I. BANNER STORIES
4 DAYS AFTER CYCLONE
22,000 dead in Burma
41,000 still missing; death toll expected to rise
By Hla Hla Htay
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 02:12:00 05/07/2008
YANGON – More than 22,000 people were killed in Myanmar's devastating cyclone and 41,000 are still missing four days after the storm slammed into the country's southern coast, the government said Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080507-135015/22000-dead-in-Burma
Consumer prices soar to 3-year high
By Des Ferriols
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Runaway prices of fuel and basic goods, particularly rice, jacked up inflation to a near three-year high of 8.3 percent in April, sparking fears that the central bank might raise key policy rates by as much as 75 basis-points.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506108
3. Manila Times
Inflation hits 3-year high
Tetangco: Prices soon to revert to steady levels
By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter
Prices of goods and services in April rose at their fastest pace in three years on costlier food and electricity, the government reported on Tuesday.
The National Statistics Office said inflation rate rose 8.3 percent in April from 6.4 percent in March.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/may/07/yehey/top_stories/20080507top1.html
4. Malaya
GMA scraps bidding for imported rice
Says NFA will resort to government-to-government deals
BY REGINA BENGCO
PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday decided to scrap rice procurement through bidding and will opt for other modes such as government-to-government contracts and buying locally to maintain a 30-day buffer stock until the end of the year.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/may07/news1.htm
Thailand drops plan for cartel
David Cagahastian, Marvyn N. Benaning
CARAMOAN, Camarines Sur — The government has decided to lift the requirements for countries bidding to export rice to the Philippines, including the granting of sovereign guarantees, after the fifth bidding for the supply and delivery of 675,000 metric tons of rice failed last Monday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080507123846.html
Mikey joins fray, sets probe for top-level Meralco revamp
By Angie M. Rosales and Sherwin C. Olaes
05/07/2008
The campaign being waged by President Arroyo against the Lopez family which controls management in dominant power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has evolved into a clan war after Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo, the presidential son, was reported to be readying a congressional inquiry into the possibility of a management change in the power firm.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080507hed1.html
7. Abante
LOPEZES SAKIM! – PALASYO
Nina ROSE MIRANDA, TINA MENDOZA, BOYET JADULCO at ERALYN PRADO
Matapos tawaging “greedy” o sakim ang kasalukuyang management ng Manila Electric Company (Meralco) na tumutukoy sa mga Lopezes, sinuportahan kahapon ng Malacañang ang pagpapalit ng pamunuan ng distributor ng kuryente na mayroong mahigit apat na milyong konsumer sa Luzon.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/may0708/default.htm
KAWATAN NALUTO SA POSTE
Ni LILY REYES
Mistulang ibon na lumagapak sa kalsada at umuusok pa ang isang electrician matapos gapangan ng malakas na boltahe ng kuryente ang buong katawan nito nang hindi sinasadyang mahawakan ang isang live wire habang abala sa pagkakabit ng ilegal na linya sa tuktok ng poste ng Meralco kahapon ng madaling-araw sa Caloocan City.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/may0708/news_headline.htm
RP ibinenta sa China
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Ibinulgar kahapon ng isang mambabatas ang kasunduan ng Pilipinas at China para tamnan ng palay at mais ang may 1.4 milyong ektarya ng lupain sa bansa pero ang lahat ng ani ay mapupunta sa China.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008050642
10. Journal
MERALCO FACES PROBE
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
Power firm charging too much -- Miriam
IT IS time for Congress to investigate the Manila Electric Company because of soaring power rates, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said yesterday.
Santiago wants the Senate and the House of Representatives to hold a synchronized inquiry to save time.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-07&sec=1&aid=58738
11. Business World
Food drives inflation surge
April result puts pressure on BSP to raise interest rates
INFLATION SURGED to 8.3% in April, a faster-than-expected rate that yesterday stoked expectations the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) would have to raise its policy rates.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW050708/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
8.3% inflation way past April forecast
Jun Vallecera and Jennifer Ng
Reporters
THE magnitude of the uptick in prices in April surprised even Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. on Tuesday as inflation punched past the roof to 8.3 percent during the month from only 6.4 percent in March.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/05072008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
PNP probe clears Hanjin, 2 mayors; media blamed
By Alcuin Papa, Ma. Cecilia Rodriguez
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mindanao Bureau
First Posted 02:53:00 05/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The way it has turned out, it was much ado about nothing.
Only days after Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno announced that a “furious” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered an inquiry into accusations of bribery and extortion between the mayors of Tagoloan and Villanueva towns in Misamis Oriental and Korean firm Hanjin Heavy Industries Inc., the Philippine National Police has all but declared the matter closed.
Before Trillanes was Vizmanos, the ‘original rebel soldier’
By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:14:00 05/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Before the likes of Antonio Trillanes IV, there was Danilo “Ka Dan” Vizmanos, the quintessential “young rebel officer” who fought against martial law and continues to wage the good fight.
Palace: Lopez family could lose Meralco
By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:23:00 05/07/2008
LEGAZPI CITY—Will she or will she not?
Is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo all-out to get Meralco from the Lopezes?
Congress to investigate Meralco takeover plan
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:24:00 05/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said Tuesday the Senate would hold a joint probe with the House of Representatives on the government’s plan to take over Manila Electric Co. to determine if it would lead to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s goal of reducing electricity bills.
