I. BANNER STORIES
Congress probes Meralco
For antitrust law violation, say Arroyo allies
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Norman Bordadora, Michael Lim Ubac, Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:57:00 05/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s allies in the House of Representatives and in the Senate are out to draw first blood on the Lopez-owned Manila Electric Co. next week with hearings that would center on Meralco’s high power rates as a possible result of violations of antitrust laws.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080508-135275/Congress-probes-Meralco
Gokongweis want Petron
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Gokongwei group and Morgan Stanley have expressed interest in buying the 40 percent stake owned by the government and another 40 percent by Saudi Aramco, respectively, in Petron Corp., Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507122
3. Manila Times
Asians told to rein in prices
Moody’s: $80-B Asean fund too unwieldy
Asian economies should make a priority the immediate implementation of measures to contain high inflation, instead of setting up a foreign-reserve pool, the US-based credit rating firm Moody’s Investors Service said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/may/08/yehey/top_stories/20080508top1.html
4. Malaya
Gov’t still needs 500,000 tons of rice
NFA says buffer needed for rains,typhoons
BY REGINA BENGCO
THE National Food Authority yesterday said government needs to buy 500,000 to 700,000 metric tons of rice to augment the country’s buffer stocks for the typhoon season.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/may08/news1.htm
RP sending medical team to Myanmar
As cyclone death toll reaches 22,500; 41,000 missing
Senate airs sympathies in resolution
By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN & MARIO B. CASAYURAN
President Arroyo yesterday ordered the sending of a 15-man medical team to Myanmar to help give relief to thousands injured and displaced by a powerful cyclone there last weekend.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080508123941.html
Gov’t to consolidate Meralco shares for oust-Lopez bid
By Sherwin C. Olaes
05/08/2008
Malacañang yesterday broadly hinted that the government is consolidating its holdings in power giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for a major showdown with the Lopez group for management control of the firm when its stockholders meet on May 27.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080508hed1.html
7. Abante
PAGKAIN NILALAMON NG KURYENTE
Nina JB SALARZON at ERIKA MAALA
Pito sa bawat 10 Pinoy ang hindi na makabili ng sapat na pagkain para sa pamilya at dumaranas ng matinding kakapusan sa pang-araw-araw na gastusin.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/may0808/default.htm
PUGOT-ULO, INIREGALO
Romeo Braceros Jr
Naging malagim ang kamatayan ng isang magsasaka matapos itong pugutan ng ulo sa mismong araw ng kaarawan nito sa Barangay Salaysay, Marilog, Davao City kamakailan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/may0808/crime_news1.htm
Huwag mag-layoff!
Ni Doris Franche
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Nanawagan ang National Wage and Productivity Board (NWPB) sa mga employers na huwag magpatupad ng layoff o magsara sa sandaling maipagkaloob ang hinihinging dagdag sa sahod ng mga manggagawa na inaasahang maipapatupad sa buwan ng Hunyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008050745
10. Journal
EXPLAIN
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
Does Meralco sell cheap power at higher prices?
MANILA Electric Co. will have to answer allegations that it buys power from the National Power Corp. at “cheap” rates but sells electricity to consumers at high prices.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-08&sec=1&aid=58867
11. Business World
BY AVA KASHIMA K. AUSTRIA, Reporter
Gov’t offered P24.6B for Petron
Gokongwei bid follows Aramco stake sale to Ashmore
THE GOKONGWEI FAMILY is offering the government P24.65 billion for its 40% stake in Petron Corp. in what could lead to an ownership overhaul at the country’s leading oil firm.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW050808/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
JG offers to buy Petron stake
PETRON SEEN AS WORTHY INVESTMENT BECAUSE OF DOWNSTREAM INTEGRATION TO PETROCHEM
By Honey Madrilejos-Reyes and Paul Isla
Reporters
JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc. (JGSH), the listed conglomerate of the Gokongwei Group, has offered to buy for P24.5 billion the 40-percent stake held by state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) in the country’s largest oil refiner Petron Corp.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/05082008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Arroyo sending 15-member medical mission to Myanmar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:12:00 05/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is sending in the next 48 hours a 15-member medical team to Burma (Myanmar) to join a massive international effort to help victims of a devastating cyclone.
