November 20-26, 2007

November 20, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
PNP: Blast planned in ex-solon’s store
By Leila Salaverria
Last updated 01:32am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Three detained suspects in last week’s Batasan bombing that killed Rep. Wahab Akbar were named Monday in a police complaint filed with the Department of Justice that gave details of how it was planned and carried out by assassins known to Akbar’s political rivals.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101962


2. The Philippine Star
WB shelves $232-M loan to RP over corruption
By Marvin Sy
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The World Bank has shelved a planned $232-million road-building loan to the Philippines while it looks into an internal report on bid-rigging by a Chinese company in collusion with local contractors during the first phase of the nationwide road-building project, officials said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071119183


3. Manila Times
Americans bullish on RP
US unfazed by bombing of House–envoy
By Francis Earl A. Cueto Reporter
THE United States is still bullish on doing business with the Philippines despite a recent rash of violence that included bomb attacks on a popular mall in Makati and the House of Representatives.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/20/yehey/top_stories/20071120top1.html
4. Malaya
WB freezes $232M
loan over corruption
Chinese contractor tagged in bid rigging
BY RUELLE ALBERT CASTRO
THE World Bank has suspended issuance of the second loan tranche that will finance government’s road improvements program because of issues of corruption on the implementation of the project’s first phase.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov20/index.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Foreign ministers OK ASEAN charter
Document seen as blueprint of region’s future
ASEAN heads of state expected to approve charter
By FIL C. SIONIL
SINGAPORE (via PLDT) — The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) favorably endorsed yesterday the ASEAN Charter to their respective heads of state without any changes.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071120109135.html


6. The Daily Tribune
WB stops P21.5B in RP road funding
11/20/2007
The World Bank (WB) postponed up to $500 million or P21.5 billion in potential financing for road projects, under the second and third phase of the National Roads Improvement and Management Program after discovering the first phase of the project was infested with anomalies, irregularities and corruption.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071120hed1.html

7. Abante
GMA ROAD PROJECTS KINURAKOT--WB
Nina ROSE MIRANDA, BOYET JADULCO, ERALYN PRADO at ng AFP
Dalawang road projects na nagkakahalaga ng US$33 milyon ang tinanggihan ng World Bank (WB) na pondohan sa anyo ng pautang dahil sa mga palatandaan ng kurakot at katiwalian.
Gayundin, nagpasya ang international lender na pansamantalang suspendehin ang kabuuang US$232 loan package ng Pilipinas para sa iba’t ibang infrastructure at road projects.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2007/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
KUH LEDESMA NASAMPOLAN SA SENADO
(Rey Marfil)
Kasabay ng ginawang paghihigpit sa seguridad ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso bilang aksyon sa nangyaring pagsabog sa Batasan Pambansa, unang nasampolan ang premyadong singer na si Kuh Ledesma at ang dalawang alalay nito dahil walang maipakitang identification card (ID) nang magtungo sa Senado.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2007/main.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon



10. Journal
BOMBERS' CHARGED
Batasan blast suspect names Hataman aide as accomplice
By: Alfred P. Dalizon
CHARGES of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder were filed yesterday with the Department of Justice against three suspects arrested in connection with the November 13 bombing at the Batasang Pambansa that killed Rep. Wahab Akbar.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-20&sec=1&aid=39575


11. Business World
World Bank blocks $232-M loan to RP
Corruption suspected in road project
SINGAPORE/MANILA — The World Bank’s reported rejection of $232 million in loans for road projects in the Philippines, involving a Chinese contractor, is threatening to overshadow President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s participation in the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit here.
The news came out of Washington, with The Wall Street Journal giving prominent treatment to a World Bank board decision to block the loan over corruption issues. It said the contractor, state-owned China State Construction Engineering Co., was involved in rigging bids with a cartel in other contracts.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112007/content.php?id=001




12. Business Mirror
$232-M WB road project halted
BIDDING FOR $33-M SEGMENT FOUND ANOMALOUS AFTER INVESTIGATION
By Jennifer A. Ng
THE World Bank (WB) has decided to defer the implementation of the second phase of the $232-million National Roads Improvement and Management Project (NRIMP) after the bank found signs of “procurement problems” in the first phase of the program.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11202007/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL
Malacañang denies talk of corruption
By Michael Lim Ubac
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Monday denied that concerns over corruption led the World Bank to reject two large road-building contracts, worth around $33 million, in the Philippines.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101988


Senate may probe Glorietta blast
Escudero urges action on Trillanes resolution
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Tina Santos
Inquirer
Last updated 03:47am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- In the wake of conflicting findings in the Glorietta mall explosion, Sen. Francis Escudero on Monday urged his colleagues to act on the resolution of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV for the Senate to conduct an independent probe of the blast.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101990


House plenary asked to vote on impeachment on conscience
‘Even at expense of political alliances’--solon
By Maila Ager
MANILA, Philippines -- Quezon City Representative Matias Defensor, chairman of the justice committee that dismissed the impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has called on his colleagues in the House of Representatives to vote on the issue based on their conscience “even at the expense of political alliances.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101871
ICTC’s Razon not attending NBN hearing Tuesday
Senate to verify Mike Arroyo’s health certificate
By Veronica Uy
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Businessman Enrique Razon will not attend Tuesday’s Senate hearing on the cancelled $329-million contract FOR the national broadband network (NBN) with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101835


Shameful admission about corruption by Ombudsman
Inquirer
Last updated 00:55am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
Transparency International came out with the 2007 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) that showed that the Philippines is deeper into the pit of corruption.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=101946


Palace ‘payola’ a bigger bomb
Inquirer
Last updated 00:55am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
What happened last Oct. 11 was a blast more disastrous and catastrophic than the Oct. 19 explosion in the Glorietta 2 mall that killed 11 persons. That disaster in Malacañang, where money changed hands among the elite, undoubtedly killed the faith and trust of millions of Filipinos in their leaders, and it could have certainly killed also the dreams of young Filipinos because money that should have gone to their education was diverted and given to those who already have.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=101950



Mariannet’s death is Arroyo’s fault
Inquirer
Last updated 00:55am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
This is in reaction to the news item “Girl, 12, loses hope, hangs herself.” (Inquirer, 11/8/ 07)
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s insensitive regime should be held responsible for indirectly causing Mariannet Amper’s suicide. Her death comes at a time when government spin doctors want us to believe that the Philippine economy is improving.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=101949


Corruption delays World Bank approval for RP road project
Agence France-Presse
Last updated 04:52pm (Mla time) 11/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Concerns over corruption has led to the World Bank withholding $33 million in loans to finance road-building projects in the Philippines, the multilateral lender said Monday.
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=101796


Get Palace execs to explain Northrail project – JdV
11/20/2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia yesterday said Malacañang officials should explain before the Senate hearing on the $420-million Northrail project, the terms of the concessional loan from China because it was Palace officials who had negotiated the loan and decided on the project even as he pledged “full cooperation” with the Senate on its inquiry.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071120hed4.html


New writ further
protecting rights readied
BY ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
CHIEF Justice Reynato Puno yesterday said the tribunal is preparing to introduce the writ of habeas data which he said will protect the constitutional rights especially of victims of human rights violations and of journalists.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov20/news6.htm

Comelec disqualifies Batas party-list
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified Monday the Bagong Alyansang Tagapagtaguyod ng Adhikaing Sambayanan (BATAS) party-list group after proving that the group is being used as a front by a religious organization.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-20&sec=4&aid=39503


