February 23-29, 2008

ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
February 23, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/
http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Floods and landslides toll rises to 26 -- officials
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 12:04:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The death toll from flashfloods and landslides in the central and southern Philippines, after a week of heavy rains, rose to 26 with nine more still missing, the civil defense office said Saturday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080223-120726/Floods-and-landslides-toll-rises-to-26----officials

2. The Philippine Star
'Immoderate greed, corruption back'
By James Mananghaya
Saturday, February 23, 2008
More than two decades after he helped oust a corrupt dictatorship in a bloodless revolt, former President Fidel Ramos said massive corruption and greed are back in government.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222161
3. Manila Times
Military braces for coup

New troops comeahead of rallies on EDSA anniversary

An Army unit has been deployed throughout Metro Manila to brace for a coup against the government of President Gloria Arroyo, the military said Friday.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/23/yehey/top_stories/20080223top1.html

4. Malaya
Treason in dirty Chinese loans?
Under Beijing gun, Gloria commits RP to Spratly deal
PRESIDENT Arroyo and former Speaker Jose V. de Venecia may have committed treason if the Philippine government signs a so-called "Spratly Deal" with Beijing in exchange for loans attended by bribery and corruption.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb23/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
CBCP affirms bishops’ unity

Although their opinions vary on different issues
Bishops united in giving moral guidance — Lagdameo
Leslie Ann G. Aquino
The nation’s Catholic bishops are united in giving moral guidance to the people, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro, Iloilo, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080223117672.html

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante
PAGBABA NI GLORIA PINAPLANTSA!

Nina BOYET JADULCO, ERALYN PRADO, ROMEO BRACEROS at IRISH ANN CRUZ

Umusad na ang pagplantsa sa hi-ling na pagbaba ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa puwesto bilang nag-iisang solusyon sa krisis pulitikal sa bansa.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb2308/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
PEOPLE POWER DI MAPIPIGIL NI GLORIA
Ni Rey Marfil

Bagama’t walang maka¬pagsasabi kung kailan magaganap ang people power, inupakan ni Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero III ang pananakot ng Malacañang sa publiko sa pamamagitan ng pag-kordon sa Metro Manila at pagsangkalan sa puwersa ng militar at pulisya.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2308/news_headline.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Kidnapping, attempted murder isinampa ni Lozada
Ni Gemma Amargo-Garcia
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sinampahan ng ka¬song kidnapping with attempted murder sa Department of Justice (DOJ) ng kontro¬bersyal na ZTE star-witness na si Jun Lozada ang mga opisyal ng pamaha¬laan kabilang dito sina Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza at Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080222101

10. Journal
AFP READY FOR POWER GRAB
By: Fernando M. Cariaso
Batallion of soldiers boost Metro force
NOT discounting the possibility of a power grab, the Armed Forces boosted its troops in Metro Manila with the arrival of a battalion of troopers on Wednesday to stop scheduled protest rallies from escalating into another destabilization move.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-23&sec=1&aid=50386

11. Business World

Gov’t expects to issue up to $2B in warrants
The Philippine government on Friday said it expected to issue $1.5 billion to $2 billion worth of warrants to existing foreign denominated bondholders.
http://bworldonline..com/BW022308/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror


II. POLITICAL
Mindanao govs step up drive to mobilize support for Arroyo
By Nikko Dizon, Inquirer Mindanao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:34:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Mindanao governors loyal to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have stepped up their campaign to mobilize support for their beleaguered leader even as top Armed Forces officials appealed to anti-Arroyo forces not to drag the military into the political conflict.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080223-120646/Mindanao-govs-step-up-drive-to-mobilize-support-for-Arroyo

Mike Arroyo trip to HK stirs talk of flight
By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:41:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- As the scandal in the National Broadband Network project continued to rock the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, her husband quietly left Manila Friday morning for Hong Kong.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080223-120647/Mike-Arroyo-trip-to-HK-stirs-talk-of-flight

Crying guy 'fails' to pass Senate screen test
By Dona Pazzibugan, TJ Burgonio, Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:43:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- It was far from an award-winning performance.
Government "crying witness" Erwin Santos' tears failed to move senators into giving him the time of day in the Senate so he could ventilate his allegations against Rodolfo Lozada Jr., key witness in the inquiry into the National Broadband Network project scandal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080223-120648/Crying-guy-fails-to-pass-Senate-screen-test

'Asar' students 'chika' with Lozada on campus tour
By TJ Burgonio, DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:44:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The crowd was composed mostly of law students from the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas and University of the East--members of the Advocacy for Sustained Accountability and Reform (Asar) movement.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080223-120649/Asar-students-chika-with-Lozada-on-campus-tour

SPECIAL REPORT
'The boys are still out'
By Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:58:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- They were in the chain of command with the dictator Ferdinand Marcos as their Commander in Chief. But their hearts went out to the cornered mutineers after civilians came to the rescue and mounted what became known as Edsa I, the first People Power revolution.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080223-120650/The-boys-are-still-out

GMA evil, ‘yabang’? Blame neck problems
By Paolo Romero
Saturday, February 23, 2008
She is not evil; she just has neck problems.
Former high school classmates of President Arroyo at Assumption College rallied around her yesterday amid mounting calls for the Chief Executive to resign.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222164

First Gentleman leaves for HK
By Rudy Santos
Saturday, February 23, 2008
First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, set to appear Tuesday before the Ombudsman on the scrapped $329-million national broadband network contract, took Philippine Airlines flight PR 300 to Hong Kong yesterday morning, just 15 days after arriving from Europe.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222175

Atienza, Razon face kidnapping, attempted murder raps
By Mike Frialde
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr.. snubbed a fact-finding hearing of the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday morning, but appeared in the same venue in the afternoon to file kidnapping and attempted murder charges against Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon and three others.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222176

Nene says Erwin Santos an ‘attack dog’ of Palace
By Aurea Calica
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Senators shunned yesterday reported government witness Erwin Santos who disclosed the alleged anomalies committed by resigned Philippine Forest Corp. president and chief executive officer Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., the Senate’s star witness in the national broadband network (NBN) deal controversy.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222177

‘Conspiracy’ angle eyed
By Rainier Allan Ronda
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The supposed taped conversation between Senate witnesses Jose de Venecia III and Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. on YouTube is “obviously a fabrication” that proves the two are in “on a conspiracy,” the lawyer of former elections chairman Benjamin Abalos said yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222180

After his ouster as speaker, JDV calls GMA an ‘ingrate’
By Jess Diaz
Saturday, February 23, 2008
First, she was described as “evil.” Then a governor-supporter called her a “b**ch.” Yesterday, her estranged chief political ally in Congress labeled her as an “ingrate..”
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222183

House reform bloc flexes muscles
By Perseus Echeminada
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The reform group in the House of Representatives that initiated the ouster of former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. yesterday threatened to initiate another move to oust newly installed Speaker Prospero Nograles for his inaction on the reforms they are seeking in the chamber..
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080222185

JDV nag-padrino sa oil smuggling?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ibinunyag kahapon ni Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group chief Antonio Villar Jr. na mismong si dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia ang na¬ging padrino ng isang oil smuggler sa Subic Free¬port.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080222102

FG sumibat pa-HK
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sumibat kahapon pa¬tungong Hong Kong si First Gentleman Mike Arroyo upang makaiwas umano sa mga nagpa-planong itumba ito.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080222103

Tirada nina Jamby at JDV vs PGMA, below-the-belt na
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ikinalungkot ng Pa¬lasyo ang below-the-belt na pagbatikos nina dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia at Sen. Jamby Madrigal laban sa pag¬katao ni Pangulong Arroyo.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080222104

Exile ni GMA sagot sa gusot sa bansa
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Walang ibang dapat ma-exile o umalis sa bansa sa ngayon kundi si Pa¬ngulong Arroyo, ayon kay Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080222105



ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
February 24, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/
http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Floods and landslides toll rises to 26 -- officials
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 12:04:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The death toll from flashfloods and landslides in the central and southern Philippines, after a week of heavy rains, rose to 26 with nine more still missing, the civil defense office said Saturday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080223-120726/Floods-and-landslides-toll-rises-to-26----officials

2. The Philippine Star
3,000 troops in Metro to block power grab
By Jaime Laude and Rainier Allan Ronda
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Military units beefed up by more than 3,000 troops in Metro Manila were placed on red alert yesterday as the administration steeled itself for attempts to grab power during the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA people power revolution tomorrow.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223161

3. Manila Times
Military on highest alert this week

By Anthony Vargas, Reporter
MILITARY forces in Metro Manila have been placed on their highest alert level status two days before the huge protest rallies marking the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/24/yehey/metro/20080224met1.html

4. Malaya

5. Manila Bulletin

6. The Daily Tribune

EU calls on Gloria to come clean on NBN deal scandal
02/24/2008
The European Union lent its voice to the search for truth over corruption allegations in the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) contract with Chinese supplier ZTE, with the bloc’s top envoy calling yesterday for a “serious” and “honest” investigation into the corruption and bribery charges against the Arroyo government.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080224hed1.html

7. Abante
Umamin na sa anomalya sa NBN-ZTE deal
GMA: ALAM KO, BAGO PINIRMAHAN
(Grace Velasco/Boyet Jadulco)

Inamin kahapon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na noong gabi ng bisperas ng pirmahan ng NBN-ZTE deal sa China ay itinawag sa kanya ang tungkol sa ‘katiwaliang bumabalot’ dito.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb2408/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
PEKENG KUDETA ITATAPAT SA PEOPLE POWER

Ni Bernard Taguinod

Gagawa ang mga kaalyado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng senaryo para maharang ang kinatatakutan nitong people power dahil wala umanong balak ang Pa¬ngulo na bumaba sa kapangyarihan.
Ito ang isiniwalat ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano kaya nanawagan ito sa taumbayan na maging alerto.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2408/news_headline.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
‘Di ako magbibitiw – GMA
Ni Rudy Andal
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Iginiit kahapon ni Pa¬ngulong Arroyo na hindi siya magbibitiw sa kan¬yang tungkulin gaya ng panawa¬ gan ng kanyang mga detractors bagkus ay itutuon ang kanyang pa¬nahon upang lalong pala¬kasin ang ekonomiya at paghahatid ng mabuting serbisyo sa taumbayan.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080223105

10. Journal
I WON'T QUIT
By: Efren Montano and Lee Ann Ducusin
GMA must change to finish term -- bishop
CALLS for her ouster may be snowballing, but President Macapagal-Arroyo is not losing sleep because of the national broadband controversy.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-24&sec=1&aid=50491

11. Business World

12. Business Mirror


II. POLITICAL
Arroyo admits NBN deal flawed

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:01:00 02/24/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The purported high-level corruption attending the National Broadband Network (NBN) project was known to President Macapagal-Arroyo, but with relations between the Philippines and China at stake, she did not stop the signing of the deal with ZTE Corp. on April 21, 2007.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080224-120789/Arroyo-admits-NBN-deal-flawed

Arroyo on quit calls: I sleep 7 hours a night

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:51:00 02/24/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- President Macapagal-Arroyo is not losing sleep over loud calls for her resignation as a result of the purported bribery and overprice scandal attending the scrapped National Broadband Network project.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080224-120806/Arroyo-on-quit-calls-I-sleep-7-hours-a-night

NBI warns of more pyramid schemes
By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:43:00 02/23/2008
MANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation warned the public Saturday of the continuous proliferation of pyramiding schemes.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080223-120768/NBI-warns-of-more-pyramid-schemes

Estrada to support Arroyo impeachment
Ifugao, Vizcaya law studes seek Arroyo resignation
Northern Luzon Bureau, Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 19:03:00 02/23/2008
BAGUIO CITY--Despite the pardon he received from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last year, former President Joseph Estrada said he will support any impeachment case that would be filed against Arroyo in light of corruption scandals plaguing her administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080223-120756/Estrada-to-support-Arroyo-impeachment

Arroyo admits knowing of corruption before signing ZTE deal

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:19:00 02/23/2008
MANILA, Philippines--President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo admitted Saturday she was aware of allegations of high-level corruption in the National Broadband Network project, but she did not stop the signing of the deal with ZTE Corp. last April 21 because she felt then that diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China were in peril.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080223-120754/Arroyo-admits-knowing-of-corruption-before-signing-ZTE-deal

Erap to AFP: Support call for truth
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Former President Joseph Estrada called on the military yesterday to support the people’s call for truth and justice as part of their “constitutional role as protectors of the sovereign people.”
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223162

Cory: Youth should be told about Edsa
By Joanne Rae Ramirez
Sunday, February 24, 2008
On the 22nd year of the EDSA people power revolution, former President Corazon Aquino finds herself on a new quest – to ensure that EDSA’s gains are not lost on the youth, especially those born after 1986.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223163

‘It was too late to call off ZTE deal signing’
Sunday, February 24, 2008
President Arroyo said yesterday she could have cancelled the controversial $329-million national broadband network (NBN)-ZTE deal earlier but learned about the alleged irregularities only at the last minute.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223164

Lozada: People should get tired of corruption, not of people power
By Aurea Calica
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Senate witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. yesterday urged the public not to get tired of peaceful revolutions — but of corruption in government.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223168

JDV’s wife belies PASG chief’s smuggling claims
By Pia Lee-Brago
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The wife of former Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. claimed yesterday that Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) chief Antonio “Bebot” Villar wanted to resign shortly after his appointment last year because of the pressure from First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and son Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, who are allegedly the actual protectors of smugglers in the country.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223169

GMA ‘dedma’ on name-calling
By Marvin Sy
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tiyanak (demon child). Evil. B***h.
To these unflattering remarks about her, President Arroyo has only one thing to say – “Dedma,” an _expression in the vernacular that indicates total indifference.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223170

Ombudsman reconstitutes ZTE probe panel
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Office of the Ombudsman reconstituted over the weekend the panel investigating the cancelled $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp., after Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez inhibited herself from the case due to her close relations with President Arroyo and First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223171

Atienza, Razon welcome charges
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza and Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon welcomed yesterday kidnapping and attempted murder charges filed against them by Senate key witness Rodoldo Noel Lozada Jr. before the Department of Justice.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080223172

Villar: Cameras in Metro aim to spy on and scare people

“Bakit, natatakot ka ba kaya nagi-spy ka? [Are you so afraid that you have to spy on us?]”
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/24/yehey/metro/20080224met4.html



ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
February 25, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/
http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Villar sees Arroyo impeachment
New rap based on Arroyo admission of NBN flaw
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Christine Avendaño, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:53:00 02/25/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's admission she allowed the signing of the $329-million broadband deal with a Chinese firm despite knowing it was attended by corruption is a basis for filing another impeachment complaint against her, Senate President Manuel Villar said Sunday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080225-120969/Villar_sees_Arroyo_impeachment

2. The Philippine Star
‘A smoking gun of complicity’
By Christina Mendez
Monday, February 25, 2008
President Arroyo’s admission that she knew of irregularities in the national broadband network (NBN) deal with ZTE Corp. even before the contract was signed may be “a smoking gun of her complicity,” Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008022493

3. Manila Times
Estrada prefers rule of law

Soc Villegas not for people power

Even as the family of former President Joseph Estrada calls for President Gloria Arroyo to resign, they said they still prefer to mob rule.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/25/yehey/top_stories/20080225top1.html

4. Malaya
Arroyo skips top Edsa rite
May have been warned about rallies
BY REGINA BENGCO
PRESIDENT Arroyo will not attend the yearly flag-raising ceremony at the People Power Monument, which serves as the highlight of the Edsa 1 anniversary celebrations.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb25/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Rival Metro meetings on today

Opposition at Baclaran; group supporting gov’t at Liwasan
By ELENA L. ABEN
Rallyists from the informal sector, farmers, fisherfolk, labor, veterans, youth, religious groups, barangay leaders, and local government officials will converge at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to air their support for President Arroyo.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080225117877.html

6. The Daily Tribune

Join people in communal action, rebels urge soldiers
By Sherwin C. Olaes
02/25/2008
Saying the current political situation is worse than what the people fought against during the 1986 Edsa People Power revolt that is being remembered today, officers detained for an alleged plan to withdraw support to Mrs. Arroyo in 2006 said there is now a more compelling reason for soldiers to go out of their barracks to join the communal action of the people as called for by the church.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080225hed1.html

7. Abante
SUNDALONG MAGRA-RALLY AARESTUHIN!
Nina JB Salarzon/Juliet De Loza/Noel Abuel

Nagbitaw ng diretsang babala ang pamunuan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa mga kasundaluhan, kung saan binigyang diin na ang sinumang sasama sa rally o martsa ngayong araw na ginugunita ang 1986 EDSA Revolution ay agad na aarestuhin.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb2508/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
GLORIA UMAMIN NA, NANLOLOKO PA -- PING
nina Eralyn Prado at Rey Marfil

Isang malaking panloloko na naman sa taongbayan ang palusot ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na napilitan siyang pirmahan ang ZTE-National Broadband Network (ZTE-NBN) contract dahil nagkasubuan na kahit alam niyang may bahid ito ng iregularidad.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/feb2508/default.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Spy cam sa Senado!
Nina Ellen Fernando at Danilo Garcia
Monday, February 25, 2008
Umangal kahapon ang liderato ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso sa hakbang ng pulisya na kabitan ng closed circuit television (CCTV) ang bisinidad ng Senado na hinihinalang ang layon ay “tiktikan” lamang ang mga galaw ng mga senador at mamonitor ang mga kaga¬ napan sa Senado.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022471

10. Journal
THEY’RE CLEAN
By: Tess Bedico
GMA defends family against graft raps
PRESIDENT Macapagal-Arroyo defended her family members against allegations of corruption even as she vowed to go after corrupt officials whoever they may be.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-25&sec=1&aid=50594

11. Business World

BSP seen applying brakes to rate cuts
WITH INFLATION NOW EMERGING AS A HEADACHE, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may apply the brakes on its rate easing cycle despite lingering concerns over a slowing US economy, economists and analysts said.
http://bworldonline.com/BW022508/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
Exporters rap peso speculation

By Max V. de Leon
Reporter

WITH at least 10,700 workers in the export sector already losing their jobs since November due to the peso-related travails of exporters, the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) has appealed to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to stop giving statements that could validate projections made by “speculators” that the local currency would appreciate further.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02252008/headlines01.html




II. POLITICAL
ANALYSIS
Stalemate benefits generals

By Amando Doronila
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:10:00 02/25/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution on Monday finds the Philippines locked in yet another political impasse, lending credence to the perception that it is one of the most ungovernable modern democracies in Asia.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080225-120978/Stalemate-benefits-generals
Tanks start rolling into Metro
By James Mananghaya
Monday, February 25, 2008
More than a dozen armored assets backed up by at least 3,000 troops were placed on standby as the Armed Forces of the Philippines went on nationwide red alert yesterday, the eve of the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolt.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008022494

EDSA I rites split people power
By Jocelyn Uy, DJ Yap, Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:19:00 02/25/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Twenty-two years after uniting to oust Ferdinand Marcos, a deeply divided Filipino people go their separate ways on Monday to mark the anniversary of the dictator's downfall.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080225-120993/EDSA-I-rites-split-people-power

Friend, foe won’t be spared – GMA
Monday, February 25, 2008
Neither friend nor foe will be spared in the investigation and prosecution of those involved in the scandal surrounding the scrapped $329-million national broadband network (NBN) project, President Arroyo vowed yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008022495

GMA: I won’t step down
By Paolo Romero
Monday, February 25, 2008
President Arroyo says she may not be perfect but she is the duly elected Chief Executive who will “work hard every day to achieve positive and lasting change for the nation” until she finishes her term in 2010..
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008022496

Razon orders probe into lapses in security provided to Lozada
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Monday, February 25, 2008
Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered an administrative investigation into the alleged lapses committed by some police personnel tasked to provide security to Senate witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., even as the PNP still maintained that the police merely provided security to the witness.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008022499

Ramos confident of Lakas-Kampi merger
By Edith Regalado
Monday, February 25, 2008
DAVAO CITY — Former President Fidel Ramos expressed confidence on the reported merger of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat party and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080224101

End to political bickering urged in prayer rallies
Monday, February 25, 2008
Local government officials, religious leaders, and medical practitioners held separate rallies over the weekend to call for an end to “political bickering” and urged Filipinos to unite for peace and stability in the country.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080224100

Bishops call emergency meeting
On the agenda: CBCP stand on political crisis
By Blanche Rivera
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:21:00 02/25/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will hold a special plenary meeting Tuesday to discuss its position amid the rising calls for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ouster on corruption allegations.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080225-120994/Bishops-call-emergency-meeting

GMA says her detractors are bitter failures
By Paolo Romero
Monday, February 25, 2008
President Arroyo hit back yesterday at her detractors, who she said were either bitter over their failures or could not wait until her term ends in 2010.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080224102

Anti-GMA rallies set nationwide with Edsa 1 anniversary today
Monday, February 25, 2008
Anti-Arroyo rallies are set nationwide today to coincide with the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
Protest actions are set in Baguio City, Calamba, Legazpi, Naga, Sorsogon, Daet, Masbate, Virac, Davao, Butuan, Surigao, Tandag, Bislig and Cagayan de Oro City.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080224104

FVR: ZTE scandal not the only crisis in RP
By Edith Regalado
Monday, February 25, 2008
DAVAO CITY — Former President Fidel Ramos said too much focus has been given to the controversial ZTE national broadband network deal as there are other equally important things government and the Filipino people have to do.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080224106

Senators slam PNP plan to install surveillance cameras
By Christina Mendez and Cecille Suerte Felipe
Monday, February 25, 2008
Senate President Manuel Villar assailed yesterday the alleged plan of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to install close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in Senate premises.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080224107

GMA bababa sa puwesto sa 2010
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tiniyak kahapon ni Pangulong Arroyo na bababa siya sa kanyang puwesto sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino sa 2010 kaya siya pa rin ang mananatiling Pangulo ng bansa hang¬gang hindi natatapos ang kanyang termino.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022472

GMA pwedeng ma-impeach
Monday, February 25, 2008
Isa umanong “im¬peach¬able offense” ang ginawang pag-amin ni Pangulong Arroyo na bagaman alam niyang may iregularidad ang ZTE-NBN contract ay inaprubahan pa rin niya ito at nilagdaan.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022474



February 26, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./


I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘People power is alive’

Cory: Let’s continue our search for the truth

By Beverly T. Natividad, TJ Burgonio, Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:06:00 02/26/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- People power is alive in the country despite the absence of huge rallies calling for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to step down, said a Catholic priest who likened the allegations of corruption against the Arroyo administration to a bad tooth that should be extracted.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080226-121191/People-power-is-alive


2. The Philippine Star

'Push away evil'

By Michael Punongbayan
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

As the nation commemorated yesterday the people power revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship, Rodolfo Lozada Jr. called on the public to “reject evil in our hearts, minds and words.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225117


3. Manila Times

P10-M contract to kill Jun

Large but peaceful antigovernmentprotests mark EDSA 1 anniversary

Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. said he faces new death threats, claiming that a P10-million bounty has been placed on his head.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/26/yehey/top_stories/20080226top1.html


4. Malaya

‘People Power is alive’
Baclaran, Edsa, Mendiola ring with ‘Gloria resign’ call

BY ASHZEL HACHERO

FORMER President Corazon Aquino and key Senate witness Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada led yesterday’s "Mass for Truth" at the Baclaran church to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 Edsa "people power revolt" that ended the Marcos dictatorship.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb26/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Pro & anti rallies held in Metro

Demonstrations marking EDSA anniversary end peacefully
GMA supporters and critics hold simultaneous rallies

By RIZAL S. OBANIL

Pro-administration and anti-administration rallies were held yesterday in at least four areas in Metro Manila to mark the 22th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolt.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080226117884.html


6. The Daily Tribune

DoJ mulls sedition raps vs Erap for Gloria illegitimate tag

By Sherwin C. Olaes

02/26/2008

For calling President Arroyo an illegitimate Malacañang resident in an al-Jazeera interview and for earlier calling on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to become the protectors of the Filipino people and for the soldiers to support the resignation calls for the chief executive to resign, Malacañang, through the Department of Justice (DoJ) yesterday threatened to file sedition charges against former President Joseph Estrada, along with the warning that his absolute pardon granted to him by Mrs. Arroyo last year would be revoked.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080226hed1.html


7. Abante

PERA, BUMAHA SA PRO-GLORIA RALLY

Nina JULIET DE LOZA, ROSE MIRANDA at ERALYN PRADO

Gamit ang mga local government units (LGUs), partikular ang mga barangay, naghakot kahapon ng mga rallyista ang grupong ‘Kongreso ng Mamamayan’ para magpakita ng suporta kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pagtitipon sa Liwasan Bonifacio sa sarili nilang pagdiriwang ng ika-22 anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power I.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2608/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

PEOPLE POWER BUHAY NA ULI!

Tonite Reportorial team (With report from Bernard Taguinod, Aries Cano, Lily Reyes, Juliet de Loza)

Pinatunayan ng hiwa-hiwalay na kilos protesta laban sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa paggunita sa ika-22 taong anibersaryo ng EDSA 1 na buhay na buhay pa ang People Power.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2608/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pardon ni Erap babawiin

Nina Gemma Amargo-Garcia at Rudy Andal
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Pag-aaralan ng Department of Justice (DOJ) ang pagbawi ng pardon kay dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada dahilan sa pagtawag umano nito kay Pangulong Arroyo na “illegitimate president.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022591


10. Journal

ERAP BACK TO JAIL

By: Tess Bedico and Paul Gutierrez
DoJ to revoke pardon after Estrada called GMA illegitimate

FOR calling President Macapagal-Arroyo an “illegitimate president” and joining calls for her resignation, former President Joseph Estrada could go back to jail.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-26&sec=1&aid=50723


11. Business World

Moderate peso rise expected

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects the peso to keep rising this year although gains will not be as dramatic as last year’s more than 18% climb against the dollar.
http://bworldonline.com/BW022608/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

‘Edsa Day’ events: different strokes, venues, appeals

By Mia Gonzalez, Reporter and Claudette Mocon, Correspondent

PRESIDENT Arroyo Monday urged the people to protect political stability and fight for the rule of law in the country, amid calls for her resignation anchored on yet unsubstantiated allegations.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02262008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

ANALYSIS
Stalemate benefits generals

By Amando Doronila
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:10:00 02/25/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The 22nd anniversary of the 1986 People Power revolution on Monday finds the Philippines locked in yet another political impasse, lending credence to the perception that it is one of the most ungovernable modern democracies in Asia.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080225-120978/Stalemate-benefits-generals


EDSA I rites split people power

By Jocelyn Uy, DJ Yap, Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:19:00 02/25/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Twenty-two years after uniting to oust Ferdinand Marcos, a deeply divided Filipino people go their separate ways on Monday to mark the anniversary of the dictator's downfall.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080225-120993/EDSA-I-rites-split-people-power


Bishops call emergency meeting

On the agenda: CBCP stand on political crisis

By Blanche Rivera
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:21:00 02/25/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The influential Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will hold a special plenary meeting Tuesday to discuss its position amid the rising calls for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's ouster on corruption allegations.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080225-120994/Bishops-call-emergency-meeting


NBN hearing to focus on Arroyo remark

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:17:00 02/26/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate will resume Tuesday its investigation of the scrapped $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal as senators move to flesh out the “flaws” that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said had marred the contract granted to ZTE Corp. of China.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080226-121207/NBN-hearing-to-focus-on-Arroyo-remark


Snafus mar gov’t celebrations at EDSA

By Kristine L. Alave, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:52:00 02/26/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine flag refused to be raised, the microphone went silent and people had to duck to avoid being hit on the head by bricks of paper confetti that fell on the stage with a thud.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080226-121208/Snafus-mar-govt-celebrations-at-EDSA

Palace: No ground for impeachment

By Paolo Romero
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Malacañang officials claimed yesterday there is no basis to impeach President Arroyo despite her admission that she allowed the signing of the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with ZTE Corp. of China even if she knew that the deal was attended with irregularities.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225118


AFP, PNP chiefs stage unity march

By James Mananghaya
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Top military and police officials yesterday led their forces in what they called a spontaneous “unity walk” in a bid to dispel rumors that some of them had joined efforts to unseat President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225119


Gun ban in force until Monday

By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered yesterday the suspension of permits to carry guns nationwide amid reports of destabilization attempts against the Arroyo administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225120


Senators: No way out for GMA

By Aurea Calica
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. and other senators see no way out for President Arroyo and her Cabinet in the national broadband controversy following the “glaring contradictions” in their statements on the scandal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225121


Enrile to GMA: Give up power, you’re dead

By Christina Mendez
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The man who helped oust a dictator 22 years ago yesterday advised President Arroyo to hold on to power, warning that “if you give it up, you’re dead.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225122


Probe on House ‘ghost’ consultants sought

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The spokesman for the pro-administration Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) challenged Speaker Prospero Nograles to look into reports that his predecessor supposedly hired at least 200 “ghost” consultants.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225124


‘Estrada pardon may be revoked’

By Marvin Sy
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

A top official of the Department of Justice hinted yesterday that the pardon granted to former President Joseph Estrada could be revoked after the opposition leader called President Arroyo an “illegitimate” president.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225125


Erap: Blatant corruption eroded gains of Edsa 1

By Jose Rodel Clapano
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Ousted President Joseph Estrada says “blatant and excessive” corruption in government had eroded the gains of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225126


GMA skips Edsa rites, shows up at Cavite rally

By Paolo Romero and Marvin Sy
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

President Arroyo was a no-show at the 22nd anniversary celebration of the 1986 People Power Revolution at EDSA, but inaugurated projects and “gate crashed” a peace rally in Cavite where she said she would be closer to the people.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225127


JDV calls on GMA to resign

By Jess Diaz
Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. joined mounting calls yesterday for the resignation of President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080225130



February 27, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

CBCP to Arroyo: Take lead in fight vs corruption

No call for resignation

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 20:01:00 02/26/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 5) The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has asked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and all branches of government “to take the lead in combating corruption” but stopped short of asking for her resignation.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20080226-121354/CBCP-to-Arroyo-Take-lead-in-fight-vs-corruption


2. The Philippine Star

Bishops reject GMA resign calls

By Edu Punay
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday refused to support mounting calls for the resignation or ouster of President Arroyo over allegations of rampant corruption in her administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226114


3. Manila Times

CBCP rejects resign calls

New broadband witness links President Arroyo, her husband to broadband scandal

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

The influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) thumbed down calls for President Gloria Arroyo to resign, even as a new Senate witness said she and her husband were to get kickbacks in the ZTE deal.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/27/yehey/top_stories/20080227top1.html


4. Malaya

‘GMA, Mike part of greedy group’
Ex-ZTE consultant says
$41M given as ‘commission’

BY DENNIS GADIL

FORMER ZTE consultant Dante Madriaga yesterday told Senate probers that the President Arroyo, her husband Mike and the group of Benjamin Abalos Sr., which he referred to as the "greedy group plus, plus," have received some $41 million in advances from China’s ZTE Corp. on the anomalous national broadband network contract.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb27/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

4 more testify on NBN deal

5 ‘oligarchs’ close to GMA named at Senate hearing
4 testify in Senate; 5 ‘oligarchs’ close to GMA named

By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA & MARIO B. CASAYURAN

Four more resource persons testified yesterday before the Senate committees investigating alleged irregularities in the scrapped $ 329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with ZTE Corporation.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080227117989.html


6. The Daily Tribune

GMA, FG linked by new witness to NBN kickbacks

By Angie M. Rosales

02/27/2008

Charges of alleged overpricing and kickbacks in the botched ZTE deal was bolstered by a new witness yesterday who openly named the First Couple, former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., and couple of alleged cronies as main players, saying they partook of huge cash advances that amounted to an alleged hefty $41 million.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080227hed1.html


7. Abante

GMA NILINIS NG DOJ

Nina GRACE VELASCO at ROSE MIRANDA

Isang araw matapos umpisahan ng Malacañang ang pagsalba kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa ginawa nitong pag-amin sa radyo na nakarating na sa kanyang kaalaman ang tungkol sa anomalya ng NBN-ZTE project bago niya ito pinirmahan sa China, kahapon ay dumipensa na rin ang Department of Justice (DOJ) upang ‘linisin’ ang Pangulo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2708/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

PEKENG KUDETA ITATAPAT SA PEOPLE POWER

Ni Bernard Taguinod

Gagawa ang mga kaalyado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng senaryo para maharang ang kinatatakutan nitong people power dahil wala umanong balak ang Pa­ngulo na bumaba sa kapangyarihan.

Ito ang isiniwalat ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano kaya nanawagan ito sa taumbayan na maging alerto.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2408/news_headline.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Cory kay GMA: ‘Bumaba ka na!’

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Sa ikalawang pagkakataon ay muling nanawagan si dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino na magbitiw na sa pwesto si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na mainam na paraan umano para makaalpas ang Pangulo sa kinakaharap na aniya’y “severe moral crisis” ng bansa.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022670


10. Journal

‘GREEDY’

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo with Tess Bedico

New witness says First Couple got ZTE kickbacks

ENGINEER Dante Madriaga, a new witness in the botched $329-million national broadband network project, accused the First Couple of getting kickbacks from China’s ZTE Corp. He said part of the money was used in the 2007 elections.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-27&sec=1&aid=50878


11. Business World

Gov’t sets fresh power asset sales
Privatization goal to be met this year

THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY SAID IT WOULD ACCEPT letters of interest until March 12 from investors seeking to buy two geothermal plants south of the capital with a combined capacity of 747.5 megawatts (MW).
http://bworldonline.com/BW022708/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

‘DRAFT INVESTMENT PRIORITIES PLAN BALANCES FISCAL, INVESTMENT THRUSTS’
Full perks only for 6 sectors

By Max V. de Leon
Reporter

THE Board of Investments (BOI) has narrowed down to only six the number of priority sectors that will qualify for full incentives under the new draft Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), as it seeks to serve both the administration’s fiscal-consolidation thrust and the thrust to get more of the fresh capital into areas that really need it for economic development.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02272008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Witness tags First Couple

Senate told ‘Greedy Group++’ got $41M in advance

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:13:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband were part of the “Greedy Group plus plus” that demanded huge kickbacks which jacked up the cost of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project from $130 million to $329 million, a new witness in the Senate investigation of the scrapped NBN deal with China’s ZTE Corp. said Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121421/Witness-tags-First-Couple


Palace execs deny Arroyo admitted NBN deal was flawed

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:32:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang officials Tuesday continued to deny that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had admitted the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp. was flawed, and claimed that it took a while to cancel the deal because of back-channel talks with the Chinese government.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121422/Palace-execs-deny-Arroyo-admitted-NBN-deal-was-flawed


‘Copy for FG’ is marginal note on NBN document

By Tony Bergonia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:33:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A marginal note on a classified document dealing with the controversial National Broadband Network (NBN) project seemed telling: The note read “Copy for FG.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121423/Copy-for-FG-is-marginal-note-on-NBN-document


Palace story on P.5M given to Lozada now on 3rd version

By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:20:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang has changed yet again its story on the P500,000 given to Rodolfo Lozada Jr. purportedly to prevent him from testifying at the Senate inquiry on the anomalous $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121424/Palace-story-on-P5M-given-to-Lozada-now-on-3rd-version


Lozada: Palace indirectly offered to buy me off

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:21:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A key Senate witness in the scandal-tainted broadband deal Tuesday claimed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband were “likely” involved in an alleged attempt to buy him off.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121425/Lozada-Palace-indirectly-offered-to-buy-me-off


Ex-Ateneo colleagues to Arroyo: Explain deal or resign

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:22:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Economics professors of Ateneo de Manila University Tuesday called on their former colleague, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to squarely address the corruption charges, or resign.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121426/Ex-Ateneo-colleagues-to-Arroyo-Explain-deal-or-resign


Cops accused of kidnap offer to protect Lozada

By Alcuin Papa, Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:37:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- It’s a caring gesture that, again, would probably drive Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. to tears.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121428/Cops-accused-of-kidnap-offer-to-protect-Lozada


Malacañang dismisses calls for Arroyo to resign

By Christine Avendaño, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:38:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang dismissed the call of former President Corazon Aquino for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121429/Malacaang-dismisses-calls-for-Arroyo-to-resign


52 governors troop to Palace to show support for Arroyo

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:23:00 02/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Responding to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s call for a “new people power,” 52 governors Tuesday trooped to Malacañang to express their “all the way” support for her.
Noli, not Erap, Cory’s choice for President
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080227-121427/52-governors-troop-to-Palace-to-show-support-for-Arroyo


Former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino on Tuesday said Vice-President Noli de Castro, not anyone else, should replace President Gloria Arroyo, whom she again called on to resign from her post.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/27/yehey/top_stories/20080227top3.html


‘GMA did not admit NBN deal flawed’

By Marvin Sy
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

President Arroyo did not admit that the $329-million national broadband network contract with Chinese firm ZTE Corp. was flawed, Malacañang said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226116


Gaite gave Lozada P.5 M ‘out of pity’

By Christina Mendez
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Manuel Gaite insisted yesterday before the Senate joint committee hearing that he gave Rodolfo Lozada Jr. P500,000 out of pity and compassion a day prior to the latter’s unexpected return to the country from Hong Kong last Feb. 5.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226119


Cory renews call for GMA resignation

By Michael Punongbayan
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Former President Corazon Aquino yesterday called anew for the resignation of President Arroyo because it is the “most noble and least disruptive way out of the moral crisis” confronting Malacañang and the whole country.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226121



FG denies claim of new NBN witness

First Gentleman Atty. Jose Miguel "Mike" T. Arroyo denied last night the claim of Engr. Dante Madriaga, a new witness in the Senate probe of the cancelled National Broadband Network (NBN), that he played golf on Dec. 5, 2006, saying on that day, he was discharged from St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City after a medical procedure.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080227118040.html


‘All allegations, no evidence’

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Malacañang deplored last night the testimony of witness Dante Madriaga against the First Couple, saying that he has no evidence to back up his allegations.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226122


ZTE davanced $41 M to Filipino group – witness

By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

A new witness in the national broadband network (NBN) deal controversy yesterday bared that a total of $41 million in advance commissions were given to the “Gang of Four” who worked for the project, allegedly with the help of the First Couple.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226123


House rejects Lozano’s new impeachment case vs GMA

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Marcos loyalist lawyer Oliver Lozano tried to file a new impeachment case against President Arroyo yesterday, but officials of the House of the Representatives refused to accept it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226124


Mikey hits mom’s critics eyeing 2010 election

By Ding Cervantes
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – Presidential son Rep. Mikey Arroyo blamed politics for the national broadband network (NBN) scandal that is rocking the Arroyo administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226125


What is ‘FG’ in Neri’s letter to Chinese ambassador?

By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

A certain “FG” was furnished a copy of a letter from former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director general Romulo Neri to then Chinese ambassador Li Jinjun regarding the national broadband network (NBN) and cyber education projects.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226126


GMA urges ‘people power’ vigilance on NBN scandal

By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

President Arroyo called on Filipinos yesterday to launch a “new people power” by raising their vigilance in monitoring the investigations of the Ombudsman and the Justice Department into the national broadband network scandal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226128


Pro-, anti-GMA rallies spread to provinces

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Pro- and anti-administration rallies are not limited to Metro Manila, but have spread all over the country.

In Quezon City, an alliance of youth leaders across the country gathered yesterday to denounce moves to destabilize the government which, it claimed, could eventually lead to chaos and economic dislocation.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226136


Solis threat to unseat Nograles slammed

By Delon Porcalla
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Lawmakers branded as “blackmail and shameless” the threat of Sorsogon Rep. Jose Solis to unseat Speaker Prospero Nograles if he fails to reorganize the committee chairmanships in the House of Representatives and appoint congressmen who voted for him.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226137


PNP, airport officials asked to ‘show cause’ for no-show at Senate

By Christina Mendez
Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. asked police and airport officials yesterday to answer a “show-cause order” on why they should not be cited for contempt for ignoring the subpoena of the Senate to attend the hearing on the botched national broadband network (NBN) deal with the ZTE Corp. and on the alleged abduction of witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. upon his arrival from Hong Kong on Feb. 5.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080226138



February 28, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./


I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Arroyo ‘agonized’ over trip to China

Favila: Ramos pressed her to attend Boao forum

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:19:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo “agonized” over her decision to fly to China in April 2007 to witness the signing of the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with ZTE Corp. because it came at a time when her spouse was recuperating from a delicate open-heart surgery, Malacañang said Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121635/Arroyo-agonized-over-trip-to-China


2. The Philippine Star

CBCP head may face ouster

By Edu Punay
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo faces ouster as head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) if he remains under the “dangerous influence” of bishops calling for the resignation of President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227139


3. Manila Times

CBCP draws praises, jeers

Some bishops bent on calling for GMA resignation

By James Konstantin Galvez And William B. Depasupil , Reporters

In a rather surprising turn, the United Opposition leader said the country’s Roman Catholic bishops decided correctly in not asking for the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo who is accused of corruption.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/28/yehey/top_stories/20080228top1.html


4. Malaya

Bishops cheered, jeered
Malacañang sees early end to crisis

Malacanang yesterday expressed confidence that the refusal of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to join calls for President Arroyo’s resignation would soon dispel the political crisis arising from the alleged corruption in the overpriced $329 million national broadband deal,.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb28/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Palace studies scrapping of EO 464

Acts promptly on suggestion of nation’s bishops
Palace panel to consider SC decision on EO 464

David Cagahastian

Malacañang has created a legal team to study and prepare immediately its official response to the demand of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for the Palace to lift Executive Order No. 464, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080228118132.html


6. The Daily Tribune

GMA cheers bishops, protesters jeer CBCP

02/28/2008

Elation was palpable in Malacañang yesterday and its allies cheering the latest pastoral statement issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) that clearly favored President Arroyo, whom it earlier had called “morally bankrupt” but who was, moreover, virtually vested by the institutional church with the “mantle of morality” with the bishops’ call for her to lead the fight against the cancer that is corruption.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080228hed1.html


7. Abante

KIKILOS PA RIN KAMI!
Kahit walang mga obispo

Nina JB SALARZON, NOEL ABUEL, JULIET DE LOZA at TINA MENDOZA

Hindi madidiskaril ng ‘malamyang’ posisyon ng mga obispo ng Simbahang Katoliko ang sama-samang pagkilos ng sambayanan upang isulong ang pagpapababa sa puwesto kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na para sa kanila ay wala nang ‘moral authority’ upang pamunuan ang bansa.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2808/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

CBCP BINIGO ANG TAUMBAYAN

Nina Rey Marfil at Bernard Taguinod

Matinding kabiguan ang ipinalasap ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) sa sambayanang Pilipino sa ipinalabas nitong pastoral letter dahil sa pag-iwas ng mga obispo na pangunahan ang pagkondena sa katiwalian ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2808/news_headline.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Plunder, graft vs GMA

Nina Angie Dela Cruz at Butch Quejada
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Ipinagharap ng kasong plunder at katiwalian sa tanggapan ng Ombudsman ni dating Senate president Jovito Salonga si Pangulong Arroyo kaugnay ng pagkakasangkot nito sa kontrobersyal na $329M national broadband network (NBN) deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022778


10. Journal

PLUNDER RAPS FILED VS GMA

By: Lee Ann P. Ducusin
PLUNDER and graft charges were filed yesterday against President Macapagal-Arroyo before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Former Senate president Jovito Salonga and civil society groups said the President violated three laws in connection with her approval of the questionable National Broadband Network deal with China’s ZTE Corp. – the Anti-Plunder Law, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-28&sec=1&aid=50957


11. Business World

Attrition exceptions possible
Targets and ‘realities’ should both be considered — Teves

HEADS COULD START ROLLING at the tax and customs given last year’s missed collection targets but the Finance department appears ready to condone the omissions.

http://bworldonline.com/BW022808/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Oil Rises Above $102 as Weak
Dollar Boosts Commodities Prices

CRUDE oil rose to a record above $102 a barrel as a weakening dollar spurred investors to buy commodities priced in the U.S. currency.

Futures jumped in New York and London as the dollar fell to an all-time low against the euro. The UBS Bloomberg Constant Maturity Commodity Index rose to the highest ever, on gains for gold, silver, sugar, copper and coffee. A government report later today is expected to show U.S. crude inventories rose last week.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02282008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Madriaga: Where will I go for safety?

By Arlyn dela Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:12:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- By naming President Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband as part of the “Greedy Group plus plus” that allegedly advanced $41 million in kickbacks from the $329-million broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp., Dante Madriaga is virtually a dead man walking.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121639/Madriaga-Where-will-I-go-for-safety


Madriaga to go through tests on credibility

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Dona Pazzibugan, Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:01:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- In contrast to the open arms extended to star witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr., senators are skeptical over the new witness, former ZTE Corp. consultant Dante Madriaga, who some senators say could recant his testimony like what certain Senate witnesses did.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121652/Madriaga-to-go-through-tests-on-credibility


Palace team considers junking EO 464

By Christine Avendaño, Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:02:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Acting hastily on the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Malacañang Wednesday formed a legal team to study the possible scrapping of the controversial Executive Order No. 464 that has stalled congressional inquiries into cases of alleged corruption in the government.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121653/Palace-team-considers-junking-EO-464


CBCP won’t stop ‘GMA resign’ calls

By Beverly T. Natividad, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:32:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines may not have urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to step down, but it is not against calls for her resignation either.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121655/CBCP-wont-stop-GMA-resign-calls


Text message says a million people will bring out troops

By Nikko Dizon, Kristine L. Alave, Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:36:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A text message saying that a million warm bodies in the streets will bring out troops and oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has begun to circulate among soldiers, but military officials shrugged it off as nothing but a “disinformation” campaign.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121656/Text-message-says-a-million-people-will-bring-out-troops


‘FG’ initials of NEDA official could also mean ‘Fall Guy’

By Christine Avendaño, Michelle Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:58:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- As Sen. Jamby Madrigal put it the other day, “FG” could stand for “First Goon, First Gangster, or First Gentleman.”

Before somebody could add “Fall Guy,” Malacañang tried to put a stop to the guessing game Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121657/FG-initials-of-NEDA-official-could-also-mean-Fall-Guy


Salonga files plunder case vs Arroyo

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:59:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may be immune from court suit but that doesn’t mean she is beyond the reach of the law, former Senate President Jovito Salonga said after two civil society groups filed another complaint of graft and plunder against her at the Office of the Ombudsman Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121658/Salonga-files-plunder-case-vs-Arroyo


Palace admits Arroyo said ‘anomalya’ in radio interview

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:02:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- After claiming repeatedly that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did not admit that the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp. was flawed during a radio interview on Saturday, Malacañang Wednesday conceded that she had used the word “anomaly” to describe it.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121659/Palace-admits-Arroyo-said-anomalya-in-radio-interview


Chinese Embassy: Madrigal remark ‘extremely irresponsible’

By Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:38:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Chinese Embassy in Manila Wednesday chided opposition Sen. Anna Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal for dragging it into the controversy on the $329-million National Broadband Network deal between the government and China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121660/Chinese-Embassy-Madrigal-remark-extremely-irresponsible


IN THE KNOW
SC ruling on EO 464 did not put the matter to rest

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:39:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- On Sept. 26, 2005, the day a Marine general and his deputy were set to testify before the Senate on alleged electoral fraud in 2004, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued an order banning executive, military and police officials from attending congressional hearings without her permission.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121661/SC-ruling-on-EO-464-did-not-put-the-matter-to-rest


Chief Justice Puno: Free speech will lead us to the truth

By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:03:00 02/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines – Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Wednesday called for additional measures to strengthen press freedom but added that free speech should converge with action to lead the country to the doorstep of truth.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080228-121663/Chief-Justice-Puno-Free-speech-will-lead-us-to-the-truth


Lozada to people: Don’t wait for another Sin

By Aurea Calica
Thursday, February 28, 2008

With the Catholic bishops’ official rebuff of calls for President Arroyo’s resignation, witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. said the people are now on their own and “should not wait for another Cardinal Sin” to lead them in the fight for truth and against corruption.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227141


ZTE denies witness’ story on payoffs

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Chinese telecommunications firm ZTE Corp. issued a statement yesterday categorically denying the claim of new Senate witness Dante Madriaga that multimillion-dollar payoffs were made to government officials by the company to bag the national broadband network (NBN) project.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227145


Chinese embassy questions senator’s comments at probe ‘irresponsible’

Charissa M. Luci

The Chinese embassy yesterday questioned comments made by Sen. Ma. Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Madrigal at a Senate hearing that suggested there was a "collusion" between First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and the Chinese ambassador in the negotiations for the controversial $ 329-million national broadband network project with ZTE Corp.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080228118138.html


Alert on for Friday rally, coup

By Michael Punongbayan
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Police intelligence reports indicated that a group of young soldiers is planning to take advantage of the current protest actions to overthrow the Arroyo administration with the assistance of “other armed and militant groups.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227146


Rep. Guingona: Military heroes pinahihirapan ng administrasyon

PINAHIHIRAPAN ng pamahalaan ang mga military detainees sa pamamagitan ng pagtortyur at isolation.

Ito ang pagbubulgar ni Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III (2nd District, Bukidnon), sa kaniyang privilege speech sa Mababang Kapulungan kahapon.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-28&sec=4&aid=50948


Arctic Garden of Eden: RP seeds in Box No. 1

Thursday, February 28, 2008

LONGYEARBYEN, Norway (AP) – Norway’s “doomsday” seed vault, built to protect millions of food crops from being wiped out in wars or natural disasters, had European leaders thinking biblically.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227147


Palace studies EO 464 abolition

By Paolo Romero
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Malacañang formed a legal panel yesterday to study the proposal of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for President Arroyo to revoke Executive Order 464 in order to ferret out the truth on various controversies hounding her administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227148


GMA faces plunder raps

By Sandy Araneta
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Former Senate president Jovito Salonga led a group in filing plunder charges against President Arroyo with the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227150


GMA to ask Congress to pass corruption reform law

By Edith Regalado
Thursday, February 28, 2008

DAVAO CITY – President Arroyo said yesterday she will ask Congress to come up with appropriate measures aimed at addressing corruption after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) gave her a reprieve and rejected the mounting clamor for her resignation brought about by alleged anomalies in the administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227158


Abalos to fly to US for golf prize, vows to be back for ZTE probe

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos is set to leave for the United States in April to enjoy his prize in a golf tournament.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227161


Barias admits PNP men tried to install CCTV at Senate

By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Thursday, February 28, 2008

The two men who tried to install close-circuit television cameras near the Senate premises in Pasay City last week were indeed from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080227163



February 29, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

New witness links Mike Defensor

Madriaga: He brokered kickback of First Couple

By Dona Pazzibugan, Juliet Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:42:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Michael Defensor, a former chief of staff of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, played a key role in the $329-million broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp. besides giving Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. P50,000 to allegedly keep him from testifying on the anomalous contract in the Senate.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121866/New-witness-links-Mike-Defensor


2. The Philippine Star

'Fellowship of the streets'

By James Mananghaya and Jaime Laude
Friday, February 29, 2008

In a period of vacillating political alliances, opponents of President Arroyo are now pinning their hopes on the fellowship of the streets.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228150


3. Manila Times

CBCP firm on junking Executive Order 464

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) may yet reverse its collective decision not to call for the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo over allegations of corruption in her administration.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/29/yehey/top_stories/20080229top1.html


4. Malaya

‘Probe Gloria treason’
‘Sellout’ of sovereignty seen for dirty Chinese loans

BY JP LOPEZ

DETAINED Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has filed a bill to investigate the "Spratly deal" reportedly entered into by the Philippine and Chinese governments.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb29/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Makati rally today; PNP on alert

Protesters to condemn alleged controversies in gov’t
Police brace for huge rally on Ayala Avenue

By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO

Members of various religious groups, together with civil society and other sectors, will gather along Ayala Avenue in Makati City today for an inter-faith rally to condemn corruption in government.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080229118202.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Estrada’s quit call in big rally panics Palace, GMA

By Ben Gines Jr. and Sherwin C. Olaes

02/29/2008

Seeing how the mammoth crowd in Makati yesterday welcomed the former president who led a march toward a Makati university where he attended a Mass for Truth officiated by Bishop Teodoro Bacani, after which deposed President Joseph Estrada called for the resignation of President Arroyo.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080229hed1.html


7. Abante

STUDENT WALKOUT DAY

(JLoza/ARico/NFerriol/EPrado/JGuzman/NMarasigan)

Tinatayang 50,000 estudyante ang magwo-walkout ngayong araw sa kani-kanilang klase para magmartsa patungong Makati City upang makilahok sa 'interfaith prayer rally'.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2908/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

UBOS NA ANG PASENSYA!

Ni Bernard Taguinod

Hindi na mapipigil ang pagdami ng mga taong nakikilahok sa mga isinasagawang kilos protesta laban sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, makiayon man o hindi ang mga Obispo, dahil ubos na ang pasensya ng taumbayan sa talamak na katiwalian.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2908/news_headline.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

‘GMA resign’ todo na!

Friday, February 29, 2008

Itotodo na ng oposisyon ang kanilang panawagan sa pagbibitiw ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa puwesto sa pamamagitan ng kanilang interfaith rally sa Makati City ngayong araw na lalahukan ng mga militanteng grupo, relihoyoso, professional, mga dating miyembro ng Gabinete, civil society, estudyante, manggagawa, negosyante at iba pang sektor.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022870


10. Journal

DAY OF RALLIES

By: Jester P. Manalastas Alfred Dalizon
PNP, AFP on full alert

LEADERS of the opposition, civil society groups and religious groups will spearhead the interfaith prayer rally in Makati City today to dramatize the search for truth, justice and reforms. Militant organizations calling for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo are also expected to attend the gathering at the center of the country’s financial district.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-29&sec=1&aid=51063


11. Business World

Tax amnesty take-up lagging
One week left before program expires

PROCEEDS FROM A TAX AMNESTY are just over half a P3-billion target with one week to go before the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ends the program, one of many aimed at increasing lackluster revenues.

BIR Commissioner Lilian B. Hefti said the agency had booked only P1.6 billion worth as of February 27. The amount represents 5,400 entities who availed of the amnesty for unpaid internal revenue taxes up to 2005.
http://bworldonline.com/BW022908/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Flour millers seek price buffer

By Max V. de Leon
Reporter

WITH wheat prices rising anew to all-time highs in the world market, local flour millers have reiterated their request to the government to help them get a steady allocation of milling wheat from China as a way to cushion the impact on local consumers.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0229&012008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Arroyo allies for scrapping of EO 464

Nograles, solons back CBCP call to revoke order

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:57:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives, including Speaker Prospero Nograles, are in agreement with the Catholic bishops’ call for the revocation of Executive Order 464 which bars Executive Branch officials from appearing in congressional investigations without the consent of Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121888/Arroyo-allies-for-scrapping-of-EO-464


Esperon: Soldiers who join rally face arrest

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:58:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Armed Forces chief of staff Thursday threatened military personnel with arrest should they join Friday’s rally aimed at pressing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign over the raging corruption scandal involving the government’s $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121889/Esperon-Soldiers-who-join-rally-face-arrest


Aquino, Estrada to join Makati rally Friday

By Julie M. Aurelio, Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:59:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Two former presidents around whom two people power uprisings revolved are to attend today’s interfaith rally in Makati City calling for truth and accountability, reform and the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121890/Aquino-Estrada-to-join-Makati-rally-Friday


18 Pampanga priests pray over Arroyo in Palace

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:05:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Storming heaven with their pleas, 18 priests from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s home province of Pampanga prayed over her in Malacañang Thursday, on the eve of an interfaith rally to press for her resignation.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121892/18-Pampanga-priests-pray-over-Arroyo-in-Palace


UP profs ask Arroyo to quit; schools go ‘GMA-free’

By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:03:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- More than 1,200 faculty members of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City, have closed ranks to join the call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s resignation amid serious allegations of bribery and corruption in the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121893/UP-profs-ask-Arroyo-to-quit-schools-go-GMA-free


La Salle, Ateneo play for ‘Truth’ and ‘Jun’

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:04:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- For one historic game, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and the De La Salle University Green Archers are swapping jerseys and shooting hoops for the benefit of a man facing a full-court press from the Arroyo administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121894/La-Salle-Ateneo-play-for-Truth-and-Jun


Fil-Am leader joins clamor for truth in NBN controversy

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:06:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Loida Nicholas Lewis, a Filipino-American community leader, has joined the clamor to find out the truth behind the scrapped $329-million broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121895/Fil-Am-leader-joins-clamor-for-truth-in-NBN-controversy


Retired justice offers middle ground on libel

By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:07:00 02/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Rather than decriminalizing libel, former Supreme Court associate justice Vicente Mendoza is suggesting a middle ground to balance press freedom and the right of redress.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-121896/Retired-justice-offers-middle-ground-on-libel


GMA says God, not luck, helped her survive crisis

By Edith Regalado
Friday, February 29, 2008

DAVAO CITY – President Arroyo believes in prayer, not in luck.

“I do not believe in luck. I believe in Divine Providence. I know the Lord takes care of me as He takes care of each one of us,” said Mrs. Arroyo, whose administration is struggling to survive yet another crisis.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228151


‘Lagdameo ouster unlikely’

By Edu Punay
Friday, February 29, 2008

Catholic bishops calling for the resignation of President Arroyo are confident that moves to oust Archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo Angel Lagdameo as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will not succeed.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228152


Joker on EO 464: What’s there to revoke?

By Christina Mendez
Friday, February 29, 2008

Malacañang and the Senate should stop their battle for “political supremacy” by putting a stop to the bickering over the imposition of the controversial Executive Order (EO) 464.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228153


Palace: Plunder charge nothing but political harassment

Friday, February 29, 2008

Malacañang branded yesterday as political harassment the plunder charges filed against President Arroyo before the Office of the Ombudsman by a group led by former Senate president Jovito Salonga.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228154


JDV accuses GMA of doing nothing to stop plunder of allies, friends

By Jess Diaz
Friday, February 29, 2008

Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. has accused President Arroyo of allowing corrupt officials, political allies and businessmen-friends to plunder the nation.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228155


Madriaga maintains accusations vs ‘greedy group’ in credibility test

Friday, February 29, 2008

Former ZTE consultant turned Senate witness Dante Madriaga maintained yesterday that the “Greedy Group plus plus,” including the First Couple, was involved in the allegedly overpriced $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228156


Mikey to FG critics: Spare my father

By Paolo Romero
Friday, February 29, 2008

Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo called on detractors to spare his father, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, from personal attacks because of his delicate health.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228157


Cha-cha to solve political crisis?

By Jess Diaz
Friday, February 29, 2008

Allies of President Arroyo are planning to revive moves for Charter change (Cha-cha) to give the Chief Executive a way out of the current political crisis.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228158


Cory urged to uphold Constitution created during her term

By Perseus Echeminada
Friday, February 29, 2008

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez urged yesterday former President Corazon Aquino to heed the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to uphold the 1987 Charter and respect the duly-constituted authorities, instead of calling for the resignation of President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228159


Lozada lawyers get flak from CA justices

By Mike Frialde
Friday, February 29, 2008

The lawyers of ZTE whistleblower Rodolfo Lozada Jr. yesterday drew flak from justices of the Court of Appeals in the continuation of the hearing on his petition for a writ of amparo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228160


Use rally for reflection, not to force GMA resignation – Palace

Friday, February 29, 2008

Malacañang appealed yesterday to participants in today’s interfaith rally in Makati City to use the occasion for reflection to determine the truth in the controversy rocking the administration and not as a venue to force President Arroyo to step down.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080228163