I. BANNER STORIES
Galoc starts producing oil
By Abigail L. Ho, TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:29:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—After numerous delays, the Galoc oil field off northwest Palawan has finally produced oil, boosting the country’s hope to become 60-percent energy self-sufficient by 2010.
First discovered in 1981 and appraised in 1988, the Galoc field was left undeveloped due to the risks associated with its development and the then low price of oil.
Oil strike off Palawan: 22,000 barrels a day
By Paolo Romero and Ted Torres
Friday, October 10, 2008
Oil from the Galoc fields off Palawan started flowing yesterday, signaling the first step toward energy self-sufficiency for the Philippines.
Malacañang made the announcement as officials stressed the oil find would be used for domestic consumption to help reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008100997
3. Manila Times
Friday, October 10, 2008
Remittances to fall – IMF
Recession unlikely in emerging economies
By Maricel E. Burgonio, Reporter
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said remittance inflows to the Philippines are likely to decline because of a slowdown in advanced economies.
“Economies like the Philippines and also in Central America, the Caribbean, perhaps in emerging Europe as well, will be affected by slowing inflows from remittances, in a similar way to slowing demand for their export goods,” Charles Collyns, the IMF deputy director, said recently in a transcript from a press conference in the US.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/10/yehey/top_stories/20081010top1.html
4. Malaya
Gonzalez assails Hultmans
Says they agreed not to object to Teehankee pardon in settlement
BY EVANGELINE DE VERA
JUSTICE Secretary Raul Gonzalez yesterday continued his offensive against the parents of Maureen Hultman, calling them "hypocrites" for denying they knew of the possibility that Maureen’s killer, Claudio Teehankee Jr., would be pardoned.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct10/news1.htm
Senate ratifies Japan Agreement
16 senators vote for JPEPA; 5 against
Controversial pact finally OKd after over a year
By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA
The Senate on Wednesday night ratified the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) with 16 senators concurring in its ratification.
Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said she expects the bilateral agreement to take effect after a month following an exchange of letters between the two countries’ foreign ministers.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20081010137607.html
Cha-cha on; GMA ally brings case to SC
By Gerry Baldo and Charlie V. Manalo
10/10/2008
As the days near before her forced departure from Malacañang, set on June 29, 2010, President Arroyo, through an ally in the House of Representatives, is now forcing through a quick Charter change mode through the Constitutent Assembly by bringing up a case before the Supreme Court (SC), which is expected to trigger a ruling by the tribunal on the nagging issue on whether the Senate and the Lower House should vote separately to convene both houses of Congress and tackle Cha-cha through the Con-Ass mode.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20081010hed1.html
7. Abante
MASS LAYOFFS!
Nina BOYET JADULCO, NILO MARASIGAN at ROSE MIRANDA
Nagbabala kahapon si Sen. Mar Roxas na posibleng magkaroon ng malawakang tanggalan ng mga manggagawa kapag hindi mapaghahandaan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang hahagupit na “financial tsunami” sa bansa.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1008/default.htm
BABY PINALAKLAK NG GIN NI ITAY
Nina LILY REYES at JETHRO SINOCRUZ
Kahabag-habag ang sinapit ng dalawang buwang sanggol na namatay matapos umanong painumin ng alak ng kanyang amang durugista at lasenggero kahapon ng hapon sa Quezon City.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1008/news_story1.htm
Oil price tataas uli!
Ni Rudy Andal
Friday, October 10, 2008
Mas matinding pagtaas sa presyo ng imported crude oil ang nakaamba kapag tumindi ang global financial crisis.
Ito ang inamin kahapon ng Malacañang sa kabila ng pagpapatupad ng mga rollback ng mga oil firms.
Sinabi ni Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, natutuwa si Pangulong Arroyo sa panibagong rollback subalit may posibilidad pa rin na tumaas ito sa mga susunod na araw dahil na rin sa global economic crisis.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20081009121
10. Journal
JPEPA OKAYED
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo & Tess Bedico
Senate ratifies controversial trade treaty with Japan
VOTING 16-4, the Senate ratified late Wednesday night the controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement which is seen to further improve trade relations between the two countries.
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago dismissed allegations that JPEPA’s ratification was railroaded, although she admitted that hours before the senators voted, President Macapagal-Arroyo issued a certification stressing the “urgency” to approve the accord.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-10&sec=1&aid=75299
11. Business World
JPEPA finally okayed
Mixed reactions greet Senate approval
LOCAL ELECTRONICS PLAYERS AND BUSINESS GROUPS are predicting an influx of investments with the approval of a Philippines-Japan free trade deal that will eliminate tariffs on a wide range of products.
The optimism, however, is not shared by some in the automotive manufacturing sector, who fear that the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) would hasten the entry of used motor vehicles.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101008/content.php?id=001
12. Business Mirror
RP financial system remains effective–BSP
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Philippine financial system, no matter that its counterparts in most parts of the world have broken down, remains an effective channel for transmitting monetary-policy intent, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said on Wednesday.
