CA ACQUITS US MARINE DANIEL SMITH IN RAPE CASE, THREE FEMALE MAGISTRATES RULE IT WAS A 'ROMANTIC EPISODE'
By Benjamin B. Pulta
THREE female magistrates of the Court of Appeals (CA) yesterday ruled in favor of acquitting United States Marine L/Cpl. Daniel Smith who was convicted by a Makati regional trial court of raping a Filipina while he was on furlough.
In a 71-page decision, the CA's Special Eleventh Division through Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa ruled that "on reasonable ground,the accused Lance Corporal Daniel Smith is hereby acquitted of the crime of rape as alleged in the information,"
"He is ordered released immediately unless held for other lawful cause," the CA division ruled after two other magistrates, Remedios S. Fernando and Myrna Dimaranan-Vidal concurred with the ruling.
"What we see was the unfolding of a spontaneous, unplanned romantic episode with both parties carried away by their passions and stirred up the urgency of the moment caused probably by alcoholic drinks they took, only to be rudely interrupted when the van suddenly stopped to pick up some passengers,"the CA said.
The appellate court took pains to claim that it had not been influenced by a supposed sworn statement executed by the victim which was reportedly prepared by Smith's counsel. The matter is presently being investigated by the Supreme Court.
"Ultimately, it must be pointed out that in resolving the case, we disregard the alleged recantation of Nicole submitted on March 8,2009.Nor did we open the sealed draft decision penned by retired Justice Agustin S. Dizon which was attached to the records," the CA said.
The court insisted that its "careful and judicious perusal of the evidence on record does not convince the prudent mind about the moral certainty of the guilt of the accused,"
"(T)he moment of parting came and the marines had to rush to the ship. In that situation,reality dawned on Nicole--what her audacity and reckless abandon,flirting with Smith and leading him on,brought upon her," the court said adding that "her claim that she was unconscious rings hollow,delusive and untrue."
Earlier this week, Smith's lawyers were ordered by the Supreme Court (SC) to answer a petition alleging that they played a part in preparing the supposed "recantation" made by Smith's accuser, 'Nicole'.
In a four-page resolution the high court required " the concerned lawyers of Sycip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan to comment within ten days from notice on the alleged violation ". Smith is being represented by the legal team from the said firm led by Jose Justiniano.
The said ruling also ordered Court of Appeals (CA) President Justice Conrado Vasquez Jr. " to conduct an investigation on the alleged release of a draft ruling acquitting Smith.
A petiiton has been filed last month before the SC by individuals and groups asking the high court to investigate Daniel Smith's defense lawyers involvement in the Court of Appeals draft ruling acquitting the US Marine.
The suit also urges the high court to stop the appellate court from proceeding with the case and for the SC to conduct an investigation of what it said was "the questionable circumstances of the execution of the supposed sworn statement of Nicole dated 12 March 2009 and "to discipline, if warranted, the lawyers, including Sycip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan" The latter they said may have violated ethical rules in its execution and notarization.
Petitioners said that while the investigation is being conducted,the SC should stop the CA from resolving Smith’s appeal until all the issues.
Individual petitioners in the suit are former Leticia Ramos Shahani is a former senator and one of the principal authors of Republic Act No. 8353, also known as the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, Mary John Mananzan, Teresita Ang See, Nemenzo and Cristina as well as lawyers Evalyn G. Ursua and Harry Roque.
Likewise parties in the suit are the Gabriela (General Assembly Binding Women For Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership and Action),its party-list group Gabriela Women's Party (“GWP”) , the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan ( Bayan), the Ecumenical Women's Forum and Task Force Subic Rape.
The parties are questioning what it claims are improper steps taken by government lawyers as well as the defense panel in the suit. "The Office of the Solicitor General has not taken any step to ensure that the interests of the people are protected. For example, it has not made any move to ascertain whether the People’s principal witness, Nicole, indeed freely, voluntarily and intelligently executed her alleged sworn statement of March 12, 2009. " the petitioner said.
"It has not made any move either to ascertain whether unethical or illegal methods were employed by Daniel Smith’s lawyers in the execution of Nicole’s supposed sworn statement in their office. In the light of the Office of the Solicitor General’s insistence that Smith should be detained in the U.S. Embassy until the final resolution of his appeal, despite the Supreme Court ruling of February 11, 2009, the office evidently suffers from a serious conflict of interest."
The petitioner said while the supposed sworn statement of Nicole has been called a “recant” by the media, "in truth, the same is not a recant."
The parties also said there is no inconsistency between the new statement and the testimonies of Nicole and other witnesses and that the narrative in the sworn statement affirms "Nicole’s severe intoxication before and during the rape, which deprived her of the capacity to give free, voluntary and intelligent consent to any sexual contact, as corroborated by toxicology experts and other prosecution witnesses during the trial".\ The sworn statement is not inconsistent with the testimonies of witnesses who saw the U.S. marines dump Nicole on the side of the road " like a pig, with her pants down and its zipper at the back, and with a condom sticking out of her panties. " Those witnesses testified that Nicole was incoherent and unable to even remember her name.
" From the sequence and timing of events, it is not difficult to conclude that everything has been orchestrated so that in the end Smith will get acquitted and the public will accept the acquittal. With the acquittal, the issue of Smith’s custody by the U.S. Embassy, which has become legally untenable and a foreign relations nightmare to both the Philippine and U.S. governments, will disappear, as ably predicted by Secretary Remonde. "the parties said.###
April 23, 2009
April 22, 2009
Today is April 22, 2009,Wednesday
Today's headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
SC sits 32 more party list solons, Malaya banner story -- In a 35-page decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the Court en banc struck down for being unconstitutional the 2 percent threshold in the distribution of additional seats in relation to the distribution of additional party list seats under R.A. 7941 (Party List System Law).The decision is immediately executory.
The 2 percent threshold presents an unwarranted obstacle to the full implementation of party list representation and prevents the attainment of "the broadest possible representation of party, sectoral or group interests in the House of Representatives," the SC said.
SC party-list ruling kills Cha-cha, Tribune banner story -- Charter change (Cha-cha) through the one-chamber Constituent Assembly (Con-ass) is dead in the water, with the Supreme Court (SC) ruling having set the guidelines for parties running for the remaining party-list slots in Congress to represent marginalized and underrepresented sectors in society.
The decision raised the party-list seats to 55 from the current 23 and effectively increased the required three-fourths vote needed for Congress to amend or revise the Constitution.
Opposition decries new way for Charter change, Times front page -- A sponsorship speech of Rep. Victor Ortega of La Union, the chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, kicked off deliberations on the recommended changes as pushed by House Resolution 737 filed by House Speaker Prospero Nograles.
Ruling seen as blow to Cha-Cha efforts, Malaya front page -- The resolution of Speaker Prospero Nograles which seeks to lift the limitation on foreign ownership of land now requires 207 signatures out of the new total House membership of 270 to comply with the three-fourths vote requirement. The previous requirement was 179 out of 243 members.
The bar is even higher for the Constituent Assembly resolution of Rep. Luis Villafuerte. It now needs 222 signatures out of 293 members, including 23 senators. The previous requirement was 197 out of 266 legislators.
House officially flags off Charter Change express, Malaya news page -- Nograles also sought to allay fears that the passage of his House Resolution 737, which seeks to allow foreign ownership of alienable public and private lands, would open the floodgates to revision of the Constitution.
HR 737 was finally sponsored in the plenary Tuesday night by the chair of the committee on constitutional amendments Kampi Rep. Victor Ortega (La Union), officially opening the debates on Charter Change.
Erap tells bishops: Let the people, not church, decide, Tribune front page -- Estrada has repeatedly said he would run for president again if the opposition forces fail to unite behind a single candidate. He was elected as president in 1998 but was deposed in 2001 amid charges of corruption and mismanagement. He was convicted of plunder after a six-year trial and then granted an absolute pardon by his successor, President Arroyo.
Don’t vote for bets with ads–Namfrel, Times front page -- Henrietta de Villa, chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and of Namfrel, said people should show their outrage over the violations, not just in words but also in deeds. Namfrel is an officially accredited election watchdog in the Philippines.
She was referring to likely presidential candidates who have been airing radio and television commercials. Other likely bets are also hosting radio segments and endorsing commercial products also in commercials and in outdoor advertising—allegedly to gain media exposure and get a headstart on the next year’s campaign.
Next year’s polls shaping up to be star-studded production, Times news page -- Already, a number of celebrities from the movie and television business are sending signals—some not subtle—suggesting an interest to seek public office next year.
Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. are most likely to seek reelection, even as fellow television personality Edu Manzano is reportedly preparing to join them in the Senate. Manzano is the country’s anti piracy chief.
Sen. Escudero ‘dreaming’ of Palace bid, Times news page -- Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday admitted he has dreams of joining the presidential race in 2010, even as Joseph Estrada lashed out at a bishop who said the former president should not run next year.
But Escudero said he has yet to decide on making a bid for the Palace next year, and he would only decide on running once he meets the legal qualifications for presidential aspirants.
Senate ethics issue seen disintegrating into fight among ‘presidentiables’, Times news page -- Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, spokesman of the minority, said they also asked the majority at the all-Senate caucus to act on the “post-dated” order for Villar to reply to Madrigal’s charges even before the ethics committee had met to determine whether the charges were sufficient in form and substance.
Jinggoy urges Ping to recuse on ethics investigation of Manny, Malaya news page -- SENATE President Pro-tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada yesterday urged ethics committee chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson to inhibit from hearing the complaint against former Senate President Manuel Villar on the alleged P200 million double insertion in the 2008 C-5 road extension project.
Estrada said panel members perceived to be biased against the former Senate President should also inhibit.
Estrada said the call for Lacson to inhibit was first raised by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, also a member of the new majority bloc.
Self-Rated Poverty Declining–Survey, Times news page -- “Self-rated poverty has been on a generally downward trend since mid-2008, declining from 59 percent in June 2008, 52 percent in September, 52 percent in December, to 47 percent in February 2009,” the social research institution added.
In its latest survey on self-rated poverty, SWS said 27 percent of the respondents put themselves on the borderline, while 26 percent consider themselves as not poor.
Losing bidder says DepEd’s noodles now cost more, Malaya news page -- This was disclosed by Dennis Quido, sales manager of losing bidder Kolonwel Marketing Inc., which had submitted a sample of the noodles distributed by DepEd in its 2007 feeding program to laboratory testing to find out if the claims of winning supplier Jeverps Manufacturing on the noodles’ nutritional value are true.
