February 1, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Senate: Palace hiding Neri
Villar says former NEDA chief now a fugitive
By Allison Lopez, Dona Pazzibugan, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:36:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang is helping Romulo Neri hide so he can stay mum on the National Broadband Network (NBN) scandal in which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s husband is implicated, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116087/Senate-Palace-hiding-Neri
2. The Philippine Star
3. Manila Times
RP’s 2007 growth highest in 31 years
The Philippine economy grew 7.3 percent in 2007, its highest rate in 31 years, officials said Thursday, attributing the record performance to gains made across all sectors of the economy.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/01/yehey/top_stories/20080201top1.html
4. Malaya
Economy grows 7.3%, a 31-year record
US recession is cloud in the horizon
BY IRMA ISIP and MAX ESTAYO
THE economy grew by 7.3 percent last year, the highest in 31 years, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb01/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
Gov’t bares 7.3% 2007 GDP growth
With robust 7.4% recorded in fourth quarter
Gov’t bares 7.3% 2007 GDP growth, strongest since 1976
By EDU LOPEZ
The Philippine economy as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.3 percent in 2007, exceeding market expectations and the strongest growth registered since 1976, Socio-economic Secretary Augusto Santos said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080201115906.html
6. The Daily Tribune
JdV, Lakas allies call for floor vote Monday
02/01/2008
For members of President Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) party, Rep. Prospero “Boy” Nograles is certain to be installed as Speaker in the House of Representatives by Monday, at the latest.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080201hed1.html
7. Abante
NERI ‘ON THE RUN’
(Boyet Jadulco/Rose Miranda/Nilo Marasigan)
Mistulang nakikipagtaguan si Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri sa arresting personnel ng Senado dahil hindi ito matagpuan sa kanyang tahanan, sa opisina at sa dadaluhang summit.
Gayunman, sinabi ng retired general na hindi pa rin siya susuko sa paghahanap kay Balajadia hangga’t hindi naaaresto ang dating National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) director general para madala sa Senado at iharap sa Senate Blue Ribbon committee na nag-iimbestiga sa US$329-milyong National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0108/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
JDV PINAKALMA NG PALASYO
Nina Bernard Taguinod at Rose Miranda
Mistulang tumiklop ang Malacañang matapos ibigay kay House Speaker Jose de Venecia ang katiyakang susuportahan ito ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sa kabila ng kudetang inumpisahan ng Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI).
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0108/news_story1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
10. Journal
GONER?
By: Jester P. Manalastas
Foes set to drop bomb on De Venecia Monday; Speaker scoffs at ouster threat
KABALIKAT ng Malayang Pilipino president Rep. Luis Villafuerte yesterday said they now have more than enough votes to oust Speaker Jose de Venecia and on Monday will present to him a “manifesto for loss of confidence.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=1&aid=47848
11. Business World
12. Business Mirror
7.3% GDP growth highest in 31 yrs
By Cai U. Ordinario
Reporter
AMID warnings by experts that growth was not sustainable and questions about revisions in data, the country made economic history with the better-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.3 percent in 2007 and 7.4 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0201&022008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Lacson raises questions about Melo’s connections
By Beverly T. Natividad
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:09:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- How could anyone who could barely recognize him in public be involved in his designation as new chair of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)?
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116091/Lacson-raises-questions-about-Melos-connections
Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano installed as PLM president
By Allison Lopez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:30:00 01/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines – United Opposition spokesperson Adel Tamano Thursday urged the government to spend more on education, saying it was an “investment that will reap dividends for the country’s future.”
Guests
Tamano’s investiture was attended by opposition stalwarts like Senate President Manuel Villar, Sen. Mar Roxas, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Noynoy Aquino, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Nene Pimentel, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20080131-116049/Opposition-spokesman-Adel-Tamano-installed-as-PLM-president
House showdown seen next week
By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
The leadership struggle in the House of Representatives is expected to culminate on Monday with a motion in plenary to be called by lawmakers critical of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. to declare all seats vacant.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/01/yehey/top_stories/20080201top4.html
JDV urged to step down to save face
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
STEP down. Save face.
This was the advice yesterday of Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, president Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), to Speaker Jose de Venecia to spare himself the humiliation of being ousted by a floor vote on Monday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb01/news2.htm
Senators say P75B stimulus package needs Congress OK
BY JP LOPEZ
SENATORS yesterday welcomed the P75-billion economic stimulus package unveiled by Malacañang but said its funding needs congressional approval.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb01/news5.htm
Worsening corruption worries Washington
BY JENNIE L. ILUSTRE
WASHINGTON D.C. — Officials of the Millennium Challenge Corp. are meeting here next week with a delegation headed by Finance Secretary Gary Teves to discuss what it called a "fairly significant" decline in the control of corruption.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb01/news7.htm
Nograles is choice of 5 groups for Speakership
By BEN R. ROSARIO
Five groups of congressmen led by the Mindanao Bloc and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) said yesterday they will make their move to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. on Monday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080201115908.html
GMA declares full, unwavering support for JdV
By GENALYN D. KABILING
President Arroyo yesterday declared her full and unwavering support for House Speaker Jose C. de Venecia Jr. to block persistent moves by congressional allies to oust him due to alleged loss of confidence.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080201115909.html
Erap behind signature drive — Malacañang exec
02/01/2008
Malacañang has accused former President Joseph Estrada of masterminding the reported signature campaign by his followers aimed at convincing the deposed leader to seek the presidency in 2010.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080201hed3.html
JDV, bilang na ang araw?
Nina Eralyn Prado, Rose Miranda, Tina Mendoza at Boyet Jadulco
“Sana tutuparin niya (De Venecia) ang kanyang pangako na handa siyang bumaba kung mayroong maipakitang 121 signatures, eh sobra-sobra pa nga,” ayon kay Villafuerte.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0108/news02.htm
‘Goodbye Speakership’ message to JdV ready — Kampi
By Charlie V. Manalo and Sherwin C. Olaes
02/01/2008
Still exuding confidence, Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) president Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte yesterday said having gathered no fewer than 134 signatures from the 240 members in the House of Represenatives, he will be personally handing Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. his “goodbye to the Speakership message and get Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles ready for his installation as Speaker by Monday, Feb. 4.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080201hed5.html
GMA allies pumabor sa VAT suspension
ni: Rey Marfil
Bagama’t kaalyado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, mismong si Senador Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., ang nanawagan sa Malacañang upang suspendehin ang implementasyon ng 12% value added tax (VAT) sa petroleum products.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0108/news_story3.htm
‘Gov’t’s P75-B stimulus plan needs Congress OK’
02/01/2008
While lauding President Arroyo’s announced approval of a P75-billion economic stimulus package her government is to adopt, Senate President Manny Villar Jr. yesterday said such a move needs the permission of Congress as stated under the Constitution.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080201nat1.html
Manila hires US lobby firm for $.5M — embassy
02/01/2008
The Philippine Embassy in Washington has said it has hired the services of an American lobby firm to promote the country’s interests in the US Congress and government.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080201nat2.html
No way -- Speaker
By: Jester P. Manalastas
DESPITE his detractors’ boast they have the numbers to oust him, Jose de Venecia is still confident he will remain Speaker of the House of Representatives.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=1&aid=47859
Palace amenable
FOR as long as the successor to Speaker Jose de Venecia is a member of the administration party Lakas-CMD, Malacañang will have no problem with a change in leadership at the House of Representatives.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=1&aid=47860
Stop ID system in Sulu — Nene
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE mandatory wearing of identification cards by residents of Sulu should stop because it is illegal, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=4&aid=47855
Enrile receives ‘mystery’ letter from Lozada
Challenges Lacson to produce witness
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:11:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The plot thickens.
A letter purportedly from “wanted” Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. was sent to Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile Wednesday night, as the Senate issued arrest orders for Lozada and former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116092/Enrile-receives-mystery-letter-from-Lozada
I’m not hiding, says Neri who turns 58 on Friday
By Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:17:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Romulo Neri turns 58 on Friday but he may not be in the mood to party.
“I don’t know if I can celebrate,” Neri said Thursday as teams from the Senate searched for him in vain to serve a warrant of arrest over his refusal to attend the inquiry into the national broadband project scandal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116102/Im-not-hiding-says-Neri-who-turns-58-on-Friday
Cayetano, Neri were scheduled to sit at same VIP table
By Volt Contreras
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:18:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Had Romulo Neri shown up at the Manila Hotel for a government function Thursday, Senate security officers would have been immediately dispatched to arrest him the moment he was done with his speech.
This was how Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee, conveyed the chamber’s seriousness about getting Neri back to the hearings on the scrapped National Broadband Network deal involving the government and Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116103/Cayetano-Neri-were-scheduled-to-sit-at-same-VIP-table
Neri All Over TV, Radio But Eludes Senate Arrest
By Efren Danao, Senior Reporter
Senate President Manuel Villar assured two administration officials of utmost official courtesy if ever they are taken into custody.
Warrants of arrests had not been served to Romulo Neri and Rodolfo Lozada Jr. after they snubbed the hearing Wednesday on the controversial national broadband network deal.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/01/yehey/top_stories/20080201top3.html
Editorial
Arrest them
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:18:00 01/31/2008
Finally, some decisive action from the Senate. If only the decision didn’t raise more questions than provide answers. It was Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, whose fortunes are now tied to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration, who moved that the Senate issue a warrant of arrest against Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., a longtime friend of former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20080131-116047/Arrest-them
Senate sheriffs fail to arrest Neri
BY DENNIS GADIL
SENATE sheriffs yesterday failed to arrest Romulo Neri, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, at his office in Ortigas, Pasig City or at his house in Sta. Mesa Heights in Quezon City.
