1st-APLUMA NEWS SUMMARY FOR DEC. 22, 2010
Posted by unang apluma on Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Under: news
BROADSHEETS
PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER -- Rage Crisis Vs Garcia Deal
MANILA BULLETIN -- Aquino Hikes Combat Pay
PHILIPPINE STAR -- Noy To Solgen: Stop Garcia Plea Bargain
MANILA STANDARD -- ’19 Midnight Contracts’ On Terminal 3 Cancelled
MANILA TIMES -- Vizconde Probe Eyes Three Sets Of Suspects
MALAYA -- OSM Moves To void Garcia Bargain
DAILY TRIBUNE -- Aquino In No Position To Overturn Garcia Bid
TABLOIDS
PEOPLE’S JOURNAL -- Combat Pay Hiked
ABANTE -- ‘Father Jejemon’ Tiklop Sa Simbahan!
PILIPINO STAR NGAYON -- Jeep Hulog Sa Bangin: 6 Patay!
BALITA -- Pampataas Ng Moral
PEOPLES TONIGHT -- Cop Turns Superhero!
BULGAR -- Kris, Sopla Kay P-Noy
REMATE -- Nang-Hostage Ng Anak Tinigbak Ng Parak
ISSUES MONITORING
On Congress
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile assured the nation yesterday Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV would remain in the country until the amnesty granted to him is approved. Speaking to reporters, Enrile said he has assigned two security officers from the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to guard Trillanes for the duration of his Christmas furlough. (Philstar-p6)
President Aquino is set to sign the Congress-approved P1.645-trillion 2011 national budget next Monday. Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. told reporters yesterday that Budget Secretary Florencio Abad has informed him of the Dec. 27 signing, which will be held in Malacañang, though he proposed that it be done two days earlier, on Christmas Day. He said the expeditious approval by Congress of Aquino’s first budget reflects “our vote of confidence” on the President’s leadership. (Philstar-p4)
On Presidency
President Aquino yesterday reminded Filipinos to focus on God and their less fortunate countrymen and not just on their own their families this Christmas. “Let us not forget we have a God who gave us His only Son to save us from our sins. Our focus should be on that because that would also make us pay attention to others,” Aquino said in a media forum. (Philstar-p8)
President Aquino revealed yesterday that he would be happy if marriage would come even after his presidency, since a woman would never be his priority over the position that the people have entrusted to him. The President said that his youngest sister Kris did not have permission to talk about his love life but then, although she had promised to keep quiet, “I guess it’s difficult to change.” (Philstar-p8)
On Gen Garcia
The Palace is set to intervene in the Sandiganbayan case against former military comptroller Carlos Garcia in a bid to stop a plea bargaining deal that allowed the retired general to plead guilty to lesser offenses and post bail for his liberty. Solicitor General Joel Cadiz said they are preparing to file a motion to intervene with the second division of the Sandiganbayan in a last-ditch effort to stop the agreement. “The instructions of the President are clear: we will try to stop that deal, we will try to undo it,” Cadiz said in an interview. (PDI-Banner)
President Aquino has a weak hand in his effort to overturn a plea bargain that resulted in the release on bail of indicted retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia after granting amnesty to a group of military mutineers, an international risk consultancy firm said. The Pacific Strategies and Assessments (PSA) in its Philippines Weekly Report said many believe that Aquino has little legitimacy to confront the Garcia issue after granting amnesty to a group of military mutineers, including Sen. Antonio Trillanes, “and he simply lacks the capacity and wherewithal to reevaluate the proceedings and decision.” (Tribune-Banner)
On Internal Defense Plan
Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo David yesterday formally unveiled the military’s internal peace and security plan "Bayanihan" and asked the public to support the military’s efforts in addressing the problem of threat groups. David presented the Bayanihan, which the military will implement on January 1 next year up to the end of the term of President Aquino, to the President during the celebration of the military’s 75th foundation anniversary in Camp Aguinaldo. (Malaya-p4)
On Combat Pay
Was it or was it not an increase in combat pay under Executive Order 15, confused soldiers were asking yesterday. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) heralded what appears to be a 100 percent increase in the soldier’s combat pay as announced by Aquino during the AFP’s 75th anniversary ceremonies in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, citing the EO’s provision granting a fixed P500 per month combat pay to soldiers that was previously P240 for each soldier sent to a war zone. (Tribune-p1)
On Yuletide Ceasefire
An Army official warned yesterday of heightened recruitment by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during the suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO). 1Lt. Mark Andrew Posadas, spokesman of the 3rd Infantry Division based in Panay island, urged parents to keep an eye on their teenage sons and daughters who could be duped into joining NPA immersion activities. “Do you know where your children are?” Posadas said, reminding parents to be wary of NPA recruitment activities, which is usually done during their Dec. 26 founding anniversary and the following days. (Philstar-p3)
