LOOK: Model, IT technician win Superbods 2016

MANILA – Fashion model Olivia Medina and information systems technician Tom Esconde were named this year’s Century Tuna Superbods winners at The Palace Pool Club in Taguig on Sunday.

Prior to the competition, the 24-year-old Medina said she used to live an unhealthy life.

“I grew up eating a lot of junk food, soda. I used to smoke and drink alcohol when I go out with my friends. I got sick a lot and I felt really unhappy about myself. I started researching about home remedies. I started doing organic, natural home remedies, learning to cook healthier foods,” she said.

About six months after, Medina said she started feeling better about herself, so she began circuit training, hiking and yoga.

“It has been my lifestyle for the last few years and I’ve never been happier,” she said.

Medina studied in Canada when she was younger and is currently taking up marketing and business here in the Philippines.


Meanwhile, 28-year-old Esconde, who is half-Swedish and half-Filipino, said he is passionate about cooking and fitness.

“I’ve always been training but after a wrestling class, I was doing a bad lift and I hurt my spine so I could not work out for a year. I gained over 20 pounds and then I passed out the day before New Year and the doctors say I have high cholesterol,” he said.

Esconde said this prompted him to get back to a healthy lifestyle.

Asked what his life philosophy is, he said: “You are what you eat.”



Clint Bondad and Ambra Gutierrez were named first runners-up, and Chet Abella and Ali Khatibi as second runners-up.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Ana Capri, minolestiya umano sa club sa Taguig

Nagreklamo sa NBI ang aktres na si Anna Capri matapos umano siyang molestyahin ng isang VIP sa isang club sa The Fort Taguig. Nagpa-Patrol, Zyann Ambrosio. TV Patrol, Huwebes, Abril 7, 2016

Watch the latest episode of TV Patrol also in iWant TV or TFC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sofia believes Diego 'strong enough to tell the truth'

MANILA –- Sofia Andres considers the controversy which Diego Loyzaga is currently embroiled in as a "challenge" that the young actor has to face.

Loyzaga and Andres have been rumored to be dating each other, although the actress clarified that they are just close friends who enjoy each other’s company.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News at the sidelines of the MYX Music Awards on Tuesday, Andres also reminded her showbiz colleagues that “we really have to take care of ourselves.”

Andres said she has yet to talk to Loyzaga although the actor has already “explained some of it.”

“He’s trying to say that ‘I didn't do anything,’” she said. “I know he’s a very kind person. He can’t do anything like that. Although I didn't know what really happened but I think he’s strong enough to say the truth.”

On Monday, it was reported that Loyzaga got involved in a mauling incident wherein he and his friends supposedly ganged up on brothers Paolo and Angelo Lopez outside a posh club in Taguig City.

Both sides have already aired their side of the story.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

New restaurant alert: Sushi dining goes high tech

MANILA -- Genki Sushi is taking its brand of Japanese "fast food" to the Philippines, where it recently opened its flagship store at the Bonifacio Stopover in Taguig.

Originating from Japan with branches all over the world, Genki Sushi not only its versions of popular Japanese dishes, but also its unique dining concept, which includes a high-tech ordering system.

Using iPads located tableside, customers can personally log-in their orders, see the running tally of their bill, as well as close their order or ask for their bill automatically -- no more waving around to find a server.

Even more high-tech, your food will be transported to your table via the Kousoku Express Train System. Inspired by the Shinkansen bullet train, the Kousoku train carries your order and stops beside your table. It signals for you to get your ordered dishes, and afterwards, you release the train back to the kitchen with a press of a button.

In Genki Sushi, dining is not only interactive, but very fun, as the trains come in different designs -- from race cars to airplanes to even an Astroboy train.

The restaurant's opening menu is filled with Japanese favorites -- from tuna, salmon and California rolls to various nigiri interpretations, tofu skin inari, and even donburis.

Start your meal with appetizers like the Egg Custard, their version of a chawanmushi -- smooth and creamy with a hint of seafood. There's also seaweed/wakame salad, miso soup and a crab/kani salad, refreshingly not drowning in Japanese mayo.

Fresh really comes to mind when tasting the food -- clean flavors and looking very precise.

"We have a machine that rolls and makes the sushi, so we ensure that the quality is consistent, and the service, fast," said Karen Caballero, general manager of Genki Sushi.

