News Monitoring

2008-10-17T07:41:00.000+08:00

OCTOBER 17, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.

http://brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Peso, stocks down: ‘Worst is not over’

By Doris Dumlao, Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 03:23:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The peso Thursday weakened past 48 to the dollar and the Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 5.18 percent amid growing fears of a global recession.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20081017-166844/Worst-is-not-over

2. The Philippine Star

WB clueless on crisis fund

By Iris Gonzales and Paolo Romero

Friday, October 17, 2008

The World Bank (WB) is clueless about a reported commitment – announced on Wednesday by President Arroyo – to provide $10 billion to help Southeast Asian countries and their so-called dialogue partners Japan, China and South Korea build up a crisis fund to buy toxic debts and recapitalize banks.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101633

3. Manila Times

World stocks tumble again

Leaders seek overhaul of financial system

PARIS: Calls mounted Thursday for an overhaul of the global financial system as stocks took a new hammering, including Philippine shares, which fell 5.3 percent.

The Tokyo stock market suffered its worst loss for two decades, closing down more than 11 percent and European indices shed almost 6 percent in early deals, rallying to show losses around 3 percent later, after the Dow Jones index fell 7.8 percent. http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/17/yehey/top_stories/20081017top1.html

4. Malaya

Gloria’s $10B bailout fund is news to WB

Palace: Oops, ’t’was IMF which gave pledge

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

PRESIDENT Arroyo left people puzzled yesterday after countries and institutions said they were unaware of a plan she announced to set up a regional fund to deal with the global financial turmoil.

Arroyo said on Wednesday the World Bank had committed to initially provide $10 billion to a fund to buy toxic debt and help banks in the region hit by the financial crisis.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct17/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

ASEAN crisis fund clarified

Institutions, countries unaware of plan

IMF made $ 10-B offer, not World Bank, Favila explains

By RAJU GOPALAKRISHNAN

MANILA (Reuters) — Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo left people puzzled on Thursday after countries and institutions said they were unaware of a plan she announced to set up a regional fund to deal with financial turmoil.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20081017138245.html

6. The Daily Tribune

NO SUCH THING AS $10B ASEAN STANDBY FUND

WB, ADB, Singapore deny Gloria tall tale

By Riza Recio

10/17/2008

President Arroyo stirred up an already besieged international business yesterday as her claim on a $10 billion fund for the region amid the global financial turmoil turned out to be a hoax.

From the World Bank (WB), to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) co-member Singapore, President Arroyo’s grand boast received denials and bewilderment.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20081017hed1.html

7. Abante

GLORIA SUPALPAL!

Ni ROSE MIRANDA

Ipinahiya ng World Bank si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo nang itatwa nito ang pahayag ng huli kamakalawa na magkakaloob ang nasabing financial institution ng $10 bilyon na standby facility/fund para sa mga bansang miyembro ng Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) na lulumpuhin ng krisis na dulot ng economic slowdown sa Estados Unidos.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1708/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

PINATAY PARA 'DI MAAGAW NG IBA

Ni Armida Rico

“Mabuti pang mamatay ka na lang kesa mapunta ka pa sa iba.”

Ito ang huling katagang binitiwan ng isang construction worker bago paulit-ulit na inundayan ng saksak ang kanyang misis kamakalawa ng gabi sa Parañaque City.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1708/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pinay ipa-firing squad sa Taiwan

Ni Mer Layson

Friday, October 17, 2008

Isang overseas Filipino worker (OFW) na naman ang nahatulang mabitay sa pamamagitan ng firing squad dahil sa kasong pagpatay at pagnanakaw sa isang teaching broker sa bansang Taiwan noong nakaraang taon.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008101670

10. Journal

OIL PRICES DIVE

Crude slides below $68; local petrol firms’ P1 rollback dismays transport sector

OIL prices slumped further yesterday, with Brent crude sliding below $68 a barrel to the lowest level for more than 15 months, as slowing energy demand took its toll, traders said.

