Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Stocks tumble, peso slides to 16-month low

By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson, Doris Dumlao

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:49:00 09/17/2008

The collapse of Lehman Brothers, one of Wall Street’s oldest investment banks, Tuesday sent Philippine stocks plummeting 4.5 percent to a new low in a year and a half.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20080917-161111/Stocks-tumble-peso-slides-to-16-month-low

2. The Philippine Star

Stocks continue free fall

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

NEW YORK – Global stock markets went into a dizzying fall yesterday as the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers sparked fears that more bad news is on the horizon for the finance sector and the economy.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916112

3. Manila Times

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Meralco execs face arrest

Firm spokesman says estafa case aims to harass

By Willliam B. Depasupil Reporter

The Department of Justice has sought the immediate arrest of 16 top officials of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the non-bailable offense of syndicated estafa.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/17/yehey/top_stories/20080917top1.html

4. Malaya

Joker, Malacañang come to Villar’s rescue

‘Ping trying to be a hero at the expense of others’

BY JP LOPEZ

ADMINISTRATION Sen. Joker Arroyo, in a personal and collective privilege speech yesterday, accused Sen. Panfilo Lacson of "intellectual dishonesty" over his allegations of corruption in the Senate in relation to the double appropriation in the 2008 national budget for the C-5 extension project.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/sep17/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

RP acts on global market fears

Sets measures to mitigate effects of US dev’ts

GMA speaks today on moves to mitigate effects of US dev’ts

By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will speak on measures to mitigate the effects on the Philippine economy of weakening markets in the United States and other industrialized countries at the midyear Philippine Economic Briefing today in Makati City on the theme "Philippines Addressing Challenges: Staying the Course."

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080917135447.html

6. The Daily Tribune

Peers rebuke, denounce Lacson for playing ‘hero’

09/17/2008

For shooting first and asking questions later, it was Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s turn to become “bruised and battered” and voted down by the Senate majority, many of whom gave the view that Lacson had gone “too far” in condemning corruption in the Senate and making it appear that he was the only senator who was “clean” while the rest are deemed “corrupt.”

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080917hed1.html

7. Abante

WALANG NILABAG SI VILLAR -- PALASYO

Nina ROSE MIRANDA, NILO MARASIGAN, REY MARFIL at BOYET JADULCO

Nagkakaisang sinabi ng mga Malacañang officials na walang ginawang paglabag si Senate President Manuel Villar sa Revised Penal Code dahil lamang sa alegasyong “double insertion” sa national budget.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/sep1708/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

BABY ISINILID SA KALDERO

Nina NONNIE FERRIOL at ERIKA MAALA

Kalunus-lunos ang sinapit na kapalaran ng isang munting anghel na baby boy dahil hindi man lamang ito binigyan ng pagkakataong masilayan ang mundo matapos na umano’y sapilitang ilaglag sa sinapupunan ng kanyang ina at itinago pa sa loob ng kaldero para tangkain sanang itapon na lamang kamakalawa ng gabi sa Makati City.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep1708/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Divorce, no way

Ni Malou Escudero

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Malabo ng magkaroon ng divorce sa Pilipinas dahil sa Senado pa lamang ay 11 senador na ang tutol sa panukalang ito na isinusulong ngayon sa Kamara.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008091659

10. Journal

OIL PRICES PLUMMET

Crude down to $92 per barrel

LONDON - World oil prices dipped briefly beneath $90 a barrel on Tuesday amid growing economic gloom and fears of slowing energy demand, traders said.

The price of crude oil has now plunged by almost 40 percent since striking record highs above $147 per barrel in July.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-09-17&sec=1&aid=73119

11. Business World

RP banks prepare for fallout

Banco de Oro, Metrobank bare Lehman exposure, set aside funds

DOMESTIC BANKS with direct exposure to failed Lehman Brothers have begun setting aside funds to cover possible losses arising from the US financial institution’s collapse.

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW091708/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

Hunt on for who got burned

By Jun Vallecera and Butch Fernandez

Reporters

THE central bank governor and finance secretary moved on Tuesday to ease fears of a major fallout in the Philippines from the continuing turmoil in US financial markets, amid calls by lawmakers for authorities to compel the two biggest pension funds to make a clear and unequivocal declaration that they had no burned investments globally.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/09172008/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL

Villar admits seeking C-5 funding

By Edson C. Tandoc Jr., Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:24:00 09/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Senate President Manuel Villar admitted he was the one who had requested the finance committee to raise the allocation for the controversial C-5 road extension project, but he stressed that he “did not and will not get anything from the additional funding.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161126/Villar-admits-seeking-C-5-funding

Solons grill agri chief over rice scam

By Norman Bordadora

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:25:00 09/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Lawmakers rebuked Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap for alleged irregularities involving billions of pesos in agricultural funds, when he appeared before Congress on Monday night to seek approval of a P39-billion budget for his department in 2009.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161127/Solons-grill-agri-chief-over-rice-scam

Sabio wants DoJ to probe bribe source

By Leila Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:26:00 09/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Where would the P10 million for the alleged bribe attempt come from?

Court of Appeals Justice Jose Sabio Jr. on Tuesday asked the Department of Justice to expand its probe of an alleged bribe try in connection with the case of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to include the source of the money.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161128/Sabio-wants-DoJ-to-probe-bribe-source

Fighting, floods could bring famine to South, bishop fears

By Jerome Aning

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:27:00 09/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The on-going armed conflict between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) compounded by months of monsoon flooding could bring famine to parts of Mindanao, a Roman Catholic bishop warned Tuesday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161129/Fighting-floods-could-bring-famine-to-South-bishop-fears

From the air, gov finds illegal logs in Sierra Madre

By TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:28:00 09/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—It took a helicopter ride for Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca to discover that there were some 11 million board feet of illegally cut logs in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park still waiting to be hauled out.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161130/From-the-air-gov-finds-illegal-logs-in-Sierra-Madre

Captives down to 2; teeners behind kidnap

By Julie Alipala, Alcuin Papa

Mindanao Bureau, Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:29:00 09/17/2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Boys as young as 15 years old carried out the kidnapping of four peace advocates on Basilan island but two of the hostages later escaped during pursuit operations against the kidnappers, police said Tuesday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161131/Captives-down-to-2-teeners-behind-kidnap

2 aid workers experts in conflict resolution

By Julie Alipala

Mindanao Bureau

First Posted 04:30:00 09/17/2008

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Humanitarian workers Esperancita “Espie” Hupida and Merlie “Milet” Mendoza are known experts in conflict resolution and rehabilitation of war-torn areas, such as the provinces of Basilan and Sulu.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161132/2-aid-workers-experts-in-conflict-resolution

Call him Jeff, says SC; he used to be called Jennifer

By Leila Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 06:39:00 09/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—A person who is genetically female but has a rare and permanent medical condition that allows the development of both male and female sex organs is now legally and officially a man.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080917-161148/Call-him-Jeff-says-SC-he-used-to-be-called-Jennifer

RP banks set aside $94.7 M

By Ted Torres and Des Ferriols

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The country’s two largest banks, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and Banco de Oro, said yesterday they were setting aside provisions totaling $94.7 million to cover their exposure to the Lehman Brothers’ collapse.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916113

Abus release 3 of 5 kidnapped aid workers

By James Mananghaya

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Three of the five aid volunteers kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan were released Monday evening, the military said.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said the bandits had agreed to release without ransom Ludivina Dekit, Romy de los Reyes and Jun Estandarte and left them in the town of Al-Barka.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916114

Fuel prices rolled back by 50¢

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

As world crude prices plunged, small oil players announced last night a price reduction of 50 centavos per liter for gasoline and diesel effective early this morning.

There was no word from the “Big 3” oil companies, but they usually follow price cuts of the small players.

Eastern Petroleum will roll back prices effective at 5 a.m. and Seaoil an hour later to reflect price cuts in crude oil this week.

Additional price cuts are possible this week, the company said.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916115

COA finds more infra anomalies

By Reinir Padua

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Commission on Audit (COA) has found irregularities in the use of more than P2 billion intended for the construction and rehabilitation of roads that were instead diverted to other projects in 2007.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916116

Budget insertions lack transparency

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The brouhaha over the P200-million extra funding for the CP Garcia Ave. or C-5 highlights one of the key mysteries in the budget process: the so-called “congressional insertions.”

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916117

Senate to summon Bro. Mike over C-5 project

By Aurea Calica

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Charismatic leader Bro. Mike Velarde may not be able to avoid getting summoned by the Senate to shed light on the issue of alleged overpayments of right of way over properties covered by road improvement projects, especially when the owners were in power.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916118

JMSU deal under review

By Delon Porcalla

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes reported yesterday that the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) forged by the Philippines with China and Vietnam had expired last July 1 and is now under review.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916119

Flour millers question big bakers’ price hike

By Ma. Elisa Osorio

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Local flour millers are questioning the decision of some big bakers to increase their prices this week and even further raise bread prices if they don’t get an additional P30 per bag discount.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916120

DOTC open to scrapping interconnection fees on SMS

By Delon Porcalla

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Depending on the outcome of several congressional investigations, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said it would support government moves to scrap the interconnection fees between telecommunication companies (telcos) to pave the way for free text messaging (SMS).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916121

SC junks OSG petition, allows gender change for man

By Mike Frialde

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Supreme Court has affirmed a Regional Trial Court (RTC) decision allowing a woman with an adrenal gland problem to change her name and her gender from “female” to “male”

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916122

DA defends release of P4.3-B augmentation fund

By Marianne Go

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Department of Agriculture yesterday defended the release of the additional P4.3-billion augmentation fund for the agency’s priority programs.

In its 2007 report, the Commission on Audit (COA) had said that the release of the additional P4.3 billion was over and above the DA’s approved budget for 2007.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916123

Sabio affirms bribery charge

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Suspended Court of Appeals Justice Jose Sabio Jr. affirmed yesterday before the Department of Justice his affidavit accusing businessman Francis de Borja of trying to bribe him with P10 million.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916124

Army intercepts MILF weapons

By Jaime Laude

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Government troops foiled an attempt by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to smuggle firearms and bullets to its fighters in Cotabato province.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916125

POEA: Financial fall won’t affect OFW hiring

By Mayen Jaymalin

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) yesterday dismissed a possible drop in the hiring of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the face of the collapse of world financial markets.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916126

EU urges RP, MILF to resume talks

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The European Union (EU) urged the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to resume peace talks amid an escalation of fighting in Central Mindanao.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916127

Ramos, Prince of Orange to keynote international forum on climate change

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Former President Fidel Ramos and Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands will keynote the 8th Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP) which begins tomorrow at the Mactan Shangri-La in Cebu.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080916128

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Senate shaming itself on C-5 issue – Chiz

Sen. Francis Escudero decried Tuesday that the Senate had to vote before allowing a member, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, to speak on a question of personal and collective privilege after his name was dragged by Sen.Panfilo Lacson in the augmentation of the P200-million budget for the Circumferential Road-5 extension project.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/17/yehey/metro/20080917met5.html

Ping, miyembro ng ‘Intriga Gang’ - Cayetano

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Mas tumindi kahapon ang ‘word war’ ng mga senador kaugnay sa isyu ng ‘budget insertion’ matapos tahasang sabihin ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano na miyembro ng Puro Intriga Na Lang Gang o “PING” si Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008091660

5 senators favor divorce in RP but 11 are against it

By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

Five senators have come out in the open favoring a proposed bill that would allow divorce among Filipino couples.

The five senators are Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, Richard Gordon, Miriam Defensor Santiago and Pilar Juliana "Pia" Cayetano.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080917135452.html

Ping guilty of ignorance of budget process — Villar

By Angie M. Rosales

09/17/2008

Sen. Panfilo Lacson is guilty of not understanding the budget process.

This was the shot fired by Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. a day after being “bruised and battered” on the floor by Senators Lacson and Jamby Madrigal.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080917hed2.html

Ping tatahimik kapalit ng pag-amin ni Villar

Nina Rey Marfil at Boyet Jadulco

Nagpahiwatig kahapon si Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson ng kahandaang maghinay-hinay sa paglalarawang maanomalya ang P200 milyong tongpats sa C-5 Road Project kapag inamin ni Senate President Manny Villar ang pagkakamali o nangyaring double insertion.

Magbabago lamang ang kanyang pananaw sa P200 milyong tongpats kung maipapaliwanag ni Villar ng maayos ang ginawang pagsisingit sa 2008 national budget.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep1708/news_story2.htm

Pag-absuwelto kay Velarde intriga lang

(Rey Marfil)

Sinupalpal ni opposition Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson ang pagsangkalan ng kampo ni Senate President Manuel ‘Manny’ Villar Jr., sa lupang pag-aari ni El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde para intrigahin ang imbestigasyon tungkol sa P200 milyong tongpats sa C-5 Road Project.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep1708/news_story5.htm

CA ruling vs Lozada hailed

THE Court of Appealss’ rejection of the petition for writ of amparo filed by ZTE witness Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada only shows that facts can never be overturned by teary-eyed theatrics.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-09-17&sec=4&aid=73069

Villar-Ping feud won’t affect Senate -- Chiz

By: Paul M. Gutierrez

SENATE ways and means Ccommittee chairman, Sen. Francis Escudero, yesterday voiced optimism that the current row between Senate President Manuel Villar and Sen. Panfilo Lacson would not hamper the chamber’s legislative agenda.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-09-17&sec=4&aid=73143

Palace mum over C-5 row

By: Efren Montano

MALACAÑANG is not lifting a finger to settle the raging squabble over an alleged double entry on an infrastructure project on C-5 Parañaque City in the national budget.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-09-17&sec=4&aid=73144

Villar orders close watch of ports

PRESIDENTIAL Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) Head Usec. Antonio “Bebot” A. Villar, Jr, today ordered his field officers to be extra vigilant as intelligence reports indicated smugglers of highly-saleable goods for Christmas may divert their shipments to the other major ports in the province.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-09-17&sec=4&aid=73148

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