source: Agence France-Presse

President Benigno Aquino and his team spent their first full day in office Thursday inspecting state coffers as a crucial first step in meeting his vow to root out corruption and help the poor.

Already stuck with a record budget deficit, Aquino has accused his predecessor, Gloria Arroyo, of painting an unrealistically rosy picture of the economy to burnish her legacy after nearly 10 years in office.

Aquino has warned massive corruption that infected politics would be rooted out, and in this light his finance secretary promised an unrelenting campaign against tax evaders that could result in prosecutions within days.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Thursday Aquino wanted to be able to report the real situation to parliament during his "State of the Nation" address on July 26, when he will seek funding support for his programmes.

"The president gave his marching orders to each cabinet member. They have two weeks to get to know the lay of the land," Lacierda told AFP.

Aquino, a 50-year-old economist, took office on Wednesday with a vow to lift his nation out of poverty and wipe out crippling corruption that he said thrived under his predecessor.

He also pledged to set up a "Truth Commission" to investigate alleged corruption by Arroyo and her official family.

Lacierda said that over the next few weeks Aquino would fulfil his campaign promise to go after tax cheats and begin implementing programmes specifically targeted at the very poor who comprise a third of the population.

The Philippines posted a budget deficit of P162.1 billion ($3.5 billion) in the first five months of the year, and analysts agree it is unlikely the full-year funding gap would be kept below P300 billion.

Aquino has also ordered a review of all ongoing government programmes and an inventory of all assets to determine which can be sold off to support future projects, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima told reporters.

The government needs more funds to finance Aquino's pledges to increase spending for education, health and low-income housing.

To underline the government's intent, Purisima said the government would soon start filing charges against tax evaders.

"We are not sure whether we can file some cases next week, but certainly the mandate is to send a very clear signal to the revenue-collecting agencies as well as taxpayers that this administration means business."

Using a basketball analogy, Purisima added: "This will be a full-court press, it will be unrelenting, until we believe we have achieved a tax effort that is commensurate to what our legal system provides for."

Withholding taxes from salaried workers accounted for 90% of all individual income tax collections, suggesting tax evasion was pervasive, he said.

The goal is to slash the budget deficit to bring it down to 2% of the gross domestic product (GDP) within three years, he added.

The Philippines posted a record budget deficit of P298.5 billion last year, equivalent to 3.9% of GDP.

Aquino won a landslide election victory on May 10 on the back of his message of change from corruption and a culture of impunity in which only 18 percent of all criminal cases were resolved.

He also benefited from his status as the son of democracy heroes Benigno and Corazon Aquino, who remain revered for their efforts to overthrow dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

A top Career Executive Service Board (CESB) official on Thursday said President Benigno Aquino III's first memorandum circular (MC) will not result in the collapse of the bureaucracy, but added that the Palace intends to revise it.

CESB executive director Antonette Allones made the assurance even as she confirmed that only half of the available career executive positions can be occupied by career executive service officers (CESO).

Hours after his inauguration on Wednesday, President Aquino declared "all non-career executive service positions vacant as of 30 June 2010 and extended "the services of employees whose contracts expire" on the same date.

There were fears that wiping out hundreds of political appointees during President Arroyo's term would result in the collapse of the bureaucracy.

Allones admitted that there are a total of 6,760 career executive positions in government, but there are only around 3,800 CESOs.

She, however, clarified that only the presidential appointees or "co-terminus" appointees of the former president are immediately affected by the memorandum circular.

She said senior government officials, who are civil service eligible, holding top government positions, were ordered to stay in a hold-over capacity until July 31.

She added that there is hope that President Aquino will re-appoint or promote the civil service eligible officials to occupy positions that cannot be fully filled up by CESOs.

Allones said President Aquino's first memorandum circular seeks to dissolve the "over-appointments" of the past administration.

She cited for example the Department of National Defense, which has 7 undersecretaries. She said that under the law, the defense department should only have 3 undersecretaries.

