Monday, May 05, 2008 (Philippines)

Lumad Basakanon yesterday was adjudged the top prize in the Aliwan Festival in Pasay City, a national competition among festivals in the Philippines. The Cebu-based troupe has won the No. 1 prize thrice in a row. WHAT evidence did the justice department have in charging former Cebu vice governor John Gregory “John-john” Osmeña over the alleged attempt to smuggle P3 billion worth psuedoephedrine to Cebu in 2004? The former vice governor’s camp cited the dearth of evidence in a July 26, 2007 motion to dismiss that, according to his lawyer, was not acted upon by state prosecutors during a preliminary investigation. Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, when asked, simply said the ex-vice governor’s camp “already knows why” John-john is being charged. [full story]