He said he was informed that only Senators Allan Peter Cayetano, Blue Ribbon chairman, and Rodolfo Biazon want Neri and Lozano arrested.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb01/news6.htm
The broadband issue, still unfinished business
By Fred M. Lobo
LITTLE "wars" on leadership and contentious issues have erupted in Congress.
Beware: Non-resolution and bad resolution could have damaging effects on the nation.
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20080201115921.html
Solons rap Palace for hiding Neri
02/01/2008
Former Socio-Economic Secretary and current Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) Romulo Neri was nowhere to be found yesterday as Senate servers of the arrest warrant for him could not locate him.
But it appears that the Palace is worried over the arrest orders from the Senate, and Malacanang is said to be holding backchannel talks with some senators, insisting that the only ones who are the “hardcore” senators are Alan Peter Cayetano, Rodolfo Biazon and Panfilo Lacson, on the matter of the Neri and Lozada’s arrests.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080201hed2.html
Neri nakalusot sa arresting team ng Senado
ni: Rey Marfil
Isang araw makaraang ilabas ng Senado ang dalawang magkahiwalay na arrest warrant, kaagad nag-ala Palos si Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Secretary Romulo Neri at tinakasan ang arresting team ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0108/news_story2.htm
Ping files bill to encourage whistle-blowers
02/01/2008
Following yet another no-show by witnesses to a multimillion-peso corrup-tion case, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has filed a bill aimed at encouraging “whistle-blowers” against corrupt government officials and punish those who prevent them from testifying in congressional hearings.
The opposition lawmaker filed Senate Bill 2040 shortly after Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., president and chief operating officer of the government-run Philippine Forest Corp., citing threats to him and his family, skipped the Senate hearing on the ZTE-National Broadband Network deal mess last Wednesday.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080201hed4.html
Neri ‘snubs’ arrest
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
MEMBERS of the Senate Office of Sergeant-at-Arms yesterday failed to arrest Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri who was cited in contempt for snubbing a public hearing on the controversial national broadband deal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=1&aid=47861
DOJ opinion on Neri arrest sought
By: Fernando M. Cariaso
THE Philippine National Police yesterday sought the legal opinion of the Department of Justice regarding the extent of police authority to implement arrest orders issued by both Houses of Congress in its exercise of contempt powers in the wake of a Senate order to arrest Commission on Higher Education chair Romulo Neri and Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., said to be a principal witness in the controversial ZTE deal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=4&aid=0
Tesda chief suportado ng opisyal, empleyado
By: Marlon Purificacion
SUPORTADO ng mga opisyal at empleyado ng Technical Education and Skills Development Autho-rity (TESDA) ang hepe nilang si Augusto ‘Buboy’ Syjuco kahit sabihing kabi-kabilang intriga ang ipi-nupukol ng ilang kritiko laban sa kanya.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=4&aid=47841
Palace derides Senate ‘hoopla’
By: Tess Bedico
MALACAÑANG yesterday deplored the Senate’s insistence on issuing arrest warrants against executive officials, saying its inquiries were “in aid of politics-as-usual” and not in aid of legislation.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=4&aid=47862
Arrest warrant for Lozada withdrawn if…
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
SEN. Juan Ponce Enrile, who initiated the arrest of PhilForest Corp. head Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr., yesterday dared Sen. Panfilo Lacson to guarantee the return of Lozada who flew to London hours before the start of the Senate hearing on NBN-ZTE scandal Wednesday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-01&sec=4&aid=47866
ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
February 2, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Arroyo sons seek De Venecia ouster
By Michael Lim Ubac, Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:31:00 02/02/2008
MANILA, Philippines--Malacañang on Friday confirmed President Macapagal-Arroyo had thrown her support behind House Speaker Jose de Venecia in his bid to keep his post. But her two sons are leading her political allies in a campaign to oust him despite Ms Arroyo’s professed “status quo” stance.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080202-116271/Arroyo-sons-seek-De-Venecia-ouster
2. The Philippine Star
Palace tells Neri: We are behind you
By Paolo Romero
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Malacañang is solidly behind Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri as officials brushed off allegations that the Palace was hiding the beleaguered official.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080201144
3. Manila Times
4. Malaya
Mikey taunts Joe de V
‘Why hide under skirt of GMA?’
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
REP. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo (Lakas, Pampanga) yesterday denied the claim of Speaker Jose de Venecia that President Arroyo still supports his leadership, saying his mother will not meddle in a purely internal House matter.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb02/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
6. The Daily Tribune
No secret voting for Speakership —JdV
02/02/2008
The fight for the Speakership went into high psy-war gear with both camps contradicting each other on claims of President Arroyo’s support or non-support for both the incumbent, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., and the challenger, Davao City Rep. Prospero “Boy” Nograles.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080202hed1.html
7. Abante
AARESTO KAY NERI HUHULIHIN
(Rose Miranda/Grace Velasco/Boyet Jadulco/Irish Ann Cruz)
Tahasang sinabi kahapon ni da¬ting Senate President Franklin Dri¬lon na Malamang na hulihin din ng mga pulis ang mga tauhan ng Senado na magpipilit na umaresto kay dating National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director General at ngayo’y Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb0208/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
JDV PINAGBABANTAY SA GALAW NI GLORIA
ni: Bernard Taguinod at Rey Marfil
Ito ang naging payo at babala ni Senate President Manuel ‘Manny’ Villar Jr., sa kanyang counterpart na si House Speaker Jose de Venecia kahit pinahupa na ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang tensyon sa kudetang inumpisahan ng Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino sa Kamara.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0208/news_story1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Mikey kay JDV: ‘Wag magtago sa saya ni PGMA
Nina Butch Quejada At Rudy Andal
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Tahasang kinantiya¬wan kahapon ni Rep. Mikey Arroyo si House Speaker Jose de Venecia na nag¬ kukubli sa palda ni Pre¬sidente Arroyo para ma¬isalba ang sarili sa nami¬mingit na pagpapalit sa liderato ng Kamara.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008020186
10. Journal
JDV ON HIS OWN?
By: Tess Bedico
GMA assures Speaker of support
but keeps hands off House leadership row
WHILE she has assured Speaker Jose de Venecia of her continued support, President Macapagal-Arroyo will not lift a finger to stop the move to unseat him, a Malacañang official said yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-02&sec=1&aid=47992
11. Business World
12. Business Mirror
II. POLITICAL
Neri gets birthday greetings from President’s men
By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:08:00 02/02/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Romulo Neri received birthday greetings yesterday from Malacañang officials who again called on the Senate not to have him arrested.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080202-116302/Neri-gets-birthday-greetings-from-Presidents-men
Congress nod needed for Arroyo stimulus plan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:21:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should first get Congress’ go-signal to carry out the P75 billion economic stimulus package aimed at shielding the country from an imminent recession in the US.
http://newsinfo..inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116257/Congress-nod-needed-for-Arroyo-stimulus-plan
Legarda: It’s presidency or nothing
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:10:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Nothing but the top post would do for her, although Senator Loren Legarda will not be making that announcement until her next birthday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116247/Legarda-Its-presidency-or-nothing
Palace says US lobby deal will advance RP interests
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:16:00 02/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Friday denied that the contract with a Washington lobby firm was priced high and was only aimed at countering bad publicity in America stemming from extrajudicial killings here.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080201-116248/Palace-says-US-lobby-deal-will-advance-RP-interests
Petron, Shell roll back LPG price by P1/kg
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Petron Corp. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. rolled back yesterday the prices of their liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products by P1 per kilo or P11 per 11-kg cylinder.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080201145
Despite GMA-JDV meet, House to vote on speakership
By Jess Diaz
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Despite his claim of presidential support, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said he is determined to end once and for all the challenge to his leadership by subjecting it to a vote on Monday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080201149
Makati court upholds junking of rebellion raps vs Guingona, 17 others
By Michael Punongbayan
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A Makati court upheld yesterday the dismissal of rebellion charges filed against civilians led by former Vice President Teofisto Guinngona who allegedly participated in the Peninsula Manila hotel siege last Nov. 29.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080201151
Senate to fast-track renewable energy bill
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Senate committee on energy chairman Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago promised recently the passage of the Renewable Energy Bill this month.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080201152
Senators slam JDV
over pledge to gag son
BY DENNIS GADIL
SENATORS yesterday expressed outrage over reports that House Speaker Jose de Venecia promised President Arroyo he would ask his son Jose "Joey" de Venecia III not to appear in the NBN-ZTE probe to ultimately derail the investigation.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb02/news6.htm
Speaker hiding under GMA’s skirt — Mikey A.
02/02/2008
With Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. announcing that Mrs. Arroyo still supports him and wants to maintain the status quo in the House, the presidential son, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, accused the Speaker of hiding under the skirt of the President, claiming that JdV does not have the numbers to keep himself afloat.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080202hed4.html
Nograles lumantad na vs JDV
(Eralyn Prado/Rose Miranda)
Posibleng umakyat sa mahigit sa isang libong kaso ng dengue ang maitatala sa loob lamang ng buwan ng Enero subalit hindi pa rin ito dahilan Makaraang maselyu-han ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. ang patuloy na suporta sa kanya ni Pangulong Glo-ria Macapagal-Arroyo, lu-mantad na si Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles na siyang pangunahing karibal ng una sa posisyon sa pagkakataong ito.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb0208/news02.htm
'Who, me an ingrate?'
