FREDDIE ROACH NO LONGER WORKING WITH JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.?

Sources have informed us that Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach may no longer be in the corner of WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The two first began working together about two years ago, prior to Chavez Jr.’s unanimous decision victory over John Duddy. Since that time, Chavez Jr. has steadily improved in his performances, yet rumors have continued to surface about the possibility of Roach being replaced. According to multiple sources, that time may have now come ahead of what many believe may be his most difficult challenge when he faces once-beaten middleweight contender Andy Lee on June 16 in El Paso, Texas.

It’s unclear as to exactly why Roach may no longer be working with Chavez Jr. After completing the first part of his training camp in his hometown of Culiacan, for whatever reason, Chavez Jr. decided to move his camp to the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada as opposed to the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California, as he’s done in the past, where Freddie Roach is already working with Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan. In Roach’s place, Jr.’s father, the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., has been overseeing the boxing workouts conducted by assistant trainer Vladimir Baldenebro. Strength & conditioning coach Alex Ariza was also noticeably absent from camp during a recent workout at Top Rank Gym. At the time of this writing, Roach, Ariza and members of Team Chavez could not be reached for comment, but check back soon for more information as this story develops. (fighthype)

ARIZA SPLITTING TIME IN VEGAS AND CALIFORNIA WITH CHAVEZ JR. AND PACQUIAO

Updating a previous report, sources have informed us that world-class strength & conditioning coach Alex Ariza was spotted at a local high school track yesterday in Las Vegas where he was working with Chavez Jr. When word reached us that Roach was on the outs in Chavez Jr.’s corner, it was unclear if Ariza was still working with him, especially when he was noticeably absent during a training session at Top Rank Gym.

According to our sources, however, Ariza will be pulling double duty, going back and forth between California and Las Vegas as he continues to prepare both Pacquiao and Chavez Jr. for their respective bouts. In contrast, Roach has decided to stay in California, where he remains focused on working with Pacquiao at the Wild Card Boxing Club even after his workload decreased now that Amir Khan’s rematch with Lamont Peterson has been cancelled.

According to a Twitter post by ESPN’s Bernardo Osuna, Roach informed him on Tuesday that he plans on reconnecting with Chavez Jr. when he arrives for fight week of Pacquiao vs. Bradley, which will be approximately 2 weeks before Chavez Jr. steps into the ring to face Andy Lee. Our sources, however, maintains that a reunion between Roach and Team Chavez will not be taking place. (fighthype)

Defense Panel wants Chief Justice Corona to be a sincere, candid witness

The camp of Chief Justice Renato Corona is mum on their preparations for the chief magistrate’s testimony on Tuesday, May 22.

But in an interview with reporters on Thursday, defense spokesperson Jose “Judd” Roy III, hinted on how they wanted Corona to come out once he takes the witness stand.

“We want to make sure that he [Corona] gets to be appreciated as a very sincere, candid, and straightforward witness,” Roy told reporters at the Supreme Court in Manila.

The defense lawyer also said that in a highly-publicized trial like the impeachment trial — where emotions as seen in past hearings can run high — they want the chief magistrate to keep his cool the entire time.

“We could imagine that sometimes the witnesses in situations like this can get quite emotional and we will make sure this does not happen,” Roy said.

Roy said Corona had already met with his defense lawyers ever since the team announced to the Senate impeachment court that it already plans to present the chief magistrate on May 22 or Tuesday next week.

Roy, however, was tight-lipped as to the details of the most recent defense meeting.

“We are not going to tell you what’s been going on, which is a very sensitive preparation. Why don’t you just wait for it. Sayang naman ang buildup [We don't want to spoil the buildup],” Roy said.

Roy also said he couldn’t tell yet when they plan to meet anew with Corona in the following days but said: “Whenever he’s ready [we'll meet him]. We have to work around the schedule of the chief justice. He’s a very busy man.”

Corona is set to be the defense’s last witness before the panel ends its presentation of evidence. He is expected to defend himself against allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption.

Roy said there’s already no turning back once they send Corona to the stand next week. “What are we going to do if we don’t present him? We will be in trouble.”

“[Kaya] we’re going to review the records and identify areas of exchange of information on the chief justice’s testimony,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News

Jessica Sanchez makes it to top 2 on ‘American Idol’

Fans screamed and cried as host Ryan Seacrest announced the top two remaining contestants on Season 11 of the popular “American Idol” show Friday morning (Manila time).

Crowd favorite Filipino-American-Mexican Jessica Sanchez was named in the top two, meaning she will be in the final round next week.

Sanchez, who hails from Chula Vista, San Diego, California, will be pitted against Phillip Phillips, the other finalist.

Joshua Ledet was eliminated after public voting determined he was the contestant with the least number of votes.

Sanchez’s top 2 achievement is the highest attained by a contestant with Filipino heritage on the show.

Filipino-American Jasmine Trias made it to the top three of AI’s Season 3, while Ramiele Malubay, another Fil-Am, placed ninth in Season 7.

Thia Megia, another Filipino-American, meanwhile, finished in the top 11 of last year’s competition.

Sanchez’s mother is Filipina, while her father is Mexican.

‘Last girl standing’

The 16-year-old Sanchez is the last girl standing on “American Idol” this year.

On Wednesday night’s performance (Thursday in Manila), Sanchez sang three songs: Mariah Carey’s “My All,” Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” and Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.”

She got positive reviews from all three AI judges—Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson.

Tyler said, “You’ll be the last one standing here. I believe that.”

Lopez noted how Sanchez sounded like Michael Jackson in “I’ll Be There,” while Jackson said Sanchez’s rendition of “My All” was “absolutely beautiful.”

On Thursday’s results show (Friday in Manila), however, music producer Jimmy Iovine said he thought Sanchez’s performances lacked “a magical moment.”

Still, he said he hoped to see Sanchez in the finals.

Adam Lambert, Lisa Marie Presley

Former “American Idol” finalist, rocker Adam Lambert, and Lisa Marie Presley were among the guests on the results show.

Presley sang her new single “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” while Lambert performed “Never Close Our Eyes.”

Finals next week

The top two contestants will perform next week for the last public voting.

Viewers who are US residents will then choose by phone, text messaging, and online voting who will be declared Season 11’s American Idol.

Past “American Idol” winners who made it to superstar status include Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

Among the finalists and contestants on “American Idol” in the past are Katharine McPhee, David Archuleta, and Jennifer Hudson. – RSJ, GMA News

Jessica Sanchez has sore throat going into ‘Idol’ Top 3

MANILA, Philippines — A day before this week’s crucial “American Idol” performance night, which will determine the final two contestants, Jessica Sanchez has been struck with the sore throat.

In her official Twitter account, Sanchez said on Tuesday that she’s “drinking tea. Throat isnt feeling at its best.”

Her fans immediately showed their support for the Filipino-Mexican-American contestant using the hashtag #GetWellSoonJessica.

“I pray for your health and winning! I believe you go through Top 2 Jessica Sanchez,” said Twitter user Antonius Quinn.

“Try a little tenderness,” said Tom Janoski, referring to the Otis Redding song, which Sanchez performed on the hit US talent search.

“Sorry for flooding your timeline with #PrayforJessica #GetWellsoonJessica feeds. We’re just too worried about her for tomorrow’s show,” her fan club Worldwide BluJays wrote.

The remaining three “Idol” contestants are set to perform three songs on Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila) — judges’ choice, record producer and mentor Jimmy Iovine’s choice and contestant’s choice.

The Top 2 vote-getters will advance to the finals next week.

Last woman standing

Sanchez made the Top 3 along with Phillip Phillips and Joshua Ledet after Hollie Cavanagh was eliminated last week, making her the only female contestant left in the contest.

Since the start of the season, “Idol” has been constantly reminding viewers that there hasn’t been a female winner since Jordin Sparks won in Season 6.

But even before she made the Top 3, many “Idol” observers have been predicting that Sanchez could be the one to break the winning streak of the so-called “white guys with guitars.”

For four consecutive seasons, “Idol” has crowned guitar-playing male contestants starting with David Cook in Season 7, followed by Kris Allen, Lee Dewyze and last year’s winner Scotty McCreery.

On Tuesday night, national newspaper USA Today predicted Sanchez to come out on top on Wednesday’s performance night.

USA Today said it has come up with a formula based on song choice, performance order, judges’ verdicts and online buzz.

It said Sanchez could win if “she combines a crowd-pleasing ballad upon which to unleash all of her bounteous vocal gifts (think last week’s ‘And I Am Telling You’) with one of her rare but memorable re-imaginings (think Beyoncé’s ‘Sweet Dreams’).”

The newspaper also advised her to avoid songs by classic R&B singers “three times her age or more.”

“Tina Turner and Etta James should be off-limits, although Aretha Franklin could work. Better to play it safe with more contemporary material, though,” it said.

Parallels

Still, USA Today noted that the composition of the Top 3 can also favor Phillips, noting how Taylor Hicks won over Katharine McPhee and Elliot Yamin in Season 5.

Like that season, the newspaper also said this season’s Top 3 is “an unpredictable showdown between the two best pure singers and an eccentric stylist.”

Other “Idol” observers, however, believe that in terms of parallels, Season 11 shares more in common with Season 6, the year Sparks won.

That season’s Top 3 had Sparks, beat-boxer Blake Lewis and R&B singer Melinda Doolittle.

Like Lewis, Phillips has shown great creativity in terms of re-interpreting popular songs, while Ledet, like Doolittle, comes from a more classical R&B background.

Despite receiving generous praise from the judges all season long, Doolittle was eliminated during Top 3, leaving Lewis and Sparks to duke it out during the finals — which, many “Idol” followers, believe was a lop-sided contest between, what USA Today may call, a “pure singer” and an “eccentric stylist.”–ABS-CBN News

Reyes brothers on Interpol wanted list

MANILA, Philippines – Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes Jr., are now in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) wanted list for failing to surface despite the issuance of arrest warrants for the murder of broadcaster and environmental advocate Dr. Gerry Ortega, the victim’s family said Tuesday.

