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NEWS MONITORING AND ANALYSIS
March 12, 2009
Thursday
Headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers

Road Board books open for scrutiny, Philstar front page -- Malacañang yesterday said it had nothing to hide in the controversy over the alleged misuse of some P50 billion in road users’ tax that would be investigated by both chambers of Congress.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the books of the Road Board, which handles the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC), are open to scrutiny by lawmakers.

He reiterated that the Palace welcomed the looming congressional inquiries and expressed confidence the issue would be clarified.

DPWH usec, 2 others hurt in ambush, Malaya banner story -- PUBLIC Works Undersecretary Ramon Aquino was wounded yesterday in an ambush staged by two motorcycle-riding men in front of the DPWH main office in Port Area, Manila.

Aquino, chief of staff of Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, was hit in the chest and abdomen but is in stable condition at the Manila Doctors Hospital, said Undersecretary Rafael Yabut.

GMA signs baselines bill Beijing protests Spratlys ‘claim’, Manila aTimes banner story -- China on Wednesday immediately protested President Gloria Arroyo signing into law a controversial bill defining the Philippines’ maritime boundaries.

GMA signs Baselines Bill into law, triggers China protest, Philstar front page -- “We are sending the message to the whole world that we are affirming our national sovereignty… our national interest as an independent country,” Ermita said.

China, which also claims sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, “strongly opposed” the signing of Republic Act 9522 known as the Philippine Baseline Act, which defines Philippine territorial waters and maintains the country’s claim over the disputed Spratly Islands (Kalayaan Island Group or KIG) in the South China Sea and Scarborough Shoal.

Vietnam, which also has long-running claims in the Spratlys, also opposed the move.

Arroyo signs controversial baselines bill, PDI front page -- Ms Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9522 (or the Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law) on Tuesday in Malacañang minus the formal ceremony that often marks the signing of key legislation, perhaps hoping to avoid controversy with other nations.

The law defines the “general configuration” of the archipelago, including the extended continental shelf (ECS) and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), to make it more compliant with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

100 more congressmen proposed, Bulletin banner story -- "Being a democratic and republican state, our very own people expect no less than proper representation in the government so that their voices will be heard, their concerns will be addressed, and their rights will be protected," Enrile said.

Enrile seeks 100 new House seats, Philstar front page -- Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has filed a bill seeking to increase the seats in the House of Representatives from 250 to 350 to ensure proper representation in the legislature because of the growing population in some congressional districts.

Enrile said the Constitution provides that the House shall be composed of not more than 250 members “unless otherwise fixed by law.” It also provides that 20 percent of the House members should be elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations.

De Venecia seeks dismissal of expulsion case, Philstar news page -- In his answer to Amante’s complaint, the former speaker said the committee “should have dismissed the case outright for failure to state a cause of action.”

De Venecia pointed out the Constitution authorizes Congress to punish its members for “disorderly behavior.”

“Nowhere in the privilege speech (of Amante) and in the interpellations thereon can you find an allegation constituting ‘disorderly behavior’ committed by the respondent,” he said.

Palace cheers Teodoro’s plan to run in 2010, PDI news page -- Everything but the endorsement.

Malacañang officials Wednesday cheered Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s announcement to run for President in the 2010 elections, trumpeting his credentials and even comparing him to US President Barack Obama.

Malacañang officials have been floating the name of Teodoro as a possible candidate for President since November last year.

Palace upbeat on Teodoro for 2010, Philstar news page -- With just a little over a year before the 2010 national elections, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. appears to have the inside track to secure the nomination as presidential bet of the administration party.

Teodoro recently admitted that he wants to run for president in 2010. His name has been floated on several occasions as the administration’s possible choice to run for the country’s top post.

Both Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) senior deputy secretary-general Gabriel Claudio and provincial chairman for Batangas, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, welcomed Teodoro’s intention to seek the presidency, considering that he is one of the most capable and qualified officials allied with the administration.