By: Jester P. Manalastas
DAVAO City Rep. Prospero Nograles, who is being pushed to replace Speaker Jose de Venecia, yesterday lashed back at the latter for calling him an “ingrate” and warned the embattled House leader his time is up.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-02&sec=1&aid=47994
Mikey to JDV: Don’t hide under GMA skirt
REP. Mikey Arroyo has asked House Speaker Jose de Venecia not to hide behind President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to stave a growing clamor for a leadership change at the House of Representatives.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-02&sec=1&aid=48029
Nuclear, solar energy pushed
THE government should seriously consider other sources of energy such as nuclear, solar and geothermal rather than rely on oil, an energy summit in Manila was told Wednesday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-02&sec=4&aid=0
ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
February 3, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Arroyo won’t stop sons on JDV ouster
By TJ Burgonio, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:10:00 02/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines--The message from the palace is clear: President Macapagal-Arroyo will not stop her sons from leading the charge to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080203-116466/Arroyo-wont-stop-sons-on-JDV-ouster
2. The Philippine Star
RP protests Taiwan leader’s Spratly trip
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Philippines deplored yesterday the trip made by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on Ligao Island (Taiping) in the Kalayaan Island Group in the South China Sea, saying it was “irresponsible political posturing” that could affect peace in the area.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080202145
3. Manila Times
RP concerned’ about Taiwan
prexy’s Spratlys trip–DFA
The Philippines on Saturday expressed alarm over a trip made by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to the disputed Spratly Islands and warned it could affect relative peace in the area.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/03/yehey/metro/20080203met1.html
4. Malaya
5. Manila Bulletin
6. The Daily Tribune
7. Abante
BAKBAKAN SA KAMARA: 50-50!
Ni BOYET JADULCO
Pinaniniwalaang magiging ‘neck-to-neck’ ang bakbakan para sa speakership ng Kamara bukas makaraang makumpirma na hating-hati rin maging ang oposisyon sa usaping ito.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb0308/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
SA KUDETA VS JDV: MILYON ANG BIGAYAN
Nina Bernard Taguinod at Boyet Jadulco
Dehado si House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., sa kanyang laban kay Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles kung magiging pera-pera ang labanan sa speakership kung saan sinasabing umaabot umano sa milyones ang bigayan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0308/news_story1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
JDV inilaglag ng Liberal
Sunday, February 3, 2008
May bagong Speaker na ba bukas ang House of Representa¬tives?
Inilaglag na kasi si Speaker Jose De Vene¬cia ng Liberal Par¬ty na kabilang sa maka¬ad¬ministrasyong koalis¬yon sa House.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080202164
10. Journal
LP DUMPS JDV
By: Jester P. Manalastas
Liberal Party members join Nograles bandwagon vs De Venecia
THE Liberal Party in the House of Representatives has withdrawn its support for the leadership of Speaker Jose de Venecia.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-03&sec=1&aid=48111
11. Business World
12. Business Mirror
II. POLITICAL
JDV to respect House vote
By Delon Porcalla And Paolo Romero
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. digs in for a major battle tomorrow as he fights to retain his post. But he said he is prepared to concede to whoever gets the vote, saying, “that’s what democracy is all about.”
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080202147
DND forms new bidding panel for attack helicopters
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Department of National Defense (DND) has formed a new bids and awards committee for the purchase of night-capable attack helicopters for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), following the scrapping of earlier bidding reportedly due to some irregularities.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080202152
Berroya new telecoms czar
Sunday, February 3, 2008
After his unceremonious relief from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), former police general Reynaldo Berroya was placed in charge of communications at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080202153
Ayon kay Escudero Paglago ng GDP di madama ng mahihirap
Sunday, February 3, 2008
“Ang nararamdaman ng taumbayan ay ang kahirapan!”
Ito ang sinabi kaha¬pon ni Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero mata¬pos ipag¬malaki ng Ma¬lacanang na tumaas ang gross do-mestic product na isang indi¬kas¬yon na umuunlad umano ang ekonomiya.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080202165
Panunuya ni Mikey kay De Venecia idinepensa ng Palasyo
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tulad ng inaasahan, dinepensahan kahapon ng Malacañang ang panu¬nuya ni presidential son Pam¬panga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo kay House Spea¬ker Jose de Venecia Jr. na sinasabing malapit nang mapatalsik sa kan¬yang puwesto.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080202166
Media bawal sa larong golf ng Lakas members
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Pagbabawalan uma¬ no ang mga miyembro ng media na i-kober ang paglalaro ng golf ng mga opisyal at miyembro ng partidong Lakas sa loob ng Malacañang Park ngayong Linggo.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080202168
Nograles gains ground on JDV with solid LP support
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:37:00 02/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The man hoping to wrest the speakership from Jose de Venecia appears to be gaining ground as the showdown nears.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080203-116472/Nograles-gains-ground-on-JDV-with-solid-LP-support
RP laments Spratlys visit of Taiwan president
By Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:39:00 02/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The government on Saturday expressed serious concern over the planned visit of Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to Ligao Island in the disputed Spratlys, noting that the move could spark renewed tension in the region.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080203-116474/RP-laments-Spratlys-visit-of-Taiwan-president
DND to hold new bidding for choppers
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:49:00 02/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Defense Department has formed a new bids and award committee (BAC) to handle the re-bidding for night-capable attack helicopters for the military after a previous bidding was scrapped due to alleged irregularities.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080203-116480/DND-to-hold-new-bidding-for-choppers
Pimentel open to JPEPA
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. just might open himself to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), according to a report of the Philippine News Agency.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/03/yehey/metro/20080203met3.html
Neri, patalsikin sa CHED
Nina Noel Abuel, Boyet Jadulco at Grace Velasco
Dapat na i-kick out sa tanggapan ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) si dating National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romulo Neri dahil hindi na ito nagbibi¬gay ng magandang ehem¬plo sa mga kabataan.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb0308/news03.htm
Wa epek na GDP
(Noel Abuel)
Hindi maitatago ng administrasyong Arroyo ang pagkabigo ng pamahalaan na maitaas ang antas ng ekonomiya sa bansa sa kabila ng pagtaas ng gross domestic product (GDP) sa nakalipas na taon.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb0308/news04.htm
Anak ni De Venecia sinisi ng Palasyo
(Grace Velasco)
Direktang isinisi ng Mala¬cañang sa anak ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia na si Joey de Venecia ang sigalot na bumabalot sa liderato ng Kamara ngayon.
Ayon kay Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol, ang batang De Venecia ang siyang ugat ng lahat ng gusot na kinakaharap ngayon ng kanyang ama.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0308/news_story2..htm
Palace defends Mikey
By: Efren Montano
MALACAÑANG yesterday defended the right of Pampanga Rep. Miguel “Mikey” to speak up even against House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., the beleagured ally of the congressman’s mother President Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-03&sec=1&aid=48113
February 4, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Nograles allies offer JDV a ‘graceful exit’
Plan is to avert floor showdown for speakership
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:16:00 02/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Confident that they have the numbers, allies of Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles will attempt to coax Speaker Jose de Venecia on Monday to agree to a “graceful exit,” but the House leader vowed to fight it out on the floor, raising the prospect of a bitter, protracted battle.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080204-116571/Nograles_allies_offer_JDV_a_‘graceful_exit’
2. The Philippine Star
BSP: Strong peso cost overseas Pinoys P24 B
By Des Ferriols
Monday, February 4, 2008
Because of the combined effects of the strong peso and the weakening US dollar, overseas Filipinos (OFs) lost over P24 billion in income last year compared to 2006 figures.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080203113
3. Manila Times
Meeting with Lakas fails
Caucus called to head off showdown at House
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
The Sunday meeting of Lakas Party stalwarts failed to settle the House leadership row, with leaders agreeing only to reconvene at 10 a.m. Monday in a last-ditch effort to keep the coalition intact.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/04/yehey/top_stories/20080204top1.html
4. Malaya
Noose tightens on JDV GMA calls coalition caucus today
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
INEVITABLE and irreversible.
House Speaker Jose de Venecia is due to pack his bags this week as the anti-De Venecia faction led by Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte and presidential son Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo of Pampanga have reportedly gathered more than the required 121 signatures to replace him with Rep. Prospero Nograles (Lakas, Davao).
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb04/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
Hillary, Obama neck & neck in US
McCain optimistic as 24 states vote in ‘Super Tuesday’
By ELLEN WULFHORST
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama took their neck-and-neck battle to the US West Saturday while John McCain projected an air of inevitability about winning the Republican nomination ahead of crucial "Super Tuesday" voting.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080204116171.html
6. The Daily Tribune
‘Bloody’ showdown at chamber looms
By Sherwin C. Olaes and Charlie V. Manalo
02/04/2008
It is expected to be a long and exhausting day for Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. today as the strongest challenge to his post in 12 years is mounted by a group led by the sons of President Arroyo to have him replaced by Rep. Prospero Nograles.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080204hed1.html
7. Abante
SHOWDOWN SA KAMARA!
Nina BOYET JADULCO, ROSE MIRANDA, GRACE VELASCO at IRISH ANN CRUZ
Tuloy at nakahanda na ang kampo nina House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. at Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles para sa showdown ng dalawa sa speakership fight ngayong hapon.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0408/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
SPEAKERSHIP NAGING AWAY NG PAMILYA
Nina Boyet Jadulco at Rey Marfil
Sa harap ng matinding krisis sa kanyang liderato sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso, mismong si House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., tinawag na problema sa loob ng pamilya ang patuloy na pagbira sa kanya ng dalawang presidential son ukol sa Speakership issue.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0408/news_story1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
JDV inisnab ni GMA!
Nina Rudy Andal at Butch Quejada
Monday, February 4, 2008
Inisnab ni Pangulong Arroyo si House Speaker Jose de Venecia matapos hindi makipaglaro sa iniskedyul na golf game kahapon sa Malacañang kung saan inaasahan ng solon na makuha sana ang suporta ng Pangulo upang makapanatili siya sa puwesto bilang Speaker.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008020349
10. Journal
SHOWDOWN
House rebels get set to deal JdV the death blow as GMA calls emergency Lakas meeting
“DESTINY will finally judge me.”
Thus remarked embattled Speaker Jose de Venecia before joining the golf game at Malacañang Park yesterday which President Macapagal-Arroyo was supposed to play with the House leader, former President Fidel V. Ramos and others including Davao del Sur Rep. Prospero Nograles.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-04&sec=1&aid=48200
11. Business World
12. Business Mirror
Call centers unfazed by risks
By Max V. de Leon
Reporter
THE local call-center industry overshot its 35-percent growth target for 2007, posting instead a 57-percent increase in revenues to about $3.3 billion from only $2.1 billion in 2006 despite problems posed by the peso appreciation and high power costs.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02042008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
‘Government must delineate RP exclusive zone in Spratlys’
Monday, February 4, 2008
Senators reminded the administration yesterday on the need to delineate the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as the government protested the recent visit of Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian on Ligao Island (Taiping) in the Kalayaan Island Group in the South China Sea.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080203114
More reservations expressed over JPE wife’s appointment
By Christina Mendez
Monday, February 4, 2008
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday supported the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)’s stance on the need to consult them over the appointment of Cristina Ponce Enrile as ambassador to the Holy See.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080203117
JDV fails to get GMA support, faces off with rival today
By Paolo Romero and Jess Diaz
Monday, February 4, 2008
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. failed yesterday to get crucial support from President Arroyo to ensure his hold over the House of Representatives as she instead tossed the matter to an emergency caucus of leaders of the administration coalition in Malacañang that would decide his fate.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080203118
Provincial execs bolt Lakas
By Paolo Romero
Monday, February 4, 2008
Local officials belonging to the Lakas Christian and Muslim Democrats are beginning to bolt the ruling party amid mounting efforts to oust Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., one of the founders of Lakas.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080203124
Congress OK of Civil Aeronautics Administration bill seen this week
By Efren L. Danao Senior, Reporter
The House of Representatives and the Senate are expected to ratify this week the reconciled bill creating the Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Philippines—unless delayed by a leadership upheaval in the Lower House.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/04/yehey/top_stories/20080204top5.html
Sen. Legarda presses for journalists’ benefits
Senator Loren Legarda on Sunday called for a comprehensive minimum compensation and benefit standards for all working journalists “to protect their rights and promote their welfare.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/04/yehey/metro/20080204met2.html
Benepisyo sa media itinulak ni Loren
Monday, February 4, 2008
Isinusulong ni Sen. Loren Legarda na mabigyan ng sapat na benepisyo at sweldo ang mga mamamahayag lalo na ang nasa panganib ang buhay.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008020351
Arroyo calls for caucus to address Speakership row
02/04/2008
Amid row at the House of Representatives that threatens the leadership of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., President Arroyo has called for a meeting of leaders of the ruling coalition this morning.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080204hed2.html
No bloc voting for opposition senators on JPEPA—Pimentel
02/04/2008
Members of the political opposition in the Senate will not vote as a bloc on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa), Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080204hed4.html
Gov’t wants Taiwan head’s visit to Spratlys monitored
02/04/2008
Malacañang has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to closely monitor the developments in the disputed Spratly Islands amidst the controversial visit made there by the leader of one of the claimant countries of the territory, Taiwan President Chen Shui-Bian.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080204nat5.html
Pondo sa poll automation ‘pasusuka sa Mega Pacific
(Grace Velasco)
Ipinag-utos ng Court of Appeals (CA) ang paghabol sa bilyon-pisong salapi na naibayad ng gobyerno laban sa computer company na nanlinlang sa pamahalaan para makuha ang P1.24 bilyong kontrata sa Commission on Elections (Comelec) tungo sa poll automation.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0408/news04.htm
8 opposition senators won’t block JPEPA
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE “Solid 8” opposition senators will not vote as a bloc on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-04&sec=4&aid=48180
Jinggoy to GMA: What about political reforms?
SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada urged President Macapagal-Arroyo to also focus on the country’s political reforms, saying the country’s gains in the economy should be balanced with improvements in the country’s body politic.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-04&sec=4&aid=48190
February 5, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
(UPDATE 2) Nograles is new House Speaker
By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 00:59:00 02/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines – Representative Prospero Nograles of Davao City has been elected as speaker of the House of Representatives.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080205-116796/UPDATE-2-Nograles-is-new-House-Speaker
2. The Philippine Star
De Venecia ousted
By Jess Diaz
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Jose de Venecia’s unprecedented five terms as Speaker of the House came to an end last night after President Arroyo’s congressmen-allies led by her two sons replaced him with Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080204214
3. Manila Times
House ousts JdV as Speaker
De Venecia calls anew for ‘moral revolution,’ lashes out at Arroyos
Jose de Venecia Jr. on Monday lost the Speakership of the House of Representatives, a position he has held for five terms.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/05/yehey/top_stories/20080205top1.html
4. Malaya
De Venecia ousted
But recites litany of graft, abuses in a parting shot
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia was unseated last night but not before reciting a litany of graft and corruption against the Arroyo administration.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb05/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
House declares speakership vacant
Motion wins by big majority vote
Speaker’s post declared vacant by majority vote
By BEN R. ROSARIO
The House of Representatives last night declared the position of Speaker vacant, thus paving the way for a new vote that might give Speaker Jose de Venecia a fresh mandate or abbreviate his fifth term as leader of the chamber with the election of a new one.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080205116223.html
6. The Daily Tribune
JdV blasts Gloria, spills poll fraud beans
By Gerry Baldo
02/05/2008
In the end, the numbers told, with a new Speaker, in the person of Davao Rep. Prospero Nograles, but the fight was far from over, as the deposed Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., rising on a question of privilege, used the time to spill a great many beans against Malacañang and President Arroyo, bringing up issues of the poll fraud in 2004, saying he knew there were many attempts to tamper with the results of the 2004 elections.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080205hed1.html
7. Abante
Palasyo: Tsupi!
JOE de V. BUMUGA NA!
(ERALYN PRADO at ROSE MIRANDA)
Punum-puno ng hinanakit at panunumbat sa pamilya Arroyo ang binitiwang pananalita kaha-pon ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. sa kanyang pagtayo kahapon sa plenaryo bago sinumulan ang nominal voting para sa pagbakante sa kanyang puwesto na paunang hakbang upang pagbotohan kung si-no ang iuupong lider ng Kamara.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0508/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
JDV palaban na!
Nina Butch Quejada at Rudy Andal
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Mistulang nagdeklara ng giyera si House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia laban kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo nang sabihin niya sa kanyang talumpati sa plenaryo ng mababang kapulungan kagabi na ang dahilan ng hakbang na patalsikin siya sa puwesto ay ang pagbubunyag ng anak niyang si Joey III sa maanomalyang kontrata ng pamahalaan at ng ZTE Corp. ng China sa National Broadband Project.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008020473
10. Journal
IT'S OVER
By: Tess Bedico & Ryan Pacpaco
Yes vote lead widens for declaring Speakership vacant
EVEN as the numbers were rising at the House of Representatives in favor of the declaration of a vacancy in the position of Speaker as of press time last night, Malacanang said it had “much to dispute” about Speaker Jose de Venecia’s allegations of corruption and irregularities against President Arroyo and her family.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=1&aid=48306
11. Business World
BSP cites gains from peso’s rise
Price increases would have been higher sans strong currency
OFFERING SCANT COMFORT to exporters and families of Filipinos working overseas who have taken a beating from a stronger peso, the central bank yesterday said prices of basic commodities would have spiked more had the currency not gained versus the US dollar.
http://bworldonline.com/BW020508/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
More debt buybacks planned
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
WITH interest rates falling in most markets around the world and foreign fund flows rushing to emerging markets like the Philippines, Treasury officials plan a debt-buyback or a debt- prepayment scheme, officials said.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02052008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Analysis
Arroyo to pay heavy price for ouster of De Venecia
By Amando Doronila
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:41:00 02/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Cracks in the administration’s Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, the majority coalition that has controlled the House of Representatives for two decades, appear to sunder the monolithic alliance, as the chamber faces a possible vote to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia and end his 12-year leadership.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080204-116595/Arroyo-to-pay-heavy-price-for-ouster-of-De-Venecia
Would-be successor was De Venecia’s No. 2
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:44:00 02/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Supporters say Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles is a viable alternative to Speaker Jose de Venecia.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080204-116596/Would-be-successor-was-De-Venecias-No-2
Boracay drainage walk reads ‘Barbers’
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 06:13:00 02/04/2008
BORACAY ISLAND -- Sino po si barbers? Pulitiko ba siya? (Who is Barbers? Is he a politician?)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080204-116601/Boracay-drainage-walk-reads-Barbers
Palace: De Venecia speech a ‘rehash’
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 20:47:00 02/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang has belittled the speech declared by Speaker Jose De Venecia and described it as a "rehash," as it dared its now estranged ally to bolt the administration coalition.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20080204-116759/Palace-De-Venecia-speech-a-rehash
Gonzalez: ‘He has burned his bridges with the President’
By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:39:00 02/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang officials Monday night said Speaker Jose de Venecia had burned his bridges with his allegations against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and challenged him to bring his charges before the courts.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080205-116822/Gonzalez-He-has-burned-his-bridges-with-the-President
De Venecia bides time on impeach bid vs Arroyo
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:57:00 02/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- After drawing cheers and a standing ovation for his speech slamming the woman he had protected from impeachment, Speaker Jose de Venecia said Monday night he would join the opposition in denouncing official corruption.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080205-116823/De-Venecia-bides-time-on-impeach-bid-vs-Arroyo
Business leaders: House Speaker change won’t affect economy
By Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:35:00 02/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Business leaders are confident that any change in the House of Representatives leadership would not compromise the government’s legislative economic agenda or spoil the country’s impressive growth momentum.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080205-116827/Business-leaders-House-Speaker-change-wont-affect-economy
JDV-Nograles fight described as ‘opportunity for reform’
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:58:00 02/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- By offering himself as the answer to the clamor for change, Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles has clinched the vote of the majority of lawmakers in the fight for the speakership, young lawmakers said Monday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080205-116833/JDV-Nograles-fight-described-as-opportunity-for-reform
EDITORIAL — Leadership change
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The first casualty was Benjamin Abalos, who was forced to step down as chairman of the Commission on Elections a few months before his seven-year term was over. With his departure, the $329-million broadband deal between ZTE Corp. and the Department of Transportation and Communications also flew out the window.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25
Opinion
De Venecia or Nograles? Both are same old ‘trapo’
POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
SAME TRAPO: As I write this, we are awaiting the smoke of battle to settle and reveal the choice of majority of congressmen as Speaker of the House of Representatives — either Jose de Venecia of Pangasinan or Prospero Nograles of Davao City.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=2008020489
De Venecia open to joining opposition ranks
By Maricel V. Cruz Reporter
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. hinted he is open to joining the opposition, even as he fends off moves to remove him Monday from the helm of the House of Representatives.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/05/yehey/top_stories/20080205top2.html
Legarda-de Castro battle over elections not over
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
The legal battle between Vice-President Noli de Castro and Senator Loren Legarda over the results of the 2004 national elections is not yet over.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/05/yehey/metro/20080205met2.html
‘Trapos’ at war
Editorial
‘They could have fooled us, had we not known them to be the worst of “trapos.”’
One side banners the call for a moral revolution. The other waves the flag of reforms. Had we landed from Mars, we would be awestruck by the high principles that appear to animate the current battle for Speaker.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb05/edit.htm
Estrada airs goal to unite the opposition
By BRENDA PIQUERO TUAZON
Former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday that if the opposition can’t unite behind a standard bearer in the 2010 presidential elections, "I might be forced to run."
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080205116225.html
Pimentel supports Melo’s plan to push Comelec automation
By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said yesterday he will support the plan of newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo to push for the automation of elections.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080205116229.html
Senate OKs Civil Aviation Act
By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA
The Senate yesterday approved the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) bill which is expected to help reverse the Philippines’ downgraded rating given by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080205116230.html
‘JdV ouster a major blow to RP politics’
02/05/2008
A major blow to the country’s political forefront, was how a strong ally of President Arroyo described the move to oust Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. from his post yesterday, after almost 12 years of hold on the House leadership.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080205hed2.html
Senate seeks probe of Pagcor’s failure to remit gov’t dividends
By Bobbit Mariano and Angie M. Rosales
02/05/2008
A Senate probe was sought yesterday over the huge amount of funds that state gaming firm Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has been withholding from the government for the past three years.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080205hed3.html
Erap talaga raw tatakbo sa 2010
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
“Tatakbo ako sa susunod na eleksiyon!”
Ito naman ang nabatid kay dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada nang biglaang bumisita ito sa tanggapan ni Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008020474
2 ‘major players’ squabble for smuggling control
02/05/2008
Two notorious “major players” in the Bureau of Customs (BoC) are reportedly now at odds with each other and are trying to upstage one another to gain control of smuggling operations in the country.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080205met1.html
Baho ni GMA ibubunyag lahat ni JdV kung…
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
NAGPAHIWATIG kahapon si Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., ng posibilidad na ikanta ang sinasabing mga baho ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa isyu umano ng dayaan noong 2004 presidential elections at maanomalyang $329 milyong National Broadband Network (NBN) deal sa Zhong Xing Telecommunications (ZTE) Corp. ng China.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=1&aid=48251
JdV: Kongresista inaalok ng P1M para sibakin ako
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
BINALAAN kahapon ni Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., ang magkapatid na mga
kongresistang Arroyo na dumistansiya sa pampublikong pondo para lamang
patalsikin siya sa posisyon at maiwasan ang panibagong pampinansiyal na iskandalo umano sa bansa.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=1&aid=48252
JDV to colleagues: This can happen to you
HE fought, but what he said in his speech that lasted almost an hour did not serve him well.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=1&aid=48302
Declare all seats vacant -- Speaker
By: Jester P. Manalastas
AN ally of Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles yesterday moved to declare the House Speaker’s seat vacant and was seconded by a member of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=1&aid=48307
Who is Nograles?
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
WHO is the man challenging Jose de Venecia's leadership of the House of Representatives?
Davao Rep. Prospero Nograles is a lawyer who handled human rights cases during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos and was named by the Philippine Jaycees as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1975.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=1&aid=48308
Gloria steps into House row
By: Tess Bedico
ACTING on the request of Speaker Jose de Venecia, President Macapagal-Arroyo prevailed upon administration coalition members to postpone yesterday’s floor voting on whether or not he would keep his post.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=1&aid=48309
Senate to probe PAGCOR
BECAUSE of its refusal to open its books, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation will be investigated by the Senate to determine if it has been paying correct taxes.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-05&sec=4&aid=0
Neri placed on BI watchlist
By Edu Punay
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed on its watchlist Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri who was issued an arrest warrant by the Senate last week over his failure to attend hearings on the cancelled $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
Pimentel and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Senate Blue Ribbon committee chairman, said the Senate would not detain Neri and Lozada but would only hear their testimony.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080204144
Neri on BI alert list
But can’t be stopped from leaving
By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:24:00 02/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri on its alert list on the request of the Senate.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20080204-116673/Neri-on-BI-alert-list
Neri On Immigration Watchlist But Can Travel
By William B. Depasupil, Reporter
Embattled Romulo Neri, the former socioeconomic planning chief, has been placed on the watchlist of the Bureau of Immigration for his refusal to testify before a Senate committee hearing.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/05/yehey/top_stories/20080205top3.html
Joker blames Senate, Palace for Neri mess
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Joker Arroyo yesterday said the Senate and Malacañang have no one to blame but themselves for the failure of Higher Education chair Romulo Neri and Rodolfo Noel Lozada, his former consultant at the National Economic Development Authority, to attend the joint Senate hearing on the anomalous $329-million national broadband deal.
Blue Ribbon chair Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said the Supreme Court only ordered that questions be furnished to invited resource speakers during the "Question Hour" and not during investigations."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb05/news3.htm
Joker proposes dialogue of Palace & Senate
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
Malacañang and the Senate leadership should sit down by opening their lines of communications to resolve the impasse over the right of the Senate to force government officials to appear before its committees and the consistent refusal of Cabinet officials to appear by immediately
invoking executive privilege, Sen. Joker Arroyo said yesterday.
He chided Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Jose Balajadia for failing to arrest Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Senate leadership on recommendation of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, on the ZTE national broadband network contract.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080205116226.html
Arrest warrant on Neri stays until SC issues injunction — Cayetano
By Angie M. Rosales
02/05/2008
The Senate will not lift an arrest order against former Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri despite a petition that Neri filed before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the warrant of arrest issued against him.
Senate Blue Ribbon committee chairman Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said the Senate may set aside the arrest warrant if the high court will issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the upper chamber.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080205hed6.html
February 6, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
UPON ARRIVAL AT NAIA
Gov’t grabbed witness in NBN deal--sources
Lozada met by airport men, whisked off via tarmac
By Dona Pazzibugan, Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:53:00 02/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- A crucial witness to the scandal-tainted National Broadband Network (NBN) deal between the Arroyo administration and China’s ZTE Corp. was seized by airport officials as he returned to Manila Tuesday, airport sources told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080206-117034/Govt-grabs-witness-in-NBN-deal--sources
2. The Philippine Star
Lozada: I’ve been kidnapped
By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A key witness in the aborted national broadband network (NBN) deal was snatched by a group of armed men at the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 after returning from a trip abroad.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080205159
3. Manila Times
SC stops Neri arrest order
Lozada returns to Manila, but whisked away
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
The Supreme Court has stopped the Senate from arresting Romulo Neri, the beleaguered former director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/top_stories/20080206top1.html
4. Malaya
ZTE witness‘abducted’ at airport NAIA security chief whisks Lozada away from Senate arresting team
BY DENNIS GADIL
A TEAM believed led by the security chief of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport "snatched" NBN-ZTE prime witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada from Senate arresting teams as he arrived yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb06/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
Nograles calls for reconciliation
New Speaker assures transparent leadership
1st Speaker from Mindanao wants to heal wounds of conflict
By BEN R. ROSARIO
Newly installed Speaker Prospero Nograles appealed to his colleagues in the House of Representatives to give reconciliation a chance as he vowed to adopt a "transparent, consensual, and consultation-based style" of leadership.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080206116290.html
6. The Daily Tribune
7. Abante
DITO KA MANGUMPISAL
Senado kay JDV
Nina BOYET JADULCO, ERALYN PRADO, JULIET DE LOZA at NOEL ABUEL
Hinamon kahapon ni Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero si dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. na humarap sa Senado upang mapatotohanan nito ang mga anomalya at pandarayang kinasasangkutan ng administrasyong Arroyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0608/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
BROADBAND WITNESS DINUKOT, PALASYO ITINURO
ni: Rey Marfil
Kaagad nainguso ang kampo ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo bilang mastermind sa pagkakadukot sa testigo sa maanomalyang broadband deal na si Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) President Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada habang palabas ng eroplano sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0608/news_headline.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Lozada ‘kinidnap’ sa NAIA
Nina Ellen Fernando at Malou Escudero
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Bigo ang mga security personnel ng Senado na maisilbi ang warrant of arrest laban sa star witness ng kontrobersiyal na NBN-ZTE project na si Rodolfo Lozada Jr. matapos na tangayin ng ilang airport authorities sa kanyang pagdating sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) mula London, kahapon ng hapon.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008020584
10. Journal
CHANGE
By: Jester P. Manalastas
NEWLY-installed Speaker of the House Rep. Prospero Nograles has vowed to institute reforms that the members of the House of Representatives have been clamoring for and would improve the image of the chamber.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-06&sec=1&aid=48393
11. Business World
Palace outlines oil price buffers
PRESIDENT GLORIA M. ARROYO yesterday directed state agencies to explore measures designed to cut electricity rates and lure investments into alternative energy projects.
