I. BANNER STORIES
Justice bares P10-M bribe
Sabio tags emissary of Meralco
By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:36:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—By his own account, a Court of Appeals justice was offered P10 million to inhibit himself from a case that Manila Electric Co. had filed to stop an attempted takeover by the Government Service Insurance System.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080731-151732/Justice-bares-P10-M-bribe
‘Too late to stop ARMM polls’
By Aurea Calica
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The proposal to postpone the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is as good as dead after its proponent, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, said he would no longer file a bill for it and House leaders admitted it’s too late to tackle the issue.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730142
3. Manila Times
Growth rate to skid to 4.8%
S&P forecast much lower than govt’s
By Maricel E. Burgonio and Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporters
Credit rating firm Standard & Poor’s (S&P) projected that Asian countries, including the Philippines, are likely to sustain economic growth in 2008 and 2009.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/31/yehey/top_stories/20080731top1.html
4. Malaya
As pessimism grips people,
Palace kills the messenger
3 out of 4 worse off: Pulse Asia
BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR
AT least 75 percent of Filipinos said they are worse off now compared to last year, a Pulse Asia Survey from July 1 to 14 showed.
Eighty-four percent said the country is also worse off this year,
The survey also showed that 64 percent of the 1,200 respondents felt they would continue to do worse next year, while 79 percent said country would also get worse.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul31/news1.htm
Cheap rice out of public markets
NFA in Metro Manila to sell only to card-holding families
Cheap rice to be sold only to families with access cards
By GENALYN D. KABILING
The National Food Authority (NFA) will pull out its P18.25-per- kilo rice in public markets in Metro Manila starting Sept. 1 and instead sell it directly to depressed communities, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral announced yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080731131203.html
7. Abante
TRABAHO ‘DI LIMOS! -- SIMBAHAN
Nina JUN TADIOS, REY MARFIL at BOYET JADULCO
Hindi solusyon ang ‘dole-outs’ o pamatid-gutom na subsidy para tugunan ang kumakalam na sikmura ng sambayanan dahil ang higit umanong kailangan para sa kongkreto at pangmatagalang resulta ay trabaho.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july3108/default.htm
EMPLEYADO NG NAIA NAHATI SA 2 TRAK
Nina Dindo Matining at Irwin Corpuz
Nagmistulang parang manananggal ang isang lalaki matapos mahati at maipit sa dalawang truck sa isang madugong aksidente sa Pasig City kahapon ng madaling araw.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july3108/news_story1.htm
Pulis pwedeng mag-sideline
Ni Joy Cantos
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Puwede ng mag-sideline ang mga pulis tuwing off duty ang mga ito, alinsunod na rin sa pagpayag ni Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. dahil na rin sa nararanasang pandaigdigang krisis.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008073097
10. Journal
ARMM POLLS PERILLED
By: Jester P. Manalastas
GMA certifies as urgent bill postponing elections in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
THE House Committee on Electoral Reforms and Suffrage will start deliberating today on the proposal to postpone the August 11 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-07-31&sec=1&aid=68510
11. Business World
BY ALEXIS DOUGLAS B. ROMERO, Reporter
Number of poor families rising
Nearly 60% of Pinoy households say they are ‘mahirap’
PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO may have declared a 20-year low in self-rated poverty as an accomplishment but a worsening economy has consigned that result, recorded in 2007, to history.
http://bworldonline.com/BW073108/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
Mixed impact of WTO failure
By Max V. de Leon and Jennifer A. Ng
Reporters
THE breakdown in the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks in Geneva has put local exporters in a quandary, as they see their footing in major markets being overrun by competitors from other countries that have secured several bilateral free-trade agreements (FTAs) ahead of the Philippines.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/07312008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Full text of Sabio letter to Vasquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:14:00 07/31/2008
July 26, 2008
HON. CONRADO M. VASQUEZ, JR.
Presiding Justice
Court of Appeals
Maria Orosa St., Ermita, Manila
RE: C.A. G.R. SP No. 103692
ROSETE et al vs. SEC et al
Dear Presiding Justice Vasquez:
The attendant circumstances, the manner by which the decision in the above case was arrived at, and how the decision was promulgated behooved me to write this urgent complaint. Unless immediate and thorough investigation thereon be undertaken by this Court, both the individual and institutional integrity of the justices and of this Court will undoubtedly be tarnished. If that happens, the public’s confidence in the judicial process will be irreparably undermined and damaged.
