Napoles in house of the dead?

MANILA, Philippines - Two officials of the National Bureau of Investigation are now in hot water on suspicions that they allegedly tipped off alleged pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim Napoles, who pulled a two-week disappearing act before surrendering to President Aquino last week. NBI agents mounted a massive nationwide manhunt for the woman now dubbed by many as the “Pork Queen,” even staking out her “known” houses reportedly numbering 28.

All kinds of rumors also started to surface, with stories that Napoles had already left the country escorted by three yachts full of bodyguards, or had flown the coop via a private plane. Sources however told Spy Bits that the NBI would have had a difficult time arresting Napoles (who along with her still-at-large brother Reynald Lim is facing charges of serious illegal detention for the alleged kidnapping of whistleblower Benhur Luy) anyway even without the “tip-off” because the agents were looking in the wrong place.

The NBI men should have searched the house of the dead, the Spy Bits source said, claiming that Napoles was reportedly hiding inside the mausoleum of her mother, Mrs. Magdalena Luy Lim, located in a 300-square meter cemetery lot at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.

According to our source, Napoles was allegedly living in the house of the dead – apparently big enough for parties and also very comfortable because it is air conditioned as well. Food and supplies were coming from one of her houses in nearby AFPOVAI (Armed Forces of the Philippines Officers’ Village Inc.) subdivision in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, the informant added.

Janet (or Jenny) Napoles reportedly has several lots in AFPOVAI and in fact, a digital large format printing business with Reynald Lim and Jo-Christine Napoles listed as owners has “Block 23, Lot 1 R. Magsaysay St. corner J. delos Reyes St., AFPOVAI Phase 2” in Western Bicutan in Taguig as the business address. There are also rumors that Napoles even had security protection from some military men – which many say is not surprising considering that her husband Jimmy Napoles is a retired Marine major who was part of the 1989 coup against the Cory Aquino government.

The ‘wrong’ Ateneo way

An Ateneo alumni who watched the highly-contested game between the Ateneo Blues Eagles and the La Salle Green Archers commented that the technical foul called during the last minute cost the Blue Eagles the game. For those who missed the UAAP game last Sunday, Ateneo newbie coach Bo Perasol charged inside the court and confronted a referee for what he perceived was a missed call when Ateneo forward Ryan Buenafe went on a strong drive against a horde of Green Archers. The confrontation earned Perasol a technical foul in the last minute of the game – with the Green Archers going on to win by a very close 66-64 score.

Worse, the emotional and hotheaded Perasol – who some people are starting to call “Coach Boo” – angrily reacted to the heckling from La Salle supporters and tried to climb over the steel railings, probably to engage the heckler in a boxing match. According to witnesses, one of the hecklers started clapping and shouting “Thank you Perasol for giving us the win!” while the Ateneo team was on the way to the dugout.

Last Sunday’s incident definitely lends credence to UAAP commissioner Chito Loyzaga’s suggestion to employ sophisticated equipment like instant replay cameras placed in strategic locations for easy review of video footage when there are contested or questionable calls. There are also suggestions to bring in a new breed of referees – younger and better paid – to remove any doubts about game fixing and other allegations of bad officiating. 

In any case, it’s obvious that the new coach has to get used to the heckling and jeering every time the two rival teams face each other – like what happened with last Sunday’s game that became so intense and emotional, senior citizen businessman Tony Garcia was reportedly teary eyed as he left the Smart-Araneta coliseum. 

Ongpin’s City Club ready

This Thursday marks the highly anticipated opening of Bobby Ongpin’s very exclusive City Club at Alphaland Makati Place (with photo showing Alphaland president Mario “Babes” Oreta giving instructions to a waiter) in the heart of Makati’s Central Business District. Offering two hectares of leisure, entertainment and business options, the City Club features fully equipped, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that offer world-class service. Gourmands will also enjoy dining at the eight specialty restaurants in the upscale Club.

City Club has a very spacious gym where guests can work out and communicate with their office as well.  It has a treadmill that allows one to choose which track to walk in. Golf enthusiasts will definitely enjoy the electronic golf simulator that allows players not only to practice their swing but even choose which course they want to play in anywhere in the world.

Despite his legal problems, businessman Bobby Ongpin (shown in photo lounging at City Club’s Tobacco room) continues to do well with his upscale property projects like the exclusive Balesin Island Resort in Quezon whose first-rate amenities and facilities are fit to receive royalty and heads of state.

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