Another charity concert from the country’s ‘Charity Diva’

Dubbed the “Charity Diva” because her concerts are often for such purpose, Token Lizares will headline “My Token of Love” on March 22 at 7 p.m. at the Teatrino, Greenhills, San Juan City.

“I always do charity shows in the Philippines,” Token said during a recent press conference. “‘How do I earn?’ I was asked. I earn from my shows abroad,” she chuckled.

TOKEN LIZARES

In the past, Lizares had done charity shows for St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged, Lingkod E.R. in Bacolod and Bantay Bata 163 in Negros.

Special guest performers at the concert are Richard Poon, German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, Michael Pangilinan, Prima Diva Billy, Niza Limjap, A. J. Tamisa and Le Chazz. Butch Miraflor directs the show, with a front act by Alex Datu.

Tickets are available at TicketWorld.

Background On Token

Born Ruby “Token” Tia Lizares, she started her professional singing career in 1983, singing at the Manila Garden and the then Philippine Plaza Hotel (now Sofitel). In 1984, Token began to perform in other Asian countries, the first of which was Singapore.

In 1985, she performed for a year at the Holiday Inn in Kuala Lumpur, then at the Kamaishi Hotel, and at the First Hotel in Tokyo. In 2003, she came home to perform regularly at the Calesa Bar of Hyatt Regency Hotel (now Midas Hotel & Casino) for two years. In 2007, she returned to Japan to perform at the Yuzankaku Hotel. Token also had the rare opportunity to perform at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York in 2011.

Token also has had stints in such TV shows as “Penthouse Live,” “Kwarta O Kahon,” “Student Canteen” and “Swerte Sa Siete,” among others. She also sang the theme song of “The Impossible Kid,” starring the late Weng-Weng.

Token has been a mainstay on German Moreno’s “Walang Tulugan with The Master Showman” since last year.

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Stars Grace Fashion Show

Julie Anne San Jose, Miriam Quiambao, Phoemela Baranda, Bea Binene, Carla Humphries, Glaiza de Castro, Ritz Azul, Jenny Miller, Kiray Celis, Gemmae Custodio and Marvelous Alejo will all walk the ramp in “Laces & Bustiers,” a fashion show set on March 14, 6:30 p.m. at the Skydome of SM North Edsa.

The show will see these stars wearing debutant and bridal outfits created by the country’s top Filipino couturiers including Aira Cabanding, Anna Felix, Danna Santiago, Edwin Millares, Emil Ocampo, Eric Valena, Miguel Amante, Nomer Cerbito, Olan Roque and Ricky Abad. Also for showcase are body forms and bridal corsets designed by Betty Rulloda.

The event is directed by Girlie Espinosa and sponsored by Wedding Insights Magazine, Goldenhills Jewelry, Nice Print Photography, BBMarciano Catering and kasal.com.

Tickets are available at SM Ticket Cinema outlets nationwide

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Exciting Trumpets Playshop This Summer

Trumpets Playshop, the country’s ultimate summer workshop destination, is all set for “Playshop Reload!”

Playshop will prove that better, bigger and bolder days are to come with its lineup of classes for both old and new Playshoppers this 2014.

Enrollment is now open for kids, teens and adults who want to reload on their acting, singing, dancing, modeling, and speaking chops, all while having a good time.

Kids from four to 12 years old can enroll in Children’s Theater (CT) and Children’s Musical Theater (CMT) classes, where they will learn the fundamentals through song, dance, improvisation and creative storytelling.

Teenagers who want to sharpen their performing technique also have their own musical theater classes.

Kids and teens who want to tear up the dance floor can groove their way into Playshop’s Streetdance classes, mentored by The Maneuvers.

Playshop’s CT, CMT, MT and Streetdance classes have produced world-class Filipino talents over the years, such as heartthrob Sam Concepcion, 29th Star Awards Best New Female Actress Tippy Dos Santos, and the 2013 Broadway World Best Actor in a Musical Anton Posadas.

Playshop got men and women ages 19 and up covered as well with musical theater, modeling and starpower classes.

Classes begin on April 7 at The Podium, Global City and Alabang and other satellite venues.

Follow Trumpets Playshop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.trumpetsplayshop.com for details.

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Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 12, go to Betsy R. Quisumbing, Mely Paras, Hawaii-based Josie Palma Seson, Antoinette Abella-Dionela, Rebecca Perez-Buccat and Fred Payawan of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Col. and Mrs. Juanito Lagasca and Ray-An and Meiling Fuentes… March 13 celebrants: former Makati Councilor Bong Daza, Kathy Limjoco, Keren Pascual, Erlinda de Castro, Sherwin T. Macandog, Jerome Ruiz Berja, Deng Latayan Lado-ing, Tynes Tolentino of Puregold Imus, Cavite, Connie O. Genilo of Tarlac, Tarlac, Irish Sta. Maria and Atty. Amelia C. Tansinsin… Belated birthday greetings to Kagawad Mario Cequena (March 9) and Culita M. Pangan (March 6)…

Legarda celebrates talent, artistry of women weavers

Senator Loren Legarda continues to highlight the talent and artistry of women weavers with “Abel Ilokana: Celebrating Women Weavers From Ilocos Sur, La Union, Ilocos Norte And Abra.”

Launched in partnership with the National Museum, the month-long exhibition is on at the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery, 4th Floor, Museum of the Filipino People in Manila. It will run until March 30.

Speaking during the launch, Senator Legarda said, “Today, we celebrate the strength of women and the enduring weaving culture in our country as we have aptly placed the spotlight on our women weavers from the North in time for the National Women’s Month and the International Women’s Day, which is celebrated every 8th of March.”

“Among the tropical fabrics in the Philippines, the Abel of the Ilokanos is one of the famous pieces. Tradition has made it part of an Ilokano’s life – at childbirth, in marriage, and even in death. It is also as mundane as a blanket or a tablecloth or a purse. But behind every Abel is a great synergy of a weaver’s mind, heart and soul. Behind every cloth spun from threads of various origin and colors is a story of a weaver’s relationship with her loom. It is her craft, her passion, her life,” Senator Legarda stressed.

Senator Legarda noted that while she knows of many communities that continue to practice weaving, it is quite a challenge to keep the tradition alive especially in a fast-changing world.

The Senator has been engaged in efforts to enliven weaving. Among her initiatives include the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Gallery itself; the Hibla Pavilion of Textiles and Weaves of the Philippines, which displays the different weaving products made by various indigenous communities; and the Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge, which enriches citizens’ knowledge on tropical fabrics and the culture of weaving.

Senator Legarda is the author of Republic Act 9242, the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law of 2004, which aims to promote and strengthen the local fabric industry as it mandates the use of indigenous fibers for the official uniforms of government officials and employees.

“The task before us is to help our people value and continue our heritage. We must open doors of opportunities for weaving communities. We must promote greater support for cultural enterprises and creative industries of our indigenous peoples. As we do this, we also empower our weavers, many of whom are indigenous women,” she said.

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Hollywood Stars Talk About Their Idol, Manny Pacquiao

We all know that Manny Pacquiao has a lot of fans worldwide and they include prominent personalities and even world leaders.

Manny is also adored by Hollywood action stars like Liam Neeson and Mark Wahlberg. Both acknowledge that when it comes to “real action,” they look up to the Pinoy boxing pride.

Neeson who narrates the documentary “Manny” reveals that he has been a fan of Pacquiao “for many, many years.”

“What a boxer. He is one of the greats,” the Irish actor said during a recent appearance ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Kimmel and Neeson chatted about co-starring together in “Manny,” which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas last March 8.

“After I narrated (our) film, the producer sent me an email with a little film footage of Manny saying to the camera, ‘Hello, Liam, I look forward to meeting you,’ and I’m showing it to everybody!” Neeson shared with the TV host. “I haven’t met him… but he is a fantastic boxer.”

Kimmel was interviewed for the documentary concerning Pacquiao’s several appearances on his show.

Wahlberg, for his part, credited Pacquiao as his model when he portrayed Mickey “Irish” Ward in “The Fighter.”

“Every time he was training at Wild Card Gym, I watched him because my whole approach was I wanted to look like a Manny Pacquiao-caliber fighter. I didn’t want to look like another actor who’s doing an okay job,” he was quoted in one of his interviews.

Other personalities appearing in the documentary include Jeremy Piven, Oscar de la Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Dan Hill, several respected sportswriters and boxing analysts, as well as friends and family of Pacquiao.

Directed by Ryan Moore and Leon Gast, “Manny” takes a look at the inspiring life of Pacquiao who rose from poverty to become a eight-time world boxing champion and international icon.

Gast won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 1996 for “When We Were Kings,” a film about the classic match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Congo in 1974.

“Manny” features original music by Lorne Balfe and songs by Yardnoise with Chad Hugo.

Distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation, “Manny,” opens on March 12 in Philippine theaters.

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Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings, March 11, go to former Comelec Chairman Ramon H. Felipe, Jose Mari Chan, Hero Bautista, Lucy Chuaying, Vera Isberto, Dr. Teresita Cozar, Camille G. Nolasco, Anthony Segovia, Michael Segovia, Atty. Nards Virtucio, Dr. Remy Suntay, Toyang Capistrano, Tini Rosales, Chico Querol Moreno, Belsha Valdecanas-Dizon, Jojo De Mesa Daigdigan, Manolito Esguerra, Bryan Kato of Japan, Danny dela Cuesta, Jiggy Reyes, Darrel Morales, Karen Kaye, Khenjie Almacen, Juancho dela Cruz, Mr. and Mrs. Rogelio Nolasco, Bianca Gonzalez, Jessie Lucas, Janna Dominguez and Avi Siwa…March 12 celebrants are Betsy R. Quisumbing, Mely Paras, Hawaii-based Josie Palma Seson, Antoinette Abella-Dionela, Rebecca Perez-Buccat and Fred Payawan of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Col. and Mrs. Juanito Lagasca and Ray-An and Meiling Fuentes… March 13 celebrants are former Makati Councilor Bong Daza, Kathy Limjoco, PR practitioner and talent manager Keren Pascual, Erlinda de Castro, Sherwin T. Macandog, Jerome Ruiz Berja, Deng Latayan Lado-ing, Tynes Tolentino of Puregold Imus, Cavite, Connie O. Genilo of Tarlac, Tarlac, Irish Sta. Maria and Atty. Amelia C. Tansinsin… Belated birthday greetings to Kagawad Mario Cequena and Stephanie Frances A. Yap (March 9) and Culita M. Pangan (March 6)…Condolence to the family of Rosario Tuason-Hosaka, who passed away last March 10. Her remains lie in state at Loyola Memorial Chapels, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. Her interment will be at La Loma Catholic Cemetery on Thursday, March 13, 2004 after the 9:00 a.m. Mass…

GMA network makes a splash via ‘Kambal Sirena’ series

Original fantasy drama series “Kambal Sirena” makes a big splash on GMA tonight with its state-of-the-art production design and spectacular visual effects.