Charter change on top of Teodoro agenda, PDI news page -- Count on Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. to amend the Constitution if he becomes the next president.

“First and foremost, we should really have political reforms... there must be a review of the Constitution, that’s the number one priority in my platform,” Teodoro said a day after he took the initial step in a presidential bid by making his intentions public.

Next on his list, he said, was to carry on with the fiscal measures being implemented by the Arroyo administration to sustain the basic services provided to every Filipino and improve infrastructure programs.

Why is Monsod singing different tune?, PDI news page -- Sen. Richard Gordon, the author of the election automation law, asked this after Monsod warned on Tuesday that the haste in automating the 2010 elections could lead to computerized cheating.

The senator said Monsod was a “Johnny-come-lately” because Congress has already passed the budget to fund automation. He said the election automation law has sufficient safeguards to avoid cheating.

Jesus is Lord disowns Securities and Exchange Commission executive, Philstar front page -- The religious group Jesus is Lord denied yesterday reports that Commissioner Jesus Enrique Martinez of the Securities and Exchange Commission is a member, but admitted that JIL founder Eddie Villanueva endorsed Martinez for the SEC position based on his credentials and qualifications.

“To imply that beleaguered SEC Commissioner Jesus Enrique Martinez is a member of the Jesus is Lord is absurd,” JIL executive secretary Edith Mendoza said. “Based on our records, Commissioner Jesus Martinez has never been a member of JIL.”

Martinez goes on leave, Philstar banner story -- Embattled Commissioner Jesus Martinez filed a leave of absence from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday on the eve of his retirement and as the depth of his alleged role in the Legacy mess was revealed.

Martinez, who is slated for retirement today, stands to lose all his benefits and may even serve time in prison if he is found to have covered up Legacy’s financial troubles in exchange for lavish presents including a house and lot.

DOJ record in going after fraudsters does not inspire confidence: Mar, Malaya front page-- SEN. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II yesterday said the failure of the Department of Justice to prosecute suspects in previous cases of securities fraud puts to doubt its ability go after Celso delos Angeles of the Legacy Group and government officials who were his alleged protectors.

"Ano pong maaasahan natin dito sa panibagong task force ng DOJ na ito?" Roxas said in a radio interview.

Roxas said the DOJ created a similar task force in 2005 to investigate a wave of banking anomalies but has not filed a single case after four years.

BSP must account for Legacy collapse—solon, Tribune banner story -- But Sen. Richard Gordon yesterday said BSP officials should also be investigated for failing to prevent the alleged illegal banking scheme employed by Legacy owner Celso de

los Angeles through a number of rural banks.

'Ombudsman has only 7 months left in office', Philstar news page -- Sen. Francis Escudero believes Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez must step down on Oct. 31 this year after serving the unexpired term of her predecessor based on a 1955 Supreme Court decision.

Ombudsman’s days numbered, PDI news page -- Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has found a novel argument to yank Gutierrez out in case impeachment proceedings against the Ombudsman fail in the administration-controlled House of Representatives.

In a statement issued from Canberra, Australia on Wednesday, Escudero contended that Gutierrez is only serving out the unexpired term of her predecessor, Simeon Marcelo, and according to his calculations, her term ends in October.

'Chiz wrong on when Ombudsman Gutierrez should go', abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | -- Senator Francis Escudero erred in his analysis that the term of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez will expire in October 2009, an assistant Ombudsman said Wednesday.

Republic Act (RA) 6770 or the “Act providing for the functional and structural organization of the Office of the Ombudsman" states that in case of vacancy, the Ombudsman's replacement will have a full term.

Article 3, Section 8 of RA 6770 says: “In case of vacancy in the Office of the Ombudsman due to death, resignation, removal or permanent disability of the incumbent Ombudsman, the Overall Deputy shall serve as Acting Ombudsman in a concurrent capacity until a new Ombudsman shall have been appointed for a full term."

