1st-APLUMA NEWS SUMMARY FOR DEC. 21, 2010
Posted by unang apluma on Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Under: news
BROADSHEETS
PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER -- Garcia Deal 'Perils’ US Aid
MANILA BULLETIN -- Teachers’ Bonus Delayed
PHILIPPINE STAR -- Yuletide Tears For Fire Victims
MANILA STANDARD -- Ombudsman Colluded With Garcia – De Lima
MANILA TIMES -- Garcia Deals Angers Aquino
MALAYA -- Palace Acts To Void Garcia Bargain
DAILY TRIBUNE -- Escudero Confirms Palace Infighting
TABLOIDS
PEOPLE’S JOURNAL -- Garcia Deal Illegal
ABANTE -- Kamay Na Bakal Vs Bus Drivers
PILIPINO STAR NGAYON -- Makati Judge, Misis Utas Sa Car Crash
BALITA -- 3 Sanggol Nailigtas
PEOPLES TONIGHT -- ‘Killer Highway’
BULGAR -- Bagong Tsiks Ni P-Noy, Ibinuking
ISSUES MONITORING
On Congress
The leadership of the House of Representatives on Monday formally approved the proposed P1.645-trillion General Appropriations Act (gaa) for 2011. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. signed the 1,248-page enrolled copy of the said budget, saying that it reflects “our vote of confidence” on the leadership of President [Benigno] ‘Noynoy’ Aquino [3rd].” “We fully support the President’s determination to promote good governance but, at the same time, we call on the executive branch of government to spend it for the right purposes at the right time so it will have greater impact on the lives of our people,” Belmonte said. (Mla Times-p3)
On Presidency
A key ally of President Aquino yesterday practically confirmed unending bickering among two major “factions” within Aquino’s inner circle in the Palace after reports the other day that former Sen. Manuel Roxas II, Aquino’s losing vice presidential running mate, had started moves to ease out Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to pave the way for his assumption of the post. Sen. Francis Escudero called on the staff and supporters of Aquino to set aside personal and political differences as it is getting in the way of the administration’s effectivity. (Tribune-Banner)
President Aquino has refused to talk about his love life, but his youngest sister Kris could not help but share that the bachelor leader of the land had introduced to them his new constant date, stockbroker Len Lopez of Deutsche Bank. The President said the media should better “ask the one” talking about his date. Kris revealed on radio station dzMM that the President introduced Lopez to her and her other sisters on Sunday night after the premiere of her movie. The President attended the affair without a date. Kris also said that the President’s stylist, Liz Uy, was no longer working for him. (Philstar-p1)
President Aquino yesterday welcomed overseas Filipino workers from Qatar at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The President also gave raffle prizes to three lucky OFWs, namely Evangeline Escano, a nurse from Pangasinan; Myrna Pagkaliwagan Tiemsin, a teacher in a Philippine school in Qatar and Gilbert Acebedo, a salesman. (Philstar-p6)
On The Little President
Amid reports of wrangling among power blocs within the Cabinet of President Aquino, the position of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. – which is reportedly being eyed by former senator and Aquino’s losing running mate Manuel Roxas – stands on solid ground, a Palace official reiterated yesterday. “Ochoa is firmly the executive secretary and we respect his position there. That’s not true. We don’t have such kind of plan. It’s not true that senator Mar is out to get ES Jojo Ochoa,” lawyer Edwin Lacierda, who reportedly belongs to the faction of Roxas, told Palace reporters in a briefing. (Philstar-p2)
On The Truth Commission
Malacañang is seeking recommendations from his legal team regarding its next step after the Supreme Court’s (SC) voiding of the executive order creating the Truth Commission. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Solicitor General, the five members of the Truth Commission led by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and former justice Magdangal Elma to “submit their recommendations in the form of a memorandum.” (Philstar-p4)
On The Peso
President Benigno Aquino III and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) defended the country’s new peso notes, mocked by critics for featuring error-strewn maps and apparently inventing a new parrot species. The President said he would use a map or GPS (Global Positioning System) and not the new peso bills if he were to search for a place in the Philippines. (PDI-p1)
On The Armed Forces
President Aquino leads today the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the first time he will do so as commander-in-chief of the country’s 120,000-strong military. AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said Aquino is expected to issue a directive on the implementation of “Bayanihan,” the new defense plan designed to address the insurgency problem. “The President is expected to give his command group guidance on how really to implement the IPSP (internal peace security plan) Bayanihan,” Mabanta said. (Philstar-p7)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo David Jr. yesterday assured that Navy Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue will not be restricted despite court martial proceedings against the beleaguered Navy two-star general who publicly criticized the military promotions system. David said he has approved pre-trial investigation (PTI) against Angue as recommended by the Navy special investigating committee, headed by former Navy Vice Commander retired Rear Admiral Roberto Estioko, who probed the Navy officer for alleged insubordination. (Tribune-p3)
On US Aid and Gen Garcia
The plea bargain agreement between state prosecutors and retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia that resulted in his release on Saturday despite a plunder charge against him may imperil US military aid to the Philippines, a military analyst said yesterday. “The United States might see us as not being serious in prosecuting the case… That we didn’t apply the full force of the law on this person… It may affect our capacity for further assistance from the US,” said Jose Custodio, a curator-consultant at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Museum and former history professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific. (PDI-Banner)
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said the plea bargaining agreement entered into by the Ombudsman with a military general detained for plunder is "tainted with illegality" and should be nullified. She said the move of Ombudsman Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras-Sulit to reach a compromise with Maj. Gen. (ret.) Carlos Garcia is "a deplorable abdication of its duty" that has put the government at a gross disadvantage. (Malaya-Banner)
The government is mulling legal action against members of the prosecution panel from the Office of the Ombudsman after they agreed to an “illegal and unconscionable” plea bargaining deal that allowed former military comptroller Carlos Garcia – who was facing plunder charges – to post bail for his liberty. “This is one clear illustration of how anti-corruption efforts of a determined Aquino administration can get easily frustrated or derailed by the half-hearted and less than forthright actions of the very institution constitutionally tasked to put grafters to the bar of justice,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said. (Philstar-p2)
On The Insurgency
Jason Brul, alias Ka Butch, who allegedly led Front Committee 79 of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Sorsogon province, was resting in a hospital bed and recuperating from three bullet wounds inflicted in battle when an unexpected visitor came to his isolated ward. Maj. Gen. Ruperto “Raffy” Pabustan, commander of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, arrived that Tuesday morning with seven other officers and escorts, bringing with them two noche buena food packages wrapped in green and red, some cash assistance, and a promise to help with his medical needs. (PDI-p1)
On Toll Fee Hike
Like the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), toll rates at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) will also go up on Jan. 1, 2011. Julius Corpuz, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) spokesman, said that the board had also given “provisional” approval of the toll fee hike applications by the owner-operators of the NLEX and SCTEX last Friday, the same day they had approved the hefty toll fee hike at the 36-kilometer SLEX. (Philstar-p1)
On Vizconde Massacre
Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Amelita Tolentino will be charged with plagiarizing the prosecution’s memorandum in her decision convicting Hubert Webb and five others 10 years ago for the 1991 rape and killing of Carmela Vizconde, and the murders of Estrellita and Jennifer Vizconde. Retired Manila fiscal Jose Flaminiano, counsel for Hospicio Fernandez and former policeman Gerardo Biong, said several portions of Tolentino’s decision were lifted from the prosecution’s memorandum without any attribution. (Philstar-p1)
On Tuguegarao Fire
President Benigno Aquino III yesterday ordered an investigation of Sunday’s fire that hit a pension house in Tuguegarao City and killed 16 people, most of them nursing students about to take licensure examinations. Acting on Mr. Aquino’s order, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo sacked Chief Insp. Neil Caranguian, the city’s fire marshal, to pave the way for the inquiry into whether the Tuguegarao fire department was negligent. (PDI-p1)
On Crimes Against Journalist
Pakistan has replaced the Philippines as the “Deadliest Country For Journalists” this year. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) gave the “ugly tag” to Pakistan this year amid a rash of suicide attacks, with at least eight journalists killed in that country in connection with their work. A notable drop in the number of journalists killed worldwide, from 72 in 2009 to 42 this year, is being hinged to the infamous Maguindanao massacre on Nov. 23, 2009 by the CPJ. Also ranking high in journalism-related killings are Iraq (four), Mexico and Honduras (three each), according to CPJ executive director Joel Simon. (Philstar-p6)
On Number Games
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) would soon take over the draws of the controversy small town lottery (STL) currently conducted by 34 private gaming corporations nationwide. PCSO chair Margarita Juico said direct supervision of the STL draws is one of the security measures being implemented to insure that the agency would generate the much-needed funds for its charity programs. (Philstar-p7)
On Credit Card Charges
Issuance of pre-approved credit cards is no longer allowed based on amendments made by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on credit card rules, which also tighten collection practices. Under the new guidelines, the issuance of pre-approved cards will no longer be allowed to enhance consumer protection. Monetary authorities argued that pre-approved cards sent either through mail or courier have exposed the public to fraud by way of unauthorized use of the cards. Collection practices have also been tightened. (Mla Times-p1)
PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER -- Garcia Deal 'Perils’ US Aid
MANILA BULLETIN -- Teachers’ Bonus Delayed
PHILIPPINE STAR -- Yuletide Tears For Fire Victims
MANILA STANDARD -- Ombudsman Colluded With Garcia – De Lima
MANILA TIMES -- Garcia Deals Angers Aquino
MALAYA -- Palace Acts To Void Garcia Bargain
DAILY TRIBUNE -- Escudero Confirms Palace Infighting
TABLOIDS
PEOPLE’S JOURNAL -- Garcia Deal Illegal
ABANTE -- Kamay Na Bakal Vs Bus Drivers
PILIPINO STAR NGAYON -- Makati Judge, Misis Utas Sa Car Crash
BALITA -- 3 Sanggol Nailigtas
PEOPLES TONIGHT -- ‘Killer Highway’
BULGAR -- Bagong Tsiks Ni P-Noy, Ibinuking
ISSUES MONITORING
On Congress
The leadership of the House of Representatives on Monday formally approved the proposed P1.645-trillion General Appropriations Act (gaa) for 2011. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. signed the 1,248-page enrolled copy of the said budget, saying that it reflects “our vote of confidence” on the leadership of President [Benigno] ‘Noynoy’ Aquino [3rd].” “We fully support the President’s determination to promote good governance but, at the same time, we call on the executive branch of government to spend it for the right purposes at the right time so it will have greater impact on the lives of our people,” Belmonte said. (Mla Times-p3)
On Presidency
A key ally of President Aquino yesterday practically confirmed unending bickering among two major “factions” within Aquino’s inner circle in the Palace after reports the other day that former Sen. Manuel Roxas II, Aquino’s losing vice presidential running mate, had started moves to ease out Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. to pave the way for his assumption of the post. Sen. Francis Escudero called on the staff and supporters of Aquino to set aside personal and political differences as it is getting in the way of the administration’s effectivity. (Tribune-Banner)
President Aquino has refused to talk about his love life, but his youngest sister Kris could not help but share that the bachelor leader of the land had introduced to them his new constant date, stockbroker Len Lopez of Deutsche Bank. The President said the media should better “ask the one” talking about his date. Kris revealed on radio station dzMM that the President introduced Lopez to her and her other sisters on Sunday night after the premiere of her movie. The President attended the affair without a date. Kris also said that the President’s stylist, Liz Uy, was no longer working for him. (Philstar-p1)
President Aquino yesterday welcomed overseas Filipino workers from Qatar at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The President also gave raffle prizes to three lucky OFWs, namely Evangeline Escano, a nurse from Pangasinan; Myrna Pagkaliwagan Tiemsin, a teacher in a Philippine school in Qatar and Gilbert Acebedo, a salesman. (Philstar-p6)
On The Little President
Amid reports of wrangling among power blocs within the Cabinet of President Aquino, the position of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. – which is reportedly being eyed by former senator and Aquino’s losing running mate Manuel Roxas – stands on solid ground, a Palace official reiterated yesterday. “Ochoa is firmly the executive secretary and we respect his position there. That’s not true. We don’t have such kind of plan. It’s not true that senator Mar is out to get ES Jojo Ochoa,” lawyer Edwin Lacierda, who reportedly belongs to the faction of Roxas, told Palace reporters in a briefing. (Philstar-p2)
On The Truth Commission
Malacañang is seeking recommendations from his legal team regarding its next step after the Supreme Court’s (SC) voiding of the executive order creating the Truth Commission. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Solicitor General, the five members of the Truth Commission led by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. and former justice Magdangal Elma to “submit their recommendations in the form of a memorandum.” (Philstar-p4)
On The Peso
President Benigno Aquino III and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) defended the country’s new peso notes, mocked by critics for featuring error-strewn maps and apparently inventing a new parrot species. The President said he would use a map or GPS (Global Positioning System) and not the new peso bills if he were to search for a place in the Philippines. (PDI-p1)
On The Armed Forces
President Aquino leads today the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, the first time he will do so as commander-in-chief of the country’s 120,000-strong military. AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said Aquino is expected to issue a directive on the implementation of “Bayanihan,” the new defense plan designed to address the insurgency problem. “The President is expected to give his command group guidance on how really to implement the IPSP (internal peace security plan) Bayanihan,” Mabanta said. (Philstar-p7)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo David Jr. yesterday assured that Navy Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue will not be restricted despite court martial proceedings against the beleaguered Navy two-star general who publicly criticized the military promotions system. David said he has approved pre-trial investigation (PTI) against Angue as recommended by the Navy special investigating committee, headed by former Navy Vice Commander retired Rear Admiral Roberto Estioko, who probed the Navy officer for alleged insubordination. (Tribune-p3)
On US Aid and Gen Garcia
The plea bargain agreement between state prosecutors and retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia that resulted in his release on Saturday despite a plunder charge against him may imperil US military aid to the Philippines, a military analyst said yesterday. “The United States might see us as not being serious in prosecuting the case… That we didn’t apply the full force of the law on this person… It may affect our capacity for further assistance from the US,” said Jose Custodio, a curator-consultant at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Museum and former history professor at the University of Asia and the Pacific. (PDI-Banner)
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said the plea bargaining agreement entered into by the Ombudsman with a military general detained for plunder is "tainted with illegality" and should be nullified. She said the move of Ombudsman Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras-Sulit to reach a compromise with Maj. Gen. (ret.) Carlos Garcia is "a deplorable abdication of its duty" that has put the government at a gross disadvantage. (Malaya-Banner)
The government is mulling legal action against members of the prosecution panel from the Office of the Ombudsman after they agreed to an “illegal and unconscionable” plea bargaining deal that allowed former military comptroller Carlos Garcia – who was facing plunder charges – to post bail for his liberty. “This is one clear illustration of how anti-corruption efforts of a determined Aquino administration can get easily frustrated or derailed by the half-hearted and less than forthright actions of the very institution constitutionally tasked to put grafters to the bar of justice,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said. (Philstar-p2)
On The Insurgency
Jason Brul, alias Ka Butch, who allegedly led Front Committee 79 of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Sorsogon province, was resting in a hospital bed and recuperating from three bullet wounds inflicted in battle when an unexpected visitor came to his isolated ward. Maj. Gen. Ruperto “Raffy” Pabustan, commander of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, arrived that Tuesday morning with seven other officers and escorts, bringing with them two noche buena food packages wrapped in green and red, some cash assistance, and a promise to help with his medical needs. (PDI-p1)
On Toll Fee Hike
Like the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), toll rates at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) will also go up on Jan. 1, 2011. Julius Corpuz, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) spokesman, said that the board had also given “provisional” approval of the toll fee hike applications by the owner-operators of the NLEX and SCTEX last Friday, the same day they had approved the hefty toll fee hike at the 36-kilometer SLEX. (Philstar-p1)
On Vizconde Massacre
Court of Appeals (CA) Justice Amelita Tolentino will be charged with plagiarizing the prosecution’s memorandum in her decision convicting Hubert Webb and five others 10 years ago for the 1991 rape and killing of Carmela Vizconde, and the murders of Estrellita and Jennifer Vizconde. Retired Manila fiscal Jose Flaminiano, counsel for Hospicio Fernandez and former policeman Gerardo Biong, said several portions of Tolentino’s decision were lifted from the prosecution’s memorandum without any attribution. (Philstar-p1)
On Tuguegarao Fire
President Benigno Aquino III yesterday ordered an investigation of Sunday’s fire that hit a pension house in Tuguegarao City and killed 16 people, most of them nursing students about to take licensure examinations. Acting on Mr. Aquino’s order, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo sacked Chief Insp. Neil Caranguian, the city’s fire marshal, to pave the way for the inquiry into whether the Tuguegarao fire department was negligent. (PDI-p1)
On Crimes Against Journalist
Pakistan has replaced the Philippines as the “Deadliest Country For Journalists” this year. The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) gave the “ugly tag” to Pakistan this year amid a rash of suicide attacks, with at least eight journalists killed in that country in connection with their work. A notable drop in the number of journalists killed worldwide, from 72 in 2009 to 42 this year, is being hinged to the infamous Maguindanao massacre on Nov. 23, 2009 by the CPJ. Also ranking high in journalism-related killings are Iraq (four), Mexico and Honduras (three each), according to CPJ executive director Joel Simon. (Philstar-p6)
On Number Games
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) would soon take over the draws of the controversy small town lottery (STL) currently conducted by 34 private gaming corporations nationwide. PCSO chair Margarita Juico said direct supervision of the STL draws is one of the security measures being implemented to insure that the agency would generate the much-needed funds for its charity programs. (Philstar-p7)
On Credit Card Charges
Issuance of pre-approved credit cards is no longer allowed based on amendments made by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on credit card rules, which also tighten collection practices. Under the new guidelines, the issuance of pre-approved cards will no longer be allowed to enhance consumer protection. Monetary authorities argued that pre-approved cards sent either through mail or courier have exposed the public to fraud by way of unauthorized use of the cards. Collection practices have also been tightened. (Mla Times-p1)
In : news