Katrina Halili Pictures

A new Katrina Halili in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:35:00 +0000

It’s all about second chances. And in life, who doesn’t deserve one?

Such is true with Katrina Halili who after enduring more than a year of negative publicity, scorned image and a career-ending sex video scandal has been given new lease in her career as an endorser this 2010. She is the latest celebrity endorser of the Calayan Surgicenter!

“We welcome back Katrina, since nag-start si Katrina. Since she started in showbiz, she’s been with us. And right now I want to build her up especially her self-esteem,” declared Dr. Manny Calayan, who’s a popular cosmetic surgeon to celebrities in the country. According to him, Katrina already sent him word that she wanted to go back as one of the celebrity endorsers of the Calayan Surgicenter last year yet but he was in America then. When he arrived and after studying that there would not be any conflict with Katrina’s other endorsements, he gave the actress the thumbs-up.

“As you know, whoever comes to me, regardless of their past, and ask for my help like singer Selina Sevilla, I welcome them with open arms. So wholeheartedly I took Katrina back again,” he expressed.

As for Katrina Halili, the kind and professional gesture of Dr. Manny Calayan of announcing her as his clinic’s newest celebrity endorser has given her hope and confidence that 2010 would be a better year than the past two years. It can be recalled that the last quarter of 2008 broke the news of her sex video scandal which escalated in 2009. And the whole 2009 saw a Katrina Halili battling hard to regain her “life” and showbiz career.

“No words can express the happiness I feel with the opportunity that Dr. Calayan has given me. I’m honored and humbled that he accepted me again,” remarked Katrina.

Dr. Calayan added that like his roster of celebrity endorsers, Katrina Halili fits the profile – a good actress, hardworking with the determination to succeed and still charismatic. He has seen Katrina in “Darna” and he found her to be a versatile actress who is effective as a villain.

“I feel that she is a high-caliber actress and we all know that she is beautiful. So we’re here to maintain her beauty through our skin care treatments and other procedures like Tenor lasers and skin whitening treatments…we’d also help her to slim down a little more as she has wished…we’ll make Katrina the star that she is,” explained Dr. Calayan who also intends to place her new endorser on a billboard near the Los Angeles airport to advertise Calayan’s Surgicenter Beverly Hills branch.

“That’s exciting to think about,” smiled Katrina. “There’s so much to celebrate about in my life right now. I could say that I’m surviving my past ordeals. And I’m glad that people like Dr. Manny Calayan have been supportive and have continuously believe in me... they drive me to fight even more for my rights as a woman and seek justice!”

“She is my prodigal daughter,” exclaimed Dr. Calayan. “We love Katrina and we’re happy that she’s back with us!”

So how is she surviving? Katrina pointed to her family and friends who love her. “They are the reasons, as well as the growing number of people believing and supporting me, that I’m surviving… if you commit a mistake, it’s but right that you correct it. You don’t have to take your life because life goes on after your mistake. All of us commit mistakes and for me I could say that life is getting better everyday. Hopefully I could finally say that I’ve moved on,” she said.

She added that this has been her life’s biggest trials. And one thing good it brought her was her becoming closer to her family. According to her she has learned to appreciate more her family and has enjoyed taking care of her “pamangkins” at home.

With regards to her love life, the actress is not giving romance any thoughts at the moment. She feels that a love life is not appropriate to what she is going through right now.

“I’m not yet ready,” she said. “I still have to face a lot of issues in my life… maybe I could say that I was traumatized with what happened to me,” she sighed.

As for her acting career, Katrina is focused on becoming a better actress. “It’s a new year so it’s a new hope and I want people to see a new Katrina. I’m going to be more serious in acting and I’d choose more serious drama projects if possible. I hope to be more mature in life,” she commented.

Source

Celebs who cried, ‘I’ll see you in court!’

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:34:00 +0000

There are scandals that spawn across different media only to get wiped out of people’s memories after a time.

Some controversies, however, tarry and go beyond media---they land in court.

Your honors, the Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online presents the five biggest cases of 2009 that may just make it into law students’ case books in the future:

Hayden Kho Jr. vs. Katrina Halili

The Hayden Kho Jr.-Katrina Halili story is no “Careless Whisper.” Indeed, the wildfire created by their sex video scandal mid-2009 refused to simper months later.

Katrina, who is only one of many women involved in the whole controversy, became a beacon to her kind who had suffered a similar fate. She pushed for Hayden’s punishment, accusing the celebrity ex-doctor of violating Republic Act (RA) 9262, or “the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.”

Results: The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) suspended Hayden from practicing his profession for two years. Later, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) revoked Hayden’s medical license.

It doesn’t end there. Katrina submitted on Dec. 10, a resolution to the National Bureau of Investigation to probe more into the matter. The legislators are now lobbying for an “anti-voyeurism” bill.

The Battle of the matriarchs

The long-time feud between GMA matriarch Wilma Galvante and Gutierrez matriarch Annabelle Rama erupted this year due to issues that piled up one after the other.

According to reports, these issues are: the manager’s talents allegedly refusing offers, Annabelle’s “bribes” to keep the GMA’s Senior Vice President for Entertainment’s favor, and the fiery exchanges between the two.

The Kapuso executive filed on March 17 a P7 M damage lawsuit and a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Annabelle, whom she alleged to have threatened her through text messages and media interviews.

Not one to turn the other cheek, Annabelle countered with a P25 M lawsuit for moral and exemplary damages, as well as a grave slander case for allegedly bad mouthing her to her talents, particularly JC de Vera.

But bad news for Annabelle: the slander case was dismissed by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on July 24 for “lack of probable cause.”

But in true never-say-die fashion, Annabelle blurted, “Matira matibay. Hindi ako titigil!”

Richard Gutierrez’s dual ordeals

One of Richard Gutierrez’s career challenges in 2009 was the “reckless imprudence resulting in homicide” case filed against him by Lorayne Pardo, wife of his personal assistant, Nomar.

It is recalled that Nomar died May 22 after the car he was on that Richard was driving slammed into a post in Silang, Cavite.

Richard had apologized to Lorayne and had offered financial support for her children, but she refused to accept it. Although she claims to have already forgiven Richard, she insists on “seeking justice.”

Richard’s other case is a libel suit against an entertainment website which he said, posted an inaccurate article about a heated argument allegedly between him and Michael Flores at director Mark Reyes’ party last March 28.

The case was first dismissed by the DOJ for lack of merit, but this decision was later reversed.

The Gutierrezes maintain that they would not have sued if the respondents gave “sufficient” public apology.

The respondents, claiming no malice in writing and uploading the story, are set to file a motion for reconsideration.

The “harasser” or the “harassed?”

Two actors who faced acts of lasciviousness cases this year are Baron Geisler and Aljur Abrenica.

Yasmien Kurdi filed a case for acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation against Baron Geisler on May 25, alleging that her “SRO Cinemaserye Presents: Suspetsa” co-star harassed her on one of their tapings.

The “StarStruck” alumna dropped the case two days later after Baron apologized to her.

Aljur also got slammed with a sexual harassment case filed against him by a 15-year-old model. The complainant claimed that the deed was commissioned at a beach party in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro last April.

Aljur pleaded not guilty, and asked the DOJ to dismiss the case filed by the accuser’s mother for “lack of merit.” He said the allegations were “blatant fabrications that were obviously concocted as an afterthought to save [the complainant's] injured pride.”

Jennylyn Mercado's falling out with PA

Aside from her endless bickering with ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia, actress Jennylyn Mercado had her hands full in 2009 with the case she filed against her personal assistant Mel Pulmano.

