Thursday, June 12, 2008

June 12, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tausug leaders talk to Drilon kidnappers

Another group takes captives

By Julie Alipala

Mindanao Bureau

First Posted 01:12:00 06/12/2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY—A team of Tausug leaders is negotiating with Moro bandits for the release of broadcast journalist Ces Drilon of ABS-CBN and her two cameramen who were abducted along with their guide in Maimbung, Sulu, on Sunday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142155/Tausug-leaders-talk-to-Drilon-kidnappers

2. The Philippine Star

Ces, TV crew in JI custody

By Roel Pareño

Thursday, June 12, 2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Malaysian Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) bomb expert with a $5-million bounty on his head is holding broadcast journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon and her two cameramen in a remote jungle base of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, military sources said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611110

3. Manila Times

ABS-CBN: ‘No to ransom’

Drilon, 3 other kidnap victims ‘alive’–police

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Executives of the television network ABS-CBN said they would not pay ransom to Abu Sayyaf militants who kidnapped their news crew.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/12/yehey/top_stories/20080612top1.html

4. Malaya

ABS-CBN rules out ransom for Ces

Emissariesdispatched to secure TV crew's release

BY RAYMOND AFRICA

TELEVISION network ABS-CBN yesterday said it is strictly adhering to its "no ransom" policy as it confirmed that its news team led by Ces Drilon had been kidnapped in Sulu.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun12/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

Senate OKs 30 bills, adjourns session

Including nat’l priority measures of LEDAC

Senate OKs priority, including medicine, tax exemption bills

Hannah L. Torregoza

The Senate has passed more than 30 measures, including eight which have been outlined by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Consultative Council (LEDAC) as priority bills, Senate President Manuel B. Villar Jr. said yesterday just before its adjournment sine die.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080612127080.html

6. The Daily Tribune

ABS-CBN admits kidnap, vows no ransom payout

06/12/2008

Following a day of an appeal for a news blackout and another day of the ABS-CBN network official line of its news team going missing, the giant network admitted belatedly that Ces Oreña-Drilon and her two crew members, Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, have been abducted. The official statement did not point to the Abu Sayyaf as the TV team’s abductors, although it stated that the network will abide by its policy not to pay for ransom “as this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080612hed1.html

7. Abante

PASAWAY NA TSUPER BIBITBITIN!

Ni TINA MENDOZA

Pisikal na bibitbitin pababa ng kanilang minamanehong bus ang mga pasaway na tsuper na hindi susunod sa “30-second loading policy” ng Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/june1208/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

MAID GINULPI, PLINANTSA NI PRINCESS REVILLA

Nina Dindo Matining at Rey Marfil

Binusalan sa bibig ng tsinelas, sinusuntok ang mukha at plinantsa pa ang braso.

Ilang lamang iyan sa pisikal na pang-aabuso na naranasan ng 17-anyos na katulong sa kamay ng dating actress-TV host na si Princess Revilla, Rebecca Bautista-Ocampo sa tunay na buhay, nakatira sa Casa Verde Lanuza St., corner C-5, Barangay Ugong, Pasig City at kapatid ni Senador Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june1208/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

No ransom!

Nina Joy Cantos at Rudy Andal

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Nanindigan ang pamunuan ng ABS-CBN na mahigpit nilang paiiralin ang “no ransom policy” matapos kumpirmahin na hindi nawawala kundi dinukot ng mga armadong grupo sa Sulu ang kanilang reporter na si Ces Drilon at dalawang crew nitong sina Jimmy Encarnacion at Angelo Valderama.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008061188

10. Journal

NO TO RANSOM

By: Alfred P. Dalizon

ABS-CBN won’t buy Ces Drilon’s freedom

VETERAN television journalist Ces Orena-Drilon and cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama have been kidnapped for ransom, ABS-CBN management confirmed yesterday

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-06-12&sec=1&aid=62891

11. Business World

Meralco cuts June power rates

Cites cheaper spot market power, reduced systems losses

CONSUMERS CAN LOOK FORWARD to receiving reduced power bills next month as Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) yesterday said lower spot market prices and reduced system losses had allowed it to cut rates for June.

http://bworldonline.com/BW061208/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

‘Serious risks imperil growth’

RISKS to agricultural growth, a continued weakening of manufacturing, a decline in government consumption and the fragile state of exports and imports top the threats to the Philippine economy’s ability to sustain growth this year, as serious global challenges are seen to prevail, the congressional think tank has said in a report.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/06122008/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL

Powerless queue for power dole

By Jocelyn Uy

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:48:00 06/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Josefina Laforteza Wednesday braved the scorching heat, skipped lunch and waited in line for five hours to claim the P500 that the government started giving away to small electricity consumers early this week.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142164/Powerless-queue-for-power-dole

I-TEAM REPORT: EDUCATION

Parents help turn chicken coops into real classrooms

By Volt Contreras, Fernando del Mundo

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:09:00 06/12/2008

Read Part 1: Only in RP: 10-year basic school cycle

Read Part 2: It’s back to school, error-filled books

Read Part 3: Lots of money for computers, none for rulers, microscopes

(Fourth of a series)

SAN ISIDRO, NUEVA ECIJA—Quite often, the day’s lesson just wouldn’t sink in, especially if you attend classes caged like a chicken.

