BROADSHEETS

PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER -- Rosales Welcomes Probe

MANILA BULLETIN -- Bus Fare Hike Looms

PHILIPPINE STAR -- Lacson Can Still Be Charged – Palace 

MANILA STANDARD -- Palace’s No-Election Plan Sparks Uproar In House

MANILA TIMES -- P13-B Airport Plan Pointless

MALAYA -- Crunch Time For Garcia

DAILY TRIBUNE -- UN Help In Probe Of AFP Funds Mess

TABLOIDS

PEOPLE’S JOURNAL -- Death Threats

ABANTE -- Basag-Kurakot Aabot Sa PNP

PILIPINO STAR NGAYON -- Bagong ‘Bomba’ 

Sasabog Sa Mga Generals!

BALITA -- Puso Alagaan

BULGAR -- Gen. Rosales, Protektor Ng Carnappers

 

ISSUES MONITORING

On Congress

The Senate Blue Ribbon committee, together with the committee on justice, resumes today its investigation on the alleged anomalous diversion of AFP budget, with alleged plunderer former military comptroller Carlos Garcia under threat of contempt citation and detention. Garcia repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination during the second hearing Thursday last week, refusing to answer senators’ questions about fund anomalies in the Armed Forces. He invoked the same right at least 30 times during a House hearing in 2004 into corruption in the military. Observers say he is unlikely to change his position today.  (Malaya-Banner) 

Former state auditor Heidi Mendoza will be the star witness in a new probe in the House of Representatives that seeks to track down those who pocketed United Nations funds for Filipino soldiers deployed overseas. Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, chair of the House defense committee, told the Inquirer that Mendoza would be asked to share details of her findings on the $5 million that the UN had paid the Philippines for sending its peacekeeping forces abroad.  (PDI-p1) AFP generals

He can still be indicted again. As far as Malacañang is concerned, the principle of double jeopardy will not be applicable in the case against fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who was cleared of twin murders last week by the Court of Appeals (CA). “The principle of double jeopardy will not set in,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told government-run radio dzRB, noting that the senator has not yet been arraigned before the Manila Regional Trial Court. (Philstar-Banner) 

The House minority bloc urged President Aquino yesterday to convene the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), and the National Security Council (NSC) following recent domestic and foreign security and economic developments. Opposition lawmakers said they made the call in the wake of the bombing of a passenger bus in Makati City, uprisings in Egypt, shocking disclosures of corruption in the military in congressional investigations, surge in heinous crimes and numerous economic challenges the country is facing. (Philstar-p11) 

On Presidency

President Benigno Aquino 3rd will push for the passage of more than a dozen priority measures in Congress when he convenes the Legislative-Executive Development Council (Ledac) this month, an official said on Sunday. The 17 priority bills will not push for new taxes or Charter change, or “Cha-cha,” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said in a statement. (Mla Times-p1) 

The inadequate supply of seedlings for reforestation was part of the reason why the indefinite log ban was issued, President Aquino said. “We have our reforestation program, but the problem is the inadequate supply of seedlings that we could use. Adding to the problem is the fact that our forests are dwindling very fast,” Aquino said. Aquino said he was prompted to issue Executive Order 23 to avert more floods and eventually restore denuded forests in the country. (Philstar-p3) 

On Carjacking 

Saying he would welcome any investigation, PNP Director Roberto “Boysie” Rosales Saying he would welcome any investigation, PNP Director Roberto “Boysie” Rosales yesterday challenged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prove that he and another police official were coddling a notorious car theft gang. As the police official fought to clear his name, retired PNP Director Rodolfo “Boogie” Mendoza said members of the Philippine Military Academy’s Class 1978 had called him to vouch for Rosales’ professionalism and personal integrity. (PDI-Banner) 

On AFP Generals

Special envoy Roy Cimatu is “no longer proceeding to Egypt” as earlier ordered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to assess the situation of more than 6,500 Filipinos in the Middle East country where massive protests are calling for an end to President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule. Assistant Foreign Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya, also the DFA spokesperson, Sunday said Cimatu had “completed his mission in Afghanistan and is on his way back home.” (PDI-p1) 

Commission on Audit (COA) Chairman Reynaldo Villar and his predecessors were summoned to appear before the House of Representatives committee on justice for the resumption of the inquiry on alleged corruption in the Armed Forces tomorrow. Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, committee on justice vice chairman, said former COA chairman Guillermo Carague was among the state auditors invited to the inquiry, along with retired chiefs of the Armed Forces, who were not able to testify in the previous hearing. (Philstar-p8) 

The military hopes allegations of corruption within its ranks would pave the way for new laws to enhance transparency and flexibility in the use of funds. Speaking over radio dzBB, Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said these allegations could bring reforms in the military’s disbursement system. “With this expose, Congress can craft new rules and regulations to make our expenses adjustable and transparent to ensure that these are used for intended purposes,” he said. (Philstar-p6) 

On The Ombudsman

Allegations of millions of pesos given and received as send-off money to a string of Armed Forces of the Philippines chiefs of staff have been traded on the floor of Congress. The charges have been triggered by the trial for plunder and bribery of former military comptroller Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia that has been whittled down to a much-maligned plea bargain deal. (Mla Times-p1) 

On UN Funds

The United Nations (UN) has offered to provide information to the Philippine Senate on the allegedly missing multimillion-dollar funds intended for Filipino peacekeepers. Although it pointed out that the ongoing probe is internal to the Philippine government, the UN said it will give assistance to the ongoing inquiry by providing details on its transactions with the Armed Forces of the Philippines once requested by the Senate. (Tribune-Banner) 

On The Peace Process

The government’s chief negotiator has expressed “serious concern” over the reported breakaway of a leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ahead of peace talks. Ameril Umbra Kato’s (some reports spell it Ombra) split from the MILF, taking with him over 1,000 men, could compromise the talks between the government and the rebel group, said negotiator Marivic Leonen. “The government views the reported resignation of a known commander of the MILF with serious concern and looks forward to a clarification from the MILF (peace) panel,” Leonen said in a statement read over government radio by Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. (PDI-p3) 

Government peace negotiators yesterday expressed concern over the reported resignation of a top commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Reports said Ameril Umbra Kato, former head of the MILF’s 105h Base Command that launched attacks on civilian communities in Central Mindanao in 2008, has taken with him several followers. The MILF said it is talking with Kato for his return, and belied reports that Kato is founding a new organization. (Malaya-p1) 

On Media Killings

A suspect in the killing of Gerry Ortega has surrendered and named the masterminds who allegedly gave him P200,000 for the hit on the popular radio commentator and environmentalist, authorities said. Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn told the Inquirer  yesterday that Rodolfo Edrad Jr., alias “Junjun Bomar,” had surrendered to him on Saturday night in Lopez town, Quezon province, for fear of his life. (PDI-p1) 

On MRT-LRT Hike

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said yesterday the scheduled Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) fare increases would be put off indefinitely after steadfast opposition by various sectors during a two-day public consultation. Dante Velasco, DOTC undersecretary for public information and management information systems, said LRT Authority (LRTA) administrator Rafael Rodriguez had raised the possibility of postponing the implementation of the fare hike plan as early as last Saturday, the end of the second day of public consultation. (Philstar-p1) 

On Flour Prices

Flour prices will go up by as much as P80 per 25-kilogram bag this month and bread prices are expected to follow suit. “Wheat prices in the world market have reached a two-year high. That is why we need to adjust the price of flour this month,” according to Ricardo Pinca of the Philippine Association of Flour Millers (PAFMIL). Bakers have pointed out that for every P40 increase in flour prices, there is a corresponding P1 adjustment in the price of loaf bread and 50 cents in a 10-piece pack of pan de sal. (Philstar-p1) 

On Pinoys In Egypt

Twenty-six Filipinos arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Egypt via Dubai yesterday. Meeting the repatriated Filipinos were Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos, Administrator Carmencita Dimzon of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director Ovais Sarmad. Conejos said the DFA shouldered their air fares. (Philstar-p1) 

On Dacer-Corbito Murder

Former police senior superintendent Cezar Mancao yesterday dared Sen. Panfilo Lacson to face him in court even after the favorable ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA) dismissing the charges against the fugitive senator. Mancao, a primary witness against Lacson in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, said he is not afraid of any moves that the senator would take against him. “I am not afraid of him (Lacson). I am ready for whatever counteraction his camp would take against me for testifying against him,” Mancao said. (Philstar-p1) 

On Airport Operations

Besides being expensive, the Japanese-funded air traffic management (ATM) project of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) was hit for allegedly being “flawed,” “futile” and “redundant” since existing air traffic facilities can very well handle the anticipated increase in international and domestic flights in the next five years. (Mla Times-Banner)