January 16-22, 2008

January 16, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Jailed ex-solon missing

Villarosa can’t be located in 3 places

By Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:59:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- If he had left Makati Medical Center (MMC) but is not at St. Luke’s Medical Center, where could murder convict Jose Villarosa be?
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080116-112651/Jailed-ex-solon-missing



2. The Philippine Star

RP carriers to suffer from FAA downgrade

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The decision of a United States aviation watchdog to downgrade the Philippines’ rating in terms of compliance with international aviation safety standards would adversely affect Philippine Airlines (PAL)’s operations in the US, the flag carrier’s biggest revenue earner.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115113



3. Manila Times

Downgrade to hurt economy

PAL expansion to United States placed in limbo

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

The downgrading of the Philippine aviationstandards will “gravely affect” the economy, officials said, even as Philippine Airlines announced Tuesday it may suspend expansion plans in the United States.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/top_stories/20080116top1.html


4. Malaya

‘Destab’ real but notserious, says AFP ‘Nothing we can’t handle’

BY VICTOR REYES and JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

THE Armed Forces yesterday maintained the threat against government is real, denying a statement of Sen. Rodolfo Biazon that destabilization plots are being floated to justify an extension of the tour of duty of AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/news1.htm




5. Manila Bulletin

Palace downplays destabilization report

Magdalo soldiers are just ‘usual suspects’ – Gonzales
Plot to overthrow gov’t remote, says Ermita

By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN

Malacañang yesterday downplayed reports of a new plot to overthrow the government, said to coincide with the seventh anniversary of President Arroyo’s ascension to power through a "people power" revolt.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080116114458.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Avoid RP aircraft, US advises citizens

By Michaela del Callar and Angie M. Rosales

01/16/2008

The local airline industry expects a direct hit from the recent downgrading of the country to a Category 2 rating by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which was quickly followed yesterday by a United States government advisory on its citizens yesterday to shun Philippine carrier.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080116hed1.html


7. Abante

DESTAB PAKULO LANG!

Nina IRISH ANN CRUZ, BOYET JADULCO, ERALYN PRADO, NILO MARASIGAN, ROSE MIRANDA at JULIET DE LOZA

Mismong ang pamahalaan ang may pakana ng inilulutang nitong ‘destabilization plot’ laban sa sarili.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan1608/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

GLORIA SISIBAT SA ARAW NG DESTAB

Nina Rose Miranda, Rey Marfil at Bernard Taguinod

Sa mismong araw na sinasabing mangyayari ang bagong destabilisasyon laban sa gobyerno ay aalis ng bansa si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1608/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Edsa 2, Mendiola massacre anniv. 10,000 pulis idedeploy

Nina Joy Cantos At Doris Franche

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Aabot sa 10,000 pulis ang nakatakdang ideploy ng Philippine National Police (PNP) para magbantay kaug­nay ng isasagawang malawakang kilos protesta ng mga militanteng grupo sa magkasunod na pagdiriwang ng Edsa Dos at Mendiola massacre sa bansa sa susunod na mga araw.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011548


10. Journal

MANILA SHIELD

By: Alfred P. Dalizon

10,000 cops to secure metropolis on EDSA 2 anniversary amid coup talk

AROUND 10,000 policemen will guard Metro Manila during the sixth anniversary of the so-called EDSA 2 Revolution that forced former president Joseph E. Estrada out of Malacañang and catapulted President Macapagal-Arroyo to power, a senior Philippine National Police official said yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-16&sec=1&aid=46051

11. Business World

BY FELIPE F. SALVOSA II, Sub-Editor

US seeking RP support on Doha

THE WHITE HOUSE HAS ASKED THE PHILIPPINES to line up in support of a global trade deal it says will tear down barriers such as tariffs and protectionism, with Filipino negotiators being urged to revisit the country’s hardline stance in talks covering farm products, industrial goods, and services.
http://bworldonline.com/BW011608/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

11-mo remittances at $13.1B
CENTRAL BANK EXPECTS FULL-YEAR FORECAST OF $14.7B TO BE BREACHED

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

Elevated skills and higher deployment allowed the remittances of overseas Filipinos to push 14.1-percent higher in the first 11 months of 2007 to $13.1 billion, lifting hopes of another banner year.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/01162008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

FINAL OPTION
PNP to use force to eject media from ‘crisis situation’

By Alcuin Papa

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:04:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Police are calling a measure they are set on enforcing against journalists reporting at the scene of a coup “the final option.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080116-112655/PNP-to-use-force-to-eject-media-from-crisis-situation


President’s son on ‘indefinite leave’ from Lakas party

By Norman Bordadora

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:25:00 01/16/2008


MANILA, Philippines -- In a surprise move, the son of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, on Tuesday filed for indefinite leave from the ruling party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080116-112661/Presidents-son-on-indefinite-leave-from-Lakas-party


Arroyo presses Congress on P1.2-trillion budget

By Michael Lim Ubac, TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:33:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- With many contentious issues still to be resolved between House representatives and senators, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday expressed fears that the non-passage of the P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008 would derail the country’s economic growth.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080116-112662/Arroyo-presses-Congress-on-P12-trillion-budget


‘BINAY 2010’ plates crop up; Makati mayor not amused

By DJ Yap

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:01:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay is not tickled pink by the “BINAY 2010” vanity plates that have cropped up in some parts of Metro Manila.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080116-112663/BINAY-2010-plates-crop-up-Makati-mayor-not-amused


Election lawyers want one of their own in poll body

By Norman Bordadora

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:03:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s election lawyer and two other poll lawyers have asked her to appoint one of their own to one of the vacant posts in the Commission on Elections.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080116-112664/Election-lawyers-want-one-of-their-own-in-poll-body


Roxas pushing for JPEPA ratification

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:05:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Manuel Roxas II on Tuesday said he was advocating the ratification of the controversial free trade agreement with Japan, saying the country would stand to lose more by rejecting it.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080116-112665/Roxas-pushing-for-JPEPA-ratification


Palace won’t reveal list of 5 nominees to Comelec

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:39:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang is smack on the horns of a dilemma: To keep Filipinos guessing or to let them in on the selection of the next chair and two new members of the Commission on Elections.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080116-112653/Palace-wont-reveal-list-of-5-nominees-to-Comelec


GMA’s son bolting Lakas?

By Jess Diaz

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Presidential son and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo has gone on indefinite leave from the ruling Lakas party “for personal reasons.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115115


10,000 cops on standby vs destabilization moves

By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Thousands of policemen will be deployed in strategic points in Metro Manila on Jan. 18, the 21st anniversary of that fateful day in 1987 when scores of protesting farmers were gunned down at the foot of Chino Roces (Mendiola) Bridge by troops defending Malacañang.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115119


LTO orders centralized registration of vehicles

Land Transportation Office chief Reynaldo Berroya has ordered the immediate centralization of the initial registration of all imported motor vehicles, both brand new and used, at the LTO Diliman District Office in Quezon City.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115123


GMA to Congress: Speed up passage of 2008 budget bill

By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

President Arroyo urged yesterday senators and congressmen to hasten their work in reconciling the two versions of the proposed P1.227-trillion General Appropriations Act for the year as the delay in the passage of a new budget has been hampering implementation of priority projects.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115125

Imelda to shun politicking in 2010, but says BF a good presidential bet

By Rainier Allan Ronda

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Former first lady Imelda Marcos said she’s shunning politics in 2010 but is rooting for Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115126



‘Peace pact with MILF first before Cha-cha’

By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

President Arroyo approved yesterday a Cabinet proposal to prioritize the forging of an agreement on ancestral domain and a final peace settlement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before pushing for amendments to the Constitution to create a Muslim federal state in Mindanao, officials said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115127


Bush adviser cites resilience of RP economy

By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

A visiting US security official has cited the resilience of the Philippine economy despite external
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115128


Roxas: JPEPA to push through

By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Despite criticisms from senators during the deliberations on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), Sen. Manuel Roxas II sees the likely ratification of the controversial treaty and he himself would push for it to save the country from economic losses.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080115129


Angara bats for more perks for b’gay heads

By Christina Mendez

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Sen. Edgardo Angara sought yesterday for additional benefits for barangay captains to help them provide better services to their constituents.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2008011591


Bill to give haven to unwanted babies

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter

A congressman has filed a bill that will allow parents of unwanted babies to give up their children in favor of the government without fear of arrest and prosecution.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/top_stories/20080116top6.html


SPECIAL REPORT : SENIOR CITIZENS, DEVALUED, HUMILIATED

Manila goes after businesses denying seniors of discounts

By Rommel C. Lontayao, Reporter

WHILE proud of implementing the Expanded Senior Citizens’ Act successfully, the Manila City government emphasizes activities to catch and punish establishments that violate the law by refusing to give seniors the required discounts.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/top_stories/20080116top7.html



Sektor na apektado ng paglakas ng Piso ayudahan – PGMA

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Inutusan ni Pangulong Arroyo ang kanyang Gabinete na lumikha ng mas magagandang hakbangin upang matulungan ang ibang sektor ng ekonomiya na nakakaranas ngayon ng negatibong epekto sanhi ng pag­lakas ng piso.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011551


Ako ang original ‘Mr. Palengke’ - Bayani

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Tila nais ng bawiin ni Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando ang bansag na “Mr. Palengke” kay Senator Mar Roxas.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011553


Next Comelec chair ihahayag bago Peb. 2

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Bago ang Pebrero 2 ay siniguro ng Malacañang na magtatalaga si Pangulong Arroyo ng susunod na chairman ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na kukunin mula sa short list ng search committee.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011557


Roxas belittles gains from JPEPA

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

The Philippines has not much to lose from not ratifying a controversial trade pact with the Japanese government, Sen. Manuel Roxas 2nd said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/metro/20080116met1.html


Metro police ready for destabilization moves

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will be fielding more uniformed personnel in Metro Manila as talks of destabilization moves against the administration of President Gloria Arroyo refuse to die down.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/metro/20080116met3.html


Give Biofuels Law a chance–Zubiri

Senator says demand for biofuel crops will not affect food production

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri disputed Tuesday the claim of Nobel Laureate Dr. Hartmut Michel that the biofuel program would threaten food security, and urged that the Biofuel Law be given a chance.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/16/yehey/metro/20080116met5.html


PNP to ‘force out’ media men ignoring orders to leave

BY RAYMOND AFRICA

THE PNP yesterday said it would eject media men from areas of police or military operations if they continued to ignore appeals to leave.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/news2.htm


Gloria seeks MILF deal before Cha-cha

PRESIDENT Arroyo wants a memorandum of agreement on the ancestral domain agenda and a final peace agreement with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front first before working on amending the 1987 Constitution to enable the establishment of the Bangsa Moro Federal Governance.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/news4.htm


Senate, House urged to settle budget row

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday called on Congress to thresh out differences on the proposed P1.227 trillion national budget for 2008 and pass it as soon as possible so as not to delay the implementation of key projects and programs.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/news5.htm




Charter change rush scored

BY JP LOPEZ

SEN. Mar Roxas yesterday criticized Charter change proponents for claiming that the economy would not be able to fully take off if the 1987 Constitution is not amended.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/news7.htm


Non-ratification of JPEPA will cause us ‘definite’ losses: Mar

SEN. Mar Roxas II yesterday said there are "calculable and definite" losses if Congress fails to ratify the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/metro2.htm


Comelec wants list of nominees kept secret

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday urged Mala-cañang and members of the search committee it created to keep confidential the list of nominees for the chairman’s position.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/metro4.htm


‘Anyone who thinks that changing Gloria will solve our problems has not done his homework.’