The charge is for qualified theft and falsification of documents; “crimes” which Mel allegedly committed when she squandered a total of P460,000 of the actress’s money. Jennylyn claimed that Mel forged her signature to carry out the deed.

Mel, in turn, filed a robbery case against Jennylyn. She claimed that the actress, together with two others, robbed pieces of her jewelry, with values amounting to a total of P149,150. Mel’s case has been dismissed due to lack of probable cause.

Source

PEP's Top 10 Newsmakers of 2009

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:32:00 +0000

As we bid a final goodbye to year 2009, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) takes a look back at the newsmakers that shook and shocked Philippine showbiz. They were the ones who made the most impact on the headlines and stayed in the minds of most Filipinos.

These personalities were engaged or rumored to be engaged in sex videos, illicit affair, car accident, lawsuits, and even transforming from a man into a woman. They are PEP's choice for Top 10 Newmakers of the Year:

MANNY PACQUIAO It was a banner year for the Pambansang Kamao. He cemented his status as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by beating two tough opponents this year: Great Britain's Ricky Hatton and Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto.

Because of his back-to-back victories, in addition to his past winnings, boxing experts hailed him as one of the all-time greatest boxers in the world, while boxing fans worldwide voted Pacquiao as the second world's greatest boxer, just behind Sugar Ray Robinson.

But it was not all roses for Pacman this year. He also got into some controversies.

Before his May 2 fight against Hatton, Pacquiao was reported to have signed up with ABS-CBN after a disagreement with Solar Sports Entertainment, which claimed the right to air all his fights. But after settling his issue with Solar, the Filipino boxing champ apologized for the confusion and decided to stay with Solar and GMA-7.

Just recently, Pacquiao instructed his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank Inc., to file libel charges against American fighter Floyd Mayweather Jr., his father, and Golden Boy Promotions, for accusing him of using performance-enhancing drugs.

Pacquiao's personal life as well as his showbiz career also took a hit this year.

Weeks before his fight against Cotto, news about his alleged affair with sexy star Krista Ranillo broke and the rumor continued even after the fight. Although Pacquiao himself and Krista's camp denied the rumor, the boxer's wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, did not play the same music. Without directly confirming the rumor, her statements hinted that something did go on between her husband and the sexy star.

Meanwhile, Pacman's latest film, Wapakman, an entry in the ongoing 2009 Metro Manila Film Festrival, is at the tail-end of the box-office race.

HAYDEN KHO JR. Hayden Kho's sex-video scandal with several women, including actress Katrina Halili and showbiz newcomer Maricar Reyes, became a national issue—thanks to the Senate investigation spearheaded by Senator Bong Revilla.

But Hayden's woes did not end there.

Katrina filed a violation of the Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children that resulted in Hayden's suspension from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and eventually the revocation of his license by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Despite this, Katrina still wants him in jail.

Hayden was also reported to have attempted to commit suicide again, but his camp vehemently denied this.

RICHARD GUTIERREZ It was a tumultuous year for heartthrob Richard Gutierrez.

First, he filed a P25-million libel suit against PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) about an article involving him and actor Michael Flores at a director's birthday party. The case was dismissed by the Department of Justice for "lack of probable cause", but it was reversed after Richard's camp filed a motion for reconsideration. The case is still ongoing.

Second, Richard was involved in a vehicular accident on May 22 in Silang, Cavite. Richard was able to survive the tragic accident but not his personal assistant, Nomar Pardo. Nomar's family sued him for Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide on July 23.

Third, a report about an airport incident involving Richard and rumored girlfriend Jewel Mische also came out. But the actor's camp denied the issue.

On the positive side, Richard braved the Ondoy flood in Marikina to rescue Patient X leading lady Cristine Reyes. He was also given recognition by some sectors for his environmental efforts.

KATRINA HALILI Hayden Kho's sex videos with Katrina Halili spread like wildfire on the Internet. The actress filed Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children against Hayden and several others suspected of spreading the videos—Hayden's ex-girlfriend Dra. Vicki Belo, Erick Johnston Chua, Dr. Mark Herbert "Bistek" Rosario, and Princess Velasco.

Several TV networks and news websites aired Katrina's first encounter with Hayden during the Senate inquiry of their sex-video scandal on May 28. It was a very dramatic encounter, complete with dousing of water and crying scenes.

Katrina's showbiz career also took a blow partly due to her inability to concentrate on her work during the scandal. She returned to work via GMA-7's Rosalinda, where she played the main antagonist Fedra to Carla Abellana's title character.

KRISTA RANILLO There's no denying that Krista Ranillo made a great impact this year because of her reported involvement with boxing champ Manny Pacquiao. Her alleged affair with the Pambansang Kamao stole some thunder from Pacquiao's victory against Miguel Cotto last November.

Despite the statements of Manny and Krista's family, denying the alleged affair, the statements of Manny's wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, and Gina Alajar were very telling. And Krista's silence to this day is more intriguing.

It's just too bad that Wapakman, the movie in which they first met, is not doing well at the box-office.

JUDY ANN SANTOS & RYAN AGONCILLO WEDDING Two of the biggest celebrities in the Philippines managed to keep their wedding ceremony a secret from almost everyone. Although they had already announced their engagement, nobody—except for a chosen few—knew when and where the exact wedding would take place.

And so, on April 28, 2009, 99.5 percent of the people in the Philippines got shocked upon learning that Juday and Ryan were wed in a ultra-private ceremony at the at San Juan Nepomuceno Church in San Juan, Batangas. The couple just sent photos and videos of the ceremony a few hours later to TV networks, newspapers, and entertainment websites like PEP, to announce that the wedding already took place.

Juday and Ryan are still waiting to have a baby of their own.

ANNABELLE RAMARichard Gutierrez's mother, the incomparable Annabelle Rama, also figured in several controversies this year, the most prominent being her feud with GMA-7 executive Wilma Galvante.

The feud resulted in filing of cases against one another. Galvante filed a P7-million damage suit against Rama on March 17. The talent manager, in return, filed a P15.5-million grave-slander case against the lady TV executive last April 17. While Galvante's case against Rama is still in court, the talent manager's case against the TV executive has been dismissed.

Rama also lambasted this website for publishing articles that she and her family believe are damaging the reputation of her son Richard.

BB GANDANGHARIThis year saw the birth of BB Gandanghari, the new persona that Rustom Padilla created after coming out. Rustom, who was once married to actress-TV host Carmina Villarroel, decided to "kill" Rustom and give way to BB.

Rustom's new identity as BB shocked many, including her family. In fact, her mother, Mrs. Eva Padilla, was very vocal in saying that it would be very difficult for her to see her "son" as an entirely different person. But in the end, their love for each other proved to be so strong that their family eventually accepted BB for what she is.

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ & RUFFA GUTIERREZ After co-starring in the ABS-CBN primetime soap I Luv Betty La Fea, news about the alleged romance of John Lloyd Cruz and Ruffa Gutierrez hit the headlines this year. Although the two insisted that they were just friends, photos of them entering a hotel and shopping together in Los Angeles painted a different picture.

TYPHOON ONDOY The one who created the biggest impact this year, literally, is not a celebrity but a supertyphoon called Ondoy. In one rare moment, celebrities became ordinary people as they also got affected by Ondoy, which flooded Metro Manila and nearby provinces on September 26.

Celebrities became victims as well as heroes during this tragedy.

Cristine Reyes, Jean and Jennica Garcia, Gladys Reyes, Carmina Villarroel and Zoren Legaspi, and Giselle Sanchez are just some of the celebrities who were trapped in their homes while Ondoy was wreaking havoc.

