Rappler Newscast | July 23, 2013

Today on Rappler.

• It’s a boy for Britain’s royal couple as the Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to the future king.
• A critic of the Reproductive Health law says the measure is inconsistent with the Aquino administration’s tuwid na daan campaign.
• A Rappler Exclusive: 15 administration lawmakers are tagged in the pork barrel scam.

 

Story 1: BABY BOY FOR BRITAIN’S WILLIAM AND KATE
It’s a boy for Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate.
On Monday, the Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to the future king, the third in line to the British throne, in St Mary’s Hospital in London.
In a statement posted 4 hours after the birth, Kensington Palace says the baby, known as the Prince of Cambridge, weighs 3.8 kilos.
Cheering crowds rush towards the gates of Buckingham Palace to see the announcement, posted on a gold easel.
Queen Elizabeth II says she is “delighted” while Prince Charles says he is overjoyed at the arrival of his first grandchild.
Prime Minister David Cameron says the birth of the new prince is –quote– “an important moment in the life of our nation”.
The arrival of a royal baby has been hotly anticipated since the couple married in 2011 after a decade-long romance.
The palace says the boy’s name will be revealed later, but bookmakers say the favorites are George and James.

Story 2: CRITIC TO SC: RH LAW ‘GONE BERSERK’
The Supreme Court resumes hearing arguments against the constitutionality of the Reproductive Health law.
Anti-RH lawyer Luisito Liban says the controversial measure goes against the Aquino administration’s tuwid na daan or straight path campaign.
Responding to a question from Supreme Court Justice Arturo Brion, Liban says, “If you are imposing a contraceptive mentality, it will not only affect this generation but future generations to come.”
In his State of the Nation Address Monday, President Benigno Aquino praises the passage of the RH law as an example of “transformation in government.”
During the oral arguments, Liban says the RH law violates freedom of religion.
Liban uses the moral dilemma of a health care worker to illustrate this.
Section 7 and Section 23 of the RH law allows a Catholic health care provider to refer a person seeking RH services to another health worker.
But Liban says this puts a Catholic health care provider in a dilemma.
He says passing on the responsibility to deliver prohibited RH services to another will be –quote– “leading another to commit a serious sin.”
He also argues maternal death should not be a reason for government to legislate the distribution of contraceptives.
Liban adds, “The RH law is a piece of legislation that has gone berserk. It violates the Constitution and the rights of the poor. It’s an aggressive population control measure.”
Petitioners have asked the Court to nullify the law on grounds of unconstitutionality.
RH law advocate Senator Pia Cayetano says Liban’s claims are serious.

PIA CAYETANO, PHILIPPINE SENATOR: Ito daw ay hindi consistent sa daang matuwid. Nakakalungkot, ganoon kabigat ang mga paratang niya dahil very responsible po ang approach not only by the legislative sa pagpasa ng RH law pero pati po sa implementation. Napakaingat natin na ang DOH ay nakatutok diyan. FDA naninigurado safe ang ating droga. (He says the law is not consistent with ‘daang matuwid.’ It’s sad that his claims are that serious because the approach of the legislative towards the RH law is very responsible, and even the implementation. We are so careful that even the DOH is focused on the law. The FDA makes sure the drugs are safe.)

Story 3: SC: SENIOR CITIZENS QUALIFIED FOR PARTY LIST
The Supreme Court unanimously votes to reverse the disqualification of party list group Senior Citizens.
The Supreme Court says the ground cited by the Commission on Elections in disqualifying the group was never implemented.
Last May, the poll body disqualified the Senior Citizens partylist because it allowed one nominee to replace another midway in the 3-year term.
The High Court says Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion.
Senior Citizens will now join 36 other party-list groups in the 16th Congress.
The group got 2.38% of total party-list votes, ranking it 10th overall in the May 13 elections. 

Story 4: ESCUDERO GETS COVETED EDUCATION PANEL
The Senate gets down to work, with members of the majority getting chairmanships of prime committees.
Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano announces the first batch of 9 committee chairmanships of the 39 regular committees.
The minority says it is considering not accepting any committee chairmanship as a group.
Sen Chiz Escudero heads the coveted 15-member education committee.
Neophyte senator Grace Poe heads two major committees: the public information panel and the committee on public order.
As head of the Public Information panel, Poe says she will prioritize the passage of the Freedom of Information bill.
As chair of the Justice Committee, Koko Pimentel will be the Senate representative to the Judicial and Bar Council, which screens nominees to the judiciary.
The other committee chairs are Sen Lito Lapid for tourism; Cynthia Villar for agriculture and food; Sonny Trillanes for national defense and security; Bam Aquino for trade and commerce; and Bong Revilla for public services.

Story 5: ADMIN SOLONS LINKED TO PORK BARREL SCAM
Here’s a Rappler exclusive: 15 lawmakers now allied with the Aquino administration released their Priority Development Assistance Funds to dubious organizations questioned by state auditors over a 5 year period.
According to Rappler’s sources, the 15 lawmakers are just some of 49 lawmakers who released their pork through a single government corporation– the National Agri-Business Corporation or Nabcor under the Department of Agriculture.
PDAF releases through Nabcor total more than P1.35 billion from 2007 to 2011.
Many of the lawmakers whose PDAF in Nabcor went to dubious NGOs were allied with former President Gloria Arroyo.
After President Aquino won in 2010, a number of those Arroyo allies jumped ship to Aquino’s Liberal Party.
These 15 now allied with the Aquino administration had a combined PDAF of P114.78 million going to dubious NGOs from 2007-2011.
Then Sen Edgardo Angara had P19.4 million of his PDAF released to the Kagandahan ng Kapaligiran Foundation in 2009-2010.
During the same period, then Rep Joel Villanueva of party-list group Cibac had P4.85 million released to the Kaagapay Magpakailanman Foundation.
P4.85 million from then Akbayan Rep Risa Hontiveros went to the Sagip-Buhay People Support Foundation.
Asked to comment, the three say they have no records of their funds released to the NGOs. 

Story 6: MRT-3 HEAD PROBED OVER BRIBERY CHARGES
The head of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 goes on leave to make way for an investigation into a $30 million bribery charge.
Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya confirms an ongoing probe involving general manager Al Vitangcol III and other transportation officials, following complaints on the bidding for the train cars supply contract.
The project, worth 3.769 billion pesos, supplies an additional 48 train cars for the MRT-3.
Abaya says Vitangcol was named by Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar.
Rychtar says Czech train manufacturer Inekon Group was barred from joining the bidding on the train cars after it allegedly refused to pay $30 million grease money to transport officials.
On Friday, Abaya denies the Czech manufacturer was blacklisted, saying Inekon was not able to submit its bid. 

Story 7: FILIPINIANA FASHION ON SONA DAY
Monday’s State of the Nation Address becomes a fashion runway, as much as it is a political event.
Pia Ranada reports.

The Batasang Pambansa transforms into a glittering runway of Filipiniana on the day of the State of the Nation Address.
Politicians and politicians’ wives and children parade in dressed-to-impress in their best terno and barong.
The usual showstoppers do not disappoint.  
4th district of Leyte representative Lucy Torres Gomez waltzes in wearing a dove grey terno by Randy Ortiz.
Senator Loren Legarda proudly wears a Bagobo skirt made from abaca accentuated by a brass T’boli belt.
Senator Pia Cayetano strikes a dramatic figure in her black and nude tulle and jersey gown by Mia Urquico.
Newly-elected officials make their first SONA fashion statement.
Senator Grace Poe dons a white, gold-beaded Rajo Laurel terno, echoing the white tops she wore during the campaign.
Nancy Binay stands out in a turquoise camisa and lace skirt by Randy Ortiz.
Bam Aquino arrives in what he calls his lucky wedding barong, his wife Timi captivating in an ultra-feminine pink rose terno by Noel Crisostomo.
Designers like JC Buendia consider many things for events like SONA.

JC BUENDIA, FASHION DESIGNER: I keep in mind the need for comfort and a look that communicates to their constituents. It shouldn’t be gaudy. A look that’s endearing to the people.

How about the man of the hour?

JC BUENDIA, FASHION DESIGNER: He really likes the barong with a simple ribbon embroidery. I’ve done a couple of those barongs for him.

True enough, President Noynoy Aquino greets his audience in a dashing,well-cut but simple barong designed by Paul Cabral.

JC BUENDIA, FASHION DESIGNER: I think it’s also a reflection of how people relate to the president. There are some administrations that are too high-society diba. Parang PNoy is like thecommon man so I guess they can relate to the president. Parang they feel like he’s their barkada.

The SONA proves that clothes, like the most awaited speeches, can be powerful messaging tools.
Pia Ranada, Rappler, Manila. 

Story 8: OSCARS OF PH? MIRIAM WANTS SONA UNIFORM
Sen Miriam Santiago wants to file a resolution prescribing an official uniform for lawmakers attending the State of the Nation Address or SONA.
In a statement Tuesday, Santiago hits the –quote– “thoughtless extravagance” on display on the SONA red carpet.
The senator says the SONA should be treated as a serious time for Congress to pick up policy directions from the President.
She adds, “It should not be treated as Oscar night in Hollywood where peacocks spread their tails and turn around and around.”
Santiago suggests legislators wear simpler clothes that should indicate membership in Congress, to separate them from other guests.
Beyond being a political gathering, designers say the SONA is also a fashion showcase.
While she is proud of world-class Filipino fabrics and designers, Santiago says, “The SONA event is not the proper venue for their talents.”
Sen Loren Legarda says, if there is to be an official uniform, it should be made from local materials.

LOREN LEGARDA, PHILIPPINE SENATOR: Siguro ang magandang gawin natin ay i-amend natin yung kung mayroon mang resolution to include compliance with the tropical fabric law, para ang suot ay lahat Philippine made. Fashionalism = fasion + nationalism. Kaya kung mayroon mang resolution si Senator Santiago maybe I will join her. (If there is to be a resolution, a good thing to do would be to include compliance with the tropical fabric law, so that the uniforms are all Philippine made. If Senator Santiago will push for a resolution, maybe I will join her.

But newly elected Senator Grace Poe says she doesn’t feel the need for regulation.

GRACE POE, PHILIPPINE SENATOR: Syempre mas naniniwala ako sa kakayahan pumili lalo na isang tradisyon ng SONA. I don’t think there’s a need to regulate. I guess it’s one time of the year you can maybe dress up the way you want in a traditional matter. But again, it doesn’t take away from me if it happens. (Of course, I still believe in the right to chose, especially since it’s a SONA tradition.)

Story 9: #WITNESSHISTORY: LEBRON VISITS MANILA
LeBron James, one of the biggest basketball stars today, visits the Philippines.
Natashya Gutierrez reports.

When the King comes, his fans go wild.
Basketball superstar LeBron James visits Manila for the first time.
The 4-time NBA MVP is considered the best player in the world today.

LEBRON JAMES, BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR: This welcome right here is something that I will never forget.

A pumped-up James eggs the crowd on before leading a training camp with the Philippine national team and college all-stars.
Later, he joins them in a game and shows off his moves.
The players are just as starstruck as the fans.

JIMMY ALAPAG, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL TEAM: It was pretty special. To have the current NBA champion, the current MVP. It was a special experience for all of us.

James is in the country for a one-day Nike tour.
He praises Filipinos’ for their passion for basketball.
Lebron just led the Miami Heat to its 2nd NBA final in 2 years.
He says he is not thinking of his legacy, but is focusing on doing his best in every game.

LEBRON JAMES, BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR: I really don’t want to think or talk about it. I’ve got a lot more to prove to myself and a lot more to accomplish.

The 28-year-old says he would like to return to the country.

NATASHYA GUTIERREZ, REPORTING: LeBron James vows to make sure Filipinos keep loving basketball. But he may not have to worry about that at all. After all this visit alone is sure to leave a mark on his diehard fans.
Natashya Gutierrez, Rappler. Manila. 

Story 10: DUBAI PARDONS NORWEGIAN IN RAPE CASE
A Norwegian woman sentenced to prison in Dubai after reporting she was raped is set free with a full pardon on Monday.
24-year-old Marte Dalelv was prosecuted and convicted for extramarital sex, perjury and consuming alcohol without a license, after filing a complaint against her boss.
The convictions sentenced her to 16 months in jail in the United Arab Emirates, but Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum pardoned her on all counts.
In Oslo, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide welcomes the pardon but criticizes the original court verdict.
Eide says it was –quote– “very strange that a person who reports rape is sentenced for acts
which in our part of the world are not even a crime.”

Story 11: THE wRap: YOUR WORLD IN ONE READ
At number 4, Pope Francis gets a euphoric welcome as he arrives in Brazil for his first overseas trip since becoming Pope.
The 76-year-old Pontiff rides an open-top jeep through Rio de Janeiro, with scores of faithful cheering the first Latin American pope.
Despite the heavy security, several people were able to stop his convoy and touch him through his open window.
The threat of danger is heightened when an explosive device was discovered Sunday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida, which the Pope will visit Wednesday.
The Pope’s message of a simpler church may hit a nerve in Brazil, which faces economic challenges that brought a million protesters to the streets last month.

And at number 8, a top US general suggests options for military intervention in Syria.
In a letter to Congress made public July 22, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey lists options, like nonlethal intelligence and weapons training, a boots-on-the-ground plan, and an “assault and secure” of the Syrian regime’s chemical weapons.
There are ongoing deliberations though on whether to intervene militarily against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

– Rappler.com

 

Newscast production staff

 

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / WRITER	Lilibeth Frondoso
DIRECTOR	Rupert Ambil
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER / PUBLISHER	Rodneil Quiteles
	Dindin Reyes
HEAD WRITER / PROMPTER	Katerina Francisco
MASTER EDITOR / PLAYBACK	Vicente Roxas
	Exxon Ruebe
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR / CAMERAMAN	Charlie Salazar
	Adrian Portugal
	Francis Lopez
	Naoki Mengua
GRAPHICS	Jessica Lazaro
	Matthew Hebrona