Bishops press Palace for extension of CARP
By Jeannette Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:02:00 05/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will embark on a pilgrimage to Malacañang Wednesday hoping to get the President’s support for the extension and reform of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
RP ranks first in child health care
By Marvin Sy
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Philippines is ranked first among 55 developing countries in terms of providing basic health care to children, according to the United States-based organization Save the Children.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506109
Meralco ownership up to shareholders to decide
By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:45:00 05/07/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The ownership and management of the Lopez-led Manila Electric Co. is for its around 80,000 shareholders to decide and not for any one particular shareholder to dictate, Meralco vice president for corporate communication Elpi Cuna said Tuesday.
Miriam backs state control of Meralco
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, the chairman of the joint oversight committee Power Commission, on Tuesday said Congress is compelled by law to back government control of Meralco should it result in cheaper power costs.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/may/07/yehey/top_stories/20080507top2.html
Burma in tatters
By Tita Valderama
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
YANGON – How long should the Burmese people suffer?
Cyclone Nagris that hit this former capital of Myanmar and its neighboring areas last weekend has put the already impoverished people in far worse situation in the months, and maybe years, ahead.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506112
JMSU has 5-year secrecy clause
By Delon Porcalla
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The controversial Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) signed by the Philippines, China and Vietnam as part of the exploration of oil deposits in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea includes a five-year “confidentiality” clause that prohibits the parties from disclosing details of the agreement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506114
No gov’t takeover of Meralco – GMA
By Paolo Romero and Aurea Calica
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The government categorically denied yesterday that it wanted to take over the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) of the Lopez group, and said President Arroyo is just mulling a fresh review of contracts with independent power producers (IPP) in a bid to lower power rates.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506117
No Hanjin bribery, extortion; firm told to pay P293 M
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Police disclosed yesterday there was no evidence to prove that bribery and extortion took place in the controversial construction of a $2-billion shipyard by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. in Mindanao.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506118
Nationwide transport strike looms over fare, price hikes
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The first and largest transport strike to be spearheaded by the biggest transport group – the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) – will be held this month to protest surging oil prices and lobby for the junking of the 12-percent expanded value added tax (EVAT).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506119
CBCP president wants Arroyo lands to be covered by CARP extension
By Evelyn Macairan
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo yesterday said the ancestral lands of the Arroyo family should not be spared from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506128
'Lower rates, not Meralco takeover, is aim'
THE Arroyo government is not interested in going after the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) but only wants a review of the contracts of independent power producers (IPPs) to lower power rates, Albay Gov. Jose "Joey" Salceda, the President's economic adviser, said yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/may07/news2.htm
Gov’t eyes direct rice procurement
By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
President Arroyo ordered authorities to scrap the rice tenders and resort to direct rice purchases from foreign governments or local farmers to boost the country’s grains reserves following the failed bidding last Monday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506126
Thailand to drop plans to create SEA rice cartel
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
BANGKOK — Thailand is dropping plans to create a Southeast Asian rice cartel that would have fixed the price of the skyrocketing commodity over food security concerns, the country’s foreign minister said Tuesday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506129
Confirmation of 11 GMA Cabinet men hangs at CA
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Amid reports of an impending revamp of administration officials, the confirmation of 11 Cabinet members remained pending at the Commission on Appointments (CA).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506130
Senator, PPCRV urge: Fill Comelec vacancies now
E. T. Suarez
With two vacancies for the position of commissioner in the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan yesterday called on Malacañang to immediately appoint competent people for the vacancies.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080507123845.html
GMA names Bautista as new PCGG commissioner
By Rainier Allan Ronda
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
President Arroyo has appointed former ambassador Jaime Bautista as commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), ending concerns of a prolonged leadership squabble at the agency primarily created to go after ill-gotten Marcos wealth.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080506131
Meralco malalaspag sa kamay ng Gloria boys
Ni Rey Marfil
Sa harap ng umuugong na takeover ng gobyerno sa Manila Electric Company (Meralco), ibinabala ni Senate majority floor leader Francis Pangilinan na sasadsad at mauuwi sa pagkalugi ang naturang kumpanya kapag itinuloy ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS) ang pakikialam sa management nito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/may0708/news_story2.htm
Pinoy maaagawan ng bigas ng China
(Bernard Taguinod)
Mas lalong mawawalan ng kanin sa hapag-kainan ang mga Filipino kapag natuloy ang farm agreement sa pagitan ng China at Pilipinas na pinasok ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/may0708/news_story4.htm
Farm deals with China unconstitutional -- Guingona
REP. Teofisto Guingona III yesterday slammed the farm agreements entered into by the government with China during a fiery privilege speech before the House of Represententatives.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-07&sec=1&aid=58748
Libro ng Meralco ipinabubukas ng solons
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco at Edd J. Reyes
IGINIIT kahapon ng mga kongresista ang agarang pagpapabukas ng libro ng Manila Electric Company (Meralco) ng pamilya Lopez sa ngalan ng transparency.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-07&sec=4&aid=58701
GMA renews resolve to cut electricity costs
By: Efren Montano
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday renewed her resolve to cut electricity costs as she directed for a review of all contracts with independent power producers (IPPs), many of which are linked with the Lopez led Manila Electric Company (Meralco).
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-07&sec=4&aid=58776
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