Meanwhile, Gerald Anderson, Jericho Rosales, Raymart Santiago, and others braved the floods and rescued some of their neighbors. Hundreds of celebrities and volunteers led by the Kapamilya and Kapuso stars devoted their time and effort to help the typhoon victims through telethons and relief operations.

Source

Cybercrime bill still pending in Congress

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:33:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines - The bill seeking to provide more teeth in the prevention of cybercrimes is still pending before Congress despite the recent sex scandals involving prominent personalities and the proliferation of illegal activities on the Internet.

The senators have come up with Senate Bill 3553 based on Committee Report No. 770 or the proposed act defining cybercrime and providing for the prevention, investigation and imposition of penalties for various violations.

Under the bill known as “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2009,” offenses against the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems would include illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, and system interference.

Misuse of devices will also be punishable along with computer-related offenses such as forgery and fraud.

Content-related offenses include cybersex where “any person who establishes, maintains or controls, directly or indirectly, any operation for sexual activity or arousal with the aid of or through the use of a computer system, for a favor or consideration” will be punished, and child pornography.

Penalties proposed under the bill include fines ranging from P200,000 to P1 million for individuals and up to P10 million for corporations, plus imprisonment.

The creation of a Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center was also recommended under the bill.

Authorities complained at the height of the sex video scandal involving former celebrity cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho and several women that there were not enough laws to punish cybercrimes.

Kho’s sex videos, which he privately recorded without the consent of the women, were allegedly uploaded on the Internet by several individuals in exchange for huge amounts of money.

Kho’s license had been revoked upon the complaint of actress Katrina Halili, one of his victims.

Source

Katrina Halili: I forgive Hayden Kho but...

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 06:35:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Katrina Halili may have already forgiven controversial doctor Hayden Kho, but she said she is not withdrawing the criminal case she filed against him.

Halili, who accused Kho of violating Republic Act (RA) 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, maintained that the doctor must face the consequences of his actions.

In October, the Department of Justice lodged a case against Kho before a Pasig court. The case stemmed from the spread of copies of sex videos showing Kho engaging in sexual acts with several women, including Halili.

The DOJ said that while Kho repeatedly claimed that he was not responsible for the spread of the video, the video recording of his sexual acts “clearly shows and manifests his lack of respect for women.”

“He cannot simply justify said act with a disclaimer that the videotaping was not meant to be shown to anyone. He should own up and be responsible for his actions particularly when it affects another person's right and dignity," the resolution read.

Meanwhile, Halili returned to Calayan Surgicentre Corp., a strong competitor of Belo Medical Group (BMG), to become one of its celebrity endorsers.

Halili and BMG owner Dr. Vicki Belo, Kho’s former girlfriend, had a falling out following the sex video scandal.

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Katrina vs Hayden: Pasig court starts hearing

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:51:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines - The hearing of a criminal case filed by actress Katrina Halili against her former lover Hayden Kho started yesterday at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

Judge Rodolfo Bonifacio, of the RTC Branch 159 asked counsels of Kho to choose what to pursue first, their “Urgent Motion for Determination of Probable Cause” or their Petition for Review before the Department of Justice (DOJ) since they cannot have both at the same time.

Kho’s counsels, Jose Paolo Patajo and Herbert Hernane, filed the two motions to dismiss the case. The counsels of the accused initially choose to tackle first their petition for review but backtracked and asked Bonifacio to start the proceedings on their “urgent motion for determination for probable cause” after State prosecutor Hjalmar Quintana Jr. moved for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Kho.

Halili’s counsel Raymund Palad and public branch prosecutor Emmanuel Obungen backed Quintana in his motion. Quintana requested for five days, or until Dec. 14 to file comment or opposition on the said motion. Bonifacio also gave Kho’s counsels the same number of days to comment on the reply, after which the incident shall be considered submitted for resolution.

On Sept. 17, the DOJ issued a resolution recommending that: An information for violation of Section 5 (h) and (i) of R.A. No. 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 be filed against Dr. Hayden Kho, Jr.” “If the court denies the Motion for Determination of Probable Cause filed by Hayden, a warrant of arrest may be issued before Christmas,” said Palad.

The arraignment of Kho was temporarily set on Feb. 23, 2010. The criminal case filed by Halili against Kho stemmed from a sex video which circulated in the Internet early this year.

Because of the sex video, the Professional Regulation Commission ordered Nov. 20 the revocation of Kho’s medical license.

Kho filed a motion for reconsideration before the PRC Board Monday and the hearing of the said motion was set on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

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Halili, lawyer submit new documents to NBI

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:51:00 +0000

THE camp of controversial actress Katrina Halili on Thursday went to the National Bureau of Investigation to submit additional documents as the investigation of the sex-video scandal that gave rise to Halili’s case versus Hayden Kho entered its second phase.

The second phase of the probe centers on determining who uploaded and distributed the video over the Internet.

Halili, accompanied by her lawyer Raymund Palad, submitted the documents to the bureau’s Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (AFCCD), which has yet to identify the person who uploaded the video.

Assistant Regional Director Vicente de Guzman 3rd, AFCCD chief, said that the bureau is still waiting for the information from the United States counterpart in uncovering Internet Protocol.

De Guzman said the bureau had already uncovered the administrator of the website and charges had been filed against them. But the person who gave the sex video to the website remains unknown. The person uses G-mail account, which is US -based. The Department of Justice has requested the US Justice Department to help trace the Internet Protocol address.

“So we are now waiting for the information,” he said.

Palad said that besides Kho, cosmetic surgeon Victoria Belo-Henares, Erick Johnston Chua, Dr. Mark Herbert Rosario and Princess Marie Velasco, the Justice department also asked the Investigation bureau to investigate four more persons to determine their participation in the case. They are Cris Arenas, Cedric Lee, Manuel Villaroman and Joey Umandap.

Halili maintained she wanted all the persons responsible for the uploading and distribution of the sex video to be prosecuted and convicted.

Source

Katrina submits more evidence vs Hayden

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 06:50:00 +0000

MOVIE personality Katrina Halili on Thursday submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) additional documents that will be vital in the bureau’s investigation on the spread of video clips of her and Hayden Kho’s intimate moments on the Internet.

As the bureau’s investigation enters its second phase—the uploading and distribution of the sex video—Halili submitted additional documents to the NBI’s Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division (NBI-AFCCD). She was accompanied by her lawyer Raymund Palad.

NBI Assistant Regional Director Vicente de Guzman III, AFCCD chief, said the NBI is now waiting for the information from their United States (US) counterpart in uncovering Internet protocol (IP) to establish the identity of the uploader.

De Guzman said the bureau had already raided the place of the administrators of the web site that led to the filing of charges against them.

“The bureau had already uncovered the administrator of the web site and charges had been filed against them. But the person who gave the sex video to the web site remain unidentified. The person uses a G-mail account and G-mail is US -based. The Department of Justice [DOJ] requested the US Justice Department to help trace the IP address. We are now waiting for the information,” de Guzman said.

The administrators of the web site that allegedly first posted the sex video were charged with immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.

“The criminal case is now being heard in court,” said de Guzman.

Palad said the DOJ asked the NBI to also investigate four more persons to determine those behind the uploading and distribution of the sex video of Halili and Kho.

Aside from Kho, Victoria Belo, Erick Johnston Chua, Mark Herbert “Bistek” Rosario and Princess Marie Velasco, the DOJ also asked the NBI to investigate four more—Cris Arenas, Cedric Lee, Manuel “Boyet” Villaroman and Joey Umandap—to determine their alleged participation, if any, Palad disclosed.

“The new names did not come from us. Miss Halili did not even know them. But their names were mentioned during the hearings at the DOJ and the Professional Regulation Commission,” Palad said.