Ducky Paredes

Can the Opposition unite?

While it is a noble cause to which former President Joseph Estrada has given himself – that of uniting the opposition so that it will have a single candidate for president in 2010 – he will definitely not succeed in this.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan16/edducky.htm


House leader assures P1.227-trillion 2008 nat’l budget approval

By BEN R. ROSARIO

The House of Representatives Majority Leader yesterday assured President Arroyo that the ruling coalition in the House is committed to pursue the dictates of national interest by approving the P1.227-trillion General Appropriations Act for 2008.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080116114459.html


Tendero: Never too early to talk about 2010 polls

By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO

It’s never too early to talk about the 2010 polls.

This was the view shared by Bishop Efraim Tendero, the national director of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC).
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080116114461.html


Gonzalez has support of the President, Palace confirms

By GENALYN D. KABILING

President Arroyo has full trust and confidence in embattled Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez despite protests about his department’s advisory to journalists not to get in the way of police-military operations, Malacañang said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080116114463.html


Pangilinan scores lack of transparency in Comelec selection

After months of calling for a transparent selection process for the next chairman and new commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan yesterday criticized the manner in which the short-list of nominees submitted to President Arroyo has been kept from the public.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080116114464.html


Solon presses bid for suspension of EVAT on oil to keep prices down

Sen. Mar Roxas said yesterday he will continue to stand by his proposal to "suspend" the value-added tax on oil and petroleum products, saying it is a fair and urgent step to address the present economic situation.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080116114466.html




GMA has destab docus—Palace official

By Sherwin C. Olaes

01/16/2008

Malacañang is holding on to two sets of documents that purportedly detail a plot aimed at unseating President Arroyo which is claimed by the Palace to have been hatched by her foes and critics who wish to cut short her 2010 term due to controversial issues hounding her presidency since she came to power in 2001.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080116hed2.html


PNP to use force on ‘stubborn’ media; GMA backs ‘warning’

01/16/2008

To avoid similar scenarios such as the Manila Peninsula hotel incident, where authorities had a hard time implementing their operations to arrest the alleged mutineers who holed up in the hotel because of the media that stood in their way, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday said it would now use force on journalists who refuse to vacate a site of critical security concern.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080116hed5.html


Zubiri dares Miriam to debate on biofuel

01/16/2008

Fireworks on the Senate floor are expected when sessions resume owing to a brewing row between two of President Arroyo’s allies in the Senate over the implementation of the Biofuels Act.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080116hed6.html


Roxas insists on oil VAT suspension

01/16/2008

Sen. Mar Roxas yesterday said he will continue to stand by his proposal to “suspend” the value-added tax (VAT) on oil and petroleum products, saying it is a fair and urgent step to address the present economic situation.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080116nat1.html


Solon sees passage of P1.23-T ’08 budget

01/16/2008

Underlining urgency, House of Representatives Majority Leader Arthur Defensor Tuesday said “national interest dictates” that Congress approve the P1.227-trillion General Appropriations Act for 2008 as soon as possible following Congress’ Jan. 28 resumption of session.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080116nat2.html


Federalism should be for entire RP — Pimentel

01/16/2008

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday said the proposed federal system of government should be set up not only in Muslim Mindanao but for the entire country.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080116nat3.html


LP-Atienza questions election of Roxas

01/16/2008

The Wing of the Liberal Party led by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza filed last Friday a case with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) questioning the election of Sen. Mar Roxas II as president of LP.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080116met2.html


Warning ni Gonzalez sa media OKs lang kay GMA

(Rose Miranda)

Hindi umano ikinagalit ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang sariling diskarte ni Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez na magpalabas ng press warning kamakailan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan1608/news04.htm







KANO BINAWALANG SUMAKAY SA RP AIRLINES

Nina Tina Mendoza at Boyet Jadulco


Pinagbawalan kahapon ng US government ang mga nationals nito na sumakay sa mga Philippine air carriers matapos bumaba umano ang Philippine aviation security safety standards na ipinatutupad sa mga airports.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan1608/news06.htm


Palasyo nakorner sa EVAT!

ni:RMarfil/BTaguinod

Ito ang nagkakaisang paglalarawan ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso sa pag-iwas pusoy ng Malacañang sa suspensyon ng expanded value added tax (EVAT) matapos gamiting depensa ang posibleng pagka-impeach ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1608/news2.htm


Kalasan sa Lakas umpisa na

ni: Bernard Taguinod

Habang papalapit ang pagbabalik-trabaho ng Kongreso, kinakalasan na ng ilang miyembro ang partidong Lakas-CMD na pinamumunuan ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1608/news3.htm


‘Selection’ ni Erap ibinasura ni Villar

ni: Rey Marfil

Hindi kinagat ni Senate President Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. ang selection process na ikinakasa ni dating Pangulong Joseph “Erap” Estrada bilang paraan sa pagpili ng magiging standard bearer ng oposisyon sa 2010 presidential election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1608/news4.htm


Text tax lumagapak

ni: Rey Marfil

Kung anong ingay ng text tax, kasing-lakas din ang naging paglagapak nito sa basurahan matapos ibasura ni Senate President Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. ang panibagong pagbubuwis na unang inilutang ni Department of Trade Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter Favila sa short messaging system (SMS).
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1608/news5.htm


Godfather ng smuggling pinasasampolan sa PASG

nina: Rey Marfil/Bernard Taguinod

Sa halip na puro press release at pagbabanta sa media ang atupagin, hinamon ng Senado si Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) chief Undersecretary (Usec) Antonio Villar na sampolan ang ‘godfather’ ng smuggling.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1608/news6.htm



January 17, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

5 suspected plotters held

A ploy to extend term of Esperon, say lawyers

By Nikko Dizon, Leila Salaverria, Alcuin Papa

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:03:00 01/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Security forces have arrested five active and dismissed soldiers in what critics described as a government move to raise the threat of a new plot to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and justify the extension of the term of her military chief as a prelude to a martial law declaration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080117-112907/5-suspected-plotters-held


2. The Philippine Star

RP dropped from list of world democracies

Thursday, January 17, 2008

WASHINGTON – The Philippines was one of three countries relegated by a private democracy watchdog organization from a list of totally free countries to partly free.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080116110


3. Manila Times

‘Billions of dollars’ at stake

Officials order safety audit after FAA’s aviation downgrade

The government has ordered an air safety audit after a downgrade by US regulators hit its national flag-carrier, a senior official said Wednesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/17/yehey/top_stories/20080117top1.html


4. Malaya

5 soldiers arrested
AFP says ‘plotters’ belong to Lim’s group

BY VICTOR REYES

FIVE active and discharged soldiers allegedly involved in a plot to destabilize government were arrested Tuesday in Quezon City, the military said yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan17/news1.htm










5. Manila Bulletin

RP, US extend military accord

5 years added to Mutual Logistics Support Agreement
New accord does not permit US military bases

By CHARISSA M. LUCI

The Philippines and the United States have agreed to extend for another five years the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) which expired last November.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080117114576.html


6. The Daily Tribune

5 ex-AFP men nabbed over destab rumor

But soldiers charged for possession of firearms

01/17/2008

Five discharged soldiers and one still in active duty, have been arrested over alleged plots to undermine the Arroyo government, their lawyers yesterday said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080117hed1.html


7. Abante

5 ‘DESTAB PLOTTERS’ DINAMPOT!

Nina JULIET DE LOZA, NILO MARASIGAN, ERALYN PRADO, ROSE MIRANDA at BOYET JADULCO

Limang sundalo ang inaresto at agad na kinasuhan kahapon sa Department of Justice (DOJ) sa hinalang kabilang sila sa mga kumikilos upang isakatuparan ang pinakabagong destabilization plot laban sa pamahalaang Arroyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan1708/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

MASS ARRESTS SA JAN. 22 NAMUMURO

ni: Bernard Taguinod

Pinangangambahan ng militanteng grupo sa Kongreso ang posibilidad na magpatupad ng mass arrests ang Malacañang sa darating na Enero 22 na anibersaryo ng Mendiola Massacre kaya ngayon pa lamang umano ay pinapainit na ng mga alipores ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tulad ni Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez ang destabilization plot kahit wala itong sapat na basehan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1708/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Paglaya ni Manero naunsiyami!

Nina Rose Tamayo-Tesoro At Gemma Amargo-Garcia

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Naudlot ang nakatakda sanang paglaya kahapon ni priest killer Norberto Manero matapos pansamantalang harangin ng Department of Justice (DOJ).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011636










10. Journal

PRIEST KILLED

By: Alfred P. Dalizon & Lee Ann Ducusin

Gunmen raid Notre Dame campus, abduct teacher

MASKED gunmen raided the Notre Dame campus in Tabawan, South Ubian Tawi-tawi Tuesday night and abducted a priest and a teacher before escaping. However, Father Rey Roda of the Oblate of Mary Immaculate was killed as the gunmen clashed with pursuing policemen, reports said.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-17&sec=1&aid=46173


11. Business World

FAA downgrade spurs action

OFFICIALS YESTERDAY MOVED to contain the fallout of a US downgrade of the Philippine aviation sector, with the Transportation department ordering an air safety review and Congress vowing to approve a crucial reform measure.
http://bworldonline.com/BW011708/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

2007 BOP at $8.6-B surplus
PROJECTION FOR 2008 JUST ABOUT HALF, HOWEVER

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

THEY had to recast it upward three times last year, but the actual balance of payments (BOP) in 2007 ended with a surplus of $8.566 billion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Wednesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/01172008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

‘Goodbye, Erap’ welcomes Estrada to Inquirer

By Francis Ochoa

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:51:00 01/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- As signs come, none was as awkward as what greeted Joseph “Erap” Estrada at the Philippine Daily Inquirer office in Makati City on Tuesday night.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080117-112917/Goodbye-Erap-welcomes-Estrada-to-Inquirer


Mikey Arroyo quitting Lakas may signal De Venecia ouster

By Norman Bordadora, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Kristine L. Alave

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:53:00 01/17/2008


MANILA, Philippines -- The pain caused by the statements made by the son of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. in a Senate inquiry made it easier for Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, a son of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to leave the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, a leader of the ruling party told the Philippine Daily Inquirer Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080117-112918/Mikey-Arroyo-quitting-Lakas-may-signal-De-Venecia-ouster



Santiago declines Zubiri’s challenge to debate on biofuels

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Norman Bordadora

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:08:00 01/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago Wednesday declined a challenge from freshman Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for them to engage in a debate on the government’s biofuel program, offering instead her former law student or grandchild to stand in for her in the verbal battle.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080117-112919/Santiago-declines-Zubiris-challenge-to-debate-on-biofuels


Senator Santiago, too, favors RP-Japan pact

But she sets conditions for JPEPA ratification

By Dona Pazzibugan

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:11:00 01/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Administration Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Wednesday said she would propose a conditional Senate ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080117-112920/Senator-Santiago-too-favors-RP-Japan-pact


Despite Arroyo, they have no regrets on EDSA 2

By Jerome Aning

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:18:00 01/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Three young leftist leaders who participated in the second EDSA “People Power” revolt in 2001 have no regrets about having helped catapult President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to power even if her administration turned out to be “even worse” than the one it replaced.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080117-112922/Despite-Arroyo-they-have-no-regrets-on-EDSA-2