The Ombudsman and the Deputy Ombudsmen are mandated to serve for seven years without reappointments.

PCGG ready to field questions on San Miguel diversification, Philstar news page -- By virtue of its 27 percent stake in SMC, the PCGG has nominated to the SMC board of directors broadcast executive Menardo Jimenez; industrialist Egmidio Jose; former Presidential Security Group (PSG) head Leo Alvez; former Nueva Ecija congressman Pacifico Fajardo, father of the deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo; and former justice secretary Silvestre Bello III.

European Chamber of Commerce warns RP vs sliding back to protectionism, Philstar Business news page -- The Philippines is not insulated from the effects of the global crisis, and moving towards protectionism will just make the situation worse, the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) said yesterday.

PLDT, Lopez Group in talks to cement alliance in Meralco, Philstar business news page -- Telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and the Lopez Group are holding top-level talks to consolidate their stake in power retailer Manila Electric Co., a ranking PLDT official said yesterday.

PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund (BTF) vice-chairman and ePLDT president Ray Espinosa told The STAR that “many things are being discussed” by the two groups and that a disclosure will be made soon on the results of the talks.

Army major tagged in Pitao slay; 2 confined to barracks, Philstar front page -- Speaking over a local ABS-CBN radio station, NPA commander Leoncio Pitao said seven other soldiers – a major, three sergeants and three corporals – were also involved in the murder of his daughter Rebelyn.

Pitao said he has “solid evidence” to back up his allegations, including the fact that the white van used in snatching Rebelyn last March 5 was seen parked in a military safehouse in Carmen, Davao del Norte.

Pitao said the 11 soldiers were widely known to have been behind the killing of militant leaders in the Davao

region.

“Last year, they killed my brother Danilo and now, Rebelyn is their latest victim,” he said.

Pay Abu Sayyaf P50M or attack, PDI front page -- The government has two options to free the three kidnapped aid workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Pay the Abu Sayyaf bandits P50 million, or attempt a “very dangerous” rescue operation.

President sets up bounty system to hasten arrest of media killers, Bulletin front page -- The President also contributed P2 million to the “freedom fund” for the families of slain journalists during a meeting with representatives from National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) as well as police officials in Malacañang.

Political killings on the rise again, groups say, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) disinterred the cadavers of Ronel Raguing, 25, and Julito Quirante, 48, in Sitio Junob, Brgy. Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental. They were allegedly seized by members of the 79th Infantry Battalion last February 2.

The bodies were found hog-tied and bore possible injury marks.

Prior to this, the body of Pitao, daughter of New People’s Army (NPA) commander Leoncio Pitao, was discovered in an irrigation ditch in Carmen, Davao del Norte on March 5. She was reportedly abducted by four armed men in Bago Gallera de Oro Subdivision, Bago Gallera, Tolomo, Davao City.

Human rights groups Karapatan-Central Visayas (KARAPATAN-CV) and the Promotion of Church People's Response condemned the sudden upsurge of alleged extra-judicial killings.

Gloria advised to jettison heavy baggage FG — think tank, Tribune news page -- First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo has become an untenable political baggage to his similarly unpopular spouse that people close to President Arroyo have “advised her to file for legal separation,” multinational think tank Pacific Strategies and Assessments (PSA) said in its Feb. 16 report on the country.

It noted, however, that the “First Couple together with their three children Congressmen Mikey and Dato; and daughter Luli have all miraculously maintained a united front in the face of the many family controversies and persistent speculation about various marital infidelities.”

EDITORIAL - Another road mess, Philstar editorial -- From street lamps in Cebu for the ASEAN summit to bidding for a World Bank-funded road project and now to funds for road repairs, corruption scandals hound the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The bet is Legacy boss will escape conviction POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr., Philstar Opinion -- De los Angeles and his co-accused, like many other operators before him, will just put up the “Prove it!” legal defense that has been honed to perfection by Arroyo officials under fire. This stops in their tracks all pursuers, who often lack airtight evidence.

Viewpoint : Strange virus / Juan Mercado, PDI Opinion -- A spineless ombudsman and whitewashing congressmen saw to it that World Bank bidding crooks were not nailed. As in Jose Pidal’s bank accounts, the First Gentleman was insulated from answering tough questions. Presidential immunity in this country has a reach beyond the letter of the law.

Lito Banay Readers know more edbanayo.htm, Malaya Opinion -- Doming C sent in his comments about our "Essay on Age" Thursday last, where we dissected the curious case of "pa-pogi" of Chiz Escudero on the Nene Pimentel right to reply bill he himself co-authored. Said Doming, "I agree with your commentary about Chiz. Simple pa-pogi or claiming to be the Obama of the Philippines without the track record to show should give him no room (reason?) to aspire for the presidency. This nation has suffered so much, let’s give the country a break. We need a man who has the vision, competence, integrity and reliability, to become our next president, not a candidate of some rich businessmen."

FROM THE SIDELINES By Alfredo G. Rosario : GSIS’ bitter pill, Manila Times Opinion -- My son, Virgilio, had served for over 32 years in the government and died in office. But he was not given even the basic burial benefit. The check I received last week was for the initial survivorship benefit of his widow, Roselyn, and two minor daughters.

It was a bitter pill to swallow. My son’s family had opted for expediency without justice because it had no other choice. It should have deserved justice with expediency.

Tony Lopez: Battle of the Titans, Manila Times Opinion -- At the starting gate are three major groups—San Miguel Corp. under Chairman and CEO Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. and President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang, Ayala Corp. under the brothers, Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Manuel Pangilinan of the First Pacific Group of Hong Kong of the Salim Group of Indonesia. First Pacific, in turn, has controlling interest in two large Philippine companies—the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

Senate Press Releases:

Poll automation law has enough safeguards vs cheating - Gordon --Gordon, author of Republic Act (RA) 9369 or the amended Automated Elections System Law, made the assurance to dispel skepticisms by some quarters that no machine could be fool-proof to cheating and manipulation.

"Some unscrupulous individuals may try to hack into the computer system that will be employed in the poll automation. However, the law has sufficient safeguards to ensure that they will not succeed," he said.

"We are trying to put a stop to the wholesale cheating that has marred our elections in the past," he added.

Killing of NPA leader's daughter may be a war crime, underscores need for Int'l Humanitarian Law - Gordon -- Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today underscored the urgency for Congress to pass a measure penalizing crimes against International Humanitarian Law (IHL) under domestic courts with the killing of a daughter of a communist leader.

If the killing of Rebelyn Pitao was connected to her being a daughter of New People's Army commander Leoncio Pitao, Gordon said it is more urgent to pass the IHL bill that would punish such acts under domestic courts.

"Whether or not the killing of Rebelyn Pitao is related to her father's involvement with the NPA, we should not tolerate such an atrocious act. However, this incident highlights the need to enjoin the country to International Humanitarian Law," he said.

Chiz bats for entry of more Filipino health professionals, non-skilled workers in... -- "We talked about the possibility of a government-to-government arrangement on labor migration at various levels," he said in a statement before returning to Manila on Wednesday. The senator was in Australia from March 8 to 11 on the invitation of the Australian government.

Escudero's visit was highlighted by his first meeting with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd whom he said agreed that Australia and the Philippines should play "more active roles in the region.

Jail godfathers in illegal drug trade - Loren --
Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday challenged the government to prosecute some big-time traders, manufacturers and syndicate godfathers engaged in illegal drug trafficking to prove it was serious in eliminating the "worsening" illicit drug trade.

"I am alarmed by the disclosure of an asset of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that illegal drugs, like shabu, is openly being sold in sari-sari or neighborhood stores in Taguig City," Loren said.