Citing the directive of the DOJ to the NBI, Palad said the aim of the second phase of investigation is to determine their participation and responsibility, if any, in the proliferation, distribution and uploading of the sex video of Halili and Kho.

Reports said the investigating panel, led by Senior State Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los Santos, found probable cause to indict Kho for violation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, or Republic Act 9262.

“Respondent Kho’s act of video-taping his very intimate moments with complainant, who obviously did not know what he was doing, clearly shows and manifests his lack of respect for women,” the prosecutor said.

Source

Katrina Halili still not ready to forgive and forget

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:49:00 +0000

plus: Who is Michael V endorsing for president? ; Jinky: I'll fight to keep my family together

Hayden Kho appeared on television to disprove rumors that he tried to kill himself once again. Showbiz columns had reported that Kho, who had been stripped of his medical license, had crashed his car in Silang, Cavite, after popping Ecstasy. The rumors persisted after he refused to be interviewed while in hospital.

Last week, a seemingly unscathed Hayden explained that he merely stopped his car after experiencing extreme stomach pain. Later, his lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, further explained that the pain her client felt “wasn't drug-induced…there is no alcohol substance.”

The lawyer also denied that Hayden was unconscious when he was brought to the hospital.

The pain could be due to intestinal flu or stress-related gastric ulcer, the lawyer said. “He has accepted that he has come to trauma and it’s the trauma which should be addressed. We’re not saying that Hayden Kho has been completely cured. All that we want to say is that he’s not suicidal.”

The lawyer also feels that revoking Hayden’s license was too harsh a punishment. She said other medical practitioners committed more serious violations, citing the case of the doctors in a Cebu hospital who were caught on video laughing after removing a foreign object that had been stuck in the anus of patient. The doctors received a suspension.

And what about Katrina Halili? She’s apparently in no mood to forgive or forget. Last week the sexy star followed up the case she filed against the Hayden and several other people she is accusing of distributing the infamous sex video, and reiterated she still wants Hayden and others to land in jail.

* * *

Jinkee Pacquiao was the picture of a supremely confident woman when she appeared with husband Manny at the opening of Pacman’s novelty store last week. She even opened up on the rumored episode where she almost bumped into Krista Ranillo while shopping in Las Vegas during Manny’s historical bout with Miguel Cotto last month.

Now that the controversy has blown over, Jinkee said she’s ready to move on. “The storm’s over. There is sunshine after the rain,” was how she put it. She said that like Manny, she too is a boxer, fighting to keep her family together.

“I need to be strong for my children.”

She also said the Pacmom, Mommy Dionesia, was on her side because she too has experienced being hurt by her man.

Jinkee is confident enough not to be perturbed by the fact that Manny and Krista are back on the set of “Wapakman,” one of the entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival beginning on Christmas. The movie has one shooting day left.

* * *

Speaking of the Metro Manila Filmfest, none of the entries has applied for a screening with the Cinema Evaluation Board. That means the board must once again work double-time to review the entries applying for a tax rebate.

In the last few years, the board had to screen as many as three filmfest entries a day because many of the entries were still on the postproduction stage.

That’s typically Filipino – cramming to beat the deadline.

* * *

If you see a pink bus in the streets of the Metro Manila, make no mistake. The vehicle belongs to Kris Aquino. The TV host showed off the vehicle in Showbiz News Ngayon. You can also take a look at it on YouTube.

Pink? The bus is as showy as its owner.

* * *

MV endorsing MV? You bet.

Top comedian Michael V. has signified his intention to be an endorser of Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Manny Villar.

Michael says he has long admired Villar and is even willing to endorse him for free.

Michael joins Dolphy as the NP bet’s frontmen. Why Dolphy went for Villar instead of close friend Erap Estrada eludes me. Maybe it has something to do with Villar’s nomination of Dolphy as a national artist. Villar meanwhile explains that like him, Dolphy hails from Tondo.

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Katrina Halili ups her case against Hayden

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:48:00 +0000

Sexy actress Katrina Halili is taking her fight against Hayden Kho Jr. to the next level.

She and legal counsel Raymund Palad have forwarded their written request, together with a resolution from the Department of Justice (DOJ), to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe into the uploading and distribution aspects of her sex video with the former doctor.

Aside from previous respondents Hayden Kho Jr., Dr. Vicki Belo, Erik Chua, Bistek Rosario, and Princess Velasco, four more have been added to the list of possible culprits to the leakage of the videos.

These are Vina Morales’ partner, Cedric Lee; computer expert Mario Villaroman; Cris Arenas, son of Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas; and Belo Medical Group employee Joy Umandap.

The individuals were cited from an audio recording retrieved by Katrina’s camp, which is believed to be of a meeting attended by Hayden, Vicki, a lawyer, and talent manager-host Lolit Solis.

Katrina, who does not personally know the individuals, said everyone involved in the leakage of the videos should be held accountable.

“Dapat lang lahat managot, pati 'yong nagpakalat ng videos,” she said.

Sam Milby’s Christmas gift for Anne Curtis

Kapamilya actor Sam Milby, who has openly admitted “hanging out again” with ex-girlfriend Anne Curtis, hinted he has already thought of a Christmas gift for her.

“May something,” Sam directly told Anne during their interview on “Entertainment Live.”

“Ano?” Anne asked.

“Patience,” he said.

Aside from reuniting with Anne in the big screen, Sam will be paired with Maja Salvador for a “Precious Hearts Romances” series titled “Impostor.”

Maja said in a live interview on the same show that she is flattered by the Fil-Am’s admiration.

“Napakasuwerte ko naman na maging crush ni Mr. Sam Milby!” she beamed.

Karylle thrilled over ‘Ikaw’ stint

Singer-actress Karylle is grateful for the rave reviews her performance on “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” has received.

Denise, her good-girl-gone-bad-because-of-love character, bade farewell to the soap opera this week when she was killed by Red, played by Sid Lucero.

She is grateful for the support she got from her co-stars.

“It’s hard to be with a cast full of big, big stars, [but] they’re very supportive,” she said.

Source

PRC decision against Hayden Kho strengthens Katrina Halili's resolve

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:43:00 +0000

The revocation of Hayden Kho's medical license as ordered recently by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) did nothing to soften Katrina Halili's feeling of resentment against the cosmetic surgeon.

"Medyo natuwa din naman ako sa resulta ng PRC, kahit papaano isa 'yon sa mga pinaglalaban ko, so nabawasan. Pero hindi pa po tapos ang laban dahil meron pa po kaming criminal case [against Hayden]," said Katrina at the press conference of Darna held yesterday, November 30, at 55 Events Place on Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Katrina, who is the latest villain addition in the Darna saga, personally requested the PRC to cancel Hayden's license following the proliferation of their sex videos last May. The actress argued that Hayden's filming what was supposed to be a private moment was unbecoming of a professional doctor.

The PRC eventually sided with Katrina's argument, stating that the institution has found sufficient grounds to cancel Kho's medical license. PRC legal and investigation division chief Pharson Mamalo described Hayden's act as "immoral, dishonorable, and unethical."

BEGGING FOR TRANQUILITY. Katrina confessed feeling traumatized by the unfortunate incident, which left her vulnerable to public ridicule and condemnation from other sectors.

The experience made Katrina distrustful of men in general. Though never wanting when it comes to admirers and suitors, the Starstruck alumna cited the unpleasant experience as the major reason she intends to remain single for the time being.

"Marami pa kong dapat isipin, like trabaho and 'yong kaso... Hindi pa ako ready [to have a boyfriend] and may mga issues pa ko na dapat harapin."

Katrina is also presently at odds with popular cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo, who for the longest time was publicly known as Kho's real girlfriend. The sex video exposed Katrina and Kho's clandestine affair.

But while Vicki and Hayden's "friendship" survived the scandal, Belo's professional and even personal relationship with Katrina instantly ceased the moment the controversy erupted.

But is Katrina still open with the possibility of patching her differences with Belo?

"Oo naman po," she answered optimistically. "'Pag natapos na 'yong lahat ng issues. Siyempre, ayoko naman ng may kaaway para may peace of mind tayong lahat."

Asked to comment on Vicki's continuing ties with Hayden, Katrina said cautiously, "Ayoko po mag-comment. Meron po tayong kanya-kanyang opinyon and desisyon sa buhay."

Source

Marian Rivera vs. Katrina Halili soon on Darna

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:52:00 +0000

The controversial team-up of Marian Rivera and Katrina Halili of the Marimar fame will be back on tv this November in Darna! The said news was spilled to us by a GMA-7 insider. According to our source, the staff of the new Darna show began to worry about the show’s ratings. It used to do well in Greater Manila, but the rating score is slowly decreasing. The lack of interesting villains was one of the factors being looked up by the network that’s why they thought of getting Katrina Halili as a special guest. She is reportedly back as Black Darna. Will the Marian-Katrina rivalry heat once more?

Source

Katrina looks forward to a stress-free year

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:17:00 +0000

Now that the DOJ has recommended the filing of a case against Dr. Hayden Kho (for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children), Katrina Halili can now heave a sigh of relief, although not yet completely.

“The battle is not over,” she told Funfare.

The case stemmed from the controversial video which has been viewed and reviewed presumably by the whole country, including even children who have taken to it with a sense of humor.

Remember when Hayden joined the distribution of relief goods in a Typhoon Ondoy-stricken area and he was met by kids singing Careless Whisper, the soundtrack of his infamous video with Katrina? Instead of singing and swaying with the kids, Hayden coyly took a bow, his face tomato-red from embarrassment.

Although she hasn’t fully recovered from that traumatic incident, Katrina herself can now joke about it.

A few days ago during a show, she asked the audience to join an impromptu dance contest. The disc jockey started playing Careless Whisper and the contestants started dancing Katrina-Hayden style.

“Stop that,” ordered Katrina, pretending to be angry. “Kung hindi ipakukulong ko kayo.”

During this interview, Katrina again joked, “Hidden talent ko ’yon,” referring to her bedroom choreography” with Hayden, “kaya lang, mayroon nagkalat sa Internet.” Then she laughed, until a certain sadness crossed her face. “At least now, I can go to the mall. Still, some people would look at me in a strange way. Pero karamihan sympathetic ang nasa mga mata nila.”

She’s back at work (in the GMA teledrama Rosalinda) and endorsing a few products (except Flawless which is a subsidiary of The Belo Medical Clinic).

She again apologized to Dr. Vicki Belo for making the mistake of falling for Hayden when he was still going steady with Vicki. (The two are together again but Vicki insists that they are “only friends” now.) But Katrina said that she has yet to receive a “personal” apology from Hayden who has actually said “I’m sorry” again and again on national television. Upon the advice of his lawyer, Hayden even joined an anti-violence against women crusade.

“Pero sa TV lang ’yon,” said Katrina. “I haven’t seen any sign of remorse in him. He seems not to have learned a lesson.”

Would she, can she, have the heart to forgive him?

“How can I forgive somebody who hasn’t apologized to me personally?”

Any Christmas wish?

“The issue has been going on for more than a year now. I’ve been to all agencies of the government, repeating my story over and over again. I just hope that everything will be over soon. I have only one Christmas wish: May the next year and the years after that be stress-free.”

Source

Katrina Halili reacts to the DOJ's decision regarding her case against Hayden Kho Jr.

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:50:00 +0000

The Department of Justice has finally reached a decision regarding the case of Katrina Halili against cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho Jr., which the actress filed last June under Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

Last October 22, the DOJ approved the indictment of the celebrity doctor in the complaint filed by Katrina, stemming from the video showing them in explicit sexual acts.

The DOJ's resolution states: "We find that the evidence presented by complainant during the preliminary investigation merit the prosecution of said respondent for violation of RA 9262."

For Katrina, it was the good news she has been wanting to hear.

"Natuwa po ako sa nangyari," commented Katrina on Startalk yesterday. "'Saka nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga taong tumulong sa akin lalong-lalo na si Senator Bong Revilla, family ko, at lahat ng sumuporta sa akin."

WHEN IS THE NEXT HEARING? "Wala pa at hindi ko nabasa ang resolution ng DOJ," said Katrina. "Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan, pero sana po matapos na kasi mahaba-haba na din."

What are Katrina's expectations about a trial's outcome? If found guilty, Hayden may face six months to 12 years in prison.

Katrina answered without hesitation, "Siyempre, gusto ko siya makulong, para matuto po siya sa ginawa niya. Pag biglang pinatawad nang ganoon na lang, e, yung mga tao gagayahin siya na puwede pala gawin iyon, di ba?"

IS SHE READY TO FACE HAYDEN IN COURT? More importantly, is she ready to once again tell the tale she has told so many times already?

"Nakahanda na po ako harapin siya," said Katrina. "Ihahanda ko na lang sarili ko kasi sobrang stressful iyon. Dumaan na ako ng Senate, ng DOJ, PMA [Philippine Medical Association], PRC [Professional Regulation Commission], lahat dinaanan ko, lahat kinukuwento ko. Paulit-ulit."

Is she disappointed that the cases she filed against Vicki Belo, Herbert "Bistek" Rosario, Erik Chua and Princess Velasco were junked?

"Actually, ayoko magsalita sa part na iyon kasi hindi ko pa nababasa at pag-uusapan pa [namin ni Atty. Raymund Palad] kung ano ang dapat gawin doon."

News came out recently that Hayden has changed his ways and has even joined the fight against violence against women. What is Katrina's say on this?

"Wala naman masama sa akin na sumali siya doon, e," Katrina pointed out. "Pero sana pagbayaran niya muna ang kasalanan niya, di ba?"

Is mediation or settlement an option?

Katrina said, "Sa ngayon wala akong nararamdaman na pinagsisihan niya, e. Kung pinagsisihan niya, unang-una sa lahat, kilala niya pamilya ko at sana pumunta siya dito at humingi ng tawad. Magpapakita siya na pumupunta sa ganito, sasali sa ganyan, para saan? Ipapakita sa TV para magpakitang-tao?"

CAN SHE EVER FORGIVE HAYDEN? "Paano natin ipapatawad ang taong hindi humihingi ng tawad?" Katrina said. "Napaka-plastik na hihingi ka ng sorry sa TV. Never siya humingi ng sorry. Noong nangyari iyon, sinabi niya na mga kaibigan daw niya naglabas."

Katrina is now taking the entire experience on a lighter note, even joking about it on some shows.

"Like sa show, makakarinig ka ng mga, 'Oy, "Careless Whisper," ganyan!'" laughed Katrina. "May contest at may pinasayaw ako tapos pinatugtog yung 'Careless Whisper.' Sabi ko, puwede ba, hindi ka si Hayden, stop the music! Ipapakulong kita! Haha!"

HOW'S HER CAREER? "Marami pa rin po na sumuporta sa akin, pero hindi ko na masasabi na gaya pa rin ako nang dati. Masasabi ng tao na nagbago ako. Kahit mga show ko sa GMA-7, Rosalinda lang tinanggap ko dahil hindi pa ako ready humarap sa ibang tao."

Katrina also admitted that she has yet to see Vicki Belo although she has wanted to tell her that she is sorry for what happened. "Na-in love lang talaga ako. Pasensiya na po," she sincerely said.