JV may have to postpone senatorial bid, says Erap

By Kristine L. Alave

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:46:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines – It looks like San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito would have to wait a few more years before affixing “senator” to his name.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20080116-112869/JV-may-have-to-postpone-senatorial-bid-says-Erap


Atienza questions Roxas LP presidency

By Margaux Ortiz

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:10:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Liberal Party continues to be divided with the faction led by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza filing a case with the Commission on Elections questioning the election of Senator Manuel Roxas II as president of the party.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080116-112858/Atienza-questions-Roxas-LP-presidency


Mike Arroyo’s bid to quash journalists’ case junked

By DJ Yap

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:04:00 01/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Journalists who sued the President’s husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo, for damages over alleged press freedom violations scored a legal victory after a Makati court junked Arroyo’s motion seeking the dismissal of the case.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080116-112857/Mike-Arroyos-bid-to-quash-journalists-case-junked



5 mutineers nabbed for destabilization plot

By Jaime Laude
Thursday, January 17, 2008

Police and military intelligence agents arrested last Tuesday afternoon five dismissed soldiers for alleged involvement in the latest destabilization plot against the Arroyo government, sources said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080116114


Tourism industry alarmed over aviation downgrade

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Thursday, January 17, 2008

Tourism groups have expressed alarm over the recent ratings downgrade by a US aviation watchdog on the Philippines’ compliance with international air safety standards.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080116117


Lakas not alarmed by Mikey’s indefinite leave

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Lakas officials are apparently not alarmed by the decision of presidential son and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo to go on an indefinite leave from the ruling party.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080116121


Miriam turns down debate challenge on biofuels law
By Christina Mendez
Thursday, January 17, 2008

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has refused to debate Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri on the Biofuels Act and proposed instead that lawyer Aquilino Pimentel III face the lawmaker against whom he has a pending protest before the Senate Electoral Tribunal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080116126


Mikey preparing to challenge JdV for Speakership

By Maricel V. Cruz Reporter

The ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) has lined up as many as 30 senatorial bets for the 2010 national elections.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/17/yehey/top_stories/20080117top4.html


Revilla files bill to make helmets a must for motorcycle riders

By Christina Mendez
Thursday, January 17, 2008

To reduce the high number of serious injuries and deaths involving motorcycles and scooters, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. filed a bill that mandates all riders of motorcycles and scooters to wear standard quality helmets.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=49&type=2&sec=26&aid=2008011668


It’s business as usual for GMA, says Bunye

THE Presidential Security Group went on red alert Tuesday afternoon following reports of another destabilization move against the Arroyo administration, but the Palace said it would be "business as usual."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan17/news3.htm


‘Who dropped ball on aviation safety?’

BY JP LOPEZ

SEN. Mar Roxas yesterday filed a resolution seeking an inquiry on the findings of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory downgrading the ratings of the Philippine aviation industry.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan17/news6.htm


Noli unacceptableto Lakas stalwarts?

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

A STORM is brewing within the ruling Lakas-CMD party over the possibility that Vice President Noli de Castro would be its standard bearer in 2010.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan17/news7.htm


‘Pinas nasa category 2 ng FAA, PAL flights sa US apektado

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Hiniling kahapon ng Air Transportation Office (ATO) sa Kongreso na agad ipasa ang nakabinbing panuka­lang “Air Safety Law” dahil sa posibleng pagbagsak ng turismo sa bansa matapos ibaba sa category 2 ang Pilipinas ng Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011637


Govt sets 2-percent oil tariff cut in February

Reduction can result in the lowering of diesel prices by P1 per liter

By Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo Reporter

Consumers can expect a reduction in diesel prices next month after world oil prices breached the government’s set trigger points for reducing import tariffs.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/17/yehey/metro/20080117met1.html


Senate to make final push for JPEPA

By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said Wednesday that the Japanese ambassador had already accepted in principle her explanation that Senate concurrence in the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) does not impose any obligation on the Philippines that would violate the Constitution.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/17/yehey/metro/20080117met2.html


Bishops endorse Rights member to Comelec

By William B. Depasupil Reporter

WHO will be the next chairman of the powerful Commission on Elections (Comelec)? Will President Gloria Arroyo extend the term of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff?
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/17/yehey/metro/20080117met9.html


Malacañang guwardiyado

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Inilagay sa red alert status ng Presidential Security Group (PSG) ang seguridad sa Malacanang complex.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011642


5 sundalo huli sa destab plot vs GMA

Nina Joy Cantos at Danilo Garcia
Thursday, January 17, 2008

Limang sundalo, kabilang ang apat na Scout Rangers na nasangkot sa February 2006 kudeta ang nasakote ng pinagsanib na operatiba ng militar at pulisya kaugnay ng planong panibagong destabilisas­yon laban sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sa operasyon sa Quezon City.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=50&type=2&sec=55


Senate alarmed by resurgence of killings

By Angie M. Rosales

01/17/2008

Senate leaders yesterday raised the alarm over the apparent resur-gence of extra-judicial killings in the country, taking to task the Philippine National Police (PNP) in containing the situation before it gets worse.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080117hed2.html


Jan. 22 security plan overkill, says Opposition

By KRIS BAYOS

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said yesterday the plan to deploy 10,000 policemen to guard Malacañang on Tuesday, Jan. 22, will only create an image of a regime under siege, sowing panic and confusion among the public and the foreign community. Government officials, quoting intelligence sources, earlier said that there would be a destabilization attempt on Jan. 22.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080117114581.html


Gordon pushes for automation of elections

By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

A recount of votes of senatorial candidates Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and Juan Miguel Zubiri would not have been necessary if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) pushed through with the implementation of an Automated Election System as provided by a law passed by Congress in January, 2007. Sen. Richard Gordon said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080117114585.html


Mikey’s leave from Lakas sets tone for JdV’s ouster

01/17/2008

With all concerned sectors on the Speakership issue choosing to maintain silence, the unexpected filing of an indefinite leave of absence of presidential son Rep. Mikey Arroyo from the ruling party, Lakas, further bols-tered reports that Malacañang is bent on removing Jose de Venecia Jr. as Speaker.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080117hed3.html


Senate readies probe into US FAA downgrade

By Angie M. Rosales

01/17/2008

Heads will likely roll as the Senate moves to hold an inquiry into the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) downgrade to Category 2 rating and the US government’s subsequent travel advisory for its citizens not to take Philippine aircraft for their flight.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080117hed5.html


Transport group threatens to hold protests anew

01/17/2008

Militant transport federation Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) yesterday denounced the Arroyo administration’s insistence that the government cannot suspend the 12-percent expanded value added tax (eVAT) on oil and other petroleum products in view of the high oil prices as it threatened to mount a series of nationwide protest actions.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080117nat1.html


Gov’t hawked state assets to turn in good fiscal report — senator

01/17/2008

Malacañang cannot gloat over its last year’s fiscal performance as a lower-than-projected deficit, was achieved through the sale of state assets and the questionable system of booking the government’s own tariff payments on its rice imports as revenue, Sen. Chiz Escudero said yesterday.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080117nat2.html


‘Pork’ cut proposal stirs mixed reactions from solons

01/17/2008

The proposal of Rep. Erin Tañada to decrease lawmakers’ “pork barrels” to help the economy yesterday drew mixed reactions from both administration and opposition congressmen, who said such move would adversely affect government service in the countryside.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080117nat3.html


Binay: Fielding of 10,000 troops on Jan. 22 an overkill

01/17/2008

Makati City Mayor and United Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar Binay yesterday described as another case of overkill the plan to deploy 10,000 policemen and soldiers on Jan. 22 to head off a supposed destabilization plot.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080117met1.html


Gloria nagpapaampon sa Spain

(Rey Marfil)

Ito ang naging pagbubunyag ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson matapos umanong ‘tuhugin’ ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang Switzerland at Spain sa kanyang biyahe ngayong Enero 22, kasama ang malaking delegasyon sa kabila ng inilulutang na destabilisasyon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1708/news2.htm


Solons sa smuggling mahuhubaran

(Bernard Taguinod)

Mahuhubaran kung sinu-sino sa mga mambabatas ang protektor ng mga smugglers sa bansa kapag sineryoso ng Kongreso ang pag-iimbestiga sa smuggling activities.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1708/news3.htm



Scrap E-VAT, or else -- PISTON

By: Jun Icban-Legaspi

MILITANT transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) is planning to launch a series of protest actions next month if the government does not suspend the Expanded-Value Added Tax on petroleum products.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-17&sec=1&aid=46194


Gobyerno makakatipid ng P32B ‘pag isinakripisyo ang pork barrel

(Rey Marfil)

Kung paiiralin ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, maging ng bawat miyembro ng dalawang Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang pagtitipid, humigit-kumulang P32 bilyong halaga ang matitipid ng gobyerno.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1708/news4.htm


Pagkaltas sa pork barrel, dapat pag-aralan -- Angara
MAGDURUSA lamang ang mga mamamayan na residente ng mahihirap na mga lalawigan saka-ling matuloy ang panukalang kaltasan ang pork barrel funds ng mga kongresista sa gitna ng mga suhestiyon na magpataw ng panibagong buwis.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-17&sec=4&aid=46137


Lakas-CMD ‘di mauuga sa pagkalas ni Mikey

(Bernard Taguinod)

Naniniwala ang mga miyembro ng Lakas-CMD na walang magiging negatibong epekto sa kanilang partido kung tuluyan mang kumalas si Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1708/news5.htm



January 18, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Arroyo fires aviation chief

US Embassy tells citizens to avoid RP airlines

By Michael Lim Ubac, Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:55:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday sacked Air Transportation Office officer in charge Danilo Dimagiba as -- in a blow to Philippine civil aviation pride -- the United States Embassy advised Americans to shun Philippine carriers and fly only on airlines of countries that meet international safety standards.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080118-113150/Arroyo-fires-aviation-chief



2. The Philippine Star

Palace slams freedom watchdog for downgrade

By Paolo Romero
Friday, January 18, 2008

Malacañang hit back yesterday at the New York-based Freedom House that downgraded the Philippines’ state of democracy to “partly free,” saying the private watchdog ignored positive developments in the country.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117126



3. Manila Times

Angara sees 7 bets in 2010

It won’t be an administration versus opposition matchup

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

The 2010 presidential elections will not be a battle between the administration and the opposition and that several candidates vying for president is a likely scenario, Senators Mar Roxas 2nd and Edgardo Angara said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/18/yehey/top_stories/20080118top1.html


4. Malaya

1 of 5 soldiers freed
Lawyer says guns planted

BY VICTOR REYES

THE military yesterday released one of five former soldiers who were arrested Tuesday for illegal possession of firearms and for alleged involvement in a plot to destabilize the Arroyo administration.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan18/news1.htm




5. Manila Bulletin

Gov’t cuts tariff on imported oil

EO aims to cushion impact of rising oil prices
Lower petroleum tariff expected to help consumers

Genalyn D. Kabiling

President Arroyo has issued Executive Order 691, implementing a temporary reduction in oil tariff to cushion the impact of soaring world oil prices on the domestic economy and the people.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080118114673.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Gov’t drops case vs 2 nabbed ex-AFP men

01/18/2008

After making much of the arrest of five discharged soldiers and portraying them as “destabilizers,” Department of Justice prosecutors yesterday dropped the charge of illegal possession of firearms against two of those arrested, saying there was no probable cause to indict the two.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080118hed1.html


7. Abante

DEMOKRASYA, LUSAW NA SA RP!