Local oil firms meanwhile announced another P1 rollback in their pump prices which the transport sector dismissed as too little to persuade them to make their own fare adjustment.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-17&sec=1&aid=75935

11. Business World

Confusion over crisis fund

As WB issues denial, gov’t says $10B for ‘exploratory’ scheme from IMF

THE WORLD BANK has denied offering $10 billion for a Southeast Asian crisis fund announced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, forcing Malacañang to explain a scheme another regional partner said it did not know about.

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101708/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

Puerto Princesa bags green award

Friday, 17 October 2008 01:18

Puerto Princesa City continues to reap dividends on its environmental protection, conservation and sustainable development programs as it added another feather to its cap after bagging the prestigious Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award in Hanoi, Vietnam.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=560:puerto-princesa-bags-green-award-&catid=26:nation

II. POLITICAL

Arroyo goofed: No $10B from WB

By Christian V. Esguerra, Joel Guinto

Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net

First Posted 03:56:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang Thursday admitted that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made a mistake in announcing that the World Bank had committed to infuse $10 billion into her proposed regional bailout fund.

The mea culpa came after the World Bank denied committing to any such initiative to help member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) cope with the global financial crisis.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081017-166847/Arroyo-goofed-No-10B-from-WB

FOREIGN TRAVEL

PNP stops trips but 45 leaving on Friday

By Jocelyn Uy, Nikko Dizon, Allison Lopez

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:15:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—With the brewing controversy over the huge travel allowance of a Philippine National Police delegation that attended a conference in Russia, PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa has ordered the suspension of all foreign trips by police officials.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081017-166854/PNP-stops-trips-but-45-leaving-on-Friday

QCPD: No PNP money used in Munich trip

By Nancy C. Carvajal

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 04:54:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Only government time, and not taxpayer money, was used in the trip of top police officials to Munich, the officer in charge of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said Thursday.

“All travel-related expenses, to include international airfare, meals, and accommodation, were shouldered by Rohde and Schwarz company, and no [Philippine National Police] fund was involved except for ... government time,” Senior Supt. Elmo San Diego said in a statement.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081017-166865/QCPD-No-PNP-money-used-in-Munich-trip

Arroyo set to veto RH bill

By Christian V. Esguerra, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:01:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Saying her faith as a Roman Catholic influenced her policy decision, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo virtually indicated that she was set to veto the controversial reproductive health bill currently under consideration at the House of Representatives.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081017-166866/Arroyo-set-to-veto-RH-bill

De Borja says DoJ chief pre-judged him

By Dona Pazzibugan

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:02:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—A businessman implicated in a bribery scandal at the Court of Appeals (CA) Thursday challenged the Department of Justice’s authority to investigate him, claiming he had already been pre-judged by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.

The businessman, Francis de Borja, did not appear before a high-level DoJ (Department of Justice) committee which opened the investigation Thursday, instead choosing to file a motion questioning the legal authority of two Justice undersecretaries to participate in a preliminary investigation.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081017-166867/De-Borja-says-DoJ-chief-pre-judged-him

Puerto Princesa cited for green policy

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:21:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Puerto Princesa City has been selected to receive the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award, which are being given for the first time to give recognition to cities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that have “taken exemplary measures to keep their cities clean, green and liveable even as they continue to grow as centers of economic and industrial activity.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081017-166878/Puerto-Princesa-cited-for-green-policy

Mining firms told: Beef up own security

By Amy R. Remo

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:30:00 10/17/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine government has committed to further strengthen security forces over so-called critical mining areas, as it urged companies to put up “civilian auxiliary groups” to protect their mineral tenements.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081017-166880/Mining-firms-told-Beef-up-own-security

Most Pinoys want family planning education – SWS

By Helen Flores

Friday, October 17, 2008

Seventy-six percent of Filipino adults want family planning education in public schools, results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, released yesterday, showed.

The non-commissioned survey, conducted from Sept. 24 to 27, also found that seven out of 10 Catholics or 71 percent favor the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101634

Henry Sy now RP’s richest man

Friday, October 17, 2008

The Philippines’ biggest mall operator and his family have increased their wealth by $1.4 billion despite the global financial turmoil, making them the wealthiest Filipinos this year, Forbes Asia magazine said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101635

SC to BIR: Refund Fortune Tobacco P1 B

By Mike Frialde

Friday, October 17, 2008

The Supreme Court has affirmed its July 21, 2008 decision ordering the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to refund Fortune Tobacco, owned by magnate Lucio Tan, the amount of P1 billion in erroneously collected taxes on tobacco products.

In a resolution dated Sept. 15, 2008 but released only yesterday, the court’s second division affirmed its earlier decision and denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the Office of the Solicitor General with finality on the grounds that no substantial argument was presented to grant the reconsideration of the decision.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101636

Ping seeks probe on Moscow caper

By Christina Mendez

Friday, October 17, 2008

Sen. Panfilo Lacson claimed yesterday that newly retired police Director Eliseo dela Paz has a lot of explaining to do over the 105,000 euros or P6.9-million that was found in his possession at the departure area of a Moscow airport last Saturday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101637

Obama, McCain get tough, personal in final debate

Friday, October 17, 2008

HEMPSTEAD, New York – John McCain repeatedly assailed Barack Obama’s character and campaign positions on taxes, abortion and more Wednesday night, hoping to transform their final presidential debate into a launching pad for a political comeback. “You didn’t tell the American people the truth,” he charged.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101638

DSWD: 10 Pinoys die every hour of tobacco-related diseases

By Helen Flores

Friday, October 17, 2008

Ten Filipinos die every hour of tobacco-related diseases, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral said aside from causing health complications, smoking worsens the living conditions of disadvantaged Filipino families.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101639

Prices of diesel, gas, kerosene rolled back P1

By Ted Torres

Friday, October 17, 2008

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Chevron/Caltex Philippines, Petron Corp., Total Philippines, Sea-Oil Petroleum, and Eastern Petroleum Corp. have reduced pump prices of diesel, gasoline and kerosene by P1 per liter yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101640

DOH sees melamine scare easing

By Eva Visperas

Friday, October 17, 2008

DAGUPAN CITY – Health Secretary Francisco Duque III sees a downtrend of the milk scare since only a few China milk products out of the more than 160 so far tested by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) were found positive for the toxic chemical substance melamine.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101641

DTI: Prices of basic goods to drop towards Christmas

Friday, October 17, 2008

Prices of basic commodities would likely go down towards the Christmas season due to lower prices of oil in the world market, Trade Secretary Peter Favila said yesterday.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) monitored slight reduction in the prices of basic consumer goods in recent weeks and he was given assurances by manufacturers and traders that they expect prices to go down further.

“They were saying there is a very good possibility of prices coming down as Christmas approaches,” Favila said. – Paolo Romero

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101642

Erap slams BIR over unpaid taxes

Friday, October 17, 2008

Former President Joseph Estrada slammed the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for ordering him and his wife, former senator Loi Ejercito, to pay a total of P2.9 billion in unpaid taxes.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101643

Double pay awaits seafarers in Somalia

Friday, October 17, 2008

Filipino seamen held hostage and those cruising in identified “high risk” areas off Somalia will get double compensation, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101644

Fears of MILF attacks still grip Lanao

By James Mananghaya

Friday, October 17, 2008

The military is facing another challenge – to allay the fears of residents of Lanao del Norte that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would launch new attacks.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101645

Senate urged to concur with amnesty proclamation

Friday, October 17, 2008

President Arroyo reiterated her call for the Senate to concur with the amnesty proclamation she signed last year now that the House of Representatives has given its concurrence.

Speaking at the local peace and security assembly (LPSA) in Calapan, Mindoro yesterday, the President emphasized that the grant of amnesty to communist rebels would do a lot in bringing lasting peace to areas affected by the insurgency.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101646

Lawyer warns of whitewash in NBN probe

Friday, October 17, 2008

A complainant in four of seven criminal cases involving the $329-million national broadband network deal with Chinese ZTE Corp. has warned of a possible whitewash in the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation.