For over a decade, students at TA Dionisio National High School in Barangay Malapit packed four makeshift classrooms that would otherwise pass for a poultry house. The structures, good for up to 200 students at a time, made do for classes that could not be accommodated in the other buildings.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142172/Parents-help-turn-chicken-coops-into-real-classrooms

Int’l media groups deeply concerned for hostages’ safety

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:40:00 06/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Local and foreign media organizations have voiced concern over the continuing dangers endured by Filipino journalists and called on the government to work for the safe release of Ces Drilon and her three companions.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142189/Intl-media-groups-deeply-concerned-for-hostages-safety

Kidnap victims safe, may be freed soon, says Ermita

By Michael Lim Ubac

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:42:00 06/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita Wednesday said Ces Drilon, her crew and a professor of Mindanao State University were safe for now and would be released soon.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142190/Kidnap-victims-safe-may-be-freed-soon-says-Ermita

House defers vote on CARP extension amid raging protest

By TJ Burgonio, Jerome Aning

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:43:00 06/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Outraged farmers jumped from the gallery and yelled at lawmakers on Tuesday night in protest of the move to defer putting to a vote a certified bill extending a key component of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142191/House-defers-vote-on-CARP-extension-amid-raging-protest

5 Cabinet members, 96 others confirmed

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:17:00 06/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Appointments was unusually generous in its last session day Wednesday as it gave the green light to five Cabinet members, the Comelec chief, eight ambassadors, 47 diplomatic officials, and 40 military officers led by AFP Chief of Staff Alexander Yano in a marathon session which was marred by separate walkouts by Senators Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal and Panfilo Lacson.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142203/5-Cabinet-members-96-others-confirmed

Meralco rate down P0.48/kWh

Drop in demand, temperature, WESM cited

By Abigail L. Ho

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:19:00 06/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Customers of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) will enjoy a reduction of almost 50 centavos per kilowatt-hour this month largely because of the huge drop in the price of power sourced from the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM).

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142204/Meralco-rate-down-P048kWh

Magdalo still solid, insists Trillanes bloc

By Nikko Dizon

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:21:00 06/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Trillanes faction of the Magdalo group of rebels who changed their plea to guilty in their court-martial case remains solid against the government and have not abandoned the cause that they supposedly fought for in the July 2003 failed coup, said a lawyer of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, the acknowledged leader and spokesperson of the Magdalo group.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080612-142205/Magdalo-still-solid-insists-Trillanes-bloc

Congress questions ‘Noah’s Ark’ subsidy program

By Aurea Calica and Jess Diaz

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Congress will scrutinize the government’s three-year P316-billion “Noah’s Ark” subsidy program as some lawmakers expressed doubt that this would help the poor cope with runaway prices of food and fuel.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611111

‘Mercy’ mission to go on despite shooting

By Pia Lee-Brago

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The USNS Mercy’s goodwill and outreach mission will go on as scheduled in Mindanao and Samar despite the shooting of one of its helicopters in Cotabato on Monday, the US embassy said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611113

Lower Meralco rates this month

By Donnabelle Gatdula

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) will enjoy a rate cut of up to 48.72 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) this month, a company official said.

Meralco vice president for corporate communications Elpi Cuna said the drop could be attributed to a reduction in generation cost and systems loss charges.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611114

In lieu of CARP extension, House okays land acquisition, distribution

By Jess Diaz

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Failing to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, which expired last Tuesday, the House instead approved late Tuesday night a resolution authorizing land acquisition and distribution under CARP up to the end of this year.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611115

Joker hits back at Ping over grilling of foreign investors

By Christina Mendez and Aurea Calica

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Sen. Joker Arroyo lashed out yesterday at Sen. Panfilo Lacson and the other senators who had criticized him and Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Miriam Defensor-Santiago for grilling officials of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce (JFC) last Friday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611118

5 Cabinet members, Melo, Yano hurdle CA

By Christina Mendez

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Before sine die adjournment, the Commission on Appointments (CA) has confirmed the regular nominations and ad interim appointments of five Cabinet secretaries, two constitutional officials, eight ambassadors, 47 diplomats, and 40 military officials including the Armed Forces’ chief of staff.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611119

