Rinoa's Virtual Buzz

Press Secretary Cerge Remonded is dead. What was first taught as an internet hoax turned out to be a reality as reports came in that one of Gloria's staunch supporters and cabinet members is dead.

Remonde was found unconscious in his bathroom according to Presidential Deputy Spokesman Gary Olivar.

As we set goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010 here are the Top 10 Newsmaker for 2009.

1.  Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho sex scandal.  This was happen when Hayden Kho's sex videos  with Katrina Halili, Maricar Reyes and other Brazilian woman was recently spread out in the internet and other blogs and because of this, Katrina filed criminal case against Hayden.

2.  Manny Pacquiao's winning moment.  This was a good karma for Manny Pacquiao when he was declared the undisputed and pound for pound king boxer when he defeated Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

3.  Richard Gutierrez.  It was a tragic year for Richard's personal life and career when his personal assistant Nomar Prado died in an accident.  This was also the year when Nomar's wife and family filed a case against the actor.

4. Krista Ranillo.  Recently sexy actress Krista Ranillo was known as a "home wrecker" because of her reported involvement with Manny Pacquiao.


5.  Annabelle Rama.  Her life was set in different fight and controversies against GMA's executive Wilma Galvante resulting in filing case against each other.

6.  Nicanor Perlas.   Nick Perlas was declared "nuisance" by the Comelec in the upcoming 2010 Presidential Election.  Perlas filed a 200+ page appeal to the Comelec.  Comelec's decision will set this coming 1st week of January.

Yesterday, Noynoy Aquino declared that he will run for Presidency in 2010. Noynoy's younger sister Kris Aquino said to her interview that she and her family is fully supported to Noynoy's candidacy. She also said that his brother is "uncorrupted" person. She even said that she is willing to sell his house and lot to use it for Noynoy's campaign.

Kris also admit that she and her family want Dingdong Dantes to endorse and be a spokesperson of Noynoy during his campaign.
Dingdong is very vocal of his admiration to Ninoy Aquino.

(originally posted at www.piusonline.com)

I remember way back during the 6th National Youth Parliament, the Committee on ICT which I chaired back then passed a resolution for the passage of a bill in Congress known as the National Filtering System. This system will filter content which are deemed not for public consumption. The filtering system however will only be installed in internet cafes, schools, and other public internet stations. I lobbied this to the members of the committee since I believe that private citizens should have the right to choose their content and that making the censorship encompassing will be tantamount to the constitutional right to information and to the privacy of the individual.

This piece of writing is not in anyway a position of the Philippine Internet Users Society (PIUS) but a personal opinion of mine.

First, I would like to congratulate the Congress of the Philippines for the passage of House Bill 6440 otherwise known as the Anti-Child Pornography Bill. It is indeed a landmark bill which puts the child at the helm of protection. A protection which the child deserves and was even enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations.

Under HB 6440, the hiring, using, inducing or coercing of a child to perform in the production of any sexual production/child pornography; producing, directing, manufacturing or creating any form of child pornography materials; selling, offering, advertising and promoting child pornography and its materials; possessing, downloading, purchasing, reproducing or making available child pornography with the intent of selling or distributing them; publishing, posting, exhibiting, disseminating, distributing, transmitting or broadcasting child pornography and its materials; and engaging in the luring and grooming of a child are considered unlawful.

HB 6440 also imposes penalties ranging from 'aresto mayor' to 'reclusion temporal' in its maximum period as well as fines amounting to not less than P30,000 but not more than P2 million, depending on the gravity of the offense committed.

These are all very commendable and welcome provisions. The hope being that this law is indeed implemented well since the Philippines has many good laws and even the best laws in the world but the problem is it is not well implemented.

What is wrong then?

I agree with Edgar Zafra in his observation that the provision on the filtering of searches and content directed at the services of ISP's and content providers are over board. I do not think that this provision is necessary. The filtering will not only slow down the internet will also be a violation of privacy and the freedom of information.

