October 17-22, 2007

October 17, 2007
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
CBCP tells execs: Admit Palace gift
‘Our leaders are showing moral bankruptcy’
Inquirer
Last updated 02:17am (Mla time) 10/17/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Assailing the “moral bankruptcy” of national leaders, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Tuesday called on other public officials to follow the lead of Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=94887

2. The Philippine Star
CBCP: RP politics morally bankrupt
By Edu Punay
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has declared moral bankruptcy in Philippine politics following the reported distribution of cash gifts by Malacañang to congressmen and local government officials.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071016177

3. Manila Times
JdV: End govt corruption
Statements hint at possible split with President
President Gloria Arroyo’s revival of Charter change (Cha-cha) should have endeared her to Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who had been a strong advocate of amending the 1987 Constitution.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/17/yehey/top_stories/20071017top1.html

4. Malaya
Bishops slam Gloria’s moral bankruptcy Support Senate probe of ‘bribery’
BY GERARD NAVAL
THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines yesterday backed a Senate investigation on the Palace "payoffs" as contained in Resolution 172 filed by Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Monday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct17/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Senate marks 91st year
Remains a bastion of independence — Villar
Swift Senate action on 9 bills cited
By KRIS BAYOS
The Senate yesterday marked its 91st anniversary with a mini-marathon run symbolizing the dedication and speed of the Upper Chamber of the Congress in passing nine bills for its first regular session.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071017105978.html

6. The Daily Tribune
Marines chief: Civil war not far-fetched
By Gina Peralta-Elorde
10/17/2007
President Arroyo may find herself in the forefront of a civil war, with government troops fighting each other, blood being shed with the strife stemming from allegations of widespread bribes showered on both the congressmen and local executives by Malacañang.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071017hed1.html

7. Abante
SOLING SUHOL WALANG AAKO!
(With Jojo de Guzman/Eralyn Prado/Irish Ann Cruz)
Walang sinumang taga-Mala-cañang ang tatanggap ng isosoling pera ni Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1707/main.htm


8. Abante-Tonite
GLORIA TINABLA NI JDV SA CHACHA
Ni Bernard Taguinod
Kung naging pet bill ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia ang Charter Change (ChaCha) sa mga nagdaang taon, mistulang naglatag ito ng reserbasyon sa nasabing usapin sa kabila ng rekomendasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na amyendahan na ang Saligang Batas at palitan ang sistema ng gobyerno mula presidential tungo sa parliyamentaryo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1707/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Babala ni Dolorfino: Civil war sisiklab
Ni Joy Cantos
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Nagbabadya umano ang madugong civil war kapag lumahok ang mga sundalo sa kudeta upang patal­sikin sa kapangyarihan si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007101689


10. Journal
WHAT CASH GIFTS?
By: Tess Bedico
Palace maintains innocence amid confessions of recipients
MALACAÑANG yesterday maintained it knows nothing about the alleged distribution of cash gifts to local officials who attended a recent meeting in the Palace.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=1&aid=35418

11. Business World
Exports to pull down GDP
N.E.D.A. TO CABINET: WITH EXPORT SLOWDOWN, GROWTH MORE LIKE 5.9-6.5%
By Cai U. Ordinario
Reporters
THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) projects the slowdown in exports could result in a lower economic growth for 2007, but with the last quarter showing growth of about 8 percent.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/10172007/headlines01.html

12. Business Mirror
Borrowing tack could be revised
THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT HAS AGREED to review next year’s financing program as requested by the central bank, but emphasized that any cut in foreign borrowings should have minimal impact.
Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves, in a statement, yesterday said "we are looking into the proposal of sourcing more financing from domestic sources to help stem the sharp peso appreciation and partially address the concerns of exporters."
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101707/content.php?id=001

II. POLITICAL
Opposition hopes pro-Arroyo solons will agree to probe
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Dona Pazzibugan, Norman Bordadora
Inquirer
Last updated 04:13am (Mla time) 10/17/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition members of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday moved to investigate allegations of payoffs by Malacañang in the midst of a fresh attempt to impeach President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=94909


Arroyo admin won’t change, says Speaker’s son
By Jerome Aning
Inquirer
Last updated 04:49am (Mla time) 10/17/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. believes that corruption will continue in the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo because she has become inured to it, according to his son, Jose “Joey” de Venecia III.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=94914


Cash gifts not from us – Pagcor, PCSO
By Helen Flores
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
As critics of the Arroyo administration demanded to know where the money for the alleged cash gifts to political allies came from, the revenue-rich Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) said yesterday it could not have been the source of the funds because it is being “watched over” by audit officials.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071016178


Now, it’s Laguna solon’s turn to bare bribe try
By Norman Bordadora
Inquirer
Last updated 04:56am (Mla time) 10/17/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- On Tuesday, it was Laguna Rep. Edgar San Luis’ turn to allege bribery in connection with an attempt to file a new impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=94916


JDV says House won’t talk Cha-cha until first quarter of 2008
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The House of Representatives will work on President Arroyo’s renewed Charter change bid early next year, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071016187

Requests for share of Palace cash swamp Bulacan gov
By Arlyn dela Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 01:22am (Mla time) 10/17/2007
MANILA, Philippines – It was not unusual to see many people lining up in the different offices of the Bulacan Provincial Capitol especially on a Monday, which is also a session day where most of the elected board members are present. But last Monday, Oct. 15 was extraordinary, according to Bulacan board member Ramon Posadas.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=94878


Governor Ed, believe it or not, it’s a bribe
GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga is a priest. He was the parish pastor of Betis town just before he was elected head of one of the country’s richest provinces. He is used to the clerical life. And that includes receiving donations from varied sources for his many religious projects.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=20071016150

Budget allocates P303B to cover interest payments
By Nora O. Gamolo, Senior Desk Editor
Second of three parts
(Editor’s note: The first part disclosed how Congress, with the prodding of antidebt activists, realized that the country should not be a slave to paying debts, especially onerous ones. The P17.8-billion reduction in the amount allocated for debt servicing in the 2008 budget bill can also be considered a significant step in stopping payments for the ballooning national debt.)
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/17/yehey/top_stories/20071017top6.html

“Cash gift” ni GMA di dapat tinanggap ni Panlilio-CBCP
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hindi umano dapat na tinanggap ni Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio ang “cash gift” mula sa Malakan­yang.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007101691

Pamumudmod ng pera labag sa election ban
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Ipinaalaala kahapon ni Sen. Francis Escudero na naparakaming batas ang nilabag ng Malacañang sa pamumudmod ng pera sa mga congressmen at mga lokal na opisyal ng gobyerno at kabilang dito ang election ban na nagbabawal sa pamumudmod ng salapi.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007101693


“Wala kaming alam sa suhulan ”-Palasyo
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Nanindigan ang Malacañang na wala itong kinalaman sa sinasabing pamimigay ng “cash gifts” sa mga local officials na nakipag-almusal kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noong nakaraang linggo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007101695


Wala pang desisyon sa Alagad – Comelec
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Pinabulaanan kahapon ni Acting Commission on Election (COMELEC) Chairman Resurrecion Borra na may desisyon na ang komisyon hinggil sa kung sino ang uupong party-list representative ng ALAGAD.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007101696


Bus operators want P2.50 fare increase
By Jefferson Antiporda, Reporter
PASSENGER bus operators on Tuesday formally filed a petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for a P2.50 increase on the minimum fare of ordinary buses.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/17/yehey/metro/20071017met1.html

New controversy hounds Garci
The former Comelec commissioner says his name has been dragged into the alleged smuggling try
By Anthony Bayarong, Correspondent
SUBIC BAY Freeport: It seems like wherever he goes controversy follows, this time former Comelec commissioner Virgilio Garcillano has been linked with a smuggling attempt after police authorities flagged down a 1999 Porsche Boxter said to have been smuggled out of Subic Bay Freeport a week ago.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/17/yehey/prov/20071017pro1.html

SWS survey: Taumbayan may tiwala sa Senado
AKSYON NGAYON Ni Al G. Pedroche
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
KAHIT madalas kong pilantikin ang Senado sa sobrang pagsawsaw nito sa mga anomalyang kinasasangkutan ng administrasyon, hataw pa rin ito sa latest survey ng Social Weather Station (SWS). Number one sa trust rating. Lumalabas din sa survey na sa lahat ng matataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan, ang Senate President ang pinakamataas na trust rating. Iyan ang pangkalahatang sentimiyento ng taumbayan, so be it. Hindi natin masisisi ang tao dahil sa mga nagsusulputang eskandalo ng kinasasangkutan ng administrasyon. Suhulan, kickback, overpricing ng mga proyekto!
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinyon&p=50&type=2&sec=56&aid=20071016214

