I. BANNER STORIES
Cash aid for 4M families
P500 subsidy to help lifeline consumers
By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:56:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Four million “lifeline users,” or families consuming less than 100 kilowatt hours of electricity monthly, can expect a one-time subsidy of P500 to help them pay their power bills.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080604-140585/Cash-aid-for-4M-families
Presidentiables say 'no' to snap elections
By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Presidential hopefuls have collectively shot down the proposal to hold snap elections, with only two years left before President Arroyo ends her term.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603138
3. Manila Times
CHR sticks to ‘rubout’ line
Police insist otherwise on killing of RCBC suspects
By Ira Karen Apanay, Senior Reporter
The chief of the Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday said the government watchdog will likely stand by its initial finding that policemen summarily executed last month suspected bank robbers.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/04/yehey/top_stories/20080604top1.html
4. Malaya
Poor power users get
P500 one-time grant
Gloria: 'Katas ng VAT para sa masa'
BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR
PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday approved a P500 one-time grant for some four million consumers using a maximum of 100 kilowatts of electricity a month.
The P500 aid, or a total of P2 billion, would be sourced from the P4 billion in proceeds from the value added tax on petroleum products, Arroyo said at the launching of the "Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT" program in Malacañang.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun04/news1.htm
P2-B subsidy program launched
Homes with low electricity bills to get P500 each
Aid program to benefit 4-M families
By GENALYN D. KABILING
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday launched a P2-billion electricity subsidy program for low-consumption households, utilizing Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenues for targeted relief to people amid record high oil and food prices.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080604126466.html
DoE chief faces CA ‘freeze’
By Angie M. Rosales
06/04/2008
The confirmation freezer appears to have been readied for Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes as two senators, one from the opposition and another from the administration, yesterday threatened to stage a marathon filibuster today, the supposed last day in the Commission on Appointments (CA) committee on energy headed by Sen. Richard Gordon.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080604hed1.html
7. Abante
3.3 MILYONG BATA ‘DI MAKAKAPAG-ARAL!
Nina TINA MENDOZA at DINDO MATINING
makakapasok ngayong school year 2008-2009.
Ang dahilan: matinding kahirapan.
Ito ang ibinunyag kahapon ni Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) chairperson Antonio Tinio base sa pinakahuling datos na nakalap. Lumilitaw na 78% mas malaki ang bilang ngayon ng mga out-of-school youth (OSY) kumpara noong 2002.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/june0408/default.htm
BABY, DINUKOT ANG MATA!
Nina Nonnie Ferriol, Armida Rico at Erika Maala
Mistulang hayop na dinukot ang kaliwang mata ng isang 3-anyos na batang babae ng isang lalaking may diperensiya umano sa pag-iisip matapos na mapagkamalang palaka ang paslit kamakalawa ng hapon sa Taguig City.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june0408/news_story1.htm
Pinas ‘di pauutangin
Ni Butch Quejada
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Malamang ‘di na pautangin ng mga foreign lending institution ang Pilipinas dahil sa patuloy na pagsawsaw ng mga pulitiko pati na ng Senado at Kamara de Representante sa usapin sa halaga ng elektrisidad.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008060366
10. Journal
POWER SUBSIDY
By: Tess Bedico
Gloria launches P2-B program to help poorest families pay electric bills
FOUR million poorest families will receive a P500 one-time subsidy from the government to help pay their electricity bill.
President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday launched the “Katas ng VAT, Pantawid Kuryente,” a P2 billion power subsidy program. At least 10 initial beneficiaries of the program from Metro Manila received the P500 from the President in simple ceremonies held in Malacañang.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-06-04&sec=1&aid=61966
11. Business World
BY ALEXIS DOUGLAS B. ROMERO, Reporter
Subsidies mark energy plan
THE GOVERNMENT is going the subsidy route in the aim of mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices, with the fiscal shock to be ironically addressed by higher tax collections due to crude oil’s volatility.
http://bworldonline.com/BW060408/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
NG plans to borrow P35B more
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
THE national government will sell more peso-denominated debts worth more or less P35 billion, Finance Undersecretary and Acting Treasurer Roberto Tan confirmed Tuesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/06042008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Arroyo certifies bill extending CARP as urgent
By Maila Ager, Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, Christine Avendaño, Norman Bordadora, Cynthia Balana
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:13:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines—It’s now a race against time, but the Senate is not about to be prodded across the finish line.
Just a week before the expiration of the 20-year-old agrarian reform law on June 10, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants Congress to approve a measure that would extend what had been touted as the centerpiece of a program to free farmers from the bondage of the soil.
COMMENTARY
Burden of higher oil costs always falls on real people
By Benjamin E. Diokno
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:27:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Oil prices have soared to $135 per barrel—twice that of the Philippine government’s projection of $62 to $70 per barrel for Dubai oil. With surging oil prices, the pump price of gasoline is projected to go as high as P65 per liter.