Nina ROSE MIRANDA, ERALYN PRADO at BOYET JADULCO

Tinanggal na sa listahan ng “world democracies” o mga bansang nagtatamasa ng ‘total freedom’ ang Pilipinas.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan1808/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

2 GABINETE SINISI SA PAGBAGSAK NG RP

Nina Bernard Taguinod at Rey Marfil

Sina Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Raul Gonzalez at National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales ang itinuturong dahilan kung bakit nalaglag na ang Pilipinas mula sa talaan ng mga bansang may demokrasya.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1808/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Newshen na ‘tumulong’ kay Faeldon kakasuhan

Nina Joy Cantos at Gemma Amargo-Garcia
Friday, January 18, 2008

Posibleng maharap sa kasong ‘obstruction of justice” o pagkakanlong ng kalaban ng estado ang isang lady reporter na diumano’y tumulong kay Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon para makatakas habang nasa kasagsagan ng standoff sa Manila Peninsula.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011781


10. Journal

RIFT

By: Jester P. Manalastas

GMA son airs beef against De Venecia

A FEW days after taking a leave of absence from the ruling Lakas-CMD party, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Macapagal-Arroyo admitted that he felt bad about Speaker Jose de Venecia’s taking a stand against amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-18&sec=1&aid=46319





11. Business World

Oil tariff rate cut
1% rate takes effect in Feb.

THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT has finalized world oil price levels that will trigger a cut in tariff rates, saying in a statement yesterday that a two percentage reduction to 1% from 3% will take effect next month.
http://bworldonline.com/BW011808/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

BSP forex losses climb to P84B

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has often shrugged off its foreign-exchange losses in the past and yet they continue to mount—climbing to P83.98 billion in the first 11 months of 2007.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0118&192008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Estrada: At least P5B needed for Palace run

By Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:10:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- To emerge the victor in the next presidential election, an aspirant, especially one lacking in extreme popularity, needs to have a kitty of at least P5 billion.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080118-113170/Estrada-At-least-P5B-needed-for-Palace-run

Arroyo says new plot just ‘political theatrics’

By Michael Lim Ubac

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:30:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday shrugged off an alleged new plot to overthrow her administration as nothing more than “self-indulgent political theatrics.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080118-113173/Arroyo-says-new-plot-just-political-theatrics

Mikey Arroyo still mum on Lakas leave

By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:13:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The slow pace by which the House leadership plans to act on the bill amending the Electric and Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) is not the reason Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo, one of its authors, filed for indefinite leave from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, the administration coalition.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080118-113177/Mikey-Arroyo-still-mum-on-Lakas-leave


RP, US sign deal extending logistics support agreement

Friday, January 18, 2008

The Philippines and the United States formally signed last November an agreement extending for five years a military logistics support arrangement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117132


To ‘heal wounds of Edsa,’ GMA decides not to celebrate people power 2

Friday, January 18, 2008

Malacañang will not celebrate the second “People Power” revolt that catapulted President Arroyo to power in accordance with her wish of “healing the wounds of EDSA.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117140


Mikey: I am not interested in JDV’s post

By Jess Diaz
Friday, January 18, 2008

Presidential son and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo said yesterday he is not interested in the job of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117142


Senators slam lack of transparency over Comelec nominees

By Christina Mendez
Friday, January 18, 2008

Senators criticized yesterday the lack of transparency over the current nominees for chairman and commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117143


GMA: Failed plots have made RP stronger

By Paolo Romero
Friday, January 18, 2008

The failed coup attempts against the administration have only made the country stronger and the economy more stable, President Arroyo claimed yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117148


Australia hopeful RP Senate will ratify SOVFA

By Pia Lee-Brago
Friday, January 18, 2008

Australian officials hope the Philippine Senate will start the ratification process on the RP-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) that could be delayed due to “competing” interests, despite the completion of the ratification process on the accord in the Australian Parliament.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117156


Gonzales bats for Esperon’s extension

By Edith Regalado
Friday, January 18, 2008

DAVAO CITY – National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales is pushing for the extension of the term of Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who is supposed to retire on Feb. 9 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117153


Congress urged to give up half of ‘pork’ to offset revenue losses

By Jess Diaz
Friday, January 18, 2008

A congressman offered yesterday to give up half of the pork barrel fund of lawmakers to offset the government’s expected revenue losses from the proposed suspension of the value added tax (VAT) on oil products to reduce the price of gasoline.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117157


Miriam-Migz word war over biofuels law worsens

By Aurea Calica
Friday, January 18, 2008

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago is not about to stop hitting neophyte Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri for challenging her to a debate on the Biofuels Act, even warning members of Congress of possible charges of “conflict of interest in authoring laws that would benefit their families’ business interests.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117158



Roxas to reconcile with Atienza-led LP faction

By Aurea Calica
Friday, January 18, 2008

Sen. Manuel Roxas II said recently he would extend the hand of reconciliation to the Liberal Party faction led by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza even as he questioned the timing of a new case filed before the Commission on Elections disputing his proclamation as LP president last November.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080117160


Majority of Pinoys see politicians as dishonest

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

More than half of Filipinos consider their political leaders at present as dishonest, a global survey commissioned by the World Economic Forum and released Thursday said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/18/yehey/top_stories/20080118top2.html


Palace shrugs off Freedom House report

But opposition blames military for the country’s decline in democracy

By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter

Malacañang shrugged off a report by an American private democracy watchdog organization, which said freedom and democracy in the Philippines declined last year.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/18/yehey/metro/20080118met1.html


No plans to unseat JdV, for now

President Gloria Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pipino (Kampi) has no plans to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., as of now.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/18/yehey/metro/20080118met4.html


EDITORIAL

Jpepa inches forward

AFTER spending time in the doldrums, the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) promises to come back to life and to return to the Senate for a final discussion and vote.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/18/yehey/opinion/20080118opi1.html


GMA: 2007 was year ofeconomic turnaround

BY REGINA BENGCO

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday said 2007 was the year of the Philippines’ economic turn around came about because the business community did not support destabilization attempts against her government.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan18/news2.htm


Energy ‘green print’ in the works

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday said a series of high-level meetings will be held this month and in February to "develop a blueprint or more aptly, a green print for the energy future of our nation."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan18/news3.htm


Religious leaders most trusted,politicians least trusted, says study

BY RUELLE ALBERT CASTRO

FILIPINOS trust their religious leaders more than politicians and would probably elect them.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan18/news4.htm


Loren cites threats to RP democracy

Sen. Loren Legarda said yesterday that restrictions on press freedom and the right of the people to peacefully assemble without being violently dispersed by the police are among the biggest threats to Philippine democracy.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080118114674.html


Miriam voices concern on biofuel issue

Hannah L. Torregoza

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, who will head the new Biofuels Oversight Committee, warned yesterday that unregulated biofuel production can result in environmental destruction, pollution, and human health damage.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080118114675.html


Liberal Party sets anniversary rites at Manila Hotel

Reiterating his call for the reconciliation and reinvigoration of the Liberal Party (LP), Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, who heads a major bloc of the LP, will lead the celebration of the party’s 62nd founding anniversary tomorrow, Jan. 19, at The Tent City of the historic Manila Hotel.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080118114678.html


Roxas announces LP ‘town hall’ meet in QC barangay

The Liberal Party (LP) will celebrate its 62nd founding anniversary with a series of community-based activities in Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City that will culminate with a "mini-town hall meeting" on Jan. 30 where party members and officials will interact and discuss current issues and advocacies with local residents.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080118114679.html


Palace in denial mode, says RP has ‘vibrant democracy’

01/18/2008

With the Freedom House downgrading further the rating of freedom in the Philippines and still retaining the “partly free” from years ago “totally free” tag following the Heritage House’s downgrade of the Philippine economy also as “mostly unfree” due to massive corruption and a weak judiciary under President Arroyo, Malacañang yesterday predictably belittled a survey from the New York-based Freedom House which tagged the Philippines as one of three countries having received a downgrade.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080118hed5.html


Speaker, who me? Mikey says of oust-JdV campaign

By Gerry Baldo

01/18/2008

Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, son of President Arroyo, said yesterday he does not have anything to do with the move to unseat Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., adding the reason for his “leave” of absence from the Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats, headed by De Venecia, was personal and does not have anything to do with politics.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080118hed6.html


2010 candidates urged to keep this year ‘politics free’

Hannah L. Torregoza

Sen. Edgardo J. Angara yesterday advised potential candidates in the May 2010 presidential and local elections to keep 2008 "free from politics."
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080118114705.html



Democracy vibrant in RP, says Palace

Genalyn D. Kabiling

Malacañang yesterday asserted that the Philippines continues to have a vibrant democracy, disputing a foreign watchdog’s claims that freedom has declined in the country.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080118114706.html


Gov't lauds arrest of 5 ‘destab’ suspects

Genalyn D. Kabiling and Rio Rose Ribaya

Malacañang yesterday lauded authorities for the arrest of five former soldiers linked to a new destabilization plot against the government.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080118114710.html


Erap prevails anew over ‘JV’ not to run for Senate seat

01/18/2008

San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito yesterday said he would forego his political ambition to run for a national post.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080118met2.html


LP’s majority headed by Atienza marks party’s 62nd anniversary tomorrow

01/18/2008

Reiterating its call for the reconciliation and reinvigorating of the Liberal Party, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, who heads the majority bloc of the LP, will celebrate the Party’s 62nd Founding Anniversary tomorrow, Jan. 19, at The Tent of Manila Hotel.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080118met5.html


The tragedy of Ping Lacson

ZOOMING IN

Rudy Romero

01/18/2008

In politics, being qualified and being likely to achieve success are not always one and the same thing, and an individual who bears all the hallmarks of qualification may not necessarily bear those of electability.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20080118com3.html


Presidentiables puro pasaway!

ni: (Rey Marfil)

Sa harap ng deklarasyong hindi interesadong sumali sa presidential derby, inilarawan ni administration Sen. Edgardo “Edong” Angara na maagang pasaway ang mga nagsusulputang presidentiables sa 2010 election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1808/news_story2.htm


2 sundalo sa destab abswelto

(Grace Velasco/Bernard Taguinod)

Inabswelto ng Department of Justice (DOJ) ang dalawa sa limang dating sundalo na kinasuhan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) dahil sa paniniwalang kaisa ang mga ito sa umano’y bagong destabilisasyon laban sa administrasyon. http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1808/news_story3.htm


Pagkalas ni Mikey wa epek

ni: (Rey Marfil)

Ibinasura kahapon ni Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. ang senaryong magkakawatak-watak ang partidong Lakas-CMD dahil lamang sa pagkalas ng anak ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na si Pampanga Cong. Mikey Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1808/news_story4.htm


Admin allies ayaw sa EVAT suspension

ni: (Rey Marfil)

Sa panahon ng kagipitan, walang ibang maasahan si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kundi ang sariling tauhan matapos palagan ni administration Senator Edgardo Angara ang suspensyon sa expanded value added tax (EVAT) na ipinapataw sa lahat ng petroleum products.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1808/news_story5.htm


Santiago cautions senators

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo

THE debate over the implementation of the Biofuels Law in 2009 is getting hotter as Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago warned fellow senators against holding “any financial interest in any special privilege granted by government.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-18&sec=4&aid=46310


Senate okays Civil Aviation Bill -- Enrile

THE Senate has fully done its part in coming out with a proposed law seeking to elevate the level of safety of its air carrier operators in accordance with the standards set by the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-18&sec=4&aid=46322