Dishes start at P60 to upwards of P350 for the more premium items. Recommended items include the Seared Salmon with Black Pepper, with the Japanese mayo adding a creamy layer to the sushi that is nicely tempered by the black pepper; the Genki Roll, a salmon-wrapped roll; as well as the Yellow Tail and Mackarel sushi, both using the freshest seafood.

Known for its modern approach to food, don't be surprised to see unfamiliar sushi items like "Fried Chicken Nigiri" or "Black Sugar Fried Tofu skin Inari" or even "Horse Mackarel." The Fried Chicken sushi, in particular, would be something that kids and kids at heart would definitely enjoy.

Those inclined to eat a whole bowl of food as opposed to sushi bites can order the rice and noodle bowls -- like the colorful Chirashidon, which is rice with different sashimi toppings from squid, salmon, tuna, kani, tamago, shrimp and roe; or the Unadon, grilled eel over hot steaming rice.

While Genki Sushi also has the more common Chicken Teriyaki, try the Black Pepper Chicken Don -- rice topped with fried chicken tossed in a peppery gravy with onions. Cheese fries, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and even butter corn can also be ordered as side dishes.

Dessert is something to be savored at Genki Sushi, as it offers the best deals with the Strawberry Ice Cream and Green Tea Ice Cream. An order of P80 comes in a bowl filled with two to three scoops. Especially formulated for Genki Sushi, the strawberry was light and wasn't too sweet, while the Green Tea had a strong matcha flavor, a sure hit for green tea lovers.

Cakes available include Tiramisu, Green Tea Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse, and the Rare Japanese Cheesecake, a rich no-bake cheesecake that had almost a savory note to it.

Dining in the restaurant is definitely a treat, especially using their Hello Kitty-themed cutlery and plates, as well as the table-side bottomless green tea. Takeaway trays are also available with different combinations of sushi.

Truly, Genki Sushi gives a new definition to "fast food" with a fun interactive and high-tech concept, where food gets to diners fast, fresh, and delicious.

Genki Sushi
2/F Bonifacio Stopover Pavilion
Rizal Drive cor. 31st St., Taguig

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Food truck Shawarma Brothers opens restaurant

MANILA -- One of the food truck pioneers in the Philippines has made the leap and opened its first brick and mortar restaurant at the Bonifacio Global City.

Shawarma Brothers launched its restaurant at Bonifacio Stopover last week at a star-studded event, with celebrities, food writers and loyal customers. The restaurant follows the same design concept as the truck, using black and yellow colors and continuing with the industrial vibe with steel tables and chairs. It also has an Instagram wall, where Instagram photos of Shawarma Brothers fans and diners are displayed.

Just like with the food truck, your name gets called out and you pick up your food at the counter.

Diners can enjoy Shawarma Brothers favorites such as the bestselling beef shawarma with rice, which is biryani rice with tender beef and mango salsa. Those looking for the healthier option can choose the chicken shawarma rice, while those looking for something special usually go for the lamb shawarma rice.

These rice dishes have pita-wrap counterparts and can be enjoyed with any of their sauces from the usual yogurt sauce to the unique chili tomato, and cheese.

Orders of the shawarma meals also include a serving of iced tea.

Something new on the menu is the keema ,eal. Keema, which is usually minced beef with spicy Mediterranean spices (shawarma spices) can be enjoyed with biryani rice, or as an addition to the Shawarma Big Bro rice meals, which is any of their rice meals with the additional viand of keema, as well as iced tea.

Offering “a different shawarma experience” as their tagline suggests, these five “brothers” (Abraham Castro, Gabriel Sobrepena, Joey Reyes and Rammy de Claro) intend to make their mark in the fast service food scene -- one restaurant at a time.

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Shawarma Brothers
2/F Bonifacio Stopover
31st Street corner Rizal Drive
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

34 days to Christmas: Get into the holiday spirit with festive nail art

MANILA – Want to get into the holiday spirit? These festive nail art designs will help you get in the mood for the holidays.

From cupcakes, candy canes and donuts to plants, animals and cartoon characters, several designs are available at Kiyosa: Japanese Total Beauty, which recently opened at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Named after its owner and founder, Japanese fashion enthusiast Kiyosa Kato, the salon lets customers have their nails painted with their preferred designs, or choose from pre-made gel nails.

For the salon, Kato pooled a team of trained Japanese and Filipino staff, with all materials imported from Japan.

