Cesar Montano mulls offer to host 'Wowowee'

Award-winning actor Cesar Montano on Tuesday disclosed that he has been offered to host noontime show "Wowowee" for 2 weeks.

In an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Montano said he was considering the offer, but would like more details before deciding.

"Ang ino-offer lang nila sa akin is just 2 weeks to host. That's the only thing I heard. But I think I have to hear pa 'yong development kung kailan ako papalit or what," Montano said.

Rumor has it that Montano is being eyed by ABS-CBN to permanently replace Willie Revillame, who is on “indefinite break” from “Wowowee.” Montano, however, said it's too early to discuss it.

"I cannot confirm. It's so premature. I cannot give certain details regarding that. Until now, wala pa akong natatanggap," Montano stressed.

He added: "Although it's not a bad idea, its a good honor for me. Pero I think regarding the show or any TV show, wala pa pong nakukumpirma. Even 'Singing Bee,' kung kailan ito babalik hindi ko pa alam."

ABS-CBN has not made a final decision on Montano's hosting of "Wowowee."

Montano hosted hit musical game show "Singing Bee," which aired its last episode February of this year after he decided to join the gubernatorial race in Bohol. Montano lost in that race.

Montano said he is open to replacing Revillame as a permanent host of "Wowowee," saying it will be a new challenge for him.

"I'm open to this idea... It's another challenge to fulfill. Siguro kapag nakita ko na kung gaano kaganda ang offer at avenue," Montano said.

Action star Robin Padilla is also hosting “Wowowee” for 2 weeks. His last day on the show is on Friday. -Report by Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Host Willie Revillame goes on indefinite leave

As of Tuesday morning, 303,244 people clicked “like" on a Facebook fan-page posting "Let Willie Revillame Resign on ABS-CBN," even as television network has announced that it agreed to allow the show host to go on an indefinite leave.

The decision seemed to be a response to Revillame's letter dated May 12 asking that he be released as an ABS-CBN talent. [See: Willie Revillame asks ABS-CBN to release him]

"I have come to realize that my gratitude to the network would be more meaningful if I considered the impact of my recent actions which has placed the station in a bad light. This is among the reasons, as I will explain in this letter, that I humbly request the management, to release me as a talent of the network," he wrote.

In his letter, he mentioned several incidents that reportedly frustrated him, including the infamous Ultra stampede. [See: Ultra tragedy]

The most recent incident was his on-air outburst in reaction to radio host and The Buzz segment host Jobert Sucaldito, who he claimed had been making negative comments about “Revillame and Wowowee."

Meanwhile, the number of those to who liked the "Let Willie Revillame Resign on ABS-CBN" posting continue to swell by the hundreds every hour.

To see the posting, click here.

In last Monday’s meeting between Revillame and ABS-CBN, the network accepted Revillame's apology and made known the decision for Revillame to take an indefinite break effective immediately, but his contract obligations with the network remain.

“Willie has realized his mistake and apologized to ABS-CBN management for his outburst on air in Wowowee on May 4, 2010, and his failure to report to work since May 5, 2010. ABS-CBN management has accepted Willie’s apology," the network said.

"This disallows him to perform similar work for any person or entity in direct competition with ABS-CBN," added Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, who sent the statement to the Philippine Entertainment Portal on May 25.

Whether or not he will eventually resign is up in the air as of the moment.

"At some point, ABS-CBN management and Willie will discuss what will be in the best interest of the viewing public," read the statement.

If the “Let Willie Revillame Resign on ABS-CBN" fan page on Facebook is any indication of the viewing public's interest, it appears they are all too eager to bid Revillame farewell, and welcome Robin Padilla as his replacement.

A post on Facebook read: "Astig mag host si Binoy! Yan ang host! Magalang, matipuno at hindi bastos! Go Binoy!!!" posting was liked by 7,190 people as of Tuesday morning.

The action star has taken over Revillame's hosting duties since he disappeared from the show on May 5, a day after his outburst against Sucaldito. - LBG, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV

Kiko Pangilinan answers rumored infidelity, Korina rift

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, husband of Megastar Sharon Cuneta, denied rumors that he fathered an illegitimate child, adding such rumors were part of the dirty tricks used to besmirch the names of those running for higher office.

"It's dirty tricks coming from those who continue to feel that one of my strong points is my being a family man, my being faithful to Sharon, and my being a doting father to KC, Frankie and Miel," he explained to host Karen Davila in ANC's Headstart on Monday.

The two-term incumbent senator was hounded by rumors of an illicit affair since 2007 when reports came out that his married life was turning sour. The couple was mum on the issue. Pangilinan has 2 biological daughters with Cuneta, Frankie and Miel. He has legally adopted host-actress KC Concepcion and the couple are planning to adopt a boy named Miguel.

"Ilang taon na [ang rumors but] where are the pictures? [The rumors have been there for years but where are the pictures?]" Pangilinan challenged. "I'm in politics and unfortunately there are dirty tricks as we saw in the last elections. It is dirty politicking, it is malicious rumors spread by my political opponents. Sabi nga nila, if showbiz is terrible, politics is even worse," he said.

Pangilinan also noted that the rumors did not surface in the recent election period because he did not run for any position.

"If you noticed, dahil hindi nga ako candidate... Lumabas ba yung tsismis sa akin nung nakaraang ilang buwan?" he said. "Hindi nga ako kailangang siraan kasi nga hindi naman ako threat. Paninira ito at kasinungalingan, [If you noticed, did any rumors came out about me during the election campaign? Because I'm not a candidate, my political opponents doesn't find me as a threat. The rumors are pure lies to ruin my good name], " Pangilinan reiterated.

"That's the long and short behind the rumors of my supposed infidelity," he said.

On Korina: 'We're adults'

Pangilinan also clarified that he is in good terms with Liberal Party vice-presidential bet and fellow Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas despite the rift he had with Roxas's wife, broadcaster Korina Sanchez.

"Mar and I are okay, we were able to strengthen our working relationship during the campaign so we're fine," he said.

In 2009, Sanchez called Pangilinan names in an interview with Ted Failon on dzMM after Pangilinan allegedly asked Roxas to give way for Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. Roxas was the standard-bearer of the party before the death of former president Corazon Aquino.

"Masakit yung nangyari but the important thing is that we saw the task at hand; we had to unite behind Noynoy and Mar because that would be best for the nation so our own feelings, we have to set aside," Pangilinan explained.

Pangilinan, however, did not clarify if he and Sanchez talked during the campaign season where they were both extensively campaigning for the tandem. He also said he and Roxas have not discussed the rift.

"[Talk about what happened?] Not really. I'd like to quote Mar but on a different topic: we're all adults, we're all grown-ups so in the long run... For me, tapos na yun," he said. "I fully understood where she was coming from. Sa akin it was a non-issue."-abs-cbnNEWS.com

Paula Abdul returns as talent show judge

As part of the "American Idol" franchise, singer/dancer/choreographer Paula Abdul has been considered among the vital cogs of a widely lucrative machinery that has helped discover some of America and the world's biggest pop stars. So when her contract was not renewed by producers, "Idol" fans lamented losing the quirky judge from the panel. To those who care, Abdul-known for her generally glowing (if, in the beginning, rambling) critiques and her self-designed jewelry-will resume her career as reality talent show judge. However, it won't be for a show dealing with any aspiring pop recording artists. It's been reported that Abdul will soon serve as lead judge in a CBS show called "Got to Dance," based on a UK hit series. But more than a judge, Abdul also juggles the caps of executive producer, creative partner, mentor, and coach on the show. Abdul is reportedly expected to take on behind-the-scenes and on-camera responsibilities on the show as well. The show is described as "broadcast's first all-ages, all-genres dance series" that brings together everything from ballroom to break dance, to ballet, tap, and tango. Perhaps those who came up with this description had not been tuning into the truly excellent, if a little underrated (especially compared to the near-silly "Dancing with the Stars"), dance competition called "So You Think You Can Dance," which also successfully highlights a variety of dance genres, even Bollywood. Perhaps the difference between the two shows would lie in the age range of the contestants and the manner by which they would compete. At any rate, and as with most reality TV competitions, "Got to Dance" will have a variety of acts that will compete in front of a panel of judges, with viewer votes determining which 'show favorites' will make it to the semis and the finals. Abdul, during her hiatus from TV, wasn't lacking any offers. In fact, after a Twitter announcement that she won't be back on the "Idol" train that she's been on for eight years, U.S. networks have been throwing an "array of unscripted projects" her way. She was reportedly offered to appear on "Dancing With the Stars," while Fox was reportedly also eyeing Abdul for another singing competition-"Idol" pal Simon Cowell's "The X Factor," slated to debut in 2011. At one point, "So You Think You Can Dance" executive producer and judge, Nigel Lythgoe, was seen reserving a guest seat literally with Abdul's name on it on the show's latest season. Abdul was a no-show. Industry analysts figure ABC will air "Got to Dance" to directly compete against "Idol," whose next season will run for the first time without Cowell. With "Got to Dance," CBS will be the fourth major American network to have a dance-competition series. They join the fray that includes ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" and NBC's "Got Talent."

Puno, Ferrer: No 'Garci 2' tape

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer and the camp of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno denied there were caught in a recorded conversation on alleged rigging of poll results.

Ferrer, who himself got a copy of the purported recording, denied having any conversation with Puno about the elections.

“Iba yung boses ko at yung sa tape. Ibibigay ko sa NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] yung CD para maimbestigahan ito,” Ferrer told ABS-CBN News.

In an interview on “Umagang Kay Ganda” on Monday, DILG Assistant Secretary Brian Yasmuan maintained the recording does not contain Puno’s voice.

“Base sa pananaliksik ng aming staff ay malayung-malayo sa boses ni Secretary Puno ‘yung lumalabas doon,” he said.

The audio recording was revealed by Senate Minority Leader Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, who received a copy of the CD.

Pimentel said he cannot vouch for the authenticity of the CD yet but he wants Congress to investigate it.

“Ang buod ng usapan ay kung paano ma-manipulate ang results ng election at kung paano mamaniobra ang makina, maiba ang resulta,” said Pimentel. – Report from ANC

Compact flash cards not destroyed - Smartmatic Compact flash cards not destroyed - Smartmatic exec

An official of Smartmatic Corp. today denied reports of burned or destroyed compact flash (CF) cards.

Cesar Flores of Smartmatic, the technology provider for the first automated polls in the country, said the CF cards that suffered glitches during the field testing were merely reconfigured to correct the software errors.

"There were no CFs cards that were physically destroyed," Flores told the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms at the resumption of its probe today.

Those present at the investigation include committee chairman and Makati City Rep. Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Quezon City Rep. Mattias Defensor, who alleged that irregularities happened in the May 10 polls.

Flores explained that some people took the act of "burning" the CF cards as actually torching the gadgets. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

RP experiencing hottest year of the decade

Weather Bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the country is experiencing its hottest year this decade.

“The year 2010 is the hottest year in the last 10 years,” PAGASA Administrator Dr. Prisco Nilo said in an interview with “Dateline Philippines Sunday.”

Nilo added that with unusually warm temperatures likely being a staple for now, temperatures could range from highs of 36 to 38 degrees Celsius up to the end of the month.

“We’re not anticipating much cloud development to produce rain or bring down temperatures,” he noted.

Nilo, however, said they expect temperatures to ease somewhat by June when the rains come.

Tuguegarao City in Cagayan registered a record temperature high of 39 degrees on Saturday while Metro Manila was at 36.5 degrees. Temperature highs in Manila peaked at 37.5 degrees on May 19. Amid the soaring temperatures, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to limit their outdoor exposure especially at midday to prevent heat stroke and its complications.

DOH Epidemiology Chief Dr. Eric Tayag also cautioned the public against engaging in too much strenuous activity.

The warning comes days after an army recruit died after suffering heat stroke.

Tayag also advised the public to avoid excessive sun exposure, drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

“We’d like to caution those who go to the beach not to stay too long under the sun... Use protection from too much sun damage,” he said. – Report from ANC

Lacson has lost chance to reopen Dacer-Corbito probe

Panfilo Lacson, the fugitive senator who escaped before a Manila court ordered his arrest early this year, could no longer ask for a reinvestigation into the November 2000 killings of veteran publicist Salvador “Bubby" Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito.

The senator had exhausted all legal remedies by failing to show up when the department was still doing the preliminary investigation into the twin killings, Department of Justice assistant chief state prosecutor Richard Fadullon said Sunday.

“The period to file a petition for review [before the Justice Secretary] should have been done 10 days after the resolution was received by his lawyers. Otherwise the resolution becomes final," he said.

On Jan. 7, the department filed double-murder charges against Lacson before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18, which was handling the pending Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

The senator, however, boarded a plane to Hong Kong two days earlier – according to Bureau of Immigration records – before authorities lost track of him.

Lacson has a standing arrest order from Philippine authorities.

The Interpol was tapped by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to help track him down.

On the other hand, Justice Secretary Alberto Agra said it is up to the court to order another preliminary probe into the Dacer-Corbito killings should Lacson seek one.

Judge Myra Garcia-Fernandez, who used to preside over the case, was appointed early this year to the Court of Appeals.

Her replacement is yet to be named.

“It’s up to the court now to proceed with the trial… I believe in the independence of the judiciary. Let the procedure take place," Agra said.

The senator fled the country on January 5, two days before he was charged with the double murder. About than a month later, Fernandez ordered Lacson’s arrest.

In an earlier statement, Lacson said he fled the country to escape what he called an evil conspiracy between Malacañang and the DOJ.

Lacson was a staunch critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration, and had exposed several alleged anomalies implicating members of her family. —VS, GMANews.TV