No mini skirts, hip-hop pants in DepEd’s new school attire guidelines

By Rainier Allan Ronda

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued guidelines on the prescribed school attire after the removal of the school uniform requirement in public schools.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611128

EC appeals CA ruling on Meralco stockholders TRO

By Zinnia de la Peña

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asked the Court of Appeals (CA) yesterday to allow implementation of its cease and desist order (CDO) on grounds that the law empowers the regulatory agency to stop officials of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) from counting proxies in favor of pro-management directors. Commenting on the CA’s TRO, the SEC said Meralco’s assertion that the CDO had disenfranchised the affected stockholders has no factual and legal basis.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611129

Court rejects TRO petition vs CHED’s new nursing curriculum

By Rainier Allan Ronda

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Pasig City Regional Trial Court denied the petition of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (Cocopea) urging for a temporary restraining order against the revised nursing curriculum of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611130

ILO: Failure to educate more costly

By Mayen Jaymalin

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Despite the rising cost of tuition, it would be costlier in the long run not to invest in education, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said.

The Philippines and other developing countries lose $92 billion annually because fewer girls are being sent to school as they often suffer discrimination in education, according to ILO.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611131

EC appeals CA ruling on Meralco stockholders TRO

By Zinnia de la Peña

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asked the Court of Appeals (CA) yesterday to allow implementation of its cease and desist order (CDO) on grounds that the law empowers the regulatory agency to stop officials of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) from counting proxies in favor of pro-management directors. Commenting on the CA’s TRO, the SEC said Meralco’s assertion that the CDO had disenfranchised the affected stockholders has no factual and legal basis.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611135

Bicam okays creation of PERA fund

By Aurea Calica

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The bicameral conference committee of Congress approved yesterday the bill creating a Personal Retirement Account (PERA) fund to ensure financial stability and added opportunities for retirees and overseas Filipino workers.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611135

Villar satisfied with Senate’s performance despite criticisms

By Christina Mendez

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Senate passed yesterday Senate Bill 2213, declaring a national policy for tourism as an engine of investment, employment, growth and development.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080611137

Effectivity of CARP component approved

By Sammy Martin Reporter

After Congress failed to pass a bill on extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, or CARP, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a joint resolution “maintaining” the effectivity of the Land Acquisition and Distribution component of the program until the end of the year.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/12/yehey/metro/20080612met3.html

Gov't lines up more grants from 'Katas ng VAT'

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

FINANCE Secretary Margarito Teves yesterday said the government is amenable to giving more subsidies to the poor to be sourced from value added tax (VAT) collections on oil as proposed by the House committee on ways and means.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun12/news2.htm

No need for special session on CARP – DAR

By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Nasser Pangandaman said yesterday that there is no need to call a special session of Congress to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) because it will expire in December instead of June 15, 2008.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080612127081.html

Meralco cuts rates 48c, eyes P21B in meter refunds

By Riza Recio

06/12/2008

Besieged power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) tried to cover lost ground yesterday by announcing a 48.47 centavos per kilowatthour (kWh) reduction in electricity bills this month and a plan to refund P21.4 billion it collected as meter and bill deposits.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080612hed2.html

Open books on IPPs, solons urge Meralco

By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

TWO lawmakers yesterday pressed the Manila Electric Company to make a full accounting in public of all independent power producers (IPP) that it transacted with, particularly the Lopez-owned First Gas Power Corp., to determine if debts of some of power generation firms were allegedly passed on to consumers.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-06-12&sec=1&aid=62864

Ordinaryong Pinoy walang pakinabang sa amyenda ng Epira

By: Paul M. Gutierrez

WALANG dapat asahang pakinabang ang ordinaryong Pinoy sa ilalim ng isinusulong na amyenda ni Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile sa EPIRA o RA 9136.

Ang EPIRA ay ipinasa ng Kongreso noong 2001 upang maibaba ang presyo ng kuryente sa bansa na pinakamataas na ngayon sa buong Asya subalit hindi ito nangyari matapos mabigo ang pamahalaan na maipatupad ang mga probisyon nito.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-06-12&sec=4&aid=62859

Gloria pinababantayan sa pamumudmod ng pera

Nina Bernard Taguinod, Boyet Jadulco at Rey Marfil

Dahil marahil sa masamang record ng administrasyon pagdating sa pera, pinababantayan ng isang kongresista ang pamumudmod ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng subsidiya sa mga mahihirap.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june1208/news_story2.htm

Publiko walang aasahan sa EPIRA amendments

(Rey Marfil)

Walang dapat asahang pakinabang ang ordinaryong Pilipino sa ilalim ng Electric Power Industry reform Act (EPIRA) amendments na isinusulong ni administration senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/june1208/news_story6.htm

No comments: