Monday, July 28, 2008

July 28 - 29, 2008

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Arroyo’s SONA to focus on poor

Main thrust: Nat’l social welfare program

By Christine Avendaño

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:37:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Even as she faces the nation as the most unpopular Chief Executive since 1986, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will try to convey herself as a caring and confident leader when she delivers her penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151080/Arroyo’s-SONA-to-focus-on-poor

2. The Philippine Star

MILF attacks village in North Cotabato

By James Mananghaya

Monday, July 28, 2008

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels went on a rampage in Cotabato following the breakdown of peace talks with the government, burning 10 houses, wounding three soldiers and causing scores of people to flee.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072796

3. Manila Times

Govt, MILF sign agreement

Negotiators settle ancestral domain issue at KL meeting

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have signed an agreement on the ancestral domain issue, just days after the peace talks collapsed, a rebel leader said.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/28/yehey/top_stories/20080728top1.html

4. Malaya

The state of the SONA Palace: Just the facts

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

NO "fireworks" can be expected today from President Arroyo’s State of the Nation address, her eighth, before the joint session of Congress.

Arroyo, the most unpopular president since 1986 as shown by a survey, did not embellish her 40-minute speech with flowery words about her accomplishments, Malacañang officials said yesterday. She also did not plan for a dramatic presentation of her administration’s successes and ambitious endeavors.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul28/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante

SONA: FASHION SHOW LANG!

Abante Reportorial Team

Maraming mga mambabatas mula sa dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso ang hindi dadalo o ibo-boykot ang idaraos na ika-walong State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ngayong araw dahil sa kanilang paniniwala na lalabas lamang itong isang malaking fashion show at pawang litanya lamang ng mga kasinungalingan at mga pangakong napapako ang maririnig sa bawat bibigkasing salita ng Pangulo.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/july2808/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

AYAW MAGPAUTANG DINOS POR DOS!

Ni Aries Cano

Walang awang inalagay sa balag ng alanganin ng isang 36-anyos na lalaki ang buhay sa sinapupunan ng kanyang bunsong kapatid na babae nang hayagan nitong bigwasan ng kaliwa’t kanang suntok, hambalusin ng kahoy at hiyain sa lansangan ang buntis na biktima matapos mabuwisit nang hindi umano makahirit ng inuutang na perang nagkakahalaga lamang ng P70.00 sa Maynila.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2808/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pagharap sa media ng mga suspek balak ipatigil ng PNP

Ni Danilo Garcia

Monday, July 28, 2008

Posibleng ipatigil na ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang nakaugalian na “papoging” pagpiprisinta sa media ng mga naarestong suspek sa mga krimen na pinaghihinalaan pa lamang.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008072774

10. Journal

IT'S SONA TIME

By: Tess Bedico

GMA to trumpet pro-poor programs amid foes’ rallies

PRESIDENT Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address will emphasize her administration’s pro-poor thrust, Malacañang said yesterday.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza yesterday said the President’s speech which is expected to last for 40 minutes will only be an announcement of the government’s national social welfare program to help the people cope with the global problem of rising prices of oil and basic commodities.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-07-28&sec=1&aid=68132

11. Business World

12. Business Mirror

Subsidies: No impact on ratings

By Mia M. Gonzalez

Reporter

THE fuel and food subsidies for which the administration has been criticized—for using scarce resources for unsustainable remedies—did not boost the public’s perception of top government leaders, it turns out.

II. POLITICAL

How Arroyo fared in previous SONAs

By Inquirer Research

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:41:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has made a number of promises in her State of the Nation Addresses (SONAs). How did some of the promises fare?

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151086/How-Arroyo-fared-in-previous-SONAs

Analysis

Swan song of troubled Arroyo presidency

By Amando Doronila

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:50:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivers on Monday her eighth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a dispirited people ravaged by double-digit inflation of food and fuel prices and with lowered expectations that her speech will provide ample relief from economic and social distress.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151087/Swan-song-of-troubled-Arroyo-presidency

I-TEAM REPORT

5 years after Oakwood mutiny, AFP says things looking up

Wake-up call in the military

By Nikko Dizon

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:12:00 07/28/2008

(First of three parts)

MANILA, Philippines—On the morning of July 27, 2003, officials of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) greeted cadets in the mess hall a “Happy Sunday.”