http://bworldonline.com/BW020608/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
Inflation at 4.9% on costly food
By Cai U. Ordinario and Jun Vallecera
Reporters
HIGH food prices pushed up inflation in January to 4.9 percent, significantly higher than the 3.9 percent registered in the same period last year and the 2.6 percent recorded in December 2007.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02062008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Ermita, Belmonte eyed if De Venecia loses Lakas presidency
By Leila Salaverria, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:46:00 02/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- A senior Malacañang official on Tuesday said ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia may have imperiled his position as Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats president with his allegations of corruption in the Arroyo administration, amid warnings of a split in the ranks of the country’s dominant party.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080206-117048/Ermita-Belmonte-eyed-if-De-Venecia-loses-Lakas-presidency
De Venecia: Ready to help Comelec probe 2004 election fraud
By Norman Bordadora, Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:44:00 02/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Tuesday said he was prepared to cooperate in any investigation that may be conducted by the Commission on Elections on his allegations of electoral fraud committed by the administration in the 2004 presidential election.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080206-117067/De-Venecia-Ready-to-help-Comelec-probe-2004-election-fraud
‘It’s history catching up with JDV,’ says Mitra
By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:45:00 02/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The ouster of Speaker Jose de Venecia is poetic justice for Palawan Rep. Abraham Kahlil “Baham” Mitra.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080206-117068/Its-history-catching-up-with-JDV-says-Mitra
JDV faces expulsion from Lakas
By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Following his ouster as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Monday, Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. is now facing expulsion from his party Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats for attacking President Arroyo and members of the First Family, officials said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080205160
De Venecia: FG, Razon financed my ouster
By Jess Diaz
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
After struggling to keep his leadership in the House of Representatives, Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. kept his guns trained on President Arroyo’s family, particularly the First Gentleman whom he accused of moving funds – together with a controversial businessman – to ensure his ouster.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080205162
‘Speaker had pleaded for photo-op with GMA’
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Timing is everything, and Malacañang wants to know what took ousted speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. so long to denounce anomalies in the Arroyo administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080205163
Cha-cha committee to tackle economic amendments
By Jun Elias
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The House committee on constitutional amendments, chaired by La Union Rep. Victor Ortega, will discuss on Feb. 12 the proposed economic provisions of the Constitution that need amendment.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080205165
Pump prices drop 50¢; GMA OKs measures to mitigate rising power rates
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The softening of crude oil prices in the world market prompted oil companies yesterday to reduce anew pump prices by 50 centavos per liter.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080205167
Nograles has no plans of reorganizing House just yet
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Newly installed Speaker Prospero Nograles yesterday assured his colleagues in the 239-man House of Representatives that there will be no reorganization yet, even as he was swept into the House leadership by a unanimous vote early yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080205171
Will Melo be just an Arroyo deodorizer?
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:52:00 02/06/2008
More than the changing of faces (the guards), systemic change is needed.
A lot of sectors are optimistic about the appointment of former Supreme Court justice Jose Melo as the new chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and look to the impending appointments of two new election commissioners in the same positive light. They are saying that these appointments will signal the beginning of the return of integrity to the country’s electoral system.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20080206-117031/Will-Melo-be-just-an-Arroyo-deodorizer
Without JDV, what happens to GMA?
GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sec. Romy Neri swears that Comelec chief Benjamin Abalos offered him P200 million to endorse the overpriced ZTE deal. Yet Malacañang keeps denying sleaze in the $330-million telecom purchase. Does that mean it treats Neri a liar? And so if Neri invented the story, why’s he still in the President’s official family?
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=20080205134
Miriam says fallout from De Venecia removal not yet over
By Efren L. Danao Senior, Reporter
Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago predicted that former President Fidel V. Ramos and the Lakas party will also fall from grace as a result of the removal of Jose de Venecia Jr. as House Speaker.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/top_stories/20080206top2.html
New House Speaker vows to ‘heal wounds’
By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
“To heal the wounds inflicted by the tussle for the Speakership” is top priority for the new House Speaker, Rep. Prospero “Boy” Nograles of Davao City.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/top_stories/20080206top4.html
Oil companies roll backfuel prices by P0.50/liter
By Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo, Reporter
Days after reducing diesel prices as a result of a tariff cut by government on fuel products, petroleum companies again slashed pump prices in light of the decreasing world price of oil.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/top_stories/20080206top5.html
Teves gets dressing down at hearing
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Finance Secretary Margarito Teves got a virtual dressing down at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday about shrinking government revenues and poor management of his department.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/top_stories/20080206top6.html
Pichay to be appointed Customs chief in May
THE search for the successor of Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales is over. But Malacañang will announce Morales’ successor in May, when the one-year ban on the appointment of candidates who lost in last year’s election will lapse, a highly reliable source said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/metro/20080206met5.html
FEATURE
No plan or group pushed de Venecia ouster
By Gil Bugaoisan, Correspondent
The resentment that finally led to the ouster of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. simmered for years and reached its boiling point when the five-term leader of the House did not lift a finger to stop his son Joey from exposing anomalies in the national broadband project.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/metro/20080206met7.html
SUNDAY STORIES
By Marlen V. Ronquillo
JPEPA: Facing up bilateral challenges
A messenger from Sanduguan, my farmers organization, recently dumped half a ton of documents into the bed of my pickup truck. I was asked to read the documents and write a memo on the pros and cons of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA. Agricultural trade is a component of the agreement and we have to take a stand on it.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/opinion/20080206opi4.html
Nograles: No debt owed to Arroyos
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
NEWLY installed House Speaker Prospero Nograles yesterday vowed Congress would remain independent from Malacañang as he said he does not owe to the Arroyos his position in Congress.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb06/news2.htm
Mike proud of Mikey, Dato
BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR
THE camp of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo yesterday assailed former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. for dragging presidential sons Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo and Diosdado "Dato" Arroyo Jr. in his ouster as House leader during his privilege speech Monday night.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb06/news4.htm
‘There are no permanent friends...’
IN politics there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.
This saying holds true as the most trusted allies of former Speaker Jose de Venecia voted for the motion of Rep. Kahlil Abraham Mitra (NPC, Palawan) to in effect oust him.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb06/news5.htm
Teves has to explain tax losses to CA: Enrile
SEN. JUAN Ponce Enrile yesterday said the chances of Finance Secretary Margarito Teves being confirmed by the powerful Commission on Appointments dimmed further due to Teves’ failure to discipline his erring subordinates who have cost government millions in tax losses.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb06/metro3.htm
Comelec revamps 2 divisions
By E. T. SUAREZ
The Commission on Elections (Comelec), now led by acting Chairman Romeo A. Brawner, has reorganized its first and second divisions in a bid not to disrupt the performance of its administrative and quasi-judicial functions but also expedite the resolution of pending election cases.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080206116303.html
Nation to benefit from JPEPA — LPP
The ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) will immensely boost countryside development, step up poverty alleviation, and provide the environment for the growth of the small and medium-scale enterprises based in the rural areas, the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080206116306.html
Fare hike tuluyang binawi
(Noel Abuel)
Pormal nang binawi at iniatras ng mga transport groups ang inihaing petisyon ng mga ito para sa P2.00 dagdag pasahe mula sa kasalukuyang P7.50 sa tanggapan ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0608/news02.htm
JDV ipapasok sa senatorial slot ng oposisyon
(Rey Marfil/Bernard Taguinod)
Ngayong naputol ang tulay sa pagitan nina Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at dating House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., ito’y kaagad binigyan ng silya sa oposisyon sakaling mapag-isipan ang pagtakbong senador sa 2010 national election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0608/news_story2.htm
Arroyo congressmen pinalalayo sa pork
(Bernard Taguinod)
Pinayuhan ni CIBAC party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva ang mga Arroyo sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso na lumayo sa pork barrel upang maipakita na seryoso ang mga itong magkaroon ng pagbabago sa Kapulungan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0608/news_story3.htm
Simbahan ‘di bilib sa palit Speaker
(Irish Ann Cruz/Rey Marfil)
Sa kabila ng pagpapalit ng bagong liderato ng Kamara at pag-upo sa pwesto ni Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles bilang bagong House Speaker ng Kongreso, duda pa rin ang ilang matataas na lider ng Simbahang Katoliko na magkakaroon ng pagbabago sa Kamara.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0608/news_story4.htm
JDV ipinasisipa rin sa Lakas
(Bernard Taguinod/Grace Velasco)
Matapos mapatalsik bilang Speaker, posibleng sa partido naman ng administrasyon mapalayas si Pangasinan Cong. Jose de Venecia , Jr.
Ito ang paniniwala ni Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez makaraang bumuga ng apoy si De Venecia laban sa First Family nang magtalumpati ito sa Kamara kamakalawa ng gabi bago nasipa sa puwesto.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0608/news_story5.htm
Bagong direct-hire guidelines pinaiimbestigahan ni Villar
Pinaiimbestigahan ni Senate President Manny Villar sa Senado ang kautusan ng Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) na naghihigpit sa direct-hiring ng mga Pilipinong manggagawa.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0608/news_story6.htm
Mikey kay Ninong JdV: Sa korte tayo magkita!
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
NINONG, sa korte tayo magkita.
Ganito ang hamon ni Presidential son at Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo nang simulan ni dating Speaker Jose de Veneci Jr., ang pagbakbak sa administrasyong Arroyo kamakalawa ng gabi bago tuluyang mapatalsik sa posisyon.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-06&sec=1&aid=48416
NAIA security chief denies hand in Lozada ‘disappearance’
By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:29:00 02/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Airport officials Tuesday night denied that Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. was abducted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 (NAIA-1), suggesting that he willingly went with a police officer upon arrival.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080206-117066/NAIA-security-chief-denies-hand-in-Lozada-disappearance
JdV to expose government anomalies in ‘due time’
Ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said Tuesday he has no specific plans yet about when and how he will expose the alleged wrongdoings in the Arroyo government.