Kiyosa: Japanese Total Beauty is located at F1 Hotel at Bonifacio Global City.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Billy Crawford detained

MANILA – Host-singer Billy Crawford is currently detained at a Taguig City police station after he allegedly went berserk past 4 a.m. Sunday at the Police Station 7 breaking the glass of one of its sliding doors.

In an interview with DZMM, Jonathan Aride, chief inspector of the Taguig Police Station 7, said Crawford arrived at the station supposedly to complain about a personal problem.

“May sinasabi siya pero hindi ko matandaan dahil nasa labas siya. Basta nagwawala siya doon dahil parang nakainom. Inaawat siya ng isang babae namin na pulis. Ayaw magpaawat kaya nauwi sa nabasag niya 'yung salamin sa sliding door,” he said.

Aride said they then asked for help to calm down the TV host.

“Humingi kami ng responde sa isang mobile namin na mga lalaki para posasan siya. Kasi ayaw niya magpaawat eh. Dalawang babae, desk officer namin [ang naka-duty kanina]. Nasa kabilang area kami dahil meron din kaming insidente sa kabila,” he said.

According to Aride, Crawford was with an unidentified woman who left after the “It’s Showtime” host was arrested.

“May babae pero hindi lumapit. Biglang nawala nung naposasan na namin... Isang babae lang ang na-identify na kasama niya. Actually hindi siya nagpakilala kasi nung dumating 'yung mobile namin, bigla siyang nawala,” he said.

“[Walang physical contact], medyo tulak tulak lang dahil hinaharangan nga ng mga tao ko para hindi niya mabasag ang salamin kaya lang malakas siya kaya nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataon na banggain ang salamin namin,” he added.

Crawford may be facing charges of malicious mischief, resisting arrest, direct assault and disobedience of agent of authority.

What really happened

Crawford has since apologized for the incident.

Admitting that it was really his fault, Crawford, in an interview with DZMM, said he already said sorry to the police officers if he had said any derogatory statements.

“It was my fault pero wala akong nasaktan, wala akong tinulak, wala akong tinamaan kundi 'yung salamin,” he said.

“To be honest with you, I don’t see anything wrong with what I did. It was my fault for actually being aggressive. Buti na lang it didn’t happen in a bar, it didn’t happen anywhere else. It happened in a precinct. The reason why is because I knew for a fact I needed to be in a controlled environment. So as I said, I really apologize to the officers if I said anything derogatory or anything else,” he added.

Crawford, who admitted to have been drinking, explained that he went to the police station because he was “stressed out by certain situations.”

“You know when we are under the influence of alcohol, you just don’t really fake it. I don’t come from a background na to hide or to fake anything. It’s an aggression. I’m just really exhausted. I’m stressed out by certain situations. We try to be the best we are. We are not perfect. Ibig sabihin ng ‘Ayaw ko makasakit,’ I’m getting the aggression,” he said.

“And usually for me, when I’m angry, I’m not plastic. If there’s someone that speaks derogatorily to me or anything, reresbak ako. It’s my protection. That’s one of the reasons why I went to the prison and said, ‘Just please arrest me.’ Kasi I do not want to be drunk roaming around or making a fool out of myself which I am right now. That was it,” he added.

Crawford said he immediately calmed down when he was handcuffed. Unfortunately, he broke one of the precinct’s sliding doors.

“When they put the handcuffs on me, I calmed down. When I sat down, I just… ewan ko. Ito ba 'yung pahinga na sinasabi ko na gusto ko,” he said. “I can’t contain myself if I’m under the influence of alcohol. Sasabihin ko nga that was the only thing that was wrong for me. I just really apologized.”

Asked what he learned from this incident, Crawford said: “Maybe lessen the alcohol and act like a grown up. It’s really immature and it’s a shame for me.”

Coleen reacts

Meanwhile, Crawford’s girlfriend, Coleen Garcia, came to his defense, belying an earlier report of GMA News that the “It’s Showtime” host hit a lady police officer.

In her personal Twitter account, Garcia asked GMA News to “stop spreading lies.”

“You and I both know that Billy didn't punch anyone last night. I doubt that he would ever hit a woman,” she said.

“As for the ‘unidentified woman’ he was with? He was with three of my best friends. And yes, two of them are women. No need to put malice in that,” she added.

Garcia then went on to urge her followers to “not believe everything you read.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Poll shows more netizens believe Vhong

MANILA - A larger number of social media users are siding with actor-host Vhong Navarro in light of the mauling incident that happened in Taguig last week, according to an online poll conducted yesterday.

On Tuesday, "TV Patrol" opened a poll on its official website (link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tvpatrollive) asking netizens which party involved in the mauling incident do they believe more.



"Ilang araw matapos ang insidente, nagsalita na ang magkabilang panig sa kaso ng pambubugbog umano kay Vhong Navarro. Kanino ka mas naniniwala?" it asked.

Navarro earlier filed criminal complaints against the group of businessman Cedric Lee, who allegedly attacked him inside a condominium unit at the Bonifacio Global City last week.

Lee, sibling Bernice Lee, and model Deniece Cornejo are now facing charges of serious physical injuries, grave threat, grave coercion, unlawful arrest, blackmail, and serious illegal detention, which is a non-bailable offense.

Earlier on Tuesday, Lee accused Navarro of "twisting the facts," saying the host's account of the incident is an exaggeration.

Cornejo, meanwhile, maintained that Navarro attempted to rape her and that she will file the appropriate charges against him.

The "TV Patrol" poll opened by 6:10 p.m. Tuesday and was closed the same the day at 7:35 p.m.

Out of a total of 6,239 replies, 97.37 percent answered "kay Vhong Navarro," while only 2.63 percent chose "kay Cedric/Deniece."

The case continues to be monitored by social media users, as more facts are being revealed to the public.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Deniece tells Vhong: I am the victim

MANILA – Deniece Cornejo broke her silence in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News on Monday, stressing that she – and not host-actor Vhong Navarro – is the victim in last week’s incident at her condominium unit at The Fort in Taguig.

Appearing with siblings Cedric and Bernice Lee, Cornejo said she is ready to file charges against Navarro for attempting to rape her.

“Isa lang po masasabi ko. If you want justice, I’ll give you the real justice. Mataas, napakataas ng paghanga ko sa mga lalaki na marunong rumespeto at ipagtanggol ang mga kababaihan. Kung meron mang inosente at biktima rito, wala nang iba kung hindi ako,” she told ABS-CBN News reporter Jay Ruiz.

Addressing Navarro, who was beaten up last Wednesday, Cornejo said: “Vhong, hindi ko kailangang umiyak, ipakita na awang awa ako [sa sarili ko]. Sa lahat ng mga naniniwala at sumusuporta sa tao, lalo na sa ’yo – at wala akong kalaban-laban dahil alam kong marami kang napasayang tao – magaling kang artista, idolo kita. Pero sa mata ng prinsipyo, ang mali ay mananatiling mali at hinding hindi mananalo ang kasamaan sa kabutihan.”

Cornejo said she initially wanted to keep the incident under wraps, saying she wanted to lead a private life.

However, she said she had no choice but to speak up because her reputation has been affected by Navarro’s statements.

“Uulitin ko. As much as possible, gusto kong maging pribado buhay ko at ayokong lumaki nang ganito. Hindi ko ito pinili, pinili niya ito. Pero kung ang pangalan ko ang nakasalalay dito at reputasyon ko, ibang usapan na ‘yun,” she stressed.

“I’ve consulted my lawyer. Pero for now, medyo nato-trauma ako sa mga ganyang ugali at saka pangyayari,” she added.




‘Vhong wasn’t courting me’

In the exclusive interview, Cornejo denied that Navarro has been courting her.

“Hindi naman po [nanliligaw]. Siguro na-impress siya, na gusto niya ako,” she said.

When asked if Navarro himself told her that he likes her, Cornejo said: “Hindi ko masabi… Kasi ano siya, komedyante.”

According to Cornejo, she was shocked by Navarro’s so-called sexual advances.

“Opo… Gustong gusto kong lumaban,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cornejo admitted that she is related to a top executive in another network.

“Lolo ko po ‘yung isa sa mga matataas na posisyon sa kabilang network,” she said, not mentioning a specific name.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Cause of Two Serendra explosion still unknown

No triggering device found

Condo occupant complained of suffocation

MANILA, Philippines -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas on Saturday said authorities have yet to identify what caused the explosion that hit Two Serendra condominium at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig Friday night.

During a press briefing on Saturday morning, Roxas said no triggering device was found at the site.

He added bomb-sniffing dogs from three different teams -- the Southern Police District (SPD), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Philippine Army -- did not register "positive" indications that the blast was caused by a bomb.

