open his account.

He said if his account exceeded P40 million, he would resign but if not, he would line his critics up and slap them one by one.

“I am challenging ABS-CBN,” President Duterte said during the inauguration of the Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

“Magpunta kami sa (We will go to the) Central Bank and I will ask the governor to open my account. I will not give it to the son of a b*tch na kalaban ko (who is my enemy),” he said, referring to Senator Antonio Trillanes III.

“This is a challenge which I am hurling at you now. If my bank account exceeds 40 million, I will step down,” Duterte said.

“Pero, pag hindi umabot ng 40 million, mag linya kayo lahat at sasampalin ko kayo isa-isa.  Akala ninyo kasi lahat ng tao magnanakaw. (If the amount does not reach P40 million, then, you have to line up and I will slap you one by one. You think everyone is a thief). That’s the problem,” he added.

Trillanes has been urging the President to sign a waiver to the bank secrecy law and open his bank accounts. The senator, who is one of Duterte’s fiercest critics, even launched a nationwide signature campaign called “Sign the waiver!”  /jpv

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1017514/duterte-dares-to-accompany-abs-cbn-in-opening-his-bank-account-duterte-abs-cbn-bank-account#ixzz5NDNc9oWT
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Touching story of unusual mom

GMA Network’s “Onanay” starts airing Aug. 6. The heart-warming drama introduces Jo Berry as Onay, a loving, warm and kind woman.

“Onanay” is about a woman born with Achondroplasia or a bone growth disorder which impeded her growth. Because of this, she is often the subject of ridicule but she chooses to remain positive in life.

Onay is mother to two beautiful girls Maila and Natalie. Maila is the obedient and cheerful daughter, always ready to defend her mother, while Natalie is spoiled and arrogant.

Playing Onay’s mother is superstar Nora Aunor as Nelia, who only has good and admiring words for Jo Berry. Onay’s mother-in-law is Cherie Gil as Helena. Aldrian Alandy plays Onay’s husband.

• • •

Convention highlight

An exhibit featuring the historic Battle for Manila will be one of the highlights for “History Con 2018” happening on Aug. 10-12 at the World Trade Center.

The Battle for Manila claimed over 100,000 civilian lives, and unquantifiable damage to beautiful buildings and homes. Manila was the second most devastated City in World War II next only to Warsaw, Poland, with very heavy casualties.

“History Con 2018” also features a star-studded lineup of popular History personalities including Katheryn Winnick of History Channel’s Emmy-winning series “Vikings,” Giorgio Tsoukalos of the hit series “Ancient Aliens,” “Ride N’ Seek’s” Jaime Dempsey; as well as local celebrities Xian Lim and Diego Loyzaga of “Celebrity Car Wars.”

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 4, go to Emily R. Lopez, Lilia de Lima, Oscar Reyes, Melton Alingod, Gus Villanueva, Inki Azarcon, Lyndon Gatdula, Tet Defensor, Minda Imperial, Ruben Fruto, Anna Kathrena Cruz, Ligaya Colina Salang of Tagum City, Merilyn Conrado-Gatus of Social Security System greetings from Atty. Joey Fajardo, Poch Edward Zamora, Allyson Park, Atty. Rodel Dascil and Scarlett Parlan… Aug. 5: Sen. Richard Gordon, Col. Noe Andaya, Wally dela Cruz, Alice Arenas, Ampy Dacer, Alice Pizarro, Baby San Juan, Jeff Geronimo, Conde Reyes of Tondo, Manila turns 62 greetings from Baby Israel Paredes, Vicks Salenga greetings from Pearlie of Orani, Bataan and Dranreb Belleza… Aug. 6: Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Amb. Baby Puyat, Consul Evie Costa, Dr. Benjamin Tayabas, Tara Tambunting, Say Alonzo, Francis Mobtinola, Sophia Roxas, Ernie Yu, Sixto Roxas, Wilma Iguenas-Ribando, Audrey Catherine Magleo David, Audie Gemora, Danny Javier, and Gary Valenciano…