On US Soldiers
The US Embassy on Tuesday downplayed reports that American soldiers ordered local reporters in Zamboanga City to stop taking footage of the visit of Visiting Forces Agreement Executive Director Edilberto Adan inside a Philippine military camp last Monday. Wossie Mazengia, acting embassy spokesman, said the soldiers merely “requested verification” on the status of the members of the media. Reports said the reporters were shabbily treated by six American military personnel guarding the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) office inside the West Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Tribune-p1)
On Democracy
Nearly seven in 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the way democracy works in the country, according to a latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The SWS September poll showed 69 percent of Filipinos expressing satisfaction with the way democracy is working in the Philippines, up by a point from 68 percent in June. SWS said the new score was just shy of the 70 percent mark hit in July 1998 and October 1992 during the administrations of former presidents Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos, respectively. (Philstar-p4)
On Vizconde Massacre
Three teams have been ordered formed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to go after three sets of suspects in the Vizconde massacre that occurred in June 1991. One of the teams, however, will still be held as suspects Hubert Jeffrey Webb, et. al., all of whom have already been ac-quitted by the Supreme Court on grounds that the prose-cution failed to prove its case against Webb, et al. (Tribune-p1)
On Tax Evasion
The government on Tuesday said that President Benigno Aquino 3rd’s name-and-shame crackdown on tax cheats was bearing fruit and the extra revenues would help keep the budget deficit under control for the year. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said that the January to November deficit was P269.8 billion and would stay well below the full-year target of P325 billion. “On the revenue front, the [Internal Revenue and Customs bureaus] continued to make headway in their respective campaigns against tax evaders and smugglers [with] double-digit increases in revenue collections last month,” he added. (Mla Times-p1)
On Aviation
Alfonso Cusi has resigned as director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). President Aquino has named Ramon Gutierrez acting director general in his place. However, Aquino said he has not yet signed the appointment papers of Gutierrez. “We want to fast-track all of the problems that CAAP is supposed to be handling, among them the downgrade and the EU (European Union) blacklisting,” Aquino said. (Philstar-p1)
On PCSO
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) slashed yesterday by 40 percent the P929-million advertising and promotions budget of the agency as part of cost-cutting measures being implemented by President Aquino. Manuel Garcia, publicity and advertising manager, said the new management headed by chair Margarita Juico and general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas approved the budget cut of P379.28 million from the P929.280 million 2010 media budget. (Philstar-p2)
On Holiday Economics
The removal of holiday economics that his predecessor observed was not political, but rather a move of President Aquino for Filipinos to correctly observe historical commemorations and provide income to those earning a daily wage. “I was given a set of three choices, I chose the one that didn’t disrupt our people’s ability to make a living,” Aquino said. (Philstar-p2)
On Cagayan Fire
The regional state prosecutor here has created a panel of investigators to determine those who could be held accountable for the tragic fire that killed 16 people, mostly nursing graduates, last Sunday. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo also ordered Tuguegarao Mayor Delfin Ting to submit a report on the apparent failure of the city’s local business permit section to enforce the fire safety inspection requirement. (Philstar-p1)
On Added Income
More workers nationwide are looking for additional jobs for extra income, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday. Data from the DOLE’s Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) showed the number of underemployed increased by 264,000 in October 2010. (Philstar-p8)
PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER -- Rage Crisis Vs Garcia Deal
MANILA BULLETIN -- Aquino Hikes Combat Pay
PHILIPPINE STAR -- Noy To Solgen: Stop Garcia Plea Bargain
MANILA STANDARD -- ’19 Midnight Contracts’ On Terminal 3 Cancelled
MANILA TIMES -- Vizconde Probe Eyes Three Sets Of Suspects
MALAYA -- OSM Moves To void Garcia Bargain
DAILY TRIBUNE -- Aquino In No Position To Overturn Garcia Bid
TABLOIDS
PEOPLE’S JOURNAL -- Combat Pay Hiked
ABANTE -- ‘Father Jejemon’ Tiklop Sa Simbahan!
