Friday, September 5, 2008

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

SC upholds Neri again

Senate loses appeal on executive privilege

By Leila Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:19:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court Thursday upheld its decision that the Senate could not force Romulo Neri to answer three questions about President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s instructions to him in connection with the scrapped $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal on the ground of executive privilege.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158755/SC-upholds-Neri-again

2. The Philippine Star

SC reaffirms gag on Neri

By Mike Frialde

Friday, September 5, 2008

The Supreme Court reaffirmed yesterday its ruling on the executive privilege invoked by former economic planning secretary Romulo Neri against further testifying on the government’s national broadband network (NBN) deal with a Chinese telecommunications firm.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904132

3. Manila Times

Friday, September 05 2008

Executive privilege upheld

Court votes 9-6 against Senate

By William B. Depasupil, Reporter

Officials of the executive branch can invoke their right to “executive privilege” in refusing to appear before congressional inquiries, even under pain of arrest.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/05/yehey/top_stories/20080905top1.html

4. Malaya

Armed Forces allays fears of all-out war

Says capability of MILF ‘degraded’

BY VICTOR REYES

THE Armed Forces yesterday discounted the possibility of an all-out war with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels because of the government’s decision to dissolve its panel in peace negotiations with the secessionist group.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/sep05/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

SC reaffirms Neri ruling with finality

SC rejects Senate motion, reaffirms ruling in Neri case

By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC), in a 9-6 vote, declared final yesterday its March 25 ruling that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo properly invoked executive privilege for former SocioEconomic Planning Secretary Romulo L. Neri in his refusal to answer three questions during the Senate’s investigation of the scrapped $ 329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project with the ZTE Corporation of China.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080905134323.html

6. The Daily Tribune

Senators appalled by final ruling on executive privilege

SC affirms Palace silence on GMA-ZTE deal

By Benjamin B. Pulta and Angie M. Rosales

09/05/2008

It’s final. The Senate has been effectively castrated by the majority in the high court on the issue of executive privilege regarding the scandal-wracked and kickback-laden US $329-million ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080905hed1.html

7. Abante

IBOYKOT ANG ‘BIG 3’! -- SOLON

Ni MARK MANABAT

‘Kiko’ Pangilinan ang panawagan ng dalawang transport organizations na iboykot ang tinaguriang ‘Big 3’ sa industriya ng langis sa bansa.

Ang dahilan: mabagal na pagro-rollback ng presyo ng langis ng tatlong malalaking kumpanya ng langis na ito sa bansa sa kabila ng mabilis na pagbulusok ng halaga ng krudo sa world market.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/sep0508/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

NANGHOLDAP NA, NAMASYAL PA

Ni JULIET DE LOZA

Pitong pasahero ng FX taxi ang hinoldap ng tatlong kalalakihan saka mistulang ipinasyal pa at iniwanan ng tig-P50 na pamasahe bago ibinaba sa isang lugar sa Quezon City kahapon ng umaga.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep0508/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

‘Big 2’ bumigay

Nina Angie Dela Cruz, Rose Tamayo Tesoro At Rudy Andal

Friday, September 5, 2008

Bumigay na rin ang dalawa sa tinaguriang “Big 3” matapos ianunsiyo kahapon ng Shell at Petron na magro-rollback na rin sila ng P1 kada litro sa presyo ng kanilang produktong petrolyo ngayong Sabado.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008090480

10. Journal

PALACE WINS

By: Tess Bedico

Malacañang right to gag Neri upheld

VOTING 9-6, the Supreme Court yesterday affirmed with finality its March 25 decision upholding President Macapagal-Arroyo’s use of executive privilege to prevent former National Economic Development Authority chairman Romulo Neri from disclosing at a Senate hearing their discussion regarding the controversial ZTE broadband deal.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-09-05&sec=1&aid=72042

11. Business World

BY PAOLO LUIS G. MONTECILLO

Chip sector extends dim outlook

THE LOCAL SEMICONDUCTOR industry, which accounts for over 60% of the country’s exports, expects weak business conditions to last well into next year as a global economic crunch slows demand.

http://bworldonline.com/BW090508/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

ERC prods Meralco on audit

By Paul Anthony A. Isla

Reporter

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is pressing the government’s bid to have the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) scrutinized by state auditors, despite constitutional questions raised by the country’s largest power distributor.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0905&062008/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL

RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDS

P4-B microfinance started with P20, typewriter

By TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:19:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—A venture that was started with P20 and an old Remington typewriter is now a one-stop shop offering loans, banking services and life insurance. And, because of it, hundreds of thousands of poor clients have become richer.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158764/P4-B-microfinance-started-with-P20-typewriter

Palace: There’s no dramatic end to Arroyo’s term

By Michael Lim Ubac

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:20:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—“Let’s not all look for that dramatic end.”