January 19, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Pass JPEPA now, President urges Senate

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

MANILA, Philippines--WITH the two senators who reviewed the controversial free trade agreement with Japan endorsing its passage, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday urged the treaty-ratifying Senate to immediately approve the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080119-113370/Pass-JPEPA-now-President-urges-Senate


2. The Philippine Star

Loren loses case vs Noli

By Mike Frialde
Saturday, January 19, 2008

The Supreme Court, convened as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, junked yesterday the election protest of Sen. Loren Legarda against Vice President Noli de Castro, citing insufficiency of evidence that she had been cheated in the 2004 elections.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080118132


3. Manila Times

Lakas-Kampi split widens

President’s party looking to field its own 2010 bet

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter

President Gloria Arroyo’s Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) might field its own presidential candidate in the 2010 elections, prompting the party to say this move will lead to the collapse of the ruling coalition, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas).
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/19/yehey/top_stories/20080119top1.html


4. Malaya

Poll tribunal dismisses
Loren protest vs Noli
Says revision would not affect margin,
Legarda abandoned case when she ran

BY EVANGELINE DE VERA

THE Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, yesterday dismissed and terminated the election protest filed by Sen. Loren Legarda against Vice President Noli de Castro for failure to sufficiently prove her claim of fraud.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan19/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

SC issues Amparo for priest

‘Running priest’ wants hold-departure orders lifted
Father Reyes receives Writ of Amparo from High Court

Rey G. Panaligan

The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a Writ of Amparo for Fr. Robert Reyes, known as the "Running Priest," and directed the Court of Appeals (CA) to resolve his plea to compel the Department of Justice (DoJ) to lift its hold-departure orders (HDOs) issued against him and those who participated in the Nov. 29, 2007 stand-off at the Peninsula Manila Hotel in Makati City.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080119114747.html


6. The Daily Tribune

AFP chief: Coup plot well-financed, soldier in custody

By Angie M. Rosales and Gina Peralta-Elorde

01/19/2008

Military chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., after days of evasion and denials that a sixth soldier was arrested and detained in secrecy by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp), finally admitted yesterday to media that missing Cpl. Jaime Dumagpi, who remains in active service, is under military custody and is currently undergoing tactical interrogation.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080119hed1.html


7. Abante

‘WAG KA NANG MANAKOT, ESPERON!

Nina REY MARFIL, ERALYN PRADO at NILO MARASIGAN

Sinabihan kahapon ni Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson si Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon na tigilan na ang pananakot sa taumbayan gamit ang ‘moro-morong’ destabilization plot.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan1908/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

JDV BUBULAGAIN SA BALIK-SESYON

ni: Bernard Taguinod

Hindi malayong mabulaga si House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. sa pagbubukas ng Kongreso sa Enero 28, 2008 at posibleng may kinalaman umano ito sa pagkalas ng anak ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Lakas-CMD.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1908/news5.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Class suit vs PNP isasampa ng media

Ni Joy Cantos
Saturday, January 19, 2008

Dahil umano sa banta sa press freedom, nakatakdang magsampa ng class suit ang ilang naposasang miyembro ng media laban sa Philippine National Police (PNP) kaugnay ng naganap na pag-aaklas ng grupo ni Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV sa Manila Peninsula Hotel sa Makati City noong Nobyembre 29, 2008.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011867


10. Journal

LOREN LOSES POLL PROTEST

By: Hector Lawas
SC rules Senate bid doomed case

THE Supreme Court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, yesterday dismissed with finality the election protest filed by Sen. Loren B. Legarda against Vice President Noli L. De Castro.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-19&sec=1&aid=46422


11. Business World

Metro Manila gets brief respite from power rate hike

Power bills from Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for the next four months will barely be affected by a recent order by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), as mandated reductions offset authorized increases in generation charges.
http://bworldonline.com/BW011908/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror




II. POLITICAL

Groups nominate 2 to Comelec top post

By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:22:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A coalition of groups pushing for electoral reforms on Friday nominated retired Supreme Court Justice Jose Melo and poll watchdog head Carlos Medina to chair the Commission on Elections.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080118-113366/Groups-nominate-2-to-Comelec-top-post


Villar to heed doctors’ plea on cheaper medicines bill

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Beverly T. Natividad
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:59:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Senate President Manuel Villar said Friday he would look into the provision of the Quality Affordable Medicine bill which sought to bar doctors from prescribing branded drugs to their patients.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080118-113362/Villar-to-heed-doctors-plea-on-cheaper-medicines-bill


Rival LP factions to hold separate anniversaries

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:10:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- From rump elections to bogus anniversary celebrations, the Drilon wing of the Liberal Party continues to view with disdain efforts of the rival wing of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza to foist itself as the party’s legitimate representatives.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080118-113348/Rival-LP-factions-to-hold-separate-anniversaries


Group urges Congress to retain cuts in budget debt account

By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:28:00 01/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A non-government organization on Friday called on the congressional bicameral committee reconciling differences between the two chambers’ versions of the 2008 budget to retain the cuts in debt interest payment and reallocation for basic services.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080118-113346/Group-urges-Congress-to-retain-cuts-in-budget-debt-account


(UPDATE) Arroyo urges Senate to ratify JPEPA

By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:13:00 01/18/2008


MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged the Senate on Friday to ratify the controversial Japan Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20080118-113259/UPDATE-Arroyo-urges-Senate-to-ratify-JPEPA


Meralco to implement rate reduction, hike

By Donnabelle Gatdula
Saturday, January 19, 2008

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to reduce its generation rate by 16.14 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) starting next month.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080118135


Senate to summon sacked ATO chief, DOTC execs

By Aurea Calica
Saturday, January 19, 2008

Sen. Richard Gordon said he would call transportation and tourism officials to a Senate hearing to know the circumstances behind the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) rating downgrade of the Philippine aviation industry.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080118138


JPEPA approval may hinge on side agreement on toxic waste issue

By Marvin Sy
Saturday, January 19, 2008

Several members of the Senate are looking at introducing a side agreement for the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) to correct the issue on the importation of toxic waste shipments from Japan which has delayed the ratification of the accord.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080118139


Palace defends MLSA extension

By Paolo Romero
Saturday, January 19, 2008

Malacañang upheld yesterday the extension of the RP-US Mutual Logistics Security Agreement (MLSA) as a boost to the nation’s security.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080118141


Noli de Castro: ‘I won fair and square’ as VP

By Francis Earl A. Cueto, Reporter

VICE-President Noli de Castro said Friday that the decision of the Supreme Court upholding his victory in the 2004 elections against now Sen. Loren Legarda is a “triumph of truth.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/19/yehey/top_stories/20080119top2.html


President presses Senate to ratify JPEPA

President Gloria Arroyo said she wishes that the Senate would ratify an economic agreement between Manila and Tokyo without further delay.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/19/yehey/top_stories/20080119top4.html


Protesta ni Loren vs Noli ibinasura ng SC

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Ibinasura kahapon ng Supreme Court (SC) ang inihaing election protest ni Sen. Loren Legarda laban kay Vice President Noli De Castro, kaugnay sa kinukuwestiyong resulta ng Vice-Presidential race noong 2004.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011871


Ping running but not sure it’s for presidency

BY DENNIS GADIL

SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday declared his intention to run in 2010 but is undecided if it is for the presidency.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan19/news4.htm

Pagtakbo ni JV sa Senado sa 2010 malabo

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Muling mauunsiyami ang planong pagtakbo sa pagka-senador sa 2010 ni San Juan City Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito matapos na payuhan ni dating pangulong Joseph Estrada na isantabi muna ang ambisyong ito alang-alang kay Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011874


2 US senators support Filipino veterans’ bill

Genalyn D. Kabiling

Visiting American Senators Daniel Inouye and Theodore Stevens have promised to support the urgent passage of the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill in the US Congress.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080119114749.html


JdV replacement last kink in ouster

01/19/2008

Amid denials by key player in the so-called “oust Speaker Jose de Venecia plot,” the move to have the leader of the House of Representatives replaced is almost a done deal, with only one major kink needed to be ironed out: Who will replace the Speaker?
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080119hed4.html


PET throws out Legarda’s poll protest vs VP Noli

By Benjamin B. Pulta

01/19/2008

A ruling by the Supreme Court (SC) standing as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) has dismissed the election protest of opposition Sen. Loren Legarda against Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080119nat2.html


Angara can’t speak for opposition, Rodriguez says

01/19/2008

Opposition lawmaker Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez yesterday refuted Sen. Edgardo Angara over his claim that deposed President Joseph Estrada cannot unite opposition “presidentiables,” saying more than anybody else, it is Estrada who has the capacity to do so.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080119nat3.html


P5B presidential campaign fund ni Erap nakakalula

(Rey Marfil)

Nalula si Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson sa naging pagtataya ni dating Pangulong Joseph “Erap” Estrada na P5 bilyong piso ang kakailanganing campaign fund ng sinumang nangangarap tumakbong Presidente sa 2010 election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan1908/news3.htm


Sinibak na ATO chief gigisahin

(Eralyn Prado/Rose Miranda)

Nais ni Senador Mar Roxas na humarap ang sinibak na si Air Transportation Office (ATO) chief Danilo Dimagiba sa isasagawang imbestigasyon ng Senado kaugnay sa downgrading rating na ibinigay ng US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sa Philippine aviation industry.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan1908/news06.htm


Erap wala nang ‘asim’ sa oposisyon

KULANG na sa “asim” si dating pangulong Joseph Estrada para pagkaisahin ang oposisyon sa pagkakaroon ng isang pambato sa 2010 Presidential elections dahil sa kahalagahan na magkaroon ng “choices” ang mga botante sa hanay ng maraming mga batang lider, ayon sa isang stalwart ng Liberal Party (LP).
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-19&sec=4&aid=46379


P.50 rollback sa LPG simula ngayon

By: Edd J. Reyes
NAGTAPYAS na muli ng P.50 sentimo kada kilo ng kanilang produkto ang Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers Association (LPGMA) na magiging epektibo simula ngayon bunga ng patuloy na pagbaba ng contract price sa pandaigdigang pamilihan.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-19&sec=4&aid=46380




ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
January 20, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Malacañang: Forget Edsa II
By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:08:00 01/20/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Read Malacañang’s lips: Everyone should forget Edsa II.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080120-113521/Malacaang-Forget-Edsa-II

2. The Philippine Star
Loren: No ‘triumph of truth’
By Aurea Calica
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sen. Loren Legarda vowed yesterday to contest the decision of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) to junk her election protest against Vice President Noli de Castro and ruling out fraud as the reason for her poll defeat in 2004.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080119107

3. Manila Times
House urged to probe
P53.7-B revenue shortfall

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
The joint House Committees on Ways and Means, and on Oversight are urged to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into the P53.7-billion revenue shortfall incurred by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) last year.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/20/yehey/metro/20080120met1.html

4. Malaya

5. Manila Bulletin
Sto. Niño celebrations today

Manila and Cebu are center of festivities;
By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO
Various activities honoring the Holy Child Jesus will be held in many parts of the country today, Jan. 20, feast day of the Sto. Niño.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080120114900.html


6. The Daily Tribune
Farmers’ march enters Manila; showdown looms
01/20/2008
A farmers’ march, which Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez earlier had indirectly referred to as a source of a new destabilization attempt against President Arroyo, entered Manila yesterday for a likely confrontation with law enforcers at the historic Mendiola Bridge on Jan. 22, the exact date 21 years ago of the infamous Mendiola Massacre.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080120hed1.html


7. Abante
UTOL NI GLORIA DAWIT SA SCAM
N Bernard Taguinod

Pagkatapos ni presidential husband First Gentleman Jose Miguel ‘Mike’ Arroyo ay ang kapatid naman ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang ipapatawag ng Senado dahil sa pagkakadawit sa isa na namang maalingasngas na bidding.
Hindi naimbestiga¬han ni Cayetano noong Disyembre ang naturang isyu dahil sa dami ng naunang resolusyon, kabilang dito ang resolusyon sa pagbuhay ng North Rail scandal kung saan si House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., naman ang nadadawit.
Ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, tinitiyak ni Cayetano na sa pagbabalik ng sesyon ng Senado sa huling Lunes ng Enero ay gugulong na ang imbestigasyon sa nasabing kontrobersya.
http://abante..com.ph/issue/jan2008/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
$5B MAWAWALA SA BAGSAK NA AVIATION GRADE NG RP
Ni Bernard Taguinod

Kasabay ng paghuhugas-kamay ng Senado at Kamara sa bagsak na gradong ibinigay ng US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) sa Pilipinas, nagbabala ang isang senador na nakatakdang mawalan ang bansa ng halos $5 bilyon kapag hindi agad naisaayos ang problemang ito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2008/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Noli, manok ng Palasyo sa 2010
Ni Malou Escudero
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Matapos manalo si Vice President Noli de Castro sa election protest na inihain sa kanya ni Sen. Loren Legarda sa Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), inamin kahapon ng Malacañang ang posi¬bilidad na ito ang ma¬ging manok ng admi¬nistrasyon sa 2010 presidential elections.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011980

10. Journal
PORK SLASH NIXED
By: Jester P. Manalastas
Solons clinging tooth and nail to so-called Priority Development Assistance Fund
MANY administration solons strongly reject having their Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel slashed saying it would mean reducing the services they provide their constituents.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-20&sec=1&aid=46515

11. Business World

12. Business Mirror




II. POLITICAL
Ping proud of who he is, won’t reinvent self for 2010
By Aurea Calica
Sunday, January 20, 2008
A makeover?
No thanks, said Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
He is happy with whatever he is known for, Lacson said, and does not believe he needs to reinvent himself to become more “saleable” as a presidential candidate in 2010.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080119125

GMA urged not to succumb to pressure on poll appointees
By Sheila Crisostomo
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Groups advocating electoral reforms yesterday urged President Arroyo “not to succumb to political pressure in her next appointments to the Commission on Elections (Comelec)” as they pushed for a former Supreme Court justice and a human rights advocate as next poll chief.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080119126

GMA also sees victory in SC junking of Loren’s poll protest
By Marvin Sy
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Supreme Court’s junking of the electoral protest of Sen. Loren Legarda against Vice President Noli de Castro should also remove doubts on the credibility of President Arroyo’s election victory in 2004.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080119127

Atienza dares Roxas to tell the truth about LP split
By Mayen Jaymalin
Sunday, January 20, 2008
It’s time for Sen. Mar Roxas to speak up.
More than two years after the big breakup, leaders of the Liberal Party’s faction led by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza pressed Roxas to tell the truth about the split.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080119128

ATO ignored FAA’s concerns – Puentevella
By Pia Lee-Brago
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Air Transportation Office (ATO) had ignored concerns raised by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) despite the threat of downgrading the country’s aviation safety standards rating to a lower category last year, Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella and the National Independent Travel Agencies said.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080119129

Noli kay Legarda: ‘Linisin’ natin ang Comelec
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Isang araw matapos ibasura ng Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) ang protestang inihain ni Sen. Loren Legarda kay Vice Pres. Noli de Castro, hinikayat kahapon ng huli ang senadora na tumu¬long sa paglilinis ng Commission on Elections upang maging malinis ang presidential elections sa 2010.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011983

‘Wag makinig sa sabi-sabi
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Hindi umano dapat na makinig na lamang ang pamahalaan sa mga sabi-sabi tulad ng intelligence reports na may panibagong banta ng destabilisasyon kundi mas dapat na alamin nito ang dahilan kung bakit may banta at kung totoo na may pag-aal¬buruto ang ating mga sundalo.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011985

Noli, manok ng Palasyo sa 2010
Ni Malou Escudero
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Matapos manalo si Vice President Noli de Castro sa election protest na inihain sa kanya ni Sen. Loren Legarda sa Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), inamin kahapon ng Malacañang ang posi¬bilidad na ito ang ma¬ging manok ng admi¬nistrasyon sa 2010 presidential elections.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008011980

Forget Edsa II, says Palace

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:43:00 01/19/2008
MANILA -- Read Malacañang’s lips: Everyone should forget Edsa II.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080119-113497/Forget-Edsa-II-says-Palace

Reyes says he and Estrada have made peace

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:49:00 01/19/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- While public enthusiasm to mark Edsa II appears to diminish each year, former Armed Forces chief Angelo Reyes still has a reason to celebrate: He and his former Commander in Chief have made peace.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080119-113479/Reyes-says-he-and-Estrada-have-made-peace

Drilon makes fun of Atienza’s bash at Manila Hotel
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:27:00 01/19/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Former Senate President Franklin Drilon on Saturday put down the bash organized by Environment Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza as “pseudo-Liberal Party,” “Comedy Central production,” and even “Lakas Pala.”
http://newsinfo..inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080119-113478/Drilon-makes-fun-of-Atienzas-bash-at-Manila-Hotel

Loren: 2004 electoral ghost to
haunt Noli de Castro for years

“The ghosts of 2004 will continue to haunt Mr. Noli de Castro for the rest of his life.”
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/20/yehey/metro/20080120met2.html

LP’s ‘Atienza Wing’ open to
unity talks with Roxas’ group

By Rommel C. Lontayao, Reporter
Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza yesterday said the Liberal Party (LP) faction under his leadership is willing to reach out to the group now led by Sen. Mar Roxas in an effort to unify the party.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/20/yehey/metro/20080120met3.html

DENR readies master plan to preserve Boracay Island

KALIBO, Aklan -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will present its recently-crafted Environmental Master Plan of Boracay Island that would integrate a program to preserve the island.
http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080120114889.html

Solon slams ULAP on Cha-cha revival
01/20/2008
An opposition lawmaker yesterday lashed out at the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines for reviving its call to amend the Constitution, through people’s initiative (PI), even as the pro-Charter change (Cha-cha) group said it would focus only on one subject: A shift from the bicameral presidential form of government to a unicameral presidential type.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080120hed2.html

Roxas gets flak for JPEPA U-turn
By Charlie V. Manalo
01/20/2008
Sen. Manuel Roxas II is getting the brickbats from several groups after making a complete turnaround on the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) which Roxas said he is advocating for ratification.
http://www..tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080120hed3.html

Palace lauds junking of Legarda’s poll protest vs De Castro
01/20/2008
Malacañang yesterday rejoiced over the victory of Vice President Noli de Castro over losing vice presidential bet and now Sen. Loren Legarda in the poll protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), saying it also spelled victory for President Arroyo, who three years after the elections, is still being hounded by allegations of having committed massive and systematic poll fraud to win the presidency.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080120nat7.html

GMA delikado sa Lakas
ni: Bernard Taguinod

Hindi ang oposisyon ang magpapabagsak kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kundi ang kanyang mga sariling kapartido sa Lakas-CMD kapag tuluyang pinahina ito ng Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI).
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2008/news_story3.htm

Gloria sumakay sa panalo ni Noli

ni: Grace Velasco

Tangay si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pagkapanalo ni Bise-Presidente Noli De Castro sa election protest na inihain ni Sen. Loren Legarda.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2008/news_story4.htm

BOC chief to employees: Let’s talk
BUREAU of Customs commissioner Napoleon Morales is urging the agency’s unionized employees for a dialogue after the latter appealed to the Senate for help in opposing an employment contract being pushed by their superior.

Last January 8, the union, which represents about half of the bureau’s 4,500 workforce, had complained to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and Senate Pro Tempore and labor and employment committee chairman, Jinggoy Estrada, that Morales has approved a measure that forces employees to sign a ‘performance contract’ to ensure their continued employment in the agency.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-20&sec=4&aid=0

Group warns Senate on JPEPA okay
THE independent think-tank IBON Foundation cautioned the Upper Chamber in approving the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement, saying potential losses to the economy “goes beyond what can immediately be computed in monetary terms.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-20&sec=4&aid=46483

Tax sa text games inihihirit
INIHIRIT muli ng isang dating kongresista na buwisan ang limited tax text na sasakop sa mga mensaheng ipinapadala sa game shows, polls at surveys katulad ng Pinoy Big Brother ng ABS-CBN Channel 2 dahil lubhang malaki ang kinikita dito.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-20&sec=4&aid=46494

Arroyo gov’t praning – Rep. Biazon
KINAKUSAHAN kahapon ang administrasyong Arroyo na isang praning na gobyerno dahil sa inilulutang na panibagong planong destabilisasyon, advisory ng pananakot sa media at planong pagpapatupad ng curfew kung saan ipinakikita rin ang dictatorial tendency nito.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-20&sec=4&aid=46506



January 21, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

SOURCES SAY:
Sin opposed Vatican order, pushed Edsa II

Cardinal threatened to quit as archbishop

By Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:32:00 01/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- In a move that might have altered the course of the Edsa II “people power” revolt, the Vatican had told the late Jaime Cardinal Sin that it did not want the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines to get involved in the upheaval.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080121-113651/Sin_opposed_Vatican_order,_pushed_Edsa_II


2. The Philippine Star

SC: No need for terror courts

By Mike Frialde
Monday, January 21, 2008

Saying there is no need for it, the Supreme Court has denied the request of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) for the creation of special courts to handle and prosecute cases related to terrorism, particularly those in violation of Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act (HSA).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080120118


3. Manila Times

Majority of Customs districts miss targets

By Chino S. Leyco, Reporter

HEADS may roll at the Bureau of Customs after a majority of its collection districts fell short of their revenue targets last year.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/21/yehey/top_stories/20080121top1.html


4. Malaya

Destabilization jitters
Police in M. Manila, 3 regions on red alert

BY RAYMOND AFRICA

THE PNP yesterday placed policemen in Metro Manila and three regions under full alert in preparation for mass actions timed with the seventh anniversary of "Edsa 2" and the Mendiola massacre 21 years ago.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan21/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

No anti-terrorism courts – SC

Pending case challenges law’s constitutionality

By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) has denied the plea of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) for the creation of special trial courts to handle exclusively violations of the Human Security Act (HSA) of 2007, the Anti-Terrorism Law, which took effect last July 15.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080121114973.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Discarding Edsa II won’t erase legitimacy queries

By Sherwin C. Olaes

01/21/2008

Malacañang yesterday asked critics of President Arroyo to put to rest questions on her legitimacy even saying it was aiming for national reconciliation for its decision not to celebrate Edsa II but the opposition said Mrs. Arroyo will have to contend with the issue on her lack of mandate until her last day in office.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080121hed1.html


7. Abante

Pagmamakaawa ng Palasyo:
PATAPUSIN SI GMA!

Nina Rose Miranda at Eralyn Prado

Tahasang nakiusap kahapon ang Malacañang sa mga kalaban sa pulitika na tantanan muna si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hanggang sa huling termino nito sa 2010.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan2108/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

DESTABILISASYON LARO NG GENERALS

ni: Rey Marfil

Ito ang naging paglalarawan ni Senate minority floor leader Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. sa walang katapusang ingay ng kudeta at destabilisasyon subalit sasabayan ni Pa­ngulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng paglamyerda sa Switzerland at United Arab Emirates (UAE).
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2108/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Loren di susuko

Nina Cristina Mendez At Doris Franche
Monday, January 21, 2008

Tinanggihan kahapon ni Senador Loren Legarda ang panawagan ni Vice President Noli de Castro na mag-usap sila para sa pagkakaroon ng malinis na halalan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008012077


10. Journal

SHOWDOWN
Will militant farmers get near Malacañang?

FARMERS seeking a “genuine” agrarian reform program head tomorrow for a confrontation with the police who are determined to keep the marchers away from Don Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola) where 13 people died on Jan. 22, 1987 during a violent dispersal of a demonstration by peasant groups.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=1&aid=46648


11. Business World

Fewer Pinoys see selves as poor
Self-rated poverty score best since 1987

FEWER FILIPINO FAMILIES, around 8.1 million of them, regard themselves as "mahirap" or poor, a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.
http://bworldonline.com/BW012108/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

BSP forex losses climb to P84B

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has often shrugged off its foreign-exchange losses in the past and yet they continue to mount—climbing to P83.98 billion in the first 11 months of 2007.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0118&192008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Coup plotters running out of funds--military chief

By Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:07:00 01/20/2008

MANILA, Philppines -- Coup plotters appear to be running out of funds after years of trying to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080120-113621/Coup-plotters-running-out-of-funds--military-chief


Civil society groups vow to remember Edsa 2 always

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:36:00 01/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines--Progressive groups and civil society organizations have vowed to always remember the 2001 EDSA 2 People Power uprising and do the opposite of what the Arroyo administration wants them to do.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080120-113628/Civil-society-groups-vow-to-remember-Edsa-2-always


Estrada, pals talk about downfall

By Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:18:00 01/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- On the seventh anniversary Sunday of his downfall, deposed President Joseph Estrada hosted a potluck lunch, reminisced with friends about that fateful week in January 2001 and talked about what might have been had he stayed on in Malacañang.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080121-113665/Estrada-pals-talk-about-downfall


Arroyo, De Venecia had lunch, not wine

Palace: Meeting shows all’s well between them

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:02:00 01/21/2008


MANILA, Philippines -- Don’t read too much into Speaker Jose de Venecia’s absence from the traditional vin d’honneur at 11 a.m. in Malacañang on Friday, according to the Palace spokesperson. The Speaker saw President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a luncheon meeting on that day.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080121-113678/Arroyo-De-Venecia-had-lunch-not-wine


‘Peso to remain firm through 2008’

By Edith Regalado
Monday, January 21, 2008

DAVAO CITY — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said the peso will continue to appreciate and remain firm through 2008.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080120120


House, Senate still deadlocked on budget

By Jess Diaz
Monday, January 21, 2008

A week before resuming session, the Senate and the House of Representatives remain deadlocked on the final shape of the proposed P1.23-trillion national budget for this year.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080120121


NOTES & COMMENT

Will ‘faction power’decide presidency?

By Juan T. Gatbonton, Editorial Consultant

This early, it looks like we’ll have four to five candidates contesting the 2010 presidential elections—and end up with another minority president. Every semblance of the two-party system has disappeared, and with it the relative stability resulting from the alternation in power of the Nacionalistas and Liberals in post-Independence politics.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/21/yehey/top_stories/20080121top3.html


ATO powerless to stand on its own

By Francis Earl A. Cueto, Reporter

TRANSPORTATION and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza said on Sunday that the Air Transportation Office (ATO) can’t stand on its own as an agency, as he started work on improving air safety standards in the Philippines.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/21/yehey/top_stories/20080121top5.html


Loren rejects dialogue with Noli, says he has ‘nothing new to offer’

By Christina Mendez
Monday, January 21, 2008

A few days after losing her election protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday rejected the call by Vice President Noli de Castro for a dialogue to ensure clean elections.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080120128


Wednesday Club mulls De Castro-Villar tandem in 2010

By Christina Mendez
Monday, January 21, 2008

The so-called Wednesday Club at the Senate is mulling the possibility of fielding in the 2010 elections the tandem of Vice President Noli de Castro and Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. as presidential and vice-presidential bets, respectively, or vice-versa, Sen. Joker Arroyo said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080120130


Malakanyang umamin: Katiwalian problema pa rin

Monday, January 21, 2008

Inamin ng isang opisyal ng Malakanyang na nananatiling malaking problema ang mga katiwalian sa pamahalaan sa nagdaang pitong taon o pagkatapos ng EDSA 2 people power revolution.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008012078


Wednesday Club eyes
Manny-Noli tandem

BY DENNIS GADIL

VILLAR-De Castro for 2010? Or is it De Castro-Villar?

The Wednesday Club, a powerful bloc in the Senate, is discussing a Senate President Manuel Villar and Vice President Noli de Castro tandem for 2010.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan21/news3.htm


Joker wants retirees off the Comelec shortlist

SEN. Joker Arroyo yesterday said the Palace-created search committee for nominees to the Commission on Elections should junk all the "retired" personalities from its shortlist as he urged President Arroyo to make the holding of the 2010 elections her legacy by injecting young blood into the Comelec and by modernizing the elections.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan21/metro2.htm


Casiño calls for total revamp of BIR, Customs

BAYAN Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño yesterday called on President Arroyo to implement a total revamp of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs because of their combined revenue shortfall of P70 billion last year – P50 billion to P60 billion for BIR and P17billion to P20 billion for Customs.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan21/metro4.htm


Pimentel raps Palace, AFP for coup claim

By HANNAH TORREGOZA

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel Jr. yesterday criticized Malacañang and the military for their pretentious claim of a new destabilization attempt against the Arroyo government.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080121114976.html


GMA PINAIIKOT NG MILITAR

Nina Eralyn Prado, Rose Miranda at Juliet de Loza

Hindi na maitagong pinaiikot at kontrolado na ng militar si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan2108/news02.htm


GMA sinupalpal sa pagsakay kay Noli

(Tina Mendoza)

Sinopla ng United Opposition (UNO) ang pag-angkin ng Malacañang na nalinis na rin ang pangalan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa dayaan noong 2004 election bunsod ng pagbasura ng Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) sa election protest ni Sen. Loren Legarda laban kay Vice President Noli De Castro.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2108/news2.htm


EDSA 2 anniv inisnab ng Pinoy

(Tina Mendoza/Rose Miranda/Juliet de Loza/Armida Rico)

Tahasang inihayag ng ilang matataas na lider ng Simbahang Katoliko na hindi na kataka-taka kung bakit hindi na ipinagdiwang ng sambayanang Pilipino ang makasaysayang EDSA 2 kahapon dahil sa matinding pagkadismaya na ito ang naging simula ng lalong paghihirap ng marami at naglagay sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng bansa.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan2108/news04.htm


PI 2 ‘di lulusot -- Binay

(Tina Mendoza)

Tiniyak kahapon ni Makati City Mayor at United Opposition president Jejomar Binay na kanilang babantayan ang sinasabing pagbuhay muli sa ikalawang People’s Initiative (PI) para amyendahan ng Konstitusyon.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan2108/news05.htm


Chiz gustong gawing manok ng Palasyo sa 2010

BABABA umano si Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson sa vice presidential race habang posibleng suportahan naman ng Malacanang si Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero sa 2010 presidential elections kung magtutuloy-tuloy ang pamamayagpag nito sa popularity ratings, ayon sa mapagkakatiwalaang sources.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=1&aid=46557
Unfair, Nene says of FAA downgrade

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo

THERE are deeper reasons behind the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration’s downgrade of the country’s aviation safety, according to Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=1&aid=46621


Erap suportado ng Metro mayors na kaalyado ng oposisyon

DESIDIDO ang mga alkalde sa Metro Manila na kilalang kaalyado ng oposisyon na suportahan ang kandidatura bilang pangulo ni dating Pangulong Joseph “Erap” Estrada sa 2010 presidential election sa oras na hindi magkasundo ang mga presidentiables na kabilang sa kanilang hanay.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=0


Community service marks LP anniversary in QC

SENATOR Mar Roxas, president of the Liberal Party (LP), yesterday said the anniversary celebration of the party will take place on January 30 in Bgy. Commonwealth, Quezon City, in a no frills, modest, meaningful and people-serving event.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=46564


Pimentel sees sinister hand behind aviation downgrade

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo

THERE are deeper reasons behind the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration’s downgrade of the country’s aviation safety other than the alleged failure to comply with international standards.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=46570


Gloria ginigipit ng US sa aviation grade

(Rey Marfil)

Direktang itinuro ni Senate minority floor leader Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. ang Amerika bilang pangunahing responsable sa mahinang grado ng Pilipinas sa Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), kasabay ang pagdududang ginigipit ang administrasyong Arroyo para mapuwersang bumili ng mga kasangkapan dito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2108/news4.htm


Wait for your turn in 2010 -- Bunye

By: Efren Montano

SEVEN years after her ascendancy to power, Malacañang yesterday twitted President Arroyo’s political rivals and urged them wait for their crack at the Palace.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=46582


‘Di nakapagtatakang gustong kalimutan ng Malacanang ang EDSA Dos -- Akbayan

HINDI na nagtaka ang isang “key player” sa makasaysayang pag-aalsa ng taumbayan na nagbunsod sa pagpapatalsik kay dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada nang sabihin ng Malacañang na dapat nang kalimutan ang EDSA Dos.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=46601


Angara urges more funds for research, development

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo

SENATOR Edgardo Angara has appealed to “giant” telecommunication firms such as the PLDT, Smart, and Globe to invest more on technological research and development (R&D).
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=46613


Gordon: Computerize Comelec

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo

WITH time running out for computerizing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) election in August, Sen. Richard Gordon has urged Malacañang to prioritize finding competent people, with a “high level of unimpeachable integrity” to lead the Commission on Elections.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=46614


Pipe down, Bunye tells presidential hopefuls

By: Efren Montano

MALACAÑANG yesterday told political rivals of President Macapagal-Arroyo to wait for their turn to take a shot at the presidency.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-21&sec=4&aid=46651



January 22, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Media seek Supreme Court protection

Petition urges stop to arrests of reporters

By Margaux Ortiz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:15:00 01/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Eleven members of the ABS-CBN news staff Monday filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to stop police from harassing or threatening to arrest media people while reporting on coups and other emergencies.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080122-113898/Media-seek-Supreme-Court-protection


2. The Philippine Star

TV news video shows reporter aiding Faeldon

By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

A woman journalist was caught on video by a TV news team helping fugitive Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon escape when troops stormed the Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati last year, according to a police source.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080121116


3. Manila Times

DOTC pushes ‘broadband’

New name, new partners, same network project

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

Only a word distinguishes the new broadband project being pushed by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) from the controversial one that President Gloria Arroyo scrapped last year for allegedly being tainted with corruption.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/22/yehey/top_stories/20080122top1.html


4. Malaya

Prove destab, arrest ‘plotters,’ gov’t dared
Pimentel: ‘Blabbering’ by officials is irresponsible

BY JP LOPEZ

SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel yesterday challenged police and military officials to arrest coup plotters to prove there is really a serious attempt to overthrow the Arroyo government.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan22/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

GMA off to Switzerland, UAE

President to attend World Economic Forum
Meeting with Swiss businessmen set tomorrow

By GENALYN D. KABILING

In her first foreign travel this year, President Arroyo leaves today for a hectic seven-day visit to Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to share the country’s "economic success story" and attract more investments along the way.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080122115051.html


6. The Daily Tribune

‘Don’t meddle in choice of opposition bloc bet’

01/22/2008

Former President Joseph Estrada, aware of the ways of Church meddling in political affairs by Church leaders, especially the Catholic bishops, yesterday warned them against meddling in the selection of a united opposition’s presidential and vice presidential candidate for the 2010 elections, following a newspaper report that the late Jaime Cardinal Sin disobeyed a Vatican order for him and the Catholic bishops of the Philippines not to meddle in politics and not to engage in ousting the then sitting president.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080122hed1.html


7. Abante

FACE-OFF SA MENDIOLA

Nina NILO MARA-SIGAN, ROSE MIRANDA at ERALYN PRADO

Habang nagbibigay ng seryo-song babala ang Malacañang at Philippine Natio-nal Police (PNP) sa mga rallyis-tang lalahok sa sinasabing mala-king pagkilos ngayon sa ika-21 anibersaryo ng Mendiola massacre, patuloy namang pinapalagan ng huli ang para sa kanila ay ‘overkill’ na preparasyon at ang iniumang na paggamit pa umano ng ‘kamay na bakal’ laban sa kanila.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan2208/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

METRO BINAKURAN SA TAKOT NI GLORIA

Nina Bernard Taguinod at Nilo Marasigan

Matindi ang takot ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa People Power kaya binuhusan nito ng puwersa at pondo ang Oplan Metro Manila Shield sa gitna ng paggunita sa anibersaryo ng People Power kahapon at Mendiola massacre ngayong araw na ito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2208/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Media nagpasaklolo sa SC

Nina Gemma Amargo-Garcia at Joy Cantos
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Nagpasaklolo kahapon sa Korte Suprema ang ilang mamamahayag ng ABS-CBN upang ideklarang illegal ang pagkaaresto sa kanila habang nasa kalagitnaan ng coverage sa Manila Peninsula siege noong Nob­yembre ng nakaraang taon at upang hindi na maulit ang pag-aresto sa kanila sakaling mangyari ulit ang ganitong insidente sa hinaharap.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008012168


10. Journal

‘OVERKILL’ Palace fears People Power �" Beltran

By: Jester P. Manalastas

OVERKILL.

This is how Anakpawis Rep. Crispin Beltran described the security preparations made by Malacañang for the observance today of the 21st anniversary of the “Mendiola Massacre.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-22&sec=1&aid=46751

11. Business World

Growth boost from farm sector
Agriculture output up 4.68% in 2007

FARM OUTPUT ROSE by 4.68% last year, putting the overall economy well on track to record over 7% growth in 2007, and is expected to grow at a similar clip this year.
http://bworldonline.com/BW012208/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

RP air talks mostly in limbo
MAJORITY OF OFFERS ‘DISADVANTAGEOUS TO THE PHILIPPINES’

By Estrella Torres
Reporter

OPEN-SKIES negotiations with various governments including New Zealand are effectively suspended after the parties failed to agree on concessions, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/01222008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Estrada: God is punishing the country

By Jocelyn Uy, Beverly T. Natividad
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:39:00 01/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Claiming vindication, Joseph Estrada Monday said the country was now suffering because the late Jaime Cardinal Sin did not heed “God’s voice” but instead backed the EDSA II people power revolt, despite a Vatican order to stay away.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080122-113928/Estrada-God-is-punishing-the-country


De Venecia on ‘rift’: Everything’s OK

By Norman Bordadora, Gabriel Cardinoza
Northern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 03:34:00 01/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Saying “everything is okay,” Speaker Jose De Venecia on Monday explained his absence from the President’s traditional vin d’honneur last week which had sparked all kinds of speculation about a rift in the ruling party. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080122-113925/De-Venecia-on-rift-Everythings-OK


‘Lakas finances shaky’ -- source

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:40:00 01/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Aside from lacking a popular candidate who could lead the party in 2010, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat’s shaky financial situation is forcing its members to consider jumping over to other parties with deep pockets, like Kampi (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino), President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s party.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080122-113929/Lakas-finances-shaky----source


Mendoza insists new law would boost RP aviation

By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:29:00 01/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Given 90 days to improve the country’s air safety rating, aviation executives said Monday their success hinged heavily on the passage of a new law creating an independent Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080121-113871/Mendoza-insists-new-law-would-boost-RP-aviation

Mendoza: RP to comply with FAA standards in 3 months

By Rainier Allan Ronda and Rudy Santos
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), who has been designated officer-in-charge of the Air Transport Office (ATO), said the country is set to regain its category 1 status in three months once Congress approves the pending Civil Aviation Authority bill.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080121121


So what? JDV says of Mikey’s leave

By Eva Visperas
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

DAGUPAN CITY – “So what? So what? So what?”

That was the reaction of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. when asked about the decision of presidential son and Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo to take an indefinite leave of absence from the ruling Lakas-CMD.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080121124


GMA government more corrupt than mine – Estrada

By Jose Rodel Clapano
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Corruption in the present administration is worse than during his term, pardoned former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080121125


EDITORIAL — Expectations

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

When Filipinos finally kicked out the conjugal dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, the expectation was that democracy would be restored and there would be an end to corruption so massive a new word – kleptocracy – had to be coined for it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25


Trillanes planning jailbreak?

By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have expressed alarm following reports that detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has a complete layout of the Custodial Center where he is presently detained – a possible indication that they may be planning a jailbreak.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=49&type=2&sec=26


11 from ABS-CBN file petition for writ of amparo before SC

By William B. Depasupil, Reporter

Journalists from the television network ABS-CBN filed a petition for a writ of amparo before the Supreme Court on Monday in connection with the media coverage of a failed rebellion last year.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/22/yehey/top_stories/20080122top3.html


Malacañang ally files House bill making all elected terms 5 years

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter

An ally of President Gloria Arroyo in the House of Representatives wants to make five years the terms of office of all elective government officials.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/22/yehey/top_stories/20080122top4.html


Loren to appeal dismissal of poll protest

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

It seems the controversy over who won the 2004 vice-presidential elections did not end with the decision of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to dismiss the protest filed by Sen. Loren Legarda.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/22/yehey/top_stories/20080122top5.html


DOTC banking on new bill to regain FAA safety rating

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

The government gave itself three months to put the Philippines back to Category 1, which recognizes a country’s compliance with international standards of air safety.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/22/yehey/top_stories/20080122top6.html


FG at Cayetano muntik nang magkrus ng landas

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Bagaman at siguradong hindi sabay bumiyahe patungong Hong Kong, muntik na umanong ‘mag­banggaan’ ang magkaaway na sina First Gentleman Mike Arroyo at Senador Alan Peter Cayetano matapos na muntik-muntikan nang pagkikita nila sa isang restaurant sa Hong Kong.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008012171


3 buwang taning sa ATO

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Nagpahayag ng kumpiyansa ang bagong liderato ng Air Transporation Office na sa loob ng tatlong buwan ay makakasunod at maibibigay nila ang mga hinihingi ng Federal Aviation Authority upang muling maibalik sa category 1 ang Pilipinas pagdating sa larangan ng aviation security.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008012173


Stop allies from rockingboat, Palace tells Erap

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

MALACAÑANG yesterday urged former President Joseph Estrada to tell his allies, particularly Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, to "stop dividing" the country."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan22/news3.htm


Loren to contest junking of pollcomplaint, says fraud proven

BY DENNIS GADIL

SEN. Loren Legarda will contest the ruling of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal dismissing her vice presidential electoral protest against Noli de Castro in 2004.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan22/news5.htm


Mendoza vows to regain Category 1 in 3 months

LEANDRO Mendoza, Transportation Secretary and concurrent officer-in-charge of the Air Transportation Office (ATO), on Monday said he would try to regain the Category 1 status in terms of airport safety of the aviation agency within three months provided Congress passes the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) bill.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan22/metro1.htm


Speaker affirms warm relations with President

By JUN VELASCO & LIEZLE INIGO

DAGUPAN CITY – House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. yesterday denied speculations of strained relations between him and President Arroyo, even as he announced that the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslims Democrats will meet on Feb. 7 to mark the party’s 15th year founding anniversary and dramatize its solid strength as a political party.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080122115054.html


ATO has three months to solve RP aviation rating downgrade

By ANJO PEREZ and LOUIE PEREZ

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza said yesterday that the Air Transportation Office (ATO) has three-month timeline to address all the issues involving the US Federal Aviation Administration’s downgrading of the country’s civil aviation safety rating and revert it to Category 1 rating.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080122115059.html


11 mediamen ask SC to declare Pen arrest illegal

01/22/2008

Eleven media practitioners and crew of television network ABS-CBN yesterday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to declare as illegal their arrest by authorities in connection with the Manila Peninsula hotel standoff and to stop the government from repeating such action in the future.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080122hed3.html
Loren to start review of laws on poll protests

01/22/2008

With the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) having dismissed her poll protest against Vice President Noli de Castro on grounds that no evidence was presented to prove the fraud, losing presidential bet Sen. Loren Legarda yesterday vowed to initiate a thorough review of the existing laws, rules and regulations covering the conduct of poll protests.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080122hed5.html


12 solons aangkas sa GMA trip

ni: Bernard Taguinod

Hindi pa rin nadadala ang mga miyembro ng Kamara sa inaning batikos ng mga ito sa nakaraang biyahe ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Europa dahil may labin-dalawang kongresista ang muling aangkas sa Switzerland trip ng Pangulo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2208/news_story2.htm


Ping manok ng US sa 2010 presidential race

ni: Bernard Taguinod

Liyamado na si Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson sa lahat ng mga kandidato sa 2010 presidential election sa basbas ng Estados Unidos.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2208/news_story3.htm


Lakas bangkarote

ni: Rey Marfil

Hindi lamang kawalan ng presidential candidate at senatoriables ang malaking problema ng Lakas-CMD matapos madiskubreng bangkarote ang organisasyon at namimiligrong mawasak habang papalapit ang 2010 national election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2208/news_story4.htm


Loren to file motion for reconsideration

“I AM fighting the good fight not for myself, but for truth and justice. I will keep the faith of the entire Filipino nation, and the only option for me is to finish the course.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-22&sec=1&aid=46746


Loren kinantyawan ni Noli

ni: Rey Marfil

Ito ang naging resbak ni Vice President Manuel “Kabayan Noli” De Castro Jr. kay Sen. Loren Legarda bilang kasagutan sa walang katapusang akusasyon sa dayaan noong 2004 national election kahit ibinasura na ng Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) ang reklamo ng lady solon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2208/news_story5.htm


Pimentel slams new coup yarn vs GMA

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo

THE “pretentious claim” of Malacañang and the military about a new coup plot against the Arroyo government is belied by their own subsequent statements that downplay such security threats.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-22&sec=4&aid=0


RP to comply with FAA in 3 months

By: Itchie G. Cabayan

THREE months.

This, according to Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, is the self-imposed deadline within which the Philippines may be ready for yet a new audit of its civil aviation standards.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-22&sec=4&aid=46740


We’ll fly high again – Mendoza

By: Willy Balasa

Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza said yesterday the country would do everything to regain its category 1 aviation status in three months.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-22&sec=4&aid=46758