Wednesday, July 23, 2008

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Port in Enrile turf eyed in smuggling

US traders puzzled by volume of luxury cars

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 00:42:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Cagayan Export Zone (CEZ), a free port that was created at the instance of administration Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, has replaced Subic Freeport as the place where imported second-hand luxury vehicles enter the country, according to a report of the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham).

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150099/Port-in-Enrile-turf-eyed-in-smuggling

2. The Philippine Star

GMA backs ARMM polls postponement

By Paolo Romero

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) scheduled for next month are expected to be postponed after President Arroyo officially endorsed their deferment.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722143

3. Manila Times

Govt for postponing elections in ARMM

Gordon, Comelec chairman against rescheduling polls

President endorsed postponement of the August 11 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to propel a recent breakthrough in peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said Tuesday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/23/yehey/top_stories/20080723top1.html

4. Malaya

Business favors cut in VAT to 10%

'Do it now so more people will benefit'

BY IRMA ISIP

BUSINESS favors a cut in the value-added tax from 12 to 10 percent, the original rate when the system was adopted in 2002, over the abolition of VAT on oil and power, an officer of the Makati Business Club said yesterday.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul23/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

Postponement of ARMM polls looms

To push MILF peace talks forward, says President

Senators oppose move, say election only 20 days away

By GENALYN D. KABILING

Postponement of the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) loomed yesterday as President Arroyo endorsed the proposal in order, she said, to move forward the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080723130495.html

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante

HINDI ABORTION ANG FAMILY PLANNING!

Nina BERNARD TAGUINOD, JUN TADIOS at ROSE MIRANDA

Nilinaw kahapon ng mga mambabatas na nagsusulong ng Reproductive Health Bill na hindi pro-abortion o nag-eendorso ng aborsyon ang naturang panukala.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july2308/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

CALL CENTER AGENT NANGGAPANG, NANLAMAS!

Armida Rico

Dumulog kahapon sa Pasay City Police Station ang isang dalaga upang ipagharap ng reklamo ang kanyang kapitbahay matapos siyang gapangin at lamasin umano habang mahimbing na natutulog sa loob ng kanilang bahay kamakalawa ng madaling araw.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2308/news_headline.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pagpapaliban sa ARMM polls ok kay GMA

Ni Rudy Andal

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Suportado ni Pangulong Arroyo ang panawagan na ipagpaliban ang August 11 elections para sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) upang bigyang-daan ang peace negotiations sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20080722145

10. Journal

DEFER ARMM POLLS

By: Tess Bedico

GMA urges postponement of election in Autonomous Region in Muslim M’danao to save peace bid with MILF

CITING the need to give the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front a chance to succeed, President Macapagal-Arroyo has endorsed to Congress the postponement of the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-07-23&sec=1&aid=67513

11. Business World

San Miguel stake sale pushed

Cocofed warns share price is dropping, says it has a buyer

A GROUP OF COCONUT FARMERS battling the government for a 24% stake in food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp. has added new pressure for the Supreme Court to settle the ownership row, saying it had found a buyer for the bloc which must now be sold because the stock price is going down.

http://bworldonline.com/BW072308/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

ADB cuts RP growth forecast

By Jun Vallecera and Cai U. Ordinario

Reporters

FROM an expected growth of 6.4 percent this year in terms of the gross domestic product, the Philippines was seen to expand at a slower 5.5 percent instead, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Tuesday.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/07232008/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL

‘Peace at hand in Mindanao’

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The positive developments in the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) indicate that Mindanao is “on the threshold of peace,” President Arroyo said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722144

NAIA-3 opens with dawn flight to Caticlan

By Rainier Allan Ronda and Rudy Santos

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Nine domestic flights of Cebu Pacific, including those from Manila to Boracay, Laoag, Naga City, San Jose (Mindoro), and Tuguegarao, took off from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722146

UN cites RP for pro-poor programs

By Helen Flores

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

An official of the United Nations said yesterday the Philippine government is taking “correct action” to help address the immediate needs of poor Filipinos amid soaring food and fuel prices.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722148

Gov’t moves to tie up Sulpicio assets

By Christian V. Esguerra

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:46:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The government has initiated moves to tie up assets of Sulpicio Lines Inc. to make sure that the company would shoulder the multimillion-dollar cost of retrieving its sunken MV Princess of the Stars.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150117/Govt-moves-to-tie-up-Sulpicio-assets

El Shaddai leader calls House population bill evil

By Juliet Labog-Javellana

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:47:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde Tuesday described the reproductive health (RH) bill pending in Congress as “evil” and warned that his Catholic charismatic group would take to the streets to oppose its passage.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150118/El-Shaddai-leader-calls-House-population-bill-evil

Gov’t can audit oil firms, says Malacañang

By Michael Lim Ubac, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:48:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Stung by criticism that it failed to force the “Big Three” oil companies to publicly disclose their soaring profits as global prices of crude hit the roof, Malacañang Tuesday said that it had the power to audit oil firms.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150119/Govt-can-audit-oil-firms-says-Malacaang

After 6 years, NAIA 3 finally opens

By Tarra Quismundo

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:49:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Once a white elephant that slept soundly in the dark, the mothballed Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) flickered into life before dawn Tuesday and accepted its first passengers.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150120/After-6-years-NAIA-3-finally-opens

‘Stupid’ girl: Joker called to say sorry for ‘birthday gift’

By Michael Lim Ubac

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:50:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—It was a birthday gift she could live without.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo was referring to Sen. Joker Arroyo’s remarks the other day denouncing her statement that Cabinet officials would not think twice about invoking executive privilege if the Senate reopened its inquiry into the $500-million North Luzon Railways (NorthRail) project.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150121/Stupid-girl-Joker-called-to-say-sorry-for-birthday-gift

Mamma Mia! James Bond wins ARMM mock polls

Mindanao Bureau

First Posted 05:14:00 07/23/2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY— For perhaps the first time ever in Mindanao, and in the Philippines for that matter, an election was held without a shot being fired. And the voters seemed to have been entertained, too.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150140/Mamma-Mia-James-Bond-wins-ARMM-mock-polls

Court dismisses another writ of amparo petition

By Leila Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:15:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Protection under the writ of amparo has proved elusive for a member of the militant party-list group Anakpawis, whose plea was dismissed by the Court of Appeals.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150141/Court-dismisses-another-writ-of-amparo-petition

Prosecutor Villa-Ignacio standing his ground

By TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:16:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio is not backing down from what he said were moves by Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and her allies to unseat him.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080723-150142/Prosecutor-Villa-Ignacio-standing-his-ground

Gov’t urged to bare details of ancestral pact

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

COTABATO CITY – Cotabato Vice Gov. Emmanuel Piñol called on the government yesterday to reveal details of the draft agreement granting ancestral domain to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722149

COA open to oil firm audit

By Reinir Padua

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The Commission on Audit is willing to look into the books of oil companies if given a mandate by Congress.

“It would depend if its (audit of oil firm) legal basis would be established. If we really need to conduct such an audit, we can do that,” Susan Garcia, director of COA Management Services Office, said. “But it should be within our mandate.”