P3.8-B Malacañang budget is intact, says budget secretary
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said yesterday it was "impossible" that the money allegedly distributed to congressmen and local officials last week was obtained from the P3.8-billion budget of the Office of the President (OP).
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071017105984.html

P2.50 taas pasahe sa bus isinampa sa LTFRB
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Isinampa kahapon sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ng mga operator ng pampublikong buses ang P2.50 fare-hike dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa bansa.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=50&type=2&sec=55&aid=20071016104

Palace ‘bribery’ could be for Cha-cha revival, says Binay
10/17/2007
United Opposition and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay yesterday said Malacañang’s renewed call for Charter change (Cha-cha) may not be a “diversionary tactic” but the real agenda behind the reported payoffs made to administration lawmakers and local officials in Malacañang late last week.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071017hed3.html

Where did P500,000 come from?
By Fred M. Lobo
AN exciting and intriguing power play has rocked Malacañang, Congress and even local governments units.
Let’s brace up for more political games and tremors!
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20071017106002.html

Opposition to file ‘real’ impeach complaint
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
THE United Opposition will file a "real and stronger" impeachment complaint that will include the alleged bribery of congressmen and local officials when Congress resumes sessions next month.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct17/news3.htm


Gloria, the brazen bribery queen
EDITORIAL
10/17/2007
It couldn’t have been anybody but Gloria Arroyo who passed around bribe money through one of her aides to congressmen and local executives, and with Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio coming forward to state that P500,000 was handed to him and showing the cash and the paper bag too, plus the confirmation from Bulacan Gov. Joselito “Jonjon” Mendoza, brother to former Gov. Josie de la Cruz (not the son of Transportation chief Leandro Mendoza, as mistakenly identified on Tuesday’s Tribune edition), she can now rightly be called the brazen bribery queen.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20071017com1.html

Cha-cha through bribery
FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
10/17/2007
Reviving Charter change through the announced push for federalism by Gloria Arroyo was generally seen as a diversionary move by her to have the public focus its attention on another controversial issue, the Cha-cha, instead of the wide-scale bribery she had engaged in last week, paying off congressmen and local executives.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20071017com2.html

Truth coming out
MR. EXPOSE
Amb. Ernesto Maceda
10/17/2007
Bulacan Gov. Jonjon Mendoza has come out to admit that he also received P500,000 in cash after the League of Governors’ meeting in Malacañang. Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias has also admitted receiving the cash gift. About 50 provincial governors attended, bringing up the total to P25 million in cash gifts.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20071017com4.html

Panlilio should donate the P500,000
Editorial
‘Maybe Jose Pidal is now giving away his hoard in expiation for the grand thievery committed the last seven years.’
Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio said he would be sending a receipt to the Palace for the P500,000 he was gifted with after a meeting of local officials in Malacañang. Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, however, said he had no idea who would accept Panlilio’s receipt as there was no official disbursement.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct17/edit.htm

Political noise
HE SAYS
Aldrin Cardona
10/17/2007
The political noise was that Gloria Arroyo, or people close to her (who will not act without her blessing), gave away paper bags, one supposedly containing P500,000 to local government leaders in Malacañang not necessary as giveaways like we have in children’s parties but most probably loot bags nonetheless.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20071017com6.html

Grease money?
SHE SAYS
Dinah S. Ventura
10/17/2007
The latest Pulse Asia surveys on hunger and poverty show that Filipinos have been experiencing the worst of times these past few years. The figures have gone up just as the amounts of dirty money allegedly changing hands have jacked up so enormously.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20071017com7.html

Lalong nalulubog sa mga palusot
Nakakatawa talaga itong Malacañang. Hindi na malaman kung pa’nong salag ang gagawin sa ‘bigayan ng grasya’ (ayaw kasi nila itong tawagin na suhol) sa palasyo noong Huwebes. Sumabog na kasi sa pagmumukha nila ang garapal na suhulan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1707/main.htm

CBCP asks: What is it really?
By: Lee Ann P. Ducusin
THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines yesterday urged the senators to conduct an inquiry into the P.5 million “cash gift” allegedly distributed to congressmen and local executives last week.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=1&aid=35421

Kaninong pera?
Amado Macasaet
Maliwanag na sinabi ni Rolando Andaya, Secretary of Budget and Management, na hindi sa kanyang opisina kinuha ang perang ipinanregalo ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa 190 congressmen, 200 local government officials, at ilang gobernador.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1707/main.htm

Kultura ng panunuhol
Raymond Burgos
Nakakalungkot isipin ang umiiral na kultura ng panunuhol sa administrasyon ni Gng. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na mukhang nawalan na ng kontrol at naging patakaran na ng gobyernong ito para lamang manatili sa poder.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1707/main.htm

‘It’s a bribe’
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE distribution of huge sums of money to some congressmen and local chief executives by Malacañang without any accompanying disbursement papers is “proof enough” that the cash is a bribe.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=1&aid=35419


Party-list groups seek probe
By: Jester P. Manalastas
AT least three party-list groups have filed a House resolution urging an investigation into the alleged distribution of huge amounts of money to lawmakers, denouncing the act as plain bribery.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=1&aid=35422

SC forms panel for P10-M bribe quiz
By: Hector Lawas
THE Supreme Court has created a three-man panel of former SC justices to investigate allegations that one of its members was involved in a P10-million bribery mess.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=1&aid=35424


Cash gifts for Charter change
By: Alvin Murcia
CHARTER Change, not the endorsement of the weak impeachment complaint against the President, was the real agenda behind the reported pay-offs given to lawmakers and local officials in Malacañang last week.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=1&aid=35426

How will Panlilio use money?
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
HOW will Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio spend the P500,000 “cash gift” he received from Malacañang?
Sen. Francis Escudero wants to know how the governor, a Catholic priest, will use the money even as he said those who accepted the cash gifts may be liable for bribery.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=1&aid=35427

Mikey Arroyo handang mag-inhibit sa impeachment ng Pangulo
BUKAS ang isipan ni Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo na mag-inhibit sa impeachment process ng kanyang inang si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo matapos unang mag-inhibit si Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=4&aid=35363

Lacson, pinalulutang ang mga politikong tumanggap ng ‘suhol’
HINIKAYAT ni Senador Panfilo Lacson ang mga kongresista na boluntaryong humarap sa gagawing imbestigasyon ng Senado patungkol sa umano’y suhulang naganap sa Palasyo.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=4&aid=35372


Teves ipatatawag sa Senado sa pagbaba ng tax ng Pall Mall
By: Marlon Purificacion
IPATATAWAG ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso si Finance Secretary Margarito Teves upang pagpaliwagin kung paano nangyaring ibinaba ang ‘sin tax’ ng Pall Mall cigarettes mula sa dating P25 kada kaha hanggang sa ibinaba sa P6.25.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=4&aid=35380



Comelec wala pang desisyon sa Alagad party-list
MARIING itinanggi kahapon ni acting Comelec chair Resurrecion Borra na may desisyon na ang komisyon hinggil sa partylist ng ALAGAD.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=4&aid=35384

RP to lose if JPEPA not OKd -- Makati Business Club
THE Makati Business Club has warned that the country would be the loser if the Senate rejects the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JP
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-17&sec=4&aid=35433

‘Cash gift’ ni Gloria sabit sa election ban
(Rey Marfil/Bernard Taguinod)
Hindi lamang bribery at paglabag sa Anti-Graft Law ang maaring sabitan ng Malacañang kundi ang election ban na ipinatutupad ng Commission on Election (Comelec) kaugnay ng nakatakdang Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) at Baranggay election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1707/main.htm

Mabawasan sana ang kahirapan
Nakatakdang magpalabas ang Palasyo ng Malacañang ng US$120 milyon bilang pantustos umano sa lumalalang suliranin sa kagutuman at kahirapan sa bansa.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1707/main.htm

October 18 , 2007
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Arroyo was present, says Manila solon
By Dona Pazzibugan, Christian V. Esguerra, Norman Bordadora
Inquirer
Last updated 02:59am (Mla time) 10/18/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- A preacher-congressman has added his voice to those bearing witness to the alleged cash handouts to politicians in Malacañang and for the first time came out with a testimony that the distribution was done in the presence of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95132

2. The Philippine Star
Probe cash gifts – GMA
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, October 18, 2007
President Arroyo ordered last Friday the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to investigate “very quietly” the alleged distribution of cash gifts to local officials and congressmen, Palace officials said yesterday. The order was given a day after the alleged cash distribution at Malacañang.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071017181