GMA allies unfazed by boycott threat
By: Jester P. Manalastas
ADMINISTRATION allies in the House of Representatives yesterday slammed the opposition for their alleged plan to boycott the plenary deliberation on the impeachment complaint against President Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-20&sec=4&aid=39556


Palace probes bid rigging report
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Malacañang is now looking into reports of large-scale corruption in government road projects, which prompted the World Bank to hold off a $232-million loan to the country.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071119184

RP pinarurusahan sa katiwalian
(Rey Marfil/Bernard Taguinod)
Direktang isinisi ng dalawang mambabatas sa kaliwa’t kanang nakawan sa gobyerno ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang desisyon ng World Bank (WB) na tablahin ang $232 milyong inuutang ng Pilipinas.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2007/main.htm

Walang lulusot na impeachment
(Bernard Taguinod)
Hangga’t kontrolado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso, walang pag-asa ang mga susunod pang impeachment case laban sa kanya.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2007/main.htm


GMA at ang media
Jake Macasaet
Nanawagan si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo noong nakaraang linggo na maging tapat daw sa tungkulin ang media. Be responsible, sabi GMA.
Ibig sabihin nito hindi ginagawa ng media ng buong katapatan ang tungkulin. Kaya dapat magbago.
Hindi ko ipinagtatanggol ang media sa marami ring pagkakamali nito. Pero kung walang media, palagay, lalo lamang lalawak ang malawak ng kurakutan. Walang papansin sa pagsisinungaling at pandaraya.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2007/main.htm


Senators drag feet on resolution
to defer PNOC-EDC sale
By Butch Fernandez
SENATORS failed to pass Monday an urgent resolution asking Malacañang to defer Wednesday’s scheduled sale of prime shares in the Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) under a questioned scheme to raise revenues for the Arroyo administration.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11202007/headlines010.html


Palace OK with Jpepa side pact
By Mia M. Gonzalez
SINGAPORE (via PLDT)—Malacañang is amenable to the Senate-proposed side agreement to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) to pave the way for the ratification of the country’s first bilateral trade agreement.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11202007/headlines05.html


JDV gives Senate 13 names who can shed light on North Rail
By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Washing his hands of the $420-million NorthRail project, House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. reiterated yesterday his “aboveboard” participation in the Chinese-financed contract, but gave the Senate the names of 13 local officials who could shed light on the deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071119198



November 21, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
De Venecia facing probes in Senate, House
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Christian V. Esguerra
Last updated 02:30am (Mla time) 11/21/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate was asked Tuesday to reopen its investigation of the $503-million North Luzon Railways (NorthRail) project, allegedly brokered by Speaker Jose de Venecia, for being “financially onerous.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102206


2. The Philippine Star
Government blames WB, will proceed with projects
By Sandy Araneta And Paolo Romero
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The government tossed the blame to the World Bank yesterday on corruption-tainted road projects worth $265 million and said it would push through with the implementation of the projects even without the bank’s funding.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120116


3. Manila Times
Speaker faces ethics case
House committee gives de Venecia 10 days to reply
By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
So far, the ethics case against Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has made it farther than the impeachment case filed by the same person against the President.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/21/yehey/top_stories/20071121top1.html
4. Malaya
Officials blame WB set-up for corruption Say $232 loan freeze has no effect on overall lending
BY MAX ESTAYO
BUDGET Secretary Rolando Andaya yesterday said the World Bank’s procurement system was to blame for the alleged corruption in the bidding for WB-funded road projects in the Philippines.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov21/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin
10 ASEAN leaders sign Charter
Economic, environmental documents also OK’d
Charter approval most awaited in Singapore Summit
By FIL C. SIONIL
SINGAPORE (via PLDT) — President Arroyo joined her colleagues, the other nine heads of states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Myanmar, in signing the group’s charter, defying apprehensions that the prodigal member may opt to take the other course.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071121109222.html


6. The Daily Tribune
GMA, execs blame WB for RP corruption
By Ruben Hortelano
It’s never President Arroyo’s or her government’s fault, not even when there is proof of corruption.
A day after claiming that the World Bank’s stoppage of P21.5 billion due to many anomalies, collusion and excessive price paddings in Philippine road projects was a “wake-up call” for the Arroyo administration with a promise from Malacañang to set up measures to curb graft and ensure transparency, both Malacañang officials and Mrs. Arroyo’s economic officials laid the blame squarely on the WB for the corruption in the road projects overprice and other anomalies.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071121hed1.html


7. Abante
UMAALINGASAW NA BAHO N’YO!
ABANTE REPORTORIAL TEAM (Boyet Jadulco/Eralyn Prado/Rose Miranda/Irish Ann Cruz)
Matinding kantyaw ang tinanggap ng gobyernong Arroyo kay Senate minority leader Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr. nang sabihin nitong umaalingasaw na talaga sa baho ang pamahalaan dahil hanggang World Bank (WB) ay naaamoy ito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2107/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
ASG O MILITARY LANG SA BATASAN BOMBING -- SOLON
(Bernard Taguinod/Aries Cano)
Dahil hirap ang Philippine National Police (PNP) na mahuli ang utak ng Batasan bombing, lalong nagdududa ang ilang kongresista na posibleng militar kung hindi Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) ang nasa likod ng pag-atake na ikinamatay ni Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar at ng tatlo pang katao.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2107/main.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Ex-Mayor sabit sa Batasan blast
Ni Joy Cantos
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Isang dating mayor ng Basilan ang iniimbestigahan ngayon ng mga awtoridad dahil sa posibleng pagkakasangkot sa Batasan bombing.
Si dating Tuburan, Basilan Mayor Hajarun Usman Jamiri at security aide nitong si Halik Usman ay inaresto sa magkakahiwalay na operasyon sa San Andres, Malate, Maynila matapos ikanta ng tatlong na­arestong Abu Sayyaf ang isang bahay na umano’y tinutuluyan ng mga ito.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112082


10. Journal
DESPERATE Appeal to World Bank, inquiry to be pursued
By: Tess Bedico
MALACAÑANG will ask the World Bank to reconsider its decision to withhold the release of its loan for the country’s road-building projects.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol yesterday said an appeal of the WB decision would be pursued pending the result of an investigation into the multilateral lender’s claims of corruption.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-21&sec=1&aid=39690


11. Business World
ASEAN leaders endorse integration blueprint
SINGAPORE — A detailed timetable seeking to establish an ASEAN Economic Community in eight years has hit the ground running, with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian countries affixing their signatures yesterday to a declaration adopting a so-called blueprint for economic integration and an attached "strategic schedule."
But the approval of the heavily negotiated ASEAN document has also started a serious rethinking of the ambitious integration project, with individual members of the $1-trillion trading bloc continuing to seek bilateral free trade deals that could run counter to agreements that ASEAN has entered into as a group.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112107/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror
40 years later, Asean finally has a charter
By Mia M. Gonzalez
SINGAPORE (via PLDT)—Asean leaders on Tuesday signed the historic Asean Charter envisioned to ensure the relevance of the 40-year-old, 10-member grouping amid regional changes brought about by globalized trade.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11212007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
De Venecia facing probes in Senate, House
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Christian V. Esguerra
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate was asked Tuesday to reopen its investigation of the $503-million North Luzon Railways (NorthRail) project, allegedly brokered by Speaker Jose de Venecia, for being “financially onerous.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102206


