News Briefs: Feb. 21, 2019
El Nido 4th among world’s 24 best islands–Conde Nast
El Nido in Palawan has been chosen as one of the world’s 24 best island beaches by a New York-based travel magazine.
El Nido placed fourth in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice, which had around 429,000 respondents.
The Philippine paradise, which has around 50 beaches, was praised for its “finest and whitest sand” as well as waters that are “blindingly blue [that] it makes the Caribbean Sea look murky in comparison.”
The beauty of the sunset at El Nido was described as one that will “ruin you for life,” the article that accompanied the results said. —Jerome Aning
Sandiganbayan sentences Zambales mayor to 10 years in prison
The Sandiganbayan Special Third Division has convicted Santa Cruz, Zambales, Mayor Luisito “Chito” Marty and sentenced him to up to 10 years in prison for graft.
Marty was also found guilty of usurping legislative powers under the Revised Penal Code, and was sentenced to up to six months and one day in prison, and a P50,000 fine.
The conviction also perpetually disqualifies him from holding public office.
Marty’s case stems from his refusal to issue a business permit to two mining firms in 2011 even as they complied with the requirements. —Patricia Denise M. Chiu
