March 1, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
'The crowd is the statement'
Rally is largest since start of NBN crisis
By Ronnel Domingo, TJ Burgonio
Associated Press, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:53:00 03/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Festive was Friday's interfaith rally, which was marked by prayer, poetry and presidential clout, with a warning of God's wrath thrown in.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080301-122098/The-crowd-is-the-statement
2. The Philippine Star
'Fight for truth'
By Michael Punongbayan and Non Alquitran
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Students shouted “fight for truth” as Catholic priests prayed the rosary and office workers from high-rise buildings sprinkled confetti on thousands of people gathered at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenue in Makati City yesterday to call on President Arroyo to step down.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229160
3. Manila Times
70,000 join ‘rally for truth’
Rival groups band together for peaceful protest
By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter
Rival opposition groups stopped their bickering and banded together on Friday to stage an inter-faith protest, the biggest antigovernment protest in years, to press the ouster of President Gloria Arroyo for alleged corruption.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/01/yehey/top_stories/20080301top1.html
4. Malaya
70,000 come for Truth
Cory, Erap lead biggest rally against GMA yet
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
IN their biggest anti-Arroyo gathering so far, sectoral groups yesterday gathered at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Makati City in an interfaith prayer rally attended by former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada, who reiterated their calls for President Arroyo’s resignation.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar01/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
Account for missing funds – Lozada
Senate witness joins Cory, Erap at Makati rally
Lozada laments gov’t harassment and intimidation
By LEONARD D. POSTRADO and KRIS BAYOS
Senate star witness Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada yesterday batted for accountability in the government as he assailed Malacañang in front of tens of thousands of protesters at the Ayala Ave. rally for its efforts to harass him in order to hide the truth behind the controversial National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080301118283.html
6. The Daily Tribune
Erap, Cory up ante, call on Gloria to quit
03/01/2008
Rival opposition groups buried the hatchet and joined forces yesterday to stage the largest anti-government protest in years while pressing the ouster of President Arroyo, with two former presidents, Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada, leading the call for her resignation.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080301hed1.html
7. Abante
MATAKOT KA NA!
Nina BOYET JADULCO, JOJO DE GUZMAN, JULIET DE LOZA,
JETHRO SINOCRUZ, NOEL ABUEL, ERALYN PRADO at ROSE MIRANDA
Tinatayang 80,000-katao ang nakilahok sa ‘interfaith prayer rally’ kahapon sa panulukan ng Ayala Ave. at Paseo de Roxas sa Makati City at para sa ilang mambabatas, napakalaking patunay ito na nagagalit na ang taumbayan at isinusuka na nito ang garapalang katiwalian sa gobyernong Arroyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0108/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
GLORIA REGIME PATAPOS NA!
Tonite Reportorial Team
Ang pagsasama-sama ng iba’t ibang grupo sa interfaith rally sa Makati City kahapon ay malinaw na indikasyon na mulat na ang sambayanang Filipino sa mga katiwalian ng gobyerno at wala nang nalalabing paraan kundi aminin na ito ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pamamagitan ng kusang pagbaba sa puwesto.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0108/news_headline.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
‘Patawad’ – Lozada
Ni Rose Tamayo-Tesoro
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hindi man direktang inamin, tila kasama na rin ang isyu sa sinasabing pagkakaroon ng ibang babae ni ZTE witness Jun Lozada ang ginawa nitong paghingi ng tawad sa harapan ng libu-libong mga raliyista sa isinagawang interfaith rally kahapon sa Makati City.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080229120
10. Journal
UNFAZED
GMA keeps cool amid biggest anti-gov’t rally in Makati
PRESIDENT Macapagal-Arroyo was reported yesterday to have set up a command post at the National Police headquarters in Camp Crame to monitor the ongoing interfaith rally in Makati City which was the biggest yet gathering of her detractors.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-01&sec=1&aid=51205
11. Business World
Mining firms face tighter listing rules
Mining companies intending to list at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) may soon have to submit additional requirements to prove their prospects.
PSE president and chief executive Francis E. Lim told reporters that the exchange has proposed to its board the submission of mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) certificates, exploration permits and environment compliance permits for those mining companies intending to conduct IPOs.
http://bworldonline.com/BW030108/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
II. POLITICAL
4 bishops flesh out CBCP letter
By Beverly T. Natividad
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:09:00 03/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Even without a direct call for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), four of its bishops joined Friday's interfaith rally in Makati City to seek divine intervention against what they perceive as a corrupt administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080301-122102/4-bishops-flesh-out-CBCP-letter
Gina de Venecia: Arroyo told me I was 'just a housewife'
By Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes
Northern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 17:51:00 02/29/2008
SAN FABIAN, Pangasinan -- "I’m the President; you’re just a housewife."
Gina de Venecia, wife of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., claimed this was the rebuke she always got from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo whenever she tried to tell her about corruption in her government.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-122004/Gina-de-Venecia-Arroyo-told-me-I-was-just-a-housewife
Senators split on Makati rally
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:44:00 02/29/2008
MANILA, Philippines--Senators were of two minds on whether to attend Friday's interfaith rally, wary that their presence would lead to accusations of bias in the ongoing Senate inquiry into the National Broadband Network scandal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-122044/Senators-split-on-Makati-rally
3 of 4 Metro Manilans disapprove of Arroyo -- survey
Lozada most trusted NBN-ZTE witness
By Kate V. Pedroso
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:17:00 02/29/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Amid calls for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's resignation and the continuing congressional inquiry into the controversial broadband deal, around three in every four Metro Manilans (71 percent) disapprove of the President's performance, while almost the same percentage (76 percent) distrust her, according to the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia, Inc.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080229-122016/3-of-4-Metro-Manilans-disapprove-of-Arroyo----survey
REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
Now, student power is in full flower
By Julie M. Aurelio, DJ Yap, Allison Lopez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:13:00 03/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Students suddenly swelled the ranks of participants at Friday's interfaith rally in Makati City. In addition to La Salle, Ateneo and UP, students from some of Manila's universities broke their silence and aired their call for the truth and for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080301-122103/Now-student-power-is-in-full-flower
Troop movement monitored
By Edith Regalado
Saturday, March 1, 2008
DAVAO CITY — Unauthorized movements of elements of the Marines, the Scout Rangers and the Army in Southern Tagalog were allegedly monitored in the midst of fresh reports of a coup to force President Arroyo to step down.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229163
LTO stops rally jeepneys
By Perseus Echeminada
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) apprehended yesterday drivers and operators of public utility vehicles going out of their designated routes to ferry rally participants.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229164
Business as usual for GMA
By Paolo Romero
Saturday, March 1, 2008
It was business as usual for President Arroyo yesterday as she went on with her scheduled public engagements ‑— but under heavy security.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229165
Lozada admits sins
By Aurea Calica
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Senate key witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. said yesterday that administration officials are using personal issues to stop him from testifying on the botched $329-million national broadband network deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229166
Pulse Asia: 2 of 3 Pinoys believe Lozada; 76% distrust GMA
By Helen Flores
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Two of every three or 65 percent of Metro Manila residents consider Rodolfo Lozada Jr. a credible witness in the national broadband network (NBN) scandal, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229168
Palace on Erap: Look who’s talking
By Marvin Sy
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Malacañang advised former President Joseph Estrada to be prudent in making any statements criticizing the administration in the raging controversy over the national broadband network (NBN) contract.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229170
Iggy asks Jamby to inhibit
By Jess Diaz
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The congressman-brother of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo urged Sen. Jamby Madrigal yesterday to inhibit herself from the Senate’s inquiry into the anomalous national broadband network (NBN) deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229171
CBCP president joins anti-GMA rally
By Ronilo Ladrido Pamonag
Saturday, March 1, 2008
ILOILO CITY - The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines yesterday joined the interfaith march and prayer rally here.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229173
Bishops set parameters on resign call
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday that “the time for President Arroyo to resign is not now,” but set its own standards on when to support calls for her to step down.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229174
Salonga supports PCGG abolition
By Rainier Allan Ronda
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Former Senate president Jovito Salonga, the first chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), said the agency tasked to go after the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses should be abolished.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229178
Susan Roces spurns anti-GMA suitors