But Roxas clarified the groups investigating the incident are not yet ruling out anything.

"Hindi pa natin sinasabi na hindi ito bomba pero ito factual ito, masasabi natin na dun sa tatlong teams ng bomb-sniffing dogs na yun, hindi sila nagregister ng pag-amoy ng fumes or residue na nagmumula sa mga pangkaraniwang bomba," he said.

"Sa ngayon hindi pa natin masasabi kung ano ang sanhi ng pagsabog na ito," he added.

He said the occupant at condo unit 501, where the blast reportedly occurred, had complained of suffocation before the incident.

The occupant was identified as Angelito San Juan. He is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) at St. Luke's Medical Center Global City after sustaining burns.

The interior secretary said investigators also found burn marks in unit 306, which was one floor below San Juan's unit. There is no fourth floor at the Two Serendra building.

"Inaalam pa kung umakyat ang apoy o bumaba ang apoy," Roxas said.

Authorities also found a used fire extinguisher in unit 506, which was on the same floor as unit 501.

Roxas said, "Pero di pa natin masabi kung nagamit ito before the explosion na naging sanhi o contributor sa explosion o nagamit ito after the explosion na umabot sa Unit 506."

Victims identified

The blast, which occurred at around 8 p.m. Friday, resulted to the deaths of three people. Five others, including San Juan, were wounded.

The fatalities were men on board a passing Abenson delivery van which was crushed by large chunks of concrete that fell from the building.

They were identified as Salvador Natividad, driver of the van, and Jeffrey Umali and Marlon Bandola, both passengers.

The four other injured victims were identified as Allen Poole, resident of condo unit 683, and passersby 9-year-old Louise Lorenzo, Janine Nicole Bondoc and 19-year-old April Joy Garcia.

Poole, who sustained injuries from shattered glass brought about by the explosion, and Garcia are still seeking treatment at St. Luke's Medical Center.

Lorenzo and Bonjoc, who sustained multiple minor injuries, were already discharged from the hospital last night.

Two Serendra building was fully evacuated after the explosion.

Roxas said, "Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa mga residente pero ang inyong kaligtasan ang siyang sinisiguro dito kaya hindi muna kayo pababalikin hanggang masiguro nila lahat ng itong mga connection sa electrical, tubig, gas ay sigurado."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Chow Buzz: Hot and fresh—Wildflour Cafe + Bakery at Bonifacio Global City

The Fort, or the area of Taguig that we now call Bonifacio Global City, has recently seen a slew of notable restaurant openings. Currently, on top of the game is the barely two weeks old Wildflour Café + Bakery, a new and most charming American bistro concept that has been dishing out an interesting menu of well prepared bistro fare that are changed occasionally to suit the locale and clientele.

Early Chow Buzz favorites include its baked-on-premises assorted artisan breads, Croque Madame, pizza-like Tarte Flambé with bacon, the budget friendly Soup-Salad-Sandwich Plate (consisting of grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup and green salad), Milk Chocolate Pots de Crème topped with a layer of salted caramel, the Pastel de Tres Leches, and Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie.

The off-the-beaten-path corner location, modern cozy interiors, walls of glass overlooking the streets—all these create a warm and friendly ambience that provides a welcome respite from the ubiquitous mall dining scene.

At the culinary helm of this popular new eatery are its owners: US based Chef Walter Manzke, formerly from Downtown LA restaurant, Church and State (he has previously worked in the kitchens of Alain Ducasse led Louis XV, Spain’s El Bulli, and Patina in Los Angeles), his wife and pastry chef Margarita Manzke, and her sister Ana de Ocampo, a home baker par excellence.

Completing the Wildflour culinary dream team is the young and talented Chef Allen Buhay, a California School of Culinary Arts graduate, and alumni of New York City’s 3-Michelin starred restaurant, Jean Georges.

Wildflour Café + Bakery
G/F, Net Lima Bldg, 4th Ave. corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (near Mini Cooper and Hyundai Car dealership). Open from 8 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday (Closed Sundays till further notice). For inquiries, (+632) 856-7600.

article source: interaksyon.com

Dolphy's fans linger at Heritage Park even after burial

Diehard fans of the late Comedy King Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon continued to linger at the Heritage Park in Taguig City early Monday, a day after the ace comedian was laid to rest.