PILIPINO STAR NGAYON -- Jeep Hulog Sa Bangin: 6 Patay!
BALITA -- Pampataas Ng Moral
PEOPLES TONIGHT -- Cop Turns Superhero!
BULGAR -- Kris, Sopla Kay P-Noy
REMATE -- Nang-Hostage Ng Anak Tinigbak Ng Parak
ISSUES MONITORING
On Congress
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile assured the nation yesterday Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV would remain in the country until the amnesty granted to him is approved. Speaking to reporters, Enrile said he has assigned two security officers from the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to guard Trillanes for the duration of his Christmas furlough. (Philstar-p6)
President Aquino is set to sign the Congress-approved P1.645-trillion 2011 national budget next Monday. Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. told reporters yesterday that Budget Secretary Florencio Abad has informed him of the Dec. 27 signing, which will be held in Malacañang, though he proposed that it be done two days earlier, on Christmas Day. He said the expeditious approval by Congress of Aquino’s first budget reflects “our vote of confidence” on the President’s leadership. (Philstar-p4)
On Presidency
President Aquino yesterday reminded Filipinos to focus on God and their less fortunate countrymen and not just on their own their families this Christmas. “Let us not forget we have a God who gave us His only Son to save us from our sins. Our focus should be on that because that would also make us pay attention to others,” Aquino said in a media forum. (Philstar-p8)
President Aquino revealed yesterday that he would be happy if marriage would come even after his presidency, since a woman would never be his priority over the position that the people have entrusted to him. The President said that his youngest sister Kris did not have permission to talk about his love life but then, although she had promised to keep quiet, “I guess it’s difficult to change.” (Philstar-p8)
On Gen Garcia
The Palace is set to intervene in the Sandiganbayan case against former military comptroller Carlos Garcia in a bid to stop a plea bargaining deal that allowed the retired general to plead guilty to lesser offenses and post bail for his liberty. Solicitor General Joel Cadiz said they are preparing to file a motion to intervene with the second division of the Sandiganbayan in a last-ditch effort to stop the agreement. “The instructions of the President are clear: we will try to stop that deal, we will try to undo it,” Cadiz said in an interview. (PDI-Banner)
President Aquino has a weak hand in his effort to overturn a plea bargain that resulted in the release on bail of indicted retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia after granting amnesty to a group of military mutineers, an international risk consultancy firm said. The Pacific Strategies and Assessments (PSA) in its Philippines Weekly Report said many believe that Aquino has little legitimacy to confront the Garcia issue after granting amnesty to a group of military mutineers, including Sen. Antonio Trillanes, “and he simply lacks the capacity and wherewithal to reevaluate the proceedings and decision.” (Tribune-Banner)
On Internal Defense Plan
Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo David yesterday formally unveiled the military’s internal peace and security plan "Bayanihan" and asked the public to support the military’s efforts in addressing the problem of threat groups. David presented the Bayanihan, which the military will implement on January 1 next year up to the end of the term of President Aquino, to the President during the celebration of the military’s 75th foundation anniversary in Camp Aguinaldo. (Malaya-p4)
On Combat Pay
Was it or was it not an increase in combat pay under Executive Order 15, confused soldiers were asking yesterday. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) heralded what appears to be a 100 percent increase in the soldier’s combat pay as announced by Aquino during the AFP’s 75th anniversary ceremonies in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, citing the EO’s provision granting a fixed P500 per month combat pay to soldiers that was previously P240 for each soldier sent to a war zone. (Tribune-p1)
On Yuletide Ceasefire
An Army official warned yesterday of heightened recruitment by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during the suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO). 1Lt. Mark Andrew Posadas, spokesman of the 3rd Infantry Division based in Panay island, urged parents to keep an eye on their teenage sons and daughters who could be duped into joining NPA immersion activities. “Do you know where your children are?” Posadas said, reminding parents to be wary of NPA recruitment activities, which is usually done during their Dec. 26 founding anniversary and the following days. (Philstar-p3)