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Movie icon Susan Roces, widow of Fernando Poe Jr. who lost to President Arroyo in the 1998 elections, turned down the request of supporters to join the call for President Arroyo’s resignation, according to actor Rez Cortez.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229179
DOTC on NBN deal: No money changed hands
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza yesterday said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has not given any money or down payment to China’s ZTE Corp. in connection with the cancelled national broadband network (NBN) project of the government.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229180
Pro-government rallyists show support
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Some 3,000 pro-government rallyists carrying banners and placards joined soldiers yesterday afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to openly show their support to the government,
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229181
Asean members ratify charter
By Pia Lee-Brago
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Four member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have ratified its charter, but the Philippines has yet to approve it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080229182
Changing leaders will not change anything–Palace
The government reiterated that President Gloria Arroyo’s resignation is not the solution to the political crisis, saying any change must be based on the unified voice of all Filipinos.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/01/yehey/top_stories/20080301top2.html
DOJ wants coercive powers for probe into broadband deal
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
The Justice department sought coercive powers in its investigation into the aborted broadband deal after being snubbed several times by those whom it had invited to testify on alleged irregularities in the $330-million project.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/01/yehey/top_stories/20080301top3.html
Harassment at checkpoints decried
BY JOB REALUBIT
THE militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) yesterday said its contingent from Southern Tagalog was blocked by police in the Cabuyao, Laguna area, as it was on its way to Makati City for the interfaith rally.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar01/news4.htm
Palace team, bishops to meet on EO 464
By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN
Malacañang’s legal team will meet top officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to tell them of its decision on whether to lift Executive Order No. 464, which many lawyers believe has no more bearing after the Supreme Court voided some of its provisions in 2006.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080301118285.html
Comelec announces 10-point agenda until 2010 polls
By E. T. SUAREZ
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Acting Chairman Romeo A. Brawner bared yesterday a 10-point agenda for 2008 onwards, topped by the implementation of Republic Act 9369 providing for the automation of Aug. 11, 2008 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the 2010 National and Local Elections.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080301118289.html
Villar: No inconsistencies in Madriaga’s testimonies
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
Senate President Manuel B. Villar Jr. said yesterday the Senate has not found any inconsistencies in the testimonies of its latest whistle blower, Dante Madriaga, an electronics expert, on the controversial $ 329-million ZTE national broadband network (NBN) contract.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080301118295.html
Anomalous RP-China Spratlys exploration deal bared
03/01/2008
A Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official yesterday admitted that there was irregularity in the deal entered into by President Arroyo with the Chinese government for joint exploration for Philippine-claimed territories in the disputed Spratlys.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080301hed6.html
Malacañang legal team reaches consensus on EO 464 ‘abolition’
03/01/2008
Malacañang yesterday said the legal team recently formed by President Arroyo to study the recommendation of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to lift Executive Order 464 has reached a consensus on the matter.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080301nat1.html
‘Harang’ tactics ‘di umubra
(Tina Mendoza/Nonnie Ferriol/Bell Desolo/Noel Abuel/Boyet Jadulco)
Katakut-takot na panghaharang ang ginawa kahapon ng militar at pulisya sa bultu-bultong taong dumagsa sa Metro Manila para makilahok sa ‘interfaith prayer rally’ para sa katotohanan at laban sa matinding katiwalian sa pamahalaan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0108/news02.htm
Razon for lifting EO 464
By: Alfred P. Dalizon
PHILIPPINE National Police chief Director General Avelino I. Razon Jr. on Thursday said he favors the lifting of Executive Order 464 but made it clear he and his men will not attend another hearing on the alleged kidnapping of national broadband network scandal witness Rodolfo Lozada, Jr.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-01&sec=4&aid=51214
March 2, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Noli de Castro prepared
VP: Not the same as 'preparing to take over'
By Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:52:00 03/01/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Vice President Noli De Castro declared Saturday that he was "prepared, not preparing," to take over the presidency in the event of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation or ouster as a result of the political tumult triggered by the National Broadband Network (NBN) scandal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080301-122198/Noli-de-Castro-prepared
2. The Philippine Star
‘2010 hopefuls want GMA to stay in power’
By Perseus Echeminada
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Presidential aspirants are keeping their distance from mass actions calling for President Arroyo to step down because they want her to hold on for two more years to ensure the holding of elections in 2010, former senator Francisco Tatad said yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008030193
3. Manila Times
4. Malaya
5. Manila Bulletin
6. The Daily Tribune
Assemble 100,000 Gloria gov’t falls, predicts Sison
By Sherwin C. Olaes
03/02/2008
Saying President Arroyo should read the handwriting on the wall, Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief political consultant, foresees the downfall of Mrs. Arroyo when protest gatherings against her reach a crowd of at least 100,000.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080302hed1.html
7. Abante
CBCP: MAS MALAKING RALLY PA VS GLORIA!
(Juliet de Loza/Noel Abuel/Jethro Sinocruz/Boyet Jadulco/Grace Velasco/Tina Mendoza/Nilo Marasigan)
Tiniyak kahapon ng Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) na masusundan pa ng mas malaki ang naganap na inter-faith rally kamakalawa sa Makati City.
8. Abante-Tonite
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Noli handang palitan si GMA
Ni Rudy Andal
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Nakahanda si Vice-President Noli de Castro na manungkulan bilang pangulo subalit hindi niya pinaghahandaan na aga¬win ito kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008030161
10. Journal
MIGRANT PROTEST
By: Paul M. Gutierrez
OFWs to hit gov’t where it hurts
THE country’s largest migrant organization announced it would kick off a campaign to reduce regular remittances of overseas Filipino workers to their families and help put pressure on President Macapagal-Arroyo to step down.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-02&sec=1&aid=51289
11. Business World
12. Business Mirror
II. POLITICAL
Speaker says he met with Chief Justice ahead of Friday rally
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:35:00 03/01/2008
SPEAKER Prospero Nograles and Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno discussed with concern the country's political situation hours before the most massive protest this year against the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took place in Makati City on Friday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080301-122243/Speaker-says-he-met-with-Chief-Justice-ahead-of-Friday-rally
Charges mulled vs officials who blocked protesters
By Julie M. Aurelio, Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:01:00 03/01/2008
THE UNITED OPPOSITION is readying charges against government officials who allegedly harassed and prevented protesters from Southern Luzon and parts of Metro Manila from joining Friday's interfaith rally in Makati City.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080301-122238/Charges-mulled-vs-officials-who-blocked-protesters
Palace blames NBN probe for President's poor rating
By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:55:00 03/01/2008
MALACAÑANG on Saturday blamed the ongoing Senate inquiry into the controversial ZTE-NBN deal for the high disapproval rating of President Glorai Macapagal-Arroyo's performance.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080301-122235/Palace-blames-NBN-probe-for-Presidents-poor-rating
Palace calm after the storm
By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:56:00 03/02/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- It was all quiet at the presidential palace Saturday, the morning after the interfaith rally in Makati City which was attended by the largest crowd since the National Broadband Network scandal erupted.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080302-122256/Palace-calm-after-the-storm
Lozada tells it like it is: Jedi, moderate greed 'bubukol'
By Inquirer Research
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:57:00 03/02/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Part of the reason for the anti-Arroyo public's adulation of Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., the Senate's star witness in its inquiry into the controversial NBN-ZTE deal, is the seemingly innocent but telling way in which he expresses himself. The following is a list of the words and _expressions that are vintage Lozada, which have fired up the outrage in the streets.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080302-122257/Lozada-tells-it-like-it-is--Jedi-moderate-greed-bubukol
Arroyo won’t get distracted – Bunye
By Marvin Sy
Sunday, March 2, 2008
President Arroyo won’t get distracted by mass actions calling for her ouster, Malacañang said after the interfaith rally held in Makati City last Friday.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said “it is obvious that the President does not allow herself to be distracted by the mass actions” spearheaded by anti-administration groups.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008030194
Bishop seeks clarification on future rallies: Prayer or politics?
By Evelyn Macairan
Sunday, March 2, 2008
While pleased with the large turnout of people in last Friday’s interfaith rally, a prominent Roman Catholic bishop said organizers should be clear about the nature or purpose of future mass actions to avoid confusion.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008030195
Pump prices up 50¢ per liter
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Oil firms raised pump prices by 50 centavos per liter effective yesterday despite the 50-centavo tariff cut, citing the “significant” rise in global crude prices.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. external affairs general manager Roberto Kanapi attributed the price adjustment to the “significant increase in world oil prices.”
