Tuesday, August 5, 2008

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Supreme Court halts Moroland deal

SC ignores gov’t plea of executive privilege

By Tetch Torres, Leila Salaverria, Michael Lim Ubac, Christian V. Esguerra, Nikko Dizon

INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:07:00 08/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court, ignoring a new plea for executive privilege to keep diplomatic negotiations secret, stopped the signing on Tuesday in Malaysia of an agreement that critics feared could lead to an independent Bangsamoro state.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152658/Supreme-Court-halts-Moroland-deal

2. The Philippine Star

SC stops gov't-MILF land deal

By Mike Frialde

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The Supreme Court stopped yesterday the signing of a territorial agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) even as the Arroyo administration parried accusations that it was giving up the country’s sovereignty in exchange for a peace pact with the secessionist group.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804154

3. Manila Times

SC stops signing of pact

Protests against MILF state to continue today

The Supreme Court on Monday stopped the government from signing a peace agreement with Muslim separatist insurgents in southern Philippines, in another apparent setback to efforts to end nearly four decades of rebellion there.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/aug/05/yehey/top_stories/20080805top1.html

4. Malaya

SC stops pact signing

Palace confident MILF talks on track

BY EVANGELINE DE VERA

THE Supreme Court yesterday issued a temporary restraining order on the signing of a memorandum of agreement between peace negotiators from the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front scheduled today in Kuala Lumpur.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug05/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

SC stops signing of MILF accord

Issues TRO, sets oral argument for Aug. 15

SC issues TRO on signing of MoA on ancestral domain

By REY G. PANALIGAN

In a unanimous vote of 15 justices, the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday stopped the government from proceeding today with the signing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on the ancestral domain in the expanded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080805131632.html

6. The Daily Tribune

GMA’s plan to stay beyond 2010 bared

By Ninez Cacho-Olivares Editor-in-chiefEXCLUSIVE

08/05/2008

Two meetings were held between President Arroyo and her allies among local government units (LGUs) last Friday and Sunday to fine-tune the move for a People’s Initiative (PI), intended to ensure her stay in Malacañang beyond 2010.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080805hed1.html

7. Abante

SC sa GRP-MILF pact

TEKA MUNA!

Nina JUN TADIOS, ROSE MIRANDA, NILO MARASIGAN, ERALYN PRADO, BOYET JADULCO at BERNARD TAGUINOD

Isang araw bago ang nakatakda sanang pirmahan ng Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) ng pamahalaan at Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sa Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, naglabas ng temporary restraining order (TRO) ang Korte Suprema para pansamantalang pigilin ito.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/aug0508/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

KARIBAL NA TIBO PINATAY

Ni Alvin Madan

Humandusay ang duguang katawan ng isang tibo matapos saksakin ng kanyang karibal na isa ring tomboy nang magpang-abot ang dalawa sa bahay ng nililigawang dilag at matapos ang pananaksak ay tinangka ring magpatiwakal ng tomboy sa Valenzuela City kahapon ng madaling-araw.

Binawian ng buhay habang ginagamot sa Valenzuela General Hospital sanhi ng mga tinamong saksak sa katawan ang biktimang nakilalang si Joan Otero, 26-anyos, empleyado ng SM North, residente ng 143 Pineapple Road, Potrero, Malabon City, habang inoobserbahan din sa nasabing pagamutan ang suspek na nagtamo rin ng saksak sa sikmura matapos magtangkang magpakamatay na nakilalang si Emelita Bernabe, 24, ng Road 13, Pag-asa, Quezon City.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/aug0508/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Mindanao People Power

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Ipinalabas kahapon ng Supreme Court ang isang temporary restraining order na pumipigil sa paglagda sa memorandum of agreement ng pamahalaan at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front na magpapalawak sa teritoryo ng mga minoryang Muslim sa Mindanao.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008080457

10. Journal

HOLD IT!