3. Manila Times
JdV dares President: Lead moral revolution
By Maricel V. Cruz Reporter
There seems to be no stopping Speaker Jose de Venecia from telling President Gloria Arroyo to shape up.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/18/yehey/top_stories/20071018top1.html

4. Malaya
Senators revive call on Gloria to resign
BY JP LOPEZ
SENATORS yesterday renewed demands for President Arroyo to resign, saying her "misgovernance" is pushing the country to the brink of political upheaval.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct18/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Bypassed Cabinet men reappointed
Palace: President needs leeway in appointments Loyalty of officials and military to Palace assured
By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN
President Arroyo has issued ad interim appointments for all Cabinet members who were deemed bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) with the adjournment of Congress last week.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071018106063.html

6. The Daily Tribune
Amid warnings of civil war, AFP grumbling
By Angie M. Rosales
10/18/2007
Calls for President Arroyo’s resignation resounded yesterday in the halls of the Senate following a dire warning aired by Marined commandant Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino on the probability of the military elements breaking away from the chain of command that will lead to a bloody civil strife, owing to the issue of Mrs. Arroyo’s reported bribery of elected officials in the millions while withholding the combat pay of soldiers.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071018hed1.html


7. Abante
'IMPEACH ME' ATRAS; OPOSISYON PASOK!
Ulat ng ABANTE REPORTORIAL TEAM
Nakahanda si Atty. Ruel Pulido na i-withdraw ang tinaguriang "impeach me" complaint na isinampa nito laban kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal -Arroyo bilang pagbibigay-daan sa sinasabing mas malakas na reklamo na isasampa naman ng United Opposition.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1807/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
SUHOL NI GLORIA DOWNPAYMENT PA LANG
(Bernard Taguinod)
Advance payment lamang umano ang natanggap na suhol o ‘cash gift’ ng maraming miyembro ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso at mga gobernador mula sa Malacañang.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1807/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Umulan ng pera!
Ni Joy Cantos
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Kung ang ilang kongresista at local officials ay nakatanggap ng umano’y ‘cash gift’ buhat sa Malacañang, sa lalawigan naman ng Basilan sinasabing mga kandidatong barangay chairman sa nalalapit na Barangay at SK elections sa darating na Oktubre 29 ang naambunan din ng ‘biyaya’.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071017100


10. Journal
‘I’m not sure if I can save GMA’
By: Raul S. Beltran & Jester Manalastas with Bernadette E. Tamayo
‘Only time can tell’ what will happen, says JDV
SPEAKER Jose de Venecia, Jr. Tuesday night said in a television interview he could no longer be sure if he could shield President Macapagal-Arroyo against new ouster moves.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-18&sec=1&aid=35541


11. Business World
REVENUE SHORTFALLS OFFSET MODEST SPENDING, THOUGH, IN JAN.-SEPT. PERIOD
9-month deficit is at P40B
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
FINANCE Secretary Margarito Teves reported a deficit of only P40 billion in the first nine months, which was P14-billion lower than the programmed deficit of P54 billion.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/10182007/headlines01.html

12. Business Mirror
Fiscal gap beats gov’t program
A DEFICIT in September bloated the government’s overall deficit to P40 billion, but officials were not alarmed since the figure was way off the ceiling set for the end of the third quarter.
Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves, yesterday reporting the government’s fiscal situation as of September, said the government incurred a P14.5-billion deficit last month, a reversal of the surplus in August.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101807/content.php?id=001


II. POLITICAL
GMA can be ousted for graft – opposition
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The opposition is “70 percent sure” of the ouster of President Arroyo through impeachment because of widespread graft in her administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071017182


Acting DoJ chief sees nothing wrong with Palace cash gift
By Leila Salaverria, Beverly T. Natividad
Inquirer
Last updated 04:13am (Mla time) 10/18/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera does not see anything illegal in the cash handouts given to lawmakers and local officials after a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacañang and finds no ground for anybody’s prosecution.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95148


Probe cash gifts – GMA
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, October 18, 2007
President Arroyo ordered last Friday the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to investigate “very quietly” the alleged distribution of cash gifts to local officials and congressmen, Palace officials said yesterday. The order was given a day after the alleged cash distribution at Malacañang.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071017181

Insurgency holding RP back – GMA
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Philippines will never be a wealthy country while a decades-old communist insurgency rumbles on, President Arroyo said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071017187


De Venecia calls on Arroyo to set up new administration
By Norman Bordadora
Inquirer
Last updated 05:04am (Mla time) 10/18/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Wednesday called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to set up a virtually new administration made up of young and competent persons to cleanse “government and society” of corruption.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95153

No pork releases due to election-related ban, says DBM
By Jess Diaz
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said yesterday his office cannot release pork barrel funds due to an election-related ban on the disbursement of public funds.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071017189

BIR opposed to granting tax exemption to single parents
By Aurea Calica
Thursday, October 18, 2007
An official of the Bureau of Internal of Revenue admitted Tuesday the government is apprehensive about granting additional tax exemptions to single parents so as not to encourage their having children out of wedlock.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071017202


Bishop tells Vilma: Open up on Palace cash
By Marlon Ramos
Inquirer
Last updated 02:11am (Mla time) 10/18/2007
CALAMBA CITY—Lipa City Archbishop Ramon Arguelles on Wednesday said President Macapagal-Arroyo should comment on reports that money was handed out to local government officials and congressmen who attended a meeting in Malacañang last week.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=95106


GMA reappoints Cabinet execs bypassed by CA
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, October 18, 2007
In an apparent display of the power of presidential prerogative, President Arroyo has reappointed Cabinet officials who were bypassed by the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) after Congress went into a three-week break last Friday, Malacañang said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071017218


EDITORIAL
Follow the money
Inquirer
Last updated 02:06am (Mla time) 10/18/2007
MANILA, Philippines--Apparently, the money received by Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio and other officials, right in Malacañang, was manna from heaven. It dropped out of the sky, unannounced and undeserved, and left no trail. The way officials of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration now talk, it seems the money materialized out of nowhere. Perhaps it was a mirage in the desert?
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view_article.php?article_id=95125

Not really equal before JPEPA
Inquirer
Last updated 02:56am (Mla time) 10/18/2007
This letter is a reaction to Ramon Tulfo’s Oct. 16 column titled, “What’s wrong with sending nurses to Japan?” The column came as a surprise to me, a Japanese graduate student of the University of the Philippines who has been studying the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=95134

LRTA gets 8 bids for P6.3-B loop project
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said eight groups have submitted their letters of intent (LOIs) to participate in the bidding for the P6.3-billion Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-Light Rail Transit (LRT) interconnection project.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=49&type=2&sec=26&aid=20071017141

Palace doing enough against corruption
By Angelo S. Samonte Reporter
President Gloria Arroyo has done the things that need to be done to address corruption and is working hard to further improve the government’s anticorruption drive, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/18/yehey/top_stories/20071018top2.html

Gov. Panlilio pwedeng kasuhan-Saguisag
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Maaaring sampahan ng kasong graft and corruption si Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio kaugnay ng kontrobersyal na pagtanggap ng P500,000 cash gift mula sa palasyo ng Malacañang.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071017101

Probe sa suhulan, suportado ng CBCP
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Suportado ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ang imbestigasyon sa umano’y suhulan na ginawa ng Malakanyang sa ilang mga kongresista at local officials.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071017102

Imbestigasyon sa ‘cash gift’ iniutos
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Iniutos kahapon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang pagsasagawa ng malalimang imbestigasyon hinggil sa napaulat na pamumudmod ng “cash gift” sa mga local government executives at kongresista sa Malacanang noong nakaraang linggo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071017105


Atienza gawing testigo sa suhulan
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Matapos aminin ni dating Manila Mayor at ngayon ay Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Lito Atienza na natural lamang sa Malacanang ang pamimigay ng pondo, hinamon kahapon ni Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan ang Malakanyang na payagan nito si Atienza na tumestigo sa naganap na suhulan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071017106

Ombudsman names graft-prone agencies
By Jomar Canlas Reporter
The top five most graft-prone government agencies—in no particular order—are the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education and Land Transportation Office, the Ombudsman said Wednesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/18/yehey/top_stories/20071018top5.html

Civil society: Illegitimate debts drain national budget
By Nora O. Gamolo Senior Desk Editor
Last of three parts
Editor’s note: In this three-part series, the first part discussed how the Congress is taking notice of the need to stop automatic debt servicing, particularly for those allegedly tainted with corruption. The second part showed how automatic debt servicing has literally eaten up much of the national budget. Ironically, the country’s debt stock continues to balloon.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/18/yehey/top_stories/20071018top7.html

Judges asked to help gov’t combat graft, corruption
By REY G. PANALIGAN
Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno asked trial court judges yesterday to help the government combat the menace of graft and corruption, a problem that is bigger than extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071018106076.html

Another Gloria solon admits Palace ‘dole-out’
10/18/2007
A Protestant preacher-legislator and ally of President Arroyo in the House of Representatives has finally grappled with his conscience as he admitted that he too, received P500,000, virtually bolstering allegations of bribery.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071018hed2.html

‘Cash gift’ is no big deal – solon
Says giving of Palace incentives to officials is long-time tradition
By DEXTER A. SEE
BONTOC, Mountain Province – The alleged distribution of "cash gifts" to congressmen and governors during a controversial meeting in Malacañang last week is no big deal because the grant of incentives to officials supporting the cause of any administration has been a tradition.
http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071018106093.html

Malacañang: No worries on opposition impeach bid
By Sherwin C. Olaes
10/18/2007
Malacañang, along with its allies in the House of Representatives, yesterday predicted that the impeachment complaint being readied by the United Opposition (UNO) against President Arroyo will die a natural death.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071018hed3.html

We can win fight against corruption
(Speech delivered on October 17, 2007, Manila Hotel, Annual Convention of the Philippine Judges Association.)
By Supreme Court Chief Justice REYNATO S. PUNO
HON. Guillermo Agloro, My fellow workers in the vineyard of justice,Your theme is "Judiciary: Responsive, Uncompromising, Committed to the Public Good."
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20071018106087.html

EDITORIAL
Economic at moral bankruptcy
Lalo ngayong lumulubog sa kahihiyan ang administrasyong Arroyo dahil sa isyu ng umano’y pagmumudmod at pamimigay sa ilang kongresista at local na opisyal ng Malacañang ng ‘cash gifts’ na sinasabi ring suhol.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1807/main.htm

Arroyo orders in-house probe
BY REGINA BENGCO
PRESS secretary Ignacio Bunye yesterday said President Arroyo last Friday ordered the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) to investigate the alleged distribution of "cash gifts" to local government officials in Malacañang last Oct. 11.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct18/news3.htm

Senate to invite Teves on Pall Mall tax row
THE Senate will summon Finance Secretary Margarito Teves unless he makes a definitive ruling over the controversial decision downgrading the tax classification of an imported cigarette which would cause government some P100 million in revenue losses annually.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct18/metro4.htm

Ipahayag ang galit
Ellen Tordesillas
Ngayong araw, magkakaroon ng car rally sa Makati para ipahayag ang galit ng sambayanan sa nangyayari ngayon na kurakutan, kasinungalingan at corruption sa pamahalaan
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1807/main.htm

Susi sa katotohanan
Hindi lamang mga kritiko ng gobyerno ang masigasig ngayon para isulong ang imbestigasyon sa umano’y suhulang naganap sa pagitan ng ilang lokal na opisyales ng pamahalaan at Palasyo ng Malacañang kundi maging ang simbahan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1807/main.htm

GMA orders probe on bribery
By: Efren Montano
NO sacred cows.
Thus assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she ordered yesterday the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) for a thorough probe on the reported bribery of solons and local executives in Malacañang after the breakfast caucus last Thursday in connection with the third impeachment complaint against her.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-18&sec=1&aid=35567

Another one bites the dust
ANOTHER public official was caught with his hands on the till.
Expect the usual investigations, denials, cover-ups, and press coverage that characterize this circus we call Philippine politics.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-18&sec=9&aid=0


October 19 , 2007
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
AFP to ‘stand behind’ Arroyo--Defense chief
By Alcuin Papa
Last updated 02:13am (Mla time) 10/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Thursday dismissed suggestions of a potential unrest in the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a result of allegations Malacañang bribed politicians to squelch a new attempt to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95353

2. The Philippine Star
Ombudsman to probe ‘gift giving’ at Palace
By Sandy Araneta
Friday, October 19, 2007
The Ombudsman will investigate the alleged distribution of cash gifts to lawmakers and local officials last Thursday at Malacañang.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071018271


3. Manila Times
Palace misused funds–COA, Money for charity spent on golf course
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
A Commission on Audit (COA) report showing Malacañang had P615.3 million in unliquidated funds in 2006 added more doubts on the way the government handles public funds, Sen. Mar Roxas said Thursday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/19/yehey/top_stories/20071019top1.html

4. Malaya
Bishop: Where’s people’s outrage? Bacani: ‘Binabastos na ang bayan’
BY GERARD NAVAL
NOVALICHES Bishop emeritus Teodoro Bacani yesterday stopped short of calling for a people power revolt as he urged the people to express their outrage over what he described as the "misgovernance" of the Arroyo administration.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct19/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
GMA open to meeting with bishop
Wants to explain her side, says Bunye
GMA open to dialogue with CBCP
By GENALYN D. KABILING
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is willing to hold a dialogue with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to clear the air about allegations of bribery in Malacañang last week, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071019106170.html


6. The Daily Tribune
Temperature extreme of CBCP quit call
By Sherwin C. Olaes and Angie M. Rosales
Amid strong talk that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will be preparing a strong statement that will call on President Arroyo to “take a leave of absence” or call on her to resign the presidency, or at the least, give its blessings for people power, along with encouraging a louder public clamor for her to resign, Mrs. Arroyo is now working on getting a dialog going with the Catholic bishops to explain her side of the bribery scandal.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071019hed1.html

7. Abante
Suhol, kay JDV galing -- Palasyo
PAKIALAM KO SA PERA N'YO! – JDV
Itinuro kaha-pon ni Local Go-vernment Sec. Ronaldo Puno na galing sa opisina ni House Speaker Jose De Vemecia Jr. ang perang ipinamigay sa bakuran ng Malacañang noong Huwebes.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1907/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
5 PANG SOLONS AAMIN SA SUHOL
Ni Bernard Taguinod
Lima pang kongresista ang nakatakda umanong lumantad para aminin na kabilang sila sa nakatanggap ng kalahating milyong piso nang makipag-almusal kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malacañang noong Oktubre 11, 2007.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1907/main.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
GMA hopeless na! – Nene
Ni Malou Escudero
Friday, October 19, 2007
Wala nang pag-asang maisalba pa ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo ang kanyang sarili sa gitna nang mga kina­kasangkutan niyang isyu lalo na ang nangyaring panunuhol sa loob mismo ng Malacañang.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071018133


10. Journal
SHE WON’T QUIT
By: Efren Montano
PRESIDENT Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday rejected calls for her resignation even as Malacañang sources claimed the hefty sums of money given to pro-administration solons and local executives at a party caucus last Thursday had come from the office of Speaker Jose de Venecia.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-19&sec=1&aid=35638

11. Business World
Gov’t ups asset sale backstop
BY JUDY T. GULANE, Senior Reporter
THE GOVERNMENT HAS IDENTIFIED P80 billion worth of assets as up for disposition next year, preparing to compensate for any slips in tax collection that would threaten its balanced budget goal.
Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves, briefing reporters on the government’s fiscal situationer, on Wednesday said the following were being eyed for sale in 2008:
• holdings in San Miguel Corporation;
• holdings in Manila Electric Co. (Meralco);
• holdings in Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC);
• Food Terminal Inc.;
• the New Bilibid Prison property; and
• the Fujimi property in Japan.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101907/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror
Sin taxes in free ports OK’d
SUPREME COURT ALLOWS GOV’T TO COLLECT EXCISE TAX ON ALCOHOL, TOBACCO
By Joel R. San Juan
Reporter
THE government can now collect excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products from business establishments operating inside all free ports in the country.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1019&202007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
Arroyo-De Venecia war on -- sources
There’s so much distrust between them, sources say
By Tony Bergonia, Michael Lim Ubac
Inquirer
Last updated 05:28am (Mla time) 10/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Tension between President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has degenerated into a silent war involving surveillance and secret meetings, officials close to the warring camps disclosed.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95382


GMA not present during distribution of cash, says Manila congressman
By Jess Diaz
A Manila congressman who has admitted receiving P500,000 after he and 189 congressmen met with President Arroyo last week clarified that the Chief Executive was not present when the money was distributed.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071018272

‘Suhulan’ may basbas ni GMA — CBCP
Friday, October 19, 2007
Malaki ang paniniwala ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) na alam at may basbas ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang nangyaring suhulan sa Malacañang matapos ang pagpu­pulong dito noong nakaraang linggo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071018134

Comelec orders arrest of Bedol
Friday, October 19, 2007
Former Maguindanao election supervisor Lintang Bedol was ordered arrested by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday after he failed to get a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071018279