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008030197
No signs of GMA endorsing Noli
By Pia Lee-Brago
Sunday, March 2, 2008
President Arroyo has shown no signs of endorsing Vice President Noli de Castro as the administration candidate in the 2010 presidential race, sources said yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008030199
DOJ panel wants authority to issue subpoenas on ZTE
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A five-man panel formed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a fact-finding investigation of the controversial ZTE national broadband network deal yesterday asked Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez to empower them with the authority to issue subpoenas and compel personalities to attend its hearings.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301100
China envoy feels some senators have gone too far on ZTE probe
By Pia Lee-Brago
Sunday, March 2, 2008
China is disappointed with the stand of the Senate on the national broadband network (NBN) controversy, saying some senators have gone too far and may have caused damage to its international image.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301101
Resign or face expulsion from Lakas, JDV told
By Delon Porcalla
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Ousted speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will experience a double whammy if he refuses to relinquish his post as president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), just like when he was booted out last Feb. 4 from the House leadership.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301102
Two 5-man teams to audit House funds
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The House of Representatives has formed two five-man teams to conduct an audit of funds during the time of ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia and implement reforms in the chamber.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301103
UNO mulls charges vs gov’t officials for blocking rallyists
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The United Opposition (UNO) has formed a legal team that will study the filing of charges against government officials who prevented participants from Southern Luzon and other areas from attending last Friday’s interfaith rally in Makati City.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301106
Palace: Survey showing low ratings on GMA timed with rally
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Malacanang aired suspicions yesterday that the release of the survey showing a decline in President Arroyo’s approval and distrust ratings was timed with Friday’s interfaith rally in Makati City.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301107
‘Erap living symbol of RP democracy’
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada remains “the living symbol of Philippine democracy,” and he has all the right to speak against all the wrongdoings in the Arroyo government, his spokeswoman Margaux Salcedo said yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301109
Villar confident SC will favor Senate on Neri’s arrest order
By Edith Regalado
Sunday, March 2, 2008
DAVAO CITY – Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. expressed confidence the Supreme Court (SC) will rule in favor of the Senate on the petition filed by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080301110
March 3, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Aquino: Fight may take longer
By Allison Lopez, Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:51:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Corazon Aquino Sunday told Filipinos to prepare for a “long” fight, but said that in the end the public protests against corruption could force President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122394/Aquino-Fight-may-take-longer
2. The Philippine Star
AFP response force to remain in Metro
By James Mananghaya
Monday, March 3, 2008
Some 1,500 troops have been placed on standby in Metro Manila to respond to any emergency even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lowered the alert level which was raised last week to prepare for anti-government demonstrations.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302125
3. Manila Times
SC will force Neri to talk
Justices need to hear his conversation with GMA
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
What Romulo Neri refused to tell the Senate about his conversation with President Gloria Arroyo about the national broadband deal, he may be compelled to reveal to the Supreme Court in an executive session.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/03/yehey/top_stories/20080303top1.html
4. Malaya
Make a stand, Jun calls on AFP, PNP
"It's futile asking GMA to resign'
BY ELLEN TORDESILLAS
ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. yesterday called on upright members of the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police to make a stand on the issue of corruption hounding the Arroyo administration.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar03/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
6. The Daily Tribune
Unity not recrimination, Erap group says on anti-Gloria push
By Sherwin C. Olaes
03/03/2008
It is not the time for recrimination but a period for unity, the camp of former President Joseph Estrada and the late opposition presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr. yesterday said over what they said as uncalled for criticisms on Estrada and former President Corazon Aquino’s brief stage appearances in Friday’s Interfaith rally.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080303hed1.html
7. Abante
MILITAR NABABASAG NA!
Abante Reportorial Team
Unti-unti nang nababasag ang hanay ng mga miyembro ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), matapos masaksihan ang daan-libong mamamayan na humihiling ng pagbitaw ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malacañang.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0308/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
GMA BABAGSAK SA STUDENT POWER
ni: Rey Marfil
Sa ipinapakitang pagtanggap ng mga estudyante kay dating Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) president Rodolfo Lozada Jr. na naglilibot sa iba’t ibang paaralan, anumang araw maaaring mag-peak o umabot na sa sukdulan ang galit ng mga kabataan at magsisilbing susi ang mga ito sa maagang pagbibitiw ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0308/news_story1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Lozada kakalas sa Katoliko
Ni Ed Punay
Monday, March 3, 2008
Nagbantang kakalas sa pagka-Katoliko si NBN-ZTE star witness Rodolfo Lozada kapag hindi nanindigan ang mga obispo laban sa katiwalian sa pamahalaan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008030288
s
10. Journal
ALL THE WAY
By: Tess Bedico
Church leaders assure Lozada of unwavering support
SENATE witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr. yesterday said he had been assured that the bishops’ support for him will not wane.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-03&sec=1&aid=51370
11. Business World
BY MARIA KRISTINA C. CONTI, Reporter
More fuel price increases ahead
FUEL PRICES, which put substantial pressure on the Philippine economy, are creeping up anew as world markets rally over a weak dollar and tensions in oil-producing countries.
http://bworldonline.com/BW030308/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
II. POLITICAL
Aquino: Fight may take longer
By Allison Lopez, Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:51:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Former president Corazon Aquino Sunday told Filipinos to prepare for a “long” fight, but said that in the end the public protests against corruption could force President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122394/Aquino-Fight-may-take-longer
Opposition split over succession issue
By Desiree Caluza, TJ Burgonio, Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:33:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Whether Filipinos like it or not, Vice President Noli de Castro is the constitutional successor to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, according to political opposition and militant groups.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122398/Opposition-split-over-succession-issue
Arroyo told: Follow bishops, junk EO 464
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:31:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Senators Sunday urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to heed the Catholic bishops’ call to scrap Executive Order No. 464 and allow former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri to testify in the inquiry into the scuttled $329-million broadband project.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122397/Arroyo-told-Follow-bishops-junk-EO-464
4 senators push probe of SouthRail project
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:29:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate blue ribbon committee has yet to investigate the $932-million South Railway (SouthRail) project despite calls from at least four senators to do so following Rodolfo Lozada Jr.’s allegation that the project was overpriced because of kickbacks.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122396/4-senators-push-probe-of-SouthRail-project
‘Sinners’ back Lozada; Abalos eyes school tour
By Kristine L. Alave, Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:27:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- While a group of avowed sinners -- including drinkers and cockfight aficionados -- has rallied round Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr., embattled former polls chief Benjamin Abalos Sr. is looking for a friendly audience to listen to his side in the broadband kickbacks scandal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122395/Sinners-back-Lozada-Abalos-eyes-school-tour
ANALYSIS
Battle arena over NBN shifts to SC
By Amando Doronila
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:34:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The stepped-up campaign to mount another people power revolt to force the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo fizzled out last week, driving the deadlock from the streets to another arena, the Supreme Court.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122399/Battle-arena-over-NBN-shifts-to-SC
‘Search for truth’ includes number of participants
By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:15:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The “search for truth” should include getting the numbers right, in this case -- the actual number of people that showed up at the biggest protest rally against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo since the National Broadband Network (NBN) scandal rocked her administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122416/Search-for-truth-includes-number-of-participants
IN THE KNOW
Southrail Project overview
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:14:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Southrail Project is a $932-million project seeking to link Laguna province to the southern provinces in the Bicol Region through a high-speed train service. It will be funded by a loan from China.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122415/Southrail-Project-overview
PNP: Yes, we nabbed terrorist but we’re not talking
By Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:33:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Jr. Sunday remained tight-lipped on the details of the arrest of an alleged foreign terrorist, saying follow-up operations were still going on.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122419/PNP-Yes-we-nabbed-terrorist-but-were-not-talking
Help us file cases, UNO urges those barred from rally
By Desiree Caluza
Northern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 06:32:00 03/03/2008
BAGUIO CITY -- The United Opposition has urged people who were stopped by policemen and soldiers from attending the Feb. 29 interfaith rally in Makati City to submit affidavits so that it could file appropriate charges against the government.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122418/Help-us-file-cases-UNO-urges-those-barred-from-rally
‘Noli phobia saving GMA’
By Edu Punay
Monday, March 3, 2008
It was a choice between the ouster of President Arroyo and a chance to win in the 2010 presidential race.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302126
Next at Senate: ‘Greedy Group’
By Christina Mendez
Monday, March 3, 2008
The Senate is set to subpoena more witnesses linked to Dante Madriaga, the walk-in witness who testified last week, detailing the alleged web of corruption surrounding the government’s national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302127
A long way to go in fight for truth – Cory
By Edu Punay
Monday, March 3, 2008
It may take a longer time for the “fight for truth” to force out President Arroyo from power and end “rampant corruption” in government, former President Corazon Aquino said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302128
PCGG exec quits
By Rainier Allan Ronda
Monday, March 3, 2008
After just a month in his post, Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Commissioner William Dichoso ended his second tour of duty at the commission.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302130
Palace says Lozada ready to ‘self-destruct’
By Paolo Romero
Monday, March 3, 2008
Malacañang predicted yesterday that Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada would soon “self-destruct” as more inconsistencies in his testimonies and his character begin to surface and be exposed to the public.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302133
Malacañang downplays Joma’s call for 100,000 protesters
By Paolo Romero
Monday, March 3, 2008
Malacañang laughed off yesterday the call of exiled communist rebel leader Jose Ma. Sison for 100,000 protesters on the streets to force President Arroyo to step down.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302134
JDV offered president emeritus post in Lakas-CMD
Monday, March 3, 2008
Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has been offered the post of “president emeritus” of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats as calls for him to leave the party continue.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080302135
Senate sets sights on $932-million southrail investigation
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
The Senate blue-ribbon committee will look into the $932-million SouthRail project after it finishes the inquiry into the national broadband controversy. Also waiting in the wings are the TransCo and Cyber Education Project investigations.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/03/yehey/top_stories/20080303top2.html
Madriaga passes Senate 'credibility' test
DANTE Madriaga, the Senate's new witness in the NBN-ZTE deal, was declared as having passed the first phase of a "credibility" test after a five-hour grilling by the technical working group of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar03/news5.htm
There’s nothing wrong with Noli’s ‘state of preparedness’ — Palace
03/03/2008
President Arroyo sees nothing wrong with Vice President Noli de Castro’s state of preparedness as her possible successor in case her term is cut short. But the Chief Executive, this early, expressed confidence that the Vice President will not betray her by joining those who are calling for her resignation.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080303hed4.html
Alan ayaw sa Southrail probe
ni: Rey Marfil
Bagama’t nababalutan ng multi-bilyong pisong katanungan ang eskandalo sa Southrail project, mismong chairman ng Senate blue ribbon committee ang tumangging pakialaman ang isa pang expose ni dating Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) president Rodolfo Lozada Jr.