Palace: World Bank loan freeze unfair
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
MANILA, Philippines -- The World Bank’s decision to freeze the country’s $232 million loan for a road project on allegations of corruption is “unfair” and could have been a result of the change in leadership in the agency, Malacañang officials said Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102114


Senate presses for probe on China-funded North Rail project
By Veronica Uy
MANILA, Philippines -- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. on Tuesday formally asked for a Senate inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the alleged onerous terms and conditions imposed on the Philippine government in the contract to build the North Rail system with funding from the Chinese government.
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=102110






Malacañang denies talk of corruption
By Michael Lim Ubac
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Monday denied that concerns over corruption led the World Bank to reject two large road-building contracts, worth around $33 million, in the Philippines.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101988


Senators warn of looming loan crisis
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
MANILA, Philippines -- A credit crisis is looming as a result of the deferment of a World Bank loan for road projects, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. warned Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102219


De Venecia reported slay plot to Arroyo, lawyer tells Senate
By Dona Pazzibugan, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia took the alleged assassination plot against him and his son by Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza so seriously that he informed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about it, De Venecia’s lawyer told a Senate hearing Tuesday.
Cayetano moved at the start of the hearing that Neri should be made to show cause for ignoring the Senate subpoena.
Cayetano said the committee was just giving Aboitiz and Razon the opportunity to refute De Venecia’s testimony, but they did not have to show up if they did not want to.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102218


Palace to probe WB road projects
By Angelo Samonte, Reporter
Malacañang will ask the World Bank to reconsider its decision to cancel some $265-million total funding for the road projects in the Philippines, officials said Tuesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/21/yehey/top_stories/20071121top6.html


INSIDE CONGRESS
JPEPA’s chances now brighter
By Efren L. Danao
The change in tune of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) indicates that it will have a better chance of being endorsed by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations which she leads.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/21/yehey/opinion/20071121opi5.html
Senate asked to probe
rail project terms
SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel yesterday asked the Senate to investigate the alleged onerous terms and conditions imposed on government in the $500 million NorthRail project with China.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov21/news3.htm

World Bank slap on the face
The World Bank is not in the habit of embarrassing member countries. So when it suspended a $232 million road building loan to the country over reported corruption, what the officials should do is go to the bottom of the allegations and charge the crooks if the evidence warrants.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov21/edit.htm


Puno decries small budget for judiciary
By: Hector Lawas
CHIEF Justice Reynato Puno has bewailed the small budget allocated for the judiciary saying Congress wants the country to have a “first class judiciary on a third world budget.”
Puno the other day told delegates attending a forum on information access sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Pasig City that with the judiciary only receiving a 0.84 percent share of the national budget for 2008, it cannot even afford to construct a hall of justice in Manila.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-21&sec=4&aid=0


JDV tinuluyan na
(Eralyn Prado/Rose Miranda)
Binigyan ng ethics committee ng Kamara ng 10 araw si House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., para sagutin ang isinampang reklamo laban sa kanya ni Atty. Roel Pulido hinggil sa umano’y pag-abuso nito sa kapangyarihan matapos na aprubahan ang legislative franchise ng kumpanya ng kanyang anak na si Jose ‘Joey’ de Venecia III noong 1995.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2107/main.htm


Jobless Opposition
Sa isang demokratikong sistema, ang oposisyon ang mistulang ilaw na nagbibigay liwanag at sigla sa lipunan gayundin ay nagiging bantay sa kalabisan ng pamahalaan.
Kaya naman kapag biglang tumatahimik ang oposisyon, dalawang bagay ang pumapasok sa ating isipan -- baka nagdeklara na naman ng martial law o kaya naman ay super-galing ang pamamalakad ng administrasyon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2107/main.htm



Solon: Either ASG or AFP behind Batasan blast
11/21/2007
A lawmaker yesterday said the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) theory that the political rivals of Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar were behind the fatal bombing at the Batasan Complex is unlikely, as he called on the authorities to look at other angles while alleging that the attack could have only been carried out either by the local terror group Abu Sayyaf or the military.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071121hed3.html


JDV lawyer: GMA told about slay plot
By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.’s lawyer reiterated before the Senate yesterday the alleged plot of Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza to kill his client and De Venecia’s son and namesake, Jose III, and said the Speaker had informed President Arroyo about it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120132


Government blames WB, will proceed with projects
By Sandy Araneta And Paolo Romero
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The government tossed the blame to the World Bank yesterday on corruption-tainted road projects worth $265 million and said it would push through with the implementation of the projects even without the bank’s funding.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120116


Palace says Neri has nothing more to say in NBN probe
By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Malacañang justified yesterday the failure of former socio-economic planning secretary Romulo Neri to attend the Senate public hearing on the scrapped $329-million national broadband network deal, since the official has nothing more to say even as officials predicted the end to the probe due to the absence of key witnesses.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120131


JDV lawyer: GMA told about slay plot
By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.’s lawyer reiterated before the Senate yesterday the alleged plot of Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza to kill his client and De Venecia’s son and namesake, Jose III, and said the Speaker had informed President Arroyo about it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120132


Senate set to reopen inquiry into Northrail issue
Formally asked the Senate to resume its inquiry – in aid of legislation – into the Northrail issue.
Pimentel urged the upper chamber to direct the appropriate Senate committee to undertake the probe and to recommend measures to ensure compliance with the government’s procurement process.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071121hed4.html



November 22, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Palace seeks resumption of WB road loans to RP
By Christine Avendaño
Inquirer
Last updated 02:09am (Mla time) 11/22/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang has been assured by the World Bank representative that she would push for the resumption of deliberations on the $232-million loan intended for Philippine road projects, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya said Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102410

2. The Philippine Star
WB to release $232-M loan after probe
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The World Bank has promised to release the $232-million road building loan after the completion of an internal inquiry into alleged bidding irregularities in the first phase of the project, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121128

3. Manila Times
Thursday, November 22, 2007
New names in bribe probe
By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter
The Senate blue-ribbon panel will invite industrialist Reghis Romero 3rd and officials of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board to a hearing on the alleged Palace bribes, the committee chairman said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top1.html


4. Malaya
Palace ‘gifts’ traced to harbor operator
Ping: Part of P500M payment to Reghis Romero
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said a portion of the money distributed to governors and congressmen last month in Malacañang was taken from the funds released by the government as payment to businessman Reghis Romero II.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/

5. Manila Bulletin
GMA back from ASEAN summit
Cuts short her trip to look into storm preparations
President reports strong solidarity, regional growth
By GENALYN D. KABILING and FIL C. SIONIL
President Arroyo returned to the country last night, a day earlier than scheduled and cutting short her attendance at the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, to check on the government’s contingency efforts ahead of a powerful tropical storm approaching the country.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071122109352.html

6. The Daily Tribune
AMLC to probe source of Palace ‘cash gifts’
By Angie M. Rosales
11/22/2007
After admitting that it did not bother to investigate the bannered news reports of the “cash gifts” of P500,000 handed to each 190 congressmen and scores of local officials last Oct. 11 in Malacañang claiming that there was no offense committed under the law, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said it will trace the source of the cash distributed in the Palace premises.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071122hed1.html

7. Abante
'DI PA RIN KAYO MAKAKAUTANG!--WB
Nina ROSE MIRANDA, BOYET JADULCO, ERALYN PRADO, JULIET DE LOZA at IRISH ANN CRUZ
Wala pa ring maaasahang pautang ang Pilipinas sa World Bank para pondohan ang mga road projects nito hangga’t hindi nasusugpo ang matinding katiwalian sa naturang mga proyekto.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2207/main.htm





8. Abante-Tonite
SUHOL NATUNTON SA OFFICE NI NOLI
Ni Rey Marfil
Nakakuha ng impormasyon si Sen. Panfilo Lacson na diumano’y nagamit ang tanggapang pinangangasiwaan ni Vice President Noli de Castro para mailabas ang pondong ipinangsuhol sa hanay ng mga gobernador.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
‘Mina’ hahagupit sa Bicol Region
Nina Joy Cantos, Angie Dela Cruz at Rudy Andal
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Pinakilos na kahapon ng National Disaster Coordinating Center (NDCC) ang mga sangay nito sa mga probinsya at munisipalidad sa Bicol Region para simulan na ang paglilikas sa may 40,000 residente kaugnay ng nagbabadyang malakas na paghagupit ng bagyong “Mina” ngayong Biyernes.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112179

10. Journal
‘NO GRAFT’
By: Tess Bedico
Not true WB suspended loan due to corruption -- budget secretary
THE World Bank did not say it was suspending a $232 million loan for the Philippines’ road-building program because of graft in the bidding process and overpricing, according to Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39823


11. Business World
$232-M loan still suspended
World Bank awaits further info; Palace claims local office backs project
WORLD BANK (WB) OFFICIALS IN MANILA will ask the Washington-based multilateral lending agency’s board to resume a $232-million loan to the Philippines, Budget Secretary Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. yesterday claimed.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112207/content.php?id=001




12. Business Mirror
BOC chief starts revamp
TOUGH MISSION IS TO COVER FOR HUGE COLLECTION SHORTFALLS
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
APPARENTLY unhappy that he had to give up his original collection goal of P228 billion and work to generate only at least P223 billion, Customs chief Napoleon Morales started a nationwide revamp that takes effect in two weeks.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11222007/headlines01.html




II. POLITICAL
World crude oil prices hit record high $99 per barrel
Thursday, November 22, 2007
SINGAPORE – Crude oil prices rose to a new record above $99 a barrel in Asian trading yesterday, lifted by worries about inadequate supplies as the Northern Hemisphere enters winter and on news of refinery problems.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121133

LP to elect Roxas as head in caucus next week
By Christina Mendez
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Liberal Party is set to elect Sen. Manuel Roxas II as party president next week.
“All doors lead to the Liberal Party’s council meeting on Monday where we expect the unanimous passage of a resolution electing Senator Mar Roxas as the next president of the party and vesting him with full authority to appoint other party officials,” former Senate president Franklin Drilon, outgoing LP president, said in a statement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121137

Akbar got P25 M in pork barrel funds in just 6 months
By Jess Diaz
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The late Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar may have unloosened the purse strings for his war-torn province enough during his lifetime to make his surviving colleagues in Congress green with envy.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121143

COMMENTARY
‘Dangal’
By Dr. Minguita Padilla
Inquirer
Last updated 00:04am (Mla time) 11/22/2007
Only the most callous person could not have felt some degree of outrage over successive cases of corruption in the last few months. The Senate investigation of the ZTE-NBN scandal, while far from being over, has already convinced even simple-minded individuals that the Filipino people would have been robbed of billions of pesos in kickbacks to shameless officials had the would-be-thieves not been stopped in their tracks.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=102375

DOF files charges vs 3 BOC officials
By Iris Gonzales
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Department of Finance (DOF) filed yesterday charges at the Office of the Ombudsman against three officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for allegedly allowing the smuggling of six motorcycles and car spare parts.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=49&type=2&sec=26

Thursday, November 22, 2007
Liberal Party Names Sen. Roxas
As Its Bet For President In 2010
By James Konstantin Galvez Reporter
The Liberal Party announced that Sen. Mar Roxas will be its presidential candidate in the next elections in 2010.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top2.html

Thursday, November 22, 2007
WB penalty for delays costs $20M
By Darwin G. Amojelar Reporter
THE World Bank had penalized the Philippine government $19.55 million as of June this year for failing to use funding assistance for infrastructure projects because of delays in implementation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top3.html

Thursday, November 22, 2007
Oil price tops $99 a barrel in Asia
SINGAPORE: Oil briefly rose above $99 a barrel for the first time Wednesday as the greenback’s fall drove demand for dollar-denominated crude, dealers said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top7.html

Ebdane supports BOT scheme for government projects
By ANGIE CHUI
Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said yesterday he is pushing the use of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme in government infrastructure projects, instead of being dependent on foreign loans, to sustain the gains of the road development thrust of the department.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071122109358.html

WB official to recommend lifting of loan suspension
By GENALYN D. KABILING
Maryse Gautier, World Bank (WB) acting country director for the Philippines, will recommend the lifting of the suspension of the $ 232-million loan for a national road-building project in the country, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071122109359.html

Senate starts budget discussions on Monday
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
The Senate starts on Monday the sponsorship speech of the proposed R1.237-trillion 2008 national budget to pave the way for its approval by the Senate and the House of Representatives before they go on a month-long Christmas recess starting Dec. 22.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071122109363.html

Review of Oil Deregulation Law sought
Senators led by Senate President Manuel "Manny" B. Villar Jr. sought yesterday a re-examination of the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law of 1998 or Republic Act (RA) 8479 as they expressed suspicion that "a cartel among the three big oil firms is operating."
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071122109365.html

WB rejects plea to lift suspension on RP loan
11/22/2007
The government got another stinging rebuke from the World Bank (WB) yesterday after the multilateral lender rejected appeals to lift the suspension it meted on a $500-million road project.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071122hed4.html

Palace: Senate, House probes good for JdV’s credibility
By Sherwin C. Olaes
11/22/2007
Malacañang believes that congressional probes are good and “constructive” for the accused or an official who is being questioned, as these investigations boost the credibility of the department the official heads.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071122hed5.html


Senate to probe oil price hikes
By Angie M. Rosales
11/22/2007
A full-blown Senate inquiry into the continuing rise in oil prices had been called by two majority members in the chamber, claiming alarm by the impact it has so far created to consumers and prices of prime commodities.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20071122nat1.html

Palace denies WB suspension of road loan
MALACAÑANG, quoting from a statement purportedly jointly issued by the World Bank, yesterday said the multilateral financing agency has not suspended a $232 million road-building loan over alleged corruption.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/news3.htm

Liberals lining up behind Mar candidacy

SEN. Mar Roxas is the hands-down choice of members of Liberal Party as their presidential candidate in 2010, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/news6.htm]

The WB problem
THE issue of the World Bank’s suspension of an on-going lending program to the country should not be regarded as a political issue. Certainly, it ought not to be the object of another investigation by the Senate. Such an investigation will only make matters worse. What can the Senate do about this, anyway? The WB will do as it pleases no matter what the Senate finds out in its investigation.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/edducky.htm

Reject the JPEPA
WHEN environmentalists read news reports about Philippine and Japanese officials holding "quiet talks" to save JPEPA and "spare" Gloria Arroyo from embarrassment, they were visibly agitated. They have long voiced their opposition to the controversial pact and lobbied for its rejection by the Philippine Senate.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/edmata.htm

Senate probe ikinasa sa utang ni Gloria
(Rey Marfil)
Mismong kaalyado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang humingi ng imbestigasyon upang kalkalin ang road infrastructure program ng Malacañang matapos tablahin ng World Bank (WB) ang pamahalaang Pilipinas sa panibagong pangungutang.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