"The excess of four is already declared vacant or dissolved," the CESB official said.

Allones clarified that the memorandum circular announced by presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda was not yet final.

She said that based on her initial meeting with the staff of newly-appointed Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa, Malacañang will revise the memorandum circular to clarify the ambiguous provisions.

She said she will submit a list of qualified government executives to Ochoa. The list will be passed on to President Aquino for his reference.

Allones said that the law also allows Aquino or his Cabinet secretaries to make at least 1 political appointee.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Controversial television host-actress Kris Aquino arrived at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday without her husband, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar James Yap.

Kris, who was with her 3-year-old son, James “Baby James” Yap Jr., was wearing a yellow Filipiniana gown designed by renowned fashion designer Paul Cabral. Baby James was wearing a yellow barong.

In a previous interview, Yap assured that he would show up at the inauguration of President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III shortly after his wife’s announcement that they were ending their marriage.

Kris was seated beside sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada and Viel Aquino-Dee.

Kris and Yap have been married for almost 5 years. On Sunday, Kris announced that they were separating, but without divulging the reason behind the failure of their marriage.

“Matagal naming sinubukan. James and I really tried to make this work. On my part, with finality, I can say ako ay sumuko na,” she said.

Aquino said it was not a “spur of the moment” decision.

"Kung anuman ang dahilan why this marriage, on my part, I'm saying it's over, the only person I will owe an explanation to and the only person who can demand from me, 'Bakit kayo naghiwalay?,' is my son," she added.

In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, Yap refused to comment on the issue. But he admitted that he has not talked to Kris and has not yet seen the kids—Baby James and Kris’s son from actor Phillip Salvador, Josh.

He also said that he has talked to some Aquino family members who still hoped that he and Kris would kiss and make up.

By Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Filipino singing sensation Charice was up as early as 2 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, as she prepares to sing the Philippine national anthem at the inauguration of President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Charice confessed that jet lag and nerves were keeping her from relaxing. She said she is very excited to be invited to take part in a significant event in the country's history.

"Today is another big day in history. I'm so nervous but I'm going to try my best."

"I am trying to get relaxed but I'm really nervous. But I know everything is going to be OK since I am not the only one who is singing, there are others singing with me. Sir Ryan Cayabyab will be there and he taught me how to sing the anthem. Wala naman sigurong dapat ipagkaba ng sobra sobra," she said.

Charice said she will be wearing a yellow gown with black accent made by Avel Bacudio. A pink gown she wore in her interviews was made by Paul Cabral, who is also one of the designers of president-elect Aquino.

The pint-sized chanteuse, who is joining the cast of hit TV show "Glee" next season, previously sang in one of the pre-inaugural balls of US President Barack Obama.

Pokwang, Mariel also excited

Meanwhile, Wowowee co-hosts Mariel Rodriguez and Pokwang could not contain their excitement as they are also planning to celebrate Aquino's historic inauguration.

In a message posted in their Twittter accounts, Pokwang and Mariel said they could hardly wait to go to the Quirino Grandstand to join hundreds and thousands of Aquino supporters who will attend the inauguration.

"Good morning!!! :) getting ready for the inauguration!!! I can't believe I'm going! Yay!!! :)," Mariel said.

"Good morning! Thank God narito na ang pinaka hihintay na araw ng buong bayan! Excited na ako yeehheeyyy...see you mamaya sa inauguration!," said Pokwang.

The comedienne even added that her white beaded gown with yellow accents was made by Anthony Ramirez.

After the inauguration, Pokwang and Mariel will also be gearing up for the street party that will be held at Quezon Memorial Circle.

Big names in entertainment and music industry are expected to grace the inaugural concert and street party of incoming president Aquino.

Included in the list of stars are Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, Gabby Concepcion, Anne Curtis, Mariel Rodriguez, Rayver Cruz, John Prats, Jed Madela, Nina, Kyla, and Andi Eigenmann.

Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid will also sing on stage.

Jay-R, Jovit Baldovino, Velasco Brothers, Matteo Guidicelli, Ejay Falcon, Queenie Padilla, Zaijan Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Pokwang, Pooh, Arnel Pineda, Billy Crawford, Kim Chui, Gerald Anderson , Coco Martin, Jake Cuenca, Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco will also be part of the event.

Admission for the inaugural concert and street party is free. It will start at 4 p.m. and will end at midnight, capped by fireworks display. - With reports from Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News, and ANC

source: abs-cbnnews.com

A combination of seasoned government officials and names from the private sector are expected to be part of President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's Cabinet.

The list of the incoming Cabinet officials, which has been the subject of speculation over the past few weeks, will be released on Tuesday, the eve of the Aquino inaugural.

Interviewed after a briefing by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Aquino said he may temporarily serve as concurrent secretary of a government agency as some of the candidates are still weighing whether to join the new government.

“I might be taking one of the Cabinet portfolios in the interim. We are still doing background checks on a very important department which up to now has two candidates. There should be one (secretary). There is no clear choice,” said Aquino.

“Some of the Cabinet members have agreed and some are having second thoughts. They could not leave the institution where they belong so we are scrambling just to fill it up,” he said.

If they do not join the government, Aquino said some of them may help him "in a private sector capacity.”

Aquino is also reportedly still mulling who to appoint to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). He initially wanted Ramon Magsaysay awardee and Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, but Vice-President-elect Jejomar Binay also expressed his desire to head the department.

For the Department of Health (DOH). Aquino is still choosing among former Health Secretaries Alberto Romualdez, Jaime Galvez Tan, and current Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral.

Galvez Tan served under President Ramos while Romualdez was health chief of the Estrada administration.

All Cabinet officials will take their oaths on Wednesday after Aquino's inaugural.

They will also have their first Cabinet meeting after being sworn in.

Accepted offers

For the most part, the list of Cabinet members has been kept a secret. However, some of those mentioned have already accepted the offers.

Corazon "Dinky" Soliman will return to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

One of outgoing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's longest-serving Cabinet members, Alberto Romulo, a long-time ally and supporter of the Aquino family, will stay in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

De La Salle Brother Armin Luistro will head the Department of Education.

Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. is the incoming executive secretary.

Commission on Human Rights chair Leila de Lima is expected to head the justice department.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will be involved in any investigation into allegations of corruption against President Arroyo and her administration, as well as cases such as the election-related massacre of at least 57 people on Mindanao last year.

"At least the justice secretary can be his partner in pursuing some of the initiatives he wants to take. The president and his new Cabinet are very encouraging signs," Ramon del Rosario, a former finance secretary and head of the lobby group Makati Business Club, told Reuters.

Aquino's Presidential legal counsel will be Ed de Mesa.

More confirmed appointees

Sources in the Aquino camp gave ABS-CBN News more names on the list.

Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima will return to the Department of Finance.

Aquino campaign manager and former Batanes Rep. Florencio "Butch" Abad will become budget secretary.

Alberto "Bertie" Lim, executive director of the influential Makati Business Club (MBC), will be appointed secretary of Department of Tourism (DOT).

Lim was president of Ten Knots Development Corporation, owners and managers of El Nido resorts, before he became executive director of the MBC in 2006.

Ex-PSG chief to DND

Former Philippine Army commanding general and former Presidential Security Guard (PSG) chief during the Cory Aquino administration, Voltaire Gazmin, will be the secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).

Gazmin was with Aquino on Monday in Camp Aguinaldo where he was briefed by the military leadership on various issues, including threat groups.

Aquino also rehearsed for the military the honors that will be provided him by the military at the Quirino Grandstand on Wednesday.

Aquino's Senate chief of staff Julia Abad, daughter of Butch Abad, will head the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) office.

Veteran builder

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rogelio "Babes" L. Singson will be the secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Singson joined Maynilad after its reprivatization in 2007 under new owners, DMCI-Metro Pacific Consortium.

Prior to joining the country’s largest water concessionaire, Singson was the chairman and president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

He was also involved in the conceptualization and implementation of the country's biggest property privatization—Fort Bonifacio.

He also helped monitor foreign-assisted Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects during the transition from the Marcos government to the first Aquino administration.

Trade, energy, agriculture

Former Trade Undersecretary Gregory Domingo will handle the trade and industry portfolio for a year until Aquino's defeated running mate, Senator Mar Roxas can take over.

For the Department of Energy, Aquino is tapping Manila Water Co. President Jose Rene Almendras.

Before joining the Ayala Group, Almendras was treasurer of Aboitiz & Co., and Aboitiz Equity Ventures. The Aboitiz Group has been involved in the country's power sector since the 1930s.

Aquino is reportedly considering two names for the Department of Agriculture: Dr. Aris Alip and Quezon 2nd district Congressman Proceso Alcala.

Alip, a former staff member of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, founded the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions. He promoted micro-financing in rural areas similar to the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh.

Alcala, on the other hand, established a foundation for farmers and fishermen in Quezon province.

Reducing budget deficit

Former Bureau of Internal Revenue official Kim Henares will head the BIR while Guillermo Parayno Jr. will return to the Bureau of Customs.

Outgoing Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said he met with Purisima on Monday and talked about how to reduce a budget deficit expected to be around 3.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year.

"We talked about the general situation on fiscal sector and what needs to be done. But Mr. Purisima was there as a member of the transition team because we're not sure if he already has the appointment paper," Teves told reporters.

Aquino's Cabinet appointments are seen as an indicator of policy priorities as he faces a large budget deficit, a need to rebuild investor and public confidence in institutions and governance, reduce poverty and resolve long-running insurgencies.

"We may expect more dramatic approaches in the fight against corruption in the next 18 months as Noynoy will focus more time, energy and resources into it," said Earl Parreño of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms, using Aquino's nickname.

"But what I am really afraid of is that this anti-corruption agenda would end up as a big government propaganda, because it's really difficult to get it off the ground due to our slow and problematic justice system," Parreño added.

Aquino has promised a break from the allegations of corruption that dogged the previous two administrations, and his family's reputation for honesty was a factor in his big win.

Purisima, Abad, Soliman and Teresita Quintos-Deles were among the "Hyatt 10", members of Arroyo's Cabinet who resigned in 2005 over allegations she was involved in electoral fraud in the 2004 polls.

Military chief

When asked who will be his first chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Aquino said: “You will know it tomorrow.”

The next AFP chief will reportedly either be Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David or Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer. Both are graduates of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1977.

The current AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa, also a graduate of PMA Class '77, is serving in an acting capacity.

Aquino said he was informed by the military that there are “glitches or hitches” in the preparations for the inauguration.

“Everything is going very, very smoothly. The inaugural speech is very, very important and I want to be able to convey all the messages in the clearest manner possible," he said.

Aquino also said he mentioned a number of “areas of concern” in the military, “what we want to see in changes in the way the AFP is serving the people.” -- reports from Ces Oreña Drilon, ABS-CBN News; Manny Mogato, Reuters

source: Reuters

BASEL, Switzerland - Interest rates in the Philippines are appropriate given balanced inflation risks, which allow the central bank to pursue stable monetary policy without endangering growth, it governor said on Sunday.

Amando Tetangco also told Reuters China's recent move to make the yuan's exchange rate more flexible -- one of the key focuses for central bankers gathering on Sunday for the annual meeting of the Bank for International Settlements -- reflects confidence in the world's third largest economy and is positive for Asia.

The Philippine central bank held its policy rate at a record low of 4% for the eighth consecutive meeting in June but unexpectedly cut its 2010 and 2011 inflation forecasts, raising expectations that any tightening could be later and less than expected.

The downgrade comes even as the economy expanded 3% in the first quarter, its fastest in almost 22 years, prompting the government to raise its 2010 growth target to 5% to 6%.

