1ST-APLUMA NEWS SUMMARY FOR SEPT. 2, 2010
Posted by unang apluma on Friday, September 3, 2010
(Legend: Phil. Daily Inquirer, PDI; Mla. Bulletin, MB; Phil. Star, PS; Mla. Standard, MS; Daily Tribune, DT; Businessworld, BW; Malaya, Today)
A.
PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER Outrage Over Delay On Ampatuan Trial
PHILSTAR (PS) Mendozaâs Woman Friend Faces NBI
B.
MANILA STANDARD HK Tourism Chief Wants Longer Travel Ban To RP
MANILA TIMES More Chinese Drop Manila
MALAYA Aquino Wonât Be Called In Probe
DAILY TRIBUNE Palace Hand In Senate Probe Suspension Eyed
ISSUES MONITORING
(Broadsheets)
On Congress
The Senate on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution urging President Benigno Aquino 3rd to suspend immediately the âexcessive and unwarrantedâ allowances, bonuses, incentives and other perks of board members of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs). Sen. Franklin Drilon, the sponsor of the resolution, said that the measure is just a temporary one to prevent further erosion of government revenues while Congress crafts a law on reasonable pay and perks of GOCC and GFI officials. âThe suspension by the President of bonuses, allowances, car loans, stock options and other perks of the Board of Directors of approximately 957 GOCCs will enable the government to address its increasing budget deficit and avert the imposition of new taxes,â the resolution stated. (Mla Times-p1)
The chairman of the House committee on justice, whose father was indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman for graft and gross neglect of duty, refused yesterday to inhibit himself from presiding over the hearings on the impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez despite mounting calls for him to do so out of propriety. (Philstar-p8)
Congressmen intend to invite former Vice President Noli de Castro to their inquiry into what they described as the âfraudulentâ use of Pag-Ibig Fund loans during his watch. Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., author of one of two resolutions seeking the inquiry, told reporters that he would ask the investigating committee to invite De Castro. âIn fairness to the former vice president, I think we should hear his side on this issue. We cannot prejudge him,â he said. (Philstar-p9)
On Presidency
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima yesterday took back her statement that President Aquino would be among the personalities to be invited for questioning by the Incident Investigation and Review Committee, which she heads, in the probe of the August 23 hostage crisis. De Lima told reporters that there was really no intention to invite Aquino for questioning to explain his role or actions during the 10-hour hostage drama. (Malaya-Banner)
Malacañang squelched speculations yesterday that âfactionsâ within the Cabinet of President Aquino were causing miscommunication among officials, a problem that came to light during the tragic hostage incident on Aug. 23. âIt will no longer help if we add to many other speculations because that has no basis and we are doing what we can to the best of our abilities,â Presidential CommunicationsOperations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said. (Philstar-p6)
President Aquino paid a surprise visit to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City yesterday even as Malacañang welcomed Chinaâs pronouncement that it appreciated the moves taken by the Philippine government in connection with the Aug. 23 hostage-taking incident. âWe are determined to ensure that the investigation will produce thorough and accurate accounts and findings as this is the path towards goodwill and enduring friendship between the peoples of both countries,â Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said. (Philstar-p1)
On The Communications Group
Two of President Aquinoâs communications officials yesterday said there are no factions in the presidential Communications Group (ComGroup). The clarification was made following reports that differences between the two factions â the Balay Group and the Samar Group â in the Aquino Cabinet are being blamed partly for the alleged lapses in handling the Aug. 23 hostage crisis.