With these words, Malacañang Thursday hinted that it had given up the prospect of sealing a peace deal with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term expires in 2010.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158765/Palace-Theres-no-dramatic-end-to-Arroyos-term

Evacuees say soldiers looted homes

By Charlie Señase, Julie Alipala, Nikko Dizon

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:20:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Residents returning from evacuation centers have found their houses and shops in Barangay Dapiawan in Maguindanao’s Datu Saudi town ransacked and looted and said soldiers were responsible.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158766/Evacuees-say-soldiers-looted-homes

‘It’s politics, plain and simple,’ says Batanes gov

By Beverly T. Natividad, Julie M. Aurelio, Nikko Dizon

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:22:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—He comes from a peace-loving province where crime is rare. But when the bullets struck him, Batanes Gov. Telesforo Castillejos said he knew it was all about politics and that the gunmen wanted him no less than dead.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158767/Its-politics-plain-and-simple-says-Batanes-gov

Senate to call Bolante the moment he returns

By Edson C. Tandoc Jr., Leila Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:23:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Senate blue ribbon committee, said he would summon former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante to appear in an inquiry the moment he arrives back in the country.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158768/Senate-to-call-Bolante-the-moment-he-returns

Arroyo birthday gift to son: P3B worth of projects

By Juan Escandor Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:24:00 09/05/2008

LIBMANAN, CAMARINES SUR—The Bicolanos of Camarines Sur province have billions of reasons to be thankful on the birthday of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s son on Thursday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158769/Arroyo-birthday-gift-to-son-P3B-worth-of-projects

Panel probing CA scandal submits findings to SC

SC to tackle report on Tuesday

By Leila Salaverria

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:11:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Heaving “sighs of relief,” members of the panel probing the Court of Appeals handling of the controversial court case between the Manila Electric Co. and the Government Service Insurance System on Thursday submitted their report to the Supreme Court.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158792/Panel-probing-CA-scandal-submits-findings-to-SC

GSIS head rapped over P8-B deposit

By Jocelyn Uy

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:12:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Winston Garcia, the controversial president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), has been slapped with another case at the Office of the Ombudsman involving the allegedly anomalous transfer of P8 billion since 2003, to the personal account of another GSIS official.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158793/GSIS-head-rapped-over-P8-B-deposit

Napolcom taps Versoza to replace outgoing Razon

By Julie M. Aurelio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:13:00 09/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The National Police Commission has formally recommended Deputy Director General Jesus Versoza to replace outgoing Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon Jr.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080905-158794/Napolcom-taps-Versoza-to-replace-outgoing-Razon

‘Big 3’ roll backprices, too

By Donnabelle Gatdula

Friday, September 5, 2008

Major oil firms Petron Corp., Chevron/Caltex and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. will roll back their pump prices by P1 a liter effective on Saturday, a few days after small petroleum companies initiated the latest price adjustment.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904133

Villar confirms presidential bid

By Aurea Calica

Friday, September 5, 2008

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. maintained yesterday that for him, it would be the presidency or nothing in 2010.

As early as last December, Villar, Nacionalista Party (NP) president, had declared in an interview with STARweek magazine that there was “no turning back” on his plan to run for president in 2010.

He said he would be his party’s standard-bearer.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904134

Puno gets report on CA mess

Friday, September 5, 2008

The panel composed of three retired Supreme Court justices tasked to probe the alleged improprieties committed by Court of Appeals justices in handling the Manila Electric Co. board election row yesterday submitted its findings and recommendations to Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904136

Palace: Who’s afraid of Jocjoc?

By Marvin Sy

Friday, September 5, 2008

Malacañang does not fear former agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said yesterday the government would have nothing to do with Bolante even if he testifies before the Senate upon his return from the United States.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904137

MILF rebuilding its forces – Army field commanders

By Jaime Laude

Friday, September 5, 2008

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is rebuilding its forces, taking advantage of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to up its recruitment efforts for a planned counteroffensive, military field commanders said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904138

Nograles on Cha-cha: Under my watch, I will bite the bullet

Friday, September 5, 2008

Speaker Prospero Nograles vowed to carry out whatever the House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments decides on the issue of Charter change.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904139

Attacker of Batanes governor not a professional hitman – police

By Non Alquitran

Friday, September 5, 2008

The gunman who carried out the ambush of Batanes Gov. Telesforo Castillejos is not a professional hitman.

Senior Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, chief of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-National Capital Region, said the attackers did not even check if they had killed their intended target.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904140

Ombudsman asked to suspend, charge Garcia, other GSIS execs with graft

Friday, September 5, 2008

The Office of the Ombudsman was asked yesterday to suspend for six months the president and general manager, vice president and treasurer, and the entire board of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904141

Pimentel: Why is Ermita heading baseline bills group?

By Christina Mendez

Friday, September 5, 2008

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. asked the Senate committee on foreign relations yesterday to reconsider the designation of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita as chairman of the congressional technical working group (TWG) that will consolidate the various bills delineating the country’s archipelagic baselines filed with Congress.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080904144

Dureza: ‘Joc Joc’ return does not worry Palace

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

MALACAÑANG has nothing to fear or worry about the deportation of former Agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc Joc" Bolante, the alleged mastermind of the P728-million fertilizer fund scam in 2004, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said yesterday.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/sep05/news3.htm

Friday, September 05 2008

Contrary to DOJ opinion, ‘Joc-Joc’ can be arrested

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

The Senate can still arrest a former Agriculture official linked to an alleged fertilizer scam upon his possible deportation from the United States to the Philippines.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/05/yehey/top_stories/20080905top2.html

SC denies Senate bid to reverse Neri ruling

BY EVANGELINE DE VERA

THE Supreme Court, by a vote of 9-6, yesterday denied the motion of the Senate that it reconsider its March 25 ruling upholding the decision of then former Planning Secretary Romulo Neri to invoke executive privilege in relation to the anomalous $329 million national broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/sep05/news4.htm

Friday, September 05 2008

JPEPA needs more clarifications – Kiko

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

The Senate concurrence on the ratification of the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is not assured despite the exchange of notes between the two countries, Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan said Thursday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/05/yehey/metro/20080905met1.html

5 senators out to block

JPEPA ratification

FIVE senators are moving to block Senate ratification of the controversial Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) unless a few of its key provisions are renegotiated.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/sep05/news5.htm

Probe panel on CA improprieties’ in Meralco case submits report

THE Supreme Court yesterday officially received the report and recommendations of a three-man panel tasked to looked into the propriety of Court of Appeals justices in connection with the Meralco ownership case.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/sep05/news6.htm

ERC decision on Meralco rates okay – Dureza

By GENALYN D. KABILING

Malacañang will not contest the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) that allows Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to increase its power rates since it is not too high anyway.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080905134327.html

Opposition proposes new Mindanao panel

By KRIS BAYOS and DAVID CAGAHASTIAN

Instead of prioritizing the organization of a new negotiating panel with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Malacañang should form a multi-sectoral team that will focus on Mindanao’s economic development, the United Opposition (UNO) said yesterday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20080905134330.html

Malacañang: No fear on Bolante’s return

09/05/2008

Press secretary Jesus Dureza during yesterday’s press conference said that Malacañang is unfazed by the possible return of Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante since he is already a private citizen.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080905hed4.html

SC nanindigan pabor kay Neri sa ‘executive privilege’

Nina Eralyn Prado, Boyet Jadulco at Rose Miranda

Ibinasura ng Korte Suprema ang inihaing motion for reconsideration na hinirit ng Senado matapos ang March 25 decision ng hukuman na pumapabor sa executive privilege case ni dating socio economic planning Sec. Romulo Neri.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/sep0508/news02.htm

Pagbuwag sa GRP pangsalba kay Gloria

Nina Bernard Taguinod, Boyet Jadulco at Rey Marfil

Pangsalba lamang sa sarili sa matinding kahihiyan ang desisyon ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na tuluyang buwagin ang government peace panel o GRP na nakikipagnegosasyon sa separatistang Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep0508/news_story2.htm

Neri hindi pa rin patatahimikin sa ZTE

(Bernard Taguinod)

Nakapuntos muli ang Malacañang sa Senado nang muling katigan ng Supreme Court (SC) ang nauna nitong desisyon na paboran ang paggamit ni Secretary Romulo Neri sa executive privilege sa isyu ng kontrobersyal na $329 milyong NBN-ZTE deal.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep0508/news_story4.htm

Pag-aresto kay Jocjoc ipipilit

(Boyet Jadulco/Rey Marfil)

Itinulak kahapon ni Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada ang pag-aresto kay dating Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn ‘Jocjoc’ Bolante sa oras na bumalik na ito sa bansa mula sa Estados Unidos.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep0508/news_story6.htm

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