It was a usual greeting at the country’s premier military school at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City. But it was not a usual day.

Before dawn that Sunday, five years ago, more than 90 junior officers—PMA graduates as recent as 2002—occupied the posh Oakwood apartments in Makati City, along with 250 of their men, to protest corruption in the government and the military.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151088/5-years-after-Oakwood-mutiny-AFP-says-things-looking-up

Police round up 120 in villages near Batasan

By Jeannette Andrade, Inquirer Bureaus

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:27:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Police rounded up some 120 people in barangays (villages) near the Batasan Complex in a crackdown on possible troublemakers on the eve of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151089/Police-round-up-120-in-villages-near-Batasan

On SONA’s eve, Arroyo checks on jatropha

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:48:00 07/28/2008

FORT MAGSAYSAY, NUEVA ECIJA—On the eve of her State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited the 5-hectare jatropha nursery at the sprawling military reservation here.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151097/On-SONAs-eve-Arroyo-checks-on-jatropha

Gov’t-MILF peace talks on again

By Christine Avendaño

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:22:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The peace talks between the government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front are back on track after the two panels signed in Malaysia Sunday night a joint communiqué on the contentious issue of ancestral domain.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151105/Govt-MILF-peace-talks-on-again

Did wrong justices rule on Meralco case?

2 CA divisions heard TRO plea vs power utility

By Gerry Lirio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:01:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Will the Court of Appeals justices who really have charge of the GSIS-Meralco row please stand?

The decision issued by the 8th Division of the Court of Appeals last week is not likely to settle the controversy between the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) over the election recently of the utility’s directors.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151111/Did-wrong-justices-rule-on-Meralco-case

RSBS mismanagement still burning mutiny issue

By Alcuin Papa

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:13:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The scandal that hit the Retirement and Separation Benefits System (RSBS) was one of the burning issues raised in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny. It still rankles today.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151112/RSBS-mismanagement-still-burning-mutiny-issue

‘Modernized’ Maria Clara gown for Arroyo

By Christine Avendaño

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:14:00 07/28/2008

MANILA, Philippines—For her fashion statement to the nation, she’s wearing fuchsia pink, a subtle pitch for Filipino workmanship.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is donning a “modernized Maria Clara gown” for her 8th State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday, a Filipiniana outfit conveying the theme of this year’s speech, according to a Palace official.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080728-151113/Modernized-Maria-Clara-gown-for-Arroyo

‘GMA’s SONA to offer hope’

By Paolo Romero

Monday, July 28, 2008

President Arroyo will offer hope to Filipinos and galvanize them into action against rising food and fuel prices when she delivers her eighth State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress today, Malacañang said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072797

Heavy rains expected until today

Monday, July 28, 2008

The western sections of Luzon, including Metro Manila, and the Visayas will continue to experience intermittent moderate to heavy rains until today due to an enhanced southwest monsoon, the state weather bureau said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008072799

Subsidies fail to boost GMA ratings – Pulse Asia

By Helen Flores

Monday, July 28, 2008

Subsidies that the government has been giving to poor Filipinos in recent months made no dent on President Arroyo’s low performance and trust ratings, the latest survey of Pulse Asia showed.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727100

GMA did well on this one

Monday, July 28, 2008

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by a congressional oversight committee reportedly showed that the Arroyo administration has scored satisfaction ratings ranging from 43 percent to 70 percent in 15 out of 20 national issues, including infrastructure and natural calamities.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727101

Probers focus on Qantas jet oxygen tank

Monday, July 28, 2008

Australian investigators are exploring the possibility that an oxygen cylinder could have exploded midflight on the Qantas jumbo jet that made a harrowing emergency landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport with a giant hole in its fuselage, an official said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727102

Green groups give GMA failing grade

By Katherine Adraneda

Monday, July 28, 2008

As President Arroyo is set to deliver her 8th State of the Nation Address (SONA) this afternoon, various environmental organizations have given her a failing grade on her “ecological performance.”

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727103

Recto needs CA affirmation – Gullas

By Jess Diaz

Monday, July 28, 2008

Former senator Ralph Recto, the new director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), needs confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA), Cebu Rep. Eduardo Gullas said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727104

Senators train sights on subsidies as Congress opens today

By Aurea Calica

Monday, July 28, 2008

Congress opens today with senators training their sights on the subsidies being distributed by the government and other necessary measures to help the people cope with the rising prices of fuel, food and other basic commodities.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727105

Nograles vows passage of 87 bills by December

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter

Speaker Prospero Nograles said Sunday the House of Representatives is committed to pass 87 more measures touching on the economy, environment, political reforms, education and poverty alleviation starting this month to December this year.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/28/yehey/metro/20080728met1.html

P1-B fund source for House facelift a puzzle

By Tita Valderama Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

Monday, July 28, 2008

Conclusion

Why the House launched a massive reconstruction program without firm and full appropriations support raises a lot of questions, according to University of the Philippines Prof. Leonor Briones.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727106

Nograles: Facelift only P98 M

By Jess Diaz

Monday, July 28, 2008

Congressmen are hounded by a new controversy – this time about renovations they are making in the Batasan building – as they join senators today in hearing President Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727107

Windfall profit tax on oil firms eyed

Monday, July 28, 2008

A Bicol congressman is seeking the imposition of a “windfall profit tax” on oil companies which he said continue to make “excessive” earnings “at the expense of consumers.”

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727108

PNP on red alert for SONA protests

By Cecille Suerte Felipe and Non Alquitran

Monday, July 28, 2008

Metro Manila has been placed on full alert status since yesterday to ensure the peace when President Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA) at 4 p.m. today at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727109

Enrile urged to inhibit self from Senate probe of car smuggling

By Aurea Calica

Monday, July 28, 2008

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan urged Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday to avoid being present at the hearing on the alleged smuggling of secondhand cars at Port Irene in Cagayan in which the senior lawmaker’s son-in-law was said to be involved.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727110

UNO bet too early to tell

By Edith Regalado

Monday, July 28, 2008

DAVAO CITY – Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said it is still too early to tell who would be the United Opposition’s presidential candidate in the 2010 elections.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080727111

UNO: Same old nonsense

BY ASHZEL HACHERO

"THE same old nonsense."

This is what the United Opposition yesterday said could be expected today from President Arroyo’s eighth State of the Nation address.

Several members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines asked Arroyo to stop giving a report that "everyone knows is far from reality."

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul28/news2.htm

Palasyo nagulantang sa anti-EVAT survey

(Rose Miranda)

Mistulang nagulantang ang Malacañang matapos aminin kahapon ng mga opisyal ng palasyo na kinakailangan ang mas malawak na information drive hinggil sa expanded value-added tax (EVAT) matapos mabatid sa huling survey ng IBON Foundation na 90 porsyento ng mga Filipino ang gustong alisin na lamang ito.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2808/news_story2.htm

Boykot ng mga estudyante: TV, radio, iPod at computer isasara sa SONA

Nina JB Salarzon, Rey Marfil at Rose Miranda

Mas lalong lumakas ang panawagang boycott isang araw bago ang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo matapos manawagan ang isang grupo ng mga kabataang mag-aaral mula sa tatlong malalaking unibersidad sa Metro Manila.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2808/news_story3.htm

Oil firms gustong patawan ng extra tax

(Eralyn Prado)

Seryosong ikinukunsidera ng isang kongresista ang pagpapataw ng extra tax o karagdagang buwis sa mga kumpanya ng langis kung patuloy ang limpak-limpak na kita o tinutubo ng mga ito na nagbibigay ng dagdag na pasanin at pasakit sa panig ng mga consumer.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2808/news_story4.htm

Erap may sariling SONA

(Juliet de Loza)

Ilalahad din sa publiko ni dating Pangulong Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada ang sarili niyang bersyon ng State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Ito ang nabatid kay Lito Anzures, political adviser ng United Opposition, sa isang pulong-balitaan subalit hindi sinabi kung ngayon din ihahayag ni Estrada ang kanyang SONA pagkatapos o bago ang SONA ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2808/news_story5.htm

Teodoro kinampihan ng Palasyo sa no ceasefire policy

(Eralyn Prado/JB Salarzon)

Si Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at hindi si Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Alexander Yano ang kinampihan kahapon ng Malacañang sa magkaibang posisyon ng mga ito kung dapat o hindi na magpatupad ng indefinite ceasefire sa Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/july2808/news_story6.htm





I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

2. The Philippine Star

3. Manila Times

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

President: VAT helps poor

GMA rejects calls to scrap consumption tax

President Gloria Arroyo on Monday turned down appeals to scrap an unpopular sales tax because of surging inflation, warning that food and fuel prices would likely remain high.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top1.html

4. Malaya

‘VAT is RP’s salvation’

GMA: Tax scrapping will benefit only the rich

SONA highlights

• VAT is solution to complex global crisis.

• More pro-poor ‘Katas’ in pipeline

• SSS, GSIS to step up housing loans

• Preference for natural family planning methods stays

• Extension of CARP a priority

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday said it is too late to scrap the value added tax (VAT) on oil and power because it would only compromise present and future progress.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul29/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

8 priority measures pushed

CARL extension, typhoon budget, reforms for Mindanao peace lead SoNA list

GMA SoNA lists 8 priority measures

By GENALYN D. KABILING

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday listed eight priority measures she would like Congress to approve by December along with a supplemental budget for the rehabilitation of typhoon-hit provinces in Western Visayas.

http://www.mb.com.ph/archive.php?date=2008-07-29

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante

8. Abante-Tonite

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

10. Journal

11. Business World

12. Business Mirror

II. POLITICAL

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Bugkalot in ‘bahag’ steals show from fashionistas

The red carpet that is the stuff of Oscar nights has rolled over to the Batasang Pambansa, home to the Philippines’ House of Representatives in Quezon City.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top2.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

1 in 2 Pinoys dissatisfied with President’s performance

By Rommel C. Lontayao, Reporter

About one in every two Filipinos is not satisfied with the overall performance of the Arroyo administration, Social Weather Stations (SWS) said. It based this finding on survey results it released on Monday, when President Gloria Arroyo was to deliver her State of the Nation Address.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top3.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Price hikes by Shell, Total the last for now – Reyes

After the weekend price hike of P1.50 a liter by Shell and Total, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said other oil companies will not follow suit as they have not issued any advisory as required by law.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top4.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

SONA proves that you can’t please them all

All lies were what President Gloria Arroyo said in her State of the Nation Address, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada said.

Estrada justified his decision not to attend the joint session of Congress for President Arroyo’s eighth SONA despite having received a formal invitation from his former colleagues in the Senate.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top5.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Govt, MILF return to negotiating table

By Al Jacinto, Correspondent

Philippine peace negotiators and Muslim rebels agreed to resume formal talks after both sides reached a deal on ancestral domain.

The government panel late Sunday rushed to make a deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and promised the separatist insurgents a plebiscite for a Muslim homeland in southern Mindanao ahead of President Gloria Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top6.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Church stand on natural contraception archaic – Miriam

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

The Catholic Church’s insistence on natural contraception is “outdated and archaic,” Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said on Monday as she expressed support for bills on reproductive health.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top7.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Complicity in poll fraud cover-up taints police commandos’ record

By Ellen Tordesillas, Vera Files

(Editor’s note: The first part detailed how commandos of the police Special Action Force switched election returns during the 2004 national elections.)

Last of two parts

It was no accident that it was the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police that penetrated the Batasang Pambansa and stuffed the ballot boxes with fake election returns to make it look like Mrs. Gloria Arroyo won the 2004 elections.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/top_stories/20080729top8.html

G-string one-ups (almost) GMA’s gown, Pacquiao

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

LESS is more.

Mayor Rosario Camma of Nagtipunan, Quirino nearly stole the show yesterday from President Arroyo when he showed up literally underdressed for the 8th state of the nation address – wearing only a tribal G-string or "bahag."

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul29/news2.htm

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

House eyes exercise of oversight powers

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter

THE House of Representatives on Monday opened its second regular with the idea of using its oversight powers to review the performance of the executive department, particularly in implementing laws passed by Congress.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/metro/20080729met1.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

House eyes exercise of oversight powers

By Jomar Canlas, Reporter

THE House of Representatives on Monday opened its second regular with the idea of using its oversight powers to review the performance of the executive department, particularly in implementing laws passed by Congress.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/metro/20080729met1.html

Villar vows Senate independence, sets probe of anomalies

Senate President Manuel Villar said Monday that the Senate would maintain its independence in the Second Regular Session “in upholding the best interests of the Filipino citizenry.”

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/metro/20080729met2.html

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

SC clarifies dual citizenship

MERE reacquisition of one’s Filipino citizenship does not satisfy the constitutional requirement on elective positions, even for the lowly post of barangay captain.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/29/yehey/metro/20080729met3.html


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