Spain crowns as South Africa's World Cup

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - – Nelson Mandela joined the football party for Spain's 1-0 World Cup victory over Netherlands with 700 million people watching, a smiling reminder that his country was in it for more than the game.

For just a few minutes, the 91-year-old Nobel laureate was the centre of the monthlong show, winning rapturous cheers as he rode with his wife Graca Machel around the field at Johannesburg's Soccer City.

"It's the most important thing to ever happen to this tournament," Nathaniel Nyika, a 32-year-old investor, said. "It's just a tear-shedding moment. That's an ecstatic moment."

He was among the 84,490 fans packed into the stadium on the outskirts of Soweto, once a hotbed of resistance to white-minority apartheid goverment, where holding a major sporting event was unimagineable 20 years ago. Scene: Spain erupts in nationwide fiesta as 'dream comes true'

For South Africans, the enormous national pride at hosting the continent's tournament has long shined brighter than the football stars.

At an event that is more about marketing and television images, organisers speak earnestly and often about sport bringing together a country still divided, often by race but always by gaping chasm between rich and poor.

President Jacob Zuma said the World Cup brought "priceless" benefits for bringing South Africans of all races into the stands.

"To just present a new South Africa that we dreamt about when Mandela walked out of prison in 1990 becoming a reality in 2010, and that was special," said the top organiser Danny Jordaan, also a veteran of the struggle against the white-minority apartheid regime.

"The contribution to this society is the new sense of pride, walking tall and being united," he said. Iniesta in World Cup tribute to dead compatriot

"This World Cup created a platform for South Africans to sit together and discover their own sense of pride and their concerns and their hope for the future."

The spirit of South Africa's first black president has loomed large over Africa's first World Cup, which has been repeatedly compared to the national euphoria that greeted his release from an apartheid prison 20 years ago.

South Africa has delighted in proving wrong sceptics' fears about the host country's ability to pull it off. More than 40,000 police were deployed to allay fears about crime.

In a nation busily overhauling its dated transport system, new high-speed rail, highways, buses and train stations greeted the hundreds of thousands of foreign fans -- systems so new that many South Africans did not know how to use them.

FIFA says overall attendance at all World Cup matches has topped three million, only the third tournament to do so, and predicts the television audience will top 700 million with live broadcasts in 215 countries and territories.

Colombian superstar Shakira performed her World Cup anthem "Waka Waka" on the field, which was transformed into a giant screen used to project a highlights reel of the tournament's best moments.

More than 700 performers showed off the nation's varied musical heritage, from jazz to urban hip-hop, while giant elephant puppets glided across the field.

While South Africans braved their winter cold, Spaniards packed into plazas draped in red and gold in blistering summer heat to watch the game on massive screens, one of them 60 square metres (650 square feet) on the Plaza Cibeles.

A thunderous roar erupted across Madrid, with fans dancing in the streets and chanting "Viva Espana!" as the country's first-ever World Cup trophy sparked a nationwide fiesta.

The centre of the capital was a sea of the red and gold national colours as Spain celebrated its agonising 1-0 extra-time win with 150,000 fans watching on screens set up Madrid's main thoroughfare.

The deafening sounds of cheering, klazons, firecrackers and cars horns rang out across the city as the World Cup's perennial underachievers won the trophy in their first appearance in the final. Scene: Dutch agony after World Cup defeat

Amsterdam, which had to urge people away from screens in an overcrowded central plaza, fell silent as about 180,000 fans watched their loss in disbelief.

As the final whistle blew, the earlier festive atmosphere turned somber and a cacophony of vuvuzelas suddenly died down. Some cried, others sank down to the ground; many started leaving the square in grim silence.

But Spanish fans at the stadium in Johannesburg were exuberant.

"I feel so fortunate not only for Spain to win the World Cup but to be here to see them," said Sergio Gonzalez from Madrid. Beautiful Game won out in the end, says Del Bosque.

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afp/20100712/tsp-safrica-fbl-wc2010-47c0590.html

Spongebob Squarepants, kapamilya na?

Sinabi mismo ng isang ABS-CBN insider sa inyong lingkod na malapit nang maging kapamilya ang cartoon character na si Spongebob Squarepants.

Ang nakakatawang cartoon program na “SpongeBob SquarePants” ay napapanood sa TV5. Ito ay isa sa mga kinagigiliwang panoorin ng mga kabataang pinoy ngayon dahil mataas ang rating na nakukuha nito sa AGB Nielsen Mega Manila overnight surveys. Katunayan, ang 30-minuto na programa ni Spongebob Squarepants ay ilang beses nang nakapasok sa Top 10 daytime programs sa Mega Manila. Isa ito sa mga programa ng TV5 gaya ng Talentadong Pinoy, Midnight DJ at Who Wants to Be a Millionaire na naka-penetrate sa AGB Mega Manila TV Ratings na karaniwang pinaglalabanan lamang ng ABS-CBN at GMA.

Sa pagtatapos ng kontrata ni Spongebob sa TV5 ay mukhang hindi na niya ito ire-renew. Ayon nga sa sinabi sa akin ng isang ABS-CBN insider, mataas ang posibilidad na pumirma siya ng kontrata sa kapamilya network at maaaring isama na rin niya ang mga kabarkada niya sa Nickelodeon.

Ang tanong: magkano kaya ang inoffer ng ABS-CBN kay Spongebob para hindi na ito mag-renew ng kontrata sa TV5 at tuluyan nang maging kapamilya?


http://starmometer.com/ep/2010/07/spongebob-squarepants-kapamilya-na/

Angel Locsin is FHM’s Sexiest Woman for 2010

After 5 years, Angel Locsin is named by FHM Philippines as the country’s sexiest woman again.





Almost 4 million votes were cast in a period of two and a half months (April 1 to June 15) and now, it’s official, Angel Locsin is FHM Philippines’ Sexiest Woman in the World for 2010.
The Imortal star received a total of 284,156 text and online votes. Last year’s leader, Cristine Reyes, came in second with 227,390 votes while kapuso primetime queen Marian Rivera settled for third with 218,742 votes.
Marissa Miller, on the other hand, is adjudged the FHM global winner by the FHM International Network.
This year’s Top 10 are the following:
1. Angel Locsin
2. Cristine Reyes
3. Marian Rivera
4. Iwa Moto
5. Angelica Panganiban
6. Katrina Halili
7. Regine Velasquez
8. Valerie “Bangs” Garcia
9. Ehra Madrigal
10. Jackie Rice
In our quick survey, Angel Locsin also topped the poll with 77% followed by Marian Rivera with 16% while Cristine Reyes settled for 3rd with only 4%:

http://www.starmometer.com/2010/06/29/angel-locsin-is-fhms-sexiest-woman-for-2010/

TWEET OF ANNE CURTIS

TWEET OF ANNE CURTIS: and i qoute on PSN tabload issue


: "I don’t like to tweet about politics but I was just saddened because TWICE GMA didn’t accept President Noy’s hand to assist her like a true gentleman. Very distasteful and also disrespectful. It just would have been nice to see her humble herself and act proper in front of the thousands of Filipinos out there.?"


ANY REACTIONS?

Inaugural Speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III in English

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=589090&publicationSubCategoryId=200

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.

Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.

I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet - migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered - is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.

Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino’s problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.

We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.

This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.

During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters -- it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.

I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.

To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.

To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.

We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.

Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.

We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.

We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:

· Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;

· Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;

· A home for every family, within safe communities.

We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.

If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.

We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.

We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.

We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.

I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.

To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all -- may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?

If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.

After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.

This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.

No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.

We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?

You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations.

You are the ones who brought me here - our volunteers - old, young, celebrity, ordinary folks who went around the country to campaign for change; my household help who provided for all my personal needs; my family, friends, colleagues at work, who shared, cared, and gave their support; my lawyers who stayed all hours to guard my votes and make sure they were counted; and the millions of Filipinos who prevailed, kept faith, and never lost hope - I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if do not fulfill the promises I made.

My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.

Thank you and long live the Filipino people!

15th President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III

President of the Philippines
Incumbent
Assumed office
June 30, 2010
Vice President Jejomar Binay
Preceded by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
Incumbent
Assumed office
June 30, 2010
Preceded by Ronaldo Puno
Senator of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2010
Member of the House of Representatives from Tarlac's 2nd district
In office
June 30, 1998 – June 30, 2007
Preceded by Jose Yap
Succeeded by Jose Yap

Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III[1] (born February 8, 1960) is the fifteenth President of the Philippines[4][5][3] and is currently the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.[6] Aquino is a fourth-generation politician: his great-grandfather, Servillano "Mianong" Aquino, served as a delegate to the Malolos Congress;[7] his grandfather, Benigno Aquino, Sr., held several legislative positions from 1919–44;[8] and his parents were former President Corazon Aquino and former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. Aquino is a member of the Liberal Party


Born in Manila, Aquino graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in 1981 and joined his family in their exile in the United States shortly thereafter. He returned to the Philippines in 1983 shortly after the assassination of his father and held several positions working in the private sector. In 1998, he was elected to the House of Representatives as Representative of the 2nd district of Tarlac province. He was subsequently re-elected to the House in 2001 and 2004. In 2007, having been barred from running for re-election to the House due to the term limit, he was elected to the Senate in the 14th Congress of the Philippines.


Following the death of his mother on August 1, 2009, many people began calling on Aquino to run for president. On September 9, 2009, Aquino officially announced he would be a candidate in the 2010 presidential election, held on May 10, 2010.
On June 9, 2010, the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino the winner of the 2010 presidential election.
On June 30, 2010, at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Aquino was sworn into office as the fifteenth President of the Philippines, succeeding Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, by Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales.



Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III was born on February 8, 1960 in Manila. Aquino is the third of the five children of Benigno Aquino, Jr., who was then the Vice Governor of Tarlac province, and Corazon Aquino. He has four sisters, Maria Elena (Ballsy) Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon (Pinky) Aquino-Abellada, Victoria Eliza (Viel) Aquino-Dee, and Kristina Bernadette (Kris) Aquino-Yap.
From 1965 to 1981, Aquino attended Ateneo de Manila University from elementary to college.


Eleven months after Aquino's father, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., was arrested and detained for "advocating the overthrow of the government by force or violence",[14] Ninoy was brought before a military tribunal in Moran Hall, Fort Bonifacio in August 1973. On August 25, 1973, Ninoy wrote a letter to his son, Noynoy from Fort Bonifacio at 11:10 p.m., giving advice to his son;


"The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.
There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.
Son, the ball is now in your hands."


In 1981, Aquino graduated from Ateneo de Manila University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Economics.[13][3] Shortly after graduation, Aquino joined his family in Newton, Massachusetts, in exile.


In 1983, after two years in exile in the United States, Aquino returned to the Philippines with his family, shortly after the assassination of his father on August 21, 1983.[13] Aquino had a short tenure as a member of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, working as an assistant of the executive director of PBSP.[13] Aquino later joined Mondragon Industries Philippines, Inc. as an assistant Retail Sales Supervisor and assistant promotions manager for Nike Philippines, Inc.[13]
From 1986 to 1992, during the presidency of his mother, Aquino joined the Intra-Strata Assurance Corporation, a company owned by his uncle Antolin Oreta Jr., as vice president.


On August 28, 1987, eighteen months into the presidency of Aquino's mother, rebel soldiers led by Gregorio Honasan staged an unsuccessful coup attempt, attempting to siege Malacañang Palace. Aquino was two blocks from the palace when he came under fire. Three of Aquino's four security escorts were killed, and the last was wounded protecting him. Aquino himself was hit by five bullets, one of which is still embedded in his neck.


From 1993 to 1998, Aquino worked for Central Azucarera de Tarlac, the sugar refinery in charge of the Cojuangco-owned Hacienda Luisita, as the executive assistant for administration from 1993 to 1996, then Aquino worked as manager for field services from 1996 to 1998.


Political life

House of Representatives

Aquino was elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 1998, representing the 2nd district of Tarlac. Aquino won re-election in 2001 and 2004, and served until 2007.

As a member of the House of Representatives, Aquino passed numerous house bills and resolutions:


House Bill No. 4251, granting annual productivity incentives to all workers in the private sector.
House Bill No. 4397, strengthening the regulatory power of the Department of Trade and Industry to effectively enforce consumer laws.
House Bill No. 4252, increasing the penalties for non-compliance of the prescribed increases and adjustments in the wage rates of workers.
House Bill No. 3616, extending the reglementary period for the educational qualification for the Philippine National Police.
House Bill No. 1842, providing for the codification of criminal laws.
House Resolution No. 65, inquiry in aid of legislation into the policies and processes of the Energy Regulatory Commission in granting rate increases to electric utilities.
House Resolution No. 788, a house bill Aquino is reportedly proudest of, which created a Congressional Oversight Committee to check and study the use of intelligence funds by government agencies, thus ensuring that allocated funds are actually used for the purposes they were originally intended for.[16]
Aquino served on numerous committees as a member of the Congress of the Philippines:
Civil
Political & Human Rights
Public Order & Security
Transportation & Communications
Agriculture
Banks & Financial Intermediaries
Peoples' Participation
Suffrage and Electoral Reforms
Appropriations
Natural Resources
Trade & Industry
Good Government
Inter-Parliamentary Relations & Diplomacy
Energy
Export Promotion
Public Order & Safety


Aquino became Deputy Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives on November 8, 2004, but relinquished the post on February 21, 2006, when Aquino joined the Liberal Party in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the height of the Hello Garci scandal.
Aquino was also Chairman of the Board of the Central Luzon Congressional Caucus.


Senate


Barred from running for re-election to the House of Representatives of the Philippines, to represent the 2nd district of Tarlac, due to term limits, Aquino was elected to the Senate of the Philippines in the 2007 Philippine midterm election on May 15, 2007, under the banner of the Genuine Opposition (GO), a coalition comprising a number of parties, including Aquino's own Liberal Party, seeking to curb attempts by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to amend the 1986 Philippine Constitution. In Aquino's political ads, he was endorsed by his younger sister, TV host Kris Aquino, and his mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino. Although a devout Roman Catholic, Aquino was endorsed by one of the largest Protestant churches in the Philippines, the Jesus Is Lord Church. With more than 14.3 million votes, Aquino's tally was the sixth highest of the 37 candidates for the 12 vacant seats elected from the nation at large. Aquino assumed his new office on June 30, 2007.


During the campaign, Aquino reached out to his former enemy, Senator Gregorio Honasan, supporting his application for bail. Aquino told Job Tabada of Cebu Daily News, on March 5, 2007;
"I endorse Honasan's request for bail para parehas ang laban [to even out the playing field]. I was hit by bullets from Honasan's men in the neck and hips but that's past now. The principle of my father was, 'Respect the rights even of your enemies.' Ito ang nagpatingkad ng demokrasya [This is what defines democracy]. Genuine reconciliation is democracy in action."


Aquino was referring to an unsuccessful coup attempt staged by rebel soldiers led by Gregorio Honasan on August 28, 1987, in which Aquino was seriously injured.


Senate bills


The Budget Impoundment and Control Act (SB 3121), wherein "impoundment" refers to the power of the President to refuse the release of funds appropriated by the Congress of the Philippines, is another bill Aquino is proud of;[16] he regretted,[16] however, that such power has been used and abused by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a result of which abuse has been the significant emasculation of Congress' ability to check the President's authority. Aquino filed this bill so the President would have to pass through Congress every time the President decides to impound part of the budget.


Another significant Aquino contribution to the Philippines' corruption problem is Senate Bill 2035, which is the Preservation of Public Infrastructures bill, seeking to raise standards in the construction of all public infrastructures by penalizing contractors of defective infrastructures. The bill also requires the Bureau of Maintenance under the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct periodic inspections of public infrastructures.


Aquino also pushed for the passage of the Amending the Government Procurement Act (SB 2160), which applies to all government procurement activities regardless of source of funds whether local or foreign; only treaties or international/executive agreements entered into by the government prior to its enactment shall be exempt from coverage. The bill was filed in light of the Department of Justice declaration regarding the validity of the controversial NBN-ZTE scandal, wherein its international aspect, as well as the fact that it was an executive agreement, was cited as one reason for its exemption from the procurement process stipulated in Republic Act 9184.


Focusing further on accountability in government appropriations and spending, Aquino filed other reform-oriented, well-thought-out types of bills, among which were for: Philippine National Police reform; an increase in penalties for corporations and work establishments not compliant with minimum wage; the banning of reappointment to the Judicial and Bar Council; the prevention of reappointment and bypassing of the Commission on Appointments; real property valuation based on international standards; and superior responsibility for senior military officers, who are ultimately responsible for their own subordinates. However, none of these bills were passed into law.


2010 presidential campaign


Main article: Philippine presidential election, 2010
In the Liberal Party, Aquino has held various positions such as Secretary General and Vice President for Luzon. Aquino is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Liberal Party.


Following the death and funeral of Aquino's mother, former President Corazon Aquino, many people began calling on Aquino to run for President of the Philippines.[3] This groundswell of support became known as the "Noynoy Phenomenon".


On August 27, 2009, Edgardo "Eddie" Roces, son of the late Chino Roces, former publisher and owner of the Manila Times, and a group of lawyers and activists formed the Noynoy Aquino for President Movement (NAPM), a nationwide campaign to collect a million signatures in order to persuade Aquino to run for President,[23] reminiscent of Roces' father, who on October 15, 1985, launched the Cory Aquino for President Movement (CAPM), collecting more than one million signatures nationwide, asking Aquino's mother to run against Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 presidential snap elections


On September 1, 2009, at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, in a press conference, Senator Mar Roxas, president of the Liberal Party and standard-bearer of the Liberal Party for President of the Philippines, announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and expressed his support for Aquino, as the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party for President.[25] Aquino later stood side by side with Roxas, but did not make a public statement at the press conference


On September 2, 2009, in a press conference at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, Aquino announced that he would be going on a "spiritual retreat" over the weekend to finalize his decision for the 2010 presidential election, reminiscent of the decision of his mother, who in 1985, went on a retreat before giving her decision to run for the presidency during the presidential snap elections in 1986.[26] Aquino went on a "spiritual retreat" over the weekend, visiting the Carmelite sisters in Zamboanga City.


After the retreat, on September 9, 2009, at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, the site of his mother's presidential inauguration in February 1986, forty days after the death of his mother, in a press conference, Aquino officially announced his candidacy for the presidency in the 2010 general election.[27][3]
On September 21, 2009, at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, Mar Roxas, alongside Aquino, officially announced his candidacy for the vice presidency, as the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party for Vice President, launching the Aquino-Roxas tandem.


During the 2010 presidential election, held on May 10, 2010, in unofficial tallies, conducted by COMELEC and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Aquino was the leading candidate in tallied votes for President, and in the official Congressional canvass, conducted by the Congress of the Philippines, Aquino was the leading candidate in canvassed votes for President Aquino was unofficially being referred to as "President-apparent" by the media.


On June 9, 2010, at the Batasang Pambansa, in Quezon City, the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino as the President-elect of the Philippines, following the 2010 election with 15,208,678 votes, while Jejomar Binay, the former mayor of Makati City, was proclaimed as the Vice President-elect of the Philippines with 14,645,574 votes,[32] defeating runner-up for the vice presidency Mar Roxas, the standard-bearer of the Liberal Party for Vice President.



