The Supreme Court has acquitted Joey Marquez of the graft case filed against him involving the alleged purchase of 2.9 million pesos worth of brooms during his term as mayor of Parañaque City.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Korte Suprema na nakita nila 'yong pinaglalaban ko,” Joey said.

The actor will run again for mayor in the city, a post he held from 1995 to 2004.

Joey disproved a report that he and Joanne Quintas were seen together “holding hands” at Gateway on Nov. 7.

“Nabasa ko 'yon [article]. Nasa ‘Celebrity Duets’ ako nun. Masyado lang akong maraming kamukha siguro. Iba na ang pogi,” he kidded.

Dingdong Dantes comes to Marian’s defense

Hunk actor Dingdong Dantes came to his girlfriend Marian Rivera’s defense against rumors that she rudely pushed a 12-year-old kid.

“It is impossible for her to do that. I think they have to get their facts straight first,” said Dingdong, adding that Marian loves kids.

“Sobrang mahal niya ang mga bata, lalo na ang mga batang humahanga sa kanya.”

Meanwhile, Dingdong gushed over President Gloria Arroyo’s admiration for his new billboard for “Desire,” a perfume he personally designed.

“It’s flattering. I owe it all to the perfume. Sana maamoy din nya,” he quipped.

He admitted to have mixed emotions leaving behind “StarStruck” to take over “Family Feud” from Richard Gomez who is taking a sabbatical from showbiz in line with his political plans.

“Nakakalungkot kasi five years [akong host ng ‘StarStruck’], five generations ng iba’t-ibang artista. Nandun ako to witness [their growth], kung paano sila minahal ng tao. Pero mas napa-proud ako that I was part of ‘StarStruck.’

“Excited na excited [ako sa ‘Family Feud’]. Nagpa-praktis na ko sa bahay,” he related.

Alyssa Alano meets Aussie half-sis

Sexy star Alyssa Alano has finally met her half-sister, Sandra Lee, who arrived in the country on Nov. 8.

Sandra admitted that their family in Australia has not yet accepted Alyssa.

“Everyone else wants a test. [But] all she [Alyssa] wants is a sister, nothing more,” she said.

Alyssa confessed that meeting Sandra wiped away all the pain and resentment she had for their deceased father, who abandoned her family when she was still little.

“Wala na pong sakit. Hindi naman po ako nagtatanim ng sama ng loob. Nabunot lahat ng sama ng loob ko nang makita ko siya [Sandra],” said she.

On a lighter note, Sandra said Alyssa might visit Australia in February or March next year.