Timeline: GSIS-Meralco controversy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:46:00 07/31/2008
MAY 1, 2008—The Government Service Insurance System accuses Manila Electric Co. of turning a deaf ear to its repeated requests for access to corporate documents despite the GSIS’ holding four seats in the 11-member Meralco board.
Enrile: Lopez out of tune over Marcos label
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:58:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile Wednesday chided Oscar Lopez, the patriarch of the Lopez family, for “singing an old tune” in likening President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration to Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship.
SC: Used cars import ban covers RP; Palace: Only in Subic
By Leila Salaverria, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:32:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court ruling upholding Executive Order No. 156, which bans the importation of used cars, applies to Philippine territory outside the former Subic Naval Base, a court official said Wednesday.
SC: Used cars import ban covers RP; Palace: Only in Subic
By Leila Salaverria, Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:32:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court ruling upholding Executive Order No. 156, which bans the importation of used cars, applies to Philippine territory outside the former Subic Naval Base, a court official said Wednesday.
Enrile dares gov’t to shut down Port Irene car trade
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:35:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile Wednesday dared the government to shut down the used-car import business in the Cagayan Economic Zone (CEZ), claiming that he was ready to do battle in court to prove that the Supreme Court committed a mistake when it upheld an executive order banning the importation of second-hand vehicles.
It’s illegal, lawmaker says of Sulpicio waiver
By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:51:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Roel Anthony Javier, 34, lost his wife and son. The parents of Honeylyn Garces, 20, remain missing 40 days after the tragedy.
Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco presented Javier and Garces at the resumption of the hearing on the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars on June 21.
Del Monte files P44-M countersuit vs Sulpicio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:52:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Del Monte Philippines Inc. Wednesday filed a P43.7-million countersuit against Sulpicio Lines at the Manila Regional Trial Court in connection with a toxic pesticide cargo that the MV Princess of the Stars carried when it sank last month.
House to OK ARMM polls delay
Bill faces rough sailing in Senate
By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:53:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—It may take the House of Representatives just four calendar days to pass a bill seeking postponement of the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Aug. 11, but it may face rough sailing in the Senate.
Survey: Most Filipinos see selves as losers
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:01:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Seeing themselves worse off today than they were a year ago amid soaring food and oil prices, most Filipinos consider themselves “losers,” according to a survey conducted this month by a private polling group.
‘Islands of hope’ to go on campus tour
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:08:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—And then there were four.
Mayor Sonia Lorenzo has joined Governors Grace Padaca and Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio, and Mayor Jesse Robredo in a new movement for ethical leadership and good governance.
P22,000 to hear Giuliani speak? Wow, says Gordon
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Veronica Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net
First Posted 07:45:00 07/31/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Both are former city mayors who deftly handled crisis situations in their respective turfs. They even have the same initials.
And so Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon wondered aloud Wednesday: How come Filipinos had to fork out at least P22,000 for a seat just to hear former New York Mayor Rudolph “Rudy” Giuliani speak in person?
Movement for good gov’t launched
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A group of local officials has teamed up with civic and youth organizations for the establishment of a national movement for good governance and people empowerment.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730143
Palace: Text rate cut to be extended
By Marvin Sy
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The country’s three major telecommunications companies have committed to extend the reduced text messaging rate promotion beyond the three months approved by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730145
‘RP needs reform coalition’
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan believes a “reform coalition” could defeat traditional politics in the 2010 elections.
He said former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani’s message that Filipinos must choose a leader they could trust shows that there is a “vacuum of political leadership” in the country.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730146
Poll: 75% feel ‘worse off’
By Helen Flores
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Most Filipinos say their quality of life has deteriorated in the last 12 months and consider the nation’s economy to have worsened over the past three years, a Pulse Asia survey shows.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730147
World Bank urges RP gov’t not to lift VAT on oil
By Iris Gonzales
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The World Bank has urged the Philippines to ensure that the increase in oil prices does not compromise its fiscal position, stressing that it should not remove the tax on oil.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730149
Pichay, 3 others in shortlist for top OWWA post
By Mayen Jaymalin
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Former representative Prospero Pichay and three others are being considered as the next chief of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730150
Ombudsman wants budget doubled
By Edu Punay
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Office of the Ombudsman wants its budget doubled next year in line with President Arroyo’s declaration in her State of the Nation Address of an intensified drive against high-level corruption.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730152
GMA allies in House accuse Lopezes of dishonesty, hypocrisy
By Delon Porcalla
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Allies of President Arroyo at the House of Representatives accused the Lopezes yesterday of intellectual dishonesty and hypocrisy for comparing the Arroyo administration with the Marcos dictatorship.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730153
LTO looking into 1,000 missing cars from Port Irene
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) expressed surprise yesterday over conflicting reports of the importers and officials of the Cagayan Export Zone Authority (CEZA), which showed a discrepancy of at least 1,000 secondhand vehicles imported through Port Irene in Santa Ana, Cagayan in the past three years.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730154
Miriam backs Cabral on reproductive health
By Christina Mendez
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago backed yesterday Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral in her stand favoring the Reproductive Health Bill that espouses artificial contraception.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730155
RP’s first Mind Museum to rise in Global City
By Rhodina Villanueva
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The first world-class science museum in the country dubbed “The Mind Museum” will soon rise in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.
The Mind Museum, a P1-billion project of the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (BAFI), aims to contribute to the country’s science education as well as inspire students to specialize in science and technology.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080730156
Malacañang urges Congress to reschedule ARMM elections
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
Malacañang has sent a letter to lawmakers certifying as urgent a bill that seeks postponement of scheduled elections in an autonomous region in southern Philippines, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Wednesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/31/yehey/top_stories/20080731top5.html
Govt agencies offer to explain text mess
The Department of Transportation and Communications and the National Telecommunications Commission said on Wednesday that they are ready to explain to Malacañang the apparent fiasco that resulted from the 50-centavo slash on text messaging rates. The supposed reduction was announced by President Gloria Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address on Monday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/31/yehey/top_stories/20080731top7.html
Meralco rates are high – UP study
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
A study by the University of the Philippines showed the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) was charging its customers nearly a peso more per kilowatt-hour, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago charged Wednesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/31/yehey/metro/20080731met1.html
Palace says no vehicle smuggling in Cagayan
Malacañang said there is no vehicle smuggling in Port Irene and that Executive Order No. 156 banning sales of used vehicles outside Subic Freeport does not apply to the Cagayan Economic Zone, where the former port is located.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/31/yehey/metro/20080731met5.html
Palace disowns Villar ouster
Malacañang claimed Wednesday it had nothing to do with the alleged plot to oust Senate President Manuel Villar from his post, pointing out it respects the independence of the branches of the government.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/31/yehey/metro/20080731met7.html
Oil price tuloy sa pagbaba
(Tina Mendoza)
Patuloy na bumababa ang presyo ng langis sa international market na kasalukuyang nasa $122 per barrel mula sa dating $145 subalit hindi pa rin umano makakaasa ang publiko ng rollback.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july3108/news03.htm
Gloria’s ‘band-aid’ solutions likely to worsen problem: FVR
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
FORMER President Fidel Ramos yesterday said President Arroyo’s performance leaves much to be desired as he described the country as being at a "critical juncture."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul31/news2.htm
Biazon says Senate panel should look into switching of poll returns
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Rodolfo Biazon yesterday said a probe into allegations that switching of 2004 election returns took place while the documents were in the custody of House should be handled by another body.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul31/news3.htm
Speaker puts bill postponing ARMM polls on fast track
By BEN R. ROSARIO
The House leadership yesterday started to steamroll the enactment of a law postponing the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, giving the Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms 24 hours to come up with its recommendation on the issue.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080731131204.html
Chairman Neri turns over CHED to Ricafort as officer-in-charge
By SHIANEE MAMANGLU
Commissioner Nona Ricafort yesterday took over as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) from Chairman Romulo Neri during simple turnover rites at CHED’s new building at the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080731131208.html
Life better in 2007 than now, says Pulse Asia survey
By ELLALYN DE VERA
Amid the surging oil and food crisis, 75 percent of Filipinos say they are worse off now compared to last year, the latest Pulse Asia survey results showed.
Based on the nationwide survey conducted last July 1-14 among 1,200 citizens, a big majority of respondents consider that their personal quality of life (QOL) has worsened in the past year.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080731131209.html
Palace certifies ARMM polls deferment as urgent
PRESIDENT Arroyo has certified as urgent measures seeking to postpone the August 11 elections in the Autonomous Regions for Muslim Mindanao, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul31/news7.htm
Palasyo hugas-kamay sa kudeta vs Villar
(Rose Miranda/Boyet Jadulco)
Naghugas-kamay kahapon ang Malacañang sa alegasyong sila ang nasa likod ng oust plot laban kay Senate President Manuel Villar.
Nang matanong dito, sinabi ni Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita na mananatiling alegasyon lamang ang nasabing bagay dahil walang kinalaman ang ehekutibo sa oust plot laban sa Senate President.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july3108/news_story4.htm