The Balay Group refers to the Liberal Party, Noy-Mar and Hyatt 10 people whose base was the Balay Aquino-Roxas campaign headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City. (Malaya-p1)
On 2011 National Budget
The Aquino administration told a congressional hearing on the proposed budget for next year that the country would likely enjoy a lower budget deficit than programmed. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima on Wednesday said that though the Aquino economic team is only looking at a budget shortfall of P298.6 billion, or 3.3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) for 2011, the government is likely to achieve a lower deficit of about P226 billion, or 2.5 percent of the GDP. Purisimaâs pronouncement came after Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, who heads the House Committee on Appropriations questioned the apparently prudent forecast of the administration on the budget shortfall for next year. (Mla Times-p1)
On Maguindanao Massacre
Relatives of the 57 victims in the infamous Maguindanao massacre wept in disgust as the long-awaited trial was postponed anew yesterday. Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes announced at the end of the hour-long hearing that she was âpartiallyâ granting the defense motion to postpone the trial of Andal Ampatuan Jr. and 195 co-accused and resetting the hearing to Sept. 8. (PDI-Banner)
On Luneta Carnage
The woman who reportedly accompanied dismissed policeman Rolando Mendoza to Manila surfaced Tuesday and told investigators that she had no knowledge of his plan to hold hostage passengers of a tourist bus that resulted in the death of eight Hong Kong tourists last Aug. 23. GMANews.TV reported that the woman, identified only as âRose,â executed a two-page affidavit at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). (Philstar-Banner)
Canceled bookings of Chinese tourists with the Philippinesâ two largest airlines continued to rise because of the bloody ending to a recent hostage drama in Manila where eight tourists from Hong Kong were killed. A total of 2,100 bookings had been scrapped as of Wednesday. In a statement, Cebu Pacific said that it has accommodated about 1,000 requests for rebooking or cancelations from passengers in mainland China and Hong Kong. (Mla Times-Banner)
Iâm sorry. Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay yesterday said he did his best as ground commander during the Aug. 23 hostage crisis that killed eight Hong Kong tourists and the abductor, dismissed Senior Insp. Rolando Mendoza. (PDI-p1)
South Koreans see the Aug. 23 hostage crisis in Rizal Park as an isolated incident and will continue visiting the Philippines, South Korean Ambassador Hye-min Lee said yesterday. Visiting The STAR yesterday, the ambassador also said the Philippines has a âvery highâ economic potential, with its âvery very competent human resourcesâ a major edge. (Philstar-p1)
Allies of former President Gloria Arroyo on Tuesday reiterated their call for President Benigno Aquino 3rd to either fire or force to resign Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Communications Group Secretaries Ricky Carandang and Herminio Coloma for allegedly mishandling the August 23 hostage crisis. Mrs. Arroyoâs son and Rep. Juan Miguel âMikeyâ Arroyo of Ang Galing Pinoy party-list said that President Aquino should reorganize his team on admission of the President himself that he was misinformed on the incident that left nine deadâeight Chinese tourists from Hong Kong and the hostage-taker, dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza. He added that the case of the President being given wrong information has been happening since Mr. Aquino assumed the presidency on June 30 this year. (Mla Times-p1) GMA allies
On GOCC Perks
Former Social Security System chairman Thelmo Cunanan earned roughly P132.7 million from 2007 to 2010 in his capacity as immediate past chairman and member of the board of directors of three companies where the SSS has invested its membersâ trust fund, according to Sen. Franklin Drilon. Drilon, who chairs the Senate finance committee, said Cunanan earned P3 million in bonuses and P140,000 per diem from First Philippine Holdings alone in 2010. (Philstar-p1)
On Barangay Elections
Manual voting will be used in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election on Oct. 25, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday. Chairman Jose Melo said the Comelec has done away with ballots carrying pre-printed names of candidates because it would require bigger costs. âIf we use pre-printed ballots, weâll have to print ballots specific for a certain precinct, weâll have to deliver ballots to the correct precinct,â he said. (Philstar-p2)
On Electricity Rates
Households in Metro Manila and nearby provinces may have to brace for another round of electricity rate hike as the Manila Electric Co. is seeking to collect P18 billion in under-recoveries through a rate adjustment. Meralco said these so-called under-recoveries would be tucked in its rate hike petition with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). (Philstar-p4)
On Disaster Funds
A Commission on Audit (COA) report showed that the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the operating arm of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) under the Department of National Defense, had purchased 13 LCD television sets worth over P500,000 without any public bidding in 2009. COA said the purchase apparently violated the Government Procurement Reform Act and was done using funds that were supposed to be used for emergency response. (Philstar-p7)
On Flood Control Project
Two ranking officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who are signatories in the P934-million flood control projects have been relieved from their positions for committing procedural lapses. DPWH-Accounting Division officer-in-charge Marichu Palafox and Project Management Office (PMO) for Major Flood Control and Drainage Project-Cluster II assistant director Fidel Gines were relieved from their jobs last week. (Philstar-p6)
On Poverty
More Filipinos were expected to fall into poverty in 2009 because of recent shocks that hit the country, according to the governmentâs think tank. Celia Reyes, research fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said that it is likely that poverty incidence among the population will rise more than 32.9 percent in 2009 because of the domestic and global challenges that struck the country. For 2006, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported 32.9 percent of the population or 27.6 million Filipinos are income poor while 14.6 percent, or 12.2 million Filipinos are food poor. (Mla Times-p1)
On Dengue
The Department of Health on Wednesday said that dengue cases in the country have reached more than 60,000 this year. Health Secretary Enrique Ona said that from January to August 21 this year, they recorded 62,503 cases, which is 88.8-percent higher from the same period last year. Secretary Ona said there were 465 deaths recorded this year compared to 350 deaths last year. He said the fatality rate is now less than 1 percent compared to the 2 percent recorded 10 years ago. (Mla Times-p3)
On Pambansang Kamao
Manny Pacquiao doesnât see eye to eye with Antonio Margarito, literally and figuratively. Still, Pacquiao, who stands a shade below 5-foot-7 and had to look up just to stare at the eyes of the 5-foot-11 Margarito during the start of their promotional tour, is willing to give his disgraced Mexican foe another shot at redemption. (PDI-p1)
NEWS SUMMARY
(Tabloids)
(Legend: Peopleâs Journal, PJ; Abante, Ab; Tempo, Tem; Kabayan, Kab; Balita, Bal; Pilipino Star Ngayon, PSN; Remate, Rem; Bulgar, Bul; )
A.
PEOPLE'S JOURNAL Stop Bonuses
ABANTE 5 Pinoys Ipa-Firing Squad Sa China
PILIPINO STAR NGAYON Tattoo, Body Piercing Ipagbabawal
BALITA Bagong Sigla Para Sa Swat
PEOPLES TONIGHT Another Terror Bus Ride!
BULGAR 4 Pinay, 1 Pinoy Bibitayin Sa China
REMATE Tulog Na Lovers Niratrat
A.
PHIL. DAILY INQUIRER Outrage Over Delay On Ampatuan Trial
PHILSTAR (PS) Mendozaâs Woman Friend Faces NBI
B.
MANILA STANDARD HK Tourism Chief Wants Longer Travel Ban To RP
MANILA TIMES More Chinese Drop Manila
MALAYA Aquino Wonât Be Called In Probe
DAILY TRIBUNE Palace Hand In Senate Probe Suspension Eyed
ISSUES MONITORING
(Broadsheets)
On Congress
The Senate on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution urging President Benigno Aquino 3rd to suspend immediately the âexcessive and unwarrantedâ allowances, bonuses, incentives and other perks of board members of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs). Sen. Franklin Drilon, the sponsor of the resolution, said that the measure is just a temporary one to prevent further erosion of government revenues while Congress crafts a law on reasonable pay and perks of GOCC and GFI officials. âThe suspension by the President of bonuses, allowances, car loans, stock options and other perks of the Board of Directors of approximately 957 GOCCs will enable the government to address its increasing budget deficit and avert the imposition of new taxes,â the resolution stated. (Mla Times-p1)
The chairman of the House committee on justice, whose father was indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman for graft and gross neglect of duty, refused yesterday to inhibit himself from presiding over the hearings on the impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez despite mounting calls for him to do so out of propriety. (Philstar-p8)
Congressmen intend to invite former Vice President Noli de Castro to their inquiry into what they described as the âfraudulentâ use of Pag-Ibig Fund loans during his watch. Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., author of one of two resolutions seeking the inquiry, told reporters that he would ask the investigating committee to invite De Castro. âIn fairness to the former vice president, I think we should hear his side on this issue. We cannot prejudge him,â he said. (Philstar-p9)
On Presidency
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima yesterday took back her statement that President Aquino would be among the personalities to be invited for questioning by the Incident Investigation and Review Committee, which she heads, in the probe of the August 23 hostage crisis. De Lima told reporters that there was really no intention to invite Aquino for questioning to explain his role or actions during the 10-hour hostage drama. (Malaya-Banner)
Malacañang squelched speculations yesterday that âfactionsâ within the Cabinet of President Aquino were causing miscommunication among officials, a problem that came to light during the tragic hostage incident on Aug. 23. âIt will no longer help if we add to many other speculations because that has no basis and we are doing what we can to the best of our abilities,â Presidential CommunicationsOperations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said. (Philstar-p6)
President Aquino paid a surprise visit to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City yesterday even as Malacañang welcomed Chinaâs pronouncement that it appreciated the moves taken by the Philippine government in connection with the Aug. 23 hostage-taking incident. âWe are determined to ensure that the investigation will produce thorough and accurate accounts and findings as this is the path towards goodwill and enduring friendship between the peoples of both countries,â Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said. (Philstar-p1)
On The Communications Group
Two of President Aquinoâs communications officials yesterday said there are no factions in the presidential Communications Group (ComGroup). The clarification was made following reports that differences between the two factions â the Balay Group and the Samar Group â in the Aquino Cabinet are being blamed partly for the alleged lapses in handling the Aug. 23 hostage crisis.
The Balay Group refers to the Liberal Party, Noy-Mar and Hyatt 10 people whose base was the Balay Aquino-Roxas campaign headquarters in Cubao, Quezon City. (Malaya-p1)
On 2011 National Budget
The Aquino administration told a congressional hearing on the proposed budget for next year that the country would likely enjoy a lower budget deficit than programmed. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima on Wednesday said that though the Aquino economic team is only looking at a budget shortfall of P298.6 billion, or 3.3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) for 2011, the government is likely to achieve a lower deficit of about P226 billion, or 2.5 percent of the GDP. Purisimaâs pronouncement came after Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, who heads the House Committee on Appropriations questioned the apparently prudent forecast of the administration on the budget shortfall for next year. (Mla Times-p1)
On Maguindanao Massacre
Relatives of the 57 victims in the infamous Maguindanao massacre wept in disgust as the long-awaited trial was postponed anew yesterday. Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes announced at the end of the hour-long hearing that she was âpartiallyâ granting the defense motion to postpone the trial of Andal Ampatuan Jr. and 195 co-accused and resetting the hearing to Sept. 8. (PDI-Banner)
On Luneta Carnage
The woman who reportedly accompanied dismissed policeman Rolando Mendoza to Manila surfaced Tuesday and told investigators that she had no knowledge of his plan to hold hostage passengers of a tourist bus that resulted in the death of eight Hong Kong tourists last Aug. 23. GMANews.TV reported that the woman, identified only as âRose,â executed a two-page affidavit at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). (Philstar-Banner)
Canceled bookings of Chinese tourists with the Philippinesâ two largest airlines continued to rise because of the bloody ending to a recent hostage drama in Manila where eight tourists from Hong Kong were killed. A total of 2,100 bookings had been scrapped as of Wednesday. In a statement, Cebu Pacific said that it has accommodated about 1,000 requests for rebooking or cancelations from passengers in mainland China and Hong Kong. (Mla Times-Banner)
Iâm sorry. Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay yesterday said he did his best as ground commander during the Aug. 23 hostage crisis that killed eight Hong Kong tourists and the abductor, dismissed Senior Insp. Rolando Mendoza. (PDI-p1)
South Koreans see the Aug. 23 hostage crisis in Rizal Park as an isolated incident and will continue visiting the Philippines, South Korean Ambassador Hye-min Lee said yesterday. Visiting The STAR yesterday, the ambassador also said the Philippines has a âvery highâ economic potential, with its âvery very competent human resourcesâ a major edge. (Philstar-p1)
Allies of former President Gloria Arroyo on Tuesday reiterated their call for President Benigno Aquino 3rd to either fire or force to resign Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Communications Group Secretaries Ricky Carandang and Herminio Coloma for allegedly mishandling the August 23 hostage crisis. Mrs. Arroyoâs son and Rep. Juan Miguel âMikeyâ Arroyo of Ang Galing Pinoy party-list said that President Aquino should reorganize his team on admission of the President himself that he was misinformed on the incident that left nine deadâeight Chinese tourists from Hong Kong and the hostage-taker, dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza. He added that the case of the President being given wrong information has been happening since Mr. Aquino assumed the presidency on June 30 this year. (Mla Times-p1) GMA allies
On GOCC Perks
Former Social Security System chairman Thelmo Cunanan earned roughly P132.7 million from 2007 to 2010 in his capacity as immediate past chairman and member of the board of directors of three companies where the SSS has invested its membersâ trust fund, according to Sen. Franklin Drilon. Drilon, who chairs the Senate finance committee, said Cunanan earned P3 million in bonuses and P140,000 per diem from First Philippine Holdings alone in 2010. (Philstar-p1)
On Barangay Elections
Manual voting will be used in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election on Oct. 25, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday. Chairman Jose Melo said the Comelec has done away with ballots carrying pre-printed names of candidates because it would require bigger costs. âIf we use pre-printed ballots, weâll have to print ballots specific for a certain precinct, weâll have to deliver ballots to the correct precinct,â he said. (Philstar-p2)
On Electricity Rates
Households in Metro Manila and nearby provinces may have to brace for another round of electricity rate hike as the Manila Electric Co. is seeking to collect P18 billion in under-recoveries through a rate adjustment. Meralco said these so-called under-recoveries would be tucked in its rate hike petition with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). (Philstar-p4)
On Disaster Funds
A Commission on Audit (COA) report showed that the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the operating arm of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) under the Department of National Defense, had purchased 13 LCD television sets worth over P500,000 without any public bidding in 2009. COA said the purchase apparently violated the Government Procurement Reform Act and was done using funds that were supposed to be used for emergency response. (Philstar-p7)
On Flood Control Project
Two ranking officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) who are signatories in the P934-million flood control projects have been relieved from their positions for committing procedural lapses. DPWH-Accounting Division officer-in-charge Marichu Palafox and Project Management Office (PMO) for Major Flood Control and Drainage Project-Cluster II assistant director Fidel Gines were relieved from their jobs last week. (Philstar-p6)
On Poverty
More Filipinos were expected to fall into poverty in 2009 because of recent shocks that hit the country, according to the governmentâs think tank. Celia Reyes, research fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said that it is likely that poverty incidence among the population will rise more than 32.9 percent in 2009 because of the domestic and global challenges that struck the country. For 2006, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported 32.9 percent of the population or 27.6 million Filipinos are income poor while 14.6 percent, or 12.2 million Filipinos are food poor. (Mla Times-p1)
On Dengue
The Department of Health on Wednesday said that dengue cases in the country have reached more than 60,000 this year. Health Secretary Enrique Ona said that from January to August 21 this year, they recorded 62,503 cases, which is 88.8-percent higher from the same period last year. Secretary Ona said there were 465 deaths recorded this year compared to 350 deaths last year. He said the fatality rate is now less than 1 percent compared to the 2 percent recorded 10 years ago. (Mla Times-p3)
On Pambansang Kamao
Manny Pacquiao doesnât see eye to eye with Antonio Margarito, literally and figuratively. Still, Pacquiao, who stands a shade below 5-foot-7 and had to look up just to stare at the eyes of the 5-foot-11 Margarito during the start of their promotional tour, is willing to give his disgraced Mexican foe another shot at redemption. (PDI-p1)
NEWS SUMMARY
(Tabloids)
(Legend: Peopleâs Journal, PJ; Abante, Ab; Tempo, Tem; Kabayan, Kab; Balita, Bal; Pilipino Star Ngayon, PSN; Remate, Rem; Bulgar, Bul; )
A.
PEOPLE'S JOURNAL Stop Bonuses
ABANTE 5 Pinoys Ipa-Firing Squad Sa China
PILIPINO STAR NGAYON Tattoo, Body Piercing Ipagbabawal
BALITA Bagong Sigla Para Sa Swat
PEOPLES TONIGHT Another Terror Bus Ride!
BULGAR 4 Pinay, 1 Pinoy Bibitayin Sa China
REMATE Tulog Na Lovers Niratrat