Grow veggies & other tips to beat food crisis
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:29:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Grow vegetables in your garden. Change your mind-set about rice—it does not always define a complete meal. Buy produce from organic farmers.
Farmers blamed for high cost of rice in Mindanao
By Michael Lim Ubac, Jerome Aning, Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:36:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Agriculture (DA) is blaming the soaring price of rice in Mindanao on “speculation” by the farmers themselves.
De Venecia on Lakas-CMD list of Senate hopefuls
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:46:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., an ally-turned-staunch critic of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has somehow managed to break into the list of senatorial hopefuls of the political party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) despite having been ousted as party president for his rant against the Chief Executive several months back.
Bring petition for lower power rates to ERC, Garcia urged
By Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:54:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Tuesday urged Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Winston Garcia to bring his proposals to reduce power rates directly to the ERC.
“The Supreme Court says any lowering or increase in rates must be heard by the ERC. Now I heard (the claim) that if they (GSIS) take over management of Meralco, they can lower rates. So I urge the proponents to come to the ERC right away so that we can lower the price of electricity, instead of just (voicing out) his proposal in newspapers,” ERC chair Rodolfo Albano Jr. said.
Juday explains in 60 seconds what Meralco can’t in hours
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:02:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- How can a showbiz personality like Judy Ann Santos explain in 30 or 60 seconds what officials of the Manila Electric Co. cannot explain to Congress in several hours?
Snap elections unconstitutional, says Palace
By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:07:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- The House bill proposing presidential snap elections in times of crisis is “unconstitutional,” Malacañang said Tuesday.
The committee on suffrage headed by Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin passed on Monday House Bill No. 3859 calling for the holding of snap elections to head off any unrest that may result from the food and fuel crises.
Loan on ‘Jose Velarde’ account still unpaid
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:09:00 06/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Banco de Oro Unibank has confirmed to the Sandiganbayan that the principal on a P500-million loan that was made from the controversial “Jose Velarde” account has not been repaid.
Revilla for VP in 2010
By Christina Mendez
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Administration Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. declared yesterday his plans to run for vice president in the 2010 elections.
Revilla made the declaration a day after the ruling Lakas-Kampi party coalition announced its possible lineup of senatorial candidates.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603139
GMA releases P2-B subsidy to small power consumers
President Gloria Arroyo approved the release of a P2-billion subsidy to small electricity consumers, calling it the “fruit of VAT [value-added tax]” to be given to the poor to cushion the impact of continuing increases in fuel and food prices.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/04/yehey/top_stories/20080604top2.html
CARP extension certified ‘urgent’
By Jess Diaz
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
President Arroyo certified as urgent yesterday House Bill 4077, which seeks to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) by five years.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603141
Group seeks fare hike freeze
By Perseus Echeminada
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Mega Manila Transport Operators and Drivers Association (MMTODA) has filed a petition before the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) seeking a moratorium on fare increases to help commuters cope with the rising prices of basic commodities.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603142
RP gets good grades from UN rights monitor
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Philippines was recognized by United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions Philip Alston for the progress it has shown in the handling of cases of human rights abuses.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603143
PNP to buy helicopters
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Modern helicopters will be acquired by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of the P10-billion modernization fund approved by President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603146
House mulls return of specific tax on oil
By Jess Diaz
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The House of Representatives is considering the return of the old specific tax on oil products like gasoline and diesel to bring down their pump prices.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603147
DOJ orders crackdown on rice hoarders in Mindanao
By Mike Frialde
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Alarmed by reports that retail price of rice in Mindanao markets has skyrocketed to as much as P60 per kilo, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez yesterday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to resume its operations against suspected rice hoarders.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603148
ERC urges agencies to file petitions on power rate reductions
By Donnabelle Gatdula
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairman Rodolfo Albano Jr. urged yesterday all concerned agencies and individuals with proposals on how to lower electricity rates, to file their respective petitions to the commission.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603150
Morales to reform BOC to boost drive vs smuggling
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Commissioner Napoleon Morales will reform the Bureau of Customs to give impetus to the campaign against smuggling.
