PGMA’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SAL)

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s declared net worth doubled from P66.8 million in 2001 to P143.54 million in 2008, which means 114% growth.  In comparison to the other presidents, that growth rate is quite massive.  The late President Corazon Aquino’s declared net worth grew by only 4.8% from 1989 to 1992.  Fidel Ramos’ was 34.2% during his term while Joseph Estrada’s was 7.2% from 1998 to 1999.

The President’s allies said that the growth in assets must have come from real estate and stock earnings.  

Malacañang claims that there are no irregularities in Pres. Arroyo’s wealth and denies that amassed wealth is from the government.

Note that the Statement of Assets and Liabilities is DECLARED.  Who checks the undeclared?

25^th FIBA Asia Men’s Championship Update

Powerade-Team Pilipinas clinched its 77-70 victory against Chinese-Taipei yesterday after Willie Miller sunked a huge three-point shot.  The win is a good motivation going to a game versus defending champion Iran today.  In order to qualify for the knockout quarterfinals, Team Philippines must achieve at least one victory in its two remaining elimination round games.

Guiao is positive with the team’s chance against Iran if they continue the morale and shooting percentage from yesterday’s game.  Team Pilipinas sealed 15 of 30 three pointers with James Yap burying six triples, 3 in succession during the 3^rd quarter, while Miller contributed five.  Another key element was RP team’s defense strategy that only allowed the Taiwanese shooters only one 3-point conversion in 15 attempts.

Games on Tuesday (Tianjin gym)
9 a.m. – UAE vs Kazakhstan
11 a.m. – Iran vs RP
2 p.m. – Kuwait vs Japan
4 p.m. – Chinese-Taipei vs Korea
7 p.m. – Lebanon vs China
9 p.m. – Jordan vs Qatar

The game versus Kuwait is scheduled on Wednesday.

RP 77 – Yap 23, Miller 17, Thoss 8, Pennisi 8, Baguio 6, Helterbrand 6, Raymundo 5, Dillinger 3, Taulava 2, Norwood 2, Aguilar 0, Santos 0.

Taipei 70 – Tseng 21, Lee 8, Chang 8, Lin 7, Wu 6, Chang TH 6, Tien 6, Wang 4, Su 2, Yang 2, Chen 0, Wu CL 0.
Quarters: 16-21, 33-35, 62-54, 77-70.

Pinoys Go Gaga Over the Lady

Tonight is the much-anticipated concert of Lady Gaga staged at Araneta Coliseum.  The tickets are supposedly sold out!  The concert produced by Ovation Productions is expected to seize an electrifying performance from Lady Gaga.  I’m not a big fan but if there’s one song that Lady Gaga can make me dance to, it’s “Just Dance.”  I loved it on the movie “Make it Happen” and it’s a cheer-upper when I hear it on the radio.

Lady Gaga Official Website

New P500 Bill Design

22-year old Revo Naval designed a P500 bill that features two democracy heroes, the late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and the late former president Corazon Aquino.  The design was first posted on his site www.peaceloveandrevolution.com and soon newspapers caught up the bit.

Image Source: PeaceLoveandRevolution.com

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said they are now considering the possible design of a new P500 bill that might have the same concept, recognizing the contributions of the couple to national unity.  Lay-outs might be ready by October and if approved, the first batch of P500 bills with Cory and Ninoy’s images will be out early 2010. 

Meanwhile, Noy Noy Aquino, only son of the Aquinos, is open to running for a higher office if the need should arise.

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