By: Hector Lawas

SC stops gov’t, MILF from inking controversial territory accord

THE Supreme Court yesterday stopped the government peace negotiating panel from signing the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-08-05&sec=1&aid=69068

11. Business World

High court halts RP-MILF deal

Territorial agreement gives Muslims wider economic, political powers

THE SUPREME COURT yesterday halted the signing of a territorial deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), resulting in yet another setback to efforts aimed at ending a decades-long insurgency.

http://bworldonline.com/BW080508/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

SC stops signing with MILF

By Joel San Juan

Reporter

THE Supreme Court (SC) issued on Monday a temporary restraining order (TRO) enjoining the government peace panel from signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Ancestral Domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which was scheduled for Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/08052008/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL

It’s just a piece of paper–Bernas

By Christian V. Esguerra

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:17:00 08/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—A leading constitutionalist Monday provided a calming voice amid alarm bells that the signing of the controversial memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain would lead to a separate Bangsamoro state in Mindanao.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152659/Its-just-a-piece-of-paperBernas

3 retired SC justices to probe CA bribery case

By Leila Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:18:00 08/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—After a special en banc session, the Supreme Court Monday formed a panel that will investigate a scandal rocking the Court of Appeals in connection with irregularities surrounding the latter’s decision on the battle for control of Manila Electric Co. between the Lopez family and the Government Service Insurance System.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152660/3-retired-SC-justices-to-probe-CA-bribery-case

Thousands march in South, hit ‘treachery’

Mindanao Bureau

First Posted 02:51:00 08/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Thousands of protesters Monday marched in the cities of Zamboanga and Iligan, denouncing as “treachery of the highest order” their inclusion in a proposed Bangsamoro homeland.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152677/Thousands-march-in-South-hit-treachery

Gov’t fails to allay fears of Charter change

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Michael Lim Ubac

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:55:00 08/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Government defenders Monday failed to ease fears among senators that the proposed peace deal with Moro separatists was merely a ploy to keep President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in power beyond 2010.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152699/Govt-fails-to-allay-fears-of-Charter-change

Plebiscite areas

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:57:00 08/05/2008

Below is the list of areas where a plebiscite is proposed to be held to determine if residents agree to their inclusion in the planned Bangsamoro homeland. The proposed Bangsamoro homeland will in effect expand the scope of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The list was given to the Philippine Daily Inquirer by the government negotiating panel.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152700/Plebiscite-areas

Red-faced RP execs to explain SC ruling

By Christine Avendaño, Nikko Dizon

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:47:00 08/05/2008

KUALA LUMPUR—What had been planned as a historic diplomatic feat turned out to be a major political embarrassment.

And instead of celebrating what could have been a breakthrough in the search for peace, Presidential Peace Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. will be doing a lot of explaining when he meets Filipino Moro rebels and Malaysian mediators on Tuesday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152708/Red-faced-RP-execs-to-explain-SC-ruling

Lumad leaders want no part in Bangsamoro deal

By Ryan Rosauro

Mindanao Bureau

First Posted 05:48:00 08/05/2008

DAVAO CITY—Some 140 leaders of indigenous communities in Mindanao have urged the government to exclude their ancestral lands in an expanded Bangsamoro territory.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152709/Lumad-leaders-want-no-part-in-Bangsamoro-deal

2 key provisions in draft revised

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:12:00 08/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Two key provisions in the

Draft of an agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday, have been revised.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152712/2-key-provisions-in-draft-revised

Survey says Filipinos happy with programs, not Arroyo

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:13:00 08/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipinos are satisfied with 15 of the 20 programs of the administration but are still dissatisfied with the President herself, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address showed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080805-152713/Survey-says-Filipinos-happy-with-programs-not-Arroyo

Arroyo, allies hit for taking control of power sector

By Ephraim Aguilar

Southern Luzon Bureau

First Posted 02:31:00 08/05/2008

LEGAZPI CITY – The militant group Bayan-Bikol (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan) sounded the alarm bells as it alleged that President Macapagal-Arroyo’s relatives and allies were inching their way to the “lucrative” power industry.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080805-152670/Arroyo-allies-hit-for-taking-control-of-power-sector

No need to postpone ARMM polls – Senate

By Christina Mendez

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Two senators see no need for next week’s elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to be put on hold.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes and laws, said postponement was no longer possible because of lack of time and a resolution.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804155

Cha-cha may be needed for peace pact – Palace

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

A Palace official admitted yesterday that the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain and a final peace accord with secessionist Muslim rebels might require constitutional amendments.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804156

Flour price hike to push through

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Flour millers said yesterday they would not postpone their price increase, which will result in higher prices of pan de sal and other breads.

The price of pan de sal is set to go up this week by 25 centavos per piece, and loaf bread by P1.50 each.

Millers said that pan de sal prices are not likely to stabilize and may even increase again in September, depending on the wheat harvest in the United States.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804157

GMA, Nograles fare badly in polls

By Jess Diaz

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Filipinos appear generally satisfied with most of President Arroyo’s programs, although they don’t like or trust her, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by an ally of the President.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804158

SC forms 3-member panel to probe CA mess

By Mike Frialde

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The Supreme Court yesterday formed a three-man committee composed of retired SC justices to probe the alleged impropriety committed by justices of the Court of Appeals (CA) in handling the case involving the board election row of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804159

EU, UN confirm toxic substances in waters around capsized ferry

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

A joint European Union-United Nations team of experts sent to the country to assess the situation of the M/V Princess of the Stars, which capsized off Romblon last June 21, has confirmed the presence of large quantities of five pesticides and other toxic substances in the ferry’s cargo hold.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804161

From Batanes to Jolo, BF posters soon to sprout

By Michael Punongbayan

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

His posters are going beyond the confines of Metro Manila, and can now be seen on street corners from Batanes to Jolo.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando has new tarpaulins featuring a new photograph – with his index finger pointed straight at you.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804162

Land Bank: It was Quedancor that hired consultancy firm for P100 M

By Aurea Calica

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

It was the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corp. (Quedancor) that hired ONL as financial advisor and paid the consultancy firm P100 million in arranger’s fee, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804163

Highlights of MOA between government, MILF

By James Mananghaya

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain whose signing today was ordered stopped by the Supreme Court would authorize the so-called Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) to negotiate directly with foreign governments and set up its own police force.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804164

Zambo residents rejoice over TRO

By Roel Pareño

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Local officials and residents here were relieved and euphoric after the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the signing of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804165

US Institute of Peace says it had warned governm

By Aurea Calica

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

A group calling itself the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) had been tasked by the US State Department to undertake a project to help expedite a peace agreement between the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from 2003 to 2007 and which supports the establishment of an ancestral domain for the Bangsamoro people.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804166

Army vows to run after MILF rebels behind North Cotabato attacks

By James Mananghaya

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Troops will hunt down suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels that attacked soldiers on patrol in Midsayap, Cotabato province last Sunday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804167

Power rates could drop by P2 per kWh, UP study shows

By Donnabelle Gatdula

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Power rates could be reduced by as much as P2 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) if the government and the private sector will come together to do their share in reducing electricity rates, according to initial results of a study commissioned by the University of the Philippines.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804169

Lawmaker says Shell violating oil deregulation law

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

A lawmaker urged the Department of Justice yesterday to charge in court Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. for blatantly violating the Oil Deregulation Law.

Catanduanes Rep. Joseph Santiago said Shell, which “controls one third” of the local fuel market, has not sold 10 percent of its equity to the public and has not listed its shares in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080804170

Malaysians return to Mindanao as peace monitors

Malaysia reversed its decision to withdraw troops monitoring a ceasefire between Manila and a separatist group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/aug/05/yehey/top_stories/20080805top3.html

Palace defers to Court, postpones KL signing

By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter

Malacañang postponed signing of a memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) “in deference” to the Supreme Court decision it issued Monday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/aug/05/yehey/top_stories/20080805top4.html

Bishop finds House allies vs. cyber gambling

ARCHBISHOP Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan on Monday found allies at the House of Representatives in condemning the reported cyber gambling operations inside the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) that is not under the supervision of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor).

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/aug/05/yehey/prov/20080805pro2.html

Power stakeholders doubt study to cut electricity rates

TEN PROPOSALS offered by a group of engineering professors of the University of the Philippines to cut power rates by at least P2.09 per kilowatt-hour were doubted by stakeholders in the power sector yesterday as largely impractical.

http://bworldonline.com/BW080508/content.php?id=056

Gloria low rating takes another dive

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

PRESIDENT Arroyo's record low satisfaction rating drastically plunged in just less than a month, making her the most unpopular president since 1986, results of a Social Weather Stations survey commissioned by her own allies in Congress showed.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug05/news4.htm

Senate: No basis for postponement of ARMM elections

By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

The Senate yesterday stood pat on its decision not to draft legislation to postpone the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections scheduled for Aug. 11, 2008 despite a last-minute plea from the government peace panel led by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080805131633.html

House oversight panel backs oil VAT retention

By EDMER F. PANESA

The House Committee on Oversight has supported President Arroyo’s decision to retain the Expanded Value-Added Tax (EVAT) on fuel products, but said the administration must go beyond using its proceeds to fund direct subsidy programs for the poor.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080805131635.html

66% of Pinoys not satisfied with Arroyo gov’t – survey

08/05/2008

So, who will say now that surveys showing negative satisfaction rating for President Arroyo have all been politically manipulated by the opposition camp aimed at projecting a scenario of mass disenchantment to serve as a prelude to toppling the present dispensation?

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080805hed5.html

Palasyo umentra sa SWS survey

(Rose Miranda/Tina Mendoza)

Umentra ang Malacañang sa huling Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey na nagbigay ng mataas na satisfaction rating kina Vice President Noli De Castro at Senate President Manuel Villar.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/aug0508/news04.htm

Paglusaw sa VAT `di iaatras sa Kamara

(BTaguinod)

Walang balak ang liderato ng Kamara na iatras ang mga panukalang batas na nagbabasura sa value-added tax (VAT) sa langis at kuryente.

Ito ang napag-alaman dahil tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang House committee on ways and means na pinamumunuan ni Antique Rep. Exequiel Javier sa pagdinig sa mga nakabinbing panukalang batas para ibasura ang nasabing buwis.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/aug0508/news_story4.htm

Villar cites positive rating in SWS survey

By BEN R. ROSARIO

Senate President Manuel "Manny" B. Villar Jr. welcomed yesterday the result of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that majority of Filipinos remains satisfied with his performance as leader of the Senate.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080805131643.html

Power rates can be cut by P2 per kwh — study

By ELLALYN B. DE VERA

Four University of the Philippines (UP) professors revealed yesterday how electricty rates may be reduced by at least P2 per kilowatt hour (kwh).

In the report "Reducing Power Rates by at Least R2," UP College of Engineering Professors Rowaldo del Mundo, Edna Espos, Dr. Allan Nerves, and Ivan Benedict Nilo Cruz showed that reduced power rates may be effected through a combination of simple adjustments in regulatory and implementing policies and an amendment of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080805131644.html

SC creates panel to probe ruling on Meralco-GSIS case

By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) decided yesterday to create a three-member committee to investigate the procedural and ethical aspects on the issuance by the 8th Division of the Court of Appeals (CA) of a decision on the case between the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) involving the validation of proxy votes during the power firm’s stockholders’ meeting last May 27.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080805131645.html

GMA to DENR: Speed up reforestation program

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to fast-track the implementation of the country’s reforestation program with the P2 billion she has allocated for reforestation.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-08-05&sec=4&aid=69048

Senate in the dark on Mindanao pact – Villar

By: Alfred P. Dalizon

SENATE President Manuel Villar yesterday said even the senators have no knowledge of the proposed Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the Arroyo government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Speaking with reporters in Camp Crame where he was the guest of honor and speaker at the 13th founding anniversary of the Police-Community Relations Group, Villar said they are worried about the implications of the agreement.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-08-05&sec=4&aid=69089

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