By doing so, Morales said they would be able to speed up the filing of cases against violators of Customs laws, whether bureau personnel, importers or brokers.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080603152
Some bets in Lakas line-up strong–Lacson
Opposition senator warns that President Arroyo’s endorsement can doom Lakas’ winning chances
By Efren L. Danaom, Senior Reporter
Some of the politicians in the Lakas list of probable senatorial candidates for 2010 are “winnable” but they will all lose if they are endorsed by President Gloria Arroyo, opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Tuesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/04/yehey/metro/20080604met1.html
Senators shun snap elections
Senators shrugged off Tuesday the approval by the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms of a bill calling for snap presidential elections.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/04/yehey/metro/20080604met3.html
US bill for veterans to be signed
It’s better late than never for the Filipino soldiers who fought side-by-side with the Americans during World War II as the US Congress is expected to pass the Filipino Veterans Bill into a law by Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) after 62 long years of waiting, Rep. Antonio Diaz of Zambales said Tuesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/04/yehey/metro/20080604met7.html
Gov't hands off on rice 'hoarding' by farmers
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
THE sudden surge in the prices of the rice in Mindanao could have been caused by farmers who are "holding back" their unmilled rice in anticipation of higher prices, the Department of Agriculture said yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun04/news2.htm
RaulGon latest to chip at JDV's credibility
REP. Jose de Venecia (Lakas, Pangasinan) has yet to testify on President Arroyo's role in the anomalous $329 million broadband deal with ZTE Corp. but as far as Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez is concerned, anything the former Speaker would say is already stale.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun04/news4.htm
Snap election bill seen as dead on GMA veto
JUSTICE Secretary Raul Gonzalez yesterday said a bill seeking to hold snap elections to address rising oil and rice prices is good as dead because the President will not sign it into law.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun04/news6.htm
4-day work week to save P18 B for gov’t
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando Andaya said yesterday the government stands to save P18 billion a year from the proposed four-day work week for some departments and agencies.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080604126469.html
Joint Foreign Chambers officials invited by Senate
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
The Senate Energy Committee invited yesterday local energy officials and presidents of various foreign business groups to a public hearing Friday following the controversial letter of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) to President Arroyo opposing amendment of the the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) which is in the process of being amended on the Senate floor.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080604126478.html
‘A star witness or a falling star?’ Gonzalez twits JdV
06/04/2008
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez yesterday scoffed at the hype being generated by the possible testimony of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. in the Senate’s investigation into the alleged corruption-tainted $329.5-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project deal with China’s ZTE Corp., pointing out that the Pangasinan lawmaker could either become a real star witness at the inquiry or just a “falling star.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080604hed3.html
P500 power subsidy larga na
(Rose Miranda)
Ngayong buwan ay matatanggap na ng mga mahihirap na electric consumers na may konsumong 100 kilowatt per hour (kwh) bawat buwan ang P500 electric subsidy mula sa kita ng expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) sa produktong petrolyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/june0408/news05.htm
Lift VAT on power, subsidize electricity costs, Palace told
06/04/2008
“Malacañang is just playing with us, pretending it is out to give relief to consumers when all it is out to do is make taxpayers subsidize their own electric bills, and at a limited scope and time period at that.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080604nat3.html
Congress passes PSE-backed bill
06/04/2008
The House of Representatives has passed on third reading an improved version of a measure that will create an alternative pension fund and give tax breaks to its members.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/business/20080604bus6.html
Foreign investors mabubulabog sa power probe
Rey Marfil
Ngayon pa lamang ay nababanaag na ng ilang miyembro ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang posibleng pagkabulabog ng mga dayuhang negosyante matapos pag-initan sa energy policy ang grupo nito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june0408/news_story2.htm
JDV star witness o falling star?
(Grace Velasco)
Ito ang tanong ni Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez sa kahihinatnan ni dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia kaugnay sa pagtestigo nito sa NBN-ZTE deal.
Ayon kay Gonzalez ang pagiging star witness ni De Venecia ay dedepende sa kung ano pang impormasyon ang sasabihin nito hinggil sa kontrata.
“He can be considered a star witness or a falling star. If his testimony will move mountains or if his testimony will only move the likes of Sen. (Alan) Cayetano,” wika ni Gonzalez.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june0408/news_story3.htm
Alis EVAT wala nang pag-asa
(Eralyn Prado)
Sa kabila ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, maituturing na ibinasura na ng Kamara ang panukalang alis EVAT sa produktong langis.
Sa pagdinig kahapon ng House committee on ways and means kaugnay sa panukalang pag-alis 12% Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) sa langis, kapwa hindi sang-ayon at hindi interesado ang mga miyembro ng komite na alisin ang ipinataw na buwis sa langis sa halip nagsusulong ang mga ito ng ibang alternatibong solusyon upang maibsan ang epekto sa taongbayan ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june0408/news_story6.htm
Villar: Release Mindanao’s share from P1.227-T budget
MALACAÑANG must immediately release Mindanao’s 30 percent share from the P1.227-trillion budget for 2008 to avert looming hunger in Southern Philippines.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-06-04&sec=4&aid=61916
Oposisyon dismayado sa ‘pagkabahag’ ni JDV sa ZTE deal
By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
DISMAYADO na rin maging ang oposisyon sa Kamara de Representantes sa urong-sulong na pananakot ni dating Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. na tetestigo sa Senate Blue Ribbon committee laban sa administrasyong Arroyo kaugnay sa nabasurang $329 milyong National Broadband Net-work (NBN) deal sa China.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-06-04&sec=4&aid=61934
Roxas welcomes Affordable Medicines Bill signing
SENATOR Mar Roxas welcomes the signing of the Affordable Medicines bill on June 6 while urging different sectors to unite behind its effective implementation.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-06-04&sec=4&aid=62007
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