Hong Kong, Philippines Resolve Hostage Crisis Issue

Image courtesy of www.rappler.com

Source: www.rappler.com

Even with the agreement, the Philippines does not issue an apology – one of the biggest demands of Hong Kong

The Philippines and Hong Kong have finally resolved their differences regarding the 2010 bus hostage crisis in Manila that led to the death of 8 Hong Kong tourists.

A joint statement released by the two governments on Wednesday, April 23, said that "the HKSAR Government and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines have agreed that the 4 demands made by the victims and their families on apology, compensation, sanctions against responsible officials and individuals, and tourist safety measures" had been resolved.

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima are all in Hong Kong.

There was however, no official apology from the Philippine government about the incident – one of Hong Kong's major demands.

The statement instead said the Philippines "expresses its most sorrowful regret and profound sympathy, and extends its most sincere condolences for the pain and suffering of the victims and their families."

It also said Purisima "has written to all victims of their families."

The Philippine Government will also give "an additional token of solidarity" to victims or their families "as a most sincere gesture of compassion of the people of the Philippines" although the statement did not give any details about the said token.

The Philippines had already provided undisclosed financial compensation to victims and their relatives, with the money donated by private individuals. According to Cable TV News, the Philippine government will offer HK$1.5 million (8.6 million pesos) for each of the deceased and HK$3 million (17.3 million pesos) for the injured in a compensation package which would total HK$20 million (115.3 million pesos).

Additionally, the statement said "Philippine Government has assured the HKSAR Government that measures are being undertaken to hold to account those responsible and to see the outstanding proceedings conclude as soon as possible."

Aligned with the Hong Kong victims' fourth demand, the Philippines also gave assurance a similar incident will not happen again following measures implemented by the government "to guarantee the welfare and safety of those visiting the Philippines."

Hong Kong had been infuriated by the Philippines' response to the incident in August 2010, in which a former local police officer hijacked a Manila tour bus in protest at his sacking.

Eight people from Hong Kong were killed and 7 wounded in a bungled rescue effort by Philippine security forces.

No apology

President Benigno Aquino III has been adamant about his stance on not issuing an apology to Hong Kong, arguing it could create a legal liability and pointing out that China has not paid compensation to the families of Filipino victims who died in the mainland.

In February, Hong Kong issued sanctions on visa-free entry for Philippine government officials and diplomats.

All sanctions against the Philippines have been lifted by Hong Kong.

The news was happily welcomed by the Philippine government. Malacañang said Aquino was satisfied with the development.

"I have conveyed to the President the report of Secretary Almendras [confirming the resolution] and he expressed satisfaction that final closure and a mutually satisfactory conclusion has been reached," Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said in a statement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also issued a statement, saying "the Philippines looks forward to working with the Hong Kong SAR government in turning a new page in bilateral relations."

Talks since October

The resolution comes 6 months after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in October 2013, where Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying met with Aquino.

Their meeting took place a day after several Hong Kong journalists were kicked out of APEC for shouting questions at Aquino regarding the crisis.

During their discussion, Aquino and Leung agreed to do their best to resolve issue. New negotiations started that month, with Aquino appointing Almendras to meet with Hong Kong officials to try and find a win-win solution.

Almendras, who has been discreetly traveling to Hong Kong since October to engage in talks, arrived in Hong Kong around 10am Thursday morning. Estrada flew a day earlier with 7 Manila councilors.

Estrada has apologized previously to Hong Kong in behalf of Manila.

KC Concepcion on Paulo Avelino: 'Mahal ko siya'

Image courtesy of Instagram: xtina_ontherocks

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Amid speculation surrounding the status of their relationship, KC Concepcion confessed her feelings for "Honesto" star Paulo Avelino, who has admitted courting the actress.

Concepcion, who is currently in New York for a short course on acting, made the candid confession in a text message to "Kris TV" writer Darla Sauler.

"No comment except… Basta, mahal ko siya. Yun lang. :)" the 29-year-old actress was quoted as saying by Sauler in an article published on ABS-CBN entertainment news website Push.

Concepcion was asked to confirm the real score between her and Avelino, following reports that the two are no longer dating.

Avelino recently visited Concepcion in New York, where she has been staying since January, to belatedly celebrate the actress' birthday last April 7.

One of the photos of the visit posted by Concepcion on Instagram shows her with Avelino holding up a wine glass.

"Safe flight home. It made my heart happy to cook for you that day & to see you enjoying the little things, even just for a while. Thank you. For everything," the caption read.

However, Concepcion triggered speculation among her followers when she posted a photo of shadows of two people.

Image courtesy of Instagram: xtina_ontherocks

The caption accompanying the photo quoted from the lyrics of Barry Manilow's "Somewhere Down the Road": "Our roads are gonna cross again. It doesn't really matter when."

Avelino first admitted dating Concepcion in November last year, weeks after he confirmed his separation from former girlfriend, actress LJ Reyes, with whom he has a son.

Maja Salvador Finally Opens Up about Kim Chiu

Maja Salvador and Kim Chiu in November 2012 

Photo from ABS-CBN writer Garlic Garcia's Instagram page

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Maja Salvador has finally opened up about fellow ABS-CBN contract artist Kim Chiu, with whom she recently reconciled after a year of estrangement over actor Gerald Anderson.

Salvador was asked about the reconciliation Tuesday on the sidelines of a photo shoot for local clothing line Petit Monde, which has renewed its endorsement contract with the actress for a fourth year.

"Sobrang saya," the 25-year-old actress said of Anderson, who is now also in good terms with Chiu, his former girlfriend. "Alam kong hindi lang sila, ako, kami, alam kong kayong lahat."

"Kasi siguro lahat iyon ang pinagdadasal, and 'di ba, walang binibigay 'yung Diyos... 'Yung dasal mo, ibibigay at ibibigay niya. Tamang timing lang," she said.

Salvador and Chiu were known to be close friends until January 2013 when the "Ikaw Lamang" star expressed regret that their friendship went to waste, following reports of a blooming relationship between Salvador and Anderson.

The two have since confirmed being a couple.

Chiu and Anderson, who were a popular onscreen couple for four years, controversially ended their real-life relationship in 2010.

At the time Chiu and Salvador had a falling out, the two actresses were starring in the series, "Ina, Kapatid, Anak," which ended its run in June 2013.

Several reports surfaced saying Chiu and Salvador, while professional on the series' set, were no long in speaking terms.

"At iyon, ito 'yung time na hinihintay naming lahat dumating na," said Salvador, who had been vocal of her hopes to make amends with Chiu.

'Love, love, love!'

Asked if she exerted effort to reach out to Chiu in the past year, Salvador said, "Oo naman, sa lahat ng bagay, 'di ba? Kailangan mo mag-effort, e. Parang may mga efforts ka dati, hindi nag-wo-work, pero huwag ka mag-give up. Try mo lang nang i-try until, iyon nga, darating 'yung time. At iyon, dumating 'yung time."

"Kailangan [gumawa ng effort], kasi, siyempre, 'di ba, sa sitwasyon naman namin, may mga pagkakamali kaming lahat. Hindi mo kailangan magtaas pa ng pride. Dapat isa talaga sa inyo [ay gumawa ng effort]," she added.

The reconciliation reportedly happened in late March, when Chiu and Salvador bumped into each other at a gym. Salvador, according to showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz, asked Chiu through text message if they could talk.

When asked why she had been persistent in communicating with Chiu, Salvador said, smiling, "Kahit ano pa kasing ikot ng mundo, kung mahalaga sa iyo ang isang tao, darating at darating ang araw na kailangan mong um-effort ulit."

On the possibility of being close friends again with Chiu, Salvador said she is not rushing for things to go back to normal. For now, the actress added, she continues to pray for their relationship to continue improving.

"Sabi niyo nga, 'di ba, hindi naman agad-agad. Parang, ipag-pray natin kung ano man 'yung magiging...'yung mga darating sa aming lahat. At least ngayon, love, love, love na, 'di ba? Meron nang peace sa hearts namin, sa aming lahat, 'diba? So iyon -- positivity!"

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Another Burden

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The fate of Troubled Star TS remains to be very uncertain at this point. The many crisis that she has to endure are not only tough, but very, very tough. Along the way, the people close to her are the casualty of it all.

TS had been through hell and back - the agony she could have avoided had she been more circumspect. She’s into very troubled times for so long now that insiders believe that if she continues to ignore the words of her advisers, TS might be fast digging her own grave.

What’s worse, TS’ lack of projects seems to compound her problems even more. Reportedly, her management had given up on her because they felt that TS is just unmanageable at this point.

Yet the public compassion goes out to her children who are made to endure the blows in their young lives.

Since TS has major problems as well, her financial drain is making it very difficult for her to pay the people to help her attend to these problems. For quite a long time now, she is hardly getting by. Fortunately or unfortunately for TS, the Person in Charge PC of her problems fully understands her predicament – but for a price.

PC has reportedly taken over not only of TS’ problems, but to a great extent, her personal life, too. Was reliably informed that PC was seen bringing TS to a hotel somewhere in Ortigas for some ‘privacy.’ Reportedly, TS was seeking her elders for help, but their hands are tied, helpless about the situation.

Talks have it that TS is also often forced to do things against her will, and that she needs to take ‘something’ before she can do what PC expects her to do.

PC has taken some roles, too, sometimes seen bringing loved ones of TS to the place where they need to be. Maybe this explains why PC is sooo into her – hook, line and sinker.

“A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her. ” ~ Oscar Wilde

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Disclaimer: The comments of the readers do not reflect the views and opinions of Fashion PULIS.

De Lima: Janet Napoles Tagged Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla

Businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles (center) at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the "pork barrel" scam in November 2013

Image courtesy of www.philstar.com

Source: www.philstar.com

Tearful Napoles was surrounded by Jesus' and Virgin Mary's images during meeting

The written testimony submitted by alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles has "a lot of details" and signifies her intention to spill more beans and become a state witness, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Tuesday.

In a press conference, De Lima confirmed meeting with suspected "pork barrel" scam mastermind at the Ospital ng Makati before Napoles underwent a surgery for a myoma on her uterus on Monday night.

"There are more details, more information from Mrs. Napoles. ... But not everything. Mrs. Napoles appears to know these things. But I cannot share with you the details," De Lima said.

She also admitted that Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada are tagged in Napoles' statement.
Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Asked if Napoles backed the Department of Justice's (DOJ) plunder charge against the three main respondents in the multi-billion peso embezzlement scheme, De Lima answered, "Yes, absolutely."

De Lima similarly confirmed that some of the names Napoles disclosed are already respondents in the case submitted before the Office of the Ombudsman, which has elevated the proceedings to the Sandiganbayan.

The justice secretary said that Napoles also disclosed some "documentary evidence" during their five-hour meeting.

De Lima arrived at the hospital around 11 p.m. Monday and left at around 3 a.m. Tuesday.

The justice secretary refused to confirm whether Napoles tagged other senators in the pork barrel fund scam.

De Lima said that she was confident that Napoles' testimony provides valuable information, but clarified that the alleged scam mastermind still has to undergo further questioning by the National Bureau of Investigation.

"There will be further sessions with her ... We need to get those additional facts and details. Ayaw namin sayangin ang pagkakataong ito," she said.

The official also recounted her conditions for agreeing to meet with Napoles, whom she said has been sending the DOJ "feelers" during the past week.

"To tell all on pork scam. Ayoko na may iba pa siyang kakusapin [and] no commitment to make her state witness," De Lima said.

De Lima said she entered the hospital room where Napoles was "tearful" and was praying the Rosary. She was also surrounded by images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus.

"Sabi niya she is now coming clean. She was tearful when she saw me," De Lima recounted.

She believes that detained businesswoman decided to divulge what she knows as she was anxious of her impending operation for myoma.

Accused in Vhong Navarro Case Turns vs Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo

Image courtesy of www.abs-cbnnews.com

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

The case surrounding the mauling of Vhong Navarro took a crucial turn on Monday after it was learned that one of the seven persons facing criminal charges is seeking to turn state witness and reveal the alleged plan to beat up the actor on the night of January 22.

According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, one of the male accused, whom she did not name, has applied to become a state witness to detail an alleged "Oplan Bugbog" planned by the group of businessman Cedric Lee.

"I cannot divulge yet the name, kasi kung malaman nung iba, lalo na 'yung pinaka-principal na accused, baka may balakin," de Lima said. "And he is really very scared, umiiyak nga nang umiiyak so we will announce in due time. Maybe tomorrow. Ipa-fast track naman ang application."

The others accused in the mauling are Deniece Cornejo, Bernice Lee, Simeon Raz, Jed Fernandez, Jose Paolo Calma and Ferdinand Guerrero.

Last week, arrest warrants for all seven were issued by the Taguig Metropolitan Trial Court in connection with the criminal charge of grave coercion.

On Monday, arrest warrants for the non-bailable offense of serious illegal detention were issued by the Taguig Regional Trial Court against the group, with the exception of Calma and Bernice Lee.

'Prepared to tell all'

De Lima said the application of one of the accused to turn state witness is now being processed. However, she stressed that it is still up to the court whether to grant it.

"He is now being handled by the witness protection program. This accused will be narrating -- I have seen his draft affidavit -- the entire incident, beginning with the planning.

"There was a planning made by the group of Cedric Lee. Ang sabi nga 'Oplan Bugbog.' So from the planning to the actual incident, he is prepared to tell all," she said.

De Lima added that the account of this accused, while still up for evaluation, will strengthen the case against Lee and the rest.

"It applies premeditation, evident premeditation... It bolsters the findings of consipracy and kung sinu-sino talaga ang bumugbog nang todo-todo, sakop 'yan," she said.

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