Kahit inihain ni Lozada sa Senado ang mga detalye at impormasyong may kinalaman sa umano’y overpricing ng Southrail project, tinanggihan ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman ng blue ribbon committee, ang pagpapatawag ng imbestigasyon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0308/news_story2.htm
Senate to summon ‘Greedy Gang’
THE Senate will summon the four members of a group which new Senate witness Dante Madriaga claimed to have received substantial kickbacks from the botched national broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-03&sec=1&aid=51378
Imbestigasyon sa Southrail project, itinigil ni Cayetano
PIGIL si Senador Alan Peter Cayetano na umpisahan na ang Senate investigation hinggil naman sa overpricing sa Southrail project.
Katwiran ni Cayetano, iisang testigo pa lamang ang hawak nila at nakatutok pa sila ngayon sa masinsinang imbestigasyon hinggil pa rin sa ZTE-NBN broadband controversy.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-03&sec=4&aid=51331
DoTC corruption, suppression instrument -- Golez
TO Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has become an “instrument of corruption and suppression.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-03&sec=4&aid=51367
NEDA move alarms Mar
SEN. Mar Roxas has expressed alarm over the reported plan of the National Economic and Development Authority to draft guidelines limiting access to information amid the people’s search for truth behind the controversial $329-million national broadband network deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-03&sec=4&aid=51373
March 4, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
(UPDATE) 9 Arroyo hecklers in Laguna arrested
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net, Associated Press
First Posted 19:03:00 03/03/2008
CALAMBA CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday got a taste of public anger at her scandal-wracked administration when nine activists jeered her, calling her a "fascist" and demanding her removal from office.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122530/UPDATE-9-Arroyo-hecklers-in-Laguna-arrested
2. The Philippine Star
Coup recruitment on – AFP
By Ding Cervantes
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – A brigade of troops tried to break camp and join the interfaith rally in Makati last Friday but they were stopped, the Armed Forces chief disclosed yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303185
3. Manila Times
Pagcor owes P1B in taxes
Senator questions interpretation of 5% franchise tax
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Sen. Francis Escudero on Monday said it appears that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has not paid about P1 billion in franchise tax to the government.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/04/yehey/top_stories/20080304top1.html
4. Malaya
‘Treason’ probe pressed
Sellout of territory seen as ‘greed without moderation’
THE United Opposition yesterday asked the Senate to act on a resolution filed by detained Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV calling for an inquiry into the "Spratly Deal" allegedly entered into by the Arroyo administration with China "in exchange for dirty loans."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar04/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
SC holds hearing on EO 464 today
High Court petitioned on mining law provisions
Supreme Court takes up EO 464 in today’s hearing
By REY G. PANALIGAN
The Supreme Court (SC) conducts a public hearing today on the petition of Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo L. Neri challenging the legality of the arrest order issued against him by three committees of the Senate for his failure to testify in the investigation of the $ 329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) project.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080304118483.html
6. The Daily Tribune
69% of Metro Pinoys support protest moves vs Gloria, aides
03/04/2008
More bad news for Malacañang, its occupants and Palace aides.
A recent Pulse Asia survey found 69 percent of respondents in Metro Manila supporting the protest actions calling for the resignation of government officials linked to the scandal-tainted ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) contract, even as only 16 percent have expressed willingness to join such protest actions.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080304hed1.html
7. Abante
BAGONG GOBYERNO NAKALATAG NA!
Nina JB SALARZON, ROSE MIRANDA at ERALYN PRADO
Nakalatag na ang isang ‘bagong gobyerno’ oras na mahimok si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na bumaba na sa puwesto.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0408/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
MUNDO NI GLORIA LUMILIIT NA!
Rey Marfil With Bernard Taguinod
Hangga’t hindi nagbibitiw sa puwesto, marami pang pangbabastos at kahihiyang matitikman si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa kamay ng mga kabataan, sampu ng mamamayang dismayado sa kanyang liderato.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0408/news1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Daloy ng dolyar sa RP iipitin
Ni Mer Layson
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Bilang protesta, iipitin ng mga Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa ang pagdaloy ng dolyar sa Pilipinas.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008030396
10. Journal
SENATORS WRANGLE
Solons can’t agree when to start Southrail probe
SENATORS are wrangling over the looming investigation into the alleged overpriced $932-million Southrail project, with some insisting that the investigation should start once the Chamber finished its inquiry into the national broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-04&sec=1&aid=51472
11. Business World
SC asked to rule on attrition
Customs personnel want law declared unconstitutional
CUSTOMS PERSONNEL, faced with the prospect of losing their jobs over the failure to meet revenue collection targets, want the Supreme Court to declare the Attrition Law of 2005 unconstitutional.
http://bworldonline.com/BW030408/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
II. POLITICAL
4 senators push probe of SouthRail project
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:29:00 03/03/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate blue ribbon committee has yet to investigate the $932-million South Railway (SouthRail) project despite calls from at least four senators to do so following Rodolfo Lozada Jr.’s allegation that the project was overpriced because of kickbacks.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080303-122396/4-senators-push-probe-of-SouthRail-project
Lozada says sorry anew for love affairs
By Margaux Ortiz, Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:31:00 03/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- After rocking the Arroyo Administration with his exposés on alleged kickbacks in the controversial $329-million broadband project, whistle-blower Rodolfo Lozada Jr. Monday sought public forgiveness for his marital indiscretions.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080304-122619/Lozada-says-sorry-anew-for-love-affairs
SC tackles executive privilege issue Tuesday
By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:30:00 03/04/2008
The Supreme Court will hear on Tuesday arguments on when and how executive privilege may be invoked, but legal eagles already are saying information cannot be withheld to cover up a crime, unless it leads to self-incrimination.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080304-122623/SC-tackles-executive-privilege-issue-Tuesday
Not all right, sirs? Ping slams Gringo
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:31:00 03/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- A former leader of bloody coup attempts two decades ago has no "moral authority" to warn about the dangers of drawing the military into the country's current political crisis.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080304-122624/Not-all-right-sirs-Ping-slams-Gringo
16% of Metro folk willing to join rallies vs NBN deal
By Cyril Bonabente
Mindanao Bureau, Northern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 05:33:00 03/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Organizers of protest actions calling for the resignation of officials involved in the National Broadband Network (NBN) controversy may count on 16 percent of Metro Manila adults to join demonstrations, results of the survey that Pulse Asia conducted last month showed.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080304-122625/16-of-Metro-folk-willing-to-join-rallies-vs-NBN-deal
Mike Arroyo trust rating sinks to negative 51
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:09:00 03/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The public trust rating of Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo has sunk to its lowest level since 2001, according to the latest survey conducted by private polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080304-122626/Mike-Arroyo-trust-rating-sinks-to-negative-51
Cayetano: One probe at a time
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:16:00 03/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition senators want the blue ribbon committee to immediately start public hearings on the North Luzon Railway (NorthRail) and South Luzon Railway (SouthRail) projects even as it wraps up its six-month probe of alleged kickbacks in the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080304-122629/Cayetano-One-probe-at-a-time
Opposition vows bigger protests
By Artemio Dumlao
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
BAGUIO CITY – The United Opposition (UNO) vows to launch bigger street protests in the coming days, saying the large turnout of people in last Friday’s interfaith rally will have a “snowballing effect.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303186
SC hears Neri petition today
By Mike Frialde
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments today on the petition filed by former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director-general Romulo Neri asking the Court to stop the Senate from enforcing an order to arrest him.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303187
Nograles: Pork barrel use to be posted on internet
HOUSE Speaker Prospero Nograles said the public will soon be able to keep track of the pork barrel disbursements of congressmen on the internet as part of the new House leadership's image-building program. He said that among the projects now in the pipeline is the creation of a website containing details and the status of each congressman's priority development assistance fund (PDAF).
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar04/metro2.htm
Senate committee resets NBN-ZTE hearing to next week
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
The Senate Blue Ribbon committee, owing to its loaded schedule, reset yesterday its 12th hearing on the ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) contract from Friday this week to Tuesday, March 11, and Friday, March 14.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080304118486.html
SWS poll: Mike A trust rating hits record low
By Helen Flores
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo’s image problem is at its worst since 2001 with 64 percent of Filipinos professing to have “little trust” in him, the Social Weather Stations survey for the fourth quarter of 2007 showed.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303190
Senate stands firm on right to summon Palace execs
By Angie M. Rosales and Benjamin B. Pulta
03/04/2008
With Malacañang’s blanket gag order on officials appearing before the Senate to be taken up by the Supreme Court (SC) today in the scheduled oral arguments on the petition filed by former National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) chief Romulo Neri, the Senate said it will maintain its position when it defends its powers before the high court, insisting on its right to summon members of the Executive during congressional inquiries, a position that even Palace allies in the Senate share.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080304hed5.html
Sumilao farmers back in Manila, to camp out at Malacañang
By Katherine Adraneda
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
After more than two months of waiting, farmers who marched 1,700 kilometers from Bukidnon to Manila last October are back to press Malacañang to fulfill its promise to give them the controversial 144-hectare property in Sumilao town.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303191
9 protesters arrested for heckling GMA
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Police detained and charged nine activists who heckled President Arroyo as she attended a celebration of Women’s Month yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303192
Erap: I have constitutional right to replace GMA
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada yesterday said that he has the constitutional right to replace President Arroyo because he was “unconstitutionally removed” from office in 2001 through people power.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303193
Panlilio may join GMA-resign movement if EO 464 not revoked
By Helen Flores
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio said yesterday he might join groups calling for President Arroyo’s resignation if she does not revoke Executive Order 464.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303194
Nograles to replace JDV as Lakas president?
By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
After succeeding Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. as Speaker, Prospero Nograles will most likely also replace him as the president of the dominant party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), as most of his colleagues in the executive committee chose him as the most logical replacement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303195
Speaker hires 4 media handlers to improve House image
By Jess Diaz
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Speaker Prospero Nograles announced yesterday he has hired four media handlers to improve the image of the House of Representatives.
“I don’t believe anyone has a monopoly of wisdom. I am a team player and I believe that four heads are better than one,” he said in a statement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303196
Opposition asks Senate to probe GMA’s ‘Spratly deal’ with China
By Michael Punongbayan
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The United Opposition (UNO) asked the Senate yesterday to investigate allegations that President Arroyo signed an agreement allowing China to conduct exploration in Philippine territorial waters.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303199
JDV denies spending P600-M intel funds
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. yesterday denied reports about the P600-million intelligence fund spent during his term as Speaker of the House of Representatives that is now the subject of an audit to be conducted by the House leadership.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080303200
March 5, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
INITIAL AGREEMENT
(9th UPDATE) Neri to attend Senate NBN deal hearing
But can’t be asked about conversation with Arroyo
By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:50:00 03/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines--Former Socioeconomic and Planning Secretary Romulo Neri will attend the congressional inquiry into the graft-tainted Internet broadband deal but the senators cannot ask him questions about his supposed conversation with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Supreme Court said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080304-122690/9th-UPDATE-Neri-to-attend-Senate-NBN-deal-hearing
2. The Philippine Star
Puno proposes compromise
By Mike Frialde
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Chief Justice Reynato Puno proposed a compromise yesterday that critics fear could make the broadband controversy drag all the way to 2010: Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri can face Senate grilling, but he can still invoke executive privilege and refer individual questions back to the Supreme Court.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304154
3. Manila Times
Neri defiant, no-show at High Court
Lawyer cites military, diplomatic secrets in ZTE deal
By William B. Depasupil, Reporter
Romulo Neri was a no-show Tuesday at scheduled oral arguments before the Supreme Court on his petition that he can invoke “executive privilege” in refusing to testify in congressional investigations.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/05/yehey/top_stories/20080305top1.html
4. Malaya
61 ex-Cabinet men give GMA week to act
•Let Neri testify
•Suspend officials
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
SIXTY-ONE former Cabinet secretaries and other high-ranking officials from the Marcos to the Arroyo administrations yesterday asked President Arroyo to act on her recent statement that she is against corruption as they gave her a five-item to-do list that they said Arroyo should accomplish within a week.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar05/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
SC proposes EO 464 compromise
Senators have until 5 p.m. today to accept
SC proposes compromise at EO 464 hearing
By REY G. PANALIGAN
The Supreme Court (SC) proposed last night a compromise to settle expeditiously the stalemate in the Senate’s investigation into the alleged anomalous $ 329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project with the ZTE Corp. of China that has been scrapped by the government.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080305118572.html
6. The Daily Tribune
Neri, no show in SC orals
By Benjamin B. Pulta
03/05/2008
Former socio-economic secretary Romulo Neri, now chairman of the Commission on Higher Education, was a no show yesterday for his case before the high court, and got a mouthful by proxy before the Supreme Court (SC) during the tribunal’s oral arguments in connection with two petitions he filed seeking the quashal of a warrant of arrest handed down by the Senate to compel his attendance in connection with the upper chamber’s investigation into the multibillion-dollar National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080305hed1.html
7. Abante
NERI, WALA NANG KAWALA!
Ni GRACE VELASCO
Papayagan na ng Korte Suprema na mu-ling masalang sa Senate probe si Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri hinggil sa nalalaman nito sa kontrobersyal na National Broadband Network (NBN)-ZTE deal.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0508/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
MILYON MAGRA-RALLY PAGKANTA NI NERI
Bernard Taguinod W/ Grace Velasco
Tiyak na milyong katao na ang lalabas sa lansangan kapag inatasan ng Korte Suprema si Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri na sabihin na ang lahat ng katotohanan sa likod ng pagpirma nito sa ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) contract.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0508/news1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Ratings ng mga Senador sadsad
Nina Butch Quejada at Malou Escudero
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Dahil sa walang tigil na imbestigasyon sa iba’t ibang isyu na nakakaapekto sa pagbalangkas ng mas mahalagang batas, sagad na ang mga mamamayan sa Metro Manila at binigyan ng bagsak na rating ang maraming Senador. Ito ang resulta ng pinakahuling survey ng Pulse Asia na isinagawa sa Kalakhang Maynila.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080304102
10. Journal
5 STEPS TO TRUTH
By: Alvin Murcia
Former gov’t officials urge GMA to prove her commitment to truth
FORMER senior government officials including those who served under President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday urged her in a manifesto to take concrete steps to address corruption in government particularly the national broadband network case which precipitated mass actions against her.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-05&sec=1&aid=51563
11. Business World
Negotiated sales for gov’t debt
Treasury moves to prevent rise in T-bill yields
THE TREASURY HAS BEGUN pulling out the stops to prevent short-term T-bill yields from rising, reviving an option to sell government debt papers via direct negotiation with banks aside from its regular auctions.
http://bworldonline.com/BW030508/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
S.C. justices grill Neri lawyers on
’diplomatic, security’ aspects of NBN
By Joel R. San Juan
Reporter
SUPREME Court (SC) justices Tuesday pressed lawyers of Commission on Higher Education (Ched) Chairman Romulo Neri to cite specific circumstances to support their client’s invocation of executive privilege to avoid testifying before the Senate on his conversations with the President involving the controversial national broadband network (NBN) project with China’s ZTE Co.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03052008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Ex-officials list 5 things Arroyo must do, or else
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:44:00 03/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- A group of former government officials is giving President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo a week to carry out its recommendations on how she should address the current political crisis, or face more street protests.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080305-122848/Ex-officials-list-5-things-Arroyo-must-do-or-else
Madriaga wife: What life’s like on the run with 7 kids
By Pennie Azarcon dela Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:45:00 03/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- When Eileen Madriaga saw her husband Dante testifying at the Senate on the scrapped $329-million broadband deal on Tuesday last week, she was surprised and immediately stricken with guilt.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080305-122849/Madriaga-wife-What-lifes-like-on-the-run-with-7-kids
ATO out; new aviation agency created
By Tarra Quismundo, Christine Avendaño, Riza T. Olchondra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:52:00 03/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- In two months’ time, the job of overseeing the country’s civil aviation will be taken over by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), an autonomous body that will replace the obsolete Aviation Transportation Office (ATO) and take Philippine aviation to the 21st century.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080305-122850/ATO-out-new-aviation-agency-created
De Castro tells critics: I’m my own man
By Michael Lim Ubac, Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:56:00 03/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The constitutional successor to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo insists he is his own man.
Stung by criticism he has failed to definitively state his support for President Arroyo amid calls for her resignation in the wake of corruption allegations, Vice President Noli de Castro said on Tuesday no one could dictate on him.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080305-122851/De-Castro-tells-critics-Im-my-own-man
Local politics blocking Lakas-Kampi merger
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:32:00 03/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Aside from leadership issues, the merger of the two dominant administration parties--Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino--in preparation for the 2010 elections is being bogged down by local political rivalries.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080305-122856/Local-politics-blocking-Lakas-Kampi-merger
Arroyo declares anew: I will step down in 2010
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:54:00 03/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared anew that she would stay in office until her term ends in 2010 and that until this time, she would continue to institute reforms so that she would leave the country strong for the next leader.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20080304-122665/Arroyo-declares-anew-I-will-step-down-in-2010
FG faces Ombudsman, denies corruption
By Sandy Araneta
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo faced a panel of the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday, denying allegations linking him to a corruption scandal that is heaping pressure on his wife President Arroyo to resign.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304155
Noli: Scrap EO 464
By Pia Lee-Brago
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Vice President Noli de Castro called yesterday for the abolition of Executive Order 464 to allow government officials to testify at congressional investigations on cases involving corruption, even as he shrugged off calls by the opposition and anti-Arroyo civil society groups to take a stand on the crisis being faced by the President.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304156
FG faces Ombudsman, denies corruption
By Sandy Araneta
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo faced a panel of the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday, denying allegations linking him to a corruption scandal that is heaping pressure on his wife President Arroyo to resign.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304155
Esperon asked to join destab
By James Mananghaya
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. was not spared from attempts by those trying to exhort soldiers to support moves to destabilize the government.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304157
Ex-Cabinet men to GMA: Suspend execs in ZTE mess
By Non Alquitran and Jose Rodel Clapano
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
At least 80 former government executives jointly called on President Arroyo yesterday to “demonstrate her commitment to the truth” within seven days by suspending all officials involved in the national broadband network scandal – including Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza – and allowing former socioeconomic secretary Romulo Neri to testify on the issue before the Senate.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304159
Approval ratings of senators in ZTE probe drop – Pulse Asia
By Christina Mendez
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Exhaustive media coverage of the Senate investigations into controversies hounding the administration has apparently done little to prop up their image, the latest survey by Pulse Asia showed.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304160
World Bank wrapping up probe on $33-million road project loan to RP
By Iris Gonzales
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
World Bank country head for the Philippines Bert Hofman disclosed that the bank is completing its investigation on the controversial $33-million road project loan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304161
77 of 120 city mayors nationwide say they support GMA
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
At least 77 of the 120 city mayors nationwide yesterday signified their support for President Arroyo amid accusations of corruption, particularly in the $329-million ZTE national broadband network deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304168
Nograles hopeful presidency problem in Lakas resolved soon
By Delon Porcalla
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Speaker Prospero Nograles is hopeful that the “presidency problem” in the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party will be settled before Congress adjourns session on March 13.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080304171
Mike A fights back, tells Ombudsman: Charges ‘fabricated’
The Office of the Ombudsman gave President Gloria Arroyo’s husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, 21 days to explain his alleged part in a corruption scandal now heaping pressure on his wife to resign.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/05/yehey/top_stories/20080305top2.html
Senators seek time on compromise over Neri appearance
BY EVANGELINE DE VERA
SENATORS last night asked the Supreme Court for time to come up with a consensus on a proposal that Higher Education chair Romulo Neri appear before the national broadband inquiry on the condition he not be asked three questions earlier submitted by the Senate.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar05/news2.htm
‘I cannot be indicted for bribery because I’m not a public official’
BY PETER TABINGO
JOSE Miguel "Mike" Arroyo yesterday asked the Office of the Ombudsman to junk criminal complaints against him, saying allegations that he is involved in anomalies in the $329 million ZTE broadband project were fabricated.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar05/news4.htm
FG given 21 days to answer charges in NBN deal scandal
By Angie M. Rosales
03/05/2008
A government inquiry panel on the anomalous National Broadband Network (NBN) deal gave President Arroyo’s husband Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo 21 days to explain his alleged part in a corruption scandal that is heaping pressure on his wife to resign.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080305hed2.html
Taumbayan dehado sa Ombudsman
(Bernard Taguinod/Rey Marfil)
Dehado ang taumbayan sa Office of the Ombudsman sa kasong isinampa laban kina First Gentleman Mike Arroyo at dating Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr., ukol sa pagkakasangkot ng mga ito sa ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) contract scandal.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0508/news5.htm
It's all hearsay, says Mike A
By: Joel de la Torre
FIRST Gentleman Mike Arroyo surfaced yesterday at the start of the investigation conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman to “clear” his name in connection with the controversial $329 ZTE broadband network deal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-05&sec=1&aid=51593
March 6, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
(UPDATE 3) Senate rejects SC proposal
By Veronica Uy, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:01:00 03/05/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate rejected Wednesday a Supreme Court proposal which, while allowing former Socioeconomic and Planning Secretary Romulo Neri to testify at the upper chamber’s broadband investigation, barred senators from asking questions involving Neri’s conversation with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view/20080305-122969/UPDATE-3-Senate-rejects-SC-proposal
2. The Philippine Star
GMA revokes EO 464
By Marvin Sy
Thursday, March 6, 2008
After a meeting between government lawyers and Catholic bishops, President Arroyo revoked yesterday Executive Order 464, which had prohibited members of the executive branch from appearing without her permission before legislative inquiries.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305161
3. Manila Times
Senate rejects compromise
Conditions set by SC seen as crippling legislature
By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter
Confrontation between Malacañang and the Senate will likely continue as the Senate rejected in a caucus on Wednesday evening a compromise formula offered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/06/yehey/top_stories/20080306top1.html
4. Malaya
Gloria junks 464 but...
Retains Cabinet men’s right to invoke executive privilege
BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR
PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday revoked Executive Order 464 which prohibits Cabinet officials from attending legislative inquiries without her permission, but retained the right to invoke executive privilege.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar06/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
President revokes EO 464
Senate decides against accepting SC proposal
President Arroyo revokes Executive Order 464
By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN
President Arroyo yesterday revoked Executive Order (EO) 464, giving the go-signal for executive department officials to testify in the Senate investigation on the controversial $ 329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project and other similar congressional investigations.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080306118667.html
6. The Daily Tribune
GMA scraps EO 464, keeps exec privilege
03/06/2008
It’s gone, but not quite gone.
Executive Order 464 was yesterday announced scrapped by President Arroyo but her Memorandum Circular 108, which is a clone of EO 464, also being a gag order has been left intact, along with her right to invoke executive privilege, which bars her officials from testifying on matters she deems to be covered by this privilege.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080306hed1.html
7. Abante
LOZADA BANNED!
Ni JB SALARZON
Bawal nang imbitahan at pagsalitain si NBN-ZTE witness Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr. sa mga paaralan.
Ito ang nilalaman ng ibinabang kautusan kahapon ni Sec. Jesli Lapus ng Department of Education (DepEd) sa lahat ng pampublikong paaralan sa elementarya at sekondarya sa buong bansa, partikular ngayong nalalapit na ang pagdaraos ng commencement rites.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0608/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
SC TINABLA NG SENADO
Rey Marfil
Bagama’t nakakuha ng paunang labing-dalawang numero pabor sa compromise deal na inilatag ng Korte Suprema sa isyu ng executive privilege na ipinaglalaban ni Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romumo Neri, naging unanimous kahapon ang desisyon ng Senado na tablahin na lamang ang kondisyon ng mga mahistrado.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0608/news1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
EO 464 ibinasura na ni GMA!