Quido said DepEd spent P284 million in 2007 for more than 15 million packets of the noodles. In 2008, he said Jeverps, which was also the winning supplier in 2007, was paid P427 million for supplying more than 19 million packets of noodles. He said this means a packet costs P22 each, up from the previous price of P18 per packet which is still more expensive than noodles available in supermarkets for only P6 to P8 per packet.
Web-only newspapers? Don't junk the presses yet, Times news page -- A study by two researchers at City University in London dissects in excruciating detail the ill-fated move by an economic daily in Finland,Taloussanomat.fi, which shed its printing presses in December 2007.
The aim was to cut operating costs by eliminating paper, distribution and associated staff. It worked: the paper slashed its capital outlays by more than 50 percent.
The problem is that its revenue plummeted even further, by 75 percent.
Prepare for ‘Gloria Forever’ edtorde.htm by Ellen Tordesillas, Malaya Opinion -- Actually, at this point in time, Gloria Arroyo can do anything she wants.
If the real purpose in the char-ter change resolutions pend-ing in the Malacañang -controlled House of Representatives is not to prolong the hold on power of Gloria Arroyo, why are her minions desperately pushing for charter change less than a year away from the 2010 elections when they know very well that two out of three Filipinos do not want charter change now?
No amount of public assurance by Speaker Prospero Nograles and Camarines Sur Luis Villafuerte, authors of separate resolutions calling for amendments to the Constitution, will make the people believe that all these frantic moves have nothing to do with making sure that Arroyo continues to be in power, in whatever form or position, so that they also can continue enjoying the protection and privileges of being aligned with her.
Mr. Expose Insensitive by Amb. Ernesto Maceda, Tribune Opinion -- Deeper. The hot exchange of words between Sen. Ping Lacson and Sen. Manny Villar supported by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano is another unfortunate episode in the history of this Senate. Villar finally took the floor to defend himself. He also asked the Senate to investigate Lacson for murder and other crimes.
As a neutral observer, I believe public sympathy is on Villar�s side. Senator Lacson can limit the damage by immediately giving up the chairmanship of the ethics committee. Only then will any ethics committee report be credible.
After all, Villar has been �punished� enough with his removal as Senate President.
Today's headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
SC sits 32 more party list solons, Malaya banner story -- In a 35-page decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the Court en banc struck down for being unconstitutional the 2 percent threshold in the distribution of additional seats in relation to the distribution of additional party list seats under R.A. 7941 (Party List System Law).The decision is immediately executory.
The 2 percent threshold presents an unwarranted obstacle to the full implementation of party list representation and prevents the attainment of "the broadest possible representation of party, sectoral or group interests in the House of Representatives," the SC said.
SC party-list ruling kills Cha-cha, Tribune banner story -- Charter change (Cha-cha) through the one-chamber Constituent Assembly (Con-ass) is dead in the water, with the Supreme Court (SC) ruling having set the guidelines for parties running for the remaining party-list slots in Congress to represent marginalized and underrepresented sectors in society.
The decision raised the party-list seats to 55 from the current 23 and effectively increased the required three-fourths vote needed for Congress to amend or revise the Constitution.
Opposition decries new way for Charter change, Times front page -- A sponsorship speech of Rep. Victor Ortega of La Union, the chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, kicked off deliberations on the recommended changes as pushed by House Resolution 737 filed by House Speaker Prospero Nograles.
Ruling seen as blow to Cha-Cha efforts, Malaya front page -- The resolution of Speaker Prospero Nograles which seeks to lift the limitation on foreign ownership of land now requires 207 signatures out of the new total House membership of 270 to comply with the three-fourths vote requirement. The previous requirement was 179 out of 243 members.
The bar is even higher for the Constituent Assembly resolution of Rep. Luis Villafuerte. It now needs 222 signatures out of 293 members, including 23 senators. The previous requirement was 197 out of 266 legislators.
House officially flags off Charter Change express, Malaya news page -- Nograles also sought to allay fears that the passage of his House Resolution 737, which seeks to allow foreign ownership of alienable public and private lands, would open the floodgates to revision of the Constitution.
HR 737 was finally sponsored in the plenary Tuesday night by the chair of the committee on constitutional amendments Kampi Rep. Victor Ortega (La Union), officially opening the debates on Charter Change.
Erap tells bishops: Let the people, not church, decide, Tribune front page -- Estrada has repeatedly said he would run for president again if the opposition forces fail to unite behind a single candidate. He was elected as president in 1998 but was deposed in 2001 amid charges of corruption and mismanagement. He was convicted of plunder after a six-year trial and then granted an absolute pardon by his successor, President Arroyo.
Don’t vote for bets with ads–Namfrel, Times front page -- Henrietta de Villa, chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and of Namfrel, said people should show their outrage over the violations, not just in words but also in deeds. Namfrel is an officially accredited election watchdog in the Philippines.
She was referring to likely presidential candidates who have been airing radio and television commercials. Other likely bets are also hosting radio segments and endorsing commercial products also in commercials and in outdoor advertising—allegedly to gain media exposure and get a headstart on the next year’s campaign.
Next year’s polls shaping up to be star-studded production, Times news page -- Already, a number of celebrities from the movie and television business are sending signals—some not subtle—suggesting an interest to seek public office next year.
Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. are most likely to seek reelection, even as fellow television personality Edu Manzano is reportedly preparing to join them in the Senate. Manzano is the country’s anti piracy chief.
Sen. Escudero ‘dreaming’ of Palace bid, Times news page -- Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday admitted he has dreams of joining the presidential race in 2010, even as Joseph Estrada lashed out at a bishop who said the former president should not run next year.
But Escudero said he has yet to decide on making a bid for the Palace next year, and he would only decide on running once he meets the legal qualifications for presidential aspirants.
Senate ethics issue seen disintegrating into fight among ‘presidentiables’, Times news page -- Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, spokesman of the minority, said they also asked the majority at the all-Senate caucus to act on the “post-dated” order for Villar to reply to Madrigal’s charges even before the ethics committee had met to determine whether the charges were sufficient in form and substance.
Jinggoy urges Ping to recuse on ethics investigation of Manny, Malaya news page -- SENATE President Pro-tempore Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada yesterday urged ethics committee chair Sen. Panfilo Lacson to inhibit from hearing the complaint against former Senate President Manuel Villar on the alleged P200 million double insertion in the 2008 C-5 road extension project.
Estrada said panel members perceived to be biased against the former Senate President should also inhibit.
Estrada said the call for Lacson to inhibit was first raised by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, also a member of the new majority bloc.
Self-Rated Poverty Declining–Survey, Times news page -- “Self-rated poverty has been on a generally downward trend since mid-2008, declining from 59 percent in June 2008, 52 percent in September, 52 percent in December, to 47 percent in February 2009,” the social research institution added.
In its latest survey on self-rated poverty, SWS said 27 percent of the respondents put themselves on the borderline, while 26 percent consider themselves as not poor.
Losing bidder says DepEd’s noodles now cost more, Malaya news page -- This was disclosed by Dennis Quido, sales manager of losing bidder Kolonwel Marketing Inc., which had submitted a sample of the noodles distributed by DepEd in its 2007 feeding program to laboratory testing to find out if the claims of winning supplier Jeverps Manufacturing on the noodles’ nutritional value are true.
Quido said DepEd spent P284 million in 2007 for more than 15 million packets of the noodles. In 2008, he said Jeverps, which was also the winning supplier in 2007, was paid P427 million for supplying more than 19 million packets of noodles. He said this means a packet costs P22 each, up from the previous price of P18 per packet which is still more expensive than noodles available in supermarkets for only P6 to P8 per packet.
Web-only newspapers? Don't junk the presses yet, Times news page -- A study by two researchers at City University in London dissects in excruciating detail the ill-fated move by an economic daily in Finland,Taloussanomat.fi, which shed its printing presses in December 2007.
The aim was to cut operating costs by eliminating paper, distribution and associated staff. It worked: the paper slashed its capital outlays by more than 50 percent.
The problem is that its revenue plummeted even further, by 75 percent.
Prepare for ‘Gloria Forever’ edtorde.htm by Ellen Tordesillas, Malaya Opinion -- Actually, at this point in time, Gloria Arroyo can do anything she wants.
If the real purpose in the char-ter change resolutions pend-ing in the Malacañang -controlled House of Representatives is not to prolong the hold on power of Gloria Arroyo, why are her minions desperately pushing for charter change less than a year away from the 2010 elections when they know very well that two out of three Filipinos do not want charter change now?
No amount of public assurance by Speaker Prospero Nograles and Camarines Sur Luis Villafuerte, authors of separate resolutions calling for amendments to the Constitution, will make the people believe that all these frantic moves have nothing to do with making sure that Arroyo continues to be in power, in whatever form or position, so that they also can continue enjoying the protection and privileges of being aligned with her.
Mr. Expose Insensitive by Amb. Ernesto Maceda, Tribune Opinion -- Deeper. The hot exchange of words between Sen. Ping Lacson and Sen. Manny Villar supported by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano is another unfortunate episode in the history of this Senate. Villar finally took the floor to defend himself. He also asked the Senate to investigate Lacson for murder and other crimes.
As a neutral observer, I believe public sympathy is on Villar�s side. Senator Lacson can limit the damage by immediately giving up the chairmanship of the ethics committee. Only then will any ethics committee report be credible.
After all, Villar has been �punished� enough with his removal as Senate President.
April 20, 2009
Today is April 20, 2009,Monday
This morning's headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
Erap joins resettled San Juan folks on 72nd birthday, Malaya news page -- Estrada was accompanied by his son San Juan JV Ejercito at the Erap City, a resettlement in Taytay, Rizal, for homeless residents of San Juan.
Estrada’s spokesperson Margaux Salcedo said "The former president has decided to forego throwing a party this year due to the current economic crisis. Instead, decided to spend it with the less fortunate as has been his way for several years now."
Erap’s birthday wish: Fraud-free elections in 2010, Bulletin front page -- Former President Joseph Estrada, crisscrossing Metro Manila and nearby Rizal areas as the finale of his 72nd birthday celebration Sunday, told thousands of cheering admirers and supporters that their trust and confidence remain to be the strongest force that made him survive the darkest hours of his life in the almost seven years that he was in jail.