Issue stances during the campaign


In an interview with freelance writer Lila Shahani for Philippine Graphic in the final months of the campaign, Aquino suggested a need to review the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement in both the sovereignty field and economic field, and pushing for a Responsible Parenthood bill to replace Congress' Reproductive Health bill defeated in early 2010. In the same interview, Aquino promised that if elected president he would "refrain from imposing new taxes or increasing tax rates," focusing instead on higher customs duties and getting serious with both punishing tax evaders and smugglers.
Later in the interview, the interviewer asked, "Why is there a scarcity of successful legislative initiatives in your political resume? What political and work philosophies did you bring to the legislature?" To this Aquino answered;
"The Philippines already has decent laws. Some countries have even used some of our laws as the basis for crafting their own legislation. What is far more critical is the implementation gap, which is ultimately beyond the scope of the legislative branch alone. Often, the gap has to do with corruption itself."[16]


Presidency

Presidental styles of
Benigno Aquino III

Reference style His Illustrious Excellency, The Right Honourable President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno S. Aquino III
Spoken style President Aquino
Alternative style Mr. President
The presidential transition of Aquino began when Aquino won the 2010 Philippine presidential election. On June 9, 2010, the Congress of the Philippines proclaimed Aquino as the President-elect of the Philippines.


The transition is in charge of the new presidential residence, cabinet appointments and cordial meetings between them and the outgoing administration.
Aquino took the oath of office on June 30, 2010, at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila. The oath of office was administered by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Conchita Carpio-Morales, who officially accepted Aquino's request to swear him into office, reminiscent of the decision of his mother, who in 1986, was sworn into the presidency by Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee. Aquino refused to allow Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines Renato Corona to swear him into office, due to Aquino's opposition to the midnight appointment of Corona by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.


Aquino is the third-youngest person to be elected president, and the fourth-youngest president after Emilio Aguinaldo, Ramon Magsaysay and Ferdinand Marcos. Aquino is the first president to be a bachelor, being unmarried and having no children.Aquino is the second president not to drink alcoholic beverages, the first president not to drink alcohol was Emilio Aguinaldo. Aquino is the eighth president to be a smoker. Aquino is the first graduate of Ateneo de Manila University to become president. Aquino is the third president who will only hold office in Malacañang Palace, but not be a resident, following Corazon Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos. Aquino is the third president to use his second given name, Simeon, as his middle initial, as Manuel L. Quezon and José P. Laurel did.


Personal life


Aquino is the first president to be a bachelor, being unmarried and having no children. Aquino does not drink alcoholic beverages. Aquino is the second president not to drink alcohol, the first being Emilio Aguinaldo.


Aquino is a smoker, and has admitted to smoking up to three packs a day. During his presidential campaign, Aquino promised to quit smoking if he wins the election.However, Aquino decided later he would not quit smoking, preferring to do it at the "appropriate" time[36][37]. Aquino says he is not keen on being a poster boy for anti-smoking advocates.[38] He is the eighth president to be a smoker.


Aquino is currently in a relationship with Shalani Soledad, a 30-year-old Valenzuela City councilor and niece of former Senator Francisco Tatad. Aquino and Soledad first met in around 2001, when she interviewed him for a media project. They accidentally met again in August 2008 at Alfredo's restaurant in Quezon City, while dining with their respective friends, and the following month, Aquino introduced Soledad to some of his friends and said they were just going out.


Aquino was previously in a relationship with a stewardess, a staffer of Senator Francis Pangilinan, and two actresses. Aquino had a previous relationship with Korina Sanchez, who had a previous relationship with Paul Aquino, a cousin of Aquino. Sanchez is now married to Aquino's party-mate, Senator Mar Roxas. Aquino also had previous relationships with Bernadette Sembrano and Diana Zubiri.
Aquino had been an enthusiast of shooting and billiards., but, today relaxes by playing computer games since he could no longer engage in the first two aforementioned pastimes. Aquino is a history buff. Aquino is also an audiophile and enjoys listening to music. Aquino's favorite food is Chinese cuisine.

Batman joke time - Batangenyo SUPER COMEDY