He alluded to several alleged anomalies – from attempts to cheat in the 2004 elections to possible wrongdoings in government transactions, including the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) bidding – in a privilege speech before lawmakers in the House voted overwhelmingly to remove him as Speaker.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/06/yehey/top_stories/20080206top3.html
High Court stops Senate’s arrest order on Neri
By REY G. PANALIGAN
The Supreme Court (SC) stopped yesterday three committees of the Senate from implementing their arrest order issued against Romulo L. Neri, former director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and now chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), for his failure to testify in the investigation on the 9-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project with the ZTE Corp. that had been cancelled by the government.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080206116293.html
Arrest warrant nalusutan nina Lozada at Neri
(Otto Osorio/Grace Velasco/Rose Miranda/Boyet Jadulco)
Literal na nalusutan ni Philippine Forest Corp. (PhilForest) Director Rodolfo Noel Lozada ang mga maghahain sana sa kanya ng warrant of arrest mula sa Office of Senate Sgt.-at-Arms (OSSA) na matyagang nag-abang sa kanya sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0608/news04.htm
SC stays Neri arrest
By: Hector Lawas
THE Supreme Court yesterday issued a status quo order in response to the petition of embattled Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri who sought to stop the Senate from ordering his arrest in connection with the $329-million telecommunication contract with a Chinese firm.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-06&sec=1&aid=48425
Lozada back, gives Senate slip
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo Willy M. Balasa
AIRPORT personnel allegedly whisked away PhilForest Corp. president Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. upon his arrival from London via Hong Kong to prevent Senate security officers from arresting him.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-06&sec=1&aid=48426
February 7, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Lozada surfaces, recounts NBN deal in press conference
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 03:28:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 2) A “missing” key witness in the national broadband network (NBN) controversy surfaced early Thursday morning and detailed his recollections on the now-nullified government contract with China’s ZTE Corp. in a televised press conference.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080207-117281/Lozada-surfaces-recounts-NBN-deal-at-press-conference
2. The Philippine Star
PNP: We have Lozada
By Cecille Suerte Felipe and Aurea Calica
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Police admitted yesterday taking into custody Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., a potential witness in the national broadband network (NBN) scandal and the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Senate.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080206163
3. Manila Times
Senate fearful for Lozada
Family files two petitions before Supreme Court
To the Senate, the human rights of Rodolfo Lozada Jr. may have been abused when he was “abducted” Tuesday, apparently by the government’s security forces.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/07/yehey/top_stories/20080207top1.html
4. Malaya
PNP refuses to hand over Lozada to Senate
Family filespetition for habeas corpus
AT A GLANCE
1. Senators assail PNP for meddling, demand explanation.
2. Palace says Lozada free to testify.
3. Archbishop Cruz says abduction proves Lozada knows something anomalous about the ZTE deal.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb07/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
Hillary, Obama battle to a draw
She takes 8 states, including California & NY; Barack wins in 13 states
McCain leads Republican nominating battle
WASHINGTON (Reuters, AP) — Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton battled to a draw on ‘’Super Tuesday’’ and John McCain took charge of the Republican race in coast-to-coast presidential nominating battles in 24 US states.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080207116369.html
6. The Daily Tribune
Lozada kin slam PNP lies; wife files writ before SC
By Benjamin B. Pulta
02/07/2008
Senate witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. who was abducted by Presidential Security Group members and is now being kept by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against his will, must be released, the spouse of the abducted government official yesterday said, by way of her petition before the high court.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080207hed1.html
7. Abante
GOBYERNO BULILYASO KAY LOZADA
(Rose Miranda/Boyet Jadulco/JB Salarzon/Irish Ann Cruz/Tina Mendoza/Eralyn Prado/Juliet De Loza)
Nagkabuhul-buhol ang pagrason ng Philippine National Police (PNP) hinggil sa “pagdukot” ng gobyerno kay broadband deal scandal witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada, kung saan mabilis na inamin ni PNP Chief, Director General Avelino Razon na hawak nila ang testigo, ngunit tumangging ilabas ito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0708/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
ERAP, JDV, FVR MAG-AALYANSA
ni: Bernard Taguinod
Maugong ang usap-usapang magsasanib-puwersa sina dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada, dating Pangulong Fidel Ramos at Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., matapos ang kudeta sa Mababang Kapulungan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0708/news_headline.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Lozada hawak ng PNP!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Nasa kustodya ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang umano’y nawawalang key witness sa ZTE-NBN deal na si Philippine Forest Corporation President Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080206117
10. Journal
PNP HOLDS LOZADA
By: Alfred P. Dalizon
• Senate arrest team leaves Crame empty-handed
• Lozada family seeks habeas corpus, amparo writs
• Senate, House members decry ‘kidnapping’
• Puno denies hand in alleged abduction
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=1&aid=48540
11. Business World
12. Business Mirror
Low-investment risks cited
By Cai U. Ordinario
Reporter
THE low level of investments despite high economic growth in the Philippines should be a cause of concern for the country as this could result in longer-term risks, according to an economist of the World Bank (WB).
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02072008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Group reminds Nograles about ‘Cha-cha’ promise
By Fort Nicolas Correspondent
DAVAO CITY: A group here has reminded the newly elected Speaker House of Representatives of his proposal to push a Constitutional Convention and pave the way for the shift to a federal system of government.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/07/yehey/top_stories/20080207top2.html
Party To Vote On JDV Fate In Lakas
The fate of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. as president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats will be decided by the party’s National Directorate on February 21, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/07/yehey/top_stories/20080207top3.html
Talks on Lakas-Kampi merger to push ahead
By Rommel C. Lontayao Reporter
Officials of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats showed off their strength Tuesday, in an effort to allay fears the party is on the verge of disintegration after Jose de Venecia Jr. was removed as Speaker.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/07/yehey/top_stories/20080207top4.html
Lozada’s wife runs to SC for help
By Leila Salaverria, Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:40:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Violeta Lozada believed that if her husband would be arrested upon his return to the country on Tuesday the Senate would do the job since it had censured him for failing to testify in its investigation of the controversial broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117261/Lozadas-wife-runs-to-SC-for-help
Senators up in arms over Lozada ‘abduction’
By Dona Pazzibugan, Norman Bordadora, Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:37:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Senators expressed outrage at the “abduction” of an alleged key witness in the National Broadband Network (NBN) controversy, Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., and demanded that the Philippine National Police immediately turn him over to the Senate.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117282/Senators-up-in-arms-over-Lozada-abduction
Turbulence ahead for airport security chief
By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:04:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- A day after leaving many questions unanswered concerning the “abduction” of Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the NAIA security chief made himself scarce at the workplace.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117283/Turbulence-ahead-for-airport-security-chief
Kampi wants De Venecia out before merging with Lakas
By Michael Lim Ubac, Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:05:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The planned merger of the country’s two biggest political parties needs a sacrificial lamb to fly -- Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117284/Kampi-wants-De-Venecia-out-before-merging-with-Lakas
Nograles: I’m no miracle man
Reforms take long to brew, says new Speaker
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:10:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Now feeling the pressure to produce results, the new Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday said he is not a miracle worker.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117286/Nograles-Im-no-miracle-man
Arroyo warns plotters anew
By Norman Bordadora, Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:11:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Finding herself being battered again by corruption allegations, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday said the people will not support those wanting to destabilize her government as has been shown by the “upheavals” that she faced in the past.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117287/Arroyo-warns-plotters-anew
Teves, Gatchalian spotted: Another Wack Wack deal?
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:12:00 02/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- What were they up to?
Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile wants to know after he was informed that Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and plastic king William Gatchalian were spotted playing golf together at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City, where the overpriced National Broadband Network deal was also hatched.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117288/Teves-Gatchalian-spotted-Another-Wack-Wack-deal
GMA wants zero political killings as PNP target
Thursday, February 7, 2008
President Arroyo yesterday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to bring to zero the number of political killings in the country, even as she congratulated the police force for minimizing incidents of unexplained killings.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080206165
Palace won’t prevent ZTE witness from testifying
By Marvin Sy
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Malacañang said yesterday it will not prevent Philippine Forest Corp. chief executive officer Rodolfo Lozada Jr. from testifying at the Senate in its inquiry into the controversial $329-million national broadband network deal with ZTE Corp. of China.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080206164
Lakas-Kampi merger eyed
By Delon Porcalla
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Speaker Prospero Nograles disclosed that the country’s two biggest political parties, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), are expected to merge after the ouster of Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. from the speakership.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080206166
Rosales laments lack of consultation on JPE wife’s appointment
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The spiritual leader of Filipino Catholics expressed yesterday reservations over the reported appointment of the wife of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile as the new Philippine envoy to the Vatican.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080206167
Lakas eyes JDV expulsion, sets merger with Kampi
BY ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
EXPULSION of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat "for acts inimical to the party" will be taken up at the Lakas national directorate meeting on Feb. 21.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb07/news2.htm
Rosales: Church not consulted on Cristina
BY GERARD NAVAL
MANILA Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales yesterday said Cristina Ponce-Enrile was appointed as the new ambassador to the Vatican replacing resigned Leonida Vera without the government consulting the Church, as practiced before.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb07/news3.htm
Enrile vows to grill Teves at CA
SEN. Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday said he would grill Finance Secretary Margarito Teves in the next confirmation hearing on his alleged association with businessman William Gatchalian.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb07/news7.htm
JDV sasabit din pag ‘kumanta’
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Nagbabala kahapon si Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago kay dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. na posible itong masampahan ng kaso sa Office of the Ombudsman kung ipagpapatuloy ang pagdadawit kay Pangulong Arroyo sa diumano’y mga anomalya sa gobyerno.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080206119
Lakas at Kampi magsasanib-pwersa
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tiniyak kahapon ni dating Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay na niluluto na ang pagsasanib ng Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) at ang Lakas na parehong partido ni Pangulong Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080206121
Nograles: No Charter change before 2010
By BEN R. ROSARIO
Newly elected House Speaker Prospero Nograles declared yesterday that he will block any move to amend the 1987 Constitution before 2010, saying this should serve as proof that he is not a Malacañang lackey as critics have said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080207116371.html
Nograles kay JdV: ‘Sumunod ka sa batas kung mananatili sa Lakas-CMD’
HINAMON ni newly-elected Speaker Prospero “Boy” Nograles, isang stalwart ng Lakas-Christian Muslim De-mocrats (CMD), si sinibak na speaker Jose de Venecia na agarang magdesisyon kung saan papanig matapos ang ilang araw na pag-iisip.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=1&aid=48511
House minority slams ‘kidnapping’
By: Jester P. Manalastas
MEMBERS of the House of Representatives yesterday assailed the Philippine National Police for taking custody of Rodolfo Lozada, a witness in the controversial broad band deal, without proper coordination with the Senate.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=1&aid=48548
Kampi could be dominant party -- Rep. Romualdez
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez yesterday said President Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) has a good chance of becoming the country’s dominant political party in the 2010 presidential election following a big shake-up that hit the leadership of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=1&aid=48522
GMA confident of political stability despite JdV ouster
02/07/2008
President Arroyo yesterday expressed confidence that the Filipino people would not support any upheavals against her administration following her falling out with ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080207hed7.html
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Teddy Casiño yesterday said “the big-time car smuggling mafia in Cebu involves top-level officials in Metro Manila.”
