Do a Thaksin, Gloria told
but local officials back her
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday expressed their support for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as she marked her 59th birthday yesterday, amid calls from her critics "to do a Thaksin."

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Tuesday announced his resignation amid accusations of corruption and abuse of power that had triggered mounting protests in Bangkok.

However, Presidential Political Affairs Adviser Gabriel Claudio said Arroyo will not follow the footsteps of Thaksin, her situation was "altogether different."

Zamora staying as CLO,
says he has SC option
BY CEDELF TUPAS

Bacolod City Legal Officer Allan Zamora, yesterday said he may elevate his case to the Supreme Court if the motion for reconsideration filed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia is dismissed.

The co-terminus appointment of Zamora as CLO was declared invalid by the Civil Service Commission Central Office for not meeting the residency requirement.

Zamora questioned the Dec. 5, 2006 ruling, saying that it is legal residency and not actual residency, as cited in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code that is a requirement for an appointive position.

Kris admits marrying James
BY CEDELF TUPAS

Controversial television and movie personality Kris Aquino yesterday made public her marriage to professional basketball player James Yap, ending months of speculation on the real status of her relationship with the cager from Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

In an interview with television network ABS-CBN, Kris --- youngest child of the late former senator Benigno Aquino and former president Corazon Aquino --- said she and Yap of Escalante City, Negros Occidental, first got married in May 28, just 22 days after she and the cage star became a couple.

"We got our marriage license on May 30. But we repeated the civil ceremony on July 10," she said yesterday.