Whistleblower alleges Trump sought foreign meddling in 2020 election

WASHINGTON—A report by a U.S. whistleblower released on Thursday alleged that President Donald Trump used his office to solicit Ukraine's interference in the 2020 election, risking U.S. national security.

The report was made public shortly before the scheduled start of a House of Representatives Intelligence Committee hearing at which acting Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Maguire, is to testify after refusing for weeks to share the report with Congress.

The report was declassified and released by the committee after weeks of controversy over the matter, which helped lead House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to launch a formal impeachment inquiry into the Republican president.

Trump has denied wrongdoing.

A law required that the report be sent to lawmakers after an inspector general determined that it was urgent and credible.

Shortly before the hearing, the intelligence committee's chairman, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, announced that it had received the declassified complaint and released it to the public.

"This complaint should never have been withheld from Congress. It exposed serious wrongdoing, and was found both urgent and credible by the Inspector General," Schiff said in a statement.

The whistleblower complaint concerns a July 25 telephone call in which Trump pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate Joe Biden, the 2020 Democratic presidential front-runner, and his son Hunter, who had worked for a company drilling for gas in Ukraine.

Reports about the call prompted Democrats on Tuesday to launch a formal impeachment inquiry into Trump, accusing him of seeking foreign help to smear Biden, the former U.S. vice president. There is no evidence the Bidens acted improperly. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Roberta Rampton Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Graff)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

US Attorney General Barr will release redacted copy of Mueller report by mid-April

WASHINGTON - US Attorney General William Barr plans to issue a redacted copy of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's nearly 400-page investigative report into Russian interference in the 2016 election by mid-April, he said in a letter to lawmakers on Friday.

"Everyone will soon be able to read it on their own," Barr wrote in the letter to the top Democrats and Republicans on the Senate and House Judiciary committees.

He said he is willing to appear before both committees to testify about Mueller's report on May 1 and May 2.

Mueller completed his 22-month investigation probe into whether President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with Russia on March 22.

On Sunday, Barr sent a 4-page letter to Congress that outlined Mueller's main findings. Barr told lawmakers that Mueller's investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired with Russia in its election interference activities.

Mueller left unresolved the question of whether Trump obstructed justice during the investigation. Barr said that based on the evidence presented, he concluded it was not sufficient to charge the president with obstruction.

He said his 4-page letter on Sunday "was not, and did not purport to be an exhaustive recounting" of Mueller's investigation and said he believes the public should be allowed to read it and judge for themselves.

"I do not believe it would be in the public's interest for me to attempt to summarize the full report or release it in serial or piecemeal fashion," he wrote.

Lawmakers have since been clamoring for more details, with Democrats calling for a full release of the report and some lawmakers urging a deadline of April 2.

Barr said in his letter on Friday that certain information must be redacted before the report is released, including secret grand jury information, intelligence sources, and methods and information that by law cannot be public or might infringe on privacy.

He said Trump has the right to assert executive privilege on some materials but that "Trump has stated publicly that he intends to defer to me."

Because of that, he said, there are no plans for the Justice Department to submit the report to the White House for a privilege review.

At a rally on Thursday in Michigan, Trump celebrated the end of the investigation and what he called "lies and smears and slander." 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Google PH sets up 2016 elections channel on YouTube

In the age of social media, millennials, who make up a big chunk of potential voters, are getting their information from non-traditional means.

Recognizing this trend, Google Philippines, together with the National Youth Commission, put up a 2016 Elections channel on YouTube that compiles political news videos from all the major networks. - The World Tonight, ANC, March 17, 2016

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy voters in US register for Halalan 2016

A record number of Filipinos in the United States registered to vote in the 2016 elections here in the Philippines. - ANC, The World Tonight, October 22, 2015

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Chito Miranda: My integrity cannot be bought

MANILA - ''I'm pretty sure that my opinions aren't worth P2M. But my integrity is intact, and people are aware of that, and that is worth a lot more than 2 million bucks.''

These were the words of Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda after he revealed that he was offered money to endorse a presidential candidate.

On Friday, the 39-year-old Miranda took to Instagram to air his thoughts on the twists and turns that surrounded the filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) for president for the upcoming 2016 elections.

A total of 130 submitted their COCs for president, which included Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas, and independent candidate Grace Poe.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was urged to run but reiterated that he never had any intentions on becoming president moments before the deadline.



Miranda started his post by admitting that Binay's son-in-law is a good friend of his and that Roxas is a friend of his uncle.

"They both understand, however, that this is not simply about friendship. It is about who I think is most capable of improving the current state of our country," he wrote. "Gusto ko sana si Duterte pero di naman tumakbo."

"Pero honestly, mas trip ko sana si Miriam pero pinag-aaralan ko pa why she chose Bongbong. She must know something that I don't and I'm pretty sure that she's a lot smarter than I am."

"She wouldn't have chosen him if she felt that he wasn't the right choice. I've read about his accomplishments and modernization projects, and I must admit, they are very impressive regardless kung pro or anti-Marcos ako."

"Pero sa ngayon, parang mas trip ko si Cayetano or si Robredo."

"Cayetano seems to know all the right questions to ask whenever may ginigisa sila sa Senate. While si Robredo naman, seems super matino and trustworthy, and sa panahon ngayon, for me, that may be enough."

Miranda concluded: "Anyway, since wala si Duterte, tingin ko it's time for Plan B. Goodluck sa ating lahat! God bless the Philippines."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

De Lima: I am here, I am ready

MANILA - Former Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Wednesday said she is now ready to take on the tasks of a senator.

De Lima, accompanied by some members of her family, arrived at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila to file her certificate of candidacy. She is part of the senatorial slate of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

De Lima said she would like to continue her advocacies when she was chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) under the Arroyo administration and when she was Department of Justice secretary under President Benigno Aquino III.

“Wala na pong urungan, tuloy na tuloy na po ako sa aking paglalakbay,” she said. “I am here and I am ready.”

De Lima said as senator, she would fight for the rule of law, fight corruption, and champion human rights. She said she would also like to simplify the justice system in the country.

“Panahon na para simplehan natin ang sistema ng pag-iimbestiga at pag-uusig ng mga tiwali, yung mga may kasalanan sa batas,” she said.

“Panahon na rin na meron tayong panibagong opensiba laban sa korupsyon sa pamamagitan ng pagpaptibay ng mga sistema ng proseso para di na po makapagtago at makapaggamit ng mga nakaw na yaman. At tungkol sa human rights, ipaglalaban natin ang mga karapatan ng mga bulnerableng mga sektor ng society.”

The justice secretary ranked 7th in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

In the Pulse Asia survey, she was also included in the list of probable winners, landing in the 9th to 14th places.

De Lima has been admired by some for her role in filing corruption charges against powerful individuals under President Benigno Aquino III’s “Daang Matuwid” program, but this has also earned her enemies who believe the administration is practicing selective justice.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Old, new names in 'Team Daang Matuwid'

MANILA - A mix of old and new names are in "Team Daang Matuwid," the administration's 12-man senatorial slate for the 2016 elections.

The Liberal Party (LP) announced the 12-person senatorial slate at the LP headquarters in Balay, Cubao, Quezon City Monday.

The slate is composed of three women and 9 men who are veteran senators/former senators, former Cabinet members, Aquino appointees, and sectoral representatives.

The 12 are:

1. Senate President Franklin Drilon
2. Senator Ralph Recto
3. Senator Teofisto Guingona III
4. Former senator and former food security czar Francis Pangilinan
5. Former senator and former Yolanda rehabilitation chief Panfilo Lacson
6. Outgoing Justice Secretary Leila de Lima

7. Former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla
8. Former TESDA Director General Secretary Joel Villanueva
9. Outgoing TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid
10. PhilHealth Director and former Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros
11. COOP NATCCO Party List Representative Cresente Paez
12. DILG Assistant Secretary for Muslim Affairs and Special Concerns and former Maguindanao officer-in-charge Nariman Ina Ambolodto

Lacson was absent at the LP event but he already filed his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections main office on Monday.

Drilon, dubbed the "Big Man sa Senado," introduced his fellow candidates of the coalition during the event. He drew laughs after he described De Lima as the "woman with balls," and said Lapid is more handsome than his father, action star and incumbent Sen. Lito Lapid.

Of all the candidates, only Paez's and Ambolodto's names come as a surprise. Drilon described Paez as a dynamic civil society leader who is passionate about fighting for marginalized sectors.

On the other hand, Ambolodto is described as a "bakwit" or internally displaced person from Kabuntalan who had to flee to the riverbanks of Cotabato City.

She attended Notre Dame High School for Girls and Notre Dame University where she received a degree in banking and finance. She also received a Master of Arts at the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies.

House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, who was named general campaign manager of Team Daang Matuwid, said it is his hope that the 12-man slate will sweep the elections next year. Congressmen Miro Quimbo (Marikina) and Barry Gutierrez (Akbayan) were named spokespersons of the campaign.

In an interview before the event, Ambolodto, a surprise senatorial candidate and a newbie in national elections, said she will push for women's rights, continue the peace process in Mindanao and improve lives of the poor.

For her part, De Lima said her agenda is to focus on human rights, electoral reform and equal justice for all.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

China rebuffs Trump comments on stealing US jobs

BEIJING - China on Wednesday rebuffed comments by U.S. real estate mogul and presidential contender Donald Trump that China is stealing U.S. jobs through crafty business practices, saying trade between the two countries was win-win.

Trump wallowed in political incorrectness on Tuesday as he insulted everyone from Mexican immigrants to Jeb Bush and U.S. ally Saudi Arabia in announcing his bid for the Republican nomination.

He saved his wildest attacks for foreign policy, frequently accusing China of stealing jobs and portraying himself as a tough negotiator who would beat Beijing at its own game.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang disagreed.

"Economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States has grown to such an extent today that it has become like
'You are among us and we are among you'," Lu said when asked about Trump's comments.

"It's a two-way win-win situation. Such trade has actually given the two sides great benefits," Lu said, without directly using Trump's name.

"I believe that despite the frictions that still exist, both sides are able to handle it through existing channels. I believe that without a good foundation, this kind of trade relationship cannot be sustained."

While the world's two largest economies are frequently at odds over everything from human rights and currency policy to the South China Sea, they have deep business ties and are in talks on an investment treaty.

China has more restrictions on foreign investment than the United States, and U.S. investors hope that a treaty will give them increased access to China's many state-dominated industries, from financial services to telecommunications.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Duterte-Marcos in 2016?

MANILA - Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the first national politician to appear on a radio show in Davao City that frequently features Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, raising speculations of a possible tandem between the two in 2016.

Appearing on the "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" show, Marcos said he is a big fan of Duterte, noting they both support federalism.

“Sumusunod lang ako kay Mayor Duterte… He is my mentor when it comes to politics. Ako’y tagahanga lang niya,” Marcos said.

Duterte, who have not been outright in his plans for 2016, joked: “Hindi ko tuloy malaman dito kung ako ba ang presidente o siya.”

Marcos said it would be best to leave the speculations to commentators, but noted his options will always be open.

Both said the movement of politics these days is different and that many obvious candidates have yet to disclose plans.

As for a possible tandem with Panfilo Lacson, Duterte said the former senator can carry his own banner sans a running mate.

“He is a class by himself, meaning he can run carrying the issues of the day. Hindi na ako kailangan diyan. Ngayon, kung magsama kami [at] masusunog, well mahirap yan, baka ako pa ang mapaso dyan... I said wala naman akong ambition talaga ... He is a class by himself,” Duterte said.

Lacson earlier said he is not open to a tandem with Duterte.

"[Una] baka umusok kaming dalawa... Pangalawa, eh parang isa lang ang dimension, ang core competence namin, parang nalilinya sa iisang aspeto lamang – ito ay sa larangan ng peace and order," Lacson had said. – from a report by Rodirey Salas, ABS-CBN News Davao

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Will PSE index reach 9,000 by 2016?

MANILA – Can the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) reach a high of 9,000 leading up to the 2016 national elections?

Ismael Cruz, president of IGC securities, said that based on PSEi data on the past six national elections since 1998, the market gained an average of 25 percent during election years.

But excluding the 1998 and 2001 election years—when market was down 14 and 3.6 percent, respectively—the market gained an average of 41 percent.

Citing the PSEi data, Cruz said for the 2004 elections, the market was up 45 percent; 34 percent for the 2007 elections; 49 percent for the 2010 elections; and 41 percent for the 2013 elections.

“If you want to apply the 25 percent minimum return on election on this 7,200 index, we will be at 9,000,” Cruz told ANC on Tuesday.

“Unbelievable, but that’s what the statistics say…I’m hopeful that this will happen,” he added.

The PSEi dropped to a five-month low 7,200 on Tuesday, but Cruz said the Philippine market is still in a “bull market,” and he expects the index to climb up by the third quarter of the year.

“We didn’t expect this kind of correction. It is a very sharp correction, it’s about 12 percent from the peak that we hit about early April when we are marking 8,136,” Cruz said.

“These are not good times for the market but we continue to be very confident because of our strong fundamentals in the market. We feel that what is happening is the Philippines is caught in a contagion. This contagion is the outflow of funds from emerging markets including Southeast Asian markets,” he added.

He said "when the dust settles," flows will come back to the
Philippines driven by its strong fundamentals.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com