He said their “support will remain in my heart forever.” “Hindi ko makakalimutan habang buhay ang inyong hindi pag-iwan sa akin sa pinaka-madilim na bahagi ng buhay ko,” Estrada spoke in Filipino to throngs of supporters in Metro Manila’s marginalized areas.
Chiz seeks R & D funds for AFP defense buildup, Tribune front page -- Sen Francis �Chiz� Escudero yesterday sought an end to the Philippines� reliance on military handouts from the Philippines and called for allocation of funds needed for a research and development program that would enable the country to build up its own defense capability.
Escudero made this call after noting that Balikatan exercises in Bicol region exposed the �decrepit state of the country�s armed forces�
RP seeks Syria�s support for OIC status, Tribune front page -- A high-ranking Philippine official is following up on the country�s bid for an observer status to the influential Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) that would pave the way for the continuation of peace talks with Muslim groups in the country�s restive southern region.
Vice President Noli de Castro personally sought the support of the Syrian government for the Philippines� bid to the Muslim bloc.
Makeover for 2010 contenders: Dressing their way to Malacañang, Manila Times front page -- It’s only a few months away from the 2010 presidential elections and the country already has a few probable candidates for the highest post in the land—Senators Manuel Villar Jr., Loren Legarda, Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, Panfilo Lacson and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, plus Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, to name a few.
Loren bats for reliability of poll automationTHE full automation of the 2010 elections should proceed despite claims that it could be tampered with, Sen. Loren Legarda said Sunday.
Heavy-handed arrest of Ted’s in-laws, house help dismays Puno, Malaya front page -- Puno, during his visit at the wake of Trinidad Etong at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City Saturday night, said the policemen should have been more lenient in arresting Failon’s in-laws Pamela and his brother Maximo because Trinidad needed them by her side at the hospital.
DOJ bucks Trina cremation, Let authorities finish probe first, says Gonzalez, Manila Times front page -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Sunday said that the body of Trinidad “Trina” Arteche Etong, wife of ABS-CBN news anchor and former congressman Ted Failon, should not be cremated until the authorities completed their investigation of her death.
Gonzalez explained that there were still nagging questions on the death of Trinidad that needed to be addressed.
Thousands of soldiers, tillers, cops victims of Legacy scam, Tribune front page -- More than 12,000 uniformed personnel were among the victims of the dubious pre-need plans under the Legacy Group, Sen. Manuel Roxas II said yesterday along with announcing the resumption this morning of the Senate inquiry into the status of the pre-need industry.
Pinoy seamen banned from crewing ships passing through Gulf of Aden, Malaya front page – PRESIDENT Arroyo has banned Filipino seafarers from crewing ships passing through the Gulf of Aden following stepped up hijackings and kidnappings by Somali pirates.
"Over the week President Arroyo issued a series of directives banning the deployment of our seafarers on the pirate-threatened sea lanes and the stepping up our efforts to recover our kababayans who are still held hostage by these pirates," Press Secretary Cerge Remonde told Radyo ng Bayan.
Ted Failon’s multiple tragedy by Ellen Tordesillas edtorde.htm , Malaya Opinion -- These things can only happen in an environment of lawlessness and impunity.’ I pray that nobody, especially lesser mortals like me, will go through the multiple tragedy that happened to Ted Failon, one of the country’s top broadcasters.
It was tragic enough that a suicide happened in the Failon family. It was double tragedy that a number of them became suspects and worse, they became victims of police arrogance and cruelty.
Many who witnessed the policemen’s rough treatment of Max Arteche and Pamela Arteche-Trincheta, siblings of Trina, Ted’s wife, who passed away Thursday, as well as that of their driver and household help lament that if that can happen in a case involving a broadcast celebrity under the glaring lights of live TV, how much more to ordinary citizens?
Ted Failon and the police‘,edducky.htm by Ducky Paqredes, Malaya Opinion -- (W)e are all witnesses to how our police handle Juan de la Cruz, the average Pinoy. This is the way that the police do their job when dealing with the hoi polloi.”
In a sense, I am glad that the PNP in dealing with the household of Broadcaster Ted Failon did so with heavy, heavy hands. By their doing so, we are all witnesses to how our police handle Juan de la Cruz, the average Pinoy. This is the way that the police do their job when dealing with the hoi polloi. What you saw and are seeing is the culture that has permeated our police forces.
They will cajole and threaten and do illegal stuff such as roughing them up, arresting and placing them in detention without even applying for a search warrant and they will forcibly take citizens for no other purpose than showing police power to the max.
Security and risk managers by Dahli Espillera eddahli.htm, Malaya Opinion -- ‘Other countries have professionals effectively trained and fully experienced to deal with hostage-takers.” – Former Cavite Congressman Gilbert Remulla.’
Tens of millions of dollars in ransom is reported to have been paid to hostage-takers for the release of hijacked sea-going vessels captured in recent months.
As with international ocean piracy, local kidnappings are on the rise because they have become extremely lucrative and virtually risk-free for the outlaws, according to the Nacionalista Party (NP), led by Senator Manuel Villar Jr.
Man at the Market Selective zeal, Tribune Opinion -- If only the police would show the same zeal and passion they have shown in solving the mystery surrounding the shooting and eventual death of the wife of popular radio and television anchor Ted Failon Etong, the ratio between the country�s crime index and those that were actually solved by the police would have been greatly reduced to an acceptable level.
Unfortunately, the police in this country are clearly very selective in their crime solution effort. Only those high profile cases such as the Etong death where the media�s klieg lights are focused capture such kind of attention from the police. Those crimes that involve lesser mortals, more often than not, don�t get such resoluteness on the part of the police to solve.
BIG DEAL By Dan Mariano Finally, RP takes action on Somali piracy – Manila Times Opinion -- Malacañang’s critics are likely to call it another case of “too little too late”—and with good reason. After all, Somali pirates have seized hundreds of Filipino seamen in dozens of hi-jackings over the past couple of years while Philippine authorities basically just looked on and hoped for the best.
Nevertheless, the Palace’s announcement banning the deployment of Filipino seamen on ships sailing the extremely dangerous waters off Somalia is a step in the right direction. For one thing, it indicates that the government has finally taken official notice of the problem—and seems to be doing something to address it.
This morning's headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
Erap joins resettled San Juan folks on 72nd birthday, Malaya news page -- Estrada was accompanied by his son San Juan JV Ejercito at the Erap City, a resettlement in Taytay, Rizal, for homeless residents of San Juan.
Estrada’s spokesperson Margaux Salcedo said "The former president has decided to forego throwing a party this year due to the current economic crisis. Instead, decided to spend it with the less fortunate as has been his way for several years now."
Erap’s birthday wish: Fraud-free elections in 2010, Bulletin front page -- Former President Joseph Estrada, crisscrossing Metro Manila and nearby Rizal areas as the finale of his 72nd birthday celebration Sunday, told thousands of cheering admirers and supporters that their trust and confidence remain to be the strongest force that made him survive the darkest hours of his life in the almost seven years that he was in jail.
He said their “support will remain in my heart forever.” “Hindi ko makakalimutan habang buhay ang inyong hindi pag-iwan sa akin sa pinaka-madilim na bahagi ng buhay ko,” Estrada spoke in Filipino to throngs of supporters in Metro Manila’s marginalized areas.
Chiz seeks R & D funds for AFP defense buildup, Tribune front page -- Sen Francis �Chiz� Escudero yesterday sought an end to the Philippines� reliance on military handouts from the Philippines and called for allocation of funds needed for a research and development program that would enable the country to build up its own defense capability.
Escudero made this call after noting that Balikatan exercises in Bicol region exposed the �decrepit state of the country�s armed forces�
RP seeks Syria�s support for OIC status, Tribune front page -- A high-ranking Philippine official is following up on the country�s bid for an observer status to the influential Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) that would pave the way for the continuation of peace talks with Muslim groups in the country�s restive southern region.
Vice President Noli de Castro personally sought the support of the Syrian government for the Philippines� bid to the Muslim bloc.
Makeover for 2010 contenders: Dressing their way to Malacañang, Manila Times front page -- It’s only a few months away from the 2010 presidential elections and the country already has a few probable candidates for the highest post in the land—Senators Manuel Villar Jr., Loren Legarda, Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd, Panfilo Lacson and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, plus Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, to name a few.
Loren bats for reliability of poll automationTHE full automation of the 2010 elections should proceed despite claims that it could be tampered with, Sen. Loren Legarda said Sunday.
Heavy-handed arrest of Ted’s in-laws, house help dismays Puno, Malaya front page -- Puno, during his visit at the wake of Trinidad Etong at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City Saturday night, said the policemen should have been more lenient in arresting Failon’s in-laws Pamela and his brother Maximo because Trinidad needed them by her side at the hospital.
DOJ bucks Trina cremation, Let authorities finish probe first, says Gonzalez, Manila Times front page -- Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Sunday said that the body of Trinidad “Trina” Arteche Etong, wife of ABS-CBN news anchor and former congressman Ted Failon, should not be cremated until the authorities completed their investigation of her death.
Gonzalez explained that there were still nagging questions on the death of Trinidad that needed to be addressed.
Thousands of soldiers, tillers, cops victims of Legacy scam, Tribune front page -- More than 12,000 uniformed personnel were among the victims of the dubious pre-need plans under the Legacy Group, Sen. Manuel Roxas II said yesterday along with announcing the resumption this morning of the Senate inquiry into the status of the pre-need industry.
Pinoy seamen banned from crewing ships passing through Gulf of Aden, Malaya front page – PRESIDENT Arroyo has banned Filipino seafarers from crewing ships passing through the Gulf of Aden following stepped up hijackings and kidnappings by Somali pirates.
"Over the week President Arroyo issued a series of directives banning the deployment of our seafarers on the pirate-threatened sea lanes and the stepping up our efforts to recover our kababayans who are still held hostage by these pirates," Press Secretary Cerge Remonde told Radyo ng Bayan.
Ted Failon’s multiple tragedy by Ellen Tordesillas edtorde.htm , Malaya Opinion -- These things can only happen in an environment of lawlessness and impunity.’ I pray that nobody, especially lesser mortals like me, will go through the multiple tragedy that happened to Ted Failon, one of the country’s top broadcasters.
It was tragic enough that a suicide happened in the Failon family. It was double tragedy that a number of them became suspects and worse, they became victims of police arrogance and cruelty.
Many who witnessed the policemen’s rough treatment of Max Arteche and Pamela Arteche-Trincheta, siblings of Trina, Ted’s wife, who passed away Thursday, as well as that of their driver and household help lament that if that can happen in a case involving a broadcast celebrity under the glaring lights of live TV, how much more to ordinary citizens?
Ted Failon and the police‘,edducky.htm by Ducky Paqredes, Malaya Opinion -- (W)e are all witnesses to how our police handle Juan de la Cruz, the average Pinoy. This is the way that the police do their job when dealing with the hoi polloi.”
In a sense, I am glad that the PNP in dealing with the household of Broadcaster Ted Failon did so with heavy, heavy hands. By their doing so, we are all witnesses to how our police handle Juan de la Cruz, the average Pinoy. This is the way that the police do their job when dealing with the hoi polloi. What you saw and are seeing is the culture that has permeated our police forces.
They will cajole and threaten and do illegal stuff such as roughing them up, arresting and placing them in detention without even applying for a search warrant and they will forcibly take citizens for no other purpose than showing police power to the max.
Security and risk managers by Dahli Espillera eddahli.htm, Malaya Opinion -- ‘Other countries have professionals effectively trained and fully experienced to deal with hostage-takers.” – Former Cavite Congressman Gilbert Remulla.’
Tens of millions of dollars in ransom is reported to have been paid to hostage-takers for the release of hijacked sea-going vessels captured in recent months.
As with international ocean piracy, local kidnappings are on the rise because they have become extremely lucrative and virtually risk-free for the outlaws, according to the Nacionalista Party (NP), led by Senator Manuel Villar Jr.
Man at the Market Selective zeal, Tribune Opinion -- If only the police would show the same zeal and passion they have shown in solving the mystery surrounding the shooting and eventual death of the wife of popular radio and television anchor Ted Failon Etong, the ratio between the country�s crime index and those that were actually solved by the police would have been greatly reduced to an acceptable level.
Unfortunately, the police in this country are clearly very selective in their crime solution effort. Only those high profile cases such as the Etong death where the media�s klieg lights are focused capture such kind of attention from the police. Those crimes that involve lesser mortals, more often than not, don�t get such resoluteness on the part of the police to solve.
BIG DEAL By Dan Mariano Finally, RP takes action on Somali piracy – Manila Times Opinion -- Malacañang’s critics are likely to call it another case of “too little too late”—and with good reason. After all, Somali pirates have seized hundreds of Filipino seamen in dozens of hi-jackings over the past couple of years while Philippine authorities basically just looked on and hoped for the best.
Nevertheless, the Palace’s announcement banning the deployment of Filipino seamen on ships sailing the extremely dangerous waters off Somalia is a step in the right direction. For one thing, it indicates that the government has finally taken official notice of the problem—and seems to be doing something to address it.
April 16, 2009
Good Morning,
Today is April 16, 2009, Thursday
The headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
Ted Failon arrested, PDI banner story -- Police arrested ABS-CBN news anchor and former Congressman Ted Failon at 12 midnight allegedly for tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice for failure to immediately report the shooting of his wife.
Failon was brought to Camp Karingal in Quezon City by the arresting team led by Supt. Gerardo Ratuita, deputy chief of the Quezon City Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit. The popular news anchor was accompanied by his eldest daughter, Kaye, and his lawyers.
(All newspapers, front page)
Failon's wife shot at home, Philstar banner story -- The wife of broadcast journalist Ted Failon was in critical condition yesterday from a gunshot wound to the head inflicted at their home in Quezon City.
Failon on Estrada’s Senate list, PDI news page -- TED FAILON, who was recently included by deposed President Joseph Estrada in the opposition’s list of possible senatorial candidates in 2010, is a broadcaster of television giant ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and its sister radio station dzMM.
Opposition: Palace out to neutralize Estrada, PDI front page -- The United Opposition said Wednesday the moves to implicate Joseph Estrada in the revival of the criminal case against Best World Resources chair Dante Tan showed that the administration “will leave no stone unturned” to scuttle his chances of becoming president again.
San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, a son of Estrada, said the revival of the BW case and another one was clearly intended to “neutralize” Estrada, who remains the leading figure of the opposition.
RaulGon scored over demolish-Erap ‘ranting’, Malaya news page -- JUSTICE Secretary Raul Gonzalez was asked yesterday to stop what was described as a vilification campaign against President Joseph Estrada and focus instead on scoundrels in and out of government.
Sen. Francis Escudero said Gonzalez "should end this virtual striptease" as he has become a "master at feeding bits and pieces of innuendo to media."
Escudero issued the statement a day after Gonzalez talked of a link between the Best World Resources Corp. (BWRC) stock manipulation case in 1999 and the murders of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000.
DOJ clueless on Erap-Tan link, Manila Times banner story -- UNO decries ‘hatchet job’ on Estrada -- Because he did not know whether Tan and Estrada were supposedly dear friends, according to the Justice secretary, only former Chairman Perfecto Yasay of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), “maybe even [former Finance Secretary] Edgardo Espiritu,” could elaborate on the issue of Estrada and the three other supposed recipients of the shares having made off with the millions from sale of the shares.
Palace, DoJ slammed for demolition job on Erap, Tribune front page -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday assailed what he called continuing attempts by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Executive to link his father, former President Joseph Estrada, to the Dacer-Corbito case, this time, on the issue of the Best World Resources Corp. (BWRC) scandal years ago, intertwined with the double-murder case of publicist Salvador �Bubby� Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
Dumlao loses petition; due to fly home, Manila Times front page -- US FEDERAL authorities are expected to implement the extradition order against former police Senior Supt. Glenn Dumlao, one of the principal suspects in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, after a New York court junked his petition for habeas corpus.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez explained Wednesday that in the absence of any new legal impediment, the US authorities have no other recourse but to send Dumlao back to the Philippines, as they are bound to comply with the US-Philippines Extradition Treaty.
BW's Tan gave Lacson 300,000 shares, documents show, Philstar front page -- The chairman of Best World (BW) Resources had instructed a stock brokerage firm to transfer 300,000 company shares to former police chief and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
The STAR has obtained a copy of the letter detailing the instruction of BW chairman Dante Tan to AT De Castro Securities Corp. sometime in July 1999.
At the time the instruction was given, BW shares cost P30 to P35 each. The share’s value rose dramatically in the next few weeks, reaching a staggering P130 by November.
It was the sharp spike in BW share prices that sparked suspicion that the stock was being manipulated.
Tan, in his letter, had also ordered the transfer of 300,000 shares each to Faustino Salud, Benito Salazar, and to the account of Teodorico Enriques/Buenaventura Peralta.
Teodoro won't slide to vice presidential post, Philstar news page -- Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said yesterday that his plan right now is to seek the presidency and he won’t slide down to vice president in the 2010 elections.
Teodoro told ABS-CBN News Channel last Tuesday night that he has joined the administration’s selection process to choose the presidential standard-bearer. He clarified reports that he might run for vice president if the administration chooses Vice President Noli de Castro as presidential candidate.
Teodoro supporters turn to the Internet, PDI news page -- Can a promotional website make up for this presidential aspirant’s cautious “silence”?
Supporters of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who last month announced his intention to run for president in 2010, have turned to the Internet to advertise his credentials to the electorate, especially to young voters.
The site—www.gilbertteodoro.com—makes a pitch for the Harvard-trained lawyer who, in a TV interview on Tuesday, said his sensitive Cabinet job has been limiting his “options” when it comes to playing to the crowd.
Teodoro taps Internet for 2010 Palace race, Manila Times news page -- But Teodoro—whose site, “GT 2010,” was developed in February—does not enjoy first-mover advantage, as many of the likely, and popular, presidential candidates already have websites.
Like the secretary, Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., has an official site dedicated to his 2010 aspirations. The headline on the site is his campaign battle cry: “Sipag at Tiyaga [Industry and Patience]”
Other likely presidential aspirants, too, have generic official websites, including Vice President Noli de Castro, former President Joseph Estrada, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd.
Villar’s colleagues cry ‘political rubout’, PDI news page -- Daggers are out and charges of a “political rubout” are being aired in connection with the ethics complaint against Sen. Manuel Villar.
Amid accusations of double standard, the Senate committee on ethics and privileges Wednesday ordered Villar to answer charges that his real estate empire had benefited from the alleged P200-million double-funding for the C-5 road extension project.
Ethics panel finds basis to probe Villar, Malaya news page -- THE Senate ethics committee yesterday found the complaint by Sen. Jamby Madrigal against Sen. Manuel Villar sufficient in form and substance, a finding which the minority bloc led by Villar described as a "political rub-out."
The decision was leaked to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Villar’s ally, Tuesday night.
Johnmuel Mendoza, the committee’s legal counsel, said the sworn complaint by Madrigal was merely sufficient in form and substance.
Villar camp contests ethics panel's ruling on C5 controversy, Philstar news page -- The camp of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. contested yesterday the order of the Senate ethics committee finding the complaint against the former Senate president sufficient in form and substance.
Senators allied with Villar also questioned why the order came out ahead of its scheduled committee meeting yesterday.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. raised the issue before the floor, describing the ethics committee’s move as an affront to the Senate as an institution.
Pimentel said it was wrong for the ethics committee led by Sen. Panfilo Lacson to issue an order ahead of any committee meeting.
Hatchet job on Villar case in Ping panel, Tribune front page -- A �leakage� of an antedated �order� by the Senate ethics committee investigating Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. on his alleged involvement in the questionable double funding of the C-5 Road extension project, stirred a new round of tension yesterday, with senators perceived to be his supporters and critics lashing at one another within the halls of the upper chamber.
The leakage of the order on Villar to �comment� on the charges against him, which also carries a declaration by the powerful committee headed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, on sufficiency of form and substance of the complaint, had taken a new twist on the matter that is said to have triggered Villar�s ouster as Senate chief in November last year.
Senate ready for showdown with House on Charter change, Philstar news page -- Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago yesterday said the Senate is ready for a showdown with the House of Representatives before the Supreme Court if the lower chamber passes a resolution for Charter change (Cha-cha) without the senators voting separately on the proposed amendments.
Speaker blasts JdV over Cha-cha tirades, Tribune news page -- Speaker Prospero Nograles yesterday lashed back at his predecessor, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. for urging his House colleagues to undo everything he has done thus far during his stint as leader of the chamber.
Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) president and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte accused the former Speaker of being �the biggest source of political strife� in the House.
