January 29-31, 2008

January 29, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Media ask SC to stop gov’t threats, arrests

70 journalists sign petition vs top gov’t execs

By Margaux Ortiz, DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:51:00 01/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Warning that democracy in the Philippines was imperiled and that the world was watching, 70 journalists from various news organizations on Monday asked the Supreme Court to prohibit the government from muzzling press freedom through veiled or open threats of arrest and criminal prosecution.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080129-115392/Media-ask-SC-to-stop-govt-threats-arrests


2. The Philippine Star

Government pressuring new witness in ZTE deal

By Aurea Calica and Christina Mendez
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

After leaving the country transfixed with tales of sex, bribery and high-level corruption, the national broadband network (NBN) controversy has taken yet another twist, with one potential witness receiving death threats to keep him from attending the Senate hearing on the scandal tomorrow.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080128127


3. Manila Times

34% of families ‘food poor’

But rate declining since June 2006, says SWS survey

By Rommel C. Lontayao Reporter

About 6.1 million or 34 percent of Filipino families consider themselves “poor” in terms of food, according to a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) late 2007.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/29/yehey/top_stories/20080129top1.html


4. Malaya

Melo urged to put closure to ‘Garci’
‘Test of credibility, independence’

BY GERARD NAVAL

ARCHBISHOP Antonio Ledesma and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay yesterday asked newly named elections chairman Jose Melo to look into the "Hello Garci" controversy that accuses President Arroyo’s camp of cheating in the 2004 presidential elections.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan29/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Congress OKs P1.227-trillion budget

Budget bill ready for signing by GMA next week
Enrile and Lagman worked overtime to finish budget

By MARIO B. CASAYURAN & BEN R. ROSARIO

The House of Representatives and the Senate quickly ratified yesterday evening the proposed R1.227-trillion General Appropriations Act on the first day of the resumption of 14th Congress following the five-week recess for the holidays.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080129115615.html


6. The Daily Tribune

CBCP blames Pinoys for corruption, moral decay

01/29/2008

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), in its pastoral statement issued yesterday put the blame of moral decay on the Filipino people while saying the bishops will be taking a position of “critical collaboration” with Malacañang and the Arroyo administration, intimating that the Arroyo government is not thoroughly evil, saying there is good “even in those we often criticize” and that “it is our task to critically collaborate with them even as we oppose the ‘not too good’.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080129hed1.html


7. Abante

JDV ‘GIGILITAN’ SA CHACHA!

(EPrado/RMiranda)

Mismong mga kaalyado ngayon ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. ang kumikilos para mapatalsik ito bilang lider ng Kamara.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan2908/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

MELO ABOGADO NI ABALOS

Ni Rey Marfil

Ito ang ibinunyag kahapon ni opposition Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson kaugnay sa pagkakahirang ni dating Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Jose Melo bilang kapalit ni resigned Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Benjamin Abalos.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2908/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Media laban sa pamahalaan: P10-M class suit

Nina Rose Tamayo-Tesoro at Gemma Amargo-Garcia
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Isinampa kahapon ng may 36 na media personalities at organizations sa Makati Regional Trial Court ang P10 milyong class suit laban sa mga opisyal ng Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Armed Forces of the Philippines at Philippine National Police.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008012855


10. Journal

SALVO

By: Alvin Murcia
P10-M class suit, SC motion filed for press freedom

A P10 million class suit was filed yesterday by more than 30 journalists against Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and five ranking officials of the Philippine National Police in connection with the arrest of mediamen in the aftermath of the standoff at the Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City last Nov. 29.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-29&sec=1&aid=47542


11. Business World

12. Business Mirror

Bicam budget copy ratified
P25.9-BILLION CUTS FROM INTEREST PAYMENTS REALIGNED TO SERVICES

By Fernan Marasigan and Mia M. Gonzalez
Reporters

WE have a budget. The House and Senate ratified Monday the bicameral conference report on the 2008 National Government Budget that places high priority on sustained support for social services and infrastructure development and the country’s commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/01292008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

MORE IS LESS
City governments up in arms over IRA cut

By Inquirer Bureaus, Norman Bordadora, Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:45:00 01/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine flags flew at half-staff and city officials and employees wore black armbands as a nationwide protest action took off Monday against impending cuts by the national government in this year’s internal revenue allotments following the legislative creation of 16 cities.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080129-115430/City-governments-up-in-arms-over-IRA-cut


(UPDATE 3) Congress ratifies P1.2-Tr budget

By Veronica Uy, Norman Bordadora
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 18:22:00 01/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Congress has ratified the P1.227 trillion national budget for 2008 after trimming down allocations for debt servicing, slow-moving projects, miscellaneous expenses and pork barrel.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080128-115326/UPDATE-3-Congress-ratifies-P12-Tr-budget


Taxi operators drop fare hike petition

By Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:36:00 01/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Taxi Operators Association (PNTOA) has dropped its petition for a fare hike, deciding instead to shave P100 off the “boundary” they charge drivers to rent their cabs.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080128-115363/Taxi-operators-drop-fare-hike-petition


Congress Ratifies 2008
Budget By Unanimous Vote

By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday unanimously ratified the bicameral conference committee report recommending a national budget of P1.2 trillion for 2008.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/29/yehey/top_stories/20080129top2.html


Journalists file two new suits vs. security forces

Two new suits were filed by media organizations Monday in connection with the failed rebellion on November 29, 2007, in Makati.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/29/yehey/top_stories/20080129top4.html


5 oil firms owe govt P4B in taxes, duties

By William B. Depasupil Reporter

The Presidential Antismuggling Group (PASG) and the Bureau of Customs are training their eyes on at least five oil firms, hoping to collect some P4 billion in back duties and taxes from grossly undervalued oil importations.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/29/yehey/top_stories/20080129top6.html


Chiz warns of social cost of Esperon’s battle plan

SEN. Francis Escudero yesterday warned of the social costs of AFP chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon’s campaign to wipe out 17 of 87 communist fronts in the first quarter.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan29/news2.htm


De Venecia dares ‘ousters’ to get the necessary 121 votes

House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. reiterated his challenge to those wanting to remove him from his position to produce the 121 required votes from the chamber. Otherwise, they are just wasting their time, the Speaker said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/29/yehey/metro/20080129met2.html


JDV meets solons to block ouster move

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia yesterday morning hosted 20 Lakas congressmen in his Makati residence to get their reactions on reports that he would be ousted.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan29/news4.htm


Senate seen blocking new taxation measures

THE Senate will block any proposal to increase the current tax measures of the national government, a legislator said Monday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/29/yehey/metro/20080129met5.html


Stop threats to media, court tells gov’t men:

BY ASHZEL HACHERO and EVANGELINE DE VERA

A MAKATI court issued a 72-hour temporary restraining order against several Cabinet, police and military officials in response to a P10 million class suit filed yesterday by print and broadcast journalists in connection with the standoff at the Manila Peninsula Hotel last November.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan29/news5.htm


Senate pushes for decriminalization of libel

SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sen. Francis Escudero on Monday renewed their call for the decriminalization of libel after the Supreme Court issued a circular instructing all judges to give preference to the imposition of monetary penalty instead of imprisonment for those who will be convicted of libel.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan29/metro1.htm


Newsmen petition SC; Makati judge restrains police

By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) was asked yesterday by about 50 journalists to declare unconstitutional and to stop the implementation of a Department of Justice (DoJ) advisory warning mediamen of criminal liability if they hinder police and military operations similar to what occurred at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City last Nov. 29.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080129115620.html


Makati court issues TRO vs media threats, arrests

01/29/2008

The Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) yesterday issued a 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) barring government, police and military officials from threatening or arresting journalists after media men filed a P10-million class suit against two government executives and ranking Philippine National Police (PNP ) officials, seeking damages for threats to press freedom.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080129hed3.html


JdV ouster plot still on

By Charlie V. Manalo

01/29/2008

While the anticipated fireworks failed to detonate last night at the resumption of Congress’ session with the admission of an influential member of the ruling coalition that he was offered to take over the seat of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., in effect validating rumors of a coup in the House of Representatives, the plot to oust the Speaker is still very much alive with the plotters still unmasked.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080129hed4.html


Banta ni Esperon kinunsinti ng palasyo

ni: Rose Miranda/Bernard Taguinod/Rey Marfil

Hindi pipigilan ng Malacañang si Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. na isakatuparan ang banta nito na magiging madugo para sa mga rebeldeng komunista ang nalalabi niyang apat na buwang termino sa militar.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2908/news_story2.htm


2008 budget aprubado na

ni: Boyet Jadulco/Bernard Taguinod

Pinagtibay kagabi ng dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso ang bicameral conference committee report hinggil sa panukalang budget ng pamahalaan para sa taong 2008.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2908/news_story3.htm


Pagsibak kay JDV, kinumpirma

ni: Bernard Taguinod

Kinumpirma ng ilang matataas na lider ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso na nanganganib ang posisyon ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. sa mga sariling kaalyado.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2908/news_story5.htm


Senate urged: Prioritize PNP bills

By: Alfred P. Dalizon

‘MAMANG Pulis’ has asked Senate President Manuel B. Villar Jr. to prioritize at least eight Philippine National Police legislative proposals that will help modernize the force and move it forward to truly serve and protect the community. In a letter to Senator Villar, the PNP Directorate for Plans (DPL) asked the Senate to include in its list of priorities the PNP Magna Carta Act, the PNP Legislative Bills amending certain provisions of Republic Acts 6975 and 8551; the PNP Modernization Plan; and the amendments to RA 6963 otherwise known as ‘Granting Special Financial Assistance to the Family or Beneficiary of Any Police or Military Personnel or Firemen Killed or Permanently Incapacitated while in the Performance of His or Her duty.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-29&sec=1&aid=47559


CA set to convene on Melo’s credentials, plans for Comelec

By Christina Mendez
Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Commission on Appointment’s (CA) committee on constitutional offices will convene possibly in the next weeks to determine if newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo is fit for the job despite his advanced age.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the CA committee on constitutional offices, said he will question Melo not over his age and credentials but on his plans to improve the image of the Comelec after recurrent allegations of fraud, particularly in the 2004 elections.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080128135


Comelec execs welcome Melo

By: Lee Ann P. Ducusin

Officials of the Commission on Elections yesterday welcomed Jose Melo as the poll body’s new chairman, saying he will be a credit to the agency.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-29&sec=4&aid=47577


UPDATE
January 29, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.


Blue Ribbon:

Tesda employees union sues impostor

01/29/2008

Union officials of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) have filed cases of misrepresentation, unjust vexation and usurpation of authority before the Department of Justice against a former employee of the agency who allegedly used the employees association to get back at the agency’s chief.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080129met2.html


‘Saint’ tagged as ‘pool collector’ for corrupt PASG officials

01/29/2008

The “Saint” as he is notoriously referred to in the smuggling community, is the “pool collector” of grease money for unscrupulous officials of the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG), a source revealed yesterday.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080129met1.html


Probe Garci, gain credibility

EDITORIAL

01/29/2008

Newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Melo, despite his claims that he will not take any political sides, still has to prove his worth and his claimed politically unbiased stand.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20080129com1.html



January 30, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

New witness backs off NBN deal probe

Cayetano: He knows everything about deal

By Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:10:00 01/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- He has a more intimate knowledge of the contract for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project that was awarded to China’s ZTE Corp. than those who have already given riveting details of the scandal, including how much in bribes went to powerful officials for every signature obtained for the project.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080130-115660/New-witness-backs-off-NBN-deal-probe


2. The Philippine Star



3. Manila Times

Murder in Manila court

Former Misamis Occidental town mayor gunned down

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter

A former mayor of a Misamis Occidental town was gunned down inside the Manila Regional Trial Court on Tuesday, prompting the Supreme Court to demand for beefed up security.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/30/yehey/top_stories/20080130top1.html


4. Malaya

Melo wary of ‘Garci’ Comelec execs cool to call for closure on ‘GMA cheating’

BY GERARD NAVAL

AFTER being dared to put closure to the controversial "Hello Garci" scandal, newly named Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo and other poll commissioners yesterday said they were unsure on what they could do with the three-year-old scandal.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan30/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Villar urges: Fight poverty, not the press

Senate President Manny Villar urged the Arroyo administration yesterday to repair its relations with the media and "focus its energies in fighting poverty, not the press."
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080130115701.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Lakas splits over Speakership row

By Charlie V. Manalo

01/30/2008

The ruling Lakas party is headed for a serious split, with two factions ready to do battle, for the victor’s prize of the Speakership, as President Arroyo’s party, the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), is reportedly ready to support a change in House leadership.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080130hed1.html


7. Abante

EX-MAYOR NILIKIDA SA KORTE

Nina JULIET DE LOZA, NILO MARASIGAN, GRACE VELASCO at ROSE
MIRANDA

Isang dating alkalde ng Misamis Occidental ang pinagbabaril at napatay ng nag-iisang gunman kahapon habang nasa labas ng korte sa Manila City Hall.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan3008/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

KUDETA ‘DI PWEDENG TULUGAN NI DE VENECIA

Ni Bernard Taguinod

Bagama’t hindi nangyari noong Lunes ang inaabangang kudeta sa liderato ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso matapos mamagitan umano si Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, hindi pa rin maaaring maging kampante si House Speaker Jose de Venecia.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan3008/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon



10. Journal

‘VENDETTA’

By: Itchie G. Cabayan
Manila City Hall thrown into panic as assassin guns down former town mayor

A FORMER town mayor of Misamis Occidental was killed while his bodyguard and a 70-year-old woman were wounded when a still unidentified gunman attacked the ex-local executive before the start of the hearing of his murder case at a regional trial court in Manila.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-30&sec=1&aid=47679


11. Business World

Upgrade spurs RP bond offer

THE GOVERNMENT IS TAPPING overseas debt markets anew, yesterday announcing a $500-million bond offer that seeks to take advantage of an outlook upgrade from an international ratings agency.
http://bworldonline.com/BW013008/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

US recession, peso bigger ‘risks’

By Cai U. Ordinario
Reporter

ECONOMISTS reminded the government Tuesday that high oil prices do not constitute the only major concern in the country today, citing as well the impact of a recession in the United States on the country’s economic growth and the ill effects of the appreciation of the peso on consumer spending.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/01302008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Pangilinan out as Liberal Party chairman

Drilon takes over as Roxas-Pangilinan rift worsens

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:31:00 01/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Liberal Party on Tuesday named former Sen. Franklin Drilon as the new chair of the party in a major leadership shakeup that has further fueled speculations that all’s not well at the top of one of the country’s oldest political parties.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080130-115662/Pangilinan-out-as-Liberal-Party-chairman


Mike Arroyo accused of plotting to oust De Venecia

By Juliet Labog-Javellana, Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:26:00 01/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The son and namesake of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Tuesday said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, was behind the move to oust his father from the speakership.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080130-115661/Mike-Arroyo-accused-of-plotting-to-oust-De-Venecia


Where in the world is Mike Arroyo?

By Tarra Quismundo, Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:06:00 01/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The husband of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was noticeably absent when she returned from her seven-day trip to Switzerland and the Middle East Tuesday morning, the eve of another hearing on the controversial broadband deal in which he has been implicated.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080130-115670/Where-in-the-world-is-Mike-Arroyo


Pangilinan turns down position in Liberal Party

By Efren L. Danao Senior, Reporter

Already divided into two factions, the Liberal Party (LP) became even more fragmented after Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan, the former party chairman, begged off from any party position in the faction headed by Sen. Mar Roxas 2nd.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/30/yehey/top_stories/20080130top2.html


De Venecia, Nograles draw up battle lines for speakership

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter

Opposing camps have drawn the line in the battle for the Speakership of the House of Representatives.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/30/yehey/top_stories/20080130top3.html


Jamby calls Pia ‘a brat,’ walks out of hearing

By Sammy Martin, Correspondent

The Senate debates have apparently degenerated into name-calling.

In a hearing on the environment Tuesday, Sen. Jamby Madrigal called the committee chairman, Sen. Pia Cayetano, a “spoiled brat.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/30/yehey/top_stories/20080130top6.html


Diesel prices to go down by P1 per liter

Various petroleum companies start rollback effected by tariff cuts

By Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo, Reporter

After having to bear the brunt of the soaring price of oil in the world market, local oil firms are set to slash the price of diesel at the pumps in light of the tariff cut earlier implemented by the government.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/30/yehey/metro/20080130met1.html


Ermita unaware if gov’t job awaits Esperon after extension

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

EXECUTIVE Secretary Eduardo Ermita yesterday said he was not aware if Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. is being considered for a government post after his retirement in May.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan30/news2.htm


P75B stimulus package OK’d

BY REGINA BENGCO

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday approved in principle a proposal of Albay Gov. Jose Salceda for government to spend P75 billion to stimulate the economy and shield it against a US economic slowdown.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan30/news4.htm


LP Roxas marks 62nd year today

The Liberal Party (LP) commemorates the 62nd anniversary of the party with a community meeting, a medical-dental mission, and a job fair in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City, today, Sen. Mar Roxas, party president, announced yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080130115714.html


Kabayan twits Legarda over street protest threat

01/30/2008

Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro yesterday chided Sen. Loren Legarda over her threat to call for a street protest over the Supreme Court’s (SC) junking of her electoral case on his winning the vice presidency in the 2004 elections, urging her to instead respect the high tribunal’s decision and uphold the rule of law.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080130hed3.html


Cooperate in hearings of media cases, Jinggoy asks gov’t

01/30/2008

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday appealed to officials of the Executive department, police and military named as respondents in two petitions filed by media groups to “fully cooperate in the judicial proceedings to enable speedy resolution of the press freedom cases.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080130hed4.html


GMA adviser post awaits Esperon upon retirement

01/30/2008

A “good, loyal soldier” always gets rewarded.

After President Arroyo recently extended his term to three more years without citing a Constitution-based reason, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. may probably get a plum post in government after retirement, that of being an adviser to Mrs. Arroyo.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080130hed6.html


Don’t touch ‘anti-hostage’ pork provision in ’08 GAA, Palace urged

01/30/2008

Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday took up the cudgels for his colleagues in the minority whose “pork barrel” funds, he said, Malacañang had kept “hostage” in the last two to three years.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080130nat1.html


Solon says mediocre Palace appointees hindering RP competitiveness

01/30/2008

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday said Malacañang should be open to criticisms that it has hired unqualified appointees in managerial and executive positions as he pointed out that such appointees coupled with corruption contribute heavily to the decline in the country’s competitiveness.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080130nat3.html


P2B ‘pork’ inangkin ng palasyo

Nina Boyet Jadulco at Rose Miranda



Mahigit kumulang sa dalawang bilyong pisong pork barrel fund ng mga senador at kongresistang miyembro ng oposisyon ang inangkin ng Malacañang upang magamit na panggastos sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan3008/news02.htm


Pork barrel ni Gloria ipaiimbentaryo ng Senado

ni: Rey Marfil

Kasabay ang pagkaapruba sa P1.227 trilyong 2008 national budget, ipinapasailalim ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson sa ‘pork inventory’ si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kasabay ng pagkuwestyon sa pag-aangkin ng Malacañang sa lahat ng pondo, maging sa pork barrel ng mga kongresista at senador.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan3008/news_story2.htm


Solid JDV pa rin – Lakas solons

Ni Eralyn Prado

Bilang pagpapahayag ng kanilang solidong suporta sa liderato ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., isang resolusyon ang nilagdaan ng mga Lakas congressmen na nananatiling tapat at solidong sumusuporta sa una.
Nangyari ang paglagda sa resolusyon sa isang pulong ng mga Lakas congressmen kamakalawa ng gabi sa presensya ni De Venecia.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan3008/news03.htm


Esperon hinahanapan ng puwesto

(Rose Miranda)

Inamin ng Malacañang na bukas sila sa posibilidad na italagang presidential adviser si outgoing Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon sa oras na magretiro na ito sa Mayo 9.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan3008/news05.htm


Di kakayanin ni Melo

(Noel Abuel)

Mabibigo si dating Supreme Court Justice Jose Melo na linisin ang bumabalot na katiwalian sa Commission on Elections (Comelec) sa kadahilanang ang kurapsyon dito ay kalat at nakatanim na sa buong ahensya.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan3008/news06.htm


Pia, Jamby nagtarayan sa hearing

(BJ)

Sumiklab ang giyera sa pagitan ng dalawang mambabatas kahapon matapos magwalk-out si Senador Jamby Madrigal nang “tarayan” ni Senador Pia Cayetano sa ginanap na pagdinig hinggil sa environmental protective bill na nakasalang sa Senado.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/jan3008/news09.htm


Pangilinan sinibak ni Roxas

ni: Rey Marfil

Bagama’t hindi malinaw kung may kinalaman sa pamamangka sa dalawang ilog, katulad ang pagiging miyembro ng Wednesday Group nina Vice President Noli De Castro Jr., at Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., sinibak na bilang big boss ng Liberal Party (LP) ang mister ni Megastar Sharon Cuneta.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan3008/news_story3.htm


Melo tagilid sa video

ni: Rey Marfil/Bernard Taguinod

Kung may magpapahamak kay newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo, walang iba kundi ang itinatagong video clip ng Senado sa pag-akto nitong legal counsel ni resigned Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan3008/news_story5.htm



ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
January 31, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Neri, Lozada keep affidavits for safety

Testimony of 2 execs also put on videotape
By Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:12:00 01/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- In case they are harmed, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri and his longtime friend, Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr., have recorded what they know about the ZTE broadband scandal and other cases by putting them in writing and on video, three sources told the Philippine Daily Inquirer Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080131-115865/Neri-Lozada-keep-affidavits-for-safety



2. The Philippine Star

Senate orders arrest of Neri, ZTE witness
By Aurea Calica
Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Senate ordered two key witnesses in the national broadband network (NBN) scandal arrested for snubbing yesterday’s hearing, but offered protection to one of them if he comes back to the country after his hasty departure reportedly to escape death threats.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080130110



3. Manila Times



4. Malaya

Senate: Arrest Neri, pal
Lozada brings back memories of ‘Joc Joc’ departure

BY JP LOPEZ

THE Senate yesterday ordered the arrest of Commission on Higher Education chair Romulo Neri and "close friend" Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. for snubbing its inquiries on the $329 million broadband deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp. that was cancelled by President Arroyo last year.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan31/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin



6. The Daily Tribune

JdV ouster a done deal — Gloria allies

By Gerry Baldo,Charlie V. Manalo and Sherwin C. Olaes

01/31/2008

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas) party is now claimed to be on the brink of collapse, with many of its members reportedly now rising against Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who now says he is convinced his son Joey’s damaging statements against presidential spouse Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo is the reason behind the brewing attempt to oust him.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080131hed1.html


7. Abante

‘DI N’YO KAYA SI JDV! -- PALASYO
Nina ROSE MIRANDA, ERALYN PRADO at BOYET JADULCO

‘Numbers game’ pa rin ang girian sa speakership ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso at ang Malacañang na mismo ang uma¬ming hindi kaya ng mga ‘karibal’ ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. na pagtagumpayan ang kanilang ‘oust plot’ laban sa huli.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/jan3108/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

GIYERA NG MGA ANAK: MIKEY VS JOEY NA!
Ni Bernard Taguinod

Pagkatapos ni Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo, ang kanyang kuya naman na si Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo ang bumabangga ngayon sa anak ni House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., na si Jose ‘Joey’ de Venecia III.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan3108/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

JDV tagilid na!
Ni Butch Quejada
Thursday, January 31, 2008

Bilang na umano ang araw ni Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. matapos ku¬malat ang usap-usapang tuluyan na itong mapa¬patalsik sa Kamara at palitan ni House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Pros¬pero Nograles.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008013095


10. Journal

ARREST NERI, LOZADA
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo with Willy Balasa, Tess Bedico
Senate issues order but new ‘witness’ flies to London

THE Senate yesterday ordered the arrest of Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri and Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr., Phil.Forest Corp. chief, for snubbing the probe on the alleged overpriced $329-million national broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-31&sec=1&aid=47721


11. Business World



12. Business Mirror




II. POLITICAL

Villar wants ‘mega’ Pangilinan to join NP

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:13:00 01/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Noting how Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan could easily fill up the Araneta Coliseum with his “Mega” crowd-drawing power, Senate President Manuel Villar Wednesday invited his Wednesday Club colleague to join him in the Nacionalista Party.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080131-115873/Villar-wants-mega-Pangilinan-to-join-NP


Berroya sacked as LTO chief, will return to DOTC

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:59:00 01/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has fired Land Transportation Office chief Reynaldo Berroya, Malacañang said Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080131-115879/Berroya-sacked-as-LTO-chief-will-return-to-DOTC


House fails to OK bicam report on aviation act


Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:02:00 01/31/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives failed to ratify Wednesday night the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed Civil Aviation Act, aimed at reforming the aviation industry and regaining its status in the international aviation community.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080131-115889/House-fails-to-OK-bicam-report-on-aviation-act


Back off, GMA tells House allies ousting JDV
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, January 31, 2008

President Arroyo has called on her allies at the House of Representatives to back off from moves to oust Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., Malacañang said yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080130112


‘RP can save up to $3.6 B with renewable energy’
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Philippines can save up to $3.6 billion through the use of its renewable energy resources, an official from the multi-sectoral Renewable Energy Coalition (REC) said.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080130122


Crazy to junk De Venecia and his international network

By Belinda Olivares-Cunanan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:54:00 01/30/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- At the recent close of the 96th plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), three respected bishops called on new Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Jose Melo to put a “closure” to the “Hello Garci” tapes issue, presumably by instigating a new investigation. They said it was time to heal the “paralyzing divisions” in the nation.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080130-115833/Crazy-to-junk-De-Venecia-and-his-international-network


Trucker replaces Berroya as LTO chief

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Several months after Malacañang announced the appointment of a new Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief, Reynaldo Berroya has finally been replaced.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=49&type=2&sec=26&aid=2008013084


PCGG bubuwagin

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Posibleng buwagin na lamang ang Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) ka¬pag napatunayan na nagi¬ging pabaya sa kanilang tungkulin ang mga opisyal nito na naging dahilan ng pagkatalo ng hinahawa¬kan nilang mga kaso. Sinabi ni Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita sa kanyang media briefing sa Palasyo, nireres¬peto nila ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema matapos matalo sa kaso nito laban kay Lucio Tan. Bilang pa¬konswelo, winika na la¬mang ni Ermita sa PCGG na “better luck next time.”
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008013097


LPG nagrollback

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Nagpatupad kahapon ng panibagong pagtapyas na P0.50 sentimos kada kilo o P5.50 kada 11 kg na tangke sa presyo ng Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) habang nakatakdang magbaba din ng piso kada litro sa produktong petrolyo ang mga kompanya ng langis.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080130101


Joe allies foil ouster try,
but plot seen as not yet over

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

ALLIES of Speaker Jose de Venecia yesterday thwarted an "attempt" to oust him by abruptly adjourning the session, giving him another four days to prepare for a full-blown battle over the speakership.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan31/news2.htm


Mar: Kiko resigned,
was not sacked

BY DENNIS GADIL

SEN. Manuel Roxas II, Liberal Party (LP) president, yesterday denied reports that the party sacked Sen. Francis Pangilinan as chairman.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan31/news4.htm


Berroya replaced at LTO

MALACAÑANG yesterday said former police colonel Reynaldo Berroya would be immediately reverted to the main office of the transportation department, following the appointment to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of transport leader Alberto Suansing.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jan31/metro2.htm


Suansing, bagong LTO chief

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Itinalaga na kahapon ni Pangulong Arroyo si DOTC special consultant Alberto Suansing bilang bagong hepe ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) kapalit ni Reynaldo Berroya.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080130102


Berroya ‘out’ sa LTO
(Rose Miranda)

Tinanggal na si ret. police General Reynaldo Berroya bilang pinuno ng Land Transportation Office (LTO).
http://abante.com.ph/issue/jan3108/news06.htm


Signature drive to convince Erap to run in 2010 on

01/31/2008

With former President Joseph Estrada telling all and sundry that he is not seeking the presidency in 2010, and prefers to endorse a single united opposition presidential bet, loyalists and die-hard followers and supporters of Estrada have not given up hopes to change his mind and see him back in Malacañang in 2010.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080131hed3.html


Roxas denies ‘bad blood’ with Pangilinan

01/31/2008

Senate Majority leader Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s flight from the Liberal Party’s (LP) coop as party chairman, could likely place him in an added dilemma even as LP president Manuel Roxas II claims there is no “bad blood” between him and the Majority leader.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080131nat2.html


Fernando reveals he’s serious in running for president in 2010

01/31/2008

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando yesterday said he was serious in running for president only in 2010.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080131met3.html


Kamay ni Abalos, sisilipin kay Melo
ni: Rey Marfil

Dahil saludo sa credentials ni newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo Jr. bilang mahistrado, walang ibang misyon si opposition Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson kundi silipin ang ‘kamay’ ni resigned Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos sa pagkakahirang dito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan3108/news_story2.htm


Atienza-LP leaders criticize appointment of new officers

01/31/2008

Leaders of the Liberal Party’s (LP) majority faction led by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza yesterday criticized the appointment of new officers, calling it detrimental to moves to reunite the party.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080131met6.html


Berroya kicked out of LTO
By: Tess Bedico
REYNALDO Berroya is out of the Land Transportation Office.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita yesterday announced President Macapagal-Arroyo’s appointment of Alberto Suansing, president of the Land Transport Organization of the Philippines, to the LTO and the transfer of Berroya to the Department of Transportation and Communications as Assistant Secretary.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-31&sec=1&aid=47742


NP payag kay Pangilinan kung sasama sa kanila
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco at Marlon Purificacion
BUKAS ang pintuan ng Nacionalista Party (NP) sa posibilidad na sumama sa partido si Sen. Francisco “Kiko” Pangilinan dahil sa umiigting na iringan nito kay Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas na nag-ugat sa sina-sabing pagkakaiba sa prin-sipyo at pananaw sa puli-tika na nagresulta sa pagka-wala nito bilang chairman ng Liberal Party (LP).

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-31&sec=4&aid=47723


Rollback uli sa presyo ng LPG
By: Edd J. Reyes
BILANG pagtalima sa naunang ipinangako, nagpatupad muli ng rollback ang Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers Association (LPGMA) ng P.50 sentimos kada kilo na epektibo kaninang alas-12 ng hatinggabi.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-31&sec=4&aid=47725

LP-Atienza to amend case vs Roxas, Drilon
THE larger faction of the Liberal Party allied with Environment Secretary Lito Atienza has asked the Commission on Elections for permission to file amendments to its case vs. Sen. Mar Roxas and former Sen. Franklin Drilon on the basis of new evidence.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-31&sec=4&aid=47738


BF prefers Malacañang over Senate
METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando yesterday said he prefers to run for president rather than seek a senatorial post.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-31&sec=4&aid=47766

Better ‘aftercare’ plan to buoy investors -- GMA
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed the Department of Trade and Industy’s Board of Investments to strengthen its investor aftercare program to encourage them to maintain and expand their operations in the country by providing vital information, incentives and business solutions to create a favorable investment climate.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-01-31&sec=4&aid=47784