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722154

Search for Jonas to continue despite court ruling

By James Mananghaya

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Intelligence agents will continue searching for missing activist Jonas Burgos despite the dismissal of his mother’s writ of habeas corpus petition, the Army said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722159

P30-M e-voting at House won’t make it for SONA

By Delon Porcalla

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The much-vaunted P30-million electronic voting project of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will unfortunately not make it for the July 28 State of the Nation Address of President Arroyo, seven months after it was installed in December 2007.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722159

Ombudsman officials admit Gutierrez, Villa-Ignacio feud

By Edu Punay

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Officials of Office of the Ombudsman yesterday confirmed the dispute between Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio over policy differences.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722165

GMA launches P500-M hospital upgrade program from VAT proceeds

By Marvin Sy

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

President Arroyo formally launched the government’s P500-million program to upgrade the country’s public hospitals.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722189

AFP presents 2 suspects in Ces kidnapping

By Roel Pareño

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The two young Abu Sayyaf bandits who were among the kidnappers of ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Ces Drilon and her cameramen last month were turned over by the military to the police for the filing of criminal charges.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080722190

Renewable energy, Epira top Senate agenda

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

Senate President Manuel Villar expressed confidence Tuesday that the Senate would be most productive in the Second Regular Session which convenes next week, and that pending priority measures would be passed before the House transmits to the Senate the proposed 2009 national budget.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/23/yehey/metro/20080723met1.html

50% ng GSIS benefits mamamadyik

(Juliet de Loza)

Nagpahayag ng pangamba ang mga miyembro ng Manila Public School Teachers Association (MPSTA) na mawala sa kanila ang 50% inaasahan nilang magiging benepisyo kapag nagretiro sa Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) dahil sa mga mapang-abusong patakarang ipinatutupad ni GSIS President Winston Garcia sa ahensya.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july2308/news04.htm

Fajardo explains remarks on executive privilege

By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said yesterday reports of her invoking executive privilege for a just emerging Senate investigation on the Northrail Project was taken "out of context."

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080723130508.html

P500 M OKd for upgrade of gov’t hospitals

By GENALYN D. KABILING

The government will spend P500 million to improve the facilities and equipment of government hospitals to meet the urgent medical needs of the people, President Arroyo announced yesterday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080723130509.html

Pinoy ginutom ni Gloria!

Nina Bernard Taguinod, Rose Miranda at Rey Marfil

Maitatala sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas na si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang siyang dahilan ng pagkagutom ng mga Filipino sa mahabang panahon.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2308/news_story2.htm

DOJ, COA walang ‘K’ sa audit ng oil firms

(Rey Marfil/Rose Miranda)

Sinupalpal ng isang senador ang umano’y ‘pagmamarunong’ ng tanggapan ni Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Raul Gonzalez sa auditing ng libro ng mga oil companies upang magkaalaman kung magkano ang ‘tongpats’ sa presyo ng petroleum products.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2308/news_story4.htm

Katas ng VAT ginamit sa facelift ng Kamara

(Bernard Taguinod)

Bagama’t pabor na i-renovate ang Batasan Complex, may suspetsa ang isang kongresista na “katas ng VAT” (Value Added Tax) ang ginamit na pondo para dito.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2308/news_story5.htm

Gov’t hospitals also get subsidy

By: Tess Bedico

President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday launched in Cotabato City a P500 million subsidy program to upgrade government hospitals in the provinces.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-07-23&sec=1&aid=67514

Mapapalitan lang ang gobyerno sa 2010 -- Nograles

By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

MANGYAYARI lamang ang pagbabago sa Malacañang matapos ang 2010 presidential elections, ayon kay Speaker Prospero “Boy” Nograles Jr.

Umapela si Nograles sa mga kritiko ni Pangulong Arroyo na hintayin na lamang ang 2010 upang maiwasan ng bansa ang mas malalang problemang idudulot ng mga kaguluhang posibleng sumiklab.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-07-23&sec=4&aid=0

Roxas kay GMA: Komprehensibong ‘Oil at Food Plan’ ihayag sa SONA

Nagbabala si Senador Mar Roxas na lalala pa ang kagutumang dulot ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at mga bilihin, kaya’t nanawagan siya kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na gamitin ang State of the Nation Address (SONA) sa Lunes, Hulyo 28 upang maghayag ng isang tutok at komprehensibong plano kung paano haharapin ang kasalukuyang krisis sa langis at pagkain.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2308/news_story7.htm

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