“While speculations arose that the brothers have left the country illegally, this development surely gives us much hope that eventually they will be captured and tried in the court of law,” said Ortega’s daughter Michaella Angeli.

A P1.55 million cash reward has been offered to anyone who can provide information that would lead to the arrest of the two suspects.

“We call for the brothers to surrender immediately and peacefully. The mere fact that they remain as fugitives to this day–international fugitives at that–does not do anything to convince our family and the people of the Philippines of their innocence,” the Ortega family said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted the Reyes brothers for murder last March.

They were charged with murder along with former Palawan provincial administrator Romeo Seratubias, Arturo Regalado and Valentin Lecias.

Ortega was shot dead while shopping at a used clothing (ukay-ukay) store in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, last January 24.–ABS-CBN News

Senators take turns berating civil society leader Harvey Keh at Corona trial

Civil society leader Harvey Keh was declared a “hostile witness” by the Corona defense team, but it was senators who were hostile to Keh as they took turns scolding him for submitting unverified documents to the Senate.

Senator Miriam Santiago raised her voice once again, verging on yelling, as her temper exploded at Keh and warned him that he was “in jeopardy of being charged criminally” for trying to influence the Senators.

Senate President and the trial’s presiding officer Juan Ponce Enrile repeatedly said he was insulted by Keh’s appearance at his office bearing the documents with a TV crew in tow.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada asked Keh: “Nagtatawag ka ba ng reporter para ilako ang story mo?”

Keh is the convenor of the “Kaya Natin Movement,” which describes itself as a group that promotes good governance and ethical leadership.

“Mayroon ka bang tinawagang broadsheet para masira itong si Chief Justice?” Estrada asked.

Estrada also questioned the “mysterious documents” that Keh earlier personally delivered to the Senate as evidence against Corona.

Keh said he could no longer remember the names of the journalists he informed about the mysterious documents that were allegedly given to them and left outside their office in Quezon City.

However, Keh said he remembered talking to Malaya publisher Jake Macasaet.

When Estrada pressed Keh further, Keh named Tina Dumlao of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“Are you up for publicity?… You admit calling reporters. You are trying to sell these unauthenticated documents,” said Estrada.

“Sinungaling ka,” the lawmaker told Keh before leaving the podium.

Miriam blows top

Senator Santiago, known for her fiery clarificatory questioning during the trial, also criticized Keh for filing a complaint against Corona based on an anonymous document.

“Who is Mr. Anonymous? I would like to ask the PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to issue an arrest warrant,” Santiago told Keh.

“The requirement [of becoming a witness] is that you must be an eye, ear witness or whatever sense was triggered by events happening before you,” Santiago said.

“What kind of good governance are you trying to promote? You are acting on anonymous sources,” Santiago said.

“For a head of something that promotes good governance, you didn’t even bother to examine for yourself, using your own brains, whether this is fair or not,” she added.

Defense lawyer Dennis Manalo, who examined Keh, appeared gentle compared to the senators. Enrile was as annoyed as he’s ever been in the three-month-old trial.

“Why did you bring it to me, instead of Ombudsman? And you were accompanied by TV crew and it was publicized,” Enrile told Keh.

“You are trying to influence this court. I felt insulted and offended,” Enrile added.
- VVP/HS, GMA News

Witness: Document on Corona bank records ‘unauthenticated’

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Wednesday scolded a civil society leader who brought to his office supposed copies of Chief Justice Renato Corona’s bank records at the height of the chief magistrate’s impeachment trial.

Enrile asked Kaya Natin! Movement lead convenor Harvey Keh to “show cause” why he should not be cited for contempt for bringing these documents to his office earlier this month.

“You are trying to influence this court by bringing these documents. I felt insulted and offended as a presiding officer,” Enrile told Keh during the Wednesday’s hearing.

The defense camp presented Keh as a hostile witness in the Corona impeachment trial in connection to a complaint Keh filed against the chief justice before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Defense lawyer Dennis Manalo said the panel will try to prove Keh’s “involvement in a well-planned and orchestrated effort to destroy the reputation of Corona.”

‘Anonymously’ received

During his testimony, Keh told the impeachment court that he “anonymously” received supposed bank documents of Corona in his office last May 3. He said he delivered the documents to Enrile’s office because he felt the Senate was the proper government agency to examine these documents.

“I just felt that your office is in the best position to study this document and see if they can be used or not,” Keh told Enrile.

Enrile, however, questioned Keh’s motive to turn over the supposed bank documents to his office, and not to the Ombudsman, where the civil society leader earlier filed a complaint.

The Senate President further asked Keh why he had to bring with him a television crew on the day that he delivered the documents.

“Why did you bring along members of the media? Because you wanted to publicize that you delivered these documents?” Enrile asked the witness.

Keh denied inviting reporters to cover his visit to Enrile’s office and that he himself was surprised to find reporters waiting for his arrival.

He then offered an apology to the impeachment court for bringing the documents, which he admitted were “unauthenticated,” to the Senate President’s office. —VS/HS, GMA News