On US Soldiers
The US Embassy on Tuesday downplayed reports that American soldiers ordered local reporters in Zamboanga City to stop taking footage of the visit of Visiting Forces Agreement Executive Director Edilberto Adan inside a Philippine military camp last Monday. Wossie Mazengia, acting embassy spokesman, said the soldiers merely “requested verification” on the status of the members of the media. Reports said the reporters were shabbily treated by six American military personnel guarding the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) office inside the West Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Tribune-p1)
On Democracy
Nearly seven in 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the way democracy works in the country, according to a latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The SWS September poll showed 69 percent of Filipinos expressing satisfaction with the way democracy is working in the Philippines, up by a point from 68 percent in June. SWS said the new score was just shy of the 70 percent mark hit in July 1998 and October 1992 during the administrations of former presidents Joseph Estrada and Fidel Ramos, respectively. (Philstar-p4)
On Vizconde Massacre
Three teams have been ordered formed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to go after three sets of suspects in the Vizconde massacre that occurred in June 1991. One of the teams, however, will still be held as suspects Hubert Jeffrey Webb, et. al., all of whom have already been ac-quitted by the Supreme Court on grounds that the prose-cution failed to prove its case against Webb, et al. (Tribune-p1)
On Tax Evasion
The government on Tuesday said that President Benigno Aquino 3rd’s name-and-shame crackdown on tax cheats was bearing fruit and the extra revenues would help keep the budget deficit under control for the year. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said that the January to November deficit was P269.8 billion and would stay well below the full-year target of P325 billion. “On the revenue front, the [Internal Revenue and Customs bureaus] continued to make headway in their respective campaigns against tax evaders and smugglers [with] double-digit increases in revenue collections last month,” he added. (Mla Times-p1)
On Aviation
Alfonso Cusi has resigned as director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). President Aquino has named Ramon Gutierrez acting director general in his place. However, Aquino said he has not yet signed the appointment papers of Gutierrez. “We want to fast-track all of the problems that CAAP is supposed to be handling, among them the downgrade and the EU (European Union) blacklisting,” Aquino said. (Philstar-p1)
On PCSO
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) slashed yesterday by 40 percent the P929-million advertising and promotions budget of the agency as part of cost-cutting measures being implemented by President Aquino. Manuel Garcia, publicity and advertising manager, said the new management headed by chair Margarita Juico and general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas approved the budget cut of P379.28 million from the P929.280 million 2010 media budget. (Philstar-p2)
On Holiday Economics
The removal of holiday economics that his predecessor observed was not political, but rather a move of President Aquino for Filipinos to correctly observe historical commemorations and provide income to those earning a daily wage. “I was given a set of three choices, I chose the one that didn’t disrupt our people’s ability to make a living,” Aquino said. (Philstar-p2)
On Cagayan Fire
The regional state prosecutor here has created a panel of investigators to determine those who could be held accountable for the tragic fire that killed 16 people, mostly nursing graduates, last Sunday. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo also ordered Tuguegarao Mayor Delfin Ting to submit a report on the apparent failure of the city’s local business permit section to enforce the fire safety inspection requirement. (Philstar-p1)
On Added Income
More workers nationwide are looking for additional jobs for extra income, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday. Data from the DOLE’s Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) showed the number of underemployed increased by 264,000 in October 2010. (Philstar-p8)
In : news