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo is accused of graft in four of the criminal cases, while former elections chairman Benjamin Abalos faces graft charges in six.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101647

House panel vows neutrality in impeach case

By Edith Regalado

Friday, October 17, 2008

DAVAO CITY – Opposition Sen. Francis Escudero, chairman of the House committee on justice, assured the people that his committee would treat the new impeachment case against Mrs. Arroyo with “cold neutrality” to determine the guilt or innocence of the President.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101648

Friday, October 17, 2008

Court order vs. JPEPA useless – Miriam

By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter

The Japanese government might not be bound to obey any restraining order that the Supreme Court might issue on the implementation of the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA),

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said Thursday.

Groups that had opposed the Senate concurrence in the ratification of the JPEPA had petitioned the High Court to stop the agreement, arguing that it violates the Constitution.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/17/yehey/metro/20081017met1.html

European Union grants P420M to Philippines

The European Union has earmarked 6.5 million euros, or about P420 million, for the Dialogue on Governance: Strategic Projects Facility 2 that aims to identify and support models of good practice in local governance.

The first Strategic Projects Facility supported capacity-building efforts of local governments, and worked for the inclusion of poor communities in world trading opportunities. Its second phase will be more focused on generating cooperation and participation among local governance actors, with grants ranging from 200,000 euros to 500,000 euros or from P13 million to P33 million.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/17/yehey/metro/20081017met2.html

To succeed, impeach bid seen needing a miracle

HOUSE minority leader Ronaldo Zamora yesterday said only a "miracle" can save the new impeachment complaint against President Arroyo from being dismissed by her allies in Congress.

Zamora said that "out of desperation," they would still try to convince congressmen from other parties to support the complaint because this is part of theircConstitutional duty of providing checks and balances.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct17/news6.htm

De Venecia proposes Asian financial stimulus package

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Pangasinan Rep. Jose C. de Venecia Jr., five-time Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, proposed on Wednesday the creation of a "financial stimulus package" to save Asian economies from the worsening global financial crisis and strengthen the fight against Asian poverty.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20081017138210.html

PNP shelves foreign trips; probe of Moscow mess sought

10/17/2008

The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership has ordered the suspension of all foreign travels of police personnel pending a review of existing policies on travels outside the country.

“Effective this date, all foreign travels of PNP personnel, including those already approved, are hereby suspended pending the review of all existing policies, guidelines, procedures and rules and regulations governing travels abroad,” PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said in his order following the Oct. 11 controversy involving just retired PNP comptroller Director Eliseo de la Paz who was held by Russian Customs officials for carrying 105,000 euros (around P6.9 million) which is way above the authorized 10,000 euros.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20081017hed3.html

Impeach raps to dog GMA even after 2010 — Suplico

By Gerry Baldo

10/17/2008

While the possibility of it again being dismissed on the machinations of the administration, one of the principal proponents of the latest impeachment case against President Arroyo has vowed to keep filing the charges that they have been raising against the Chief Executive even beyond her term of office.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20081017nat1.html

Seven oil firms roll back prices by P1/liter

10/17/2008

Independent oil players were “forced” to match the rollback implemented by oil giants yesterday after the prices of crude in the would market went further down.

Flying V, Seaoil Philippines, PTT Philippines as well as Eastern Petroleum cut the prices of their gasoline, diesel and kerosene products by P1 per liter at 8 a.m. yesterday after Petron and Pilipinas Shell adjusted their prices two hours earlier.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20081017nat2.html

Ceasefire hirit ni GMA sa impeachment

(Rose Miranda/Bernard Taguinod)

Sa gitna ng kinakaharap na panibagong impeachment complaint, humirit ng political ceasefire si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa kanyang mga kritiko ngayong darating na Kapaskuhan.

Sa kanyang talumpati sa Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, sinabi nito na sa halip na magbangayan sa pulitika ay mas maganda na magkaisa at magdiwang ang lahat sa nalalapit na Holiday Season.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1708/news_story4.htm

2008-10-16T09:17:00.000+08:00

OCTOBER 16, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.

http://brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

World Bank: No plan to back ASEAN fund

Reuters, Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net

First Posted 04:22:00 10/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines — The World Bank said it had no plan to contribute to a regional standby fund that would help Southeast Asian banks that might be affected by the world financial crisis, which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had announced Wednesday.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20081016-166623/World-Bank-No-plan-to-back-ASEAN-fund

2. The Philippine Star

GMA: WB pledges $10-B standby fund for Asia

By Aurea Calica and Paolo Romero

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The World Bank has committed to initially provide $10 billion to help establish a fund being readied by Southeast Asian nations – plus Japan, China and South Korea – to buy toxic debts and support banks in the region hit by the global financial crisis, President Arroyo said yesterday.

“The facility can be used to purchase what the bankers call toxic assets and recapitalize troubled financial institutions and private companies,” she said in a speech during the oath taking of officials of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) at Malacañang.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101569

3. Manila Times

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Rice market tight next year

Key producers to curb exports in 2009 – IRRI

World rice markets are likely to remain tight in 2009 despite an expected record harvest after key producers clamped down on exports, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said on Wednesday.

Export prices of one of the world’s most important grains almost tripled between last November and May, triggering riots in more than a dozen countries, before softening to still historically high levels of more than $700 a ton.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/16/yehey/top_stories/20081016top1.html

4. Malaya

Storm on OFW horizon Fund readied for returnees

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday said the government is setting up an Expatriate Livelihood Support Fund for overseas Filipino workers who might be displaced by the global financial crisis.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct16/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

ASEAN setting up crisis fund

World Bank offers initial $ 10 B

Japan, China, S. Korea, IMF, ADB also asked to contribute – GMA

By GENALYN D. KABILING

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its dialogue partners have agreed to create a standby fund for countries facing liquidity problems in the face of the global economic turmoil, President Arroyo announced yesterday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20081016138171.html

6. The Daily Tribune

House LPs junk support for impeachment complaint

Minority bloc to back impeach rap

By Charlie V. Manalo and Gerry Baldo

10/16/2008

Even in the House, the opposition bloc is split, with the minority bloc led by Minority Floor Leader Ronaldo Zamora saying they have agreed to support the latest move to impeach President Arroyo, while the Liberal Party (LP) members have made their position clear that they will not be backing the impeachment rap, as they questioned the alleged agenda of the individuals who filed the complaint.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20081016hed1.html

7. Abante

8. Abante-Tonite

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Teehankee ibalik sa kulungan!

Ni Gemma Amargo-Garcia

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Hiniling kahapon sa Korte Suprema ng isa sa mga pribadong abogado sa Hultman-Chapman double murder case na bawiin ang executive clemency na ipinagkaloob ni Pangulong Arroyo kay convicted killer Claudio Teehankee Jr.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20081015104

10. Journal

OFWs COMING HOME

Overseas Filipino workers reel from global economic crunch

OVERSEAS Filipino workers have started feeling the effects of the global economic crunch as some have started coming home after their employers reduced their salaries.

Yesterday, 50 OFWs arrived from Romania via Amsterdam. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Director Albert Valenciano said the Filipinos worked as sewers of SC Mondostar SA, an exporter of high-quality clothing to the United States. It was the second batch of Filipino workers who left their jobs in Romania.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-16&sec=1&aid=75824

11. Business World

ASEAN to set up crisis fund

World Bank willing to commit $10 billion — Arroyo

SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS, backed by regional economic powers and multilateral lending institutions, have agreed to set up a multibillion-dollar fund to buy toxic debt and help banks hit by the global financial crisis, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday announced.

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101608/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

Hunger levels worsen: report

Written by Imelda V. Abaño / Correspondent

Thursday, 16 October 2008 03:40

A MOTHER and child beg on the street in Session Road in Baguio City, just two among millions living in poverty. A global report released in time for World Food Day included the Philippines among countries with a “serious” problem on hunger. MAURICIO VICTA

THE world is making slow progress in reducing hunger in the past decades, and the current financial crisis complicates the picture, rendering 923 million people hungry every day, according to a new study released on Wednesday by the US-based International Food Policy Research Institute (Ifpri).