The cast is headed by Kapuso Prime leading lady Louise delos Reyes, who will assume the dual role of twins, Alona and Perlas. Born with unusual features – one has gills behind her ears, the other a mermaid’s tail – their mother constantly worried about neighbors finding out her daughters’ strange secrets. She decides to move them to an isolated island whereafter, the two will be separated due to unfortunate circumstances.

Perlas will continue to live with her mother, and she ends up working in an ocean park. Alona, meanwhile, will live as a princess in the sea kingdom of Sirendia.

In the series, Louise teams up for the first time with Kapuso Prime leading man Aljur Abrenica. He plays Kevin, the handsome and rich son of Susanna (Lotlot De Leon), with whom the twins fall in love.

Kevin manages the company where Perlas works. They meet and start to develop feelings for each other. Meanwhile, intrigue brews without them knowing. Kevin’s mother, Susanna, finds out that Perlas is the daughter of Marissa (Mickey Ferriols), whom she considers to be the cause of her brother Enrique’s (Ryan Eigenmann) death. Meanwhile, Alona also falls for Kevin after saving him from being drowned.

“Kambal Sirena” is Louise’s most challenging role yet.

From the success of her previous series including “Alakdana,” “One True Love,” and “Mundo Mo’y Akin,” viewers will surely be captivated with the way she tackles the intricacy of her dual role on “Kambal Sirena.”

Also in the cast are Mike Tan as Jun, Tessie Tomas as Lola Rita, Nova Villa as Tiya Ligaya, Pancho Magno as Homer, Winwyn Marquez as Macy, Chanda Romero as Victorina, Ryan Eigenmann as Enrique, Yul Servo as the twin’s father Damos, Hershey Garcia as the young Perlas and Alona, Angelika dela Cruz as Reyna Arowana, Rich Asuncion as Betilya, Polo Ravales as the scheming Ataba, and Gladys Reyes-Roxas as Barracuda, the evil sea witch.

Helmed by New York-trained Dondon Santos with Dode Cruz as head writer, “Kambal Sirena” airs weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Tessie’s Dream: To Be A Sirena

Tessie Tomas revealed that it was her burning desire to play one of the leading mermaids on “Kambal Sirena.”

“Kaya lang overaged na ako,” she said, laughing, during the recent press launch of the sirena-serye.

Recall, however, that Tessie has already played a mermaid in the ’80s, in a spoof of the Hollywood movie “Splash,” on the “Johnny Litton” show. She said, “That was when my waistline was only 23! Now, it’s 32!”

Anyway, Tessie recently signed a two-year contract with the Kapuso Network.



• • •

From Bubbly To Beauty

When you get to see Rubianne Nazaire “Arbie” Belmonte a.k.a. MOR DJ Chikki Boom Boom of ABS-CBN MOR 101.9 for the first time, you can tell that she has looks. However, her weight and body structure “upstage” her appeal.

Her program “Ready, Get MOR!” airs on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. She is also an Associate Producer for the programs “On-Air,” “Heartbeats,” “Pinoy Hits,” “Yun na as in!”

Arbie is the latest endorser for Lesofat, said to be an anti-obesity drug marketed by InnoGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Arbie started her weight management program with Lesofat November of last year. Her weight, at the time, was 157 lbs. In 81 days, she lost 15.3 lbs. She now tips the scale at 141.7 lbs and is actually losing more weight.

Lesofat claims to prevent the body from absorbing some of the fat from the food you eat. When taken three times a day with meals, Lesofat blocks about 1/3 of the fat you eat from being absorbed. When you absorb less fat, you take in fewer calories, which causes weight loss.

Arbie finished her AB Communication Arts degree at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. She has had extensive working experience in advertising and PR. Besides her busy schedule with MOR 101.9, our Lesofat lady has her hands full as an events host and creative consultant.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 10, go to renowned violinist John Lesaca, TJ Manotoc, JC de Vera, Rosanna Marquez, Pete Dacuycuy, Alex C. Estrada, Erlinda “Ada” Santiago, Nelson Gumatay, Marissa Z. Burgos of Rajah Tours, Hazel Luigi Nicolas, Toffer Lorenzo, Pia Hontiveros-Pagkalinawan, Raquel Basilio-Dungo wife of Manila Bulletin’s photog Bob Dungo and Julia Barretto-Padilla of Star Magic…

Bench and Lucy Gomez launches "6200 Mission Possible"

It was not your typical charity event. Though it was put together for a very worthy cause, there were no tear-jerking appeals for help, no arm twisting for donations, no frenzied auctions.

Neither was it your typical fashion event, although the top fashion and lifestyle label in the Philippines was behind it.

Nor was it the usual celebrity gathering even as the brightest names in Philippine entertainment graced the occasion.

What it was, was simply a human event — as human as one can imagine, because it celebrated the best of the human spirit even through the most trying of times and the worst of disasters. Meaningful, memorable, inspiring, and most of all, empowering, the Bench 6200 Mission Possible, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez’s pet project, in cooperation with KIDS (Kabataan Iwas sa Droga sa tulong ng Sports) Foundation, was launched to heartwarming success this past weekend at the new Ayala Fairview Terraces mall in Quezon City, the beginning of what could be a whole new way of doing charity in the country.

Hope floats, wrote Lucy, as she described the project about a month ago. Her dream was simple: to provide each one of the 6,200 registered fishermen in her congressional district in Ormoc, Leyte, with a new fishing boat to replace the thousands they lost to Typhoon Yolanda’s fury. She called it Mission Possible, and, after jumpstarting it with a few boats from her own personal contribution, the employees of Bench turned over their Christmas party money to add to the humble fleet. Ben Chan, top honcho of Bench, along with his sister and brother-in-law, Nenita and Virgilio Lim, swiftly donated 200 more boats. Before long, Lucy had 1,200, from various individuals and organizations, with the number growing each day.

And through Ben Chan’s characteristic action-taking, he decided fortify the project by pledging P5 out of every P500 purchase at any Bench store from the 1st of February to the 30th of April, 2014, to the 6200 Mission Possible fund, this enjoining the greater public to take part in this noble endeavor.


“We are all in this together. We must boost the morale of the people of Ormoc, we must let them know that we are there for them, that they have not been abandoned,” said Ben Chan. This message was stated loud and clear at the launch, which flowed beautifully and symbolically. Hosted by Markki Stroem, the stage at the entrance of Ayala Fairview Terraces was fitted to appear as a giant wooden crateready for shipping. The program began with a short video showing scenes of the aftermath of Yolanda as Lucy surveyed the devastation. This was cut with footage of the actual boats being manufactured — bancas made of fibreglass instead of the usual wood, designed to last up to 20 years, as well as to be faster, lighter, and more durable. “We feel so much fulfillment as we do this,” said one of the project’s volunteers.

A heartfelt speech from Lucy; a moving rendition of Michael Jackson’s You Are Not Alone by Markki; touching spiels on responsibility, hope, opportunity, unity, passion, and commitment from Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Robi Domingo, Ejay Falcon, Xian Lim, Sam Concepcion, Joseph Marco, David Chua, Miko Raval, basketball champions Jeric and Jeron Teng, and Enchong Dee, interspersed with some brilliant singing of the anthem Just Stand Up by Karylle and Lovi Poe, later joined by Rachelle Anne Go for the Beyonce hit Stand Up for Love, thrilled the starstruck audience at Fairview Terraces.

The program was topped off with a wonderful finale revealing the actual Bench fiberglass boat as it was carted onstage, reminiscent of the first iconic Bench TV commercial starring Richard Gomez as a sculler in 1989. Identical boats were simultaneously revealed in Ayala malls Glorietta 2 and Alabang Town Center.

Amid the deafening applause of a very enthusiastic crowd and the strains of Bob Dylan’s soul-stirring song Shelter from the Storm, Lucy and her husband Richard and their daughter Juliana, Ben Chan and his family, celebrity guests, and members of the media let sail numerous paper boats on a makeshift pool to symbolize their commitment to the mission.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” goes the oft-repeated Chinese proverb. In giving people livelihood rather than dole outs, said Lucy, you give them dignity, you give them help that is both immediate and long-term. The boats were designed to be used as soon as they are received, and to be used for the rest of their lives.

Indeed, the 6200 Mission Possible launch was about empowerment. It was not about dependency, it did not focus on victimization, it was not about waiting for manna to fall from the sky. Mission Possible is about ACTION, which empowers not just the receiver, but the giver as well.

As we shall soon see when these boats dot the coastline of Ormoc in the very near future, empowerment will not just be in the hearts of those blessed fishermen, but in the hearts of those who took the concrete steps to make this dream a reality.

Like Bench and Lucy, you too can help make a difference. For P34,000, donors can sponsor a boat and name it after their company or loved ones. Each boat comes with a fiberglass hull, a Honda motor, and accessories such as a propeller, brass pipe, rudder, steel shaft, and cross-joint bolts, nuts, and rings. A team of artist volunteers add creativity to each piece with colorful designs that echo a unique story. With help from kind hearts, hope will float and devastated villages shall rise again. To learn more about how you can be part of this endeavor visit www.rebuildormoc.com.

Your Song Presents: "BOYSTOWN" on DVD!

The dance group Gigger Boys is turning 5! The Sunday teledrama is now on DVD!

Your Song Presents: "BOYSTOWN" (2009)
With behind the scenes of episodes 1 to 7 (in videos and photos), Kapamilya Chat with the Gigger Boys, and full photos of UAAP Swimming Competition from 2007 to 2009.

Editorial: We celebrate International Women’s Day

United Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually worldwide on March 8 to highlight the social, political, and economic achievements of women, while drawing world attention to areas requiring further action. This year’s IWD theme “Equality for Women is Progress for All,” encourages advocacy for women’s advancement around the world in all aspects of life.

IWD will be observed at the UN headquarters in New York City, United States of America on March 7, 2014 before the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women begins on March 10, 2014. In the Philippines, March is observed as National Women’s Month (NWM). The country usually marks IWD and NWM with various activities heralding the outstanding achievements of women leaders on the local and national level. These include film screenings, walks for a cause, medical missions, photo exhibits, seminars and consultative conferences, organized by relevant government agencies and academic institutions, media, and women’s organizations.

The United Nations IWD celebration began in 1975. In 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. However, the UN has traditionally observed IWD on March 8.

The recent decades have witnessed an increase in women’s visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life. National and international women organizations admit that much remains to be done, but IWD celebrations in the recent years have shifted from being mere “reminders about the negatives” to “a celebration of the positive gains.”

The Manila Bulletin, led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Emilio T. Yap, President and Publisher Atty. Hermogenes P. Pobre, Executive Vice President Dr. Emilio C. Yap III, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cris J. Icban Jr., Business Editor Loreto D. Cabañes, Directors, Officers, and Employees congratulate the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women headed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, other Officers and Personnel, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2014. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!

Macklemore, Ryan Lewis coming to Manila for epic concert

Grammy Award-winning Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are coming to Manila to hold an epic concert party at the MOA Arena on March 16.

Said Ryan Lewis, “It was a roller coaster of a year to go through. What better way to celebrate than to come over to you guys and play a show!”

Needless to say, the popular pair is ready to give everything as they perform and party with us Filipinos.

Last month, the twosome won four Grammy Awards including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album for “The Heist,” beating works by Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Drake.

They were also awarded Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Song for “Thrift Shop,” which was No. 1 in the yearend Hot 100 charts across all genres.

“We made the album without a record label, we made it independently and we appreciate all the support,” Macklemore said.

The American Music Awards also gave the indie hip hop duo six nominations, winning in the Best Hip Hop/Rap Album category.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Macklemore started performing at a young age. His influences include Kris Kross, Digital Underground and Michael Jackson.

In 2000, he released an EP titled “Open Your Eyes” under the moniker Professor Macklemore. He released his full-length debut album, “The Language Of My World” in 2005.

He teamed up with Lewis in 2010, releasing “Vs. Redux EP.”

Tickets to the concert are available at all SM Tickets outlets. This is another production brought to you by Concertus Manila in cooperation with Viber and Visa.

• • •

GMA Primetime Queen Marian Rivera added another feather to her cap by winning the Best Actress in a Primetime Teleserye award at the 5th Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Students’ Choice Award for Radio and Television (NSCART), for her performance on “Temptation of Wife.”

Marian is overwhelmed with the recognition, saying, “Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa parangal na ibinigay ng mga mag-aaral mula sa NwSSU. Maraming salamat dahil na-appreciate nila ang naging pagganap ko bilang si Angeline/Chantal na isa sa mga roles na ipinagmamalaki ko at memorable para sa akin.”

Meanwhile, a month since its launch on GMA Telebabad, more and more Filipino viewers are mesmerized with her and leading man Alden Richards’ performance on “Carmela.”

Their popularity is not only evident in the Philippines but also in other countries where fellow Pinoys get to watch “Carmela” through GMA Pinoy TV.

A subscriber in New Jersey, USA shared that many Filipinos in their area love and admire the actress and they look forward to see her perform the theme song of “Carmela” (“Sana’y Ikaw”) with Alden, saying, “They (Marian and Alden) really amaze us every time they have a scene together on ‘Carmela.’ They really have the chemistry and they’re both excellent in their craft.”

• • •

Marian’s Premium Fragrance

Another recent milestone for Marian is her appointment as brand ambassador of Premium Fragrances, a line of concentrated fabric conditioners by Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc.

The company is also maker of premium quality home care, personal care, baby care, fragrances, apparel and healthcare products.

But why did they choose Marian to be brand ambassador of Premium Fragrances fabric conditioners? They’re a perfect combination, the executives of Personal Collection said, as “Marian clearly personifies the product’s beauty, sophistication and premium fragrances.”

Asked if she washes her clothes, Marian answered in the affirmative.

“Lahat ng babae dapat marunong maglaba. Hindi ko naman linalabhan lahat ng damit ko, but ’yung underwears, linalabhan ko…”

Sof & mmmmm Premium Fragrances are available through Personal Collection dealers nationwide.

• • •

 

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 9, go to Rosemarie Gil, Nonong “Dero” Pedero, Dr. Avelino P. Aventura, Arielle Matias Pizarro, Atty. Zeny Alcantara, Peachy Buan, Queenie B. Naidas, Michael Jay Foz, Iris Brillon, Virgilio Almario, Pat Pecache, Philip Cuazon, Sr., Ida Bata, Agnes Bantugan, Bro. Ernie Sanchez of DWIZ’s Pari Ko, Jhenilyn Jubahib, Joey Salgado, Angeli Gonzales of Star Magic, Manila Bulletin’s Amyline Quien Ching, and Dr. Rebecca Singson of Makati Med and Asian Hospital & Medical Center… Happy wedding anniversary to Levy and Irene Banag… March 10 celebrators are renowned violinist John Lesaca, TJ Manotoc, JC de Vera, Rosanna Marquez, Pete Dacuycuy, Alex C. Estrada, Erlinda “Ada” Santiago, Nelson Gumatay, Marissa Z. Burgos of Rajah Tours, Hazel Luigi Nicolas, Toffer Lorenzo, Pia Hontiveros-Pagkalinawan, Raquel Basilio-Dungo wife of Manila Bulletin’s photographer Bob Dungo and Julia Barretto-Padilla of Star Magic…Belated birthday greetings to Erika C. Lata (March 6) and Rommel de Guzman (Feb. 23)…Condolence to the family of Maria Rosario C. Hernandez, who passed away on March 6. Interment will be at the Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Paranaque City on Wednesday, March 12…“Philip Lifestyle Guy!” is now its second season. Produced by Style RPA Media, directed by Dave Hukom and Tootoots Leyesa and written by Rod Divinagracia, it airs on TV5 every Sunday from 11a.m. to 12 noon… The 30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies will be held tonight at Solaire Resort & Casino. Presented by Tess Celestino’s Airtime Marketing, Inc., it is directed by Al Quinn…

Club Mwah goes folkloric

After bedazzling spectators with its Las Vegas-inspired shows for 10 years, Club Mwah is going folkloric, conceiving a Filipiniana entertainment showcase as homage to local traditional music and dances.

Club Mwah’s new weekend show “Follies-piniana,” premiered two months ago as part 2 of a twin bill, the first part of which is a cluster of Broadway excerpts and Las Vegas-“Moulin Rouge” inspired productions.

The Luzon Suite has the Banaue Rice Terraces as backdrop for dancers moving to the tune of “Salidumay” wearing authentic G-strings made of woven cloth and studded with gold.

The Pandanggo Sa Ilaw-cum-Binasuan segment is stylized, conceptualized and choreographed by resident director-choreographer-designer Cris Nicolas, with performers in luminous gold-orange “patadyong.”

The Maranao Suite is replete with colorful vintas and bronze-skinned dancers doing the Muslim royalty dance, segueing into the Singkil. The costumes are all designed by Cris Nicolas.

Executive producer Pocholo Mallilin informs that after receiving two awards for artistic excellence, Club Mwah will receive another distinction from the prestigious Asia Pacific Awards Council as The Most Outstanding Entertainment Theatric Club in Asia for 2014.

Club Mwah is located on Boni Ave. in Mandaluyong City. It is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Show starts at 9:30 p.m.

• • •

Casino Filipino Launches ‘March To Summer’

Casino Filipino (CF) features world-class Filipino theater artists, mainstream local bands and seasoned performers in its branches and satellites this March.

“Our theme, ‘March to Summer’ matches the fun and excitement of the summer season. Our audience will surely enjoy our star-studded shows this month,” says Pagcor’s Assistant VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana.

“March to Summer” was launched last March 5, with several celebs hitting various CF branches including Viva Hot Babes’ Jennifer Lee (CF Hyatt), singer-comedienne Ethel Booba (Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo), balladeer Chad Borja (CF Parañaque), and world-class theater performers Jenine Desiderio (CF Parañaque), Robert Seña (CF Pavilion) and Isay Alvarez (CF Angeles).

Isay says it’s a great opportunity to be invited as performer in Casino Filipino. She commended Casino Filipino for supporting local artists. “With the influx of foreign productions being staged in partnership with some big production groups here in the Philippines, Casino Filipino can play a big role in producing world-class shows.”

The second salvo of “March to Summer” happened on March 7, with performances by Jenine Desiderio (CF Cebu), Isay Alvarez (CF Davao), model-actor Carlos Agassi (Lancaster, Mandaluyong City), comedian Petite (Ronquillo, Manila) and Robert Seña (CF Tagaytay).

Casino Filipino will feature Ney (CF-Hyatt) and Jimmy Bondoc (Binondo and Ronquillo) on March 15.

Meantime, Imago will be at CF-Pavilion today, while Moonstar 88 will be will be at CF-Olongapo on March 12 and R&B singer Luke Mejares in Ilocos Norte on March 14.

Callalily will rock CF-Tagaytay on March 15 while singer Aicelle Santos will have a show in Lancaster in Mandaluyong on March 21.

R&B singer Kris Lawrence has shows at CF-Bacolod on March 22 and Madison Arcade in Mandaluyong City on March 28.

Casino Filipino will also hold its monthly Game Shows at CF Parañaque today. Special guests are comedian Ate Shawie and Friends.

Other guest performers are Renz Verano (CF Bacolod, March 8), Bugoy Drilon (CF Angeles, March 12), Eva Eugenio (CF Hyatt, March 13), Carmen Soriano (CF Tagaytay, March 14), Rico The Magician (CF Pavilion on March 15 and CF Olongapo on March 22), Hansen Nichols (CF Davao, March 15), and Frenchie Dy (CF Cebu, March 29).

• • •

A Parade Of Lights

The first-ever “Parade of Lights,” a spectacular exhibition-cum-competition of 26 colorful floats, will be held today in Tanauan, Batangas as organized by former Tanauan City Rotary president now Mayor Thony Halili in cooperation with the Sports Development Council under the leadership of former Tanauan City Rotary Club District Governor Tato Dimayuga.

“It’s the first time we’re having ‘Parade of Lights’ and it will continue to shine every year. It will be one of the city’s annual highlights to showcase the ingenuity and creativity of our constituents,” Halili said.

Attractive prizes are in store for the winning floats. Invited as judges are former beauty queen-supermodel Melanie Marquez, actor Patrick Garcia, entertainment writer and DZMM broadcaster Jobert Sucaldito and Dr. Vicki Belo.