Oil deregulation, kakalkalin na!
(Rey Marfil)
Sa patuloy na paghagupit ng mataas na presyo ng gasolina, ikinasa ngayon ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang pagkalkal sa Oil Deregulation Law, kalakip ang hangaring masawata ang monopolyo at kartel sa industriya.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

Tablahin si Cyrill

Sa 3rd quarter ng Ulat ng Bayan Pulse Asia survey, umangat ang popularity rating ni Senador Francis "Chiz" Escudero III bilang isa sa presidential candidate kaya’t napapanahong mag-isip ng malalim ang kaibigang matalik ni Senador Edgardo "Edong" Angara -- si Senador Loren Legarda, baka maiba ang ihip ng hangin at mawala sa listahan ni boss Danding, as in ex-Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco lalo pa’t ‘transferee’ lamang ang "lolah" ni Willy Fernandez sa Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

WB, RP patch up loan row
By: Efren Montano
THE World Bank and the Philippine government kissed and made up in connection with the $232 million road building loan which would be extended anyway.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39798

WB offers to finance LRT projects
By: Jester P. Manalastas
AN administration solon yesterday said the World Bank has offered to finance the country’s Light Rail Transit expansion projects, amid the suspension of its $232-million soft loan for Philippine road projects.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39854

Oil cartel decried
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
SENATE President Manuel Villar Jr. yesterday said simultaneous adjustments of oil prices indicate the existence of a cartel which violates the oil deregulation law.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39856

Nene slams Napocor for continued purchase of coal
By: Paul M. Gutierrez
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. has expressed anger over the continued purchases of coal supplies by the National Power Corporation under questionable circumstances.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=4&aid=39836

Senate probes loan mess
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE Senate asked James Adams, World Bank representative of the East Asia and the Pacific Region, to clarify the bank’s decision to defer the $232-million loan intended for road construction projects due to alleged bidding irregularities and corruption.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=4&aid=39845



Roxas is LP presidential bet in 2010
By: Alvin Murcia
SEN. Mar Roxas was the unanimous choice of Liberal Party members to be their presidential bet in 2010.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=4&aid=39848

WB: persona non grata!!!
Arnold Clavio
Mga ‘igan, sa isyu ng pagtigil ng may P21.5 bilyon na ‘pautang’ ng World Bank sa Pilipinas, dapat na magkaisa ang administrasyon at oposisyon sa pagkondena sa bastos na bangkong ito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2207/main.htm




November 23, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Lacson: Romero not suspect but victim
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 06:12am (Mla time) 11/23/2007MANILA, Philippines -- A day after claiming that businessman Reghis Romero II could have been used as a conduit for the cash gifts handed out to governors in Malacañang last month, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the housing and port magnate was a “victim” and not a “suspect” in the Senate probe.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102637

2. The Philippine Star
GMA pardons soldier in Aquino-Galman slay
By Rhodina Villanueva
Friday, November 23, 2007
Nearly two decades after being sentenced with finality to double life imprisonment for the 1983 assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a former aviation security officer walked out of maximum security prison yesterday after being pardoned by President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071122144

3. Manila Times
Friday, November 23, 2007
President pardons Ninoy killer
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter And Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
President Gloria Arroyo’s grant of conditional pardon to a convicted killer of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was met with stony silence by the widow of the slain politician who was assassinated 24 years ago.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/23/yehey/top_stories/20071123top1.html

4. Malaya
Ping: Romero likely an extortion victim
Says source of portion of‘cash gift’ not a suspect
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said businessman Reghis Romero II was likely a victim of extortion when he contributed to the "cash gift" distributed to congressmen and local government leaders after a Palace meeting last month.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov23/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Evacuation in Albay under way
236,000 residents to be moved out of storm path
9 towns, 2 cities in Albay are main evacuation areas
By FLORENCIO P. NARITO
LEGAZPI CITY — Some 5,450 families or at least 26,142 people from nine municipalities and two cities in Albay have been evacuated due to threat of lahar from Mayon Volcano, flashfloods, and landslides spawned by rains of tropical storm "Mina." A total of 236,000 people had been targeted for evacuation.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071123109459.html

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante
200,000-katao puwersahang binitbit; 'Super-typhoon' posible sa NL at CL
ALARMA KAY 'MINA'!
Nina Nilo Marasigan, Nonnie Ferriol, Rose Miranda at Juliet de Loza
Nakaalerto na ang pamunuan ng National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) at iba pang kinauukulang ahensiya kaugnay sa inaasahang pananalanta ng ‘super-typhoon na ‘Mina’ kasunod ng tuluyan na itong itinaas bilang ganap na bagyo habang patuloy na lumalakas na pinupuntirya ang Bicol region at inaasahang lilihis ito sa Northern at Central Luzon.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2307/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
BUDGET BOSS MADIDIIN SA SUHULAN
Ni Rey Marfil
Kasabay ang pagsisimula ng budget hearing sa Senado, inaasahang madidiin ang tanggapan ni Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando Andaya sa suhulan kapag tumanggi itong maglabas ng dokumentong magpapatunay sa disbursement ng cash gift na ipinamudmod ng Malacañang sa nagdaang ilang buwan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2307/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Ninoy killer pinardon ni GMA: Laya na!
Ni Rudy Andal
Friday, November 23, 2007
Pinagkalooban ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng conditional pardon ang isa sa mga convicted killers nina dating Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino at Rolando Galman noong 1983 matapos ang 24 taong pagkakakulong sa National Bilibid Prison (NBP).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112274

10. Journal
Ex-sarge in Ninoy slay freed
By: Tess Bedico with Efren Montano
Asks Cory’s forgiveness after Gloria’s pardon
ONE of the soldiers convicted of the assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. more than two decades ago yesterday walked out of the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa a free man after President Macapagal-Arroyo granted him conditional pardon.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=1&aid=39971

11. Business World
PNOC-EDC goes to First Gen
Gov’t keeping watch on firm’s purchases given ownership restrictions
THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY AWARDED its remaining 60% interest in Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC) to a Lopez-led consortium for P58.5 billion, a sale that raised winning bidder First Gen Corp.’s total generating capacity to around 3,000 megawatts (MW).
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112307/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
PowerCom: Abort PNOC-EDC bid
By Butch Fernandez
Reporter
MEMBERS of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (PowerCom) are determined to take “coercive measures” to revoke what they insist to be an illegal sale of prime shares of Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) to Red Vulcan, a private consortium led by the Lopez family-controlled First Gen Corp., for P58.5 billion in an auction held on Wednesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines01.html






II. POLITICAL
Senators press anti-trust law vs oil cartel
By Christina Mendez
Friday, November 23, 2007
Senators Manuel Roxas and Juan Ponce Enrile pushed yesterday for the passage of an anti-trust law that could be used to discipline companies engaged in anti-competitive behavior such as collusion and other restrictions to free trade, particularly in the oil industry.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071122154

Angara seeks passage of pension bill for OFWs
By Aurea Calica
Friday, November 23, 2007
Sen. Edgardo Angara is pushing for the immediate passage of a bill that will ensure financial security of employees during retirement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071122157

AS I SEE IT
Biofuel bill will free us from OPEC -- Zubiri
By Neal Cruz
Last updated 11:37pm (Mla time) 11/22/2007
It is not only the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) that should be amended but also the Oil Deregulation Law. Also, there should be similar antitrust legislation in the cement and pharmaceutical industries.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=102580

Friday, November 23, 2007
Manila can still get road loans
By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter
World Bank representatives in the Philippines said on Thursday that they had not suspended any loan to Manila, adding that they would push the continuation of deliberations on the $232-million loan intended for National Road Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP).
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/23/yehey/top_stories/20071123top5.html

Senate junks sale of govt geothermal company
By Sammy Martin, Correspondent
THE Lopez Group of Companies, which won the recent bidding to buy the 60-percent stake of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC), might face a big problem because the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC) filed a resolution to stop the sale of the government company.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/23/yehey/metro/20071123met3.html

Gov’t ready to forego $232M WB road loan
BY MAX ESTAYO
THE Philippines is not likely to receive soon the $232 million World Bank loan for road improvement despite assurances from WB officials that discussions for the loan are still on.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov23/news6.htm

Escudero says JPEPA ratification hinges on government replies to 2 questions
OPPOSITION Sen. Francis Escudero yesterday said if government wants to see the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) ratified in the Senate, it is obliged to answer and explain in measurable terms two questions that government has failed to answer in the numerous Senate hearings.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov23/metro3.htm

World Bank ties loan OK to safeguards
THE WORLD BANK will not resume deliberations on a $232-million loan intended for the Philippines until its 24-man board is convinced that the proposed project would be shielded from corruption.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112307/content.php?id=004

PNOC moves to complete share sale to Red Vulcan
By Paul Anthony A. Isla
Reporter
THE Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) Thursday awarded its remaining shares in its geothermal arm to Red Vulcan Holdings Corp. after a bidding where Red Vulcan outbid all others.
The bid of Red Vulcan, the consortium led by First Gen Corp., Netherlands-based Spalmare Holdings B.V. and Prime Terracota Holdings Corp., was P58.5 billion.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines02.html

Senate okays Pera bill for retirees
By Butch Fernandez
Reporter
THE Senate on Wednesday night passed on second reading the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (Pera) Bill which seeks to “create a more dependable and stable pension that will ensure financial security during retirement.”
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/nation03.html

Pera ng WB winawaldas
Jake Macasaet
Matagal ng kinukurakot ng pamahalaan ang perang bigay o pautang ng World Bank (WB) para sa pangunahing proyekto o pangangailangan ng bayan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2307/main.htm
Oil price hikes lalong magpapabagsak kay Gloria
(Bernard Taguinod)
Lalong babagsak ang approval rating ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dahil sa lingguhang oil price hikes na ipinapatupad ng mga kumpanya ng langis sa bansa.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2307/main.htm

First Gen to buy PNOC-EDC for P58-B
A group led by Philippine power firm First Gen Corp. will buy the government’s PNOC Energy Development Corp., one of the world’s largest geothermal power producers, for P58.5 billion.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=1&aid=39987

Deliberasyon ng World Bank sa $232-M utang ng RP tuloy
TAHASANG itinanggi kahapon ng kinatawan ng World Bank ang ulat na sinuspinde nila ang pautang sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas at iginiit na itutuloy nila ang deliberasyon sa $232 milyong dolyar na utang na nakalaan sa Natio-nal Road Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP).
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=4&aid=39936

PERA will be pillar of pension reform -- Angara
SENATOR Edgardo J. Angara yesterday earnestly pushed for the immediate passage of the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) bill to create a more dependable and stable pension that will ensure financial security during retirement.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=4&aid=39945

PNOC-EDC sale faces roadblock
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
BOTH chambers of Congress will ask President Macapagal-Arroyo to withdraw the approval of the privatization of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. if it is shown that the sale of EDC -- considered as the crown jewel of the economy -- violates the law.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=4&aid=39980



November 24, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
PREPARING FOR ‘MINA’
(UPDATE 4) ‘Good luck,’ Arroyo tells disaster execs
Close to 30,000 families evacuated
By Joel Guinto
Agence France-Presse, INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo checked on preparations by national and local government officials and wished them good luck as they braced for the landfall of typhoon "Mina" (international codename: Mitag) in the Bicol Region on Saturday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=102692

2. The Philippine Star
DOJ chief wants all 13 Ninoy killers freed
By Mike Frialde
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A day after former aviation security officer M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, convicted for the 1983 assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was released from prison, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said that the 13 other surviving soldiers jailed for the murder should also be released.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123139

3. Manila Times
RP braces for storm ‘Mina’
Zero casualty’unlikely target: Albay governor
The government on Friday raced to evacuate up to one million persons as tropical storm “Mina” bore down on eastern areas devastated by storms last year.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/24/yehey/top_stories/20071124top1.html

4. Malaya
‘Mina’ makes landfalltoday; 135T evacuated
Headed for Bicol, but course may change
BY VICTOR REYES
AT LEAST 29,000 families or about 135,000 persons in the Bicol region have been sent to evacuation centers as of yesterday with the expected landfall of typhoon "Mina" this morning.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov24/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin
Supertyphoon to hit Bicol
134,500 people evacuated to safer grounds
Signal No. 3 raised over most of Bicol region
By ED DE LEON
LEGAZPI CITY — Supertyphoon "Mina" is expected to directly hit the Bicol region early today with hundreds of thousands of people already evacuated to safer areas in the region’s five provinces as directed by President Arroyo to prevent the loss of lives.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071124109586.html


6. The Daily Tribune
RP in race to evacuate as ‘Mina’ nears
Government authorities raced to evacuate up to close to one million people yesterday as Typhoon “Mina” (international codename: “Mitag”) bore down on eastern areas devastated by storms last year.
Flatbed lorries, police-chartered vans and even rubbish trucks were pressed in to service as thousands of men, women and children were quickly moved from vulnerable areas.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071124hed1.html

7. Abante
3/4 NG PINAS SASAPULIN NI MINA
(Noel Abuel/Nilo Marasigan/Rose Miranda/JB Salarzon/Otto Osorio/AFP)
Kasabay ng babala ng weather bureau na maaaring maging isang ‘super typhoon’ ang bagyong ‘Mina’, sinabi kahapon ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) na napakalawak ng ‘rain path’ ng naturang bagyo kaya’t pinangangambahang ¾ o 75% ng buong bansa ang masasapul nito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2407/main.htm


8. Abante-Tonite
ALAS SA SUHULAN HAWAK NG OPOSISYON
Ni Rey Marfil
Pinaghahanda na ni opposition Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson ang palasyo ng Malacañang kung paano sisirain ang kanyang mga naunang expose sa pag-divert ng counter-insurgency fund at collectibles ng isang negosyante bilang pang-areglo sa mga gobernador at kongresistang naging bisita ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malacañang noong buwan ng Oktubre.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2407/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Albay, Catanduanes nasa state of calamity na
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Isinailalim na sa state of calamity ang Albay at Catanduanes bunsod ng nararanasang mga pag-ulan, landslide at malakas na hanging dala ng paparating na super bagyong “Mina.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112334


10. Journal
NOT AGAIN! Ravaged by 'Reming' last year,
Bicol cowers before another 'killer' typhoon
By: Joel de la Torre
BICOL folk who have yet to fully recover from the onslaught of typhoon Reming last year faced nature’s wrath anew as typhoon “Mina” bore down on southern Luzon and was expected to lash the region the whole day today.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-24&sec=1&aid=40059


11. Business World
Business outlook up on holiday spending
Expectations of higher consumer spending during the holiday season and continued surge in remittance flows have boosted businesses’ sentiment in the economy for the fourth quarter, according to a quarterly survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The quarterly survey, conducted from Oct. 8 to Nov. 9 and covered 1,048 firms nationwide, showed the business confidence index (CI) rising quarter-on-quarter by more than seven index points to 48%, the highest in four quarters.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112407/content.php?id=001





12. Business Mirror
PowerCom: Abort PNOC-EDC bid
By Butch FernandezReporter
MEMBERS of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (PowerCom) are determined to take “coercive measures” to revoke what they insist to be an illegal sale of prime shares of Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) to Red Vulcan, a private consortium led by the Lopez family-controlled First Gen Corp., for P58.5 billion in an auction held on Wednesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
JPEPA unlikely to be ratified this year, says Roxas
By Veronica Uy
Last updated 10:28pm (Mla time) 11/23/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement is unlikely to be ratified this year as the Senate has its hands full deliberating on the 2008 national budget, Senator Manuel Roxas II said Friday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102766


Senators question pardon for Aquino killer
Escudero wants victim’s kin notified first
By Veronica Uy
Last updated 04:38pm (Mla time) 11/23/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Manuel Roxas II, and Francis Escudero on Friday questioned the presidential pardon granted to Pablo Martinez, one of the soldiers convicted for the double murder of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102729


Arroyo to preside over NDCC meeting on ‘Mina’
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
Last updated 03:30pm (Mla time) 11/23/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will preside over a meeting of the National Disaster Coordination Council at 5 p.m. Friday to discuss preparations for the imminent onslaught of typhoon “Mina” (international codename: Mitag).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102718



Palace: Arroyo didn’t know Aquino killer among the pardoned
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
Last updated 01:18pm (Mla time) 11/23/20
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was not aware that Pablo Martinez was one of the convicted killers of the late senator and freedom fighter Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. when she signed the order for his pardon after 24 years in prison, a Palace official said Friday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102705


BIR recalls order for 10% tax on block sales
By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson, Michelle Remo
MANILA, Philippines -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recalled “for further study” a circular imposing a 10-percent tax on net capital gains from block sales of stocks after receiving complaints from market players, BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe said.
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=102851


Senate on track to pass 12 bills before Christmas recess
By Aurea Calica
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Senate is on schedule for the passage of 12 more bills, including the proposed P1.27-trillion budget for 2008, before going into recess in December.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123142]

JDV seeks dismissal of ethics complaint
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will seek an immediate dismissal of the complaints filed against him at the House ethics committee for lack of jurisdiction and course of action, but welcomed yesterday its decision to dig deeper into the charges of lawyer Roel Pulido, his lawyer said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123143


No power rate hike during holidays
By Perseus Echeminada
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said yesterday there would be no increase in electricity rates at least until the end of the year, since there is no pending petition for rate increase from power utilities.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123145



2 senators question pardon of Ninoy killer
By Aurea Calica
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Two more senators questioned yesterday the pardon granted by President Arroyo to M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, convicted in the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. 24 years ago.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123154


EDITORYAL — Pinatataba lamang ang mga buwaya!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
LOAN dito, loan doon. Utang dito, utang doon. Ganyan ang Pilipinas sa kasalukuyan. Sala-salabat ang utang. May utang sa Word Bank, IMF, at kung kani-kanino pa. Umuutang para ipagpagawa ng mga kalsada, tulay, eskuwelahan, MRT, LRT, communication projects at marami pang iba. Lahat ng mga iyan ay gagastusan ng milyong dolyar at siyempre pa, dollar din ang pambayad.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinyon&p=50&type=2&sec=56


JdV instructs lawyer to refute charges on merits
By BEN R. ROSARIO
A legal technicality could be a strong reason for the dismissal of an administrative complaint against Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., but the House leader has no plans of resorting to this technicality to clear himself.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071124109588.html


Palace: No politics in
Ninoy convict pardon
BY REGINA BENGCO
CHIEF presidential legal counsel Sergio Apostol yesterday said there was nothing personal about President Arroyo’s decision to grant conditional pardon to former M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, one of the 15 convicted killers of former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino and Rolando Galman.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov24/news2.htm

RP hit for inaction on visit of UN rights probers
BY ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
THE government continues to ignore a request of the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (UN-WGEID) to visit the country to investigate cases of abductions, according to Filipino activists who visited the Geneva headquarters of the global watchdog on abductions on Wednesday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov24/news4.htm\


ALAS SA SUHULAN HAWAK NG OPOSISYON
Ni Rey Marfil
Pinaghahanda na ni opposition Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson ang palasyo ng Malacañang kung paano sisirain ang kanyang mga naunang expose sa pag-divert ng counter-insurgency fund at collectibles ng isang negosyante bilang pang-areglo sa mga gobernador at kongresistang naging bisita ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malacañang noong buwan ng Oktubre.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2407/main.htm


Budget at imbestigasyon
Tiwala si Senate Pres. Manny Villar na makalipas ang ilang taon na laging naatraso at madalas ay hindi naipapasa sa oras, ang panukalang budget ng gobyerno para sa 2008 ay maipapasa ng Senado bago sila mag-recess para sa Kapaskuhan. Paniniyak ito ni Senate Pres. Manny Villar du’n sa Kapihan sa Senado. Sa wakas, naisumite ng House sa Senado ang budget sa takdang panahon...bago mag-Disyembre.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2407/main.htm


JdV in fighting mood
By: Jester P. Manalastas
THE camp of Speaker Jose de Venecia is already preparing an “exhaustive answer,” to be filed early next week, to the ethics complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido in the House Ethics Committee in connection with the controversial national broadband network deal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-24&sec=1&aid=40061


Teves: RP has other financing
options if WB cancels project
By Cai Ordinario
FINANCE Secretary Margarito Teves disclosed Thursday that the Philippine government may borrow money from multilateral agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) should the World Bank (WB) decide to cancel the second phase of the controversial National Roads Improvement and Management Project (NRIMP) suspected by the WB officials of being “overpriced.”
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines06.html



November 26, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
(UPDATE 3) ‘Lando’ to reenter RP as ‘Mina’ exits
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 10:39am (Mla time) 11/26/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Typhoon "Mina" (international codename: Mitag) swept through extreme northern Luzon on Monday, displacing thousands due to floods and landslides and triggering power outages, as Southern Luzon braced for the return of tropical storm "Lando," the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=103053


2. The Philippine Star
7 dead as merged storms threaten RP
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Monday, November 26, 2007
Seven people have died and tens of thousands evacuated from their homes as typhoon “Mina” (international name Mitag) approaches the northern Philippines, the National Disaster Coordinating Council reported yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125119

3. Manila Times
Case vs. high electricity loses
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
A campaign that was aimed at lowering people’s electric bills has lost its case before the Court of Appeals.
The court has junked the petition of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Bishop Teodoro Bacani and 39 other petitioners questioning the constitutionality of the collection of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) and of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) of the controversial power purchase adjustment (PPA) and power purchase cost adjustment (PPCA).
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/26/yehey/top_stories/20071126top1.html
4. Malaya
6 dead in Camarines;
‘Mina’ to hit N. Luzon
‘Lando’ returns, threatens Palawan
BY VICTOR REYES
SIX people have died in Camarines Sur from rains brought by typhoon "Mina (international name Mitag)."
Mina, which changed course Saturday, will make landfall this morning in Isabela and Cagayan instead of the Bicol region even as typhoon "Lando," which left 14 people dead last week, is re-entering the Philippines.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov26/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin
At least 7 dead in typhoon
‘Mina’ prompts massive evacuations in Bicol, S. Tagalog, C. Luzon; Six of 7 dead typhoon victims drown in floods
Aris R. Ilagan
At least seven persons were killed as typhoon "Mina" made landfall yesterday, prompting massive evacuations in Bicol, Southern Tagalog, and Central Luzon by government agencies, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071126109819.html


6. The Daily Tribune
Senate to grill R-II magnate on payola
By Angie M. Rosales
Even as the Senate prioritizes deliberations on the P1.23-trillion national budget, Senate budget hearings are not expected to slow down the inquiries slated by several joint panels hearing the case of the Malacañang distributed cash gifts of P500,000 each encased in a gift paper bag given to some 190 congressmen and scores of local officials led by governors last Oct. 11 in the Palace premises.
Cayetano, however, emphasized that it will be on a voluntary basis on the part of Romero in appearing before his committee to help shed light on the revelations made by opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson that some P500 million was supposedly released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the businessman and purportedly ended up as cash gifts to congressmen, governors and mayors after they attended a dialog at the Palace last Oct. 11.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071126hed1.html






7. Abante
JDV GIPIT NA!
Ni ERALYN PRADO
Maituturing na ipit na si House Speaker Jose de Venecia sa kanyang isinusulong na moral revolution, kung kaya’t wala itong magagawa kundi panindigan ang isinusulong nitong hakbangin sa pamamagitan na rin ng kusa nitong pagdalo sa isasagawang imbestigasyon ng Senado kaugnay sa umano’y maanomalyang North Rail Project (NRP), kung saan sinasabing naging padrino ang House leader.
Binigyang-diin ito ni Citizen Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva bilang pagsang-ayon na rin sa pahayag ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano na may moral pressure si De Venecia para dumalo sa North Rail Project (NRP) probe bilang pangunahing nagsusulong ng moral revolution at upang patotohanan ito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2607/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
LABANAN SA 2010 PINOPORMA NA
Ni Rey Marfil
Sa taong 2010 pa ang susunod na presidential election subalit ngayon pa lamang naghahanda na ang dalawa sa pinakamatandang partido pulitikal sa kasaysayan ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas sa kanilang mga hanay para iporma ang ikakasang kampanya ng patatakbuhing kandidato.
Ayon kay Cayetano, bagama’t marami ang miyembro ng Lakas at KAMPI, wala naman umanong nakikita ang mga ito na magiging pambato sa 2010 election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2607/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
3 bagyo magsasabay
Nina Danilo Garcia at Rudy Andal
Monday, November 26, 2007
Hindi lang isa kundi tatlong bagyo ang inaasahang mananalasa sa Pilipinas dahil sa pagba-lik ng bagyong Lando at pagpasok naman ng panibagong bagyong Nonoy.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112556


10. Journal
TRIPLE WHAMMY RP faces wrath of Mina plus 2: Lando and Nonoy
By: Efren Montano
AS if one typhoon were not enough, two other storms besides Mina are inching close to the Philippines prompting President Macapagal-Arroyo to order intensified weather monitoring and disaster preparations.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-26&sec=1&aid=40270


11. Business World
Promised legislation missing
Businessmen cite Congress inaction on six commitments
CONGRESS HAS SO FAR FAILED TO ACT on measures promised to businessmen, who are now holding out little hope that these priority bills will be acted upon by yearend.
John D. Forbes, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ legislative committee, said six priority measures deemed critical to improving the country’s competitiveness were unlikely to be passed this month or the next.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112607/content.php?id=001cv

12. Business Mirror
Peso, oil force government to change goals
By Jun Vallecera
IT was bound to happen: the government has finally announced plans to recalibrate its macroeconomic goals for 2008, the original numbers having been rendered obsolete by the strong peso, weak exports and the rising price of world oil.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11262007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
COA uncovers another project bleeding RP dry
By Jocelyn Uy
MANILA, Philippines -- The P1.37-billion Emergency Network Philippines (ENP) project funded by the Austrian government four years ago is bleeding the national coffers dry, although it has yet to be fully implemented.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=103115


Arroyo ally bidding for Transco scored
2 senators cite conflict of interest in auction
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition senators Sunday slammed the Arroyo administration’s plan to give up government ownership of its power transmission assets, saying the official in charge of privatization is a boardroom ally of one of the bidders, businessman Enrique Razon Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=103080




SC failed to remit P24.3-M judiciary funds – COA
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Supreme Court has been accused of violating the law for failing to remit P24.3 million in judiciary funds to the national treasury.
In their annual report, state auditors said the SC has earned P21.4 million from the interest of fiduciary funds and another P2.9 million from confiscated bonds.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125121

Government wages tougher anti-kotong, colorum campaign
Monday, November 26, 2007
The government will wage a tough war against out-of-line public utility buses and jeepneys as well as corrupt traffic enforcers and policemen to reduce difficulties being faced by jeepney drivers and operators who are reeling from the rising price of fuel.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125125

Palace accepts ATO chief’s resignation
Monday, November 26, 2007
Malacañang has accepted the resignation of Assistant Secretary Nilo Jatico as Air Transportation Office chief last Nov. 12, leaving the ATO in the hands of executive director Daniel Dimagiba.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125124

Senate investigations impeding CA work – Albano
By Jess Diaz
Monday, November 26, 2007
Frequent Senate investigations are impeding the work of the Commission on Appointments (CA), the constitutional body tasked to pass judgment on the qualifications of Cabinet members, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III lamented yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125126

Liberal Party elects new president today
By Christina Mendez
Monday, November 26, 2007

The Liberal Party will elect a new president today to replace outgoing party head, former Senate president Franklin Drilon, during the National Executive Council (NECO) meeting at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125134




Villar at Roxas sa 2010
Monday, November 26, 2007
Inaasahan na ang pagsasagupa nina Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. ng Nacionalista Party at Sen. Mar Roxas ng Liberal Party sa 2010 presidential elections matapos na parehong pinag-hahandaan na ng mga ito ang grassroot level ng kani-kanilang partido.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112558

EDITORYAL — Tulong sa nagugutom ay halos hindi madama
Monday, November 26, 2007
ISANG porsiyento lamang pala ng mga nagugutom na pamilyang Pinoy ang nakakakuha ng tulong mula sa gobyerno, ito ang kinalabasan ng survey na ginawa ng Social Weather Stations (SWS). At ayon pa sa survey, umaasa na lamang ang mga nagugutom sa tulong kamag-anak at kaibigan. Binibigyan sila ng pera at iba pa.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinyon&p=50&type=2&sec=56

Senate to hold marathon sessions for 2008 budget
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Senate President Manuel Villar said Sunday that the Senate would hold marathon sessions on the proposed P1.227-trillion national budget to pass it within two weeks.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/26/yehey/metro/20071126met2.html

Contractors lined up for WB road deal rig probe
By Angie M. Rosales
11/26/2007
The Senate will start today with contractors of multimillion-peso deals for the National Road Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP) that the World Bank (WB) had earlier suspended over allegations of corruption in its investigations into circumstances that led to the decision of the multilateral funding agency that was described as a national humiliation.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071126hed2.html

Chinese contractors called on graft-tainted WB road project
BY JP LOPEZ
THE Senate committee on economic affairs starts today an investigation on the deferment by the World Bank of a $232-million loan to the Philippines because of alleged irregularities in the bidding and implementation of the road projects to be funded by the loan.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov26/news2.htm