02/07/2008
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada yesterday urged the government to negotiate for bilateral labor agreements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other countries hosting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to ensure their welfare and protection, adding “the miserable fate of the 111 Filipinos stranded since last year under a bridge at the Kandara District in Jeddah, KSA, could have been prevented by such a labor pact.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080207nat2.html
Kudeta vs Villar ibinabala
ni:Rey Marfil
Namimiligrong danasin ni Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., ang sinapit ni Pangasinan Cong. Jose De Venecia Jr., partikular ang pagkasibak sa trono matapos ilutang ng isang kasamahan sa majority bloc ang nangyayaring ‘favoritism’ sa grupo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0708/news_story3.htm
‘Di ako tuta -- Nograles
ni: Bernard Taguinod
Binasag na ni House Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr., ang kanyang pananahimik hinggil sa mga alegasyon na magiging “puppet” lamang ito ng Malacañang.
“I am not a puppet of Malacañang nor a lapdog of anyone. I will not lick the foot of anyone. I have a mind of my own and I will prove it to you,” pahayag ni Nograles sa isang forum kahapon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0708/news_story4.htm
Gloria walang utang kay JDV -- Villafuerte
Binanatan kahapon ni Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte ang nasibak na House Speaker na si Jose de Venecia sa pagiging umano’y “delusional” nito sa pagpapalagay umano sa sarili na “kingmaker” kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0708/news_story5.htm
Kaso vs destabilizer isinulong ng DOJ
ni: Juliet de Loza
Nagsimula nang ipursige ng Department of Justice (DOJ) ang pagsasampa ng kasong illegal possession of firearms laban sa mga inarestong suspek na sangkot umano sa tangkang destabilisasyon sa gobyernong Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0708/news_story6.htm
LAKAS-CMD ‘DI MAGBABAGO -- FVR
(Rose Miranda/Boyet Jadulco/Eralyn Prado/JB Salarzon)
Sa kabila ng paggiit ng Malacañang na layasan na rin ni Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. ang liderado ng Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), matigas na ipinahayag ng founder nito na si dating Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos na walang pagbabagong magaganap sa partido sa kasalukuyan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb0708/news02.htm
Lakas, Kampi to merge soon
By: Raul S. Beltran Efren Montano
LAKAS-CMD and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) may yet merge, following the ouster of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who is the president of Lakas.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=4&aid=48502
Lozada ‘abduction’ part of probe
By Butch Fernandez, Recto Mercene, Rene Acosta and Mia Gonzalez
Reporters
SENATE probers are expanding their inquiry into the controversial $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal to pinpoint responsibility for the “abduction” of a key witness in the transaction earlier aborted by Malacañang amid claims of anomalies that implicated prominent personalities identified with the Arroyo administration.
Villar and the chairmen of the three committees—Sens. Alan Cayetano (blue ribbon), Mar Roxas (trade) and Rodolfo Biazon (defense)— agreed to invite PNP Chief Razon to explain the police’s participation in the disappearance of Lozada.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02072008/headlines09.html
Ebdane faces rough confirmation
Commission of appointments report shows DPWH chief has murder, graft cases
By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter
The committee on public works of the Commission on Appointments deferred on Wednesday the confirmation of Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane to give him time to answer derogatory records in his service, including charges of murder and graft, among others.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/07/yehey/metro/20080207met1.html
Palace junks graft case vs TESDA chief
By David Israel Sinay
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 05:06:00 02/07/2008
ILOILO CITY -- Malacañang has dismissed a corruption case against Augusto Syjuco, director general of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in connection with the printing of his book that cost his own agency P9.2 million.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080207-117285/Palace-junks-graft-case-vs-TESDA-chief
Editorial
Official kidnapping
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:37:00 02/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines--Rodolfo Lozada Jr., a potential witness in the Senate’s continuing investigation into the ZTE controversy, and the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Senate, was met by airport officials and police officers as soon as he got off the plane Tuesday -- and then vanished.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20080206-117234/Official-kidnapping
Neri back at CHED office
By Rainier Allan Ronda
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Secretary Romulo Neri, acting Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman, reported back to work a day after the arrest warrant issued against him by the Senate was quashed by the Supreme Court.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080206171
Lozada mentioned overpricing: Neri
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
ACTING Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri said yesterday he is "worried" about the "disappearance" of Rodolfo Noel Lozada who was taken by armed men on his arrival the other day before he could yield to an arresting team from the Senate.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb07/news4.htm
Neri balik-CHED na
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Balik-normal na si Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri matapos ang anim na araw na pag-iwas sa warrant of arrest ng Senado.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080206122
Razon: Lozada placed under PNP protective custody
By ARIS R. ILAGAN
Director General Avelino I. Razon Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), yesterday said that Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada – who is an alleged witness to the controversial NBN broadband deal – has been placed under the protective custody of the PNP based on the request of his family.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080207116373.html]
Lozada’s wife petitions SC for writ of habeas corpus
By REY G. PANALIGAN
The Supreme Court (SC) was asked yesterday by the wife of Engineer Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., a witness in the Senate investigation of the scrapped National Broadband Network (NBN) project, to compel the military and the police to produce her husband who was reportedly abducted by armed men at the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) upon his return from a trip abroad last Tuesday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080207116375.html]
'Missing' CHED chief Neri appears
By SHIANEE R. MAMANGLU
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri appeared in public yesterday for the first time since last week when an arrest warrant was issued against him by the Senate for allegedly ignoring several summons, and said he wants to enjoy his freedom.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080207116379.html
Neri’s daring dodge
(Editor’s note: A sobbing wife’s appeal on national radio, "Ibalik nyo ang asawa ko," was more effective than an arrest warrant as noted by the author.)
By Romeo V. Pefianco
THIS week the Supreme Court has granted temporary relief to Romulo Neri – a kind of rest from hounding by the Senate squad and counter spies from undisclosed sources. The Court’s order is called "status quo ante."
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20080207116387.html
5 AFP brass charged with graft
By: Jester P. Manalastas
FIVE high ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been charged with graft before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly purchasing useless items amounting to P5.25 million.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=4&aid=48445
Lozada kin slam PNP lies; wife files writ before SC
By Benjamin B. Pulta
02/07/2008
Senate witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. who was abducted by Presidential Security Group members and is now being kept by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against his will, must be released, the spouse of the abducted government official yesterday said, by way of her petition before the high court.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080207hed2.html
Senate witness not with PNP; Villar calls for sanctions, hearing
By Angie M. Rosales
02/07/2008
Controversial ZTE-broadband deal witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., contrary to the claims made by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr., is not in the hands of the police.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080207hed4.html
Kin seek habeas corpus, amparo writs
By: Hector Lawas
A PETITION for a writ of habeas corpus has been filed before the Supreme Court by the wife of engineer Rodolfo Noel Lozada, one of the key witnesses in the $329. 5 million ZTE broadband scandal, who was reported missing shortly after his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=1&aid=48545
Explain ‘abduction,’ police urged
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE Philippine National Police leadership must explain who ordered them to “whisk away” Philippine Forest Corp. head Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr. upon the latter’s arrival from the airport Tuesday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-07&sec=1&aid=48546
Broadband witness ginarapal ng PNP
ni: Rey Marfil
Sa mismong ika-17 taong anibersaryo ng Philippine National Police (PNP), isang katagang ‘garapal’ ang naging pasalubong ni opposition Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson matapos magpaggamit sa palasyo ng Malacañang upang dukutin ang testigo sa suhulan at overpricing sa national broadband deal.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0708/news_story1.htm
Pagbubukas muli ng NBN-ZTE probe, ipinamamadali ni Villar
Kasunod ng paglalaho ng pangunahing testigo sa kontrobersyal na National Broadband Network-ZTE deal, ipinamamadali ni Senate President Manny Villar ang pagdaraos muli ng pagdinig-publiko ng Senado ukol sa $330 milyong kontrata.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0708/news_story7.htm
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment