March 8-16, 2008

March 8, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Spratlys deals irked US, says Drilon

RP envoy also says DFA had no part in pact

By Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:28:00 03/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The United States had been "pissed off" by the Philippines' deals with China, including the joint seismic study in the disputed Spratly Islands, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said Friday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080308-123476/Spratlys-deals-irked-US-says-Drilon


2. The Philippine Star

DOJ: Drilon legal opinion backed deal

By Paolo Romero and Christina Mendez
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez turned the tables on former Senate president Franklin Drilon yesterday, saying one of the legal supports for the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking in the Agreement Area in the South China Sea (JMSU) came from the former senator when he was serving as Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary in 1990.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307169


3. Manila Times

Joe urges GMA: Quit Lakas

President should focus on her job, JdV argues

By Sammy Martin, Correspondent

Ousted House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. went on the offensive Friday, calling on the President to resign from the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and from the party she founded, the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi).
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/08/yehey/top_stories/20080308top1.html


4. Malaya

Sold: 24,000 sq. km.
RP territory in GMA deal delineated

THE joint seismic study agreement the Philippines struck with China in 2004 preparatory to oil exploration in the disputed Spratlys covers an area that laps the western shores of Philippines, Malaya was able to establish yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar08/news1.htm



5. Manila Bulletin

Will decide Monday – JdV

National Directorate to meet at Manila Hotel
Lakas leadership decision on Monday, says JdV

Three days before the scheduled National Directorate meeting of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) at the Manila Hotel on Monday, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said he will make his decision on that day on whether to accept the title of President Emeritus.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080308118854.html


6. The Daily Tribune

‘Greedy Group plus’ faces Senate arrest if summons ignored

03/08/2008

Ignore at your peril.

This was the gist of the message Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. issued to the individuals, whom the witness, Dante Madriaga, in the $329-million ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) project, said to be tainted with kickbacks in the millions, had named as being part and parcel of the scam, naming them the “Greedy Group.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080308hed1.html


7. Abante


8. Abante-Tonite

4 PANG ANOMALYA NI GLORIA HIHIMAYIN

Rey Marfil

Mapuwersa mang mag-resign o magawang matapos ang termino hanggang 2010, wala pa ring magiging pahinga sa kadedepensa ang palasyo ng Malacañang sa mga eskandalong kinasasangkutan ng administrasyong Arroyo matapos ilatag ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang paghimay sa apat pang ‘anomalous deal’ na pinasok nito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0808/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Drilon gigisahin sa Spratly

Nina Malou Escudero at Rudy Andal
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Takdang “gisahin” ng mga senador si dating Senate President Franklin Drilon upang malaman ang hawak nitong impormasyon kaugnay sa Spratly deal.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008030743


10. Journal

JDV OUT

By: Jester P. Manalastas
Embattled ex-Speaker throws in towel, yields Lakas presidency

OUSTED Speaker Jose de Venecia has finally decided to relinquish his post as president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-08&sec=1&aid=51940


11. Business World

Reserves at record US$36.1 billion

Central bank dollar-buying operations, higher income from foreign investments, and gold price rally boosted the Philippines’ foreign reserves rose to a new record of $36.1 billion as of end-February.
http://bworldonline.com/BW030808/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror




II. POLITICAL

De Venecia dares Palace: Release full text of RP-Sino accord

By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:23:00 03/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia on Friday challenged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo to disclose the details of the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) among the Philippines, China and Vietnam.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080308-123488/De-Venecia-dares-Palace-Release-full-text-of-RP-Sino-accord


Senator? I'd rather sell chicken 'inasal'--Lozada

By Margaux Ortiz, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:01:00 03/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Politics seems to be the farthest thing from his mind right now. He'd rather sell chicken "inasal."
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080308-123485/Senator-Id-rather-sell-chicken-inasal--Lozada


Half sisters act: Politics splits Gloria, Cielo

By Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:18:00 03/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- They are sisters bound only by the memory of and love for their late father but the NBN-ZTE corruption scandal is severely testing that tenuous connection.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080308-123486/Half-sisters-act-Politics-splits-Gloria-Cielo


Senate whistle-blowers seek local, international assistance

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:20:00 03/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A newly launched group of Senate whistle-blowers is seeking assistance from local and international groups because the "sanctuary fund" being raised by religious groups in charge of harboring them is inadequate.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080308-123487/Senate-whistle-blowers-seek-local-international-assistance


PCSO says it gives regular donations to Church groups

By Beverly T. Natividad, Jeannette Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:52:00 03/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Amid perceptions that the political crisis roiling the Arroyo administration has divided the influential Catholic Church, reports emerged that some Church organizations have been recipients of generous funding from cash-rich state agencies.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080308-123483/PCSO-says-it-gives-regular-donations-to-Church-groups


'Greedy Group' member may be surprise witness

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:56:00 03/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The latest witness that Sen. Panfilo Lacson will present at the resumption of the Senate inquiry into the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp. is believed to be a member of the so-called "Greedy Group."
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080308-123484/Greedy-Group-member-may-be-surprise-witness


Palace hits senators, as Villar relents on Neri

Malacañang lashed out at Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. for rejecting the Supreme Court’s compromise formula that allows Romulo Neri to reappear in a Senate inquiry into the controversial national broadband deal.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/08/yehey/top_stories/20080308top2.html



ZTE witness says
Teves in the know

BY DENNIS GADIL

WALK-IN ZTE witness Dante Madriaga yesterday said the Senate should again summon Finance Secretary Margarito Teves who he said "knows a lot" about the alleged initial payment by the Arroyo government to China’s ZTE Corp.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar08/news2.htm


Gordon: Senate powers not open to compromise

PRO-ADMINISTRATION Sen. Richard Gordon yesterday defended the decision of the Senate to reject a Supreme Court compromise formula on acting Higher Education chair Romulo Neri.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar08/news7.htm


PNP beefs up embassy security

By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Police have beefed up security around foreign embassies that were reportedly targets of planned attacks by terrorists, Metro Manila Police chief Director Geary Barias said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307171


JDV to accept fate in Lakas

By Jess Diaz
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. said yesterday he is ready to relinquish his party post and remain with the Lakas Christian-Muslim Democrats as an ordinary member.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307173


‘Greedy Group’ faces arrest if...

By Christina Mendez
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. threatened yesterday to order the arrest of individuals in the so-called “Greedy Group Plus Plus” including resigned elections chief Benjamin Abalos if they continue to snub Senate summons for them to testify on the botched $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with ZTE Corp. of China.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307175


Church is partly to blame for corruption, bishop says

Saturday, March 8, 2008

The Catholic Church is partly to blame for the continuing culture of corruption in society and government, a bishop said yesterday.

Speaking over Catholic Church-run Radyo Veritas, Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Boac in Marinduque said when the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) condemned rampant corruption in a pastoral statement last week, they also partly admitted that the Church has failed to inculcate Christian values in Filipinos.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307177


Palace: Villar motivated by ambition

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Senate President Manuel Villar was motivated by “personal ambition” when he rejected a proposed compromise for Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri to appear at the Senate investigation on the national broadband controversy, Malacañang said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307178


Lozada says he has no political plans

By Edu Punay
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. said yesterday he has no plans to seek elective office despite his sudden popularity after his expose on the controversial $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307181



Oil prices rise, but government assures consumer goods stable

By Donnabelle Gatdula
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Three small oil players – Eastern Petroleum Corp., Flying V and Unioil Philippines – raised their pump prices by 50 centavos per liter yesterday, citing higher global crude costs.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307182


Abalos to snub Senate hearing

By Evelyn Macairan
Saturday, March 8, 2008

Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos yesterday said he would not attend the Senate’s Blue Ribbon committee hearing on Tuesday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080307183



March 9, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./


I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ex-PNOC head new NBN witness

By Tony Bergonia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:06:00 03/09/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- A former president of the state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) is the “surprise” witness who will testify on the purported million-dollar kickbacks in the $329-million National Broadband Network deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp., according to highly placed sources.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080309-123601/Ex-PNOC-head-new-NBN-witness


2. The Philippine Star

RP knew exploration ‘too close’ to Palawan

By Miriam Grace Go, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Energy officials were aware as early as 2004 that the bilateral agreement they signed with China to explore the Spratlys for oil deposits covered an area that was within Philippine waters and should not have been allowed.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080308169


3. Manila Times

De Venecia won’t leave Lakas

By Sammy Martin, Correspondent
EMBATTLED Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. said over the weekend that he would not leave Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the party he helped found and led for many years.
http://manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/09/yehey/metro/20080309met1.html


4. Malaya

Sold: 24,000 sq. km.
RP territory in GMA deal delineated

THE joint seismic study agreement the Philippines struck with China in 2004 preparatory to oil exploration in the disputed Spratlys covers an area that laps the western shores of Philippines, Malaya was able to establish yesterday.
The agreement has been kept secret by the Philippine government, but Malaya was able to secure a copy of Annex "A" which delineates the boundaries of the area covered.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar08/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

6. The Daily Tribune

DFA exec transfer points to Spratlys deal cover-up

By Michaela P. del Callar
03/09/2008

Cover-up efforts are likely in the works over a joint exploration agreement entered into by the government with the Chinese and Vietnamese governments that some quarters described as treasonous after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) transferred to another division an official in charge of monitoring the tripartite marine seismic undertaking.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080309hed1.html


7. Abante

LOZADA ITUTUMBA TALAGA

Ni JB SALARZON

Isang nakakaalarmang text message ang kumalat kahapon na nagdedetalye kung paano pinaplanong ilikida si NBN-ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/mar0908/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

4TH WITNESS MAS MATINDI KAY NERI

Bernard Taguinod at Boyet Jadulco

Susubukan ng Senado kung seryoso si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pagbawi nito sa Executive Order 464 at Memorandum Circular 108 sa susunod na pagdinig ng kapulungan sa broadband scandal sa Marso 11 kung saan nakatakdang lumutang umano ang ikaapat na testigo na inilarawang mas matindi pa kay Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar0908/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

10. Journal

LENTEN TRUCE

By: Efren Montano
Holy Week a time for prayers, not politics -- Palace
MALACAÑANG yesterday called on its detractors to cease firing in the advent of Lent, reminding everyone that Holy Week is a time for religious soul-searching and peace.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-09&sec=1&aid=52033


11. Business World

12. Business Mirror


II. POLITICAL

‘Anti-Abalos statement work of sore losers’

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:10:00 03/09/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The family and supporters of former Commission on Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. yesterday belittled a statement signed by some Mandaluyong City residents denouncing the former city mayor’s participation in the National Broadband Network (NBN) scandal, saying it was the “handiwork of political sore losers.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080309-123621/Anti-Abalos-statement-work-of-sore-losers


Nothing wrong with Spratlys deal – Palace

By Marvin Sy
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Malacañang maintained yesterday there was nothing wrong with the agreement between the Philippines and China and that it was meant to jointly develop and transform certain areas in the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea into an “area of cooperation.”
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080308170


Nograles ready to head Lakas

By Edith Regalado
Sunday, March 9, 2008
DAVAO CITY – Speaker Prospero Nograles said he is reluctant but at the same time ready to take over as president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party after Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. agreed to step down.
“I am quite reluctant to accept the position. The shoes of former Speaker De Venecia are hard to fill as he is the party founder with all the international connections,” Nograles said.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080308174


Palace sincerity on EO 464 tested Tuesday – Senate

By Aurea Calica
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Senate expects Cabinet members to appear and answer the senators’ questions during the resumption of the hearing on the national broadband network (NBN) controversy on Tuesday following President Arroyo’s revocation of Executive Order 464 and Memorandum Circular 108.
Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, yesterday said the public would be able to test the sincerity of Malacañang in saying that it was lifting EO 464 and MC 108 to help the legislative branch ferret out the truth about government anomalies.
http://philstar..com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080308175


Public can soon check how lawmakers spend ‘pork’

By Delon Porcalla
Sunday, March 9, 2008
As part of internal reform programs, the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Prospero Nograles will soon launch a website where the public can check on how the annual P70-million pork barrel funds are being spent.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080308178


Palace: GMA can take criticism, Lozada can’t

By Marvin Sy
Sunday, March 9, 2008
With Rodolfo Lozada Jr., the star witness in the Senate’s inquiry into the cancelled national broadband network (NBN) deal, being portrayed as a hero by the public, Malacanang saw it fit to compare him to President Arroyo to let the people judge them on their characters.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, in an interview over dzRB, said there are several questionable attributes of Lozada, particularly the way he takes criticism, which separates the President from him as a person.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080308179


Drilon says his DOJ opinion not issued for Spratlys

By Christina Mendez
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon debunked Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’s claims that he (Drilon) issued a legal opinion favoring the joint exploration agreement with China in the disputed Spratly islands.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080308182



March 10, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

(UPDATE) De Venecia resigns as Lakas president

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 09:16:00 03/10/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has voluntarily stepped down as president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats just minutes before the scheduled meeting of the party this Monday morning, his lawyer disclosed.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080310-123810/De-Venecia-resigns-as-Lakas-president


2. The Philippine Star


3. Manila Times

Siazon says Drilon lying

New secret witness not Mañalac–Ping


Ambassador Domingo Siazon Jr. said former Senate President Franklin Drilon lied when he claimed that the envoy told him that the US government is displeased with the Philippines for its Spratlys deal with China.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/10/yehey/top_stories/20080310top1.html


4. Malaya

6 RP-occupied islands covered in Spratly deal
Annex of secret pact bolsters ‘treason’ charge

By YVONNE T. CHUA and ELLEN TORDESILLAS

VERA Files

SIX islands occupied by the Philippines in the disputed Spratly Islands groups are covered by two controversial joint seismic monitoring agreements among the Philippines, China and Vietnam that have come under fire for purportedly "sacrificing" Philippine interests in exchange for huge loans from Beijing.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar10/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Lakas leaders meet today

Will resolve leadership, other issues

Ben R. Rosario

Leaders of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) who comprise the party’s national directorate will meet today new officers in a bid to finally resolve leadership issues and create a special committee that will meet and negotiate with the leaders of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) to discuss the planned merger of the two parties.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080310119038.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Gloria allies pass buck to Drilon over Spratlys

By Angie M. Rosales

03/10/2008

The Senate has set an April 28 start for the inquiry into the controversial tripartite agreement for a seismic survey of areas around the disputed Spratly Islands as allies of President Arroyo tried to deflect yesterday any blame from the agreement to former Senate President Franklin Drilon.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080310hed1.html


7. Abante

COVER-UP SA SPRATLYS!

Nina Eralyn Prado, Rose Miranda, Grace Velasco, Nonnie Ferriol at Vera Files

Bagama’t wala pang itinaktadang imbestigasyon ang Senado kaugnay sa panibagong kontrobersya na “Spratly deal”, agad na binalaan ni Senate President Manuel Villar ang Malacañang na tigilan na ang ginagawa nitong mga pagtatakip kung nais nito hindi na maging masalimuot, at humaba pa ang isyu.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar1008/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

4TH WITNESS DELIKADO ANG BUHAY!

ni: Rey Marfil

Nakiusap kahapon si opposition Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson sa mga mamamahayag na huwag munang piliting alamin ang pagkatao ng 4th witness sa broadband scandal probe kasabay ang pangambang ‘madukot’ ito ng mga tapat na algad Malacanang na bihasa ganitong taktika.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1008/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon


10. Journal

MAÑALAC MISLED GMA?

By: Marlon Purificacion
WAS President Macapagal-Arroyo misled into endorsing the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking with China and Vietnam?
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-10&sec=1&aid=52147


11. Business World

P20B sought from state banks
Frontloaded spending to be used for infrastructure projects

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO ASK two state banks to release P20 billion in loans by June as part of a plan to frontload capital spending.
http://bworldonline.com/BW031008/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Targets face changes on oil prices

By Cai U. Ordinario
Reporter

HIGH oil prices may force the national government to revise its economic targets for the year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03102008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Nograles takes over Lakas-CMD

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:41:00 03/10/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to witness the anticipated decapitation today of erstwhile ally Jose de Venecia as president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats following his ouster as Speaker.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080310-123776/Nograles-takes-over-Lakas-CMD


ANALYSIS
ADB report links RP corruption to investment dip

By Amando Doronila
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:45:00 03/10/2008

MANILA, Philippines - In a scathing rebuke of the Philippine government’s appalling governance record, a new study issued by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has highlighted a direct link between corruption and political instability and decline in investment growth.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080310-123777/ADB-report-links-RP-corruption-to-investment-dip


Laguna trip reminds Lozada of abduction

By Niña Catherine Calleja
Southern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 04:47:00 03/10/2008

STA. ROSA CITY, Philippines—“Déjà vu, but relaxing.”

This was how whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. described his trip on Saturday outside busy, crowded Metro Manila, one month after he was allegedly abducted by police authorities upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Feb. 5.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080310-123778/Laguna-trip-reminds-Lozada-of-abduction


Lozada reaches out to Iloilo youth on phone patch

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
First Posted 04:49:00 03/10/2008

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. managed to speak to the youth of Iloilo even if he could not be physically present.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080310-123779/Lozada-reaches-out-to-Iloilo-youth-on-phone-patch


Ping: Ex-PNOC chief as witness is news to me

BY DENNIS GADIL

SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday dismissed news reports that former Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) president Eduardo Mañalac is his new witness in the cancelled $329 million ZTE broadband deal.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar10/news2.htm


Lakas leaders meet today

Will resolve leadership, other issues

Ben R. Rosario

Leaders of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) who comprise the party’s national directorate will meet today new officers in a bid to finally resolve leadership issues and create a special committee that will meet and negotiate with the leaders of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) to discuss the planned merger of the two parties.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080310119038.html


Pimentel asks Palace to explain why 2008 budget is not yet signed

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Q. Pimentel Jr. (PDP-Laban) asked yesterday Malacañang to explain why the P1.127-trillion national budget for fiscal year 2008 has not yet been signed into law by President Arroyo, resulting in the continued reliance on the reenacted 2007 national budget to finance government operations.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080310119041.html


Senate to take up Spratly, JPEPA issues after Holy Week break

The controversial Spratly Islands agreement among the Philippines, China, and Vietnam and the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) will be taken up by the Senate on April 28 when Congress resumes session after the Holy Week break, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080310119043.html



March 11, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Mañalac: I’ll testify in Spratlys inquiry

‘Nothing illegal in RP deal with China, Vietnam’

By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:54:00 03/11/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The former head of the country’s state oil firm Monday said the agreement the Philippines signed with China and Vietnam to search for oil in the Spratlys did not impair the Philippines’ claim to the islands, and declared he would “definitely” testify at the Senate, if invited.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080311-123972/Maalac-Ill-testify-in-Spratlys-inquiry


2. The Philippine Star

$200-M jathropa deal clinched

By Marichu Villanueva
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO – An undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been designated as president of the Philippine Forest Corp. (PFC), the position once held by Senate star witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310170


3. Manila Times

JdV defends President on Spratlys issue

Mañalac says agreement with China legal

On the Spratlys issue, Jose de Venecia Jr. is with Mrs. Gloria Arroyo, whom he had urged to resign as President and whose relatives have been linked to the moves that had him ousted as House Speaker.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/11/yehey/top_stories/20080311top1.html


4. Malaya

Palace eyes U-turn on Spratly Deal 2
Binay: Review an admission of agreement's infirmities

BY REGINA BENGCO

A MALACAÑANG legal team is studying whether to push through with the 2005 Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) agreement with China and Vietnam on the disputed South China Sea.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar11/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Nograles elected Lakas President

GMA endorses party’s merger with Kampi
Nograles elected President, JdV President Emeritus at Lakas-CMD Directorate meeting

By BEN R. ROSARIO

Speaker Prospero Nograles vowed yesterday to lead the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas- CMD) and help sustain economic development and ensure political stability as the mandates of his presidency of the country’s most dominant political party.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080311119099.html


6. The Daily Tribune

RP retains ‘most corrupt’ economy in Asia tag

03/11/2008

It seems that no country in Asia can beat the Philippines under President Arroyo in the corruption game, with the country again seen by expatriates as tops in corruption.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080311hed1.html


7. Abante

GLORIA NAKORNER NA SA SPRATLYS DEAL

(Rose Miranda/Boyet Jadulco/Eralyn Prado)

Tuluyan nang nakorner ang pamahalaang Arroyo sa sumabog na Spratlys deal at kahapon ay inilutang ng Malacañang ang posibilidad na hindi na ituloy ang Phase 2 ng nasimulang Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) sa oil-rich island kung saan isa ang Pilipinas sa anim na bansang umaangkin.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar1108/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

100M EKTARYA SA RP KONTROLADO NG CHINA JDV magsasalita na sa Spratlys

Bernard Taguinod

Hindi lamang ang Spratly Islands ang ipinaubaya ng Arroyo government sa bansang China, dahil umaabot na sa 100 milyong ektaryang lupain sa Pilipinas ang ipinasa sa kontrol ng naturang bansa sa loob ng susunod na 50 taon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1108/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

‘Di ako witness’ – Mañalac

Ni Edwin Balasa
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

“Wala akong nalalaman sa ZTE.”

Ito ang ipinahayag kahapon ni dating Philippine National Oil Company Chief Eduardo Mañalac na sinasa­bing “bago at matinding “testigo” na mag-uugnay sa umano’y pagbebenta ng administrasyon sa kara­patan ng Pilipinas sa Spratlys kapalit ng multi-bilyong dolyares na kontrata kasama ang kontrata sa National Broadband Network project ng pamahalaan at ng ZTE Corp. ng China.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008031095


10. Journal

STAY HOME

By: Alvin Murcia with Joel dela Torre

PUV operators vow to paralyze Metro

VARIOUS transport groups yesterday vowed to paralyze the metropolis with the transport holiday they are holding today to protest the oil price increase and the different traffic tickets of local government units.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-11&sec=1&aid=52247


11. Business World

BY ALEXIS DOUGLAS B. ROMERO and MARIA KRISTINA C. CONTI, Reporters,

Low-income households to enjoy water rate cuts

BOWING TO GOVERNMENT REQUESTS, Metro Manila water utilities yesterday began extending a 20% discount on rates to some 230,000 "low income" households in the metropolis. Malacañang touted the water firms’ adherence to its pro-poor program — which officials said meant the firms would absorb the losses — and announced that further cuts should be expected, this time to be enjoyed by all consumers, due to the stronger peso.
http://bworldonline.com/BW031108/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Government warned vs negotiated IOUs

By Jun Vallecera and Manuel Cayon
Reporters

THE Money Market Association of the Philippines (MART), whose members trade on government- and privately-issued securities for a living, fear an upheaval in the market should government persist in its plan to do away with the auction process and sell its IOUs on negotiated basis.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03112008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Lawmaker fears RP will lose out in race for Spratlys oil

By Norman Bordadora, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:27:00 03/11/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez Monday voiced fears that the country might lose out in the race for the oil that may lie under its side of the South China Sea because of the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) with China and Vietnam.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080311-123986/Lawmaker-fears-RP-will-lose-out-in-race-for-Spratlys-oil


Senate show resumes with new witness

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:29:00 03/11/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Panfilo Lacson is keeping his cards close to his chest on the identity of his “surprise witness” on Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080311-123987/Senate-show-resumes-with-new-witness


Spratlys deal probe sparks Senate fight

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:39:00 03/11/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The issue of which committee will take the lead in a proposed Senate inquiry into the search for oil in the Spratlys has become almost as contentious as the territorial dispute over the disputed South China Sea islands.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080311-123988/Spratlys-deal-probe-sparks-Senate-fight



BISHOP’S ADVICE
Be humble, don’t let applause go to your head, Lozada told

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:55:00 03/11/2008

BALANGA CITY—“Be humble. Do not bring the applause of the people to your head. It might make you proud.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080311-123989/Be-humble-dont-let-applause-go-to-your-head-Lozada-told


Mike Arroyo’s lawyer sues Madrigal

By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:01:00 03/11/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A lawyer of the President’s husband, Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, has filed a criminal complaint against Sen. Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal for allegedly doctoring a document related to the ZTE broadband scandal to make it appear it was a “copy for FG (First Gentleman).”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080311-123990/Mike-Arroyos-lawyer-sues-Madrigal


Arroyo orders probe of rice scam

Gov’t grains said being diverted to commercial sal
By Maria Cecilia Rodriguez
Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 07:19:00 03/11/2008

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines -- Furious about a reported rice scam in the National Food Authority, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday ordered Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to lead in the clean-up of the grain agency.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080311-123991/Arroyo-orders-probe-of-rice-scam


Palace fails to reach decision on Spratlys deal

By Paolo Romero

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Malacañang failed to come up with a decision on the controversial Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) with China and Vietnam yesterday even as officials struggled to defend the deal, with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol even dismissing the issue as another “political noise.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310171


NFA told: Stop rice diversion

By Marvin Sy

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

President Arroyo directed the National Food Authority (NFA) to implement a tighter monitoring of its distribution of rice for specialized markets in order to prevent its diversion to commercial traders.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310172


Gordon freezing, wants Senate to conserve energy

By Christina Mendez
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Complaining of freezing temperatures at the Senate, Sen. Richard Gordon yesterday pushed for the conservation of energy in the chamber, which is costing the government about P35 million a year.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310173


Nograles is new Lakas president

By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

In what may seem like the beginning of the end for the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, President Arroyo gave the go-signal yesterday for the merger of the dominant party and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi), now the country’s second largest political party.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310174


Pinoys waste P22 M worth of rice every day – study

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

BAGUIO CITY – Filipinos are big “rice wasters.”

The National Food Authority (NFA) said at least 25,000 sacks of rice amounting to about P22 million are wasted daily.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310177


After questions raised by Nene, GMA signs P1.227-T budget today

By Paolo Romero
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

President Arroyo will sign today the P1.227-trillion national budget even as officials pointed to Congress as the cause of the delay in the enactment of this year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310178


Nograles’ first test as Speaker: Will House probe Spratlys deal?

By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Lawmakers yesterday urged Speaker Prospero Nograles to grant their request to probe the alleged unconstitutional deal the country signed with China for the exploration of the disputed Spratly islands, saying this will be the first test of Nograles’ leadership.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310179


House panel to vote on snap polls proposal

By Jess Diaz
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The House electoral reform committee decided yesterday to schedule a vote on proposals urging President Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro to resign and hold a snap presidential election amid new controversies facing the administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310181


Razon orders probe of grievances of PNP colonel who refused promotion

By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered yesterday an investigation of a complaint by a colonel who rejected his promotion to a directoral post because of “too much politics” in the organization.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080310184



March 12, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘Surprise witness’ surprises Lacson

San Miguel told, ‘You have been lying all day’

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Dona Pazzibugan, Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:27:00 03/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines— (UPDATE 5) Sen. Panfilo Lacson was left red-faced after his much-ballyhooed surprise witness on Tuesday denied any "direct knowledge" of kickbacks in the $329-million broadband deal with China, specifically the $41 million in advances allegedly given to the “Greedy Group plus plus.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080312-124189/Surprise-witness-surprises-Lacson


2. The Philippine Star


3. Manila Times


4. Malaya

‘I know nothing
about $41M bribes’
New NBN witness called a liar

By: Dennis Gadil

New witness Leo San Miguel yesterday said he had no direct knowledge about the alleged $41 million in advances made by China’s ZTE Corp. to the "Greedy Group" of Benjamin Abalos Sr. in exchange for the approval of the national broadband project.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar12/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Strike strands thousands

Operations resume after GMA issues EO 712
Transport strike ends as GMA issues EO 712

Rico C. Navarro, JC Bello Ruiz and Genalyn D. Kabiling

Thousands of students, private and government workers were stranded in Metro Manila yesterday when transport groups led by jeepney drivers staged a "transport holiday" to condemn continuous rise of prices of petroleum products and the system of ticketing in Metro Manila.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080312119199.html



6. The Daily Tribune

New witness flip-flops, denies kickback knowledge

By Angie M. Rosales

03/12/2008

Businessman Leo San Miguel, alleged member of the notorious “Greedy Group plus plus” in the controversial ZTE broadband deal, yesterday confirmed the involvement of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., as well as a reported close friend of the First Family, Ruben Reyes, in the transaction of the botched contract.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080312hed1.html


7. Abante

DENIAL WITNESS

Ni BOYET JADULCO

Mismong si Sen. Panfilo Lacson ay nasorpresa sa katakut-takot na pagdi-deny ng kanyang iniharap na testigo kahapon sa ika-12 pagdinig ng Senado sa NBN-ZTE deal.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar1208/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

SAN MIGUEL ISASALANG SA LIE DETECTOR

Rey Marfil W/ Rose Miranda

Dahil sa hinalang nagsisinungaling ang ikaapat na testigo sa broadband probe na si cable guy Leo San Miguel, hinamon ito ni Sen. Mar Roxas na magpasailalim sa lie detector test upang patunayan sa publiko na walang halong kasinungalingan ang mga testimonyang binitiwan nito sa Senado kahapon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1208/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon



10. Journal

SURPRISE!

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
Lacson’s ‘surprise witness’ leaves senators dumbfounded

OPPOSITION senators were left dumbfounded when their supposed new “surprise” witness in the national broadband case denied any direct knowledge of “kickbacks” that led to an overprice of about $130 million in the cost of the telecommunications project.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-12&sec=1&aid=52390


11. Business World

New amnesty deadline possible
Tax chief says matter under review, ruling out this week

THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE (BIR) may have to reopen its tax amnesty doors as it may have miscalculated the proper deadline for the reprieve.

BIR Commissioner Lilian B. Hefti yesterday said the law and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are currently being studied to determine the right cutoff date for tax amnesty applications.
http://bworldonline.com/BW031208/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Balanced-budget goal to stay

By Mia M. Gonzalez
Reporter


PRESIDENT Arroyo signed Tuesday the P1.23-trillion national budget for 2008, with two of her economic managers characterizing it as a buffer for a slowdown in the US economy, though they ruled out any immediate decision to forgo the ambitious goal of balancing the budget in order to spur growth.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03122008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Man who knows nothing also surprised

By Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:32:00 03/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—“I’m very surprised that I’m the surprise witness,” Leo Guevara San Miguel said during the lunch break after he was presented by Sen. Panfilo Lacson at the Senate hearing on the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080312-124201/Man-who-knows-nothing-also-surprised


‘Worst’ over for President, says Gonzales

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:34:00 03/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The “worst” of the political crisis is over, but attempts to bring down President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will continue until the end of the year, according to National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080312-124203/Worst-over-for-President-says-Gonzales


‘Tongpats’ is right up there with ‘bukol,’ ‘may 200 ka’

By TJ Burgonio, Juliet Labog-Javellana, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:39:00 03/12/2008

New jargon entered the National Broadband Network (NBN) lexicon Tuesday— “tongpats”—to add to the previous “bukol” (bulge) and “Sec, may 200 ka dito” (Secretary, you have 200 here).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080312-124204/Tongpats-is-right-up-there-with-bukol-may-200-ka


Favila ‘first’ Cabinet exec to appear at Senate
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:40:00 03/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Trade Secretary Peter Favila Tuesday became the first Cabinet official to appear at the Senate inquiry into the aborted National Broadband Network (NBN) project since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lifted her Executive Order No. 464.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080312-124205/Favila-first-Cabinet-exec-to-appear-at-Senate



March 13, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

China hit for blocking bill

Cuenco: Beijing expressed displeasure over HB 3216

By Michael Lim Ubac, Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:27:00 03/13/2008

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Beijing’s apparent influence on the continued delay of the House of Representatives’ final approval of the bill defining Philippine territorial baselines was raised Wednesday by Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080313-124394/China-hit-for-blocking-bill


2. The Philippine Star


3. Manila Times

50-year jail term for ‘Tsong’

Court affirms conviction of ex-mayor in case of overpriced ‘walis tingting’

By Jomar Canlas Reporter

Former Parañaque City Mayor Joey Marquez faces a 50-year jail term after the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division affirmed his conviction in a graft case involving overpriced “walis tingting” or broomsticks.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/13/yehey/top_stories/20080313top1.html


4. Malaya

'Nagalak si Ma'am'
Ping: "I-know-nothing' witness took a phone call

BY DENNIS GADIL

CONNECT the dots, if you please, or if you will.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said his "surprise" witness, Leo San Miguel, was overheard by members of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) during a break in Tuesday's Senate hearing on the ZTE deal talking to a person he addressed as "Ma'am." http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar13/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

SC issues 1st Writ of Habeas Data

AFP ordered to disclose private surveillance details
Writs of Amparo also issued by Supreme Court

By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) issued yesterday the first Writ of Habeas Data, a new legal remedy against threats and violations to the right to privacy, on two petitions seeking to compel the military to disclose if surveillance is being conducted on certain persons linked to the Manila Peninsula Hotel siege last Nov. 29 and to remove the names of persons included in the Armed Forces’ "order of battle."
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080313119269.html


6. The Daily Tribune

‘Ma’am called San Miguel to deny Palace kickback’

By Angie M. Rosales

03/13/2008

Where Ma’am once called a poll commissioner to pad 1 million votes to ensure her victory in the presidential polls by subtracting the opposition standard-bearer’s votes to add to hers, it appears that Ma’am again went into a repeat of her phone call mode, this time calling a ZTE broadband witness, Leo San Miguel, a ZTE consultant representing the Philippine group, telling him to deny receiving $41 million in kickbacks by the “Greedy Group plus plus” which reportedly includes the presidential couple, as alleged by another ZTE-National Broadband Network witness Dante Madriaga.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080313hed1.html


7. Abante

GLORIA WALANG RESPETO SA BATAS!

Nina TINA MENDOZA, JULIET DE LOZA at NOEL ABUEL

Binakbakan kahapon ni Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay si (Sundan sa pahina 2)
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dahil sa kawalang respeto sa batas.
Hindi rin natinag si Binay sa banta ni Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani ‘BF’ Fernando na kakasuhan nila ang sinumang lalabag sa Executive Order (EO) 712.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar1308/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

COVER-UP SA SPRATLYS GUMANA NA SA KAMARA

Bernard Taguinod at Rey Marfil W/ RMiranda

Gumagana na ang cover-up operation ng Malacañang sa kinukuwestyong Spratlys deal kung saan una umanong nagpapagamit ang Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1308/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon



10. Journal

SAN MIGUEL SCARED OF GMA?

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
‘Yes ma’am, ide-deny ko’

DID Malacañang influence engineer Leo San Miguel’s testimony before the Senate?

Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said his “surprise witness” was heard talking to someone on the phone when the Senate called for a lunch break Tuesday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-13&sec=1&aid=52517


11. Business World

Divergent views on RP growth
Another high or sharp fall for 2008?

AMID THE THREAT of a US recession and its global implications, economists yesterday presented widely varying prospects for the Philippines, with one predicting even higher growth and another forecasting a sharp fall.
http://bworldonline.com/BW031308/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

RP warned FDIs shunning it

By Estrella Torres
Reporter

A FOREIGN business group said Wednesday the controversy on the national broadband deal only confirms investors’ long-held sentiment on the worsening corruption cases in the Philippines, and noted that, as a result, foreign business interests are shifting to other Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/03132008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

PMA alumni seek to abolish ‘protector clause’

By Vincent Cabreza
Northern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 03:43:00 03/13/2008

FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY—Enlightened by constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas, alumni of the Philippine Military Academy now agree that removing the “military as protector of the people clause” from the 1987 Constitution could discourage further EDSA uprisings that involve the Armed Forces.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080313-124405/PMA-alumni-seek-to-abolish-protector-clause


Spratlys agreement unconstitutional, says law prof

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:31:00 03/13/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The agreement among the Philippines, China and Vietnam to conduct a seismic survey in the disputed Spratly Islands infringes on the Constitution and should be cancelled, a constitutional law professor said yesterday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080313-124412/Spratlys-agreement-unconstitutional-says-law-prof


Beijing letter opposing
RP territory bill bared

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

THE chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs said yesterday China's opposition to the bill defining the Philippines' boundaries prevented the chamber from approving the measure despite the deadline set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar13/news2.htm


NEDA chief testifies today at Magdalo trial

DIRECTOR general Augusto Santos of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will take the witness stand today at the resumption of the trial of detained senator Antonio Trillanes and 30 junior military officers belonging to the Magdalo group which staged the one-day Oakwood mutiny in 2003.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar13/metro3.htm



March 14, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘Arroyo at center of cover-up’

Ex-gov’t execs slam governance on golf courses

By Volt Contreras, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:21:00 03/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Some 80 former Cabinet officials, who have banded together to demand accountability in the scandal-ridden $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) contract, Thursday said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had “refused” to heed their appeals, leading them to conclude that she was “at the center of the corruption and cover-up” of the aborted deal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124605/Arroyo-at-center-of-cover-up


2. The Philippine Star

China admits concern over Spratlys furor

By Pia Lee-Brago
Friday, March 14, 2008

China is worried about the furor over its joint seismic undertaking with the Philippines and Vietnam in the disputed Spratly islands.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313121


3. Manila Times

Critics blink on resign call

Look beyond resignation,’ former Cabinet officials say

By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter

Threats, just like promises, apparently are made to be broken.

Former senior government officials on March 4 warned that they will join calls for the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo if she failed to address within 10 days their demands for better governance, including stamping out alleged corruption in her government. The ultimatum lapsed Thursday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/14/yehey/top_stories/20080314top1.html


4. Malaya

Palace seen blocking
Spratly Deal probe
House panel scraps first hearing

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

THE House committee on foreign affairs Wednesday night cancelled its initial hearing on the controversial joint marine seismic undertaking among the Philippines, China and Vietnam in the Spratly islands due to a technicality.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar14/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

P200 B OKd for education

To provide more classrooms, books, teachers
GMA bares education plans for this year

By GENALYN D. KABILING

President Arroyo yesterday announced that the government will spend more than R200 billion to upgrade the country’s education system, particularly the provision of more classrooms, books, and teachers this year.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080314119361.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Hello Leo-Ma’am call linked to Poblador

By Angie M. Rosales

03/14/2008

The phone calls from the Malacañang tenant in getting witnesses and poll fraud operators to protect her “padding” never seem to stop.

Another Palace official was yesterday tagged by opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson as having talked to ZTE witness, cable television executive Leo San Miguel, while in the middle of delivering his testimony before Senate probers during last Tuesday’s hearing. http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080314hed1.html


7. Abante

‘THE WORST IS YET TO COME!’

(Boyet Jadulco/Nonnie Ferriol/Juliet de Loza/Nilo Marasigan)

Napakaaga pa para magdiwang ng pamahalaang Arroyo sa pag-aakalang ‘nalusutan’ na nito ang delubyo dahil ang totoo, “The worst is far from over for (President) Gloria (Arroyo). The worst is still to come.”
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar1408/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

ANTI-GLORIA FORCES WALANG BAKASYON

Bernard Taguinod at Rey Marfil

Walang plano ang mga raliyista na magbakasyon ngayong Semana Santa kaya tuluy-tuloy ang kanilang kilos-protesta hangga’t patuloy ang katiwalian sa pamahalaan at hindi napapanagot ang mga taong sangkot sa iba’t ibang anomalya sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1408/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pag nagmatigas sa EO 712: 5 Metro mayors masususpinde

Ni Rose Tamayo-Tesoro
Friday, March 14, 2008

Kung patuloy umanong susuwayin ng limang alkalde ng Metro Manila ang inilabas na Executive Order No.712 ng Malacañang na nag-aatas sa implementasyon ng single traffic ticketing system, malamang ma­suspinde ang mga ito.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008031345


10. Journal

GMA AT CENTER OF CORRUPTION

By: Alvin Murcia

EIGHTY former government officials who served under four presidents yesterday said President Macapagal-Arroyo “is at the center of corruption” because of her refusal to let the truth out regarding the ZTE national broadband deal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-14&sec=1&aid=52652


11. Business World

Central bank in ‘stealth easing’
Key rates unchanged but special deposit accounts tweaked

THE BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS (BSP) kept its main interest rates unchanged yesterday, opting not to extend a series of rate cuts because of rising inflation, but took measures that could pump more liquidity into the system.
http://bworldonline.com/BW031408/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

BSP keeps rates but tweaks SDA

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) kept its policy rates unchanged Thursday but allowed some modifications to its special deposit account (SDA) window that effectively released an estimated P300 billion worth of funds into the banking system.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0314&152008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Students walk with Arroyo ‘thru the storm’

By Michael Lim Ubac, Joanna Cordero
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:35:00 03/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The young crowd that thronged Malacañang after the massive gate was swung open by the Presidential Security Group had not been seen for a long time on the Palace grounds.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124607/Students-walk-with-Arroyo-thru-the-storm


Proposed baselines: War or surrender

By Norman Bordadora, Joel Guinto, Veronica Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net
First Posted 03:37:00 03/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) House Bill No. 3216, which is in virtual limbo after being passed by the House of Representatives on second reading last December, proposes that islands in the South China Sea already occupied by other countries including China be enclosed within Philippine territory.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124608/Proposed-baselines-War-or-surrender


Lacson suspects ‘Medy’ got to his witness

By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:06:00 03/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Secretary for Special Concerns Remedios “Medy” Poblador—described as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s “girl Friday”—may have had a hand in gagging “surprise witness” Leo San Miguel, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Thursday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124615/Lacson-suspects-Medy-got-to-his-witness


‘Ex-men’ scoff: Economic growth a PowerPoint mirage

By Volt Contreras
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:41:00 03/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines—“A PowerPoint mirage.”

That was how a group of former Cabinet officials galvanized by the broadband scandal dismissed reports of steady economic growth and poverty reduction under the Arroyo administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124626/Ex-men-scoff-Economic-growth-a-PowerPoint-mirage


Palace: Beijing displeasure expected

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:46:00 03/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita Thursday admitted that Malacañang was behind the move to recommit House Bill No. 3216, to accommodate new studies on the Philippines’ extended continental shelf.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124627/Palace-Beijing-displeasure-expected


Join NBN-ZTE game and be a ‘billionaire’

By Desiree Caluza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:58:00 03/14/2008

BAGUIO CITY—Question: Iyaking testigo, ngunit nagsasabi nang totoo (Crying witness, but he is telling the truth)?

Choose the best answer: A. Joey; B. Neri; Z. Lozada; T. Medy, or E. None of the above.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124629/Join-NBN-ZTE-game-and-be-a-billionaire


Editorial
For better hearings

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:59:00 03/14/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Late Tuesday evening, frustrated senators confronted the possibility of a stalemate of sorts. The new witness at the Senate hearing on the national broadband network (NBN) controversy, businessman Leo San Miguel, continued to articulate a fundamentally different version of events—if not with the sympathetic demeanor of a Jun Lozada, then at least with the business-like equanimity of a Joey de Venecia.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20080314-124578/For-better-hearings


Pass bill on Spratlys, GMA prods Congress

By Paolo Romero
Friday, March 14, 2008

President Arroyo urged Congress yesterday to speed up passage of a bill updating the country’s territorial baselines to include the Kalayaan Island Group in the South China Sea amid objections from China.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313122


‘GMA at center of government anomalies’

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Friday, March 14, 2008

A group of former government executives said President Arroyo is “at the center” of anomalies and cover-up involving administration officials and that her failure to carry out reforms within seven days as set by the group has shattered her moral authority to govern.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313123


Did witness call Ma’am Mely?

By Christina Mendez
Friday, March 14, 2008

Was Malacañang Assistant Secretary Remedios “Medy” Poblador the “ma’am” that businessman Leo San Miguel was talking to during a break in last Tuesday’s Senate hearing on the scrapped $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal?
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313125


RP advised against reliance on Chinese investors, ODA

By Pia Lee-Brago
Friday, March 14, 2008

The Philippine government should implement competitive investment policies and not rely heavily on China for investments and overseas development assistance (ODA) so as not to drive away other foreign investors, a Manila-based Australian business leader said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313126


Senators spent 35 hours on ZTE probe this year

By Aurea Calica
Friday, March 14, 2008

The Senate has spent more than 35 hours in public hearings on the national broadband network (NBN) scandal while more than 17 hours were spent for plenary sessions regarding the passage of bills since February, records from the chamber’s journals showed.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313127


Ombudsman vows reforms vs corruption

By Sandy Araneta
Friday, March 14, 2008

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez vowed yesterday to pursue anti-corruption reforms and thanked the United States government for the Philippines’ selection by the Millennium Challenge Corp. for an MCC compact.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313128


Trusting ‘lucky little girl’ was my greatest mistake – Erap

By Jose Rodel Clapano
Friday, March 14, 2008

Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday that his greatest mistake was trusting then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Estrada, who was guest of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), said that he regretted treating Mrs. Arroyo very well when he assumed the presidency in 1998.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313129


Amendment of CA rules pushed

Friday, March 14, 2008

Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon wants the rules of the Commission on Appointments amended to prevent a lawmaker from blocking the confirmation of military officers just like what Sen. Jamby Madrigal did on Wednesday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080313130


Court won’t summon Neri, Abalos in Lozada hearing

THE Court of Appeals on Thursday denied the appeal of Arturo Lozada, brother of broadband scandal star witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr., to summon former National Economic Development Authority chief Romulo Neri and former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. as “hostile witnesses” on the alleged abduction of his brother.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/14/yehey/metro/20080314met8.html


Ping: Lie detector test? Call

BY JP LOPEZ

OPPOSITION Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday accepted the challenge of Malacañang that he take a lie detector test provided President Arroyo also takes it.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar14/news3.htm


EDITORIAL — Bare the details

Friday, March 14, 2008

For an administration that insists it has nothing to hide, too many documents are missing and too many officials are being kept from revealing crucial information. The national broadband network deal with ZTE Corp. of China has been aborted and Benjamin Abalos has resigned as chairman of the Commission on Elections, and still the public has not seen a copy of whatever it was that was signed with ZTE in Boao, China by Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza in the presence of President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25


Opinion
Abuse of power
SKETCHES By Ana Marie Pamintuan
Friday, March 14, 2008

President Arroyo should send Sen. Jamby Madrigal a thank-you note. Every time the senator opens her mouth, the administration gets new ammunition to shoot down congressional investigations as nothing but a waste of time.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=2008031382


Lie detector vs GMA at FG kinasahan ni Ping
RM

Para magkaalaman kung sino ang sinungaling sa lahat ng eskandalo at katiwaliang nagaganap sa gobyerno, pinakahuli sa broadband deal at loan package, kinasahan ni opposition Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson ang sabayang pagsasalang sa polygraph test o lie detector test, kasama sina First Gentleman Mike at Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1408/news3.htm


Kiko: Senate to get facts from conflicting testimonies

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
CIRCUMSTANTIAL evidence presented before the Senate inquiry on the $329-million national broadband network deal with ZTE may still be used to establish facts amid the conflicting testimonies of witnesses in the NBN scandal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-14&sec=4&aid=52674



March 15, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Filipino VIPs join Pacquiao frenzy

De Castro, Nograles, Atienza, Singson...

By Roy Luarca
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:24:00 03/15/2008

LAS VEGAS--The VIPs are joining the Pacquiao-Marquez II frenzy.
Speaker Prospero Nograles is already in this glitzy city, along with Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla and former Sen. Robert Jaworski.
http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20080315-124793/Filipino-VIPs-join-Pacquiao-frenzy


2. The Philippine Star

'Pay back what you stole'

By Edu Punay
Saturday, March 15, 2008

As the nation begins the observance of Holy Week, the country’s Catholic hierarchy yesterday bewailed rampant corruption and reminded the corrupt to “pay back what you stole.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080314175


3. Manila Times

Eat ‘kamote,’ save on rice

Govt recommends alternative crops to avert food crisis

By Conrad M. Cariño, Senior Desk Editor

In case the country will encounter a severe shortage in rice supply, Filipinos should be ready to eat white corn, cassava, root crops and yam as their staple food.

This was the advice given by GMA (Ginintuang Masaganang Ani) Rice Program Director Frisco Malabanan, who said that in parts of the Visayas, the staple food is no longer rice but white corn.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/mar/15/yehey/top_stories/20080315top1.html


4. Malaya

16 bishops to GMA:
Thou shalt not steal
Rosales leads signers to Metropolitan pastoral letter

BY GERARD NAVAL

SIXTEEN Catholic bishops yesterday reminded the administration of President Arroyo of the Seventh Commandment of God: "Thou shalt not steal."

"Whenever government money is stolen or whenever suppliers or contractors' money is offered as bribe to secure projects. graft or corruption is committed. As an injustice to the government and people, graft and corruption are against the Seventh Commandment and have the added element of betraying one's country," said a four-page pastoral statement, "Towards a morally rebuilt nation," signed by members of the Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Province of Manila led by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, archbishop of Manila.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/mar15/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin


Issue pastoral statement on corruption
Commandment applies to all, say 16 bishops

Leslie Ann G. Aquino

The Seventh Commandment "Thou shall not steal" applies not only to those in government but also to everyone, 16 Catholic bishops led by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales said yesterday in a pastoral statement.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080315119436.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Beijing warns RP of severing ties over Spratlys row

By Michaela P. del Callar

03/15/2008

China issued a veiled warning of an emerging friction in its relations with the Philippines a day after President Arroyo asked Congress to expedite the passage of a bill demarcating the country’s territorial baselines that would include territories in the Spratly Islands.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080315hed1.html


7. Abante

ANTI-GMA BITBIT NA SA PROBINSYA

(Juliet de Loza/JB Salarzon/Noel Abuel)

Muling dumagundong ang ‘sigaw’ ng pagpapababa kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malacañang.


Mula sa walang patid na kilos-protesta sa Kalakhang Maynila ay tiniyak ng mga kabataan at mag-aaral na dadalhin nila sa kani-kanilang probinsya ang laban ng katotohanan at giit na ‘Gloria resign/Oust GMA’ ngayong Semana Santa.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/mar1508/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

PALASYO DESPERADO SA PAGHAKOT NG TAO

Bernard Taguinod With Rose Miranda

Binakbakan ng oposisyon ang patuloy na pagpaparada ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng kanyang mga supporters sa palasyo ng Malacañang na anila’y isang desperadong hakbang para maipakita lamang na mayroon pang sumusuporta sa kanya sa gitna ng mga nabibistong katiwalian sa pamahalaan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1508/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Mga obispo ‘ugok!’

Ni Malou Escudero
Saturday, March 15, 2008

Hindi na nakapagpigil pa si Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez sa mga bumabanat sa gobyerno kaya tinawag nitong “ugok” ang mga Obispo at mga dating opisyal ng gobyerno.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008031461


10. Journal

CBCP REJECTS GMA OUSTER

By: Lee Ann P. Ducusin
Grafters reminded of God’s commandment

IN a pastoral statement issued ahead of a protest rally in Manila yesterday, Metro Manila Catholic bishops enjoined government officials to remember God’s commandment not to steal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-15&sec=1&aid=52774


11. Business World

BY MARIA KRISTINA C. CONTI and ALEXIS DOUGLAS B. ROMERO, Reporters

Aramco exiting Petron for $550 million

World oil major Saudi Arabia’s Aramco Overseas Co. is selling its 40% stake in Petron Corp., the country’s top oil company, to London-based investment fund Ashmore Group for $550 million.
http://bworldonline.com/BW031508/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror




II. POLITICAL

Loans not linked to Spratlys – China

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Chinese loans and other forms of aid to the Philippines are not linked to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a Chinese official said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080314176


House to pass baselines bill in April

Saturday, March 15, 2008

The House of Representatives will most likely pass a bill on the country’s claims on the Spratly Islands next month with a measure that defines the Philippines’ territorial baseline.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080314181


Students vow protests to continue through summer

By Evelyn Macairan
Saturday, March 15, 2008

The start of summer vacation does not mean the end of protest demonstrations against the Arroyo government.