Struggle for control of Meralco perils Napocor sale
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:32:00 05/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines—A struggle for control has broken out in the country’s largest power utility after government pressure on it to cut its rates, and analysts say the row could affect privatization of the power sector.
RP to continue rice imports
By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net
First Posted 04:17:00 05/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap on Wednesday said the Philippines will continue to aggressively buy rice in the international market in preparation for the typhoon season, but it will do so confidentially so as not to destabilize world prices.
Arroyo personally follows up rice hoarding cases
By Leila Salaverria, Allison Lopez
First Posted 04:19:00 05/08/2008
Santiago backs right-to-reply bill on media
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:30:00 05/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Claiming to be a victim of “corrupt” media, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago gave her support to a proposed law giving the right of reply to any person who feels he or she was unfairly criticized by media.
Palace to tap poll lawyer as CHR chief
By Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:31:00 05/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang is reported to be considering election lawyer Leila de Lima as the replacement of outgoing chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Purificacion Quisumbing, the Philippine Daily Inquirer learned Wednesday.
Bright idea: Lock solons inside House
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:35:00 05/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Peeved by colleagues who pull disappearing acts while in session, a congressman on Tuesday proposed that the plenary hall of the House of Representatives go into lockdown after the roll call to maintain quorum and ensure passage of key legislation.
Now, ‘Ready’ to get out of harm’s way
By Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:23:00 05/08/2008
BALER, AURORA—Are Filipinos ready to get out of harm’s way if and when storm surges, flash floods, landslides, ground ruptures, liquefaction or tsunamis occur?
Include pets in all disaster plans, veterinarians urge
First Posted 05:24:00 05/08/2008
PNRC readies aid; RP sending team to Myanmar
Thursday, May 8, 2008
As the world continues to reel from news of an estimated 22,000 people killed and up to a million left homeless in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is moving to help the victims.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507123
House to revive parliament bid
By Jess Diaz
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The House of Representatives will revive its controversial proposal to replace the presidential system with a parliamentary form of government.
La Union Rep. Victor Ortega told the program “Strictly Politics” on ABS-CBN News Channel on Tuesday night that congressmen would bring up the proposed shift to a parliamentary system when they discuss with senators the latter’s Charter change (Cha-cha) initiative.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507124
RP to tap Asian emergency rice
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Philippines will seek assistance from the East Asian Emergency Rice Reserve (EAERR) to boost its buffer stocks as the global supply of rice continues to tighten, officials said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507125
ERC tells DTI to clarify petition for power rate cut
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to clarify the government’s petition on various power rate reduction schemes.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507126
Palace calls for concerted effort to slow down rising costs
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Malacañang called on various sectors, particularly businesses and Congress, to help stem the rising cost of basic commodities.
Secretary to the Cabinet Ricardo Saludo and Trade Undersecretary Vic Dimagiba, in separate statements, reiterated the government is also doing its part to help prevent further price increases, particularly of basic goods.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507127
Luna is AFP’s No. 2
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Lt. Gen. Cardozo Luna took over yesterday as Armed Forces vice chief of staff in place of Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero, who has been named undersecretary at the Department of National Defense.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507128
Roxas urges GMA to sign medicine bill; Palace says it’s still with Senate
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Sen. Manuel Roxas II urged President Arroyo yesterday to immediately sign into law the approved consolidated version of the cheap medicine bill so that its implementation can begin.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507129
Metro wage board eyes P15.50 COLA
By Mayen Jaymalin
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Instead of an increase in basic pay, workers in Metro Manila are likely to get a daily additional P15.50 allowance.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Metro Manila is reportedly considering the granting of P15.50 cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for workers in the region.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507154
Potential crisis averted in Hanjin project; Palace relieved
By Marvin Sy
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Malacañang is relieved that the mayors of two towns in Misamis Oriental have cleared Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Inc. (HHIC), one of the country’s biggest investors, of allegations of bribery.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507155
Nene seeks accounting of funds spent for CARP
By Aurea Calica
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. is seeking a full accounting of the tens of billions of pesos spent for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) since it was first implemented in 1988 in view of allegations about corruption and misuse of money.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507157
US lawyer of FM rights victims seeks dialogue with gov’t
By Rainier Allan Ronda
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The American lawyer of the 10,000 human rights victims of the Marcos regime asked the Philippine government for a dialogue on a possible compromise on the disputed $35-million Arelma account and the $29-million account in a Singapore bank that form part of the ill-gotten Marcos wealth.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507158
Absenteeism again plaguing House sessions
By Jess Diaz
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The perennial problem of lack of quorum is plaguing the House of Representatives anew.
Congressmen show up for the roll call but disappear after their names are called.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507159
RP, MILF relying on good faith in ceasefire
By Roel Pareño
Thursday, May 8, 2008
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are relying on good faith in abiding by the five-year ceasefire with the help of the local monitoring team (LMT) to keep tabs on the five-year truce.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507161
GMA pardons 26 inmates due to old age
Thursday, May 8, 2008
President Arroyo has granted conditional pardon to 26 inmates due to advanced age.
In Memorandum Order No. 155, the President also commuted the sentence of six others.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507162
BSP warns public against text scam as it reaches Pinoys abroad
By Des Ferriols
Thursday, May 8, 2008
With school enrollment just around the corner, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) authorities warned the public yesterday against text scams, now reportedly being spread in Filipino communities abroad and among overseas Filipino workers.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507163
Miriam files resolution creating commission on national territory
By Aurea Calica
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago proceeded yesterday to file a resolution creating a congressional commission on national territory, even as she maintained that she would hear out the various proposals filed by her colleagues seeking to redefine the country’s baselines.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507164
RP, China conclude consular meet
By Pia Lee Brago
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Philippines and China have concluded the first round of negotiations for a consular agreement covering long-standing concerns that affect Philippine missions in carrying out assistance to nationals, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080507198
Palace: Hanjin P400M bribe-extort case closed
THE alleged P400 million bribe-extortion case involving Hanjin Heavy Industries of South Korea is closed as far as Malacañang is concerned.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Tagaloan Mayor Paulino Emano has signed an affidavit that Hanjin did not offer him P400 million in exchange for the construction of its $2 billion shipyard project in Misamis Oriental despite the lack of environmental clearance certificate.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/may08/news3.htm
Mikey lashes out at Lopezes,opens probe of Meralco
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
REP. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo (Lakas, Pampanga), chair of the House committee on energy, yesterday lashed at the Lopez family for insisting that politics is behind the government’s threat to seize control of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
http://www.malaya.com.ph/may08/news7.htm
P28-B CARP funds, minadyik daw ni GMA
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Hinahanap ni Senador Aquilino Pimentel Jr. ang P28 bilyong pondong inilaan para sa pagpapatupad ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) na ayon sa senador ay biglang nawala at parang minadyik ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008050746
No gov’t takeover of Meralco — Palace
By GENALYN D. KABILING and BEN R. ROSARIO
The government has the capacity to take over the operations of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) but would not avail itself of such option just to reduce electricity rates in the country, Malacañang said yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080508123948.html
Defer talks on Cha-cha, Speaker’s ally asks House, Senate
By Charlie C. Manalo
05/08/2008
Defying the stand of Speaker Prospero Nograles on the issue of Charter Change (Cha-cha), a known ally and fellow Minda-naoan of the Speaker on Wednesday appealed to both chambers of Congress to defer talks on amending the 1987 Constitution and instead focus on the more pressing issues of food and power crisis.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080508hed6.html
Sino ang mas sakim: Meralco o gobyerno?
(Eralyn Prado/Tina Mendoza/Rose Miranda/Boyet Jadulco)
Isang araw makaraang tawagin ng Malacañang na 'greedy' o sakim ang management ng Manila Electric Company (Meralco) na nasa ilalim ng Lopezes, ibinalik naman ng isang kongresista ang tanong na sino ang higit na sakim: ang Meralco o ang gobyerno?
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/may0808/news02.htm
Enforce EPIRA, privatize Napocor -- Guingona
REP. Teofisto Guingona III yesterday called for the immediate application of the EPIRA Law to ensure affordable supply of electric power, as well as transparent and reasonable rates, through a regime of free and fair competition.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-08&sec=1&aid=58848
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