War of the widows

With Enrique Zobel’s nine-day novena not even over, Ear-spies disclosed that Rocio Urquijo-Zobel – EZ’s first wife – reportedly hired the ACCRA law firm to aggressively pursue her claims on his estate last week. EZ and Rocio were married on Oct. 7, 1953 and they got a divorce in the Dominican Republic. Rocio, who has been living in Manhattan for decades, has asked the court to put EZ’s estate under her guardianship or Jaime Zobel de Ayala’s. The amazing thing is that after 40 years and after leaving her children, Rocio now claims to be THE Mrs. Zobel. Her real target is Ms. Dee Anne Hora, EZ’s common-law wife. Rocio wants to get her out of the picture. However, EZ’s children want to protect Dee because she was with EZ for close to 30 years. More important, she cared for EZ for the last 14 years. The War of the Widows has begun.

Using the US Embassy

Add this one to our "Only in da Pilipins" file on political squid tactics. Text messages spread last weekend about former US Ambassador Stephen Bosworth allegedly asking GMA to step down or face a civil war. In truth, Bosworth merely presented a US think tank’s report on the challenges of post-election RP to GMA. Another version of this info black ops goes: "US Embassy intel Mr. Steven Busworth instrcted GMA 2 step down frm ofc or suferred consequences of civil war led by her political opponents who have cried fraud in the May 10 elections. Pls pas." Whoever was in charge of the text brigade should have at least made sure that they spelled Bosworth’s name right if they were to use the US Embassy as an accomplice in destabilization.

Corps Geriatrique

A Corps Diplomatique (CD) Eye-spy revealed that a senior foreign affairs official is allegedly turning a blind eye to violations being committed against The Foreign Service Act or RA 7157 by allowing officers over 65-years-old to continue occupying their posts. This deep penetration Eye-spy explained that the official condones such violations because said official is supposedly guilty of other violations. In fact, this official reportedly has three pending cases before the Ombudsman for overstaying in a certain post before being assigned to the new one. He added that employees are turned off by this official’s daughter who, we quote, "struts around in the office like a peacock in borrowed plumes" and throws her weight around. Confucius once said that if a mandarin can’t handle his family well how can he be expected to properly handle a ministry. In Europe, cars with CD badges mean that it is a diplomatic car. For violating Republic Acts, the car badge of this official should be changed to CG for Corps Geriatrique.

Cathay Pacific gets 6 new birds

An airline industry Eye-spy related that Cathay Pacific recently inked a contract with Airbus for additional three A-330-300 aircraft, and another three A330-300 from the US leasing firm ILFC. The six new birds in the fleet bolsters Cathay Pacific’s reputation as having one of the largest Airbus fleets in Asia. What’s more, the contract further reinforces the success of the A330/A340 Family as the preferred choice of airlines worldwide in the medium- to long-range segment, which has been particularly successful in the Asia-Pacific. According to Cathay Pacific CEO and deputy chairman David Turnbull, the addition of the six A330s is in line with the Hong Kong-based airline’s plans to provide more services to its flyers, enhance Hong Kong’s status as a leading global aviation hub, and provide more jobs to locals. Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled between 2005 and 2007. Looks like Cathay Pacific intends to maintain altitude over regional competitors with the help of Airbus.

Spy tidbiz: Victory at all cost

Our mountain goat reported that an ambitious Region 1 politician ran for re-election in his congressional district, fielded his son against the entrenched dynasty of the other district, and propped his daughter to run for mayor in Aspiras’ town. The daughter was disqualified, though, for not meeting residency requirements and his son lost. After allegedly spending tons of money, he bested his popular and charismatic young rival by 9,000 votes. The latest twist in this dynastic saga is that after receiving five notices already from the Provincial Board of Canvassers, he hasn’t shown up. Rumor spread that he suffered a massive stroke and is on a life-support system. Lately, relatives said that he is up and about again. For some, they must have victory at all cost. Even at the cost of their lives.

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