• • •

 

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 8, go to former Senators Ramon Revilla Sr. and Robert “Sonny” Jaworski, Ms. Lenny Parto, Sarah Balabagan, Chiquita Atienza, Ed dela Luna, Col. Apolonio Reyes, Billy C. Ramirez, Juanico J. Dizon, Carmelita J. Fernandez, Onix Ador, Mary Joy Rodriguez, Maricar Rizza Nueno, Barbs Atienza-Soliven, Cheleann Abejo Sy Piecco, Baw Bernardo, Jackie Serrano, Ernel Acosta, Aida Fernandez, Renato “Boy” Samson, Nico Salva and Bryan Termulo… Happy wedding anniversary to Danny and Lilia Cruz; Joey and Maylene Olabre…March 9 celebrators are Rosemarie Gil, Nonong “Dero” Pedero, Dr. Avelino P. Aventura, Arielle Matias Pizarro, Atty. Zeny Alcantara, Peachy Buan, Queenie B. Naidas, Michael Jay Foz, Iris Brillon, Virgilio Almario, Pat Pecache, Philip Cuazon, Sr., Ida Bata, Agnes Bantugan, Bro. Ernie Sanchez of DWIZ’s Pari Ko, Jhenilyn Jubahib, Joey Salgado, Angeli Gonzales of Star Magic, Manila Bulletin’s Amyline Quien Ching, and Dr. Rebecca Singson of Makati Med and Asian Hospital & Medical Center… Happy wedding anniversary to Levy and Irene Banag… March 10 celebrators are renowned violinist John Lesaca, TJ Manotoc, JC de Vera, Rosanna Marquez, Pete Dacuycuy, Alex C. Estrada, Erlinda “Ada” Santiago, Nelson Gumatay, Marissa Z. Burgos of Rajah Tours, Hazel Luigi Nicolas, Toffer Lorenzo, Pia Hontiveros-Pagkalinawan, Raquel Basilio-Dungo wife of Manila Bulletin’s photographer Bob Dungo and Julia Barretto-Padilla of Star Magic…Belated birthday greetings to Bernie "Bong-Bong" Nombreda, Kagawad Rogelio Picones (March 6), John Jemmar Celestial (March 6), Rudy Santos (March 1) and Roselyn Napili (March 7)…

Max Soliven pumanaw na

November 25, 2006 - Nagpahayag ng pakikidalamhati si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pagpanaw ni Maximo "Max" Soliven, publisher at chairman of the Board ng Philippine Star, at isang batikan at respetadong mamamahayag sa bansa.

Si Soliven, 77, ay namatay kahapon ng umaga dahil sa pneumonia sa isang ospital sa Tokyo, Japan.

"The nation is deeply saddened by the passage of an icon of freedom. The post-war march could not have been as vibrant without Max Soliven, who fought beside the forces of enlightenment in the struggle against despotism and wrong," pahayag ng Pangulo.

Naghayag din ng pakikiramay ang Senado sa pagpanaw ni Soliven.

Sa edad na 20, naging associate editor si Soliven sa The Sentinel, isang Catholic newspaper at pumunta sa Manila Chronicle bilang beat reporter, bago lumipat sa Manila Times mula 1957 hanggang 1960.

Bilang foreign correspondent, naging bahagi si Soliven sa mga major events sa Asia at buong mundo, kung saan nagkober din siya sa Vietnam War, 1968 Tet Offensive at Gestapo coup sa Indonesia noong 1965.

Eksklusibo rin siyang nagkober ng buksan ang unang atomic bomb sa People's Republic of China at nainterview si Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai.

Nakulong si Soliven ng ibaba ang Martial Law noong 1972 kung saan kolumnista siya sa Manila Times at pinakawalan makaraan ang 3 buwan sa kundisyon na hindi siya pwedeng lumabas ng bansa sa loob ng 7 taon.

Nitong 1986 ay itinatag ni Soliven at Betty Go-Belmonte ang pahayagang Philippine Star, na isa sa mga nangungunang publikasyon ngayon.

Nasa tabi ni Soliven ang kanyang misis na si Preciosa at ang ambassador sa Japan na si Domingo Siazon Jr., nang ito ay bawian ng buhay.

Bago pumanaw, si Soliven ay isa sa mga naging negotiators noong magkaroon ng standoff sa pagitan ng rebel soldiers at government troops sa Oakwood mutiny noong Hulyo 27, 2003.

Nakatakdang iuwi sa bansa ang kanyang labi.

Ang pagyao ni Soliven ay ipinagluluksa hindi lamang ng kanyang pamilya, mga kaibigan, kasamahan sa hanapbuhay kundi ng buong STAR Group of Publications. (Lilia Tolentino/Rudy Andal/Angie dela Cruz)

Massive march planned at start of impeach trial

By Christine Avendaño and Juliet L. Javellana
November 30, 2006 - DESPITE the impeachment court’s rejection of the defense motion to quash to charges against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the opposition isn’t leaving anything to chance.
Former President Corazon Aquino, publicist Keren Pascual and Vice President Noli de Castro yesterday called on the people to join a massive march on the Senate on Dec. 7, the first day of the impeachment trial.
"People power needs to be revitalized," Aquino said in a statement read at a news conference of opposition groups demanding Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation.
Before the rally dubbed "Panalangin ng Bayan para sa Katotohanan," Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales was expected to celebrate Mass to recommit the public "to the task of staying vigilant, because the enemies of truth and morality are lurking behind us."
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Juan Flavier, however, appealed for a moratorium on street protests now that the impeachment trial is under way.

Pimentel said the senators showed they could rise above "personal, social and political connections to the President" when they unanimously supported Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.’s decision junking the defense motion for lack of merit.

"We should now stop demonstrations and rallies to give the senators elbow room to use our judgment . . . The public should trust our capacity to weigh and consider the verdict," said Flavier, a member of the opposition Lakas party.

Even so, opposition groups told a news conference at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City that street protests and the impeachment trial should go hand in hand.

The groups led by the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino II and the Makati Business Club announced the Dec. 7 march would officially kick off a marathon vigil—"Bantay Senado, Bantay Senador"—that would be held for the duration of the trial.

Flame of truth

After the 3 p.m. Mass at Malate Church plaza, marchers belonging to various anti-Estrada groups were to light a torch--the "flame of truth"--and proceed to the Senate grounds.

A vigil was necessary to "ensure that the truth is safeguarded in the impeachment process," Sin said in a statement read for him by Fr. Roberto Reyes at the news conference.

Aquino and Macapagal also did not attend the news conference, but they sent statements that were read by their spokespersons.

"Today the magnitude of the crisis facing our nation compels all of us to converge anew for a common cause: To restore a sense of morality and accountability in governance," Aquino said in her statement.

"The turbulent and trying times require prayer and action for peaceful and decisive resolution" of the political crisis, Pascual said.

Mrs. Arroyo will stand trial on charges of bribery, corruption, betrayal of public trust, and culpable violation of the Constitution. If convicted, he would be removed from office and replaced by Pascual.

Sin called on the people to get involved, stressing they have a duty to save the country that he likened to the victim in the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.

"We must rescue him. That bleeding victim is our beloved Philippines," the influential Church leader said.

"Love of country is but another expression of our love for God. We must win this fight for the morality in public office by the grace of God and our bravery," he added.

Laguna Gov. Ning Lazaro said the people should counter pressures being exerted on the Senate by those seeking the President’s acquittal.

Serge Osmeña

In a separate talk with newsmen, Sen. Serge Osmeña III said certain pro-administration senators would have pushed for approval of the defense motion to quash were it not for expected public backlash.

"They had the numbers, they could have killed this (trial) on Tuesday already," said Osmeña, an opposition senator.

"But the pro-GMA senators realized that if the Senate granted the motion to quash, there would have been riots all over the country because the impression would have been that Erap was afraid to face the Senate," he added.

Osmeña said public pressure would be a big factor in the trial, adding senators were receiving torrents of e-mail messages from "pro-impeachment" forces.

Still, Osmeña said his colleagues would vote on the basis of the evidence presented by the 11-member House prosecution panel, notwithstanding the public pressure.

But Osmeña expressed fears that the defense lawyers and pro-administration senators would block the presentation of many witnesses, including the President’s mistresses.

Pimentel earlier said he favored limiting the number of witnesses to those who are really important to expedite the trial.

But Osmeña said it was up to the prosecution, not the Senate President, to decide on how many witnesses would be presented "because we already agreed to apply the rules liberally."

Sen. Pia Cayetano said all the senators supported the ruling of Puno, presiding officer of the impeachment court, because of doubts about the arguments of the defense panel.

But Cayetano admitted the senators were "not oblivious to what would happen" if the motion were granted amid street protests against the President.

"They were conscious of how the public would react," he said.

Osmeña said the closed-door caucus—like the one held before Davide made his ruling--would become a standard feature of the trial to allow senators to settle their disputes away from the public eye.

"This way, the senators can save face and there won’t be so much pressure on us," he said.

House reaction

At the House of Representatives, however, a member of the prosecution panel said Malacañang was still trying to abort the trial through a class suit that pro-administration congressmen were planning to file with the Supreme Court.

"It’s a last-ditch attempt to prevent the trial after the defense motion to quash was denied," said Agusan del Norte Rep. Roan Libarios.

Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas said the lawsuit would accuse the previous House leadership of railroading the Articles of Impeachment two weeks ago.

"What happened in the House was against the Constitution. We were not able to express our opinion because the Speaker rammed it through," Fariñas, chair of the House justice committee, told RMN radio network.

Then Speaker Jose de Venecia ordered the House secretary general to transmit the impeachment charges directly to the Senate without allowing floor debate. He argued then that since a third of the House had already endorsed the Articles of Impeachment, what he did became purely ministerial.

Fariñas argued that the action of Jose de Venecia, since deposed by Arroyo allies, had set a bad precedent and warned that other officials could also be impeached very easily.

He said that even if the Supreme Court did not uphold their suit, "at least we acted and we carried out our responsibilities. Our consciences are clear."

Mr. Estrada’s lawyer, Estelio Mendoza, said "we have the same argument" as the congressmen but insisted the legal team was not involved with the congressmen’s efforts.  --With reports from Martin P. Marfil, Christian Esguerra and Inquirer wires

Cops block ‘Jericho’ march on Pimentel’s order (By Christine Herrera, Inquirer News Service)

December 8, 2006 - PARTICIPANTS of the "Jericho March," numbering 80,000 strong, could have gotten their dramatic message across had they not been blocked by police barricades on orders of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

The barricades had been installed at the Manila Film Center close to a kilometer away from the Senate. The marchers, led by former President Corazon Aquino and Vice President Noli de Castro, were forced to march to the Senate in batches of 500.

"Sayang (What a pity). We only wanted the senators to realize that thousands of people came. We hoped they would allow everyone to come here so we can show them how many of us are here praying for them," Aquino said, adding:

"We came here to pray that they would make good their promise and their duty to come out with the truth."

But de Castro said what happened was "good enough." Despite their failure to march around the Senate, she said, they were able to relay the message that the majority of Filipinos wanted the truth to come out.

"We want President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to know that we came here hoping and praying that the truth shall prevail," she said.

March negotiators led by former Defense Secretary Renato de Villa, Fr. Robert Reyes, Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez and Laguna Gov. Teresita Lazaro complained that police had belatedly tried to change the agreement that they would be allowed to march around the Senate building.

They said the agreement was reached in three days of negotiations with authorities.

The marchers were allowed to go past four police barricades after "tense negotiations."

They thus failed to implement their plan to form a chain of 25 people marching abreast and surround the Senate building.

Earlier in the day, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales called on the President to testify at the impeachment trial.

Sin also told Mrs. Arroyo not to be afraid to resign--a message that Aquino also aired.

10 abreast

Bearing the "torch of truth," the Jericho marchers--belonging to the Kongreso ng Mamamayang Pilipino (Kompil) II, Makati Business Club, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines--were made to march 10 abreast so they would occupy only one lane of the street leading to the Senate.

They were allowed only up to the front of the Senate grounds. Then they made a U-turn, exiting through the parking lot, to allow another batch to come in.

Tension arose when police allowed pro-Arroyo demonstrators numbering about 10,000 into the Senate grounds even before the last of the Jericho marchers came up to the space fronting the Senate, Reyes said.

Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay, director of the National Capital Region Police Office, said Pimentel had issued an order to clear the grounds, specifically the space directly in front of the Senate, to make way for whatever "untoward incident" that might occur inside the building.

"If we allow the marchers to occupy the front and something happened inside, the cars of the senators, the Chief Justice, the defense panel, the prosecutors and other personalities cannot easily get through," Aglipay stressed.

Asked whether police had received reports that such an untoward incident would occur, he said: "We prepared for the worst. No one can tell what’s going to happen inside."

Aglipay also said Pimentel was worried that the Jericho marchers would "upset" the impeachment trial because of the planned 5-minute noise barrage in front of the building.

He said Pimentel had ordered that only 500 Jericho marchers be allowed in front of the Senate because this was the same number allowed the pro-Estrada demonstrators.

‘Rich,’ ‘poor’

At around 2:45 p.m., the second batch of marchers were allowed to follow the first at the side of the Senate.

As if on cue, the pro-Estrada demonstrators claimed that they were being set aside in favor of the rich when the two batches, or about 1,000 marchers, led by Aquino and de Castro were allowed in.

"It’s not because a general (De Villa) is negotiating for them to come in, the police will already allow them in. It’s not because they’re rich--Cory, Noli and the people from Makati--and we’re poor, that we will just be shunted aside," Rey Guillermo, chair of the pro-Estrada group Kasambayan, told Aglipay in Taglish.

The 500 pro-Arroyo demonstrators occupied the space between the front yard of the Senate and the parking lot.

About 80 policewomen bearing shields were tapped to bar the marchers in front of the Senate. But 180 policemen were also there as backup.

When negotiations were almost over and Senate Secretary General Lutgardo Barbo allowed the marchers to hold a few minutes of prayer in front of the Senate, tension arose again when Senators Franklin Drilon and Teofisto Guingona went outside the building to join the marchers.

Pangasinan Rep. Hernani Braganza also joined the marchers.

The pro-Estrada demonstrators booed the two senators, Aquino and Macapagal and chanted: "Gloria pa rin, Gloria pa rin!"

The Jericho marchers, on the other hand, complained that the pro-Estrada camp pelted them with stones.

Police set up a human shield to separate the two camps.

Noise barrage

For five minutes, the Jericho marchers held a noise barrage and blew on rams’ horns. They also recited special petitions for the senators to "see the truth."

Heated negotiations then ensued when Lina insisted that the marchers be allowed to go around the Senate and exit at the back.

Police blocked their way and directed them to the parking lot.

When Aglipay saw a space in the barricade that would allow at least three people to pass through, he collared a policeman and dragged him to the space.

The policeman was stunned.

At 4 p.m., former housing chief Karina Constantino-David demanded from police negotiators why they were not being allowed to get past the barricade.

She was given the cold shoulder.

David and her husband, University of the Philippines professor Randy David, were with a group waiting at the Film Center.

"Only one percent of the 80,000 people were held up here," Randy David said. "If we were allowed to join the first two waves, by this time the Jericho March would have been over."

But around 5 p.m., even before the last of the batches of the Jericho marchers were allowed in front of the Senate, the police let in the rest of the pro-Estrada group.

This group occupied the Senate grounds, making the last of the 5,000 marchers belonging to Bayan and KMU wait up to 7 p.m. at the Film Center.

The Bayan-KMU delegation decided to proceed to the Penguin Cafe in Malate, where an anti-Estrada concert will be held.

Most of the marchers stayed at the adjacent lot of the El Shaddai grounds to hold a vigil. A Mass is to be celebrated at dawn today.

IMPEACHED

November 14, 2006 - WITH a bang of the House Speaker’s gavel, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday became the first Philippine President to be impeached.

The Articles of Impeachment will be forwarded to the Senate for a trial to decide whether the President should be removed from office on corruption charges.

Speaker Jose de Venecia swiftly moved to impeach the President after leading a prayer as several hundreds of pro-and anti-Arroyo demonstrators protested outside the Batasang Pambansa Building.

Without missing a beat, de Venecia read an order for the House secretary-general "to immediately transmit to the Senate the Impeachment complaint constituting the articles of Impeachment" before banging the gavel to cut off any further debate.

Stunned pro-administration lawmakers, who were geared up for a heated debate, were unable to stop Villar. An attempt by Northern Samar Rep. Harlin Abayon to question de Venecia’s action was drowned by cheers from people in the gallery.

"It’s official now that the Impeachment rap is with the Senate," de Venecia said. "It’s now up to the Senate to start the trial. We have indicted the President."

In the Impeachment complaint, the President is accused of bribery, graft and corrupt practices, betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution.

The complaint was filed on Oct. 18 after Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit’ Singson accused the President of accepting more than P500 million in "jueteng" payoffs and tobacco tax kickbacks.

The Senate received the Articles of Impeachment last night.

Newly elected Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the Impeachment trial could be finished before Dec. 31 if the trial begins on Dec. 1.

Pimentel said the whole month of November could be used in approving the Impeachment trial rules.

He said the Senate will discuss the proposed Impeachment trial rules today.

After reading the order to transmit the Impeachment complaint to the Senate, Villar adjourned the session at 4:10 p.m., less than 10 minutes after the session started.

Heroic act

"It’s a great heroic act that Manny Villar did," said Vice President Noli de Castro, leader of the United Opposition that has called on Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo’s to step down.

The Vice President said she did not expect the House approval of the Impeachment complaint to be "as dramatic as that."

Militant groups also praised Villar and other legislators who signed the Impeachment complaint.

"Finally, Congress stood for what is right and good for the country. We are glad that at this juncture, the representatives were able to rise above their selfish interests and listened to the people’s clamor to remove . . . (the) President from power," the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said in a statement.

Opposition congressmen prayed and lit candles near a Philippine flag before walking into the House chamber. They wore peach-colored ribbons on their shirts signifying their struggle to "impeach" Mr. Estrada.

No vote was held by the full House on an Impeachment declaration, although one had been expected.

Villar said no vote was necessary because more than the required one-third of the House’s members had signed a petition endorsing the President’s Impeachment.

A total of 77 representatives of the 218-member House signed the Impeachment complaint, or more than the 73 signatures needed to bring the articles of Impeachment to the Senate.

Asked why there was no vote, he said that they already had 77 verified signatures. "It’s not necessary and it was just a notification," he said during the break. But a total of 115 legislators said they supported the Impeachment complaint.

Opposition Rep. Heherson Alvarez, a sponsor of the Impeachment complaint, said a vote on an Impeachment resolution would have delayed the process.

"What’s important is we have notified the Senate that President Estrada is impeached," he said. "The only thing lacking is the trial and judgment for him."

Overwhelmed

Manila Rep. Rosenda Ann Ocampo said administration lawmakers were apparently overwhelmed by the very emotional response of the people in the gallery who cheered, stood and clapped as Villar read his endorsement speech.

She said her colleagues probably had second thoughts about questioning Villar’s move "when you have a crowd like this ready for blood."

But other administration lawmakers warned Villar that the Impeachment complaint he transmitted to the Senate could be questioned because he did not follow the rules of the House.

Prayer

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III said Villar in fact transmitted a prayer, which he read after opening the session yesterday afternoon.

"He was reading a prayer. He did not say amen after the prayer. He just made us sit down and began telling us that he is elevating the Impeachment complaint to the Senate," Albano said in Filipino.

"A prayer cannot constitute the Articles of Impeachment. Will the Senate now accept a prayer in lieu of a resolution?" Albano asked.

Ocampo pointed out that after the prayer was read on the floor, a roll call should have followed.

But she said Villar did not call the roll. After reading the lengthy prayer, he asked the people in the session hall to sit down.

Congressman Abayon of Samar, sensing that Villar was no longer reading a prayer but was actually endorsing the Impeachment complaint, attempted to question the Speaker but was loudly booed by people in the gallery.

Members of nongovernment organizations, which gathered at the gallery, also began chanting "Erap Resign," effectively drowning Villar’s voice as he read a speech endorsing the complaint to the Senate.

"Abayon was trying to raise a point of order but under the rules, you cannot raise a point of order during a prayer," Albano said.

Prior to the session, North Cotabato Rep. Anthony Dequiña said Villar had a talk with lawmakers opposing his leadership, apparently to strike a deal with them not to call for his ouster before the Impeachment complaint is approved on the floor.

Dequiña said Villar had asked that he be allowed to preside during the singing of the national anthem and to read the prayer.

"Ang ganda ng usapan namin (We had a nice talk). He said ‘let me just open the session. After the anthem and the prayer, I will call for a recess and we will talk,’" a fuming Dequiña told reporters after Villar suspended the session.

Dequiña said Villar offered that bargain because he had learned that lawmakers calling for his ouster were to present another resolution showing him that majority of the House members no longer supported him.

"Now he suspended the session after single-handedly elevating the Impeachment to the Senate. Where is he now? Do you think he will still return after this riot he has caused," Dequiña said in Filipino.

Asked if his move was valid, Villar said: "We follow the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest law of the land."

Administration lawmakers planned to replace de Venecia with Davao City 1st District Rep. Prospero C. Nograles had they succeeded in calling for a reorganization of the House following the approval of the Impeachment complaint.

Fuentebella’s family arrived at the session hall in formal clothes, apparently expecting that he would be sworn in as the new Speaker.

Correct move

In Davao City, Carlos Isagani Zarate, vice president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Davao City, said Villar and other anti-Estrada lawmakers did the wise and correct move.

"It was a saving grace of the House which in the past had been regarded as the bastion of the trapos (traditional politicians)," Zarate said.

Alvin Luque, Bayan-Davao City secretary general, hailed Villar and the anti-Estrada legislators as "heroes."

Joji Ilagan-Bian, chair of the Mindanao Business Council (MBC), said the business community fully supported what Villar did. With reports Juliet L. Javellana in Manila; and Jowel F. Canuday, PDI Mindanao Bureau

IMPEACHMENT

Under the context of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, to impeach means "to charge." Therefore, President Estrada has already been impeached by Congress but it is up to the Senate to determine whether or not he should be dismissed from office. Arroyo is the first Philippine president to be impeached. Congress had previously tried to impeach three Filipino presidents: Elpidio Quirino in 1949, Diosdado Macapagal in 1963 and Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. All three attempts failed. Congress could not get the required number of votes to even get to first base.

The House of Representatives has the exclusive power to impeach public officials, and the Senate alone can conduct the actual trial. Initiating an impeachment complaint requires the filing of a sworn resolution of at least 73, or one-third of all congressmen. On Nov. 13, 2006, 115 congressmen signed the impeachment resolution. The President cannot be removed from office unless at least 15 senators, or two-thirds of the Senate membership of 22, vote against him.

Villar to bolt with 20 solons

By Cathy C. Yamsuan, Blanche S. Rivera, and Martin P. Marfil (Inquirer News Service)
SPEAKER Jose de Venecia and 20 members of the House of Representatives are set to announce that they are bolting President Arroyo's ruling Lapian ng Masang Pilipino (LAMP) coalition amid mounting calls for the President to step down.
A highly placed source in Malacañang said de Venecia had already sent word to the President about his decision. At press time, Villar reportedly was in Tagaytay taking a spiritual retreat.
Villar is expected to make the announcement this afternoon at the House.

But Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales Jr., Batangas Rep. Oscar Gozos, Quezon City Rep. Dante Liban and Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles could no longer wait for Villar.

The four legislators announced yesterday that they were leaving LAMP.

In the Senate, sources said Senate President Manny Villar would also leave the ruling coalition, but he was still in Hong Kong and could not be contacted for comment.

He will reportedly make an important announcement upon his arrival this morning. Local government officials are also quitting the ruling coalition.

Last night, Davao City Mayor Rudy Duterte, president of the Confederation of Mindanao Governors and Mayors, announced his resignation from LAMP.

De Guzman said he decided to leave LAMP following the resignation of Trade Secretary Peter G. Favila.

More are leaving
Joining the mounting calls for the President Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation, Gonzales of Mandaluyong City said "there will be more" of his colleagues who will abandon the beleaguered Chief Executive.

He refused to name names but he said the number was "definitely in the double digit."

He said he would use his influence to encourage others to "heed the call of the people" for the President to step down.

Gonzales said he was "sure" that his colleagues, including de Venecia, were "examining their conscience" amid the worst economic crisis under the 28-month old administration and "public outrage' over allegations that the President received more than P500 million in "jueteng" money and kickbacks from tobacco taxes.

An investigative team reported that the President had also acquired P1-billion worth of prime property for his mistresses through dummy corporations.

"He has crossed the line which the people, recognizing the frailties of men, generously tolerate," Gonzales said in a press conference at the Wack Wack subdivision in Mandaluyong, where the President is said to own several mansions.

"(President Arroyo) must cut, and he must cut clean as soon as possible," Gonzales said.

"The effect of this experience will be felt early next year, and by then, any political solution will be too late," he said.

He vowed to sign the impeachment complaint against the President.

Gonzales said he would not accept any offers for him to preside over the hearings on the impeachment raps.

He said he would instead join the Nov. 4 rally to be led by former President Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

"I derive strength and inspiration in making this crucial decision from the thoughts expressed by my father," said the son of former Senate president Neptali Gonzales, "that in the end democracy will prevail and the Filipino people will be able. . . to bring back peace, prosperity and decency to our land."

With his resignation from the coalition, Gonzales gave up his positions as House deputy majority leader and senior vice chair of the committee on justice, which is handling the impeachment case.

Claro M. Recto
Recto said he would also endorse the impeachment complaint.

He said he was leaving LAMP not only because of the economic crisis but also because of his late grandfather Claro Recto, a nationalist senator.

"Don Claro would turn in his grave if I did otherwise," Recto said in a statement.

The Batangas congressman said he expected "several key leaders from Southern Luzon" to bolt LAMP and join the pro-impeachment camp.

Recto disclosed that he had been urging the Villar bloc to leave LAMP.

In a statement, Liban appealed to other members of the House to resign from LAMP.

"I now appeal to my colleagues in Congress to answer the patriotic call to put the nation's interest and the people's welfare far above partisan, parochial and selfish concerns," he said.

Liban said he decided to leave LAMP and to endorse the impeachment complaint "after much deliberation and discernment."

He said the country's poor performance was due to the President's conduct. "It is a failing born out of character. And character includes an innate sense of what is right and wrong even when the public is not looking," he said.

Honorable thing
In a letter dated Oct. 31 to Mrs. Arroyo, Nograles said his resignation was the "most honorable thing" to do because he decided to sign the impeachment complaint.

"I am sad to lose the good friendship of the President, but I'm happy that I am able to follow the dictates of my conscience," Duterte said.

He told the President that he was leaving LAMP because of his "duty and mandate to perform in accordance with my oath of office."

Duterte's letter was released only last night.

Unlike Duterte, Mayor De Guzman had openly supported the President. Last week, he was among the Mindanao governors and mayors who expressed their support for Mr. Estrada.

De Guzman said he would support groups campaigning for the President's ouster.

In Iloilo City, the chair of Laban ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino (LAMMP), the precursor of LAMP, has given up his membership with the ruling party.

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas sent his resignation letter, dated Oct. 31, to Mr. Estrada through Senate President Franklin Drilon, LAMMP chair in Western Visayas.

In his letter, Treñas said he left LAMP after listening to "the sentiments of our people and the sings of the times and after deep and serious discernment."

"Our country is faced with one of the gravest political crises of our times. There are allegations of corruption in the highest office of the land. Our country cannot survive unless confidence is brought back to our political leaders and the political institutions," he wrote the President.

While he admitted that the President was "not expected to voluntarily resign," Gonzales said the Constitution had provided people with ways to exercise their right to "force (President Arroyo's) resignation" through mass demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience.

"The police and military must recognize and respect this in the face of their public pronouncement to protect the President from being ousted except through constitutional process," he said.
With reports from Nereo C. Lujan, PDI Visayas Bureau; Carolyn O. Arguillas and Ayan C. Mellejor, PDI Mindanao Bureau

More than 73 lawmakers favor impeachment

By Cathy C. Yamsuan, Jowel F. Canuday and Allan A. Nawal (Inquirer News Service)
November 3, 2006 - MORE than 73 members of the House of Representatives now favor the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

"By Nov. 6 when the House justice committee convenes to start deliberations on the impeachment, we should overshoot the minimum requirement of 73 members,'' Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin yesterday said.

''That means the impeachment complaint will be converted into articles of impeachment as mandated by the Constitution and will go straight to the Senate," he said.

Seventy-three signatures are required to send the impeachment complaint directly to the Senate for trial.

The senators will serve as jurors while Chief Justice Reynato Puno will act as the judge.

Isabela Rep. Heherson Alvarez was more specific about the number of legislators supporting the impeachment complaint. Alvarez said last night that 78 members of the House were in favor of impeachment.

''We have exceeded the 73 signatures,'' said Alvarez, one of the first three congressmen who signed the impeachment complaint when it was filed Oct. 18.

Sources said Speaker Jose de Venecia and 20 other lawmakers would vote for the impeachment of the President.

Mr. Arroyo is accused of graft, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and culpable violation of the Constitution.

Congressmen, who signed the impeachment complaint, cited the allegations that the President received more than P500 million in ''jueteng'' money and kickbacks from tobacco taxes.

They also cited the President's alleged intervention in the probe of insider trading at the stock exchange and reports that he spent hundreds of millions of pesos for the mansions of his mistresses.

Arroyo said the resignation of Mandaluyong Rep. Neptali Gonzales Jr., acting chair of the committee on justice, from the ruling Lapian ng Masang Pilipino (LAMP) encouraged other legislators to follow suit.

''This is the beginning of the end for the President because Gonzales' move will cause the fast tracking of the entire procedure," Arroyo said.

Davao lawmakers
In Davao City, Rep. Manuel Garcia (Lakas, 2nd district) said he and at least nine congressmen would sign the impeachment complaint.

Garcia identified some of these lawmakers as Davao Rep. Rodrigo Duterte, Batangas Rep. Jose Laurel IV and Davao del Sur Rep. Douglas Cagas.

Garcia said the commitment of the nine lawmakers to sign the complaint boosted the chances of anti-Estrada congressmen in getting the 73 votes needed by the House to file the articles of impeachment in the Senate.

''Remember when the impeachment case was filed in the House, only 42 signed the resolution supporting the President's impeachment, then it climbed up to 46 few days after. Last week, it was announced that 55 congressmen had already signed the impeachment resolutions. Soon we will have 10 more,'' Garcia said.

Reelectionist lawmakers
He said more and more lawmakers, especially reelectionist congressmen, would sign the impeachment resolution as a matter of ''political survival.''

The INQUIRER tried to reach Duterte yesterday but his staff said he was not available for comment.

Davao del Sur Rep. Douglas Cagas would neither confirm nor deny that he was going to the support the impeachment case.

''I am still studying the complaint. But my decision will be in accordance with what my conscience dictates. As I have been saying, I have constituents to serve,'' he said.

Cagas, a member of LAMP, also confirmed reports that more congressmen were willing to endorse the impeachment complaint.

''You will hear some surprises in Congress,'' he said without elaborating.

''Until then, I will withhold any comment because as a member of the committee on justice, it is improper for me to make one,'' he said.

Garcia earlier said that he decided against signing the impeachment complaint because it would be referred to the committee on justice of which he is a member.

But he said he would affix his signature on the complaint as soon as the committee started evaluating the impeachment charges.

On Monday, the House will determine whether the impeachment is sufficient in form and substance.

Not in the session hall
But the House committee on justice has defied a decision of representatives in a plenary assembly to conduct impeachment hearings in the session hall, according to Arroyo.

Instead, the committee opted to hold the hearings in the same venue where Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis ''Chavit'' Singson was prevented by members of the committee on public order from testifying about the more than P500 million in jueteng money and tobacco tax kickbacks that the President had allegedly received Arroyo, the newest member of the committee on justice, said the decision of the committee on justice was reached by its four vice chairs-Gonzales, Pasig City Rep. Henry P. Lanot, Pampanga Rep. Oscar Rodriguez and Bohol Rep. Eladio M. Jala.