While security remained tight at the memorial park Monday, the fans stayed overnight in hopes of a chance to approach Dolphy's grave, radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported.

"Hinihingi ko ang tarpaulin pero sabi ng security guard, sa management ‘yan," said a female fan from Manaoag in Pangasinan who had spent six days in the area.

The 38-year-old fan said she even wore a Dolphy-themed shirt for the last six days just to show her devotion.

Another female fan, 48, said she came all the way from Balanga in Bataan, and stayed overnight.

She said she even spent her birthday Sunday outside the Heritage Park just to sympathize with the ace comedian's loved ones.

"Aalis kami mamaya kaunti, mamayang hapon. At least mamaya masulyapan," she said.

The dzBB report said the park remained closed to the public early Monday. It added some of Dolphy's fans left behind a mess at the premises.

Dolphy died last July 10 at the Makati Medical Center, two weeks before he was to turn 84.

According to a statement released by the hospital, he succumbed to "multiple organ failure secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute renal failure."

He was buried at the Heritage Park Sunday afternoon, but his family allowed a public viewing of his remains for three days—the public viewing on the last day lasting until almost 11 p.m. –KG, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

TV crew rushed to hospital after falling off genset

MANILA, Philippines – A crew member of a television station was rushed to the hospital after he fell on a generator set that was supposed to be used in their coverage for the burial of Comedy King Dolphy at The Heritage Park in Taguig City on Sunday.

Reports said a staff member from TV5, who was identified as Allen Trinidad, was pouring gasoline in the generator when he accidentally slipped and fell.

Trinidad’s condition is now being monitored at the Makati Medical Center. – from a report by Dennis Datu, dzMM

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Palace exec: Corona's acceptance of P10-M discount could be in violation of New Code of Judicial Conduct

A Malacanang official on Tuesday said impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona’s acceptance of a P10-million discount for the purchase of a posh condominium in Taguig City could be in violation of the New Code of Judicial Conduct.

"Nakalagay [doon] na hindi po pwedeng tumanggap ng kahit anong regalo, donasyon, utang, discount, gratuity," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said at a press briefing.

Valte was referring to Section 13 of the Canon 4 (Propriety) of the code which states: "Judges and members of their families shall neither ask for, nor accept, any gift, bequest, loan or favor in relation to anything done or to be done or omitted to be done by him or her in connection with the performance of judicial duties."

Asked if there is sanction on judges or justices who violate the code, Valte said it is up to the SC to determine the sanction.

"The SC is the one that determines the sanction for errant judges who are alleged to have committed violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. However, SC Justices are subject to impeachment as mandated by the 1987 Constitution," she said.

Valte said the officials in the executive department, the President in particular, are very careful in accepting gifts.

"The president is also not in the habit of accepting (gifts) kasi bawal po talaga e. In fact, the President po tumatanggap ng regalo sa kanyang mga kapamilya kapag birthday niya which is malapit na at pag Pasko, mga small family occasions," she said.

In addition, Valte added the Department of Budget and Management has a policy of not accepting gifts brought to the office.

"In DBM nga po me policy sila na pag me nagdadala ng regalo sa department hindi na tinatanggap ng guard, hindi ho pinapapasok. We are quite strict also about receiving gifts," Valte said.

She said the issue about the discount should be further pressed "dahil maraming nagtataka na 40 percent yung discount."

The President’s spokesperson said it is now up to the defense panel to explain the issue.

"I suppose we will have to wait for the turn of the defense to counter the allegations that were brought up yesterday. Ang sabi ng witness 15 to 20 percent yung normally binibigay, it came from the mouth of the witness so it’s their standard policy to give out 15 to 20 discount on such purchases. If it’s usual, it’s up to them to explain why they gave a higher than the usual discount," she said.

During Monday’s impeachment trial, Megaworld finance director Giovanni Ng said one of the penthouses at Bellagio was sold to Corona and his wife at a bigger discount because of some technical and finishing issues with the unit.

A spokesperson for the defense, lawyer Tranquil Salvador III, said the discount given to Corona was a "regular marketing practice" and not a sole privilege given to the chief magistrate.

"As a matter of regular marketing practice po kaya binigyan ng discount si Chief Justice. Ang usual arrangement nga po [ng discount] ayon na rin sa witness [Ng] ay 15% to 20%," Salvador told reporters after Tuesday's trial. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News

source:gmanetwork.com