She remained stern in her message to Hayden: "Kung nagbago na siya ng ugali niya, e maganda para sa kanya. Pero harapin ang ginawa mo, so magharap tayo sa korte."

Source

PEP: Katrina Halili wants to attend Emmys awards night

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Sobrang natuwa si Katrina Halili nang makarating sa kanya ang balitang nominated ang ginawa nilang Sine Novela ni Dennis Trillo sa GMA-7, ang Magdusa Ka, sa 37th International Emmy Awards.

Sa dami raw na ipinadala na entries ng GMA-7, isa ang Magdusa Ka sa nakapasok sa final four nominees for Best Telenovela, kasama rin ang Kahit Isang Saglit (A Time For Us) ng kabilang istasyon. Ang ibang nominees ay India: A Love Story (Brazil) at Second Chance (France).

Very special para kay Katrina ang Magdusa Ka dahil yun ang first time na nagbida siya sa isang drama series.

"Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang Magdusa Ka, kasi 'yan ang show na unang ginawa ko after ng matinding kontrabida role ko sa Marimar. Sa Magdusa Ka ako unang binigyan ng pagkakataon na maging lead actress, at for the first time din ay naging mabait at api-apihan ako," pahayag ng young actress.

"Kaya sobrang saya ko nang sabihin sa amin na kasama ang Magdusa Ka sa final four nominees for Best Telenovela sa International Emmy Awards. Ang laking karangalan na yung ma-nominate, di ba? Kasi international award-giving body ito. Ibig sabihin, tanggap na sa buong mundo ang mga ginagawa nating drama series," dagdag pa ni Katrina sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

Gusto raw sanang personal na dumalo ni Katrina sa awards night na gaganapin sa November 23 sa New York. Kaya naman ipinagdarasal niya na maimbitahan sila.

"Natural, gusto kong um-attend doon. Bongga kaya 'yon! Maimbitahan man kami o hindi, magpapagawa ako ng gown ko na pang-red carpet. At least, ready na ako just in case," masaya nitong sabi.

Dagdag ni Katrina, "And if ever nga na mabigyan kami ng invitation, gusto kong escort si Direk Maryo [J. de los Reyes]. First time kasi akong madirek ni Direk Maryo sa Magdusa Ka at talagang piniga niya ako nang husto sa pagganap ko. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa kanya."

"Ngayon, magkasama ulit kami sa Rosalinda at gano'n pa rin siya, hindi niya kami pinapabayaan sa pag-arte naming lahat sa show. Kaya gusto ko makasama sa New York kung maimbitahan man kami ay si Direk Maryo talaga," pahabol ng aktres.

Bukod sa Magdusa Ka at Kahit Isang Saglit, nominated din si Angel Locsin Bilang Best Actress para naman sa Lobo (The Wolf).

KRIS LAWRENCE'S TATTOO. Naitanong din ng PEP kay Katrina ang tungkol sa bagong tattoo ng singer na si Kris Lawrence sa kaliwang braso nito. Sa mga nakakita raw nito, may hawig daw sa mukha ni Katrina ang tattoo ni Kris.

Ano ang reaksiyon dito ni Katrina?

"Nakita ko na rin yung tattoo ni Kris at angel 'yon, e. Mahilig kasi sa music si Kris, di ba? Kaya parang angel of music daw 'yon. May mga nagsasabi nga na parang kahawig ko raw yung mukha ng angel sa tattoo ni Kris. Pero wala naman siyang sinasabi kung ako ba 'yon o nakahawig ko lang," sagot ng aktres.

Pero in case na mukha nga ni Katrina ang nasa tattoo ni Kris, matutuwa naman daw siya.

"Siyempre, nakaka-flatter 'yon, di ba? Parang ang ganda-ganda ko naman masyado! Tsaka it means na importante ka sa taong ito," ngiti niya.

Nabanggit ni Katrina na magkaibigan pa rin sila ni Kris.

"Isa pa rin naman si Kris sa mga very close friends ko ngayon. Kapag hindi kami sobrang busy, nagkikita naman kami kasama ang ibang kaibigan namin. Hindi naman nagbago ang friendship namin and he remains to be very supportive sa akin at sa mga pinagdaanan ko," aniya. - Ruel J. Mendoza, PEP

Source

Katrina Halili's libel case vs Irene junked

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:47:00 +0000

MANILA – The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday dismissed the libel complaint filed by Katrina Halili against Irene Kho, mother of cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho, due to lack of probable cause.

In its resolution, the prosecutor’s office said Halili failed to prove that Irene acted with malice when she accused the sexy star of using illegal drugs during her television interviews in May.

Meanwhile, Halili’s legal counsel, lawyer Raymund Palad, said he has yet to see the copy of the resolution.

Palad said he and his client will no longer file any motion for reconsideration before the prosecutor’s office. Halili’s camp will instead go directly to the Department of Justice and file a petition for review, he said.

Halili filed two counts of libel against Irene after the latter accused the actress of using illegal drugs and influencing her son to become a drug user during her television interviews on "TV Patrol World."

Halili and Irene’s son, Hayden, got involved in the sex video scandal, which is now the subject of investigations by different agencies of government.

Source

Katrina Halili's libel case vs Hayden's mom trashed

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:46:00 +0000

The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office junked the two counts of libel case filed by actress Katrina Halili against Irene Kho, the mother of her ex-boyfriend, Hayden Kho Jr., due to lack of probable cause.

In a five-page resolution released Aug. 27, assistant city prosecutor Rafael Villordon said they see no reason to indict the elder Kho of libel since she was able to prove that her statements regarding Halili were done without malice.

“This office has reason to believe that the respondent was able to rebut the presumption of malice under the law. She (Kho) earnestly believed her allegations as true and there is no clear showing that there was any malicious intention to cause damage to Katrina’s reputation," Villordon said.

Kho accused Halili of being “a drug addict” on interviews aired May 25 and 26, during the height of the sex scandal issue involving her son and Halili.

In the interviews, Kho said that it was Halili who taught her son how to use illegal drugs, which prior, was among the many reasons cited by Kho Jr., for his actions—including filming himself having sex with various women.

In her complaint against the elder Kho, Halili said Kho’s “contemptible, defamatory and malicious" remarks had damaged her honor and reputation. Halili denied she is using drugs.

Villordon said Kho’s remarks were not “done recklessly or in utter disregard of whether they were true or false.”

“The statements of Irene in her interviews… were evidently made with good motives and for a justifiable cause as they rose from the natural obligation of a mother to defend her son," he said.

Source

Preliminary probe of Halili libel rap ends

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:12:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—The Quezon City prosecutors office on Thursday morning ended its preliminary investigation of the libel complaint lodged by actress Katrina Halili against the mother of her ex-lover, cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho.

The camp of respondent Irene Kho submitted a rejoinder affidavit in which they answered an earlier reply affidavit filed by Halili.

Lawyers for both parties said they would not be filing memoranda or a summation of their arguments.

A resolution, whether junking the complaint or elevating it to the court, is expected to be issued within two months.

Source

Katrina Halili: No more juicy news

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:29:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—No more juicy news.

Actress Katrina Halili said she will no longer talk about the case she filed against beauty experts Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo so she won’t be accused of taking her case to the media.

Halili came out of the hearing room crying after answering questions from the panel of investigators chaired by Prosecutor Emelie Fe De Los Santos, head of the Task Force on Violence Against Women and Children.

Members of the media were barred from covering the hearing with De los Santos citing the sensitivity of the case.

Halili’s lawyer Raymond Palad also refused to give details on what happened during the hearing, saying that an agreement has been reached that no information should be given to the media.

Only Halili and Kho faced the panel during Tuesday’s hearing.

The clarificatory hearing will continue on Tuesday where Belo, Princes Marie Velasco, Dr. Mark Herbert “Bistek” Rosario and Eric Johnston Chua will answer questions from the panel.

They were accused of being behind the illegal release of Halili’s sex video with Kho.

Source

Katrina bid to summon Solis, De Leon nixed

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:27:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Vicki Belo’s lawyer has opposed a bid by actress Katrina Halili to summon television hosts and gossip columnists Joey de Leon and Lolit Solis.

"We should not make a circus out of this proceeding," lawyer Adel Tamano said at the preliminary hearing Tuesday on the criminal case against Belo, her estranged lover Hayden Kho and several others accused of complicity in the video sex scandal.

“Ang dami-dami nang pinapatawag na hindi naman kailangan,” Tamano said.

Hayden Kho’s legal counsel Lorna Kapunan also opposed Halili’s lawyer Raymond Palad’s bid to present the video of De Leon’s interview with Solis as she assailed Palad for taking the case to media.

“This case should not be his window to fame,” Kapunan said.

Emelie Fe Delos Santos, chairperson of the Department of Justice panel investigating the video scandal, summoned the counsels to listen to their arguments.

Kapunan pointed that Palad’s client has been appearing in several television shows talking about the case. Palad, on the other hand, said Belo and Kho have also been guesting in various TV shows tackling about the case as well.

But Delos Santos said, “I don’t care if your clients appear on television 24/7. We will stick to what has been submitted to us. I assure you we will not be swayed by what is being said before the media.”

Halili, who sued Kho over their leaked sex videos, wanted De Leon and Solis summoned to shed light on Solis’ claim during a television interview with De Leon that she had seen the video.

“Ms Lolit Solis is a very good friend of respondent Dra. Belo and the complainant respect their friendship. It is also possible that Ms Solis watched the sex video together with respondent Dra. Belo,” Halili said in her reply-affidavit.

Belo had said she watched the videotaped steamy trysts of Kho and Halili alone in her house and that she destroyed the DVD after seeing the videos.

But the DoJ panel denied the request to call the showbiz hosts even as it allowed Palad to present the recorded TV interview.

“We need to have a basis,” Delos Santos told Kapunan and Tamano.

The counsel for respondent Princess Marie Velasco also believed there was no more need to call Solis and De Leon.

At Tuesday’s preliminary investigation, Kho presented 13 witnesses—his fraternity brothers, childhood friends—who belied claims that the controversial cosmetic surgeon let them watch the sex videos.

The panel set a clarificatory hearing on July 14 where the complainant, respondents and witnesses will be appearing before the panel to answer questions.

Source

Irene Kho maintains drug claims vs Halili

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:26:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—The mother of controversial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hayden Kho stood by her drug allegations against Katrina Halili on Thursday in her reply to the libel complaint filed by the actress with the Quezon City prosecutors office.

In a counter-affidavit, Irene Kho denied committing libel, claiming there was truth to her allegations and that she had no reason to doubt her son who was the source of the information.

Kho was quoted in the TV interview as alleging that Halili was a drug user who influenced her son to use drugs.

The Quezon City prosecutors office gave Halili’s camp a week to file a reply to Kho’s counter-affidavit.

Hayden Kho, his former lover and beauty expert Dr. Vicky Belo, and three others are facing an inquiry by the National Bureau of Investigation on who uploaded into the Internet sex videos of Hayden with at least three actress-models, including Halili.

Irene Kho accused Halili of pushing her son into drug use, when she was interviewed for her reaction when the scandal over the videos broke.

Source

‘Katrina, Aljur deserve a break’

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:21:00 +0000

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Speaking to the local press, Felipe L. Gozon, chair, president and chief executive officer of GMA 7, defended the network’s talents Katrina Halili and Aljur Abrenica who are currently embroiled in sex scandals.

Halili’s sex video with cosmetic surgeon Hayden Kho was leaked on the Internet and distributed through bootleg DVDs. Abrenica was slapped with a sexual harassment suit by a minor.

Gozon said he sympathized with Halili. “What happened to Katrina was unfair. She wasn’t at fault. She just fell in love. Why punish her for that? At least now, she knows that what happened was wrong.”

Halili was recently tapped to play the contravida in the upcoming soap opera “Rosalinda.”

The basis for hiring Halili was competence, not her involvement in a controversy, Gozon explained. “Why deprive her of projects? Katrina is a good contravida. The past shows where she played the villainess (“Darna,” “Marimar’) were top-raters.”

He said the network is fully behind Halili in her quest for justice. “We are not a law office, but we are supporting her, morally. We believe she’s the aggrieved party and she has every right to complain.”

Gozon issued a memorandum to network employees, instructing them not to download the sex videos from the Net.

He said he followed Abrenica’s case with great interest, too. “I didn’t get to talk to Aljur because he left for the United States. But I asked our people to investigate the matter and when I read the report … as a lawyer I knew Aljur didn’t do anything wrong.”

But if it’s a private quarrel, like that of executive Wilma Galvante and manager Annabelle Rama, he refuses to meddle.

“If you leave them alone, they’re able to resolve matters themselves. But if one of our talents gets involved in a lawsuit with outsiders, I take a look into it.”

The head of the Kapuso channel aims to be an “approachable and transparent” leader.

He said he traveled to Cebu because he wanted to strengthen the network’s position in the regions.

That’s why GMA 7 is courting Cebuanos, he said. “We’re doing it, not only by promoting our shows, but also by extending the Kapuso brand of public service.”

The Kapuso fans’ day, held in SM City Cebu last Saturday, not only featured network stars, but also booths that provided various services from agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation, Philhealth, the Commission on Elections, the Department of Health and the National Statistics Office.

Source

Katrina Halili’s townmates in El Nido supportive, shameful

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:48:00 +0000

EL NIDO, Palawan - People in this laid-back municipality in Palawan province has cheered Katrina Halili’s success as an actress and model. Now they cringe as they also share in her dilemmas.

The controversial TV and movie personality who figured in a sex video scandal involving her liposuction doctor spent countless vacations, birthdays, and other special occasions in El Nido, the hometown of her mother’s half-Chinese family.

While fans adore her on screen and in pages of sexy magazines, the Cuyonons (El Nido natives) consider her as one of them. They refer to her as “Chiqui,” Halili’s childhood name.

Local people in this town with 30,000 residents are her relatives, her playmates when they were young, her grandmother’s scholars, her mother’s clients when they had a bakery, or the patients of her mother’s partner who is the town doctor. They saw her from the time she was a chinky-eyed fair-skinned child among tanned kids until she blossomed into one hot babe.

Months after the scandal broke, people in El Nido now harbor mixed feelings toward Halili. Their emotions range from sympathy to shame.

Supportive

To show their support for Halili, the Palawan province chapter of the League of Mayors passed a resolution last June 14 that “strongly condemns the acts of Dr. Hayden Kho,” according to El Nido Mayor Leonor Corral.

We are making a stand for Chiqui, Corral told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak. She added that they will also provide a token financial assistance to Halili who has lost acting projects and endorsements during the height of the sex video scandal.

Corral’s sister-in-law is the sister of Malou Pe-Halili, the actress’ mother.

The mayors’ sentiments are shared by many, including Joel Resanto who is obviously protective of the actress. He knows that some of his fellow Cuyonons have watched the Halili-Kho sex videos on the internet and even on phone screens. “If I catch anyone watching those sex videos, I will apprehend them,” Resanto said with the same resolve as how he leads the town’s environmental patrol team.

“She’s a good girl. She is not difficult to approach. When my nephew got sick, she sent P5,000 to help with hospital expenses,” Resanto shared.

Raised and sent to school by Halili’s grandmother, Resanto had been requested by Halili to cook seafood cuisines whenever she visits El Nido in between her previously busy showbiz schedule.

Resanto said that in Halili’s recent visits, she usually stayed at her 4-year old 2-level no-aircon “Barbie House” that sits on a 5-hectare property in Villa Libertad, a village about 7 kilometers from the town proper. Whenever Halili had to recover after cosmetic surgeries, she stayed at her room, which has a tranquil view of the nearby farm lots. Spring water snakes around the property.

Scenic

Halili’s family has a house in the town proper, which is itself a scenic spot. Halili and her elder brother, Ian, stayed at their 2-storey house that has El Nido's famous marble and limestone cliffs on the east and the hills on the west as dramatic backdrops.

The house is a town landmark since her mother’s partner, the only doctor in town, runs a clinic there. Halili’s mom, on the other hand, is engaged in the lucrative trade of bird’s nests. She and Halili’s dad, a lawyer from Novaliches, split when the actress was still very young—a possible reason why Halili tends to be a “survivor,” her neighbors pointed out.

Even when Halili was already in show business, people said she felt at home in El Nido where she and her brother stayed before in between their studies in Manila. She walked around the town’s tree-lined streets in simple shorts and tees, sometimes even in her pajamas.

The laid-back town has a sheltered bay with a crescent beach where Halili would sometimes swim with her local friends. When she joined boat tours to the different islands and islets, she just snorkeled, unlike her brother who is a certified diver. Ian Halili freelances for the wealthy guests of El Nido Resorts that has facilities in two private islands.

Cuyonons are used to being surrounded by drop-dead gorgeous foreigners who are charmed by El Nido’s sceneries, according to “Dong,” who tends to a motorbike renting shop. He said since a good number of Cuyonons are or have been hired in the posh El Nido Resorts’ Lagen and Miniloc island facilities, their training of not ogling at guests and tourists—no matter how beautiful or sexy—has been imbibed by the town’s folks.

“Bing-bing,” a young mother whose parents and her siblings have worked at Las Cabanas, one of the high-end resorts south of the town proper, said they have gotten used to beach scenes where Western tourists are nude while sunbathing, while some publicly display their affection or lovemaking along the shores. “That is probably their culture,” she explained. “But ours is different. It’s not nice if Filipinos do the same thing because that is not part of our culture.”

Ariel Masangkay, a boatman, agreed. He said that Halili erred in choosing the man she was with. “She should have been more careful.”

In a laid-back town like El Nido, morality still matters. A local government official who asked not to be named said, “I hope and had been praying that my own daughter will still follow tradition. I hope she gets married first before she engages in what Chiqui did.”

This was echoed by one of the parents of Halili’s childhood playmates who live a few steps from the Halili’s house in the town proper. “Perhaps Pastor Alex (Halili’s uncle based in El Nido) should have been more active in her spiritual upbringing. But then again, she was not here all the time.”

One of Halili’s male neighbors, however, was unfazed. “What positions did they (Halili-Kho) do that we all do not do ourselves? Let us not cast the first stone on the poor girl.”

Fame and shame

Residents who travel to other parts of Palawan shared that the impact of the Halili-Kho scandal has taken a more personal note than in El Nido.

“When I arrived in Puerto Princesa to pick up guests a few weeks ago, boatmen there were talking about the sex video. Then they turned to me, ‘Isn’t she your townmate?’ I was so ashamed,” shared Masangkay.

He said the feelings were the exact opposite of times when they cheered on and sent text votes for Halili back when she joined a reality talent search show that propelled her to stardom.

Bing-bing, too, remembered how proud they were when Halili was getting juicy roles in TV soaps. “We really followed all her shows. She is very good as a villain. It suits her.”

She added, “When her career in show business was getting better, people kept on saying that they hope she’ll keep on honing her skills and stay beautiful because we share in her success. We were proud telling other people that Katrina Halili is from El Nido.”

Too much

Not all Cuyonons, however, are keen on following the news anymore on the sex scandal.

While waiting for the island’s 18-hour electricity supply to resume at 2pm every afternoon, Fatima (not her real name) who tends a small eatery shared that her concerns about the future of her kids is more important than Halili’s short-term troubles.

“We should be focusing on Cha-cha (charter change). We should be focusing on poverty. These will affect the future of my country, so I’m more concerned about this than the issue on Chiqui. The leadership change will affect my own kids’ future,” she stressed.

But doesn’t she want to know how Halili’s cases progress so others who find themselves in a similar situation would also know what to do?

“I’m getting bored with the news on Chiqui because the scandal has been the topic for months to no end. To me, the major issue is who spread the video. Issues raised by the media other than that are just efforts to prolong this,” she pointed out.

It was in the news that tricycle driver Jhogar Rodriguez recently learned that Halili will be going back to work. Having been familiar with Halili since their childhood days, Rodriguez said, "If she decides to come back here, we will welcome her.”

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Halili-Kho case inches forward

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:46:00 +0000

MANILA - Actress Katrina Halili is set to appear before the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Wednesday afternoon in connection with a complaint she filed against three doctors accused of spreading copies of the Halili-Dr. Hayden Kho sex videos.

The actress is also seeking to have their medical licenses revoked by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The PMA had already met with the three doctors - Dr. Kho, Dr. Vicki Belo, and Dr. Herbert "Bistek" del Rosario - to hear their side on their alleged involvement in spreading the sex videos showing Halili and Kho making love.

Dr. Rey Melchor Santos, PMA president, said their investigating committee is set to deliberate on what administrative sanctions to take against Kho.

"The regulation of license is based on the action of the PRC. Kami, [either] suspend or remove [Kho] from the list of PMA. Whatever findings we have, we relay them to the PRC," he said.

Santos clarified that the PMA's recommendations may not always be heeded by the PRC. "Chances are [they will]. But they are conducting their own investigation and making decisions [based] on their own study," he said.

The PRC had held a pre-trial conference on Tuesday regarding the "immorality and dishonorable conduct" charges that Halili filed against Kho, who had worked as a cosmetic surgeon at the Belo Medical Group.

Halili had already filed criminal charges against Kho, Belo, del Rosario, Eric Johnston Chua, and Princess Velasco fro violating Republic Act 9262 or the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act." Chua and Velasco were reportedly present when copies of the sex videos, showing Kho having sex with various women, were taken from Kho's hard drive.

According to sources from Halili's camp, they will be using media footage of interviews and statements made by Kho and Chua as evidence in the trial.

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Prelim probe on Katrina Halili's libel raps ends

noreply@blogger.com (cjosang) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:11:00 +0000

The Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Thursday wrapped up its preliminary probe on the libel complaint filed by actress Katrina Halili against the mother of her ex-lover, Dr. Hayden Kho Jr.

Irene Kho, through her legal counsel Paulo Pataja, submitted her rejoinder during the hearing wherein she reiterated that she was only protecting her family’s rights when she accused Halili of introducing her son to illegal drugs in two television interviews.

Prosecutor Rafael Villordon terminated the proceedings after Halili opted not to submit a memorandum or summation of her arguments, saying her reply to Mrs. Kho’s counter-affidavit is already enough.

In her reply, Halili stressed that Mrs. Kho had intentionally maligned her when she agreed to be interviewed on national TV.

The case is now submitted for resolution, which is expected within two months.

Halili and Dr. Kho were embroiled in a controversy last May after a video footage of their sexual tryst spread in the Internet. The actress claimed the video was taken and uploaded without her knowledge and consent.

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