Con-Ass takes new tack , Malaya banner story -- THE draft House resolution convening Congress into a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) to amend the 1987 Constitution will undergo revisions to dispel speculations that it is meant to prolong the term of President Arroyo.
Rep. Luis Villafuerte (Kampi, Camarines Sur) said he has deferred the filing of the measure because he wants to make it clear that its only objective is to force the Supreme Court to rule on whether the House and the Senate should vote jointly or separately in proposing Charter amendments.
House assures Ombudsman of fairness in impeachment proceedings, Philstar news page -- Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor, chairman of the House justice committee, yesterday assured Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez of impartial proceedings in the impeachment complaint filed against her.
“This I can assure the Ombudsman, we will give equal treatment to both the prosecution and defense,” Defensor said. “I think an impeachment complaint against the President or any other impeachable official should be treated equally.”
Gutierrez: ‘I’m ready to face charges’, PDI news page -- But Gutierrez may not necessarily be assured of the support of administration allies in the House of Representatives, which endorsed the impeachment complaint against her to the justice committee Wednesday.
De Venecia won’t testify at Senate on ZTE, PDI news page -- However, De Venecia officially corroborated his son’s testimony before a Senate panel that the First Family was involved in the NBN-ZTE deal, a claim vehemently denied by the spokespersons of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo.
Senators condemn DA executive's slay, Philstar news page -- Sen. Richard Gordon vowed yesterday to initiate a Senate investigation to ascertain whether the murder of Agriculture Undersecretary Gumersindo Lasam had something to do with his knowledge of the alleged P728-million fertilizer fund anomaly.
Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, made the bow as he condemned Lasam’s killing.
Senators raise suspicions on killing of Lasam, Manila Times news page -- Sen. Gordon says DA official was the 4th in the department with knowledge of anomalies who got killed. Senators suspected Wednesday that the killing of Agriculture Undersecretary Gumersindo Lasam on Tuesday was connected to the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.
Senate not likely to pass simplified tax measure, Philstar news page - The Senate is not likely to pass the bill adopting a simplified net income taxation scheme (SNITS) that would limit the expenses professionals and the self-employed could deduct from their gross incomes to reduce their tax liabilities, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.
Lacson said House Bill 5521 could be “headed to the Senate archives” or “to the grave” because the Department of Finance failed to provide enough data to justify the measure.
Lacson, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, said Finance Secretary Margarito Teves admitted they should do their homework and that they lacked the necessary inputs for the panel.-
Senate probe sought on power law violations, Malaya news page -- SENATE majority leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed a resolution seeking an investigation by the Senate committee on energy and other appropriate committees on the possible violations of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) by the National Power Corp. and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.
Zubiri, in his Senate Resolution 957, said the Senate should look into the P3.7255 per kilowatt hour or P0.8376/kwh increase in generation cost implemented by the Napocor and PSALM in the Visayas grid last March.
Teachers want P9,000 pay hike, Philstar news page -- The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA), and other allied groups said yesterday the P6,000 pay hike proposed under House Joint Resolution No. 24 is not enough to provide teachers the pay they deserve, considering their level of work and credentials.
‘Feeding program noodles not overpriced’, Malaya news page -- The noodles were bought by DepEd for P18 per pack. Other commercial noodles are sold at P4 to P5 per pack.
The claimed superior nutritional value of the noodles based on the inclusion of fresh egg was also allegedly untrue.
Winning bidder for the 2008 DepEd school feeding program, Jebervs Manufacturing Corp., reportedly also won the contract for 2009.
A losing bidder, Conwell Marketing Inc., reportedly submitted Jebervs’ noodles to a laboratory test and found them to be all-flour and with no nutritional content, including the claimed inclusion of fresh egg.
Today is April 16, 2009, Thursday
The headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
Ted Failon arrested, PDI banner story -- Police arrested ABS-CBN news anchor and former Congressman Ted Failon at 12 midnight allegedly for tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice for failure to immediately report the shooting of his wife.
Failon was brought to Camp Karingal in Quezon City by the arresting team led by Supt. Gerardo Ratuita, deputy chief of the Quezon City Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit. The popular news anchor was accompanied by his eldest daughter, Kaye, and his lawyers.
(All newspapers, front page)
Failon's wife shot at home, Philstar banner story -- The wife of broadcast journalist Ted Failon was in critical condition yesterday from a gunshot wound to the head inflicted at their home in Quezon City.
Failon on Estrada’s Senate list, PDI news page -- TED FAILON, who was recently included by deposed President Joseph Estrada in the opposition’s list of possible senatorial candidates in 2010, is a broadcaster of television giant ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. and its sister radio station dzMM.
Opposition: Palace out to neutralize Estrada, PDI front page -- The United Opposition said Wednesday the moves to implicate Joseph Estrada in the revival of the criminal case against Best World Resources chair Dante Tan showed that the administration “will leave no stone unturned” to scuttle his chances of becoming president again.
San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, a son of Estrada, said the revival of the BW case and another one was clearly intended to “neutralize” Estrada, who remains the leading figure of the opposition.
RaulGon scored over demolish-Erap ‘ranting’, Malaya news page -- JUSTICE Secretary Raul Gonzalez was asked yesterday to stop what was described as a vilification campaign against President Joseph Estrada and focus instead on scoundrels in and out of government.
Sen. Francis Escudero said Gonzalez "should end this virtual striptease" as he has become a "master at feeding bits and pieces of innuendo to media."
Escudero issued the statement a day after Gonzalez talked of a link between the Best World Resources Corp. (BWRC) stock manipulation case in 1999 and the murders of publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000.
DOJ clueless on Erap-Tan link, Manila Times banner story -- UNO decries ‘hatchet job’ on Estrada -- Because he did not know whether Tan and Estrada were supposedly dear friends, according to the Justice secretary, only former Chairman Perfecto Yasay of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), “maybe even [former Finance Secretary] Edgardo Espiritu,” could elaborate on the issue of Estrada and the three other supposed recipients of the shares having made off with the millions from sale of the shares.
Palace, DoJ slammed for demolition job on Erap, Tribune front page -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday assailed what he called continuing attempts by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Executive to link his father, former President Joseph Estrada, to the Dacer-Corbito case, this time, on the issue of the Best World Resources Corp. (BWRC) scandal years ago, intertwined with the double-murder case of publicist Salvador �Bubby� Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
Dumlao loses petition; due to fly home, Manila Times front page -- US FEDERAL authorities are expected to implement the extradition order against former police Senior Supt. Glenn Dumlao, one of the principal suspects in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, after a New York court junked his petition for habeas corpus.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez explained Wednesday that in the absence of any new legal impediment, the US authorities have no other recourse but to send Dumlao back to the Philippines, as they are bound to comply with the US-Philippines Extradition Treaty.
BW's Tan gave Lacson 300,000 shares, documents show, Philstar front page -- The chairman of Best World (BW) Resources had instructed a stock brokerage firm to transfer 300,000 company shares to former police chief and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
The STAR has obtained a copy of the letter detailing the instruction of BW chairman Dante Tan to AT De Castro Securities Corp. sometime in July 1999.
At the time the instruction was given, BW shares cost P30 to P35 each. The share’s value rose dramatically in the next few weeks, reaching a staggering P130 by November.
It was the sharp spike in BW share prices that sparked suspicion that the stock was being manipulated.
Tan, in his letter, had also ordered the transfer of 300,000 shares each to Faustino Salud, Benito Salazar, and to the account of Teodorico Enriques/Buenaventura Peralta.
Teodoro won't slide to vice presidential post, Philstar news page -- Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said yesterday that his plan right now is to seek the presidency and he won’t slide down to vice president in the 2010 elections.
Teodoro told ABS-CBN News Channel last Tuesday night that he has joined the administration’s selection process to choose the presidential standard-bearer. He clarified reports that he might run for vice president if the administration chooses Vice President Noli de Castro as presidential candidate.
Teodoro supporters turn to the Internet, PDI news page -- Can a promotional website make up for this presidential aspirant’s cautious “silence”?
Supporters of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who last month announced his intention to run for president in 2010, have turned to the Internet to advertise his credentials to the electorate, especially to young voters.
The site—www.gilbertteodoro.com—makes a pitch for the Harvard-trained lawyer who, in a TV interview on Tuesday, said his sensitive Cabinet job has been limiting his “options” when it comes to playing to the crowd.
Teodoro taps Internet for 2010 Palace race, Manila Times news page -- But Teodoro—whose site, “GT 2010,” was developed in February—does not enjoy first-mover advantage, as many of the likely, and popular, presidential candidates already have websites.
Like the secretary, Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., has an official site dedicated to his 2010 aspirations. The headline on the site is his campaign battle cry: “Sipag at Tiyaga [Industry and Patience]”
Other likely presidential aspirants, too, have generic official websites, including Vice President Noli de Castro, former President Joseph Estrada, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas 2nd.
Villar’s colleagues cry ‘political rubout’, PDI news page -- Daggers are out and charges of a “political rubout” are being aired in connection with the ethics complaint against Sen. Manuel Villar.
Amid accusations of double standard, the Senate committee on ethics and privileges Wednesday ordered Villar to answer charges that his real estate empire had benefited from the alleged P200-million double-funding for the C-5 road extension project.
Ethics panel finds basis to probe Villar, Malaya news page -- THE Senate ethics committee yesterday found the complaint by Sen. Jamby Madrigal against Sen. Manuel Villar sufficient in form and substance, a finding which the minority bloc led by Villar described as a "political rub-out."
The decision was leaked to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Villar’s ally, Tuesday night.
Johnmuel Mendoza, the committee’s legal counsel, said the sworn complaint by Madrigal was merely sufficient in form and substance.
Villar camp contests ethics panel's ruling on C5 controversy, Philstar news page -- The camp of Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. contested yesterday the order of the Senate ethics committee finding the complaint against the former Senate president sufficient in form and substance.
Senators allied with Villar also questioned why the order came out ahead of its scheduled committee meeting yesterday.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. raised the issue before the floor, describing the ethics committee’s move as an affront to the Senate as an institution.
Pimentel said it was wrong for the ethics committee led by Sen. Panfilo Lacson to issue an order ahead of any committee meeting.
Hatchet job on Villar case in Ping panel, Tribune front page -- A �leakage� of an antedated �order� by the Senate ethics committee investigating Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. on his alleged involvement in the questionable double funding of the C-5 Road extension project, stirred a new round of tension yesterday, with senators perceived to be his supporters and critics lashing at one another within the halls of the upper chamber.
The leakage of the order on Villar to �comment� on the charges against him, which also carries a declaration by the powerful committee headed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, on sufficiency of form and substance of the complaint, had taken a new twist on the matter that is said to have triggered Villar�s ouster as Senate chief in November last year.
Senate ready for showdown with House on Charter change, Philstar news page -- Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago yesterday said the Senate is ready for a showdown with the House of Representatives before the Supreme Court if the lower chamber passes a resolution for Charter change (Cha-cha) without the senators voting separately on the proposed amendments.
Speaker blasts JdV over Cha-cha tirades, Tribune news page -- Speaker Prospero Nograles yesterday lashed back at his predecessor, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. for urging his House colleagues to undo everything he has done thus far during his stint as leader of the chamber.
Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) president and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte accused the former Speaker of being �the biggest source of political strife� in the House.
Con-Ass takes new tack , Malaya banner story -- THE draft House resolution convening Congress into a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass) to amend the 1987 Constitution will undergo revisions to dispel speculations that it is meant to prolong the term of President Arroyo.
Rep. Luis Villafuerte (Kampi, Camarines Sur) said he has deferred the filing of the measure because he wants to make it clear that its only objective is to force the Supreme Court to rule on whether the House and the Senate should vote jointly or separately in proposing Charter amendments.
House assures Ombudsman of fairness in impeachment proceedings, Philstar news page -- Quezon City Rep. Matias Defensor, chairman of the House justice committee, yesterday assured Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez of impartial proceedings in the impeachment complaint filed against her.
“This I can assure the Ombudsman, we will give equal treatment to both the prosecution and defense,” Defensor said. “I think an impeachment complaint against the President or any other impeachable official should be treated equally.”
Gutierrez: ‘I’m ready to face charges’, PDI news page -- But Gutierrez may not necessarily be assured of the support of administration allies in the House of Representatives, which endorsed the impeachment complaint against her to the justice committee Wednesday.
De Venecia won’t testify at Senate on ZTE, PDI news page -- However, De Venecia officially corroborated his son’s testimony before a Senate panel that the First Family was involved in the NBN-ZTE deal, a claim vehemently denied by the spokespersons of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo.
Senators condemn DA executive's slay, Philstar news page -- Sen. Richard Gordon vowed yesterday to initiate a Senate investigation to ascertain whether the murder of Agriculture Undersecretary Gumersindo Lasam had something to do with his knowledge of the alleged P728-million fertilizer fund anomaly.
Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, made the bow as he condemned Lasam’s killing.
Senators raise suspicions on killing of Lasam, Manila Times news page -- Sen. Gordon says DA official was the 4th in the department with knowledge of anomalies who got killed. Senators suspected Wednesday that the killing of Agriculture Undersecretary Gumersindo Lasam on Tuesday was connected to the P728-million fertilizer fund scam.
Senate not likely to pass simplified tax measure, Philstar news page - The Senate is not likely to pass the bill adopting a simplified net income taxation scheme (SNITS) that would limit the expenses professionals and the self-employed could deduct from their gross incomes to reduce their tax liabilities, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.
Lacson said House Bill 5521 could be “headed to the Senate archives” or “to the grave” because the Department of Finance failed to provide enough data to justify the measure.
Lacson, chairman of the Senate ways and means committee, said Finance Secretary Margarito Teves admitted they should do their homework and that they lacked the necessary inputs for the panel.-
Senate probe sought on power law violations, Malaya news page -- SENATE majority leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed a resolution seeking an investigation by the Senate committee on energy and other appropriate committees on the possible violations of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) by the National Power Corp. and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.
Zubiri, in his Senate Resolution 957, said the Senate should look into the P3.7255 per kilowatt hour or P0.8376/kwh increase in generation cost implemented by the Napocor and PSALM in the Visayas grid last March.
Teachers want P9,000 pay hike, Philstar news page -- The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA), and other allied groups said yesterday the P6,000 pay hike proposed under House Joint Resolution No. 24 is not enough to provide teachers the pay they deserve, considering their level of work and credentials.
‘Feeding program noodles not overpriced’, Malaya news page -- The noodles were bought by DepEd for P18 per pack. Other commercial noodles are sold at P4 to P5 per pack.
The claimed superior nutritional value of the noodles based on the inclusion of fresh egg was also allegedly untrue.
Winning bidder for the 2008 DepEd school feeding program, Jebervs Manufacturing Corp., reportedly also won the contract for 2009.
A losing bidder, Conwell Marketing Inc., reportedly submitted Jebervs’ noodles to a laboratory test and found them to be all-flour and with no nutritional content, including the claimed inclusion of fresh egg.
April 06, 2009
NEWS MONITORING AND ANALYSIS
Today is April 06, 2009, Monday
Headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
Gordon told: Stop talking to Abus , PDI banner story -- Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. Sunday told Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon to stop negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers and bring their demands to the multi-agency committee handling the hostage crisis.
Teodoro described as “unfortunate and uncalled for” Gordon’s statement that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should be held accountable if the kidnappers carry out their threat to behead the two foreign Red Cross workers still under their custody.
Teodoro twits Gordon, Manila Times banner story -- Defense chief: Senator strengthening hand of Abu Sayyaf kidnappers Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Sunday accused Sen. Richard Gordon of aiding kidnappers for saying that the fate of the two remaining International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hostages is now up to President Gloria Arroyo.
Teodoro rejected a renewed demand by the kidnappers from the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group to withdraw military troops from five towns of Sulu province in southern Mindanao. The group reiterated its threat to behead one of the two ICRC hostages—Swiss Andreas Notter, 38, and Italian Eugenio Vagni, 62—whose Filipino colleague was released last week 77 days after all three were abducted on January 15.
DND chief blasts Gordon�s meddling in hostage crisis, Tribune banner story -- Teodoro blasted Gordon after the senator said the lives of two workers belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross �now lies in the hands of President Arroyo,� a remark that could be interpreted as an attempt to �absolve� the Abu Sayyaf of all responsibility for the hostage crisis.
�Sen. Gordon�s statements only serve to strengthen the hand of the kidnappers,� a visibly irked Teodoro said and made it clear that �the fate of the hostages is not in the hands of the president but of the kidnappers.�
Government rejects Sayyaf kidnappers' demands, Philstar banner story -- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro rejected the Abu Sayyaf demand for a withdrawal of military forces even after Sen. Richard Gordon warned that the two hostages, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss Andreas Notter, could be beheaded by the bandit group.
Pullout from 2 towns is latest Abu demand, Malaya banner story -- TWO days after releasing one of three delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Abu Sayyaf bandits demanded that all security forces pull out from the towns of Indanan and Parang in Sulu, Gov. Abdusakur Tan said yesterday.
CHR scores Davao ‘selective vigilantism’, PDI front page -- To the Philippines’ chief human rights watchdog, it is nothing less than “selective vigilantism”—a brand of street justice where assassins mainly target suspected criminal offenders belonging to poor families.
That was how Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Leila de Lima described the activities of the “Davao Death Squad,” which the agency investigated during an unprecedented public inquiry last week in Davao City, where the group operates.
Resolve media killings, GMA gov�t urged, Tribune front page -- Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. has urged the Arroyo administration to take appropriate measures needed for the early resolution of and to improve conviction rate of unsolved murder cases involving media people.
�It is very troubling that despite the constitutional guarantee on freedom of expression, a spate of killings on members of media has numbered at a record high of 100 since 1999, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Phi-lippines,� Villar said as he filed Senate Resolution 954.
Publishers tackle killing of journalists, Malaya news page -- Dubbed as "Reporting the 2010 Elections Now," the forum will have session topics on impunity and media killings, the impact of the global economic crisis on the 2010 elections, the challenges for automated elections, governance, the right of reply, and the future of print advertising.
Malacañang's clemency grants scored, Philstar news page -- Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay yesterday lashed at Malacañang’s “mad rush” to grant clemency to convicts involved in sensational cases.
The opposition leader said President Arroyo committed grave abuse of discretion when she extended clemency to businessman Rodolfo Manalili.
Gloria’s ‘mad rush’ of clemencies scored, Malaya news page -- United Opposition president Jejomar C. Binay yesterday criticized President Arroyo’s "mad rush of clemencies" to convicts in sensational cases, calling it an abuse of the presidential power to grant clemency that is certain to weaken faith in the justice system.
Binay, also Makati mayor, said he was particularly outraged by Arroyo’s grant of clemency to Rodolfo Manalili, who had been sentenced to double life imprisonment for masterminding the abduction and killing of UP students Ernesto "Cochise" Bernabe and Ana Louis "Beebom" Castanos.
‘Sexy’ Bicol tourists given malicious spin: Palace, Malaya front page -- PRESS Secretary Cerge Remonde yesterday branded as "malicious" reports that prostitutes are being "delivered" every night to American soldiers taking part in the Balikatan exercises in the Bicol region, stressing the women may have been tourists attending the month-long Magayon Festival.
"Itong Magayon Festival ay dinadayo ng mga turista – foreigners at local – at dahil nakita na madaming turista doon, nakikita doon ang mga seksing turista binibigyan kaagad ng malisya," he said.
Erap to meet with possible opposition standard bearers before June, Philstar news page -- Former President Joseph Estrada disclosed yesterday that he would meet with all the presidential aspirants before June to convince them to support a common candidate for the 2010 elections.
Estrada told The STAR that he would meet with the opposition to determine whether they will unite behind a single presidential candidate in 2010.
“I will meet all of the opposition presidentiables after May. If they will not unite, then I will declare my presidential bid for the 2010 presidential elections,” Estrada said.
Guardians faction taps Lim, Trillanes, Malaya news page -- A MILITARY-BASED group formerly associated with Sen. Gregorio Honasan has tapped two detained officers as national advisers but it said this has nothing to do with any plan to overthrow the government.
The Guardians Nationalist of the Philippines said Sen. Antonio Trillanes and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim posses "impeccable character to lead with moral authority."
House pushes for live debates among presidential aspirants, Malaya news page -- CONGRESSMEN from both sides of the political fence are calling for a live public debate among presidential candidates in the run-up to the May 2010 national elections, saying it is a necessary part of a "winnowing" process in choosing the country’s next leader.
Anak Mindanao party list Rep. Mujiv Hataman of the House minority bloc said the debate should be held during the campaign period and broadcast live on national television and radio. "Let’s see what they’ve got and let the people decide who is the best to lead the country in the next six years," he said.
President leaves for Thailand this week, Manila Times news page -- PRESIDENT Gloria Arroyo leaves for Thailand on Good Friday to attend the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit on April 10 to 12 in Pattaya City.
The 10-member Asean will tackle the regional bloc’s response to the global financial crisis.
After the summit, the President will then proceed to Dubai for an overnight stay to meet with Filipino workers and discuss with Arab companies the employment opportunities for Filipinos in the Middle East.
Arroyo’s birthday wish: a united Philippines, PDI news page -- Unity is a “noble mission that everyone must pursue,” said Ms Arroyo to an audience of Cabinet secretaries, local officials and town mates.
Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. sets payout of Legacy claims, Philstar front page -- “We will start mailing check payments for valid deposit insurance claims, or letters regarding the status of claims by the end of April,” PDIC president Jose Nograles said.
Nograles said the PDIC had sent checks to depositors of other closed banks in the past through registered mail.
Due to delayed funds for North Rail China slaps penalties on RP, Manila Times business news page -- CHINA has penalized the Philippines for the delayed use of funds ear marked for a project that would revive the train system running from Metro Manila to the north of the country.
A document from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) showed that the Export-Import Bank of China penalized Manila to the tune of $2.52 million as of October last year for the NorthRail Project Phase 1 Section 2.
No probe on state prosecutor--AMLC, PDI breakaing news -- The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) denied it was investigating a state prosecutor for plunder in connection with allegations of bribery by scions of prominent families arrested in a drug bust.
In a resolution, the Court of Appeals granted the motion of AMLC to correct its records mentioning State Prosecutor John Resado in an investigation over the alleged bribes offered by Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph and Joseph Tecson, also known as the “Alabang Boys,” to have the drug case against them dismissed.
Perez’s motion to dismiss case junked anew, PDI breaking news -- For the second time in two months, the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division has junked former Justice Secretary Hernando “Nani” Perez’s bid to have a case for alleged unethical practices against him dismissed.
The case is in connection with his alleged extortion of $2 million from former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez in 1998.
$1-B ODA projects ‘safe’: BUT O.E.C.D. ’BLACKLIST’ PUTS FUTURE PROJECTS AT RISK, Mirror news page -- About $1 billion worth of projects funded out of proceeds from official development assistance (ODA) loans this year are safe from the clutches of developed countries angered by the continued inability of the Philippines and three other sovereigns to comply with more transparent tax laws, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said over the weekend.
But prospects on billions more in the pipeline seen as key to continued macroeconomic stability over a longer stretch are now in doubt, according to Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran.
ODA financing at risk after OECD blacklist, Tribune news page -- Cheap official development assistance (ODA) financing of local projects may likely be placed at risk with the recent listing of the Philippines in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shame list of four tax haven countries, later on cut to three, finance officials said yesterday.
While the OECD blacklisting of the country will not affect ongoing ODA-financed projects those that the government will submit for financing may suffer, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said.
Supreme Court grants Manotok, Araneta claims on Maysilo estate, Philstar news page -- The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) denied it was investigating a state prosecutor for plunder in connection with allegations of bribery by scions of prominent families arrested in a drug bust.
In a resolution, the Court of Appeals granted the motion of AMLC to correct its records mentioning State Prosecutor John Resado in an investigation over the alleged bribes offered by Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph and Joseph Tecson, also known as the “Alabang Boys,” to have the drug case against them dismissed.
As I See It : Why Arroyo is freeing criminals / Neal Cruz, PDI Opinion -- Trying to look for an answer to that question has kept me awake nights. So far, I have come to only one clue: All the high-profile criminals freed recently have one thing in common—they are all rich. All with the exception of Ninoy’s killers, but somebody may be spending for them (the mastermind buying their silence?). That is why Leo Echegaray did not get executive clemency but was executed. He wasn’t rich.
Coming full circle in one year edtorde.htm By Ellen Tordesillas, Malaya Opinion -- ‘Although some of us have moved on to teaching as well as other journalism-related work, we all started as beat reporters.’ On March 25 last year VERA Files came out with a two-part special report on the government’s scrambling to meet the deadline set by the United Nations for the submission of the Philippine claim of its extended continental shelf, the underwater extension of the land.
The deadline set by the Convention of the Law of the Sea, which the Philippines ratified 24 years ago, for coastal states to declare their extended continental shelf is May 13, 2009.
Man at the Market Playing footsies with bandits by Jesse E.L. Bacon II, Tribune Opinion --
he ideology-less Abu Sayyaf finally released to the nation�s relief Filipino Red Cross volunteer Mary Jane Lacaba 77 days after holding her and two other foreigner volunteers who are still under their custody, hostage in the mountains of Sulu.
Officially, the authorities claimed the release was without any consideration, monetary or otherwise. But the bandits who held the volunteers were reported to have initially demanded ransom in exchange for the safe release of the captives. Whether ransom was demanded, much more paid, could not be verified thus making this talk just that, a talk.
But what eclipsed the Lacaba release was the startling revelation made by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno that the Abu Sayyaf seems succeeding with impunity in their illegal activities because of the support accorded them by several individuals including policemen. As far as this columnist could recall, this is the first time that a ranking government official publicly admitted the support enjoyed by this bandit group from policemen. This is the thing that made Puno�s admission startling.
Men of God in the Palace? by Boiled Green Bananas / Liling Magtolis Briones, Mirror Opinion -- Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Fr. Ed Panlilio and Bro. Mike Velarde in the palace of iniquity known as Malacañang? Why? This is the question asked by those who stick to the dictum of separation of the Church and State. The same question is also asked by religious Filipinos who insist that men and women of God should not combine matters of state with matters of faith.
And why not? This is the answer of those who argue that it will take no less than religious leaders to lead in the task of cleansing Philippine society. They say the institutions of the country have been thoroughly corrupted. Moral values have been destroyed. Men and women of God will be more effective in the task of leading the country, not only to national development but also to moral renewal.
Backhoe scam: NIA justifies 25-year rule GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc, Philstar Opinion -- Carlos S. Salazar, National Irrigation Administrator, reacts to my two pieces on irregularities in his agency’s P1.4-billion bidding for backhoes (Gotcha, 27 and 30 Mar. 2009). Verbosity and bombast pared down to fit:
“At the outset we categorically deny that the bidding was anomalous; it was conducted in strict conformity with the Government Procurement Reform Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations-A.
“There is no irregularity in the timeline, although some procurement activities fell within the long holidays last Dec. 2008. The period from advertisement to bid opening complied with Government Procurement Policy Board prescriptions. Procurement was synchronized with scheduled fund release of the National Development Company. Timeline considered the 2009 dry season, best to repair and rehabilitation of irrigation systems.
Self-interest SKETCHES By Ana Marie Pamintuan, Philstar Opinion -- In addition to being ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, the Philippines has a new dubious distinction: one of the world’s four worst tax havens.
This was broadcast to the world at the recently concluded G20 summit, no less – the debut on the international stage of US President Barack Obama.
According to reports from London, it was Obama, together with UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who pressed for a crackdown on uncooperative tax havens that have worsened the current financial crisis and provided shelters for the corrupt.
'Banking on governance' COMMONSENSE By Marichu A. Villanueva, Philstar Opinion -- But alas, the biggest casualty of the Legacy financial mess is our entire country anew. The Philippines was among four nations blacklisted as uncooperative tax havens upon the instance of the so-called “Group of 20” at the end of their summit meeting in London last week. While the Legacy scam may not be the immediate reason for this, it, however, only brought out the Philippine banking system under attack anew by the international community.
Today is April 06, 2009, Monday
Headlines and top stories in today’s newspapers
Gordon told: Stop talking to Abus , PDI banner story -- Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. Sunday told Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon to stop negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers and bring their demands to the multi-agency committee handling the hostage crisis.
Teodoro described as “unfortunate and uncalled for” Gordon’s statement that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should be held accountable if the kidnappers carry out their threat to behead the two foreign Red Cross workers still under their custody.
Teodoro twits Gordon, Manila Times banner story -- Defense chief: Senator strengthening hand of Abu Sayyaf kidnappers Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Sunday accused Sen. Richard Gordon of aiding kidnappers for saying that the fate of the two remaining International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hostages is now up to President Gloria Arroyo.
Teodoro rejected a renewed demand by the kidnappers from the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group to withdraw military troops from five towns of Sulu province in southern Mindanao. The group reiterated its threat to behead one of the two ICRC hostages—Swiss Andreas Notter, 38, and Italian Eugenio Vagni, 62—whose Filipino colleague was released last week 77 days after all three were abducted on January 15.
DND chief blasts Gordon�s meddling in hostage crisis, Tribune banner story -- Teodoro blasted Gordon after the senator said the lives of two workers belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross �now lies in the hands of President Arroyo,� a remark that could be interpreted as an attempt to �absolve� the Abu Sayyaf of all responsibility for the hostage crisis.
�Sen. Gordon�s statements only serve to strengthen the hand of the kidnappers,� a visibly irked Teodoro said and made it clear that �the fate of the hostages is not in the hands of the president but of the kidnappers.�
Government rejects Sayyaf kidnappers' demands, Philstar banner story -- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro rejected the Abu Sayyaf demand for a withdrawal of military forces even after Sen. Richard Gordon warned that the two hostages, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss Andreas Notter, could be beheaded by the bandit group.
Pullout from 2 towns is latest Abu demand, Malaya banner story -- TWO days after releasing one of three delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Abu Sayyaf bandits demanded that all security forces pull out from the towns of Indanan and Parang in Sulu, Gov. Abdusakur Tan said yesterday.
CHR scores Davao ‘selective vigilantism’, PDI front page -- To the Philippines’ chief human rights watchdog, it is nothing less than “selective vigilantism”—a brand of street justice where assassins mainly target suspected criminal offenders belonging to poor families.
That was how Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Leila de Lima described the activities of the “Davao Death Squad,” which the agency investigated during an unprecedented public inquiry last week in Davao City, where the group operates.
Resolve media killings, GMA gov�t urged, Tribune front page -- Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. has urged the Arroyo administration to take appropriate measures needed for the early resolution of and to improve conviction rate of unsolved murder cases involving media people.
�It is very troubling that despite the constitutional guarantee on freedom of expression, a spate of killings on members of media has numbered at a record high of 100 since 1999, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Phi-lippines,� Villar said as he filed Senate Resolution 954.
Publishers tackle killing of journalists, Malaya news page -- Dubbed as "Reporting the 2010 Elections Now," the forum will have session topics on impunity and media killings, the impact of the global economic crisis on the 2010 elections, the challenges for automated elections, governance, the right of reply, and the future of print advertising.
Malacañang's clemency grants scored, Philstar news page -- Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay yesterday lashed at Malacañang’s “mad rush” to grant clemency to convicts involved in sensational cases.
The opposition leader said President Arroyo committed grave abuse of discretion when she extended clemency to businessman Rodolfo Manalili.
Gloria’s ‘mad rush’ of clemencies scored, Malaya news page -- United Opposition president Jejomar C. Binay yesterday criticized President Arroyo’s "mad rush of clemencies" to convicts in sensational cases, calling it an abuse of the presidential power to grant clemency that is certain to weaken faith in the justice system.
Binay, also Makati mayor, said he was particularly outraged by Arroyo’s grant of clemency to Rodolfo Manalili, who had been sentenced to double life imprisonment for masterminding the abduction and killing of UP students Ernesto "Cochise" Bernabe and Ana Louis "Beebom" Castanos.
‘Sexy’ Bicol tourists given malicious spin: Palace, Malaya front page -- PRESS Secretary Cerge Remonde yesterday branded as "malicious" reports that prostitutes are being "delivered" every night to American soldiers taking part in the Balikatan exercises in the Bicol region, stressing the women may have been tourists attending the month-long Magayon Festival.
"Itong Magayon Festival ay dinadayo ng mga turista – foreigners at local – at dahil nakita na madaming turista doon, nakikita doon ang mga seksing turista binibigyan kaagad ng malisya," he said.
Erap to meet with possible opposition standard bearers before June, Philstar news page -- Former President Joseph Estrada disclosed yesterday that he would meet with all the presidential aspirants before June to convince them to support a common candidate for the 2010 elections.
Estrada told The STAR that he would meet with the opposition to determine whether they will unite behind a single presidential candidate in 2010.
“I will meet all of the opposition presidentiables after May. If they will not unite, then I will declare my presidential bid for the 2010 presidential elections,” Estrada said.
Guardians faction taps Lim, Trillanes, Malaya news page -- A MILITARY-BASED group formerly associated with Sen. Gregorio Honasan has tapped two detained officers as national advisers but it said this has nothing to do with any plan to overthrow the government.
The Guardians Nationalist of the Philippines said Sen. Antonio Trillanes and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim posses "impeccable character to lead with moral authority."
House pushes for live debates among presidential aspirants, Malaya news page -- CONGRESSMEN from both sides of the political fence are calling for a live public debate among presidential candidates in the run-up to the May 2010 national elections, saying it is a necessary part of a "winnowing" process in choosing the country’s next leader.
Anak Mindanao party list Rep. Mujiv Hataman of the House minority bloc said the debate should be held during the campaign period and broadcast live on national television and radio. "Let’s see what they’ve got and let the people decide who is the best to lead the country in the next six years," he said.
President leaves for Thailand this week, Manila Times news page -- PRESIDENT Gloria Arroyo leaves for Thailand on Good Friday to attend the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit on April 10 to 12 in Pattaya City.
The 10-member Asean will tackle the regional bloc’s response to the global financial crisis.
After the summit, the President will then proceed to Dubai for an overnight stay to meet with Filipino workers and discuss with Arab companies the employment opportunities for Filipinos in the Middle East.
Arroyo’s birthday wish: a united Philippines, PDI news page -- Unity is a “noble mission that everyone must pursue,” said Ms Arroyo to an audience of Cabinet secretaries, local officials and town mates.
Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. sets payout of Legacy claims, Philstar front page -- “We will start mailing check payments for valid deposit insurance claims, or letters regarding the status of claims by the end of April,” PDIC president Jose Nograles said.
Nograles said the PDIC had sent checks to depositors of other closed banks in the past through registered mail.
Due to delayed funds for North Rail China slaps penalties on RP, Manila Times business news page -- CHINA has penalized the Philippines for the delayed use of funds ear marked for a project that would revive the train system running from Metro Manila to the north of the country.
A document from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) showed that the Export-Import Bank of China penalized Manila to the tune of $2.52 million as of October last year for the NorthRail Project Phase 1 Section 2.
No probe on state prosecutor--AMLC, PDI breakaing news -- The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) denied it was investigating a state prosecutor for plunder in connection with allegations of bribery by scions of prominent families arrested in a drug bust.
In a resolution, the Court of Appeals granted the motion of AMLC to correct its records mentioning State Prosecutor John Resado in an investigation over the alleged bribes offered by Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph and Joseph Tecson, also known as the “Alabang Boys,” to have the drug case against them dismissed.
Perez’s motion to dismiss case junked anew, PDI breaking news -- For the second time in two months, the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division has junked former Justice Secretary Hernando “Nani” Perez’s bid to have a case for alleged unethical practices against him dismissed.
The case is in connection with his alleged extortion of $2 million from former Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez in 1998.
$1-B ODA projects ‘safe’: BUT O.E.C.D. ’BLACKLIST’ PUTS FUTURE PROJECTS AT RISK, Mirror news page -- About $1 billion worth of projects funded out of proceeds from official development assistance (ODA) loans this year are safe from the clutches of developed countries angered by the continued inability of the Philippines and three other sovereigns to comply with more transparent tax laws, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said over the weekend.
But prospects on billions more in the pipeline seen as key to continued macroeconomic stability over a longer stretch are now in doubt, according to Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran.
ODA financing at risk after OECD blacklist, Tribune news page -- Cheap official development assistance (ODA) financing of local projects may likely be placed at risk with the recent listing of the Philippines in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shame list of four tax haven countries, later on cut to three, finance officials said yesterday.
While the OECD blacklisting of the country will not affect ongoing ODA-financed projects those that the government will submit for financing may suffer, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said.
Supreme Court grants Manotok, Araneta claims on Maysilo estate, Philstar news page -- The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) denied it was investigating a state prosecutor for plunder in connection with allegations of bribery by scions of prominent families arrested in a drug bust.
In a resolution, the Court of Appeals granted the motion of AMLC to correct its records mentioning State Prosecutor John Resado in an investigation over the alleged bribes offered by Richard Brodett, Jorge Joseph and Joseph Tecson, also known as the “Alabang Boys,” to have the drug case against them dismissed.
As I See It : Why Arroyo is freeing criminals / Neal Cruz, PDI Opinion -- Trying to look for an answer to that question has kept me awake nights. So far, I have come to only one clue: All the high-profile criminals freed recently have one thing in common—they are all rich. All with the exception of Ninoy’s killers, but somebody may be spending for them (the mastermind buying their silence?). That is why Leo Echegaray did not get executive clemency but was executed. He wasn’t rich.
Coming full circle in one year edtorde.htm By Ellen Tordesillas, Malaya Opinion -- ‘Although some of us have moved on to teaching as well as other journalism-related work, we all started as beat reporters.’ On March 25 last year VERA Files came out with a two-part special report on the government’s scrambling to meet the deadline set by the United Nations for the submission of the Philippine claim of its extended continental shelf, the underwater extension of the land.
The deadline set by the Convention of the Law of the Sea, which the Philippines ratified 24 years ago, for coastal states to declare their extended continental shelf is May 13, 2009.
Man at the Market Playing footsies with bandits by Jesse E.L. Bacon II, Tribune Opinion --
he ideology-less Abu Sayyaf finally released to the nation�s relief Filipino Red Cross volunteer Mary Jane Lacaba 77 days after holding her and two other foreigner volunteers who are still under their custody, hostage in the mountains of Sulu.
Officially, the authorities claimed the release was without any consideration, monetary or otherwise. But the bandits who held the volunteers were reported to have initially demanded ransom in exchange for the safe release of the captives. Whether ransom was demanded, much more paid, could not be verified thus making this talk just that, a talk.
But what eclipsed the Lacaba release was the startling revelation made by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno that the Abu Sayyaf seems succeeding with impunity in their illegal activities because of the support accorded them by several individuals including policemen. As far as this columnist could recall, this is the first time that a ranking government official publicly admitted the support enjoyed by this bandit group from policemen. This is the thing that made Puno�s admission startling.
Men of God in the Palace? by Boiled Green Bananas / Liling Magtolis Briones, Mirror Opinion -- Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Fr. Ed Panlilio and Bro. Mike Velarde in the palace of iniquity known as Malacañang? Why? This is the question asked by those who stick to the dictum of separation of the Church and State. The same question is also asked by religious Filipinos who insist that men and women of God should not combine matters of state with matters of faith.
And why not? This is the answer of those who argue that it will take no less than religious leaders to lead in the task of cleansing Philippine society. They say the institutions of the country have been thoroughly corrupted. Moral values have been destroyed. Men and women of God will be more effective in the task of leading the country, not only to national development but also to moral renewal.
Backhoe scam: NIA justifies 25-year rule GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc, Philstar Opinion -- Carlos S. Salazar, National Irrigation Administrator, reacts to my two pieces on irregularities in his agency’s P1.4-billion bidding for backhoes (Gotcha, 27 and 30 Mar. 2009). Verbosity and bombast pared down to fit:
“At the outset we categorically deny that the bidding was anomalous; it was conducted in strict conformity with the Government Procurement Reform Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations-A.
“There is no irregularity in the timeline, although some procurement activities fell within the long holidays last Dec. 2008. The period from advertisement to bid opening complied with Government Procurement Policy Board prescriptions. Procurement was synchronized with scheduled fund release of the National Development Company. Timeline considered the 2009 dry season, best to repair and rehabilitation of irrigation systems.
Self-interest SKETCHES By Ana Marie Pamintuan, Philstar Opinion -- In addition to being ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, the Philippines has a new dubious distinction: one of the world’s four worst tax havens.
This was broadcast to the world at the recently concluded G20 summit, no less – the debut on the international stage of US President Barack Obama.
According to reports from London, it was Obama, together with UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who pressed for a crackdown on uncooperative tax havens that have worsened the current financial crisis and provided shelters for the corrupt.
'Banking on governance' COMMONSENSE By Marichu A. Villanueva, Philstar Opinion -- But alas, the biggest casualty of the Legacy financial mess is our entire country anew. The Philippines was among four nations blacklisted as uncooperative tax havens upon the instance of the so-called “Group of 20” at the end of their summit meeting in London last week. While the Legacy scam may not be the immediate reason for this, it, however, only brought out the Philippine banking system under attack anew by the international community.
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