Sen. Revilla hails Francis M as modern-day icon, ‘Pinoy pride’

Master Rapper Francis Magalona was as much a “Pinoy pride" as his signature shirts that were emblazoned with words and images of patriotism, according to fellow celebrity and Sen. Ramon “Bong" Revilla Jr.

In a message of condolence, Revilla hailed Magalona as a Philippine icon who had helped inspire the public, especially the youth, into not losing touch of their love for the country through the arts. Magalona on Friday succumbed to multiple organ failure. He was 44.

“The country has lost a modern-day artist, a nationalist in his own creative way. Francis M. used music and fashion to promote love of country among Filipino youth," said Revilla, who was a full-time movie star before entering politics.

Revilla praised Magalona for serving as a perfect example of not only hurdling medical ailments like leukemia but also honing one’s skills to live a productive life.

"Ehemplo siya bilang isang Pilipinong nadapa sa mga pagsubok ng kabataan ngunit nakayang bumangon at paunlarin ang kakayahan [He is a model of a Filipino who fell down as a young man but stood up armed with his talent]," the senator said.

“Gaya ng tatak ng mga T-shirt na ginawa niyang intrumento para palaganapin ang patriotism sa mga bagong henerasyon, siya ay maipagmamalaki ng bansa, tunay na "Pinoy Pride [Like the messages and symbols of his T-shirts, which he used to spread patriotism among the new generation, he is a pride of the country, truly the pride of Filipinos]," Revilla added.

The demise of Magalona was announced by Vic Sotto halfway into Friday’s episode of GMA’s noontime show "Eat Bulaga," in which Magalona stood in as host for over a decade.

The Master Rapper is survived by his wife Pia Maria Arroyo Magalona and his eight children, including celebrity Maxene Magalona.

Magalona’s remains were brought late Friday to Christ the King Memorial Chapel at Green Meadows in Quezon City.

Immediately after news of Magalona’s death broke out, relatives and friends immediately came rushing to The Medical City Hospital in Mandaluyong City, among them long-time friends Michael V, Ogie Alcasid, and Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista.

"Walang Michael V kung walang Francis M [There would be on Michael V without a Francis M]," Michael V said after emerging from the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital to face reporters.

Bautista – a showbiz personality himself – said Magalona was “a close friend [and a] great loss to the industry."

Fans also took the time to send messages of condolence through blog entries, with one blogger even alluding to an Eraserheads song that Magalona remade: “As the song 'Super Proxy' says, there’s no substitute for the real."

It would be remembered that Magalona himself mastered the technology of blogging to give fans a regularly updated account of his medical treatment, even posting pictures of his chemotherapy sessions.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, Magalona’s last blog entry got 700 comments, with at least 30 bloggers posting their condolences every minute.

Jennylyn Mercado's house not from Bong Revilla

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has denied that he bought a house for former leading lady Jennylyn Mercado.

"Sa totoo lang hindi ko na siya nakikita. Huwag ‘yong tira ng tira dahil nakakasira kayo ng buhay ng may buhay," Revilla told “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon.”

In a previous interview, Mercado already said there was no truth to that rumor, adding that she saw no reason for the senator to give her a house.

The controversial house is said to be located in Quezon City. Rumors said Revilla bought a house for Mercado, a single mother, after their movie “Resiklo” in 2007.

According to Mercado’s manager, Becky Aguila, the house is a rent-to-own type and the actress is the one paying the rent.

Mandatory Helmet Bill pushed at Senate by Sen. Revilla

A measure obligating all motorcycle drivers to wear a standard quality helmet is now being pushed in the Senate.

According to Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., the measure, Senate Bill 1863, is a bid to implement safe motorcycle riding nationwide and said he hopes that the Mandatory Helmet Bill would be approved.

Citing figures issued by the Metro Manila Development Authority Traffic Operations Center (MMDA-TOC) from January to December 2008, Revilla said motorcycles have the highest fatality rate with 106 motorcycles involved, or 28.19 percent of the total fatal accidents.

Likewise, a report of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) showed that out of the total 14,202 traffic accidents in year 2004, 3,010 or 21 percent involved motorcycles. The figures rose to 24 percent or 2,798 out of 11,425 accidents in 2005 and in the first two months of 2006, the TMG recorded a total of 485 motorcycle accidents out of the total 1,364 accidents, which accounted for 35 percent of the total traffic accidents.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that wearing a helmet is the single most effective way of reducing head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes. Wearing a helmet has been shown to decrease the risk and severity of injuries among motorcyclists by about 70 percent and the likelihood of deaths by almost 40 percent,” Revilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, pointed out.

Revilla said Thailand gained a 40 percent reduction in head injuries among motorcyclists and a 24 percent drop in motorcycle deaths after it passed a legislation in the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen to make helmet use mandatory.

“There is also a considerable long list of other countries which have laws on mandatory helmet use, such as the US, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and 31 others. The first motorcycle helmet use law in the world took effect on January 1, 1961, in Victoria, Australia,” Revilla said.

The bill provides all motorcycle riders, including its back rider, to wear a standard quality helmets while driving, whether on a long or short drive any time of the day and in any type of road or highway.

Tricycle drivers are exempted from this bill.

“Some camps argue that a legislative enactment is no longer necessary, and that what is needed is simply a strengthened motorcycle safety education program for riders to consider their own safety,” he said.

“They assert that enough space must be given for self-regulation. If we follow this argument, then we should not have passed the seatbelt law which has the same purpose and intent of this proposal,” Revilla stressed.

Toni having movie with Sen. Bong

Sa nakaraang thanksgiving party ni  Bong Revilla para sa entertainment press ay nabanggit niya na pinanghihinayangan niya na hindi natuloy ang pelikulang pagtatambalan sana nila ni Toni sa Star Cinema.

Ayon sa actor-politician ay matagal na niyang gustong makasama sa isang proyekto si Toni, pero dala ng kanyang hectic schedule ay hindi ito magkakaroon ng katuparan sa ngayon.

Aminado si Toni na kahit siya ay nakaramdam ng panghihinayang sa nangyari. Pero positibo siya na matutuloy rin ito sa tamang panahon.

"Sayang nga, kasi siyempre Senator Bong Revilla yun. Kasi, lahat naman yata gustong makatrabaho ang mga beteranong artista. Nagkaproblema yata sa schedule ni Senator Bong kasi may gagawin yata siyang isang movie [Panday], nagka-conflict, hindi kakayanin. Pero may right timing naman ang lahat, siguro sa ibang pagkakataon."

Ayon kay Toni, napanood na niya ang ilan sa mga pelikulang pinagbidahan ni Bong with his respective leading ladies at nagustuhan naman niya ang mga ito.

"Napanood ko na sa Cinema One yung mga movies niya, mga action, yung movie nila ni Judy Ann [Santos], Sharon [Cuneta], kay Ms. Maricel [Soriano]... Actually, maganda yung movie nila ni Ms. Maricel, yung away-bati sila nang away-bati. Nagandahan ako dun.

"Yung sa amin, darating din yung time. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali, lahat naman nasa perfect timing lang. Hindi kailangang pilitin o madaliin," saad ni Toni.

Ikinuwento rin ni Toni sa PEP ang experience niya nang humingi siya ng tulong noon kay Senator Bong noong kagawad pa ang TV host-actress sa kanilang lugar sa Antipolo.

"Siguro mga two to three years ago pa yun, kalilipat ko lang sa ABS. Lumapit ako sa kanya before, pumunta ako sa office niya, sa Senate. Humingi ako ng dental chairs para sa mga kabarangay ko nga, and he was very approachable and accommodating. I think he was able to help kasi, siyempre, pagkatapos ko siyang kontakin, yung mga taga-barangay na yung kumontak sa kanya. Kumbaga, ako yung ginawang koneksiyon," lahad ni Toni.

Revilla eyed as Lakas standard bearer

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla is being considered as the standard bearer of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, a party official said Tuesday.

Ray Roquero, executive director of Lakas, said local officials and followers of the senator in the party have proposed the inclusion of Revilla in the list of candidates for the 2010 elections.

Roquero said among those pushing for Revilla’s nomination were Mayor Gerry Pelayo of Pampanga and officials from Cavite, the senator’s home province.

“May mga nagpupush sa kanyang mga local official [There are local officials pushing for him]. He is being considered. Dati naman siyang governor at marami siyang followers [He used to be governor and he has many followers],” Roquero told INQUIRER.net over the phone.

“Matagal na rin siya sa Lakas at dapat isama naman siya sa mga survey [He has been in Lakas for quite sometime and he should be included in the survey],” Roquero said.

He said that Revilla has a good chance in the presidential race given his “star appeal.”

Before this, Roquero disclosed that Revilla has expressed his desire to run for vice president.

“He told me that he wanted to be considered as Lakas vice presidential bet. He also said the same during a small group meeting of Lakas,” Roquero said.
As of posting time, INQUIRER.net is trying to reach Revilla for his comment.

As of posting time, INQUIRER.net is trying to reach Revilla for his comment

But in a separate statement, Roquero said Pelayo quoted Revilla as saying he is “ready and available to seek the presidential nomination” of Lakas CMD.

“Count me in as a presidential contender,” the statement said quoting Revilla.

“Lakas need not look far. The talent it needs for the country’s next president can be found not elsewhere but in its stable, and they are ready and prepared to take on the challenge of national leadership,” Revilla dded.

Roqueo said several Lakas leaders are convincing Revilla to make himself available for the presidential nomination, putting into account his consistent good showing in various surveys and his rich experience, both as a former governor and as senator.

The Lakas official agreed with this assessment, saying the actor turned politician could easily bank on his rich experience as former governor of Cavite to know the needs of people and the kind of leadership demanded by them.

Revilla is the third Lakas CMD member to seek the party’s nomination after MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Ephraim Genuino.

 

by Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net

Bong: ‘Only the best lawyer for Ipe’

If only Phillip Salvador will ask him, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. will find the best lawyer for his close friend.

"That's really the only thing I can do for Ipe (Salvador's nickname). I told him not to feel sad. If he really has a clean conscience, he has nothing to be afraid of," the senator told a group of reporters during a dinner party he hosted Tuesday night.

A Las Piñas court recently sentenced Salvador up to 20 years in prison for estafa and ordered him to pay P5.1 million to businesswoman Cristina Decena, his former girlfriend. The court acquitted his brother Ramon. Decena has filed the case against the Salvadors in 2002.

"I spoke with him this morning. He was so depressed. He even cried to me. Let's not pre-judge Ipe's case. It's still with the Court of Appeals. Mahabang proseso pa 'yan," the senator pointed out.

Meanwhile, Revilla said another close friend, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, was "doing better" a day after he was rushed to the Cardinal Santos Memorial Medical Center in San Juan City. Revilla said Estrada had suffered a viral infection.

Estrada underwent an operation two months ago to remove gallstones. Revilla said he would immediately proceed to the hospital to visit his Estrada after the party, which was held at a restaurant along Tomas Morato Ave. in Quezon City.

 

by Marinel Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Oro mayor thanks Sen. Revilla, Camiguin dads for giving aid to flashflood victims

City Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula recently thanked Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. and the local political leaders of the Province of Camiguin for quickly responding to the City Government's appeal for calamity assistance to the flashflood victims.

Speaking before guests and exhibitors at the opening of the three-day 1st Cagayan de Oro Construction Show 2009 at the Limketkai Rotunda, Mayor Jaraula said that Senator Revilla called him up last night and pledged to extend P500,000 worth of rice assistance for the flashflood victims.

The Romualdo political clan in the island province of Camiguin, led by Congressman Pedro Romualdo, has also committed to extend relief assistance to thousands of families adversely affected by the flashfloods, Mayor Jaraula added.

Mayor Jaraula and Vice Mayor Vicente Y. Emano earlier thanked all sectors of society which aptly responded to extend whatever form of assistance to thousands of residents in Cagayan de Oro affected by rampaging flashfloods that brought tremendous devastation to the city recently.

The city government particularly expressed its appreciation and gratitude to all business and commercial establishments, socio-civic groups, government and non-government organizations, police and military, rescue groups, media, kind-hearted individuals, philanthropists, youth and volunteers who gave donations such as used clothings, mats and mattress, kitchen utensils, canned goods, ready-to-eat foods and other relief goods.

"I am very proud and happy that all Cagayanons have demonstrated the spirit of unity by joining together in helping those victims whose houses and properties were inundated by floods," the City Chief Executive said.

Latest report from the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) Operation Action Center at the Tourism Hall as of 11:00 a.m., January 16, 2009, the total number of affected families has risen to 17,524 or displacing 91,223 persons.

The floods that hit 47 out of the 80 rural and urban barangays in Cagayan de Oro City have left two persons dead, with 313 houses totally damaged and 641 partially damaged.

Badly hit are barangays Iponan, Kauswagan, Canitoan, Consolacion, Bulua, Bayabas, Barangay 13, Puntod, Barangay 22, Barangay 35, Pagatpat and Macasandig.

Revilla pushes probe into Cavite factory blast

Senator Ramon “Bong" Revilla, Jr. on Thursday said he wanted the powerful explosion that rocked a fireworks factory in his home province probed, citing reports that this is the second time that such an incident has occurred.

“Unang-una dapat paimbestigahan ito. Kung dalawang beses ito parang di na sila natuto. Tignan muna natin (The incident should be investigated. If this is the second time it happened, it seems the owners did not learn. But let us look into the incident further)," Revilla said in an interview on dzBB radio.

Revilla said he was guest speaker at an event in Maragondon town in Cavite, but when he learned of the incident, he immediately went to Trece Martires City.

“Nalaman ko kaya napatakbo ako dito (I rushed to Trece Martires when I learned of the explosion)," he said.

The death toll in the explosion at Starmakers Factory rose to two Thursday noon, according to Trece Martires City police chief Superintendent Reynaldo Galang.

On the other hand, Cavite provincial police director Senior Superintendent Hernando Zafra said three persons were already confirmed dead while 38 were reportedly wounded in the powerful blast.

 

by Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV

Senate Big Spenders: Bong, Lito, Jinggoy

Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and Manuel “Lito” Lapid may have crossed over from filmdom to politics, but they haven’t given up their lead roles—as big spenders, that is.

In a financial report covering January to December 2007, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the actors-turned-politicians were among the top spenders on administrative operations in the Senate.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who is married to megastar Sharon Cuneta, was in the same ballpark.

Revilla spent P15,889,626.66, Estrada P15,449,229.69, Pangilinan P15,271,305.21 and Lapid P15,103,242.15.

Non-show biz type

The fifth slot went to a non-show biz type—Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile with P14,993,705.40.

In salaries and benefits, Revilla was at the top with P7,836,398.98, followed by Estrada at P6,933,427.69.

Revilla topped the list because of the need to fill in regular plantilla positions, according to his chief of staff, Reena Angeli Alejar.

She said while other senators had ample committee staff, there was a need to hire additional employees, including consultants, for the Senate committee on public works chaired by Revilla.

This will “maximize” the use of salary budget for each senator because more staff members have actually been hired by Revilla compared with others, she said.

 

by Michael Lim Ubac & Ania Aquino, Philippine Daily Inquirer

GMA Films may return to MMFF this year with Bong Revilla's Panday

Sa second press conference ng When I Met U ng Regal Entertainment at GMA Films last Monday, January 26, nakausap ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ang GMA Films executive na si Joey Abacan. Tinanong namin siya sa mga susunod na projects ng GMA Films para sa taong ito pagkatapos ng Valentine offering nila starring Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion.

"Maraming plano, pero isusunod na ang Sundo," sabi ni Joey, tinutukoy ang horror movie na pinagbibidahan nina Robin Padilla, Sunshine Dizon, Katrina Halili, at Rhian Ramos.

Malamang na bago mag-Holy Week ipalalabas ang Sundo. Talagang nagtagal daw sila sa post-production ng unang full-length horror movie ni Robin dahil sa special effects nito.

Naitanong din namin ang Angelina, ang movie version ng character nina Ogie Alcasid at Michael V sa Bubble Gang. Ngunit sa APT Entertainment daw ito at malamang na mag-co-produce lang ang GMA Films o di kaya ay mag-media partner.

Nabanggit din ang unang pelikula ni Marian Rivera this year, pero hindi pa puwedeng masabi ang pangalan ng magiging partner niya.

Dumako ang usapan sa nabalitang Andres Bonifacio biopic, na balitang pagbibidahan ni Dennis Trillo at magpapabalik sa GMA-7 sa taunang Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) tuwing Kapaskuhan. Pagkatapos ng Mulawin The Movie noong 2005, hindi na muling sumali ang film arm ng Kapuso network sa MMFF bagama't nag-media partner ito sa Regal para sa magkasunod na Desperadas at Desperadas 2.

May nakapagsulat na sasali ngayong taon sa MMFF ang GMA Films sa pamamagitan ng Bonifacio.

"Ha? May nabasa nga ako pero walang ganoon," paglilinaw ni Joey. "Pero baka sumali nga kami sa MMFF 2009, makikipag co-produce kay Bong [Revilla Jr.] sa Panday niya."

Sa thanksgiving party para sa entertainment press ng pamilya Revilla kagabi, January 27, sa Annabel's restaurant, ay ipinalabas ang isang teaser na sinimulan pagkatapos ng opening speech ni Senator Bong, kung saan binanggit niya na may bago nga siyang pelikula.

Mga logo ng GMA Films at Imus Production ang teaser movie, kung saan isang meteor ang bumubulusok mula sa kalawakan. Sa malaking tipak na bato, lalabas ang isang mahabang espada at sa lupa, makukuha ito ni Bong Revilla saka ilalabas ang buong titulo ng pelikula—Carlo J. Caparas' Panday.

Kinausap agad ng PEP ang aktor tungkol sa Panday. Ang alam niya, baka November daw ito ipalabas. Pero depende rin daw kung makakapasok ito sa screening committee ng MMFF 2009. Wala pa ring napipiling leading lady si Bong na gaganap ng original Flavio. (Sa Dugo ng Panday ni Bong noong 1993, kapangalang apo lang siya ng original na Panday na ginampanan ni Fernando Poe Jr.).

Sina Rico Gutierrez at Mac Alejandre daw ang magdidirek ng Panday mula sa panulat ni RJ Nuevas.

May apat na installment ang original na Panday series ng yumaong Hari ng Pelikulang Pilipino: Ang Panday (1981), Ang Pagbabalik ng Panday (1982), Panday: Ikatlong Yugto (1983), at Panday: Ika-apat Na Aklat (1984).

Noong 1993, ini-spoof ito ni Joey de Leon sa Pandoy, Ang Alalay ni Panday.

Taong 1993 din nang ibinalik ang Panday series sa Dugo ng Panday nga ni Bong ngunit descendant lang ng original character ang ginampanan niya kahit Flavio pa rin ang pangalan nito. Noong 1998 naman, si Jinggoy Estrada ang nag-Panday sa Hiwaga ng Panday, kung saan ang character niyang si Guiller ang nakakuha ng espada ni Flavio.

Sa primetime soap ng ABS-CBN na Panday noong 2005, hindi rin si Flavio ang ginampanan ni Jericho Rosales sa title role kundi isa pa sa mga nakakuha ng espada, si Tristan.

Vox populi, says Bong Revilla on 2010 plans

What will make Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. run for president in 2010 elections? Revilla, who is also an actor, said it is all up to the people.

"I will base my decision siguro on survey because I believe in survey. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Vox populi, vox Dei. So kung ano ‘yong magiging senyales ng Panginoon, I will wait for that," Revilla said.

"Mahirap kasing pumasok, ipilit ‘yong sarili mo na hindi ka naman napapanahon.  hindi ka naman gusto ng tao, o hindi naman gusto ng Panginoon, mahirap na," he added.

Revilla said he was overwhelmed by reports that he was being considered to become the standard bearer of the ruling party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) in 2010 polls.

He said he could not believe it when he first heard about the reports. He said it is a victory in itself if he makes it on the list of Lakas members who are being considered to become the party’s presidential bet.

“That's why I'm very thankful sa mga kasamahan ko sa partido... may mga tao palang naniniwala din if ever naman," he said.

Currently though, Revilla said he would rather focus on his work as a senator and not think about the 2010 polls.

Meanwhile, Revilla, a star of a television show in another network, said he is set to do a remake of “Panday.” He said it might be shown October or November of this year.

2010 ELECTION WATCH: Bong Revilla says running for president is in God's hands

Bago ang thanksgiving party ni Senator Bong Revilla para sa entertainment press kagabi, January 27, sa Annabel's restaurant sa Tomas Morato, Quezon City, ipinakita muna ang teaser ng pelikulang gagawin ng actor-politician this year under GMA Films, Panday.

Balitang December pa ito ipalalabas, pero unang buwan pa lang ng taon ay nakikiusap na si Bong na suportahan daw sana ang napakalaking project niyang ito.

KAP'S AMAZING STORIES. Masaya naman si Bong dahil sa walang-sawang suporta ng mga tao sa kanyang show sa GMA-7 na Kap's Amazing Stories. Laging mataas ang rating nito.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa walang-sawang sumusuporta sa Kap's. Sa mga tagahanga ko na tumatangkilik hanggang ngayon, hindi ako pinapabayaan. Maraming-maraming salamat po kasi ang Kap's ay talagang napakaganda ng rating," saad ni Bong sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang entertainment press.

Maging ang ilang eskuwelahan daw sa bansa ay nire-require na panoorin ng mga estudyante ang kanyang show dahil sa maraming impormasyon na puwedeng malaman dito.

"Actually, since magsimula yung Kap's Amazing Stories, nire-require ng mga school yung mga estudyante na pag-aralan. Then, tina-tackle kung ano ang napanood nila. So, napakaganda. At least, very educational. So, it's infotainment, e. Kaya on my part, nakakatuwa, nakakalaki ng puso. At least, nare-recognize nila ang nagagawa natin para sa kabataan."

PANDAY. Ayon kay Bong, by mid-March daw nila sisimulan ang shooting ng Panday para mas mahaba ang maging time for the special effects and post-production. Excited siya sa project dahil medyo matagal na raw nang huli niyang gawin ang Panday at bata pa raw siya noon.

"Kaya pa naman nating tumalun-talon at lumipad-lipad!" natatawa niyang sabi. "Actually, nag-eensayo ako ngayon. Nag-eensayo ulit akong humawak ng sword. Pati yung mga stunts, nag-start na rin tayo. Siyempre, hindi tayo bumabata kaya kailangan nating magbanat ng buto."

Nang tanungin kung sino ang magiging leading lady niya sa Panday, secret muna raw ito at abangan na lang.

POLITICAL PLANS. Napangiti si Senator Bong nang kamustahin namin ang napapabalitang pagtakbo niya bilang presidente ng Pilipinas sa 2010.        

"Well, regarding that, masyado pang matagal. Ayokong isipin ‘yan. Una kong narinig ‘yan, nanlamig ang talampakan ko at nanginig ang tuhod ko!" natatawa niyang sabi.

Patuloy niya, "Alam ko, I'm still young, mahaba ang tatahakin natin. At hindi naman ako nagmamadali. But I do believe in destiny. If you're really destined to be the next president, wala kang magagawa run.  Kahit ayaw mo, itutulak ka, e. 

"Ang point ko lang, basta gagawin ko kung ano ang tama. Tutulong ako para sa bayan at gagawin ko lahat ng magagawa ko. Anyway, regarding that, ang partido ang magdedesisyon diyan. Mahaba pang proseso ‘yan, although niluluto na nila yung pangalan ko. To be recognized on the party is already a victory on my part. Malaki nang bagay yun."

Ano ang pakiramdam na mismong ang partido niya ang nagsasabing siya ang gusto nilang tumakbo for president?

"Nakakalaki nga ng puso," sagot ng senador. "Sabi ko nga, to be recognized by the party is already a victory on my part. Para na rin akong nanalo noon."

Pero handa na ba siyang tumakbo at kung sakali ay maupo bilang presidente?

"Siguro naman, kung ang pagbabasehan ay ang track record, naging bise gobernador na rin ako, naging governor, tapos ngayon ay senator. But, as I've said, bata pa naman ako. Hindi tayo nagmamadali. Hintayin na lang natin ang tamang panahon and I just leave my fate to God. Leave my fate to Him kung anuman ang magiging kapalaran natin," saad niya.

Kung sakali, makakaya kaya niyang iwan ang showbiz?

"Siyempre, ang showbiz, palaging ano ko ‘yan, e, hindi ko puwedeng talikuran. Mahal ko ang industriya. Diyan ako galing. Sabi nga nila, di ba, ang taong hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan?"

Nasa plano na ba talaga niya ang tumakbo bilang presidente ng bansa?

"Hindi ko pinangarap, e," sagot ni Bong. "Hindi ko rin pinangarap maging senator, maging governor, di ba? So, pero kapag may calling, hindi natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari."

Kailan malalaman kung tatakbo nga siyang presidente?

"We don't know... Maybe mid this year, alam na natin kung sino ang nasa frontline. Although, definitely, I'm running for 2010—hindi ko lang alam kung anong position. Pero, siyempre, kung sinuman ang mauupo, alam nating hindi birong responsibilidad ‘yan."

Sa puso niya ngayon, lamang ba ang pagtakbo niya sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa bansa?

"Ang nasa puso ko ngayon yung pagtulong sa tao, e," sabi niya. "So, kung anuman ang responsibilidad na iatang sa akin, kung sa tingin ng Panginoon, ito ang gampanan mong role, di ba? Hindi lang sa pelikula kundi gawin mo sa totoong buhay. I'll do it if I have too."

PHILLIP'S CASE. Just recently, may lumabas na balita na nadesisyunan na raw ng Court of Appeals ang kasong isinampa ng businesswoman na si Cristina Decena sa kaibigan ni Bong na si Phillip Salvador.

Ayon kasi sa lumabas na report sa isang tabloid, kinatigan daw ng Office of the Solicitor General ang naunang desisyon ng Las Piñas Regional Trial Court sa kasong estafa na isinampa ni Cristina kay Phillip. Napatunayan daw na "guilty" si Phillip at hinatulang makulong ng anim hanggang 12 taon.

Pero napag-alaman ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na hindi pa ito ang desisyon talaga ng Court of Appeals kundi isang brief for appellee pa lamang from the Office of the Solicitor General. Kaya maaari pang umapela si Phillip sa Supreme Court.

Pero ano ba ang masasabi ni Bong tungkol sa kaso ng kanyang kaibigan?           

"Well, alam n'yo, yung sa aming magkakaibigan, yung ganoon, siyempre laban niya yun. Hindi naman siya nag-aano sa amin na, ‘Tulungan n'yo ako.' Ang katwiran niya kasi diyan, ‘Kaya ko ‘to dahil alam ko wala akong kasalanan,'" sabi ni Bong.

Anong support ang naibibigay nila kay Ipe?

"Moral support lang ang maibibigay namin sa kanya. Nandiyan na sa korte, e. Basta, naniniwala ako na hindi siya pababayaan ng Panginoon at maaabsuwelto pa rin siya. Kilala ko ang kaibigan ko, napakabait na tao ni Phillip. Napakabait na kaibigan nun."

May mga nagsasabi na posibleng maimpluwensiyahan ang desisyon ng korte dahil sa pagiging malapit ni Phillip kina Bong at Jinggoy Estrada, na kapwa senador. Kaya merong nag-iisip na kung may kaso man ito, posibleng makalusot din daw ito sa tulong nila.

Pero ayon kay Senator Bong, "Kung talagang ginagamit namin ang puwersa namin, sana umpisa pa lang hindi siya nasentensiyahan. That is so unfair, di ba?"

Revilla: Flattered, but no rush

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. broke his silence on Wednesday on the mention of his name as among those being considered by the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats as a presidential contender, saying he was “flattered” but was “not rushing” into the presidency.

“I am very flattered by the trust of my peers in Lakas considering me to be its standard-bearer in the 2010 presidential elections,” Revilla said in a statement.

“It is heartwarming to note that our colleagues in the party recognize our efforts over the last 15 years – from being vice governor and governor of Cavite; our campaign against piracy at the VRB [Video Regulatory Board]; and our performance here at the Senate,” said Revilla in Filipino.

“Nonetheless, I believe that being President of a country is not an ambition but a gift from God,” the actor-turned-politician said.

Becoming President, the senator added, was one’s destiny and beyond any individual’s control.

“I am not rushing into this. It is still too early to even consider this possibility but being a party soldier, I will abide by the party’s ultimate decision. Bata pa naman tayo at eligible pa naman tayo [We are still young and still eligible] for re-election,” Revilla further said.

It was Lakas executive director Ray Roquero, who announced Tuesday that several party leaders have been pushing Revilla to become the party’s standard bearer.

Lakas is planning to convene its executive committee next month and call a convention in March to decide on the matter.

 

by Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net

PDEA needs prosecutorial powers - Sen. Revilla

A bill that would give prosecutorial powers to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to expedite probes and filing of drug cases is being considered at the Senate.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said he would file the measure “to arrest the worsening row and finger-pointing” between the Department of Justice and the PDEA over the alleged bribery drug scandal involving some justice officials and prosecutors.

“The growing problem of illegal drug is peculiar and I believe that it should be given special attention and greater scrutiny, thus the creation of a focused team tasked solely for the purpose is necessary,” he said in a statement on Monday.

In his bill, Revilla said he would propose the creation of a special prosecutorial office within the PDEA that would be empowered to directly prosecute offenders involved in “no-bail” drug cases.

At present, the senator said, the PDEA could only cause the filing of appropriate criminal and civil cases for violation of all laws on illegal drugs but the prosecution of these cases remains with the DOJ.

“I believe the DOJ is doing its best to resolve all the cases submitted to it with only the best intentions and in the soonest possible time, but the DOJ’s hands are very full. It is in this light that we would like to unburden the DOJ,” said the senator.

If the PDEA would be granted prosecutorial powers, Revilla said the agency would have sole accountability in the determination of filing of drug cases and would avoid finger-pointing like what happened in the so-called “Alabang boys.”

He expressed apprehension that the drug problem in the country would further worsen if the word war between the PDEA and DOJ would continue.

“There is no reason for the DOJ and the PDEA to be at each other’s throat. I believe that drug money and big-time drug lords are fueling this controversy to their benefit. As concerned agencies engage in verbal fighting and buck passing, only drug syndicates are meriting,” Revilla added.

 

by Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net