Just when the Arroyo administration thought it would have a respite from demonstrations in the next few months because of the school break, League of Filipino Students (LFS) national chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said they would be bringing their protests to places where the youth would be converging during the summer months.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080314184


Lozada on suits: Bring ’em on

By Ronilo Ladrido Pamonag
Saturday, March 15, 2008

ILOILO CITY – Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., witness in the Senate investigation of the national broadband network (NBN) controversy, said he is prepared for another round of “harassment suits,” particularly concerning his alleged huge bank accounts.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080314186



‘Noli-Vi tandem a blockbuster in 2010’

By Charlie Lagasca
Saturday, March 15, 2008

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Sen. Edgardo Angara yesterday described the possible electoral tandem of Vice President Noli de Castro and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto that was being floated as the “Philippines’ Broadway and Bollywood.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080314187


Erap willing to head transition government

By Jose Rodel Clapano
Saturday, March 15, 2008

Former President Joseph Estrada expressed his willingness to lead a transition government in the event President Arroyo is removed from office.

Estrada, however, maintained he will not support another popular uprising to force down Mrs. Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080314190


Question on hypocrisy peeves Estrada

By Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:17:00 03/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Convicted plunderer ex-president Joseph Estrada, enjoying unprecedented freedom after being pardoned without serving a single day of his life sentence, was mugged by reality when he appeared at a Foreign Correspondents Club of the Philippines forum on Thursday at the Sofitel Hotel.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080315-124802/Question-on-hypocrisy-peeves-Estrada


Trillanes slams Palace over baseline bills

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:18:00 03/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Jailed Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Friday accused the Arroyo administration of sabotaging pending bills in Congress defining the Philippines' territory.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080315-124803/Trillanes-slams-Palace-over-baseline-bills


Arroyo foes, supporters face off

By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:19:00 03/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Students, activists and urban poor gathered in several areas in Manila before they marched toward the Liwasang Bonifacio for the youth-led interfaith rally Friday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080315-124804/Arroyo-foes-supporters-face-off



March 16, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

(UPDATE 2) Pacquiao decisions Marquez

By Francis Ochoa
Agence France-Presse, INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:14:00 03/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is the WBC super featherweight champion of the world.

The Filipino stole the world title from Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, leaning on a third round knockdown and a late charge in the match to win by split decision.
http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080316-125055/Pacquiao-decisions-Marquez


2. The Philippine Star

Pacquiao wins by split to end 'unfinished business'

Sunday, March 16, 2008

LAS VEGAS – Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao wrested the crown of World Boxing Council superfeatherweight champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in their scheduled 12-round fight at Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=200803161


3. Manila Times




4. Malaya



5. Manila Bulletin


6. The Daily Tribune

Palace mulls executive privilege for Poblador

By Sherwin C. Olaes

03/16/2008

Even as the Catholic Church steps up the pressure on President Arroyo to come clean by allowing government officials to tell all on the anomalous National Broadband Network (NBN) contract, Malacañang said yesterday it may invoke “executive privilege” to prevent Mrs. Arroyo’s personal confidante Remedios “Medy” Poblador from being summoned to the Senate.
http://tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080316hed1.html


7. Abante

WAWAKASAN KO NA!

Ni Manny Pacquiao Abante Columnist



LAS VEGAS --- Dumating na po ang oras na ating pinakahihintay at pinaghahandaan. Ako po ay nasa pinakama-buting kundisyon at sa-na, kayo rin.
Halos apat na taon ang ginugol upang muli kaming makapagharap ni Juan Manuel Marquez para paglabanan ang isa sa mga pinakamalaking korona at titulo sa super-featherweight division nitong nagdaang dekada.Sa Marso 15 (Marso 16 sa Pilipinas), wawakasan na namin ni Marquez ang isang yugto ng aming career sa Mandalay Bay Events Center sa Las Vegas.
http://abante.com.ph/issue/mar1608/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

GMA ADS, UNITY WALK BUBUSISIIN Bernard Taguinod

Desidido ang oposisyon na busisiin kung magkano ang ginagastos ng gobyerno sa mga hindi umano makatotohanang political ads para lamang mapabango ang imahe ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa gitna ng mga panawagang bumaba na ito sa puwesto..
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/mar1608/news1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

‘Gonzalez manalamin ka muna!’


Ni Doris Franche
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Pinayuhan ni Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez si Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez na tignan muna ang kanyang sarili bago magbitaw ng anumang salita laban sa kanyang kapwa.

Ayon kay Iñiguez, walang karapatan si Gonzalez na tawagin silang “ugok” dahil lamang sa pagbatikos sa maling ginagawa ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008031528


10. Journal

PRAY FOR PACMAN By: Efren Montano

Say one for Pacquiao, Pinoys urged

BOXING icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will have among his rooters no less than President Macapagal-Arroyo who is optimistic the Filipino ring star will win over Mexican champ Juan Manuel Marquez when they clash today at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-03-16&sec=1&aid=52865


11. Business World


12. Business Mirror




II. POLITICAL

Fuel, kerosene prices raised by 50¢

By Donnabelle Gatdula
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Major oil firms in the country have again jacked up the prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene by P0.50 due to the continuing rise in world crude prices.

This will be the third time this month that oil firms have adjusted their pump prices upward.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080315151


GMA orders measures to keep rice supply steady

Sunday, March 16, 2008

President Arroyo ordered yesterday the immediate implementation of measures to ensure the steady supply of rice at affordable prices in the country amid the reported worldwide shortage.

In her speech before officials and members of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Malacañang, Mrs. Arroyo said that international news are full of reports of worldwide shortage of rice which is priced as much as $700 per metric ton compared to $200 per MT in 2001.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080315158


Palace: GMA, Rosales share same sentiment on corruption

By Marvin Sy
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Malacañang welcomed yesterday the pastoral statement issued by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, and said its strong message against corruption is not lost on President Arroyo who remains committed to leading the fight against anomalies in her administration.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080315161


‘Congress’ failure to pass baselines bill denied RP of archipelagic status’

By Perseus Echeminada

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Failure of Congress to pass a law defining the territorial baselines of the country in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) practically denied the Philippines the status of an “archipelagic state,” a top Foreign Affairs official said yesterday Henry Besurto, chief of the Maritime Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said UNCLOS requires an archipelagic country like the Philippines to have a law defining territorial limits.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080315164


Anti-GMA rallies losing steam, says Palace

By Marvin Sy
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Malacañang believes that the demonstrations against President Arroyo are losing steam as people start to realize that the courts and not the streets are the proper venue for determining the truth about current controversies.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080315166


Koko to Migz: Enjoy your position while it lasts

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Defeated senatorial candidate Aquilino Pimentel III said yesterday that Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri was just dreaming when he claimed that the Supreme Court (SC) ruling on his electoral protest has strengthened Zubiri’s case at the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080315167


AFP sad but not mad over Jamby’s CA move – Esperon

By Jaime Laude
Sunday, March 16, 2008

Sad but not mad.

The 24 newly promoted officers were frustrated over the delay of their confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said yesterday.

According to Esperon, he could only sympathize with the 24 officers since their families had been deprived of the pride and honor of their promotion.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080315168