Ni Rudy Andal
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Binawi na kahapon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang kontrobersyal na Executive Order 464 na nagbabawal sa lahat ng government officials at employees na dumalo sa anumang congressional inquiry na walang pahintulot ng Office of the President.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008030573
10. Journal
EO 464 REVOKED
By: Tess Bedico
BOWING to pressures from various sectors, President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday revoked Executive Order 464.
In a statement read by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, the President said “executive officials may no longer invoke EO 464 to excuse non-attendance from legislative inquiries.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-06&sec=1&aid=51704
11. Business World
Poverty worsens despite growth
THE PHILIPPINES’ POOR are expanding by around 1.3 million people every year, as rising food prices and sluggish wage growth mean that more families cannot afford to feed themselves, government data on Wednesday showed.
http://bworldonline.com/BW030608/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
More Filipinos below poverty line
GOVERNMENT ATTRIBUTES SLIDE IN FAMILIES’ SITUATION TO HIGHER TAXES, RISING PRICES, TYPHOONS
Cai U. Ordinario
Reporter
THE implementation of fiscal reforms such as the expanded value-added tax (VAT), higher prices and the series of typhoons that hit the country have pushed more Filipinos below the poverty threshold, according to the 2006 poverty statistics released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) Wednesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03062008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Arroyo not just witness at NBN-ZTE deal signing
By Tony Bergonia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:20:00 03/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was more than just a witness to the signing of the scandal-ridden $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080306-123054/Arroyo-not-just-witness-at-NBN-ZTE-deal-signing
SC needs time for final ruling on executive privilege
By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:46:00 03/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- In proposing a compromise to end the standoff between former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri and the Senate, the Supreme Court is buying time to deliberate exhaustively and lay down a ruling on what executive privilege should cover for all time.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080306-123057/SC-needs-time-for-final-ruling-on-executive-privilege
Poor Filipino families now number 4.7 million
By Michelle Remo, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:26:00 03/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The fast-growing population and the failure of household incomes to rise as fast as commodity prices have resulted in more poor Filipino families, according to the 2006 Official Poverty Statistics report released Wednesday by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080306-123058/Poor-Filipino-families-now-number-47-million
President finally scraps EO 464
By Michael Lim Ubac, Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:42:00 03/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Wednesday pounded the last nails on the coffin of Executive Order No. 464 that the Supreme Court practically declared dead nearly two years ago.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080306-123068/President-finally-scraps-EO-464
ANALYSIS
A case of delicate balancing
By Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:32:00 03/06/2008
(Editor’s Note: This piece was written before it was known that the senators had rejected the compromise proposed by the Supreme Court.)
MANILA, Philippines -- Like many others, I have been trying to figure out what exactly came out of the Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday.
For now, at least two things are clear. First, it was admitted that crimes (e.g. bribery) are not covered by executive privilege.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080306-123071/A-case-of-delicate-balancing
Rival seeks probe of De Venecia over Spratly accord
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:33:00 03/06/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- An administration congressman wants ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia investigated for his involvement in the country’s controversial agreement for joint oil explorations in the South China Sea with China and Vietnam.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080306-123072/Rival-seeks-probe-of-De-Venecia-over-Spratly-accord
Senate rejects Puno compromise
By Christina Mendez
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Senate rejected yesterday the compromise agreement proposed by Chief Justice Reynato Puno that would have allowed former socio-economic planning secretary Romulo Neri to testify before the Senate but still invoke executive privilege on certain matters.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305162
FG linked to another alleged overprice
By Aurea Calica
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sen. Jamby Madrigal is seeking an investigation into the Bureau of Customs (BOC)’s purchase of allegedly overpriced x-ray scanning machines from a Chinese company without public bidding, reportedly upon the intervention of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305163
Southrail memo also missing
Thursday, March 6, 2008
After the disappearance of the original document signed by the government with ZTE Corp. of China, another project document has been reported missing,
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305164
Palace rebuffs ex-government execs
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Malacañang officials rebuffed yesterday the demands of former government officials for President Arroyo to ferret out the truth regarding the scrapped $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with ZTE Corp. of China, saying that no one can dictate on the President.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305165
27.6 M Filipinos now living in poverty – government data
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Despite claims of economic gains in recent years by the Arroyo government, a survey shows that 27.6 million Filipinos – or roughly one out of three – are now living in poverty.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305166
PASG head faces House arrest
By Jess Diaz
Thursday, March 6, 2008
If Chairman Romulo Neri of the Commission on Higher Education has been ordered arrested by the Senate for ignoring its summons on the ZTE probe, a Malacañang official is facing arrest if he continues to snub a committee of the House of Representatives.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305167
Erap on Noli replacing GMA: Same banana
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday he is not comfortable with Vice President Noli de Castro replacing President Arroyo should the latter be ousted from power.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305169
Lozada takes trust crusade to provinces
By Edu Punay
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Rodolfo Lozada Jr., key witness in the Senate investigation into the scandal surrounding the government’s national broadband network (NBN) contract, declared yesterday his plans to tour the countryside to enlighten the people on the corruption issue hounding the administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080305170
WB: Govt no good in poverty reduction
By Chino S. Leyco Reporter
THE Philippines is no good in reducing its poverty level, a former
World Bank president said Wednesday. On the sidelines of Bridges-Dialogues Toward a Culture of Peace, James Wolfensohn, noted that despite the recognition of high-poverty level, Filipinos remain poor as shown in the latest government data. (See related story on front page.)
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/06/yehey/top_stories/20080306top7.html
Senate rejects Neri compromise
THE Senate on Wednesday night unanimously rejected the compromise offer of the Supreme Court (SC) that would enable acting Higher Education chair Romulo Neri to appear in the Senate without having to answer questions on the controversial NBN-ZTE deal.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar06/news3.htm
Senate decides against accepting SC proposal
Hannah L. Torregoza
The Senate yesterday decided against the Supreme Court’s compromise proposal to have former Socioeconomic planning secretary Romulo Neri appear again in the Senate investigation of the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080306118669.html
Senate rejects SC solution to Neri’s NBN testimony
By Angie M. Rosales and Benjamin B. Pulta
03/06/2008
It’s back to square one on efforts to compel former Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri to bare what he knows on the anomalous National Broadband Network (NBN) deal before a Senate inquiry after senators rejected yesterday a supposed Solomonic solution offered by the Supreme Court.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080306hed2.html
EO 464 NILUSAW, 'EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE' ANG KAPALIT
Nina Rose Miranda, Boyet Jadulco, Juliet de Loza, JB Salarzon at Noel Abuel
Pinawalang-bisa na kahapon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang Executive Order (EO) 464 na pumipigil sa mga miyembro ng gabinete at mga opisyal ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, militar at pulisya na dumalo sa legislative inquiries o pagpapatawag ng Senado at Kamara.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0608/news02.htm
Senators unimpressed
SENATORS yesterday doubted President Macapagal-Arroyo’s sincerity in revoking Executive Order 464.
“Hindi naman tayo masaya diyan eh. Kasi parang pareho din naman. Duda ako sa sinseridad ng gobyerno na hayaan ang kanilang mga opisyal na magsabi ng katotohanan at um-attend sa lahat ng ating mga hearing.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-06&sec=1&aid=51705
Magsasabi ba ng totoo si Neri?
(Boyet Jadulco)
Sa gitna ng kawalan ng kolektibong pasya ng Senado kung papayag sila sa kondisyong inilatag ng Korte Suprema kapalit ng muling pagdalo sa NBN-ZTE probe ni CHED chairman Romulo Neri, inilutang ni Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero ang tanong sa kahalagahan ng pagharap muli ng huli.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0608/news03.htm
March 7, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Arroyo hit on Spratlys deal
Drilon: Her lawyer worried pact basis to impeach
By Juliet Labog-Javellana, Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:07:00 03/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Former Senate President Franklin Drilon disclosed Thursday that Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s chief legal counsel, had said the deal might be in violation of the Constitution and could be grounds for her impeachment.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080307-123244/Arroyo-hit-on-Spratlys-deal
2. The Philippine Star
Scrapping of EO 464 just symbolic – Solgen
By Jess Diaz
Friday, March 7, 2008
The government’s principal lawyer downplayed yesterday the significance of President Arroyo’s scrapping of controversial Executive Order 464, saying it was just a “symbolic act.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306178
3. Manila Times
Oil reaches record, nears $105/barrel
SINGAPORE: Oil edged close to $105 a barrel in Asian trade on Thursday, touching another new record high after an unexpected drop in US stockpiles and OPEC’s rejection of calls to increase output.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/07/yehey/top_stories/20080307top1.html
4. Malaya
Fear of China snags RP territory bill
Losing loans worries DFA
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
THE House has been dilly-dallying in approving a bill which declares the Philippine archipelagic baseline boundary because of the persistent lobbying of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar07/news1.htm
5. Manila Bulletin
SC: Executive privilege ruling soon
Villar assures Puno senators respect the High Court
SC to limit ruling to 3 unanswered questions – Puno
By REY G. PANALIGAN
Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno said yesterday the Supreme Court (SC) will decide immediately on the case involving the President’s executive privilege on the basis of the pleadings filed and the oral arguments aired on the petition lodged by former Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Romulo L. Neri.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080307118754.html
6. The Daily Tribune
New NBN witness to drop bombshell
By Angie M. Rosales
03/07/2008
A new witness who cannot invoke executive privilege is expected to drop a bombshell during the Senate’s resumption by Tuesday of the scandal-tainted and kickback-laden ZTE-National Broadband Network contract, as the new whistle-blower is reportedly set to testify before the Senate panels and pinpoint the players who had received the kickbacks and the amounts they got as grease money out of the $329-million ZTE-NBN project.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080307hed1.html
7. Abante
TREASON VS GLORIA UMUSAD NA!
(EP/BJ)
Labing-apat na kongresista, kabilang ang presidente ng Kampi party ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ang naghain ng resolusyon sa Kamara upang imbestigahan ang ‘Spratly deal’ na pinasok ng kasalukuyang pamahalaan na kung mapapatunayang totoo ay magdadawit sa Pangulo sa impeachable offense na ‘treason’.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0708/default.htm
8. Abante-Tonite
PALASYO MAYAYANIG SA 4TH WITNESS!
Rey Marfil
Bagama’t nanatiling palaisipan kung sino ang ikaapat na testigo sa broadband scandal, inilutang kahapon ng oposisyon ang senaryong mayayanig ang palasyo ng Malacañang kapag naisalang sa ‘hot seat’ ang testigong ito na hawak na ni Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0708/News1.htm
9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
ZTE execs sinubpoena
Friday, March 7, 2008
Nagpalabas na kahapon ng subpoena ang Senado laban sa pito katao kabilang na si ZTE Corp. disbursing officer Fan Yang at Chinese embassy’s commercial attaché Yu Yong.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008030657
10. Journal
Corruption worsened poverty
CORRUPTION, crumbling roads and social unrest could stop the Philippine economy growing strongly over the long term, despite rapid expansion last year, the Asian Development Bank said yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-07&sec=1&aid=51798
11. Business World
BY FELIPE F. SALVOSA II, Sub-Editor
Honest governments needed
Ex-World Bank chief pushes campaign versus poverty
ERADICATING POVERTY and growing inequality in countries like the Philippines will require a host of measures such as more investments in education and development in rural areas, but "honest governments" are needed to put things together.
http://bworldonline.com/BW030708/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
BSP says ‘no’ to capital controls
By Jun Vallecera and Cai Ordinario
Reporters
BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. ruled out Thursday the adoption of capital controls as tools to curb sharp movements in the exchange rate and moderate the strength of the peso.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0307&082008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Villar meets Chief Justice Puno to explain Senate stand
By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:39:00 03/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Senate President Manuel Villar Thursday told Chief Justice Reynato Puno that the Senate could not turn its back on its duties and had to reject the Supreme Court proposal that would have allowed former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri to resume his testimony before the Senate.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080307-123289/Villar-meets-Chief-Justice-Puno-to-explain-Senate-stand
Lozada told to leave courtroom as CA hears amparo petition
By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:40:00 03/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- He may be warmly welcomed on campuses where he makes his pitch for the truth, but a courtroom was a different matter for National Broadband Network (NBN) deal star witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, who was asked to step out during the hearing for a writ of amparo filed on his behalf by his brother at the Court of Appeals.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080307-123290/Lozada-told-to-leave-courtroom-as-CA-hears-amparo-petition
Corruption worsened last year -- Makati traders’ survey
By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:29:00 03/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Five of every six of the country’s major corporations belonging to the Makati Business Club said graft and corruption worsened in the past year, according to results of a survey the MBC conducted last week.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080307-123294/Corruption-worsened-last-year----Makati-traders-survey
PASG head quits; Arroyo rejects resignation
By Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:22:00 03/07/2008
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Despite appeals from the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the government’s antismuggling chief has opted to resign, saying he needed to spare President Macapagal-Arroyo from the pressures of her allies in Congress.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080307-123254/PASG-head-quits-Arroyo-rejects-resignation
Palace to Senate: Reconsider rejection of compromise
Friday, March 7, 2008
Malacañang urged senators yesterday to reconsider their rejection of the compromise proposed by Chief Justice Reynato Puno to break the impasse over the appearance of Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri before the Senate to testify on the national broadband network (NBN) controversy.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306179
Senators to unveil new ZTE witness
By Christina Mendez
Friday, March 7, 2008
A new witness will testify at the resumption of Senate hearings next week on the scrapped national broadband network (NBN) deal, and will corroborate the claims of Senate witness Dante Madriaga that a “Filipino group” had received $41 million from ZTE Corp. of China, opposition senators bared yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306180
BOC, PNR chiefs deny anomalies
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said yesterday there was no overpricing in its $150-million x-ray scanning project and this should not be compared to the controversial national broadband network (NBN) deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306181
ASG chief threatens to quit
By Paolo Romero
Friday, March 7, 2008
A Malacañang official tasked with running after smugglers was prevailed upon by President Arroyo to stay put after he announced he was set to resign following a spat with lawmakers from the House of Representatives.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306183
Corruption one of RP growth constraints – ADB
By Pia Lee-Brago
Friday, March 7, 2008
Corruption is one of the major constraints to Philippine economic growth, which may even set back recent gains if not promptly addressed, an Asian Development Bank report said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306184
House okays combat pay hike of soldiers
By Delon Porcalla
Friday, March 7, 2008
The national defense and security committee of the House of Representatives has approved the measure proposing the increase of combat duty pay for all officers and enlisted men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306185
LGUs reaffirm support for GMA
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Friday, March 7, 2008
More local officials nationwide have expressed support for President Arroyo’s capability to govern and steer the country to progress.
Governors, city mayors and congressmen also condemned the politically-motivated calls for the President to resign, labeling such calls as “unfair and unconstitutional.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306191
Senate to review Spratlys oil exploration deal
By Christina Mendez
Friday, March 7, 2008
Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. disclosed yesterday that the Senate will review the joint oil exploration agreement in the disputed Spratly Islands signed by the Philippines and China to determine if it undermines the country’s sovereignty.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080306209
SC: Senate can’t Arrest Sec. Neri
The Supreme Court, not the Senate, will still have the last word on the matter of Romulo Neri.
That is, until the High Tribunal resolves a petition of Neri on his right, or lack of it, to invoke executive privilege in snubbing a Senate inquiry into an allegedly graft-tainted telecommunications project.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/07/yehey/top_stories/20080307top2.html
Lacson has ‘new’witness in Senate broadband probe
By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter
A new witness with insider knowledge on the sharing of the alleged $41-million advances on the national broadband network project will appear at the continuation of the Senate inquiry into the project this Tuesday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Thursday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/07/yehey/top_stories/20080307top3.html
New NBN witness to surface next week
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said another witness will testify on the overpriced $329 million ZTE broadband deal when the Senate tri-committee resumes hearings next Tuesday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar07/news3.htm
Villar relays Senate stand to SC, cites reason for decision
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
Senate President Manuel B. Villar Jr. yesterday relayed to Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno the stand of the senators that in declining to accept the proposed compromise, they are not spoiling for a fight with the court, but only wish to uphold their right and duty to make laws and conduct inquiries in aid of legislation.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080307118756.html
EO 464, MC 108 di na puwedeng gamitin
Rose Miranda/Rey Marfil
Nilagdaan kagabi ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang Memorandum Circular 151 na opisyal na bumubuwag sa Executive Order (EO) 464 at ang kahalintulad nitong Memorandum Circular 108.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0708/news3.htm
Sayang -- SC; Palasyo dismayado rin
(Grace Velasco/Rose Miranda/Boyet Jadulco)
Nanghihinayang ang Korte Suprema sa pinalampas na oportunidad ng Senado na maisalang muli si dating NEDA Director General Romulo Neri sa mga pagdinig nito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar0708/news03.htm
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment