Controversial Archives - Page 6 of 6 - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Feb272009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Angela Batumbakal finally sends a reply and yes, she needs money

Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

This post is related to an earlier entry about this girl who sent me an email and claimed that she has photos of award-winning Filipino actor Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana. The email sender calls herself "Angela Batumbakal." And since I was intrigued by her email, I sent her a brief reply asking, "and I suppose you're asking for money?" (Well, truth be told, I knew from the get-go that she needed money in exchange for these photos of former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity contestant Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana but admittedly, I was curious and a bit baffled as to how people can go through such lengths just to earn that quick buck) Today, I checked my email and I finally received a short confirmation from "Angela Batumbakal": "ofcourse in exchange for d pictur...

Feb262009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Full statement of former Bukidnon congressman Neric Acosta on graft charges filed against him

Bukidnon, Commentary, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, News, Northern Mindanao, Opinion, Personal, Personalities

Yesterday, February 25, 2009, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez ordered the filing of graft charges against former Bukidnon First District Congressman Neric Acosta, his mother former Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon mayor Socorro Acosta and his aunt Nemia Bornidor (member of the Board of Trustees of the Bukidnon Integrated Network of Home Industries, Inc. and JR Nereus Acosta's aunt). The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Fr. Venancio Balansag Jr., Fr. Wilredo Torayno, Vicente N. Abrogueña (now deceased), and Felix Vergara, Jr. representing the Bukidnon Crusade Against Graft and Corruption. The BCAGC alleged that on January 9, 2001, the former Bukidnon congressman and Yale World Fellow and then Mayor Amado Noble of Talakag, Bukidnon executed a Memorandum of Agreement providing for the appropr...

Feb252009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Baron Geisler and a girl smoking marijuana – caught on camera?

Controversial, Entertainment, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal

I received a rather weird (yet interesting, I must admit) offer via email yesterday. A girl who introduced herself as a certain "Angela Batumbakal" claimed that she has photos of "Jay" indie film lead actor Baron Geisler and another woman (unnamed) smoking marijuana. I found her email "interesting" only because I realize the lengths people go through just so they can either destroy a person or earn that quick buck. This "Angela Batumbakal" wrote: i have 5 clear pictures of baron geisler and a woman smoking marijuana.i found a memory card at an internet cafe and then i opened it and saw baron's pictures on it.if u are interested to have these pictures,u can send me an email.09099758776 [[email protected]] I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who received her so-called "offer," wh...

Feb72009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Will Mindanao produce three new senators this 2010?

Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities

The 2010 presidential elections are just around the corner and I'm interested to know - after former Bukidnon Third District Congressman Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri, will Mindanao again produce new senators? Will there be two (or more) Mindanaoan senators soon? This early, I've heard a lot of buzz about three Mindanaoans who will allegedly gun for a senatorial seat this 2010 Philippine elections. These are former Bukidnon First District Congressman JR Nereus "Neric" Acosta, United Opposition spokesperson Adel Abass Tamano and current Bukidnon Second District Congressman Teofisto "TG" Guingona III. On Neric Acosta - He served as a congressman for Bukidnon's first district for three consecutive terms. The principal author of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Solid Waste Managem...

Feb12009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Was Mindanaoan Gary Granada ripped off by GMA Kapuso?

Advocacy, Controversial, Crime, Media, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Opinion, Personal, Personalities

Don't we just hate it when people, especially fellow Mindanaoans, are deprived of what's rightfully due them? And don't we just hate it when someone denies that a wrong has been done even when it's so blatant? Just take this case of Mindanaoan artist Gary Granada who alleges that GMA Kapuso Foundation took advantage of his work. GMA Kapuso Foundation allegedly used his work without proper recognition and more importantly, payment or royalties. According to Gary, who was born in Maco, Davao (Compostela Valley), GMA Kapuso Foundation took advantage of his work and the said foundation's lawyer even had the audacity to say that he merely changed a word or two. Worse, the camp of GMA 7 alleged that they don't owe Gary anything since the end product was a result of "collective work." A legal ...

Jan282009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Are you willing to pay P6,000 to the Philippine government just so you can blog?

Advocacy, Blogging, Business, Consumer, Controversial, Headline, Internet, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Technology

Because this seems to be the case if ever a proposal dubbed "Guidelines on the Provision of Contents, Information, Applications and Electronic Games" lodged before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) pushes through. Now, how does this affect Mindanaoan bloggers or content providers here in the Philippines, you ask? This controversial proposal, when loosely translated, would mean that the Philippine government wants to require people to hold licenses in order to create or post content online. And, of course, there will be corresponding fees and charges. Under the proposal, a filing fee of P300.00 shall be imposed and an annual registration fee of P6,000.00. There will also reportedly be surcharges for late filings. While the proposal probably has commendable objectives and w...

Jan192009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

This is exactly why experts say it’s worth investing in mining stocks this year

Controversial, Cotabato, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

No need to look far, really. Central Mindanao is fast becoming the major hub of mining operations in the country. Just recently, a Filipino-owned company has sought from the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau an exploration permit for copper, gold, and silver deposits in three provinces here in Mindanao. Tao Mohin Resources Corporation is the very first company to formally file an application for exploration permit this year. And get this - Tao Mohin Resources Corporation shelled out not less than P800,000 just so they can be granted permit to explore 14,831.7 hectares. If the company is willing to pay that much just for "exploration," you can just imagine just how much it's willing to invest once it finds that pot of gold (and copper and silver!) The said company is reportedly keen ...

Jan62009 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Online petition for the resignation of the Pangandamans; Pangandaman counsel: “Wala pong bodyguard, lahat po sila naka-bakasyon”

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

The website of the "Ang Kapatiran Party" has launched an online petition for the resignation of Department of Agrarian Reform Nasser Pangandaman, Sr. and Masiu, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr. This, following the alleged brutal mauling of 56 year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year old son, Bino. If you're interested to sign the petition, please CLICK HERE. Incidentally, the Pangandamans also have an appeal to bloggers. This part is nicked from an ABS-CBN news story: Appeal to bloggers Since Bambee’s blog, the story about the incident in the golf club spread through the Internet. Bloggers condemned and some even put up a signature campaign for Pangandaman’s resignation. Pangandaman said his family is hurting because of the bad picture being painted o...

Jan52009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Thank goodness! May the dela Paz family finally get justice!

Controversial, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

Finally, the long wait is over! Today, fifty six year old businessman Delfin dela Paz and his 14 year-old son, Bino, have finally lodged before the Antipolo courts separate charges of physical injuries against the Pangandamans. Named as respondents to the case are the two sons of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. - Hussein and Nasser Pangandaman Jr., the mayor of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. The family’s legal counsel is Raymond Fortun, who's known to represent high profile clients such as former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada. According to the Inquirer, Fortun said they were set to go to the Ombudsman on Wednesday to seek the preventive suspension of Pangandaman Sr. "so as not to derail the investigation." Atty. Fortun also said the secretary ...

Jan32009 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

What’s the government doing against the Pangandamans?

Controversial, Government, Lanao del Sur, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion

I'm sure that many of you have heard of the Dela Paz - Pangandaman alleged brawling incident last December 26, 2008 (yes, a mere 1 day after Christmas!) Just in case you haven't, you may want to read this. You may also want to read Bambee Dela Paz's blog entry here - Bambee is the sister of the 14-year old boy who allegedly got mauled, along with his 56-year old father, by Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. and his son Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Mindanao. Apart from the facts that the incident involved a 14-year old boy, government officials and their gun-toting bodyguards and that the younger Pangandaman is a leader of a town in Mindanao of all places (it's controversial and embarrassing, really, especially since we Mindanaoans wan...

Dec232008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Bukidnon provincial government employees receive P50,000 Christmas bonus

Bukidnon, Controversial, Government, Mindanaoan Update, News

So how much did you receive as Christmas bonus this year? If you think your ten or twenty thousand pesos is already a big amount, think again. Government employees in Bukidnon received fifty thousand pesos for their bonus this December. Yes, Provincial Government of Bukidnon (PGB) employees received P50,000.00 each (more than a thousand US dollars) this year. Don't be too surprised, though, because the said amount is actually LESSER than what the regular Bukidnon provincial government employees received last year. The year 2007 saw each and every regular provincial government of Bukidnon employee receiving a staggering eighty thousand pesos (P80,000.00) Interestingly, some of my friends working in the PGB said that the P50,000.00 still wasn't enough. They said that they still have to...

Dec162008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Mar Roxas speaks about last Friday’s Anti-Cha Cha rally

Controversial, News

This one's fresh off the pan! Emailed to Mindanaoan by Senator Mar Roxas' media office in the Senate of the Philippines. Privilege Speech of Senator Mar Roxas’ on last Friday’s Anti-Cha-Cha rally (Delivered on Tuesday, December 16, 2008) Mr. President, may I take a moment of the chamber’s time to rise on a matter of personal privilege. Marami nang nasabi mula nang magsalita ako noong rally noong Biyernes. Maraming nabigla sa bugso ng emosyon. May mga nailang o nagalit. May mga nagsasabing mali ang sinabi ko. Binanatan ako ng Malakanyang. Ginamit nila ang kanilang propaganda machine laban sa akin. Una: gaya noong Biyernes, magsasalita ako nang deretsahan ngayon: I AM NOT SORRY. I am not sorry for speaking my mind and telling the truth as I see it to be. I am not sorry for expressi...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

My first Sony experience is with my Sony Ericsson K500i

Consumer, Contests, Controversial, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, Opinion, Personal, Reviews, Style, Technology, Tourism, Travel

While I consider my father's Sony all-transistor radio my first Sony "encounter," (it was one of his most treasured possessions and when he installed pipe-in sound systems in Jesuit-owned buildings, he'd bring me and his precious all transistor radio along - my role was to belt out songs and he'd test the wirings and quality of sound) I consider my Sony Ericsson k500i mobile phone as my very first Sony experience. In fact, truth be told, my Sony Ericsson k500i cellular phone has been with me through so many "firsts" in my life that it has just been (and still is!) one crazy, amazing, memorable ride. This phone has also played a great part in my quest to find my niche - my very own place under the sun. I bought this Sony product at a time when I felt I badly wanted - nay, needed - a chan...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Finally, an update on Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat’s case

Controversial, Crime, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, News

I learned from Senator Richard Gordon today that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to revive the investigations into the brutal murder of Mindanaoan journalist Marlene Esperat. Esperat, who exposed an alleged illegal procurement of P432 Million worth of fertilizers, was slain in her own home in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao by an assassin who later on reportedly confessed that he was hired by two officials in the Department of Agriculture - Central Mindanao. What really dismayed me was the fact that she was even gunned down in front of her own children. “This time we will investigate why a resident Ombudsman in the Agriculture Department in Mindanao was killed because she wanted to expose an anomaly. So far, the case has made some progress in courts but the masterminds have ...

Dec32008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero speaks up on his plans for 2010

Controversial, Government, Headline, Mindanaoan Update, Opinion, Personalities

If you're curious if Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero is running for President this 2010, then read on. Here's the full text of Sen. Chiz's blog. THOUGHTS? December 2, 2008, 12:29 am Dahil sa mga naglalabasang surveys na kasali ako sa top 5 ng mga presidentiables, marami ang nagtatanong kung nangangarap daw ba akong maging presidente ng Pilipinas sa 2010. Ang masasabi ko lang ay oo. May pangarap ako tulad ng sinumang pulitiko siguro ngayon na humawak ng mas mataas na puwesto. Ang maganda sa pangarap, ito ay libre at hindi kailangang bayaran. Subalit ang mahalaga sa akin ay hindi kung ano ang gusto ko. Gusto ni ganito na tumakbo, gusto ni ganyan na tumakbo. Hindi mahalaga kung ano ang gusto kong takbuhan. Ang mahalaga, ano ba ang gusto ng ating mga kababayan na tatakbuhan ko o gusto ba...

Nov252008 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Pictures taken during the Senate Nov. 17, 2008 revamp

Broadcasting, Controversial, Government, Headline, Media, Mindanaoan Update, Musings, News, Opinion, Personal, Personalities, Photos

What supposed to be was a simple, routinary visit to the Senate of the Philippines last November 17, 2008 turned out to be one very controversial occasion. It was the day when the Senate coup happened. It was the day when the Senate revamp occured. It was the day when Senate President Manny Villar got ousted by his fellow senators and was replaced by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. And yes, it was also the day when Mindanaoan Senator Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri got appointed as Acting Majority Floor Leader. Although I've been receiving some tips via text messages that something "big" and "major" would occur in the next few days, I never thought that IT would happen that day, a seemingly innocent Monday. Anyways, here are the photos I took that day: (CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS) ...

Oct282008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Jeanette Lomanta drops libel case vs. radio man

Broadcasting, Controversial, Crime, Davao City, Headline, Journalism, Media, News, Opinion, Personalities, Radio

TV personality Jeanette Lomanta has reportedly submitted an affidavit of desistance in relation to the libel case she filed against former radio broadcaster Alexander Adonis. As a result, Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Davao City is set to dismiss the case soon - BUT only if Adonis' other pending cases get settled as well. The libel case against the former journalist is in line with Adonis' series of commentaries over the air in 2001 alleging that Lomanta had a so-called tryst in a Manila hotel with then Davao 1st District Congressman now House Speaker Prospero Nograles. Lomanta reportedly withdrew her complaint after "adhering to the Christian values of forgiveness." Adonis, in a letter dated October 21, 2008, extended his apologies to her. He still has to face a pending libel ca...

Oct182008 by Mindanaoan Irene8 Comments

Justice for Mantigue Island, Camiguin residents

Camiguin, Controversial, News, Opinion, Resorts

My family and I went to the Island of Camiguin a few months ago. What supposedly was a time to relax and unwind turned out to be work somehow. You see, when we visited the beautiful islet of Mantigue in Camiguin (the "less popular" islet --- tourists usually go to the famous White Island), we learned from the residents there that the local government has started to send them feelers. The residents said that the local government wanted them off the island as soon as possible because they were considered "illegal occupants." The residents opined, however, that most of them have been born in the island. They asserted that they were "natives" there and that they grew up knowing only one home and that is Mantigue. Over the years, they learned how to fish, culture seaweeds and eventually welcom...

Oct172008 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

How to know if you have fake Philippine money

Controversial, News

The news item in today's Philippine Daily Inquirer about fake money circulating in Davao del Sur has prompted me to write a few pointers on how to know if you have fake Philippine money. I've actually written about this a few years back in my newspaper column, back when there seemed to have been a massive spread of fake 500 Philippine peso bills. Hopefully these quick pointers can help all of you. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, real currency notes are a bit rough in terms of texture. However, fake bills are smooth to the touch. Real Philippine money bills also have embossed watermarks. You can see the watermark when you expose the bill to a strong source of light (notice that you can find an image on the left side of the bill) Real currency bills have window security t...

Oct112008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Full text of Reproductive Health Bill (HB 5043)

Controversial, News, Society

For years, this very controversial bill has been the topic of heated debates. The congressmen-authors, especially Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, have been ridiculed, insulted, castigated upon and questioned. Does this controversial reproductive health bill really promote abortion? Is it true that if this bill gets ratified, couples can only have two children? Does it really affect a Roman Catholic's views and beliefs? I have written numerous stories about and in relation to this bill. I have heard both sides. However, I feel there's still lack of information. People should really see for themselves and decide on whether or not this reproductive health, responsible parenthood and population development bill raises flags. The full text of House Bill 5043 may be found after the jump. Please feel ...

Oct92008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

1.6 Billion pesos to buy fluorescent lamps…seriously?!

Controversial, Government, News, Opinion

Bukidnon congressman Teofisto "TG" Guingona III obviously has lots of efficient moles in various government, non government and financial agencies. I mean, how else could he have uncovered the fact that the government plans to take out a loan to the tune of P1.6 Billion just to buy fluorescent lamps? Yes, P1.6 Billion or roughly $35 Million to buy fluorescent lamps. Yes, my jaw dropped, too. I mean, really, who in their right minds would want to spend that much on mere light bulbs when the economy is in shambles, when millions of Filipino children walk barefoot to school, when the ordinary jeepney driver barely meets his daily boundary because of high gas prices, when the ordinary Filipino family can barely eat healthy food everyday and when we're all supposed to tighten our belts...