ILLUSTRATION BY RENE ELEVERA
Oscar ‘Richard’ Garin Jr. and Oscar ‘Oca’ Garin Sr.
Two members of the Garin family, whose clan has lorded over Iloilo province’s first congressional district for decades, were put on the spot for beating up a policeman in Guimbal town. Iloilo Rep. Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. and his father, Guimbal Mayor Oscar “Oca” Garin Sr., are facing administrative and criminal complaints for mauling PO3 Federico Macaya Jr. The policeman was allegedly disarmed, frisked and handcuffed. Macaya was also allegedly slapped, spat at and threatened while being held at gunpoint. Rep. Garin, the husband of former Health Secretary Janette Garin, apologized for the incident, saying he was frustrated with Macaya’s failure to file a case against a man who had earlier attacked another resident. But his apology did not stop the police from filing several complaints against the Garins. Senior Supt. Marlon Tayaba, Iloilo police director, said both father and son faced administrative complaints, including grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming, oppression, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public. The respondents were also slapped with seven criminal complaints for direct assault, grave coercion, grave threats, physical injuries, slander by deeds, serious illegal detention, and alarm and scandal. Their police escorts were also pulled out.
Dennis Trillo and Gloria Romero
“I never expected that at my age, at 85, I’d still receive something like this,” said Gloria Romero of the best actress trophy she got for her role in the gay-themed movie “Rainbow’s Sunset.” The movie got the lion’s share of awards among the eight finalists in the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Aside from best actress, “Rainbow’s Sunset” also won the best picture award, best director, best supporting actor and actress, special jury awards for Eddie Garcia and Max Collins, the Gatpuno J. Villegas Cultural Award, best original theme song, best screenplay, and best production design. Dennis Trillo, named 2018 MMFF best actor for “One Great Love,” said it was his second best acting award. “It was 14 years ago when I got my first acting award for ‘Aishite Imasu 1941,’ my very first movie,” he said of the film set during the Japanese occupation. “I thank [my producer, Regal Entertainment matriarch Lily Monteverde] for trusting in me since then. I will forever be grateful,” Trillo added. The other movie finalists in the 44th MMFF, which runs until Jan. 7, are: “Mary, Marry Me,” “Otlum,” “Aurora,” “Fantastica: The Princess, The Prince and The Perya,” “Girl in the Orange Dress” and “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles.”
Gertrudes ‘Gertie’ Duran-Batocabe
When Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe was felled by an assassin’s bullet in Daraga, Albay province, three days before Christmas, his wife, Gertrudes, or Gertie, became the voice of courage against political violence. The widow put up a brave front while grieving the loss of her husband on their wedding anniversary. Despite the clamor for her to run in her husband’s place in next year’s mayoral elections in Daraga, Gertie remains firm in her decision to focus her attention on burying her husband with honor and dignity, and seeking out his killers. “And after this is justice,” she said.
Freddie Roach
“Manny reached out directly,” Freddie Roach was quoted as saying in news reports. With that, the seven-time trainer of the year awardee revealed the dynamics behind boxing’s most celebrated reunion this year. Manny, of course, is eight-time world boxing champion Sen. Pacquiao, who faces Adrien Broner on Jan. 19. If anyone caught wind of an awkward silence, it was because Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao’s longtime pal and longtime Roach assistant, has already assumed the mantle of lead trainer in Pacquiao’s corner. Apparently, though, everything’s OK, with Fernandez being assured that Roach will serve as some sort of a consultant.