"Growth rates in Q1 gave us a surprise. (But) it is unclear whether that kind of growth is going to generate additional inflationary pressures. Growth in Q1 even Q2 may have been influenced by election spending," Tetangco said in an interview in the Swiss city of Basel.

"There is a broad balance between upside risks and downside risks to inflation. Inflation dynamics are quite favourable. Given this we should be able to have the flexibility to preserve monetary stability and support economy growth ... We see interest rates as appropriate at this time."

On the full-year growth forecast, Tetangco said: "It's doable. There may be some deceleration (from the Q1) ... because of certain uncertainties such as what's happening in Europe, how it's going to impact other developed economies."

Multi-speed recovery

Tetangco said central bankers gathering in Basel will discuss China's economy, Europe's sovereign debt crisis and a recovery in the United States.

"The global economy is showing a multi-speed recovery, with emerging markets particularly those in Asia seen to lead this recovery. As a result of that, if a tightening cycle would start, it will be in Asia," he said.

"China is the main driver of growth in the global economy now. China is re-orienting itself towards the domestic economy. The (yuan reform) is really a sign that China's authorities are more confident that the recovery is on a solid footing. That should be positive for us in Asia."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

A former budget secretary on Monday urged incoming President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to consider increasing the 12% value-added tax while lowering income taxes as a way to rein in the country's ballooning budget deficit.

In an interview, former budget chief Benjamin Diokno said the Aquino administration should increase taxes based on consumption instead of income. He said a person who has three jobs actually loses a third of his salary to taxes before spending a single centavo of his earnings.

"You should be taxed based on consumption or what you take from society. If you do nothing but shop, then your taxes should be higher. [Income taxes] are at 32% right now but if you cut it by 18%, it puts more money in
your pocket, which gives you more spending power. The government can now earn back that money by the higher VAT," he told ABS-CBN's "Umagang Kay Ganda."

Diokno said the new government should also consider increasing taxes on so-called sin products such as cigarettes and alcohol, and allocating the collections from that tax to health care.

He said the Aquino administration could also increase taxes on gasoline and earmark collections to public infrastructure spending.

Diokno said the government should move quickly in implementing new programs while Aquino's political capital is high. He said the country can only operate on deficit spending for the next 18 months before getting serious on the budget deficit.

The Department of Finance earlier raised this year's budget deficit ceiling to P300 billion, which is P7 billion higher than the P293.2-billion original target ceiling

Diokno, meanwhile, warned that a failure to rein in the budget deficit will lead to even higher taxes for future generations.

"We are spending more than what we are earning. It's scary because if you look at our tax collections in the first quarter compared to the amount we spent on paying for foreign debt, we are paying P127 to debt principal and amortization for every P100 we collect," he said.

He added: "So the question is -- where is the government getting the money to fund education and health and other sectors? It means we're borrowing more. It means bigger taxes for the youth or belt-tightening, which restricts services to people who really need it."

For his part, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said the new target is still in line with the deficit-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio goal of 3.6%.

"What is important is the trajectory. Our deficit as a percent of the GDP is getting lower and at the same time our debt as a percent of GDP is also getting lower," he said.

by Bernie Franco, ABS-CBN.com

James Reid on Sunday admitted that he was still shocked that he was declared Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen Clash 2010.

“I’m still in shock,” Reid said during his live interview on “The Buzz.”

Having recently recovered from a respiratory ailment, which almost got him evicted, Reid admitted that he got worried while he was recuperating inside the PBB house.

“I was worried that I couldn’t come back [to the PBB house], but when I didn’t [get evicted] I was happy. I still feel that it was unfair for the housemates because I was just lying in bed and I couldn’t do any task,” he said.

He also understands why some of the housemates wanted him out of the house.

“Actually, 3 people told Big Brother that I should leave the house but I don’t know who they are,” the Aussie hottie said.

It would be recalled that when Reid was bedridden for days, Big Brother had asked the remaining housemates if he should leave the house or not. Devon, Jenny, and Fretzie felt it was time for Reid to go. However, the majority of the housemates wanted him to stay.

Just the same, Reid said he would not take it against the three because “I did feel it was unfair for them.”

Meanwhile, he said he wants to give showbiz a shot now that PBB is over.

“I’d like to try it, just to experience more as much as I can,” he said.

He adds that among the girls linked to him—Tricia Santos, Anne Li, and Devon Seron—he likes Li the most because he believes she has the coolest personality.

When asked to say a message to all the fans who supported and voted for him, he said: “Thank you to everyone who supported [me], who kept me in the house. I wouldn’t have learned the lessons I’ve learned, I wouldn’t have gone this far, thank you everyone.”

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Para raw nabunutan ng tinik sa dibdib ang "Box-office King" na si John Lloyd Cruz sa pag-amin niya sa relasyon nila ni Shaina Magdayao. Pero si Ruffa Gutierrez, ibinunyag na hindi pa rin natitigil ang komunikasyon nila ni John Lloyd! Nagpa-Patrol Gretchen Fullido. TV Patrol World, Miyerkules, Hunyo 23, 2010

by Bernie Franco, ABS-CBN.com

After John Lloyd Cruz’s revelation about his relationship with Shaina Magdayao on “The Buzz” last week, it was John Prats’ turn to a tell-all interview with Boy Abunda on the talk show on Sunday.

Prats revealed he was informed about Cruz’s exclusive interview on “The Buzz” while he was doing a show in Los Angeles, California.

When Abunda asked him about his initial reaction when he learned about this, he replied: “Wala akong naging reaction. Hindi ako na-hurt, hindi ako nalungkot, parang wala lang sa akin.”

He said he does not expect everyone to believe him. “’Pag nagmahal ka all-out, lahat ibibigay mo. That’s why siguro nandirito rin ako ngayon kasi wala akong regrets. Lahat binigay ko, lahat ginawa ko.”

Though rumors about his break-up with Magdayao have circulated late last year, the former couple kept silent about it. Prats told Abunda that he and Magdayao broke up in November of last year.

“We had a fight and then nag-start lang naman kaming cool off ganyan, but we never saw each other after that,” he said.

He admitted that he had a difficult time dealing with the break-up.

“Mahirap kasi when you wake up in the morning and wala kang tinatawagan to say good morning to and I love you. Bago ka matulog siya. ‘Yon ang mahirap, ‘yong adjustment period,” Prats shared.

He did not deny the fact that he still misses Magdayao and her family.

Among his past relationships, Prats said his relationship with Magdayao was the longest, which lasted for almost 3 years. He also thought that he would eventually marry her.

Prats also confirmed Cruz’s previous statement that they both talked over the phone. He also clarified that he has no ill feelings toward Magdayao’s new boyfriend although there was a point when he did.

“Gusto ko talaga move on lang tayo happy na tayo. Whatever they say hindi na mababalik [‘yong relasyon],” he said.

“Alagaan niya si Shaina at alam ko naman aalagaan niya,” he added.

Prats also said he is fully enjoying his single life now.

by Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN's circle of big stars expressed mixed emotions but largely accepted ABS-CBN management's acceptance of Willie Revillame's apology and their mutual decision for the host's indefinite leave.

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, a close friend of Revillame and his wedding godmother, said she was sad at the turn of events for both parties who are all dear to her.

But she said crucial decisions in show business have to be reached for the good of all concerned. In this case, she said, Revillame's fate is the handiwork of God to remind him of his mistake.

"Tinapik siya pero pagkatapos n'yan sana naman, yakap na," said the second term governor at her thanksgiving party on Tuesday in Batangas City. Santos has exclusively made award-winning movies and television specials for ABS-CBN in the last 15 years.

Aga Muhlach, a close friend of Revillame, refused to comment on the issue. He, however, said that ultimately ABS-CBN management and Revillame's agreement should be for the best interest of the televiewers.

Muhlach, an ABS-CBN film and TV star for the last 2 decades, also confirmed reports that he had been asked to be the next guest-host of “Wowowee,” but that he refused.

He said he did not want to be put in an uncomfortable position, and he prefers to devote his time with "Malay Mo Baka Ma-Develop," his upcoming sitcom with Ai Ai de las Alas.

“Showtime's” popular host Vice Ganda, meantime, hailed the ABS-CBN-Revillame verdict a fitting closure to the issue.

"Ang dami kasing speculations. Ngayon tatahimik na sana ang lahat. I will pray for him, we will pray for each other. (Laughs), " the comedian joked.

De las Alas also welcomed the solution to the impasse. She also indicated that she is willing to be a guest-host in “Wowowee” if the management asks her.

In the end, both Vice Ganda and De las Alas said the network's decision regarding talent discipline should be upheld and respected.

"We work inside a family, igalang natin ‘yon," said De las Alas.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Entertainment columnist and host Jobert Sucaldito said Tuesday he respects the decision reached by the management of ABS-CBN and Willie Revillame after their closed-door meeting Monday.

“Ako kasi ang laging posisyon ko dito is that whatever ang maging desisyon ng management, we will have to respect it kasi they know better,” Sucaldito said.

Sucaldito’s alleged constant criticisms were the source of Revillame’s latest ire that led to the controversial “Wowowee” host resigning from the program.

In their Monday meeting, Revillame apologized to the ABS-CBN management for his on-air outburst on May 4 over his rift with Sucaldito.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by ABS-CBN, Revillame also apologized for his failure to report to work since May 5. In turn, ABS-CBN management accepted Revillame’s apology.

Both parties also agreed that Revillame would take an indefinite break effective immediately, but his contract obligations with ABS-CBN will hold. This disallows him to perform similar work for any person or entity in direct competition with ABS-CBN.

The statement said that at some point, ABS-CBN management and Revillame will discuss what will be in the best interest of the viewing public.

ABS-CBN News asked Revillame for an interview, but the host declined.

Robin Padilla has temporarily replaced Revillame, but he is set to step down as host on Friday. When sought for reaction, Padilla said: "Tayo po ay nandito para huwag pong maapektuhan [ang saya] na dinudulot ng ‘Wowowee.’”

On Tuesday, Cesar Montano told abs-cbnNEWS.com that he has received an offer to host “Wowowee” for 2 weeks, similar to Padilla's stint. ABS-CBN, however, has not made a final decision on whether Montano would take over as host. –Reports from Marie Lozano, ABS-CBN News, and ANC

source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – Television host-actress Kris Aquino, youngest sister of winning presidential candidate Sen. Benignoy "Noynoy" Aquino III, has hinted that she might leave her top rating weekly entertainment show, "The Buzz."

"To my Buzz staff, let's enjoy the next six weeks, okay? I love you all," Kris said on Sunday.

Kris’s statement has sparked speculations that she is indeed leaving the show after Noynoy’s proclamation on June 30. The actress, along with her 3 sisters, is scheduled to meet the bosses of ABS-CBN on Tuesday to discuss her decision to give up some of her shows.

Kris said she is willing to make the sacrifice in order to help Noynoy fulfill his campaign promises. She declined to make public her decision, saying she will announce it in due time.

Kris is hosting "The Buzz" and "SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon." She is also part of a daily soap opera and "Pilipinas Got Talent."

Kris said she is making this sacrifice for the sake of her family and as a fulfillment of her promise to her mom, the late former president Corazon Aquino, to look after her siblings.

"Mom is happy and mom knows that her kids, si Ate (Ballsy), Pinky, Noynoy, Viel at ako, ay mas lalong naging close dahil sa experience na ito," Kris said.

She added: "Alam namin kung paano tapak-tapakan at mabatikos kaya mag-iingat po kami para wala kayong makitang kapintas-pintas sa amin talaga."

Dubbed as the Queen of All Media, Kris is considered one of the bankable stars in show business.