He meant that appropriate adjustments in the rate at which the BSP directly borrows from or lends to banks remain an effective tool for either encouraging households or corporations to approach or refrain from dealing with the various sources of funding for expansion and other requirements.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1010&112008/headlines01.html
II. POLITICAL
Perks for rich jailbirds
Reporters take a look at former solon’s cell
By Miko L. Morelos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:31:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The room that served as Claudio Teehankee Jr.’s “halfway house” in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) is furnished with a 42-inch LCD television set, a queen-size bed and a refrigerator.
Members of the media were yesterday allowed into the vinyl-tiled room owned by former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos, a convicted child rapist who had become fast friends with Teehankee.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081010-165605/Perks-for-rich-jailbirds
Businessmen slam Teehankee pardon
By Daxim Lucas, Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:34:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The influential Makati Business Club (MBC) Thursday criticized Malacañang’s “mishandling” of the grant of executive clemency to Claudio Teehankee Jr., saying the move was symptomatic of the broader problem of lack of transparency hounding the Arroyo administration.
The MBC also said the arguments of Malacañang officials in support of Teehankee’s release “betrayed a disturbing lack of respect for victims’ rights and the public’s right to information.”
Senate ratifies RP-Japan deal
By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:44:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—No sooner had the Senate voted 16-4 to ratify the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) than senators started mulling over a renegotiation of the terms of the trade deal.
Hypocrites, Gonzalez calls Hultmans
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:48:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez on Thursday said Vivian and Anders Hultman were “hypocrites,” and that the couple knew as far back as 1999 that their daughter’s murderer would someday be paroled or pardoned and released from jail.
Customs faces probe over tainted milk
By Christine Avendaño, Margaux Ortiz, Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:51:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The Ombudsman will investigate the possible involvement of Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials in the smuggling of tainted China milk products into the country.
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago suggested the investigation to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez during Thursday’s Senate hearing on the Ombudsman’s proposed P1-billion budget for next year.
IRONY OF IRONIES:
Communist giant may save capitalism
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:53:00 10/10/2008
SYDNEY—A cartoon on the front page of Australia’s national newspaper on Thursday neatly illustrates an irony admitted even by two of America’s staunch allies, Australia and the Philippines—that communist China could save capitalism.
The cartoon shows a Chinese man in a Superman outfit telling exactly that to a bankrupt, cigar-smoking Wall Street tycoon covering his nakedness in a barrel.
Maguans oppose clemency for Rolito Go
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:55:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The possible grant of executive clemency to businessman Rolito Go drew flak from those left behind by the 25-year-old man he killed in a traffic altercation in 1991.
In a statement sent Thursday to the Inquirer, the family of Eldon Maguan decried Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez’s statement on Tuesday that Go was “eligible” for clemency after serving 13 years of a maximum 20-year jail term.
Miriam denies JPEPA was railroaded
By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:58:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—The Senate ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) close to midnight on Wednesday was not railroaded, according to Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Santiago, chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, yesterday said the vote happened shortly before 11 p.m. as senators had to wait for colleagues who left the Senate but had promised to return so they could cast their votes.
At 107, CG is seeking own identity
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:04:00 10/10/2008
MANILA, Philippines—On the eve of the 107th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), its leaders said the best gift the organization could have was the passage of a bill that sought to give it a distinct identity and clearly define its functions.
Unioil rolls back diesel price by P2
Friday, October 10, 2008
Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. reduced yesterday its diesel and kerosene prices by P2 per liter, a step ahead of the P1 cut implemented a day earlier by other oil firms.
Unioil retained the prices of its gasoline products, saying the prices have already gone down considerably.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008100998
Hultmans suffering from amnesia – DOJ
By Perseus Echeminada
Friday, October 10, 2008
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez turned the tables on Anders and Vivian Hultman yesterday as he accused the couple of amnesia for denying that they were consulted on the executive clemency granted to Claudio Teehankee Jr., the convicted killer of their daughter Maureen and her friend Roland Chapman.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008100999
15 more Pinoy seamen freed
By Pia Lee-Brago
Friday, October 10, 2008
The 19-man crew of the chemical tanker M/T Irene, among them 15 Filipino seamen, was freed by Somali pirates Wednesday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. said the Japanese-operated, Panama-flagged Irene was released with its crew by Somali pirates around 11:30 p.m. Manila time.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009100
Senators deny JPEPA railroad
By Aurea Calica
Friday, October 10, 2008
Senators justified yesterday the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA, saying the trade pact – although “flawed” – will help the country catch up with global trade.
Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chairman of the foreign relations committee and principal sponsor of the JPEPA, said she was confident that JPEPA would pass the test of constitutionality if challenged before the Supreme Court by groups opposed to it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009101
Meralco cleared in estafa case
By Non Alquitran
Friday, October 10, 2008
Seventeen officials of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) were cleared yesterday of syndicated estafa charges involving P889 million in meter and bill deposits from the power firm’s customers after a Pasig judge found the case against them to be without legal basis.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009102
‘RP-US ties to stay strong whoever wins in polls’
By Jose Katigbak STAR Washington Bureau
Friday, October 10, 2008
WASHINGTON – No matter who wins in November, US ties with the Philippines, one of only two US treaty allies in Southeast Asia – the other is Thailand – will likely remain strong and on course, political analysts here said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009103
GMA urged: Don’t pardon Rolito Go
By Non Alquitran
Friday, October 10, 2008
The family of slain engineering student Eldon Maguan appealed anew to President Arroyo not to grant executive clemency to his convicted killer Rolito Go.
“A murderer who escaped from confinement doesn’t deserve to be pardoned,” said Grace Maguan, the elder sister of the victim, in reaction to the pronouncement of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez that Go’s petition for executive clemency is currently being reviewed by the Department of Justice.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009104
Apostol out as GMA’s chief legal counsel
Friday, October 10, 2008
Malacañang confirmed yesterday the resignation of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol, who has decided to join the board of directors of Union Bank.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Apostol’s resignation took effect about one or two weeks ago, but gave no other details as to the reasons for his decision.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009106
Palace: Strong banking sector shielded RP from crisis
By Paolo Romero
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Philippine financial system is not likely to crash like its American counterpart due to the conservative and prudent stance of local banks and monetary authorities, President Arroyo said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009107
BFAD spends P400,000 on melamine testing
By Sheila Crisostomo
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) has already spent some P400,000 in testing China-made milk and its byproducts for traces of melamine.
According to BFAD director Prof. Leticia Gutierrez, she asked the bureau’s budget officer to compute how much they have actually spent since they started testing Chinese dairy products three weeks ago.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081009108
Friday, October 10, 2008
JPEPA ratification to boost exports P1.4B
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
The Senate concurred Wednesday night with the ratification of the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) by a vote of 16-4 before going on a month-long recess.
Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and sponsor of the agreement, said the treaty is the “biggest trade agreement involving the Philippines in the last five decades.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/10/yehey/top_stories/20081010top2.html
Friday, October 10, 2008
Apostol resigns, eyes
Union Bank board – Ermita
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita confirmed Thursday that Sergio Apostol, chief presidential legal counsel, had resigned and would join the private sector before he runs for a congressional seat in Leyte in 2010.
“Secretary Serge Apostol has resigned his position as legal counsel and opted to join the Union Bank board of directors. That must be effective two weeks ago,” Ermita told reporters in a press conference.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/10/yehey/top_stories/20081010top6.html
Chiz: Raising sin taxes not the way to weather financial crisis
SEN. Francis Escudero, chair of the ways and means committee, said yesterday additional taxes on cigarettes and liquor products is not the correct approach to weather the financial fallout in the United States.
"That’s the problem with us, instead of a bailout to help Filipinos weather the US financial fallout, we are planning to impose new taxes on our people," he said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct10/news7.htm
JPEPA ipinasa na ng Senado
Friday, October 10, 2008
Bagaman at aminado ang ilang senador na depektibo ang kontrobersiyal na Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), nagawa pa rin itong ratipikahan ng Senado kamakawa ng gabi sa botong 16-4.
Ayon kay Sen. Mar Roxas, kabilang sa mga nagsulong ng JPEPA, napapanahon na para ipasa ng Senado ang kasunduan dahil kinakailangan ito para manatiling “competitive” ang Pilipinas sa ibang bansa sa Southeast Asia.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20081009124
Friday, October 10, 2008
Villar cites Senate performance
Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. cited the Senate Thursday for passing 49 national and 135 local bills “despite differences among members that tried to shake the institution.”
“The Senate has remained steadfast on its prime duty to legislate,” he said.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a prime critic of Villar, agreed. He said the productivity of the Senate indicated that the political and personal differences among senators did not affect the Senate performance.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/10/yehey/metro/20081010met1.html
House ratifies Renewable Energy committee report
By BEN R. ROSARIO
The House of Representatives ratified Tuesday night the bicameral committee report on a bill that would bolster efforts to develop renewable energy and help guarantee the country’s energy security.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20081010137609.html
Ethics body formed; dismissal of Villar raps seen
10/10/2008
Membership in the Senate ethics committee, headed by Sen. Pia Cayetano, is finally complete with the panel ready to take up the charges leveled against Senate President Manuel Villar Jr.
The members are Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Joker Arroyo, Gregorio Honasan and Alan Peter Cayetano from the majority, and Senators Rodolfo Biazon and Benigno Aquino III from the minority.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20081010hed2.html
Tseke at ledger vs Villar
(Rey Marfil)
Isang tseke at ledger ang magdidiin umano kay Senate President Manuel Villar Jr., sa conflict of interest ng C-5 Road project at posibleng maging susi sa pagkasibak nito sa puwesto.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1008/news_story3.htm
Ping ‘sells’ vote
SEN. Panfilo Lacson reportedly voted in favor of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement after the majority bloc committed to compose the membership of the Senate Ethics Committee that will handle the complaint Sen. Jamby Madrigal filed against Senate President Manny Villar over the C-5 road budget mess.
“My word is my bond,” Lacson said when he explained his vote.
He and Madrigal ganged up on Villar over the double P200 million allocation for the C-5 road extension project, saying the Senate head benefited from the project.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-10&sec=4&aid=75306
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