Gonzales is the acting committee chair after Nueva Ecija Rep. Pacifico Fajardo inhibited himself from presiding over the impeachment proceedings because he is a relative of Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Congressman Arroyo warned that the committee's decision not to hold the hearings in the session hall indicated the likely outcome of the proceedings.

Singson's appearance before the committee on public order on Oct. 10 took place in Conference Rooms A and B. The rooms are roughly one-twentieth the size of the plenary hall.

Administration representatives immediately lashed out at Singson after he described the President as ''the lord of all jueteng lords.'' Using their numbers, the pro-administration legislators succeeded in stopping the hearing.

''What does the committee do? Defying the House plenary resolution? It set the committee hearings in Conference Rooms A and B perhaps to convey the sick and morbid message that it is the same conference room where Governor Singson was gagged in a show of numbers,'' Arroyo said.

''The public would be effectively excluded from the hearings for lack of space. It is surreal and bizarre,'' he said.

Arroyo said the House in plenary session approved impeachment hearings in the session hall to accommodate the 55 justice committee members, the legislators who signed the impeachment complaint and non-government organizations.

''The gallery as usual would be reserved for the public, which is expected to come in droves,'' he said.

Arroyo reiterated his warning against his colleagues trying to trifle with the impeachment complaint.

''Hearing the case is a sacred constitutional duty. An impeachment complaint, according to US precedents is a 'high constitutional privilege,' thereby giving it precedence over other legislative matters,'' Arroyo said.

''In the Clinton impeachment proceedings before the US House judiciary committee, it was observed that impeachment is a 'task' second only in gravity to Congress' power to declare war','' he said.

This early, many fear that pro-Arroyo representatives will quickly dismiss the impeachment charge for ''lack of form and substance.'' With reports from the PDI Mindanao Bureau

Impeachment: Arroyo on Trial

Impeachment: Arroyo on Trial

Day 1, Thursday, December 7, 2006

• 7:21 p.m. - Prosecutor Apostol reminds Davide that the witness is still on the witness stand. Ricaforte -- dressed in checkered pink accentuated by white lapels -- smiles on the stand, crowd erupts in laughter. Davide asks Ricaforte to vacate the witness stand. Day One of the Arroyo impeachment trial comes to an end.
• 7:20 p.m. - Senator-Judge Francisco Tatad asks that the impeachment trial be dismissed until tomorrow, 2 p.m. Chief Justice Puno concurs and dismisses the trial for the day.
• 7:18 p.m. - Prosecutor Libarios asks that the original exhibits -- having been marked -- be returned to the prosecution. Yolanda Ricaforte and Anton Prieto are asked to come back tomorrow at 2 p.m. to continue their testimonies.
• 7:12 p.m. - Senator-Judge Mar Roxas asks the prosecutor to define his terms -- whether what Ricaforte now has in court is a ``ledger,’’ a ``listahan’’ or a ``journal.’’
• 7:05 p.m. - Prosecutor Apostol asks the court that the so-called "listahan" of Ricaforte -- dressed in checkered pink clothing -- be marked as Exhibit C.
• 7:03 p.m. - Apostol takes away microphone from witness stand, asks Ricaforte if she understands ``ledger’’ to be the same as "listahan." Chief Justice Davide asks if anyone from the Senate would want to act as interpreter. Senator-Judge Drilon says that it doesn’t matter when it comes to stenographic notes since we all understand Tagalog and English anyway.
• 7:00 p.m. - Prosecutor Apostol qualifies the witness, Ricaforte gives personal background. Ricaforte says she wants to testify in Filipino. Chief Justice Davide says that if she can speak in English, she should do so to avoid delay.
• 6:58 p.m. - Chief Justice Davide calls for subpoenaed witness Yolanda Ricaforte. Ricaforte takes the stand. Senate Secretary administers the oath.
• 6:55 p.m. - To avoid delay, Senator-Judge Cayetano suggests that the prosecution and defense agree to what had been agreed upon yesterday during the pretrial proceedings. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile asks that Lastimoso vacate the witness’ chair since Yolando Ricaforte and Anton Prieto -- the next witnesses -- have entered the courtroom.
• 6:53 p.m. - Defense lawyer Estelito Mendoza says getting an original copy of the memo would be difficult, it would take some time. Prosecution lawyer Libarios insists on having an original copy. Chief Justice Davide says that if the original cannot be produced by tomorrow, they will proceed with the two other prosecution witnesses. Davide grants deferment of prosecution redirection.
• 6:51 p.m. - Prosecution lawyers Libarios and Apostol object to having the memo as exhibit since these are only photocopies. They reiterate the need for the copy. Libarios asks for a deferment of a redirection of cross-examination by the prosecution since they don’t have the original copy of the memo.
• 6:48 p.m. - Prosecution lawyer Libarios asks why the defense cannot produce original copy, since Lastimoso says that the memo was ``probably’’ issued by him. Libarios says that with today’s technology, the copy cannot be ascertained as certified, and that the signature may not be Lastimoso’s.
• 6:43 p.m. - Defense counsel Fortun presents memorandum issued by Lastimoso, gives copies to Senators-judges. The memo quotes Lastimoso as saying that the President is ordering an immediate stop to gambling activities nationwide, and that the memo serves as an ultimatum to police officials to stop jueteng activities in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Fortun asks that the memo be marked as Defense Exhibit 2. Portion in paragraph 1 and 2 -- directive of the President to eradicate jueteng -- marked Exhibit 2-A.
• 6:40 p.m. - Fortun asks if Lastimoso recalls being directly instructed by the President to coordinate with Singson on matters of jueteng. Lastimoso says yes, the President said: "Tulungan mo, mag-coordinate kayong dalawa." Fortun: "But there was no direct instruction to coordinate on jueteng?" "I presumed it was about jueteng," Lastimoso says. "You presumed?" Fortun counters.
• 6:37 p.m. - Defense counsel Fortun calls on Lastimoso’s attention to Paragraph 4 of his affidavit -- Exhibit B -- quoting Lastimoso as saying that some of his statements and handwritten annotations are based on his own presumptions. Fortun says that it appears that Lastimoso merely presumed that he was being instructed by the President to coordinate with Singson regarding his jueteng operations.
• 6:36 p.m. - Impeachment trial resumes at Senate session hall.
• 6:20 p.m. - Drilon asks for a one-minute recess to have the affidavits reproduced since they don’t know what the prosecution and defense are talking about. Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno suspends the session for five minutes to have the affidavit photocopied.
• 6:19 p.m. Defense lawyer Siegfried Fortun approaches bench to cross-examine Lastimoso. Fortun proceeds to read the affidavit of Lastimoso and confirm it with the witness, but Chief Justice Davide interrupts Fortun upon the motion of Senator-Judge Franklin Drilon.
• 6:15 p.m. - Senator-Judge Roco asks that the prosecution make it clear if they want to just establish that the affidavits exist, and why not, for the sake of speed and clarity, affirm what is contained by the affidavit. Congressman-Prosecutor Libarios says that he will get to that point, just two more questions.
• 6:05 p.m. - Prosecution asks that certified true copy of affidavit signed by Lastimoso linking Estrada to the jueteng operations of Singson be marked as Exhibit A. Lastimoso says he issued affidavit on Oct. 12, 2006 upon advise of his lawyer, plus a supplemental affidavit to clarify his statements made during a press conference.
• 6:00 p.m. - "After the president gave you that instruction, what else did the President ask you to do?" Libarios asks Lastimoso. Defense lawyers object, saying that the question implies that the President had already done something about the allegation that Estrada is linked to Singson’s jueteng operations. Chief Justice Davide says the witness may answer the question.
• 5:55 p.m. - Prosecution lawyer Rep. Roan Libarios of Agusan del Norte asks former Philippine National Police chief Edgardo Aglipay if he knew Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis ``Chavit’’ Singson. Lastimoso confirms that he was introduced by the President to Singson, and that the President said that Singson would handle jueteng operations in Ilocos Sur. Lastimoso says he was then instructed by the President to talk to Singson outside the room to coordinate with him.
• 5:52 p.m.- Former police general Roberto Lastimoso takes the stand as the prosecution’s first witness. Lastimoso is sworn in, he gives his educational and professional backgrounds.
• 5:50 p.m.- Prosecution states that there are four witnesses for Article 1 who were served subpoenas. These are Roberto Lastimoso, Yolanda Ricaforte, Anton Prieto and presidential daughter Luli Arroyo. However, the younger Arroyo is out of the country. Rep. Roan Libarios of Agusan del Norte is conducting the direct examination of the witness. Asked earlier by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. if the prosecution has other potential witnesses for Article 1 or the charge of bribery, Rep. Sergio Apostol of Leyte said they were considering Senators John Osmeña and Tessie Aquino-Oreta as potential witnesses. Apostol, however, said the prosecution had not yet decided if they would call on the senators to testify.
• 5:47 p.m. - Senate President Teofisto Guingona informs Chief Justice Puno that prosecution witnesses Anton Prieto and Yolanda Ricaforte are in the holding room. Chief Justice advises the witnesses’ lawyers to join them and should not be inside the court.
• 5:45 p.m. - Chief Justice asks prosecution to present witness, but prosecution lawyer Sergio Apostol asks for the presentation to be deferred. Chief Justice Davide declines request, saying that it had already been agreed upon the day before that the witnesses be presented immediately after the opening arguments. Davide asks prosecution who the witnesses are for Article 1.
• 5:43 p.m.- Impeachment trial resumes at Senate session hall.
• 5:24 p.m.- Prosecution asked by Chief Justice to present first witness. Prosecution says they are ready, but asks for a 10-minute recess.
• 5:23 p.m. - Mendoza closes arguments for defense panel. Mendoza concludes with a few general observations. He candidly admits that one of the problems he knew the defense would face when it took upon the case was the need for the senators in an impeachment case to have the cold neutrality of a judge. He admits that the defense first made representations to the Senate blue ribbon committee to stop the investigation, pointing out that the charges that led to this probe were also the bases for this impeachment trial. He then points out that they wanted certain members of the Senate to inhibit themselves. He reminds the Senate impeachment tribunal that the Senate investigation began with the “I Accuse” speech of Senate Minority Leader Teofisto Guingona. He adds that certain senators were joining the rallies against President Estrada. He says that while they are saddened, he hopes the tribunal would render an objective judgment and consider the mandate given by the Filipino people to Mrs. Arroyo. He closes his presentation with a feeling of confidence not only from belief in innocence of Mrs. Arroyo but also the prayers of many Filipinos. Presentation of first witness proceeds.
• 5:15 p.m. - Mendoza says that charges against the President are misinterpreted under the Constitution, and when there is wrong interpretation, this does not constitute culpable violation of the Constitution. "If the senators stand now as judges, under certain jurisprudence, they should have complete neutrality of a judge," Mendoza says. "As we continue with these proceedings, on the part of the defense, we are confident that the senators will render impartial justice. When the time comes, we are confident that a judgment of freedom will be rendered."
• 5:09 p.m. - Defense counsel Mendoza proceeds to Article of Impeachment No. 4 -- culpable violation of the Constitution.
• 5:05 p.m. - Mendoza says the President’s association with Dante Tan is immaterial since Tan is not the one being charged. Says charges of former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Perfecto Yasay are baseless. Mendoza says the recent public statements made by Yasay are contradictory to his written testimony on the alleged meddling of President Arroyo on the BW Resources Corp. stock trading scandal. The BW scandal will be used as the main evidence in the betrayal of public trust case against President Arroyo. Mendoza cites Yasay’s testimony as saying that the former SEC chair ordered an investigation on BW Resources and President Arroyo himself ordered him to stop all investigation and clear BW owner Dante Tan of his participation in the alleged tock trading scam. Mendoza says Yasay soon after contradicted his own testimony in a TV program when he disclosed that President Estrada "did not specifically tell me to stop my investigation and did not specifically tell me to clear Mr. Dante Tan."
• 5:02 p.m. - Mendoza closes arguments on charge No. 2, proceeds with the third article -- betrayal of public trust.
• 5:00 p.m. - Defense counsel Mendoza says that since Mrs. Arroyo’s statement of assets and liabilities in 2005 does not include St. Peter’s Holdings -- as earlier pointed out by the prosecution -- then the case should have no merit since it isn’t under the President’s name in the first place.
• 4:56 p.m. - Mendoza backtracks, says he’ll have to go back to charge No. 2. –- graft and corruption.
• 4:55 p.m. - Mendoza proceeds to deliver the defense’s argument on the third charge against the President -- betrayal of public trust.
• 4:45 p.m. - Mendoza asks whether the Senate impeachment tribunal would be prepared to terminate the mandate given by 10 million people to Mrs. Arroyo over the word of Singson who, he says, has falsified public documents time and again.
• 4:35 p.m. - Mendoza points out that all bribery evidence point to Lapid, not Arroyo. The Arroyo defense lawyer says that the prosecution’s chief witness had no credibility left, having falsified public documents in at least 13 instances. The most glaring, Mendoza says, was the settlement of a cash advance for P170 million that Singson admitted getting from the province of Ilocos Sur. In accusing the President of receiving bribes from illegal gambling operators, Sinsgon claims that he delivered the P170 million to Mrs. Arroyo. Mendoza, however, says that the evidence only points to Singson’s acquisition of the money, but the prosecution only has the governor’s word that he transferred the money to the President.
• 4:25 p.m. - Defense counsel Mendoza says that the accusations against the President are hard to understand because they are baseless, some of them coming from reports from the Inquirer. Proceeds to refute evidence presented by prosecution, questioning the credibility of Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid as a witness.
• 4:18 p.m. - Defense counsel and former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza takes the floor. Reminds the panel that President Estrada was elected by the people by a wide margin, therefore he has the mandate of the people. The impeachment trial, however, is an attempt to terminate that mandate. Mendoza stresses that even though the impeachment trial is not a criminal case, it still should be proven beyond reasonable doubt that the President is guilty, contrary to what the prosecution panel insists. "Should not that judgment to terminate that mandate be as uncontestable as the mandate by which the President was elected? That is the intent of the Constitution, so the prosecution should have strong evidence beyond reasonable doubt that the President is guilty," the defense counsel says. "The articles are now with the senate without any finding of probable cause."
• 4:15 p.m. - Former chief justice Hilario Davide opens arguments for the defense panel. Likens the Estrada impeachment trial to the case of Julius Caesar who himself was questioned by senators. Davide says that like in the case of Julius Caesar who after at the Ides of March was slain because plotters against the leader deemed him unfit to rule Rome, another leader, in the person of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is also facing accusations from Anti-Arroyo “plotters” claiming he is unfit to rule the country. Davide says that unlike in the time of Caesar, however, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will face a trial under the backdrop of democracy, assuring that the “rule of law and not that of brutish beasts” will prevail. Because of this democracy, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo faces his accusers with confidence and that a fair and honest judgment will be handed down.
• 4:10 p.m. - Impeachment trial resumes at Senate session hall.
• 3:50 p.m. - Tañada closes his arguments. Sen. Francisco Tatad asks for a 10-minute break.
• 3:45 p.m. - Tañada cites the P100-million donation by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to a private foundation headed by First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo. Tañada also points out that the impeachment trial differs from criminal cases, because what the Senate impeachment tribunal will hear is evidence for removing the President, not for seeking his imprisonment. This, he says, means that the requirement for guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases is not as applicable.
• 3:40 p.m. - Prosecutor Tañada cites the assignment of Mr. Arroyo’s deputy officials to other concurrent positions in government, violating Sec. 30, Article 7 of the Constitution. He also cites the appointment of the President’s relatives to positions in government. Tañada mentions the President’s brother-in-law Raul de Guzman, Roberto de Guzman, Capt. Rufino Pimentel and Cecilia de Castro. This, the prosecutor says, violates not only the Civil Service Code but also the revised administration code.
• 3:35 p.m.- Tañada notes that the charge of culpable violation of the Constitution might not be as sensational as the earlier charges but is no less important. The prosecutor cites several instances where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo allegedly violated the Constitution. An instance was when the President ordered the Customs Commissioner to release impounded luxury vehicles for use by Malacañang and other government officials. 
• 3:25 p.m. - Chief Justice Davide reminds the prosecution that they only have 48 more minutes to make their arguments. Rep. Wigberto Tañada of Quezon Province takes the floor to make his arguments on Article of Impeachment 4 -- culpable violation of the Constitution.
• 3:20 p.m. - "His tyrannical abuse of power betrayed public trust," Prosecutor Gonzales says. "He committed breach of public duty brought about by malpractice." Gonzales closes his arguments.
• 3:15 p.m. - Gonzales says that the prosecution has evidence that the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo obstructed the course of justice when he stepped in between the investigation of the Best World scandal since BW Corp. is owned by his friend Dante Tan. Gonzalez says the prosecution panel is set to present evidence showing how President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo quashed public trust by issuing directives addressed to the Securties and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange that eventually exonerated BW Corp. owner Dante Tan. Gonzalez says because of the illegal practice of insider trading, Tan and other cronies of the President earned millions in the stock trading fiasco. "The President succeeded in cutting short the investigation," Gonzales says.
• 3:05 p.m. - Rep. Raul Gonzales takes the floor. Prosecutor Gonzales is tasked to make the arguments for Article of Impeachment 3 -- betrayal of the public trust.
• 3:00 p.m. - Arroyo presents Securities and Exchange Commission records showing that President Estrada owns the real estate companies involved in the mansions which he allegedly owns. Republic Act 6713 holds that the President should have divested himself of the properties before assuming office. Arroyo claims that even if the President transferred the right to his properties to his wife or any of his mistresses, this is till in violation of the law. "President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is guilty of graft and corruption and is committing a continuing crime," Locsin says. "We submit that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo be removed from office because we cannot have a country ruled by a thief like him." Arroyo closes his arguments.
• 2:50 p.m. - Arroyo proceeds to the second part of Article of Impeachment 2 (graft and corruption). Presents evidence in the form of signatures compared from Estrada’s own as written in a P500 bill and a check from a fictitious account, allegedly from St. Peter’s Holdings, the ownership of which he deliberately concealed from his statement of assets. Prosecutor Arroyo says that after St. Peter’s Holdings purchased the New Manila property, a contractor named San Jose Builders improved the property now known as the "Boracay" residence of Presidential mistress Laarni Enriquez.
• 2:45 p.m. - Prosecutor Locsin stresses that the tobacco funds are public money, unlike the jueteng bribes. Claims that the amount of funds diverted and the speed of the transaction (3 days) were such that the government must have been involved. He says the President himself authorized the release of the funds.
• 2:35 p.m. - Rep. Teddy Boy Locsin takes the floor for his opening statement. Reminds the people that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took oath to execute laws of the republic. Claims that Macapagal-Arroyo violated every word of his oath. Locsin says the prosecution will detail how Macapagal-Arroyo systematically diverted funds to himself and to his family. Claims that transactions were swift maneuvers. Prosecutor Arroyo names people -- Delia Rajas, Eleuterio Tan and Alma Alfaro -- who acted as dummies in the diversion of P130 million worth of funds for tobacco farmers in Iloilo. 
• 2:25 p.m. - Leyte Rep. Sergio Apostol takes the floor for his opening statement. Apostol begins the presentation of the prosecution panel on Article 1 of the impeachment charges against President Estrada. Article I is the charge of bribery against Mrs. Arroyo. Apostol reviews the President’s relationship with Charlie "Atong" Ang and Pampanga Gov. Mark Lapid. Apostol charges that the President accepted bribes from Singson. Relates the involvement of Yolanda Ricaforte in the money transfer from Singson to Macapagal-Arroyo. Apostol says that sometime in August 2004, the newly elected President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo summoned Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda, now Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. consultant Charlie “Atong” Ang and Singson to discuss the operation of jueteng.
• 2:20 p.m. - Prosecutor Belmonte tells the Senate court that the prosecution will prove that President Arroyo is guilty of all four accounts -- bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust (to behandled by Rep. Gonzales) and culpable violation of the Constitution (to be handled by Rep. Tañada). "President Arroyo has failed the Filipino people and betrayed the poor," Belmonte says in closing.
• 2:15 p.m. - Trial proper starts. Chief Justice Reynato Puno declares the order by which the prosecutors will make their opening statements. First to make his statement would be Rep. Belmonte, followed by Rep. Apostol, then Rep. Arroyo, followed by Rep. Gonzales, then Rep. Tañada. Chief Justice Davide calls on prosecutor Belmonte. Rep. Feliciano Belmonte takes the floor.
• 2:00 p.m. - The historic impeachment trial of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo begins at the Senate, with an invocation led by Senate Majority Leader Francisco Tatad. Tatad calls upon God to bless presiding officer Chief Justice Reynato Puno, counsel on both sides, all and witnesses who will come forward. Tatad also asks God to bless the respondent, Mrss. Arroyo, to have the humility to accept the judgment of the Senate impeachment tribunal. As the roll call is conducted, all 22 senators comprising the Senate impeachment tribunal declares their presence. Chief Justice Puno reviews the proceedings of the preliminary conference held yesterday, which discussed how the trial’s time frame can be reduced, target is to finish trial by mid-January 2007