It is enough that possession, downloading and other stuff be punished but to subject the entire internet to such a filtering is highly unwise. It is not necessary and will not contribute to make the law effective.

Can you penalize the ISP's for allowing access to child porn sites? Is this their fault? I do not think that the ISP's and content providers should be held liable for this. It is the website owner who should be punished and those that are accessing it and utilizing its content.

I highly recommend that this provision be removed in the final version of the law and save the freedom of information on the internet. What we need is not filtering the internet but the enforcement of the law effectively.

We also need to solve the root cause of child pornography which is poverty. Children and parents sometimes end up in this business because they need money. When you don't have anything to eat most of the time morality is no longer relevant for survival precedes it.

I also hope and endorse to the Philippine Internet Users Society (PIUS) to look into this case and issue and if it is indeed legitimate to clamor for the removal of the said provision.

U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy dies, he was 77. He was the last of the four Kennedy brothers. President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy were both assasinated while Joe Kennedy was a pilot who died during World War Two. Sen. Edward Kennedy had been battling cancer for quite sometime now and it seems he had reached the end of his journey short of seeing the dawn of the health care reform of the Obama Administration. Health care is his pioneering work in the senate.

Both Republicans and Democrats mourn the death of the "easiest and most bipartisan" senator in the chamber. He was praised even by former Presidential candidate John McCain who called Kennedy, "the single most effective member of the Senate if you want to get results."

He assumed the senate seat from his brother john Kennedy in 1962. From being a supposed lightweight senator, he had become the single most effective and visionary senator in more than four decades.

He helped enact measures to protect civil and labor rights, expand healthcare, upgrade schools, increase student aid and contain the spread of nuclear weapons. "There's a lot to do," Kennedy told Reuters in 200

Kennedy also endorsed President Barack Obama for the presidency. His endorsement was seen as one of the turning points of the Obama campaign which eventually led to his victory.

In 1980 he ran for the Democratic party's presidential nomination but lost to then-President Jimmy Carter. After than defeat he devoted himself to his Senate career.

In May 28, 2009 issue of the Boston Globe he aired his reasons in seeking for reform in America's Health Care System, "I've benefited from the best of medicine, but I've also witnessed the frustration and outrage of patients and doctors alike as they face the challenges of a system that shortchanges millions of Americans," he wrote.

Tragedies dogged Kennedy throughout his life. They included a 1964 plane crash that damaged his spine and left him with persistent pain; bone cancer that cost son Teddy a leg; first wife Joan's battles with alcoholism that contributed to their divorce, and drug problems involving nephews, one of whom died of an overdose. His nephew, John Kennedy Jr., died in July 1999 when his small plane crashed into the ocean near Cape Cod.

In May 2008, Edward Kennedy collapsed at his Cape Cod home and was flown to hospital in Boston, where he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Brain cancer kills half its victims within a year.

Kennedy's illness kept him from attending the funeral of his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a leading advocate of the mentally disabled, who died on August 11 at the age of 88.

To a great fellow who could have been one of the best Presidents of the United States... farewell and we hope that the health care reform you seek will be a reality. Your sacrifice am sure will not be put to waste.

ANC's Start-Up host Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino, nephew of the late Ninoy Aquino portray the role of his uncle during his last few days as slain political leader in their documentary-drama entitled The Last Journey of Ninoy: As Told Through the Last Interview of Cory.

The first invitational screening was held at Cinema 4 PowerPlant Mall last August 13, 2009 in Rockwell Center, Makati City. Bam admitted that it was really hard for him to portray the role because he wasn't confident enough to act.

