Annabelle’s gamble

An  official of the Anti-Money Laundering Council confirmed the revelation made by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales at  the impeachment trial in the Senate about the dollar accounts of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Funny but the defense counsels have no other reaction but to question how the information was revealed. They say that it is covered by the law on secrecy of foreign deposits that is absolute. In addition, the defense counsels are saying that since the AMLC official’s declaration was made out of court this may not have any value.

My question is, what is the difference between the statements of Chief Justice Corona before the media that the defense counsels treat as gospel truth and those made by the AMLC official? Why won’t the defense counsels present the official before the impeachment court for  examination?

The best move to determine the truth about the dollar accounts was made by Corona himself who gave the government the authority to open his accounts by signing his sworn statement of assets and liabilities. What we now hear from the Chief Justice and his lawyers are just general denials of the Ombudsman’s testimony.

This Tuesday, the Chief Justice  will testify before the impeachment court to refute the allegations made under oath by the Ombudsman. His testimony will be crucial and interesting.

People are waiting for Corona to be cross-examined by the prosecution panel and answer  piercing questions of the senator-judges. Many are hoping that Corona will answer the questions candidly and refrain from invoking his right against self-incrimination.  From there, we would know what would be the next step.

Expect some surprises.

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United States President Obama has declared that he is in favor of same-sex marriage that some sectors  frown upon. As a matter of fact, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and beauty queen Miriam Quiambao are now the object of  criticism from the gay community because they made known their views against same-sex marriages.

I have nothing against gays and I have friends who belong to that community and I respect their status which is not a product of their free choice. But just like Pacquiao and Quiambao, I am against same-sex marriages because it is against the teaching of God.  I am a Catholic who believes that same-sex marriage is wrong and contrary to the teachings of the Church.

I hope that my stand will also be respected by other sectors  especially the gay sector. I support all the efforts and undertakings of  gays in order to be happy in this world but I am against same-sex marriage.

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I have been asked about my opinion about  the plan of my first cousin  Annabelle Rama to run for a seat in the House of Representatives in the north district of  Cebu City against the Del Mars.

My take on the issue is  like the position taken by her brother Basak San Nicolas barangay captain George Rama.

The Rama family would want to concentrate on one candidate, that is, Mike Rama for mayor of Cebu City and let Annabelle concentrate on taking care of her children and grandchildren.

But it is also her right to run for congresswoman. If she thinks that her candidacy would help Mike Rama, then I will support her decision. Her candidacy would provide north district voters  an option to  the Del Mars who have been serving for nearly three decades.

Annabelle will bring color to the elections considering her stature in showbiz. She can call on all her celebrity talents aside from her children Richard, Raymond, Ruffa, Elvis and youngest Richie Paul to join the  campaign stomp for her and Mike.