Monday, March 31, 2008

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Cabinet to skip Senate inquiries

Ermita: Rules must first be published

By Michael Lim Ubac, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:49:00 03/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Without published rules, the Senate cannot compel members of the Cabinet and other executive branch officials to face its inquiries in aid of legislation and all its previous hearings may be regarded to have been "null and void," Malacañang said Sunday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080331-127382/Cabinet-to-skip-Senate-inquiries

2. The Philippine Star

Cory rebounds, vows to pursue fight for truth

By Edu Punay

Monday, March 31, 2008

Despite her personal battle against colon cancer, former President Corazon Aquino has reassured the public of her full support in the fight for truth on allegations of rampant corruption in the administration.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330135

3. Manila Times

Malacañang ‘open’ to Jocjoc extradition

By Angelo S. Samonte Reporter

Malacañang said it supports the continuation of the investigation of the P728-million fertilizer scam and the extradition of the former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante, who remains detained in a US prison.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/31/yehey/top_stories/20080331top1.htm

4. Malaya

Palace sets new bar to attending probes

Invokes SC on lack of Congress rules

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

EXECUTIVE Secretary Eduardo Ermita yesterday said Cabinet members would invoke the Supreme Court ruling requiring the publication of rules of procedures before appearing in any of the congressional inquiries particularly in the Senate.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar31/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

P12 B more for food program

LBP gives DA additional credit line

By MARVYN N. BENANING

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) has provided the Department of Agriculture (DA) a P12-billion credit line to finance measures to stabilize prices and boost production of the staple and other food crops.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080331120633.html

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante

Oposisyon sa China...

DEALS KAY GLORIA PUTULIN!

Ulat ng ABANTE REPORTORIAL TEAM

Umapela kahapon si Mayor at United Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar Binay kay newly-elected Chinese premier Wen Jiabao na agad na suspendihin ang lahat ng nakabinbing transaksyon ng China sa adminsitrasyong Arroyo.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar3108/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

BIGAS PAPALO SA P50 PER KILO

ni: Rey Marfil

Sa loob ng darating na limang buwan, inaasahang papalo na sa nakakalulang P50 kada kilo ang presyo ng bigas sa bansa kapag hindi nasolusyunan ang nararamdamang kakulangan sa supply.

Ito ang naging prediksyon ni Sen. Loren Legarda kaugnay sa patuloy na pagtaas sa presyo ng bigas at kakulangan ng supply na nararamdaman na ngayon sa mga pamilihan.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar3108/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pinoy bilib kay Villar!

Ni Butch Quejada

Monday, March 31, 2008

Bilib ang halos 90 milyong Filipino kay Senate President Manny Villar bilang senador at lider ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso, ayon sa pinakabagong survey ng Pulse Asia.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008033043

10. Journal

GAG STAYS

By: Tess Bedico

Cabinet men can’t attend Senate hearing yet -- Palace

IN a move certain to exacerbate its dispute with the Senate, Malacañang has called on Cabinet officials invited to congressional inquiries to invoke the Supreme Court ruling on the publication of rules of procedures in the Upper Chamber’s investigations.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-31&sec=1&aid=54312

11. Business World

Gov’t eyes April okay for JPEPA

Trade chief says ‘I want to have it done as soon as possible’

A DEAL PROMISING freer flow of trade between the Philippines and Japan could finally be realized next month, some two years after it was originally signed and subsequently subjected to intense, and at times, heated, scrutiny.

http://bworldonline.com/BW033108/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

Gaps in government economic data cited

By Cai U. Ordinario

Reporter

THE government’s ability to come up with credible statistics remains unreliable due to the lack of funding and autonomy, according to a former National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) official.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03312008/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL

Rice crisis artificial, says Angara

Collusion between traders, NFA execs reported

By Charlie Señase, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:41:00 03/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Edgardo Angara Sunday said the present rice crisis was “artificial” and was caused by hoarders and unscrupulous traders.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080331-127404/Rice-crisis-artificial-says-Angara

ANALYSIS

The fantasy of the 7.3-percent GDP growth

By Amando Doronila

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 07:03:00 03/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The European Union commended the Philippines last week in less than ecstatic terms for the "substantial" gross domestic product (GDP) growth it achieved in 2007.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080331-127405/The-fantasy-of-the-73-percent-GDP-growth

Protesters hound Arroyo in Hong Kong

By Christine Avendaño

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:14:00 03/31/2008

HONG KONG (via PLDT)—Arriving here Sunday to drum up foreign investments, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was greeted by some 1,000 overseas Filipino workers calling for her to step down.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080331-127384/Protesters-hound-Arroyo-in-Hong-Kong

PNP chief’s business card used in illegal activities

By Alcuin Papa

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 23:15:00 03/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Police has warned the public anew on the use of “Mamang Pulis” cards and the business card of Director General Avelino Razon Jr. in illegal activities.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20080330-127354/PNP-chiefs-business-card-used-in-illegal-activities

Sumilao farmers back in Bukidnon land

By Ryan Rosauro, TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 19:28:00 03/30/2008

SUMILAO, Bukidnon — For more than 10 years, they dreamt of setting foot on the land that was once theirs but was taken away.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080330-127326/Sumilao-farmers-back-in-Bukidnon-land

Government curbs access to data amid probes

By Karol Anne Ilagan, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

Monday, March 31, 2008

The public’s right to information is expressly guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution and affirmed by the judiciary. Yet access to data held by state agencies not only remains limited, it has become nil in some cases, apparently because of the current Senate scrutiny of particular government projects.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330136

Farmers back in Sumilao, inspect new land

By Katherine Adraneda

Monday, March 31, 2008

After overcoming a colossal battle against a seemingly formidable opponent, the Sumilao farmers finally arrived home yesterday morning and immediately proceeded to the 50-hectare land given back to them by San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330138

NFA exec sacked for mishandling of imported rice

By John Unson

Monday, March 31, 2008

A high-ranking official of the National Food Authority (NFA) in North Cotabato has been ordered relieved from his post after allegedly approving the distribution of 21,000 bags of imported rice to private traders in the province.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330141

RP ready to defend human rights record before world – Palace

By Paolo Romero

Monday, March 31, 2008

The Philippine government is ready to defend its human rights record before the international community following the favorable assessment of the European Union on the country’s economy and its efforts to address extrajudicial killings, Malacañang said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330142

SC: FM decree on fertilizer levy unconstitutional

By Sandy Araneta

Monday, March 31, 2008

The Supreme Court recently affirmed a decision of the Court of Appeals and a Makati court declaring as unconstitutional an order issued by the late President Ferdinand Marcos that imposed a P10 levy for every bag of fertilizer to pay off debts of a private corporation.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330143

Palace questioned for withholding opposition’s ‘pork’

Monday, March 31, 2008

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. questioned yesterday Malacanang’s action of withholding the pork barrel of opposition lawmakers.

“Perhaps a case should be filed to compel Malacanang to release funds without discrimination as to whether or not the legislator is (President Arroyo’s) ally or critic,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330145

Palace says Senate rules ‘constitutionally infirm’

Monday, March 31, 2008

Malacañang accused the Senate yesterday of conducting “void” investigations.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said unless the Senate’s rules of procedure are published, all its hearings are “constitutionally infirm.”

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330147

Teodoro defends infrastructure development on Pagasa

By James Mananghaya

Monday, March 31, 2008

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has justified plans to improve some facilities in the Pag-asa Island located in the contested Spratlys, as these projects would not cause tension to build up among claimant countries.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330148

P2 B to be added in joint DND, AFP bidding for attack helicopters

Monday, March 31, 2008

After scrapping the bidding process for P1.2 billion worth of night capable attack helicopters (NCAH), the defense and military establishments will conduct a combined procurement process for the same type of aircraft with additional P2 billion in funding, a military official said.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080330149

Noli de Castro proposes 5-point growth strategy

By Katrice R. Jalbuena Reporter

VICE President Noli de Castro has proposed a five-point strategy to

arrest the uncertainties surrounding the country’s economic and social condition.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/31/yehey/metro/20080331met6.html

UNO asks Beijing to freeze deals with Gloria

BY ASHZEL HACHERO

THE United Opposition (UNO) yesterday asked Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to suspend all business dealings with the Arroyo government to preserve the good standing and reputation of the People's Republic of China before the global community.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar31/news2.htm

Senado iwas-away sa archipelagic map

(Rey Marfil)

Ito ang naging paglilinaw ni Senate minority floor leader Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., matapos kopyahin ang original version ng Lower House tungkol sa pinagtatalunang archipelagic map.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar3108/news_story2.htm

Palasyo tikom pa rin kay Jocjoc

(Rose Miranda)

Sa kalagitnaan ng alegasyon na ang problema sa bigas ay bunsod ng pagkukulang ng gobyerno sa sektor ng mga magsasaka, tikom pa rin at walang pagkilos ang Malacañang sa isyung pagpapa-deport kay dating Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc Joc” Bolante upang malitis at maparusahan ito sa kontrobersyal na fertilizer fund scam.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar3108/news04.htm

Nograles backs ‘rule book’ plan for public hearings by Congress

By BEN R. ROSARIO

With the Supreme Court ruling on the Neri case as backdrop, the House of Representatives may soon adopt a "rule book" that would govern the conduct of congressmen, resource persons, and witnesses during legislative public hearings.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080331120636.html

Senado maghahain ng apela sa Korte Suprema

By: Marlon Purificacion

TINIYAK ng Senado na maghahain sila ng motion for reconsideration sa ruling ng Supreme Court sa executive privilege ni Ched chairman Romulo Neri.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-31&sec=4&aid=54287


P2,500 bribe already a 'bukol' in 1960s

By Tarra Quismundo

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 07:04:00 03/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines—There was a time when being accused of pocketing a P2,500 bribe created a scandal, enough to sow intrigue in Malacañang and strain ties between the President and Vice President.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080331-127406/P2500-bribe-already-a-bukol-in-1960s

Apela ng Senado sa desisyon ng SC sa petisyon ni Neri ilalarga

Nina Eralyn Prado at Rose Miranda

Ilalarga ng liderato ng Senado ang paghahain ng motion for reconsideration sa naging desisyon ng Korte Suprema na pumapanig sa executive privilege na ini-invoke ni CHED chairman Romulo Neri.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar3108/news02.htm

Executive privilege rerendahan

(Rey Marfil)

Sa harap ng pang-aabuso sa executive privilege ng mga alagad ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, mismong kakampi ng Malacañang ang umangal at nagsampa ng panukalang batas na lilimita sa sistemang ito.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar3108/news_story4.htm

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

EU praises RP growth

By Norman Bordadora

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:03:00 03/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The European Union has commended the Philippines for its recent economic gains and the significant decline in the incidence of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, the EU ambassador told a news forum yesterday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080330-127225/EU-praises-RP-growth

2. The Philippine Star

Gov’t urged: Allot more land for rice

By Aurea Calica

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Senators Edgardo Angara and Loren Legarda called on the government yesterday to immediately put to use one million hectares of idle and barely used lands for agriculture, specifically to augment areas for rice production.

3. Manila Times

4. Malaya

‘Overhaul security team’

GMA urged to comply with Alston proposals

BY REINIR PADUA

THE militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) yesterday urged President Arroyo to immediately comply with the recommendations of United Nations special rapporteur Philip Alston on ending the wave of extrajudicial killings.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar30/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

6. The Daily Tribune

II. POLITICAL

Political gimmick, Palace says of Golez proposal

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Malacañang branded yesterday as a “political gimmick” the proposal of Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez to clip the power of the President to appoint members of the Supreme Court (SC) and the judiciary.

http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080329151

3 on shortlist as possible Razon successor

By Jaime Laude

Sunday, March 30, 2008

With PNP chief Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. retiring in six months, three names, all senior officers with the rank of three-star generals, have surfaced in the shortlist of contenders to replace him.

http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080329154

Arroyo bats for CARP extension

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:07:00 03/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines—President Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday stressed the need to again extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) to ensure the distribution to farmer-beneficiaries of some two million hectares of agricultural land nationwide.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080330-127228/Arroyo-bats-for-CARP-extension

World Bank urges lower rice tariff

By Doris Dumlao

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:12:00 03/30/2008

Cites cheaper Thai rice which RP could import and sell competitively

MANILA, Philippines—The World Bank has urged the Philippines to fend off a potential rice crisis by lowering the tariffs on imported rice and pursuing reforms to liberalize trading in the country’s main staple.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080330-127232/World-Bank-urges-lower-rice-tariff

Arroyo off to Hong Kong to address investors

By Christine Avendaño

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:15:00 03/30/2008

HONG KONG—President Macapagal-Arroyo begins a three-day visit here on Sunday where she will address an Asian investment conference and meet with businessmen, as well as the huge Filipino expatriate community, composed mostly of domestic workers.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080330-127235/Arroyo-off-to-Hong-Kong-to-address-investors

Nograles: I’d rather run 2010 campaign

By Norman Bordadora

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:16:00 03/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Speaker Prospero Nograles is not running for another office but is considering a return to private law practice when he completes his third and final term as representative of Davao City in 2010, the House leader said on Saturday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080330-127236/Nograles-Id-rather-run-2010-campaign