Brewing confrontation within GMA-JDV coalition looms
By Delon Porcalla
Friday, October 19, 2007
An opposition congressman claimed yesterday that the fighting words of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. against the corrupt administration of President Arroyo will sooner or later end up in a confrontation or a break-up of the ruling coalition led by the two officials.
“Somebody present at the commission of the crime done for her benefit in her home, has no business ordering a probe. The President’s display of utter lack of delicadeza is disgusting, to say the least,” he added.
Opposition Rep. Teofisto Guingona III of Bukidnon asked Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio to present to the public the five bill wrappers used in the bundles of the P500,000 cash given to him in Malacañang.
Guingona said a closer scrutiny of the bill wrappers of the money will show the bank’s name, the teller’s initials, transaction date, the bank’s branch and the amount, which can be used to trace the source of the money.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071018288


Coup talks resurface as troops ask about alleged bribe offers
President Gloria Arroyo, battling claims that lawmakers were given cash to block an impeachment bid against her, risks a mutiny by soldiers angry about corruption, military sources said Thursday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/19/yehey/top_stories/20071019top2.html

Comelec chief orders arrest of Lintang Bedol as campaign begins
By William B. Depasupil And Jonathan M. Hicap, Reporters
THE nine-day campaign period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections starts today and will end on midnight of October 27, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Thursday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/19/yehey/top_stories/20071019top3.html


GMA open to meeting with bishops
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is willing to hold a dialogue with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to clear the air about allegations of bribery in Malacañang last week, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/index.html

JDV: Time will tell on
breaking ties with Gloria
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
SPEAKER Jose de Venecia yesterday said only time will tell if he will break his ties with President Arroyo in light of their differences which stemmed from the $329 million national broadband network project.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct19/news6.htm

OPINION
ZTE a world telecom leader
By Elinando B. Cinco
EVEN if it is eyed by adverse public perception, it is difficult to put a good name down. That is exactly what happened to ZTE Corporation of China when it was enmeshed in a controversy recently. But as a reputable telecommunications giant highly regarded the world over, there is no stopping for its being bestowed with recognition of its world-class technology.
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20071019106193.html

Let PAGC look into bribery, says Palace
Malacañang yesterday appealed to the public to let the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) and other investigating bodies finish their investigations on the alleged bribery of congressmen and governors in two separate incidents that supposedly happened in Malacañang last week.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071019106179.html

Gov. Vi tikom sa P.5-M ‘suhol’ Kahit ‘pinakakanta’ ng arsobispo
SA pagputok ng balitang nagkaabutan ng mula P.2 milyon hanggang P.5 milyong ‘suhol’ mula sa Malacañang at sa hindi mamatay-matay na isyu, isa ang aktres at Batangas Governor Vilma Santos sa pinakakanta kung totoong nagkaroon ng suhulan sa naganap na pulong sa mga lokal na government officials noong nakaraang linggo.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-19&sec=1&aid=35686

Bribe came from JDV -- Puno
By: Efren Montano
THE hefty sums of money given away to pro-administration solons and local executives at a party caucus in Malacañang last Thursday came from the office of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-19&sec=4&aid=35592

Talk of en masse Cabinet resignation quashed by Palace
Reports of a mass Cabinet resignation on account of the massive bribery scandal that continues to rock Mrs. Arroyo and her administration threw Malacañang into panic, as news sources also named several under-secretaries as the individuals who had distributed the P500,000 cash gifts in a paper bag given to all the 190 congressmen and some 50 local executives.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071019hed4.html


PASSION FOR REASON
Endless orgy among thieves
By Raul Pangalangan
Inquirer
Last updated 02:10am (Mla time) 10/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- To quiet down a bribery scandal, the solution is to bribe even more.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95352

AS I SEE IT
Only Arroyo has power to order Palace payoff
By Neal Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 01:50am (Mla time) 10/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered an investigation of the cash distribution to lawmakers and local government officials in Malacañang last week. It’s as if she didn’t know anything about it. She deserves an acting award for this one, pretending innocence about something she probably ordered.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95350

October 20, 2007
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
9 killed in Makati blast
Explosion in Glorietta mall injures 119 others
By Julie M. Aurelio, Michael Lim Ubac, Alcuin Papa
Last updated 03:17am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
View interactive map and photos of Glorietta blast
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) A powerful explosion killed at least nine people and wounded more than a hundred others in the Makati business district Friday afternoon, heightening uncertainties in a country wracked by new political scandals and fresh challenges to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95571

2. The Philippine Star
8 dead, 119 hurt in mall bomb blast
By Jose Rodel Clapano And Cecille Suerte Felipe
A powerful bomb ripped through a shopping mall in Makati City, killing at least eight people and injuring scores of others.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071019170

3. Manila Times
Explosion kills 8 in Glorietta
Police chief says blast in Makati caused by bomb
AT least eight persons were killed and 129 others injured when a huge bomb ripped through an upscale shopping mall in the financial district of Makati on Friday afternoon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/20/yehey/top_stories/20071020top1.html


4. Malaya
Glorietta blast NP places Metro under ‘full alert’
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
AT least eight persons died while 90 others were wounded in a blast shortly after noon yesterday at the Glorietta mall in Makati City.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct20/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
At least 8 dead in Makati blast
Glorietta mall explosion also wounds 119 persons
Could be chemical explosive, investigators say
By LEONARD POSTRADO and ARIS ILAGAN
At least eight people were killed and 119 others were wounded when a powerful explosion rocked the Glorietta Mall in Makati City yesterday afternoon.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071020106280.html

6. The Daily Tribune
C-4 bombs mark Makati mall blast
Even as the police were still sifting through the rubble created by one of the biggest bomb blasts in the country ever for clues and “signature” in the bombing of Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City, Malacañang yesterday quickly disclosed that the blast which, at press time, killed eight persons and injured over 86 was the work of the terrorists.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071020hed1.html

7. Abante
MAKATI PINASABOG!
Nina ERALYN PRADO, BOYET JADULCO at ROSE MIRANDA
Walo ang nasawi at 93 iba pa ang sugatan sa naganap na malakas na pagsabog lagpas tanghali kahapon sa Glorietta Shopping Mall sa Makati City.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct2007/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
Bombing kaduda-duda ang timing
DIVERSIONARY TACTIC!
Lalo lamang pinalala ng sinumang indibidwal o grupong nasa likod ng pambobomba sa Glorietta Mall sa Makati City kahapon ang sitwasyon ng bansa dahil inilihis nito ang atensyon ng lahat mula sa mga eskandalong kinasasangkutan ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct2007/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Makati mall binomba
Nina Edwin Balasa, Lordeth Bonilla At Joy Cantos
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Walo katao ang nasawi, habang 94 naman ang nasugatan sa naganap na pambobomba sa Glorietta Mall sa Makati City kahapon ng hapon.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071019142

10. Journal
MAKATI BOMBED
By: Alvin Murcia & Alfred Dalizon with AFP
8 dead, 89 wounded in Glorietta mall blast

AN explosion rocked the busy Makati Central Business District yesterday afternoon killing at least eight persons and injuring about 89 others.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-20&sec=1&aid=35773

11. Business World
Blast rips through Makati mall
A powerful blast ripped through Ayala-owned Glorietta mall at around 1:30 p.m. Friday, with police estimates by 4 p.m. placing casualties at least eight people dead and 70 others with various "blast-related injuries."
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW102007/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
Sin taxes in free ports OK’d
SUPREME COURT ALLOWS GOV’T TO COLLECT EXCISE TAX ON ALCOHOL, TOBACCO
By Joel R. San Juan
Reporter
THE government can now collect excise tax on alcohol and tobacco products from business establishments operating inside all free ports in the country.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1019&202007/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL
Big business seeks probe of 'cash gift'
By Ronnel Domingo, Tonette Orejas
Inquirer
Last updated 00:11am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Two leading business groups--the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)--raised on Friday the need for a formal inquiry into Malacañang's purported distribution of money to lawmakers and local officials on Oct. 11.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95575

Palace ignores bishops' resign-Arroyo call
By Michael Lim Ubac, Beverly T. Natividad
Last updated 00:07am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Friday ignored fresh calls from Catholic prelates for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign amid the controversies and scandals besetting her administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95574

Bank president says JDV-Lacson meet tackled reconciliation
By Doris Dumlao
Last updated 00:13am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The banker who had arranged a meeting between Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Friday that the talks were meant to "work on a reconciliation process to save the gains achieved by the surging economy."
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95576

Lintang Bedol can’t be found
By Charlie Sease
Inquirer
Last updated 01:13am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
COTABATO CITY—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) says it is preparing to order the arrest and detention of former Maguindanao Election Supervisor Lintang Bedol. This early, however, Bedol appears to have disappeared again.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=95590


EDITORIAL
Last updated 02:20am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- It would seem that madness reigns in the highest councils of government. From the unraveling of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project to its (still developing) aftermath, the nation has been treated to the incredible spectacle of the country’s highest officials stumbling from one dumb decision to another disastrous mistake, compounding the overpricing of a contract with a series of bribe attempts, sometimes to persons who were most unlikely to just quietly pocket the payoffs.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view_article.php?article_id=95597


GNP grew, but incomes fell
By Mahar Mangahas
Inquirer
Last updated 03:38am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The gross national product (GNP) is steadily going up, according to official statistics which are updated, and hence re-trumpeted, four times a year. The latest figure is for the second quarter of 2007.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95600


Insulting the public’s intelligence
By Rasheed Abou-Alsamh
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 02:24am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
Several governors and congressmen have already confirmed that they received bundles of cash ranging from P200,000 to P500,000 after attending meetings at Malacañang last week. No official receipts were given for those payments, and presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye denies that any government funds were involved.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/viewpoints/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95598


COMMENTARY
Cyber Ed: an insult to intelligence and good sense
By Mario Taguiwalo
Inquirer
Last updated 03:40am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
The Cyber Education Project being sold to us by Education Secretary Jesli Lapus is an insult to intelligence and good sense. Let me explain why.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95601


GET REAL
Under JPEPA, no export of hazardous wastes to Philippines
By Solita Collas-Monsod
Inquirer
Last updated 03:42am (Mla time) 10/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Will signing the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) give Japan carte blanche to export its toxic and other hazardous wastes to the Philippines? No. The fact that with JPEPA the Philippines imposes zero tariffs on wastes from Japan (and vice versa) is immaterial, because Philippine laws and regulations -- in particular Republic Act 6969 (“An Act to Control Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes, Providing Penalties for Violations thereof…” -- prohibits such importation, and so does the Basel Convention, or the Convention on the Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95602

3 bishops renew GMA resign call
By Edu Punay
Saturday, October 20, 2007

Groups calling for the resignation of President Arroyo are set to show their might in a massive prayer rally at the St. Peter’s Church in Quezon City on Oct. 27
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071019174

Garci’s retirement benefits will have to wait until wiretap scandal resolved
By Perseus Echeminada
Saturday, October 20, 2007

Former Commission on Elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano has already retired to the hinterlands of Bukidnon, but his retirement benefits will have to wait until the “Hello, Garci” controversy is resolved, a Comelec official said yesterday
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071019181


Sandigan orders Kokoy to account for P139-M funds from sequestered firm
By Sandy Araneta
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered former Ambassador Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez to account for some P139 million belonging to one of his companies, which was sequestered by the government after it was alleged to be part of the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071019177

Army chief to troops: Stay neutral on political bickering
By Jaime Laude and James Mananghaya
Saturday, October 20, 2007
CAMP LAPU LAPU, Cebu City – Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano yesterday ordered battalion commanders in the entire Visayan region not to interfere in political bickerings.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071019175


GMA to be included in probe of ‘cash gifts’ – Ombudsman
Saturday, October 20, 2007
DAVAO CITY - Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez assured yesterday that “no stone shall be left unturned” in the investigation on the alleged distribution of cash gifts to lawmakers and local officials at Malacañang last week.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071019188

Nene agrees to ‘more substantial’ impeachment against GMA
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. expressed support for the move of the opposition to file “a more substantial” impeachment complaint against President Arroyo to amend the weak complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071019189


Protecting the presidency
FROM A DISTANCE By Carmen N. Pedrosa
There are many, if the surveys are to be believed, who do not like President GMA, and her low popularity rating reflects that disenchantment. But she also has her fans and loyal followers who believe she has done a creditable job and the economic indicators are there to show it. But any good that can be ascribed to her is drowned out in the barrage of hate and venom thrown against her. Through all this she has put a brave front and has repeatedly said through her spokesman that she has a country to govern and cannot indulge in what many perceive as a determined effort to oust her.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=20071019201

President asks public to be calm, vigilant
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
President Gloria Arroyo warned her political enemies not to exploit the crisis gripping her government, which was punctuated by a blast that rocked the Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City on Friday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/20/yehey/top_stories/20071020top2.html

Palace lawyer: COA report does not show fund misuse
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
Malacañang said on Friday that a government audit report showing failure to settle cash advances is not enough to place doubts on how the administration uses public funds.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/20/yehey/top_stories/20071020top4.html

Arroyo orders thorough investigation of Makati blast
By GENALYN KABILING
President Arroyo ordered yesterday the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a "full blown" investigation into the deadly bomb explosion in Makati City that left at least eight people dead and 119 others wounded.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071020106285.html


Neri seen as ace up JDV’s sleeve
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
SPEAKER Jose de Venecia has an ace up his sleeve in the person of former Planning secretary Romulo Neri if his rift with President Arroyo escalates into a full-blown war.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct20/news3.htm

Politics not our concern,
Army chief tells men
VICTOR REYES
ARMY chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano yesterday told his officers and men to stay out of politics amid reports of grumbling in the military ranks because of Malacañang’s alleged bribery of politicians to derail impeachment moves against President Arroyo.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct20/news4.htm

High noon
When Congress reopens on Nov. 5, it will be showdown time for two of the most traditional of politicians – Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, by grace of Garci and the imprimatur of congressional proclamation, president of the benighted republic on the one side, and Jose de Venecia, five-time Speaker of the House of Representatives, under whose third term a lameduck Congress railroaded her proclamation.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct20/edbanayo.htm


A simple case of bribery
WE often hear that it pays to be an elected public official. But this latest gaffe involving the distribution of money by ranking government executives to elected local officials inside no less than the once hallowed but now bastardized halls of Malacañang shows that there are many ways it can be worthwhile to dream of a public seat come 2010.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct20/edromeo.htm

A political brushfire
THE DEATH of democracy in our country is not likely to be the result of political assassination. It will be a slow extinction from the apathy of the public to the innumerable cases of official corruption in Gloria Arroyo’s government.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct20/edmata.htm


Ombudsman seryoso sa suhol
Siniguro ng Office of the Ombudsman na magsasagawa ang mga ito ng masusing imbestigasyon hinggil sa nangyaring suhulan umano sa mga local government units (LGUs) na kinasasangkutan ng ilang opisyales ng pamahalaan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct2007/main.htm

3 Catholic bishops ask GMA to resign
By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO
Members of the Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME) where three Catholic bishops are affiliated yesterday called on President Arroyo to step down from office while she still has dignity left.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071020106291.html


Palace: President won’t step down
By GENALYN D. KABILING
Malacañang yesterday spurned calls by some religious leaders for the resignation of President Arroyo in the wake of corruption scandals plaguing her administration.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071020106292.html

Opposition behind bishops’ resign-GMA call — Palace
Malacañang yesterday pointed to the opposition as the “brains” behind the calls from church officials and soldiers for President Arroyo to resign amid alleged corruption and bribery in her government.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071020hed2.html

Trillanes backs Senate bribery probe
Detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV yesterday threw his support behind the move of Sen. Panfilo Lacson, in having the chamber look into the alleged payoffs that took place in Malacañang last Oct. 11 involving some congressmen and local government executives.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071020hed4.html

Senate call for ‘better choice’ of Comelec chief swells
The call for President Arroyo to choose a new Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman of unquestioned credibility and credentials has snowballed in the Senate.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20071020nat10.html

Gloria quit call pressed
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
SEN. Antonio Trillanes IV has joined calls for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo saying that since she took the helm of government in 2001, the nation has not experienced any political peace and social stability.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-20&sec=1&aid=35778

De Castro logical choice to replace GMA
By: Raul S. Beltran
VICE President Noli de Castro, who is less controversial, could be a competent replacement for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in case she resigns or is forced out of office.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-20&sec=1&aid=35806

No reason for GMA to quit, says ally
By: Jester P. Manalastas
DAVAO City Rep. Prospero Nograles yesterday said there is no reason for President Macapagal-Arroyo to resign.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-20&sec=4&aid=35786

JDV hinamong magbitiw sa speakership
HINAMON kahapon si Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. na magbitiw bilang Speaker upang maipakita nito kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang tunay na mensahe at magandang halimbawa ng panawagan nito na magkaroon ng moral revolution sa bansa.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-20&sec=4&aid=35735

GLORIA PARANG BULKANG SASABOG! – TRILLANES
(Rey Marfil)
Ito ang naging prediksyon at paglalarawan ni opposition Senator Antonio "Sony" Trillanes IV sa harap ng mga eskandalong kinasasangkutan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, kalakip ang babalang magkakaroon ng rebolusyon kapag patuloy na nagmatigas sa panawagang magbitiw na ito sa puwesto.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct2007/main.htm

‘Resign Gloria’ walang dahilan – Malacañang (Rose Miranda)
Hindi kumbinsido ang Malacañang na kinakatawan nina Archbishop Emeritus Julio Labayen at Bishops Antonio Tobias (Novaliches) at Deogracias Iñiguez (Caloocan) ang pangkalahatang posisyon ng Simbahang Katoliko hinggil sa kinakaharap na kontrobersya ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct2007/main.htm

SEPTEMBER 21, 2007

I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Nature of NBN deal debated in Senate
Is it a contract or executive agreement?
By Riza T. Olchondra, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 01:20am (Mla time) 09/21/2007
Full coverage: The NBN Deal
MANILA, Philippines -- Is the broadband network supply deal entered into by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and China's ZTE Corp. a contract or an executive agreement?
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=89815


2. The Philippine Star
GMA’s House allies agree to unseat JDV
By Jess Diaz and Delon Porcalla
Friday, September 21, 2007
A group of congressmen-allies of President Arroyo vowed to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. in the wake of the damaging Senate testimony of his son Joey III against First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.
Mrs. Arroyo’s loyalists hatched the plan late Wednesday night at a meeting with the President in Malacañang. They trooped to the Palace after the day’s session upon the President’s invitation. De Venecia was not at the meeting.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20070920190


3. Manila Times
Friday, September 21, 2007
JdV backed Joey’s deal–Mendoza
Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza on Thursday said that Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. discussed the proposal of his son Jose “Joey” de Venecia 3rd, for the national broadband network in a meeting at the Speaker’s home early this year.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/sept/21/yehey/top_stories/20070921top1.html


4. Malaya
5. Manila Bulletin
Cabinet men testify at Senate
Mendoza, others assure legality of ZTE contract NBN project is above board, officials say
By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA & JC BELLO RUIZ
After getting a go-signal from President Arroyo, Cabinet officials yesterday defended before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and two other committees the legality of the Philippine national broadband network (NBN) project with China’s ZTE Corp. and maintained that the 9-million project is the "best package" offered to upgrade the government’s telecommunications system.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20070921103546.html


6. The Daily Tribune
NBN contract ‘unconsummated’ despite facts debunking claim

GMA men caught with pants down in broadband probe
By Angie M. Rosales
09/21/2007
Malacañang officials yesterday were practically caught with their pants down during a Senate inquiry into a controversial telecom-munications project between the government and a Chinese firm when they repeatedly denied that the $329-million broadband deal is already a consummated contract.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20070921hed1.html


7. Abante
FG, ABALOS NABAON
Nina BOYET JADULCO at ROSE MIRANDA
PIKIT-MATA!
Yumuko na lamang ang pulis na ito sa mabibigat na salitang ibinabalandra ng mga militanteng demonstrador laban kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. (Carlito Arenas)
Dahil sa pagkakabuhul-buhol ng mga miyembro ng gabinete ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pagdinig kahapon sa Senado, pinaniniwalaang lalo pang nabaon sa mga paratang ni Jose ‘Joey’ De Venecia III sina First Gentleman Jose Miguel ‘Mike’ Arroyo at Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Benjamin Abalos.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/sep2107/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
GMA BOYS NAGKALAT SA BROADBAND PROBE
Rey Marfil

Tuluyang sumabog ang eskandalo sa multi-bilyon pisong kontrata ng national broadband network (NBN) project na napasakamay ng ZTE Corporation matapos magkalat ang mga tauhang ipinadala ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo para idepensa ang Malacañang.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep2107/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Cabinet execs ni GMA full force
Ni Malou Escudero
Friday, September 21, 2007
Buong puwersa na nagtungo kahapon sa Senado ang mga miyembro ng Gabinete ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo upang idepensa ang legalidad ng kontrobersiyal na $329.4 milyong National Broadband Network (NBN) deal na pinasok ng gobyerno sa ZTE Corporation ng China.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20070920164


10. Journal
SHOW OF FORCE
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
Palace sends big guns to ZTE deal hearing, but senators insist: Scrap it!
GOVERNMENT officials justified the NBN deal with ZTE saying it “will save billions of pesos every year” and will greatly enhance government communications capability and security but senators still want the project scrapped.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-09-21&sec=1&aid=32281


11. Business World
RP must accept Doha ‘payment’

GREATER MARKET ACCESS TO LUCRATIVE EXPORT DESTINATIONS will be the main benefit of multilateral trade talks for developing countries such as the Philippines, but the nation must be prepared to make painful tariff cuts if it wants a good deal, the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) yesterday said.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW092107/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
NBN exit option eyed
P4.7-B ‘SAVINGS’ IN COMMUNICATION EXPENSE TAGGED AS ‘MISLEADING’
By Butch Fernandez
Reporter
EXECUTIVE department officials testifying at the resumption of the Senate inquiry into the $329-million national broadband project indicated on Thursday the government could still back out of the deal since the controversial contract “has not been perfected.”
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0921&222007/headlines01.html


II. POLITICAL
UP president orders fraternities: Justify your existence
By Jeannette Andrade
Inquirer
Last updated 01:51am (Mla time) 09/21/2007
MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines president Emerlinda Roman has ordered fraternities in all of the university’s campuses nationwide to “justify their continued existence within the UP system.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=89811


Military bares plot to undermine Arroyo

The Philippine military has uncovered a new plot to destabilize the government of President Gloria Arroyo, the military chief of staff said Thursday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/sept/21/yehey/metro/20070921met1.html

Pagdalo ni Trillanes sa mga sesyon ng Senado ibinasura ng korte
Friday, September 21, 2007
Tuluyan nang ibinasura kahapon ng Makati Regional Trial Court (MRTC) ang apela ng nakadetineng si Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV na makadalo sa mga sesyon ng Senado.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20070920168


House to probe excise tax for cigarette brand
The House Committee on Ways and Means will review the decision of the Department of Finance lowering the excise tax imposed on Pall Mall cigarettes despite the P93-million potential loss in government revenue every year.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/sept/21/yehey/metro/20070921met6.html

AFP chief confirms new coup plot
By Gina Peralta-Elorde
09/21/2007
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership yesterday confirmed there were indi-viduals who are conducting recruitment to join a fresh plot to topple the Arroyo administration.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20070921hed2.html

Palace slip showing in pardon/amnesty offer to Erap
09/21/2007
Malacañang has betrayed its real motive behind its offer of absolute pardon to ousted President Joseph Estrada, or general amnesty if he refuses the executive clemency, by admitting that its overture “will foster true national reconciliation and unity and it will prevent further political polarization which will help the country achieve and sustain the continued economic growth and stability it is enjoying, as well as heal the nation’s wounds.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20070921hed3.html

2-M watchers to guard barangay, SK elections
By E. T. SUAREZ
Over two million watchers are expected to be on guard to make sure that the Oct. 29, 2007 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will be peaceful and orderly and will truly reflect the will of the people.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20070921103549.html

GMA tells Customs to step up ICT projects
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo directed the Bureau of Customs (BoC) led by Commissioner Napoleon Morales yesterday to speed up the implementation of its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) projects to bolster its anti-smuggling capabilities.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20070921103556.html

Barangay polls and other sizzlers
By Fred M. Lobo
SENATORS oppose another postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections set for October 29.
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20070921103576.html

Interesting turn of events
By Floro M. Mercene
THE presidential gallery in 2010: Angara-Legarda, Lacson-Escudero, Villar-Jinggoy, Roxas-Cayetano, Gordon-Teodoro.
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20070921103571.html

Solon shrugs off UNO task force on Arroyo blunders
09/21/2007
An administration lawmaker yesterday scoffed at the task force created by the United Opposition (UNO) to document the supposed blunders of President Arroyo, saying the opposition had united with the sole purpose of acting as a wrecking crew against the administration.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20070921nat1.html

NBI in hazing case to call funeral parlor manager
09/21/2007
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday said it would summon the manager of St. Peter’s Memorial Chapels, the funeral parlor where the body of hazing victim Cris Anthony Mendez was brought after being declared lifeless at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20070921met3.html

Esperon: Coup elements gumagalaw

Nina Nilo Marasigan at Armida Rico
Nagpapagulong na umano ng malaking halaga ng salapi ang mga anti-GMA forces para ibuyo ang mga sundalong makilahok sa pag-aaklas laban sa kasalukuyang gobyerno.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/sep2107/main.htm


New coup plot bared
By: Fernando M. Cariaso
A FRESH attempt to recruit soldiers as part of efforts to topple the government has been uncovered, according to Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-09-21&sec=1&aid=32205


‘Opportunists’ eyed in
fresh destabilization plan
By Fernan Marasigan
Reporter
GEN. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Armed Forces chief of staff, confirmed on Thursday alleged fresh destabilization attempts by some antigovernment forces, whom he described as “opportunists” taking advantage of current issues against the Arroyo administration.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0921&222007/nation05.html


Trillanes rebuffed again
A MAKATI court again rejected Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ appeal to be allowed to attend Senate sessions.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-09-21&sec=4&aid=32232

UP frats told: Justify your continued existence
By: Melnie Ragasa-Jimena
THE University of the Philippines (UP) has issued an administrative order instructing chancellors to order all fraternities to justify their continued existence within the university.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-09-21&sec=5&aid=32279



October 22, 2007
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Accident angle probed
Cops find no trace yet of bomb ingredient
By Alcuin Papa
Inquirer
Last updated 02:41am (Mla time) 10/22/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Police on Sunday entered the basement of Glorietta 2 after siphoning off water and fumes in a bid to determine if the explosion that ripped through the Makati City shopping mall and left 11 people dead was a result of a terrorist attack or an accident.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95898

2. The Philippine Star
Probers doubt bomb theory
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Monday, October 22, 2007
Police investigators began to doubt theories that the explosion that rocked the upscale Glorietta shopping mall last Friday was caused by a bomb, pointing out the presence of a volatile mixture of fumes emanating from the blast site.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071021121

3. Manila Times
Govt calms foreigners
GMA to convene security council, mall bombing on agenda
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
President Gloria Arroyo assured foreign governments that the Philippine government is on top of the situation after the Glorietta 2 mall bombing on Friday, adding that her administration “shall do everything to protect our people.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/22/yehey/top_stories/20071022top1.html

4. Malaya
Ping: Gov’t is now the suspect
‘It boils down to credibility,timing and circumstances’
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said unless government comes up with a credible list of possible perpetrators, it cannot escape culpability for either being the brains of the Glorietta explosion last Friday or for failing to detect the attack through negligence.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct22/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Minor fire hits Glorietta 4
11 now dead in Friday’s explosion
Leonard D. Postrado
Two days after the Glorietta 2 explosion that killed 11 people and wounded 120 others, a minor fire believed caused by faulty electrical wiring broke out inside a restaurant in Glorietta 4 , sending terrified mall goers rushing out into the street yesterday afternoon in Makati City.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071022106480.html

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante
GONZALES PANAGUTIN!
Ulat ng ABANTE REPORTORIAL TEAM
Responsibilidad at pananagutan umano ni National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales ang naganap na pagsabog sa Glorietta 2 Mall sa Makati City kamakailan na ikinasawi ng may 11 katao at ikinasugat ng may 118 iba pa, bunsod umano sa kapalpakan nito sa intelligence gatherings kaya nalusutan ito ng mga pinaghihinalaang suspek.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct2207/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
STATE OF EMERGENCY NAKALUTANG NA
Ni Rey Marfil
Bagama’t ayaw pang kagatin ni opposition Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson ang senaryong bahagi ang umano’y pagpapasabog sa Glorietta 2 upang matakpan ang mga eskandalong kinasasangkutan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, malinaw aniyang nakapaloob sa naturang pangyayari ang isang elemento sa pagdideklara ng state of emergency.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct2207/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Patay sa Glorietta blast, 11 na!
Ni Danilo Garcia
Monday, October 22, 2007
Umabot na sa 11 ang bilang ng mga nasawi sa pagsabog sa Glorietta 2 mall sa Makati City nitong nakaraang Biyernes matapos bawian ng buhay ang isa sa mga biktimang unang napaulat na nasa kritikal na kondisyon.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007102195

10. Journal
BLAST TOLL HITS 11
By: Alvin Murcia & Alfred Dalizon with AFP
THE toll from the Glorietta 2 blast rose to 11 yesterday after the body of a young computer programmer was retrieved from the rubble and an injured man died in hospital.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-22&sec=1&aid=35978


11. Business World
Crisis contained but risks remain
WASHINGTON — Central banks may have done a good job in containing the impact of recent financial market turbulence but risks remain and monetary authorities need to stay alert, the policy-guiding body of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW102207/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
R-VAT take P1.8B below goal
FIRST-HALF DISAPPOINTMENT TRACED TO CUSTOMS’ LOW OIL IMPORTS’ TAXES
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
THE reformed value-added tax or R-VAT disappointed the government in the first half, with actual collection having hit only P43.7 billion instead of at least P45.5 billion as expected.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/10222007/headlines01.html


II. POLITICAL
ANALYSIS
Bombing takes heat off cash gift scandal
By Amando Doronila
Inquirer
Last updated 04:37am (Mla time) 10/22/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The bombing at the Glorietta shopping mall on Friday, killing at least 11 people, has launched the country into the vicious cycle of the carousel called blame game. Whodunit?
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95909


Opposition solons to back De Venecia vs Arroyo
By Christian V. Esguerra
Inquirer
Last updated 05:58am (Mla time) 10/22/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- In the event of a full-blown confrontation with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. might find the most unlikely of allies: opposition congressmen.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=95917

AS I SEE IT
Bombing eclipsed bribery in Malacañang
By Neal Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 01:41am (Mla time) 10/22/2007
MANILA, Philippines - A message from an alleged Rajah Solaiman Movement has been received, claiming responsibility for the Glorietta bombing. The message may or may not be genuine. It is so easy for anyone, including a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to send such a message. There are the skeptics who say that it is another moro-moro, recalling the fake ambush of Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and other forms of violence during the Marcos regime to justify the imposition of martial law. President Macapagal-Arroyo has not only learned from Marcos but has even exceeded his tactics, corruption and human rights abuses. Marcos now looks like an angel compared to GMA.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95887

SOUNDING BOARD
Dole-outs and executive privilege
By Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
Inquirer
Last updated 01:42am (Mla time) 10/22/2007
MANILA, Philippines - The president has ordered an investigation of the Palace cash dole-outs—by a presidential commission no less, which, of course, answers to the President and is controlled by the President. In the present executive privilege epidemic, expect any unfavorable report to be marked privileged!
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=95885

Miriam’s bill asserts Senate power over presidential deals
By Aurea Calica
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is seeking to assert the power of the Senate over international and executive agreements being entered into by the President.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071021130

JDV to GMA: Move fast against corrupt officials
Monday, October 22, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has called on President Arroyo to move fast in weeding out corrupt officials and personnel in her government.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071021132


EXCLUSIVE
Ombudsman: Abolish Palace antigraft body
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
The Palace Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC), the agency tasked by the President to investigate alleged bribery of government officials who visited Malacañang, is actually powerless and should be abolished, the Ombudsman said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/22/yehey/top_stories/20071022top4.html

Trillanes sa pulisya pinagpapaliwanag
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sa pulisya at hindi sa Senado dapat magpaliwanag si Sen. Antonio Trillanes kaugnay sa umano’y malisyoso nitong akusasyon na ang gobyerno raw ang nasa likod ng pagsabog sa Glorietta 2 sa Makati City.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007102196

Landfill best for metro garbage – MMDA
By Jefferson Antiporda and Francis Earl A. Cueto, Reporters
THE Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said there is no option but to dispose the garbage of the metropolis in a sanitary landfill, since there is no other waste disposal method that is inexpensive or more environment friendly as of now.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/22/yehey/metro/20071022met3.html

Bicutan awaits Bedol
By: Alfred P. Dalizon
FORMER Maguindanao elections supervisor Lintang Bedol will serve his six-month prison term at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, People’s Journal learned yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-22&sec=1&aid=35947

Pimentel wants independent probe
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. called for an independent investigation of the Glorietta 2 bombing Friday by tapping foreign bomb experts such as the United Kingdom’s Scotland Yard.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-10-22&sec=4&aid=35979

Trillanes ginigipit sa bombing expose
(Juliet de Loza/Rey Marfil/Vladi Eduarte)
Hina-harass at ginigipit umano ng gobyerno si Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV matapos nitong magbigay ng pahayag na ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang nasa likod ng pagsabog sa Glorietta mall sa Makati City.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct2207/main.htm

Bedol ipakukulong
(Irish Ann Cruz)
Umiikot na sa tanggapan ng mga opisyal ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang isang resolution na nag-uutos sa kanilang law department na maglabas ng warrant of arrest laban kay dating Maguindanao Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Lintang Bedol.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct2207/main.htm

Palusot ni GMA
Amado Macasaet
Gustong lumusot ni GMA sa eskandalo sa suhulan na nangyari sa Malacañang mismo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct2207/main.htm