Monday, July 21, 2008

JULY 20 - 21, 2008

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

2. The Philippine Star

3. Manila Times

Sunday, July 20, 2008

RP still checking on alleged oil theft in Nigeria

MANILA: The Philippine Embassy in Nigeria is looking into the arrest of 15 Filipinos on Friday for allegedly stealing crude oil from the Niger Delta, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/20/yehey/metro/20080720met1.html

4. Malaya

Reyes incompetent?

Atienza unqualified?

Miriam vows to block DOE appointment

BY JP LOPEZ

SEN. Miriam Defensor Santiago yesterday described Angelo Reyes as an "incompetent" member of the Cabinet and unfit to head the Department of Energy.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul20/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

Pope apologizes for clergy abuse

Says he is deeply sorry at World Youth Day Mass

Church festival ends today in Sydney

By ROHAN SULLIVAN

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI apologized Saturday to victims of child sex abuse by Roman Catholic clergy in Australia, describing their acts as "evil" and "a grave betrayal of trust that has disgraced the church."

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july2008/default.htm

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante

P3 OIL HIKE MAY BASBAS

Nina TINA MENDOZA, GRACE VELASCO, JB SALARZON,

BOYET JADULCO at BERNARD TAGUINOD

Habang kinakalampag kahapon ng Malacañang at ng Department of Energy (DOE) ang mga kumpanya ng langis sa P3 price hike sa bawat litro ng diesel, P2 sa kerosene at P1 sa gasolina, napakunot naman ng noo ang ilan sa mga ito dahil ‘may basbas’ naman ng DOE ang kanilang hakbang.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july2008/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

10. Journal

11. Business World

12. Business Mirror

II. POLITICAL

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Congress reveals list of top economic measures

With a mission to sustain national productivity while mitigating the adverse effects of the global economic slowdown, the House of Representatives on Saturday vowed to pursue comprehensive reforms in the country’s economic policies.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/20/yehey/metro/20080720met2.html

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Immigration, drug agency join forces vs. illegal drug trade

By Anthony Vargas, Reporter

AN intensified anti-drug campaign is expected to crack the whip on offenders after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) joined forces to put an end to the illicit drug trade both here and abroad.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/20/yehey/metro/20080720met3.html

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Health official draws the line Abortion is not an option

This was what Department of Health spokesman Dr. Alberto Romualdez stressed on Saturday, saying that not even the most severe economic crisis can prompt the government to tolerate abortion.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/20/yehey/metro/20080720met5.html

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Traffic deaths a public health crisis like aids

UN asks member states, urges agencies to work more effectively to improve globalroad safety

By Brian Afuang, Motoring Editor

On April 25, the United Nations General Assembly, driven by the worsening global road safety situation—despite action taken by various UN agencies through the decades—passed “Resolution 62/244 Improving global road safety.”

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/20/yehey/top_stories/20080720top1.html

MILF rejects ultimatum

BY VICTOR REYES

THE secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front yesterday rejected the one-week military ultimatum that they surrender their men involved in Basilan firefight last July 10 that left 14 Marines dead and nine wounded.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul20/news2.htm

CHR to monitor HSA implementation

BY REINIR PADUA

THE Commission on Human Rights yesterday said it will monitor the implementation of the Human Security Act which it said is "open to abuse."

Commissioner Wilhelm Soriano said the CHR has expressed reservations over the passage of the anti-terrorism law (R.A. 9372) despite inclusion of several safety measures.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul20/news3.htm

Army tags Jonas as an NPA member

ARMY chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino yesterday said missing activist Jonas Joseph Burgos "appears" to be a member of the communist New People’s Army.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul20/news4.htm

Gloria ‘jokes’ she will run for House

PRESIDENT Arroyo has once more revived the issue of Charter change with her remark yesterday that she might run for a congressional seat in Pampanga when her term ends in 2010.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul20/news5.htm

GO solons vow to leave Senate prexy row behind

BY DENNIS GADIL

GENUINE Opposition senators who found themselves on opposite sides of the fence in the Senate presidency race yesterday said they are putting the issue behind them so that they can unite on more important issues like election fraud and extra-judicial killings.

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Benigno Aquino III and Francis Escudero said they could no longer be united on the selection of the Senate president.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul20/news6.htm

Erap exhorts opposition to unite

DETAINED former President Joseph Estrada on Thursday asked opposition leaders, including the newly elected senators belonging to the United Opposition (UNO) and Genuine Opposition, to unite and act as purveyors of change in government.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul20/metro3.htm

July 21, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.

http://brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Diesel rolled back P1.50

Petron, Shell respond to President's appeal

By Christine Avendaño, Abigail L. Ho

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 00:14:00 07/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines--Responding to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's appeal, oil firms in the country, led by industry leader and partly government-owned Petron Corp., cut the price of diesel by P1.50 a liter effective at 12:01 a.m. Monday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080721-149652/Diesel-rolled-back-P1.50

2. The Philippine Star

Ombudsman refutes hints of ‘influence’

By Mike Frialde

Monday, July 21, 2008

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez yesterday said that it would be a great disservice to the public to suggest that the Office of the Ombudsman is influenced by politics.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072092

3. Manila Times

Diesel falls P1.50 per liter

Rollback comes after appeal from President Arroyo

By Euan Paulo C. Añonuevo, Reporter

A day after imposing a steep price increase in diesel, a number of oil firms rolled back half of their adjustments after Malacañang asked companies to temper their price hike.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/21/yehey/top_stories/20080721top1.html

4. Malaya

Gloria jawbones oil firms into P1.50 cut

Critics say rollback a deferred price hike

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

MALACAÑANG yesterday announced a P1.50 rollback in the price of diesel from Shell Philippines and Petron Corp. effective 12 a.m. Monday after President Arroyo appealed to the two companies to reconsider the P3 hike implemented over the weekend.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul21/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

Oil firms accede to rollback

President asks for P1.50 temporary relief in prices

By GENALYN D. KABILING & MYRNA M. VELASCO

Petron Corporation and Pilipinas Shell decided yesterday to implement a P1.50-per-liter rollback in the price of diesel effective shortly after midnight last night, heeding an appeal of President Arroyo for a temporary relief to consumers.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080721130328.html

6. The Daily Tribune

Oil firms roll back diesel price by P1.50

07/21/2008

Oil companies rolled back diesel prices by P1.50 per liter starting today, only a day after they announced a record-setting P3 per liter increase in the price of the fuel which is used mainly by local passenger vehicles.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080721hed1.html

7. Abante

Urong-sulong sa diesel hike

PANLOLOKO NA ‘TO!

Nina REY MARFIL, ROSE MIRANDA, JB SALARZON, ARMIDA RICO at ERIKA MAALA

Panloloko at pagguguyo lamang ng Malacañang sa sambayanang Filipino ang ipinatupad na P1.50 price roll back sa presyo ng diesel matapos na magtaas ng P3 bawat litro sa halaga ng nasabing produkto nitong Sabado.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july2108/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

Ganti sa pambabasted

NILILIGAWAN PINAPANGIT

Ni Alvin Madan

Halos hindi na makilala ang isang dalaga dahil sa mga tinamong bukol at galos sa mukha matapos abangan at birahin ng kaliwa’t kanang suntok ng isang tomboy na masugid na nanliligaw sa kanya subalit binasted ng biktima kahapon ng madaling araw sa Navotas.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2108/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Wait to death!

Ni Butch Quejada

Monday, July 21, 2008

Literal na “wait to death” ang naranasan ng isang retired public school teacher mula sa Lucban, Quezon matapos ma-stroke sa loob mismo ng tanggapan ng Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) dahil sa kapa-follow-up sa kanyang buwanang pension at E-card simula pa noong 2006.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008072059

10. Journal

ROLLBACK

By: Tess Bedico

Petron, Shell slash in half recent P3 diesel

price hike but transport sector not happy

MAJOR oil firms Petron and Shell yesterday agreed to roll back the price of diesel by P1.50 after a phone call from Palace officials.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza announced the rollback which was to take effect at midnight, adding that the other oil companies are expected to follow suit.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-07-21&sec=1&aid=67285

11. Business World

Pinoys go hungry more often

Overall rise slight but intensity has ‘worsened significantly’ - SWS

MORE FILIPINOS ARE GOING HUNGRY amid a backdrop of rising food prices but the increase, despite a first semester scramble for rice, was relatively minimal and is far from historical highs, a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.

http://bworldonline.com/BW072108/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

RP team wins big in int’l math marathon in Singapore

THE Philippine team to the 4th International Mathematics Competition (IMC) in Singapore last weekend bagged a total of 14 gold, 24 silver and 34 bronze medals, continuing a winning streak in three different global competitions in a week supervised by the Mathematics Trainers Guild (MTG-Philippines).

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/07212008/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL

2 oil firms earned P70B, says lawmaker

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:04:00 07/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Oil companies in the country have been raking in huge profits amid soaring fuel prices, according to Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080721-149666/2-oil-firms-earned-P70B-says-lawmaker

Filipino talent gives dose of good music, healing

By Christian V. Esguerra

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:01:00 07/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Seventy-year-old Joanne Good was growing anxious.

Trapped in her hospital bed the past three months, the leukemia patient was looking forward to only one thing each day—a “jamming” session with her music therapist Rita “Rich” Antonia Abante.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080721-149681/Filipino-talent-gives-dose-of-good-music-healing

Retrieve another sunken toxic cargo, gov’t urged

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.

Visayas Bureau

First Posted 03:30:00 07/21/2008

ILOILO CITY—The mayor of Culasi town has called on government agencies to fast-track the location and removal of 16 metric tons of toxic chemical from the cargo ship MV Ocean Papa that sank off Antique at the height of Typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen) last month.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080721-149688/Retrieve-another-sunken-toxic-cargo-govt-urged

MMDA chair moves to close nomination

By Gabriel Cardinoza

Northern Luzon Bureau

First Posted 06:34:00 07/21/2008

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Bayani Fernando isn’t content with merely offering himself up as the administration’s presidential candidate in 2010.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair also told reporters here on Saturday: “I move that the nomination be closed.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080721-149706/MMDA-chair-moves-to-close-nomination

Analysis

Middle, upper classes’ discontent political TNT

By Amando Doronila

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:35:00 07/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has smashed her own record as the most unpopular leader that Filipinos ever had in the past 22 years that span four administrations.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080721-149707/Middle-upper-classes-discontent-political-TNT

Diesel prices cut by P1.50

By Paolo Romero

Monday, July 21, 2008

Following an urgent appeal from President Arroyo, the country’s top oil companies agreed to roll back the prices of diesel by P1.50 per liter, a day after implementing a whopping P3 increase on the socially sensitive fuel product on Saturday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072093

ARMM election still on – Nograles

By John Unson

Monday, July 21, 2008

COTABATO CITY — The House of Representatives is not inclined to postpone the Aug. 11 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072094

Palace: GMA intervention saved 24 OFWs from execution

By Paolo Romero

Monday, July 21, 2008

Malacañang officials disclosed yesterday that President Arroyo’s personal intervention with kings and heads of state, particularly in the Middle East, has saved some 24 overseas Filipino workers from execution and secured the freedom of 11 other OFWs since 2006.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072095

House identifies priority bills for upcoming regular session

THE HOUSE of Representatives unveiled over the weekend a list of priorities it aims to work on in the second regular session of the current Congress that starts next Monday.

An official statement quoted House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles as saying that the target bills aim to sustain productivity while mitigating the adverse effects of the global economic slowdown.

http://bworldonline.com/BW072108/content.php?id=057

US group embraces GK vision

By Patricia Esteves

Monday, July 21, 2008

Gawad Kalinga’s commitment and vision to uplift the lives of the poor continues to transcend faith, creed, background and wealth, as it inspires an outpouring of support from different Catholic organizations and Filipinos abroad.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072096

CBCP to lead pro-life rally

By Sandy Araneta

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and other church organizations are planning to push through with their protest action this month against proponents of the reproductive health and population control measures.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072097

PCG wants Sulpicio billed P15M

Monday, July 21, 2008

Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, disclosed yesterday the government will urge Sulpicio Lines Inc. (SLI) to reimburse the P15 million spent in the search and rescue operations for victims of the M/V Princess of the Stars that sank at the height of typhoon “Frank” off Sibuyan Island in Romblon last June 21.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072098

Index crimes down 5% in 1st half of the year – PNP

By Cecille Suerte Felipe

Monday, July 21, 2008

Fewer crimes have occurred during the first half of the year, according to the police.

Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police spokesman, said their first semester crime records show crimes against persons (murder, homicide, physical injury, rape) went down by 5.12 percent, while crimes against property (robbery, theft) slightly went up by 0.72 percent.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072099

Palace urged to show JPEPA facts

Monday, July 21, 2008

Malacañang should be transparent in revealing the facts behind the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement and the North Rail Project instead of trying to withhold information by invoking the executive privilege of the presidency, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080720100

Lawmakers to Ducut critics: Give her benefit of the doubt

By Delon Porcalla

Monday, July 21, 2008

Lawmakers called on critics of newly appointed chair Zenaida Ducut of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to give her the benefit of the doubt as she assumes the helm of the agency.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080720101

File charges vs eagle killer – Zubiri

By Edith Regalado

Monday, July 21, 2008

DAVAO CITY – Sen. Miguel Zubiri urged the filing of charges against Brian Bala-on, a Lumad farmer in Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon, who admitted killing a Philippine eagle, an endangered bird that was raised in captivity and was recently released in the wild by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080720102

Magdalo no longer able to recruit new members – AFP

Monday, July 21, 2008

Rebel soldiers are no longer a threat to national security, the military said yesterday.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres said five years after Magdalo soldiers occupied the Oakwood apartment building in Makati, no new personalities have sprung up to lead another uprising against the government.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080720103

Gov’t asked to make public budget for MDG targets

Monday, July 21, 2008

An anti-poverty group yesterday asked the Arroyo government to reveal its budget allocation to fulfill its commitment and targets under the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080720104

Joker won’t buy Napocor’s public assurances on ‘no hike’ in power bills

By Aurea Calica

Monday, July 21, 2008

Sen. Joker Arroyo is not buying the National Power Corp.’s line that consumers will not see an increase in their power bill until 2009 despite its petition to seek a basic rate increase.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080720105

RP to tackle with Malaysia deportation of Pinoys

Monday, July 21, 2008

The Philippines will raise the issue of Filipinos being deported from Sabah during the two-day 5th RP-Malaysia Working Group on Migrant Workers beginning today, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080720106

JdV faces expulsion from Lakas

By Efren L. Danao Senior, Reporter

Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. faces expulsion from the party he co-founded, if he testifies against the Arroyo administration at the Senate inquiry into the controversial broadband project, a party leader said Sunday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/21/yehey/top_stories/20080721top3.html

Senate heading toward Northrail probe reopening

By Angie M. Rosales

07/21/2008

The pressure is building up on the Palace to answer charges surrounding the alleged highly-overpriced North Luzon railways system project (Northrail) as opposition senators refused to bend over to calls from some of their colleagues to abandon the idea of reopening the probe on the said contract.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080721hed2.html

May magagawa pala si Gloria!

Nina Rose Miranda, JB Salarzon at Rey Marfil

Lumalabas na may magagawa pala ang Malacañang upang pigilan ang namimihasa nang mga kumpanya ng langis sa bansa sa walang tigil na nagpapatong sa presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo lalung-lalo na ang langis.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2108/news_story2.htm

Ermita pinaiikot si Gloria

(Rey Marfil/Rose Miranda)

Ito ang naging resbak ni Senate minority floor leader Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr., kay Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita matapos balewalain ang negative 38% satisfaction rating ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2108/news_story4.htm

Hintayin muna ang pasabog ni JDV

(Eralyn Prado)

Hintayin na lamang ang pasabog ni dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia at huwag munang magpapakakampante ang Malacañang.

Babala ito ni dating Iloilo Congressman at incumbent Vice Governor Rolex Suplico sa Malacañang kasabay ng pagtawag nito kay Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita na nag-iilusyon at nawawala na sa kanyang sarili nang sabihin nitong wala nang inaasahang sasabihing mabigat si De Venecia oras na humarap ito sa Senado dahil sira na umano ang krediblidad nito.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2108/news_story5.htm

P1 bilyon pa sa subsidy

(Rose Miranda)

Nagpalabas si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng P1 bilyong piso mula sa koleksyon ng Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) sa oil products nitong nakaraang linggo upang ipamudmod sa nalalabi pang dalawang milyong beneficiaries na lifeline electric consumers sa ilalim ng “Pantawid Kuryente” program ng national government.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2108/news_story7.htm

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