It's a 52 minute docu-drama that begins in Boston, Massachusetts, USA and covers the days leading to Ninoy's decision to return in Manila on August 21, 1983 and his fateful end. It also features his seven years and seven months of imprisonment during Marcos regime and the never-before-seen interview with the late former President Corazon C. Aquino taken last March 2009. The film was directed by Jun Reyes and produced by Unitel Productions and Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation (BSAF)

The Last Journey of Ninoy: As Told Thorugh the Last Interview of Cory will be screened at the Power Plant Mall Cinema 4 on Friday, August 21, 2009, in time for the 26th death anniversary of former Senator Ninoy Aquino. For ticket inquiries, call the Power Plant Mall Cinema at 898-1440

Later this afternoon before the mass, Bongbong Marcos and Imee Marcos, siblings of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos went to Manila Cathedral to visit Cory Aquino's wake. They showed condolence to the Aquino Family.

We all know that Marcos and Aquino are not in "good terms" before due to assasination of Beningo Aquino and his political will against Marcos dictatorship.

Year 2007 when former Senator Ramon Revilla submit Lani's Name in Malacañang. Before, Lani is already worked for Anchor Insurance as a member of Board of Directors and SMC Hongkong together with Purefoods which accumulated it for almost one year. But before she accept the position, she was offered for a position as an executive director in Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions but she refused to accept it due to her schedule and tapings in GMA 7 network. Eventhough she is included in the series All My Life, her work in SMC doesn't require to go to office everyday as long it requires to attend the meetings of the board.

We all know that the governments holds 27 percent share of stock in SMC and allowed to appoint Board of Directors in the company.

Who is Corazon C. Aquino as a leader? as a mother? as a citizen?

She is a political leader and president from (1986 to 1992) of the Philippines. In 1983 she succeeded her murdered husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.(A popular critic of the Marcos administration), as leader of the opposition to President Ferdinand Marcos. No one could have imagined that Cory Aquino would become a president of the Philippines.

Corazon "Cory" Aquino, the first woman to become president of the Philippines, was born in Tarlac on January 25, 1933. Her parents are Don Jose Cojuangco and Doña Demetria Sumulong. Cory was the sixth among the eight children of the Sumulong. Corazon Aquino's children are Maria Elena Aquino, Aurora Corazon, Victoria Eliza, Noynoy and Kris Aquino, her youngest child is a TV and movie personality.

Corazon Cojuangco was born into a wealthy, politically prominent family based in Tarlac province, north of Manila. In 1946, her family left for the U.S. and she enrolled at Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia. She finished her junior and senior years at Notre Dame College in New York. She entered Mount Saint Vincent College in New York City in 1949 where she finished a Bachelor of Arts, major in French. In 1953, she returned to the Philippines to take up law at the Far Eastern University, but then abandoned further studies in 1955 to marry Benigno Aquino, who was then a promising young politician. Cory remained in the background during her husband's subsequent career, rearing their five children at home and later in exile. Her husband was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines in August 1983.

When Ferdinand Marcos unexpectedly called for presidential election in February 1986, Corazon Aquino become the unified opposition's candidate for the presidency. Though she was officially reported to have lost the election to Marcos, Aquino and her supporters challenged the results, charging widespread voting fraud. High officials in the Philippines military soon publicly renounced Marcos continued rule and proclaimed Aquino the Philippines rightful president. On February 25, 1986, both Aquino and Marcos were inaugurated as president by their respective supporters but that same day Marcos fled the country.

In March 1986 she proclaimed a provisional constitution and soon thereafter appointed a commission to write a new constitution. The resulting document was ratified by a landslide popular vote in February 1987. In spite of her continuous popular support, Aquino faced an ongoing outcry over economic injustice, a problem that was only exacerbated by continuing warfare between the communist insurgency and a military whose loyalties to Aquino were uncertain. In general, her economic policies were criticized for being mixed or faltering in the face of mass poverty.

As the president, Aquino held some peace talks to prevent further Muslim and communist insurgency, however, her term was punctured by six military coup attempts between 1987 - 1989, disagreements over foreign debts and with the US over military bases. Although she restored democracy to the Philippines, the economic situation was never really resolved. Aquino refused to run in the 1992 elections and gave way to her chosen candidate, Fidel Ramos.

Corazon Aquino has received a number of awards and degrees including Doctor of Humanities, Woman of the Year, Time magazine, the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award, the United Nations Silver Medal, Canadian International Prize for Freedom and from the Women's International Centre, the International Leadership Living Legacy Award.

Sad to hear but our former President Corazon C. Aquino passed away this later morning at Makati Medical Center.

"She would have wanted us to thank each and everyone of you for all your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country"

Last May, Mrs. Aquino underwent a laparoscopic colectomy to remove cancer tumor but apparently even though that treatment is the best and only way to remove the tumor, the cancer cells continued to grow and developed to the 4th stage and with that the family decided to stop the treatment because Cory's body became weaker everyday.

Aquino is a world-renowned advocate for peace in Asia. Her stint as the rebuilder of democracy in the Philippines after martial law earned her numerous awards, including a citation from the US-based academic group Fulbright Association.

Indeed, Philippines lost a great leader.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced the 7 National Artist Awardees for this year 2009. They are: Jose Pitoy Moreno (Fashion Design); Cecille Guidote Alvarez, National Commission on Culture and the Arts Executive Director (Theater); Manuel Conde (Film and Broadcast Arts, Posthumous); Lazaro Francisco (Literature, Posthumous); Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media); Francisco “Bobby” Mañoza (Architecture); Jose Carlos Caparas (Visual Arts and Film)

The blog "Pagod Ka Na Bang Maging si Juan?" had just launched an online poll about people's choice for the next President of the Philippines. You can access and vote in this poll to show your opinion and let it be counted by visiting Pagod Ka Na Bang Maging si Juan?". Your opinion and vote matters so choose your candidate now.

A friend and a fellow, Jesus Nicanor "Nick" Perlas has finally declared his intentions to become the next President of the Philippines come 2010. Nick Perlas is the first presidentiable who can truly say that he loves the environment and had truly done something about it. He was instrumental in stopping the creation of at least 19 nuclear plants in the country way back during the Marcos era. He is also instrumental in banning poisonous and dangerous pesticides that affect farmers. Nicanor Perlas is also one of the inspirations to the United Nations Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). He is a personality well recognized not only in the Philippines but arount the world and finally he declared himself as an alternative choice for 2010.

“There are many Filipinos who have grown tired of elections where there are no real choices. We are tired of always having to choose the lesser evil. This is why I am announcing my intention to run in the 2010 elections,” Perlas told some 50 friends and supporters at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani park in Quezon City.

Would a person like Nick Perlas win in an otherwise money and popularity centered elections? When personally asked his definite answer was, "Yes, absolutely!"


Nicanor Perlas Speaks at Pepe Goes to Market

Since early May 2009 and even a year ago he is contemplating on what to do and how to help his country. Nicky had tired not to go into politics because he is a person that does not what limelight but instead he prefer to work the best he can in order to achieve things and make a difference.

He is the author and main proponent of the Philippine Agenda 21, which was dubbed by the United Nations as the most democratic and most detailed plan yet for achieving the Global Agenda 21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was this PA 21 which was used by then President Fidel V. Ramos to start bringing back the lush of our slowly decapitating environment in 1992. It was also PA 21 which is now being revived by NEDA under former Senator Ralph Recto to breath life into Sustainable Development and Climate Change adaptation.

If there is someone who could truly work with people and the masses, it is Nicanor Perlas.

If there is someone who can truly change this country and inspire people to do so, it is Nicanor Perlas.

If there is the so called Obama of the Philippines then it is definitely Nicanor Perlas.

If there is someone whom we can trust, it is Nicanor Perlas.

If there is someone who understand the people of this country, it is Nicanor Perlas.

These are some of my assessment about Nicanor Perlas. It is based on how I know of this person and based on his qualifications. This is for me... what about for you or the other voters?

I think it is time not to just based on personality but also on the qualifications and platform of the candidate. Let us give him a chance.

Reference: Green activist seeks presidency

Actor-comedian Keempee De Leon admit that he has planned to run in politics as councilor in year 2010 but in the end he chooses not to continue rather he chose to continue in showbiz.