Tuesday, July 15, 2008 (Philippines)

Venezuela's Dayana Mendoza is crowned Miss Unverse 2008 by Riyo Mori, 2007 Miss Universe. (Ap photo) Rogelio Baquerfo Sr., who insists he is still mayor of Tudela town even after he has been eased out of the Municipal Hall by Demetrio Granada, has received another blow, this time from the anti-graft court. The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, in a resolution dated July 11, 2008, ordered Baquerfo’s preventive suspension for 90 days while his graft case involving the turnover of a waterworks system to Barangay Puertobello is being heard. This would further complicate the political situation in Tudela since the rule on succession would pave the way for the assumption as acting mayor of Vice Mayor Clint Maratas once the order is implemented. [full story]