According to Ifpri’s 2008 Global Hunger Index (GHI), 33 countries out of 88 have levels of hunger that are alarming or extremely alarming, and world progress in hunger reduction since 1990 has been slow.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=505:hunger-levels-worsen-report&catid=23:topnews

II. POLITICAL

AFTER SC RULING

Military bracing for trouble in South

By Jeoffrey Maitem, Edwin Fernandez, Ed General

Mindanao Bureau

First Posted 02:11:00 10/16/2008

KORONADAL CITY—The military is bracing for more violence in conflict areas in Mindanao as a result of the Supreme Court ruling declaring the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) unconstitutional.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166596/Military-bracing-for-trouble-in-South

CHIEF JUSTICE’S OPINION

Gov’t negotiators disregarded Charter

By Norman Bordadora, Christian V. Esguerra, Michael Lim Ubac

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:54:00 10/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The presidential peace adviser and the government negotiating panel “played fast and loose with the do’s and don’t’s of the Constitution” when they crafted the agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expanding the Bangsamoro homeland, according to Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166603/Govt-negotiators-disregarded-Charter

AWASH WITH CASH

Ex-cop barred from leaving Russia

By Tarra Quismundo

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:55:00 10/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Too much cash in the bag got a recently retired police official into trouble with Russian customs agents over the weekend, sending officials in Manila scrambling to explain the multimillion-peso travel allowance of a Philippine police delegation for a six-day trip.

Shaking up the new Philippine National Police leadership, retired PNP Director Eliseo de la Paz, the national comptroller, was questioned on his way out of the Moscow international airport Saturday after customs inspectors found cash beyond the outbound limit in his carry-on bag.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166604/Ex-cop-barred-from-leaving-Russia

Estrada is ‘Jose Velarde’--lawyers

By Margaux Ortiz

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:48:00 10/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The lawyers of businessman William Gatchalian have finally submitted documentary proof that former president Joseph Estrada was the real owner of the controversial “Jose Velarde” account in the former Equitable-PCI Bank.

The lawyers handed over to the Sandiganbayan an envelope containing a two-page letter from the lawyers of the bank, dated March 30, 2001, informing Estrada that the Velarde account would be closed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166641/Estrada-is-Jose-Velarde--lawyers

Destabilizers behind impeach--Arroyo

By TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:50:00 10/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday took a jab at the personalities behind a fresh impeachment complaint against her, accusing them of destabilizing the country.

The President commented on the complaint for the first time while praising local chief executives from the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) for their steadfast support.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166642/Destabilizers-behind-impeach--Arroyo

Evardone is Arroyo adviser on LGUs

By TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:51:00 10/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, one of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s staunchest allies in local government, has been appointed presidential adviser on local government units and public affairs.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081016-166643/Evardone-is-Arroyo-adviser-on-LGUs

BFAD clears 34 products

By Sheila Crisostomo

Thursday, October 16, 2008

One more Chinese-made milk product has tested positive for melamine contamination while 34 others have been cleared.

The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) said yesterday Lotte Strawberry Snack Koala Biscuits was found to have unhealthy levels of melamine in the latest round of testing.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101570

Remittances up 10.4% in August

By Des Ferriols

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Money sent home by overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) reached $1.3 billion in August, slightly lower than the $1.4 billion they sent home in July, but the latest remittances were still 10.4 percent higher than last year’s figure.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed that dollar remittances from OFWs have reached $11 billion since January, about 17.2 percent higher than the total remittances recorded over the same period last year.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101573

PNP clarifies Moscow incident

By Jaime Laude

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday that the 105,000 euros or P6.9 million intercepted by customs authorities in Russia from a member of the Philippine delegation to the International Police (Interpol) conference is clean and part of the group’s contingency fund.

Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman, said the money found by customs authorities at the airport in Moscow in the bag of former PNP comptroller Director Eliseo de la Paz on Saturday is the contingency fund of the eight-man police delegation that attended the 77th Interpol general assembly in St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101574

MILF won’t launch offensive over SC ruling

By John Unson

Thursday, October 16, 2008

COTABATO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said it would not launch an uprising to protest the Supreme Court decision declaring the Bangsamoro homeland deal unconstitutional.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101575

Lawyer asks SC to nullify Teehankee clemency

By Mike Frialde

Thursday, October 16, 2008

One of the private lawyers who helped prosecute convicted murderer Claudio Teehankee Jr. yesterday asked the Supreme Court to nullify the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) on the latter’s commutation of sentence and the subsequent grant of executive clemency.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101576

GMA: Impeach proponents ‘a bunch of rabble rousers’

Thursday, October 16, 2008

President Arroyo yesterday branded as “a bunch of rabble rousers” the proponents of the new impeachment complaint against her.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) at Malacañang, Mrs. Arroyo praised her allies at the local government level for their support of her administration.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101577

Ombudsman to consider DOJ findings on NBN; JDV, Joey likely to be charged

By Edu Punay

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Office of the Ombudsman said yesterday it would consider the findings and recommendations of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in its investigation on seven criminal complaints in relation to alleged anomalies in the botched $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.

Assistant Ombudsman Jose de Jesus Jr. said the special panel consolidating all complaints filed in connection with the bribery scandal would most likely incorporate in their decision the findings of the DOJ that the NBN project was not overpriced.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101578

More Pinoys want to legalize distribution of contraceptives – SWS

By Helen Flores

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Sixty-eight percent of Filipino adults agree that there should be a law legalizing the distribution of contraceptives, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said in a recent survey.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 24-27, found that 68 percent of Filipinos agree that there should be a law requiring government to distribute legal contraceptives like condoms, IUDs, and pills to people who want them.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101579

GMA says IRA not affected by world financial turmoil

By Marvin Sy

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The raging financial crisis has proven the wisdom of government’s fiscal discipline and of sticking to its financial commitments, especially the full disbursement of the Internal Revenue Allotment for local government units, President Arroyo said yesterday.

“When some governments were going deeper into debt, we were fiscally prudent, building up our reserves and investing in our infrastructure and also giving out the IRA in full and even paying the debts of previous administrations to you,” the President said in a speech before officials of Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101580

SC affirms sanctions vs CA justices in Meralco mess

By Mike Frialde

Thursday, October 16, 2008

The Supreme Court yesterday denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by four justices of the Court of Appeals who had earlier been sanctioned for irregularities committed in the handling of the Meralco board election case.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101581

Andaya won’t release extra P200 M for C-5 project

By Jess Diaz

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya reiterated yesterday that his department would not release the extra P200 million from the 2008 budget which was inserted in the allocation for the construction of the C-5 Road extension in the boundary of Las Piñas and Parañaque cities.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101582

PCGG exec says P25 B lost due to gov’t failure to sell SMC shares

By Rainier Allan Ronda

Thursday, October 16, 2008

A Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) official said the failure of the government to sell the sequestered 27-percent stake in food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) last year resulted in a loss of some P25 billion for coconut farmers who would have benefited from its disposal.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2008101583

Opposition backs impeachment rap

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

OPPOSITION congressmen have decided to support the fourth impeachment complaint against President Arroyo despite the likelihood it would be junked.

"We are duty-bound to legally and morally give attention to this impeachment complaint," said party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva of Citizens Battle against Corruption (Cibac).

http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct16/news5.htm

House minority bloc supports impeachment

By BEN R. ROSARIO

The minority bloc in the House of Representatives will back the impeachment complaint filed against President Arroyo, vowing to convince former Speaker Jose de Venecia to endorse the case in order to ensure a fighting chance that it might get the required onethird vote to get past the chamber.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20081016138173.html

Northrail cost grows to $1.6B with Gloria okay in Meralco-GSIS mess

10/16/2008

President Arroyo has approved the escalation in the cost of the already expensive Northrail project by as much as $600 million to accommodate a supposed change in the design to electrically-run locomotives from that of having diesel engines.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20081016hed6.html

‘JV’ warns Palace stooges: Follow people’s will, or else...

10/16/2008

The United Opposition (UNO) yesterday said the latest impeachment complaint against the President could result in another windfall for administration allies at the House of Representatives but warned “Malacañang stooges that their constituents will give them their due come election day.”

“The impeachment complaint means happy days for administration’s allies at the House of Representatives,” UNO National Capital Region chairman and San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20081016met1.html

Don’t let impeach move derail our priorities -- FM

By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

LAWMAKERS crossed party lines yesterday in appealing to their colleagues not to allow the impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo derail Congress’ legislative priorities amid the worldwide economic meltdown.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-16&sec=4&aid=75831

House minority bloc will not endorse new impeachment case

Local officials call on congressmen to junk complaint

THE HOUSE minority will not endorse the new impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Minority bloc spokesman Roilo S. Golez (Parañaque City, 2nd district) yesterday said that the minority was not consulted on the new ouster raps.

"We will participate in the justice committee hearings to ventilate the issues and vote accordingly in committee and plenary. But the minority members, except those who already signed will not endorse or sign the impeachment complaint," he told reporters in a text message.

Mr. Golez said the minority questioned Pangasinan Rep. Jose C. de Venecia, Jr.’s (4th district) non-endorsement of the complaint filed by his son, Jose "Joey" P. de Venecia III.

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101608/content.php?id=074

2008-10-15T11:27:00.000+08:00

OCTOBER 15, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.

http://brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I. BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

SC: Moro land deal is illegal

‘Whimsical, capricious, oppressive’

By Tetch Torres, Norman Bordadora

INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 02:38:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) between the government and a Moro separatist rebel group is illegal and unconstitutional, and the process that led to its crafting was “whimsical, capricious, oppressive, arbitrary and despotic,” the Supreme Court declared Tuesday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166420/SC-Moro-land-deal-illegal

2. The Philippine Star

World stocks soar on Wall Street rally

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

HONG KONG – World markets soared for a second day Tuesday, led by a record 14 percent jump in Tokyo, after Wall Street rallied from its worst week ever on optimism that government rescue efforts will heal the crippled global financial system.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index surged 1,171.14 points, or 14.15 percent, to close at 9,447.57, its biggest single-day gain in history. That’s a stunning reversal after the index plunged 24 percent last week. Tokyo financial markets were playing catch-up to recent developments because they were closed Monday for a holiday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014170

3. Manila Times

Remittances to grow 15%

BSP forecasts P16.6B coursed through banks

Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are expected to post a moderate growth in 2008 despite a global economic slowdown, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Nestor Espenilla Jr., the central bank’s deputy governor, said Tuesday the remittances coursed through banks are expected to grow by 15 percent this year to $16.6 billion.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/15/yehey/top_stories/20081015top1.html

4. Malaya

MOA unconstitutional

SC votes 8-7 against Palace

BY EVANGELINE DE VERA

THE Supreme Court, voting 8-7, yesterday declared unconstitutional the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain that the government would have signed with the secessionist Moro National Liberation Front two months ago.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct15/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

MoA with MILF unconstitutional – SC

By 8-7 vote, gov’t enjoined against signing ancestral domain deal

SC rules MoA on ancestral domain unconstitutional

By REY G. PANALIGAN

"The Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MoA-AD) of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001 is declared contrary to law and the Constitution."

This was the ruling handed down by the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday in an 8-7 vote that denied the motion of the government, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), to dismiss five petitions challenging the constitutionality of the MoA-AD for being moot after the Executive Department has scrapped the agreement.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20081015138057.html

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante

PINAY PINUGUTAN!

(Boyet Jadulco/Jun Tadios/Bernard Taguinod)

Hindi umubra ang apela ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo at Philippine Consulate sa Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) para isalba ang buhay ni Jenifer Bidoya, ang Pinay overseas worker na hinatulan sa kasong pagpatay sa Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1508/default.htm

8. Abante-Tonite

RAPE NABUKO SA AMOY

Ni ALVIN MADAN

Walang-awang pinagsamantalahan ng isang lalaki ang tatlong taong gulang na batang anak ng kanyang live-in partner subalit nadiskubre ang ginawang panghahalay ng amain matapos maghinala ang ina ng paslit dahil sa kakaibang amoy na nagmumula sa kaselanan nito kamakalawa ng gabi sa Valenzuela City.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1508/news_story1.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pinoy binitay sa Saudi

Ni Mer Layson

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Isang Pinoy ang pinugutan ng ulo sa Saudi Arabia kahapon matapos na katigan ng Korte Suprema ng nasabing bansa ang parusang kamatayan na inihatol sa kanya dahil sa salang pagpatay.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008101496

10. Journal

11. Business World

Caution urged as markets rise

SINGAPORE/MANILA — The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) yesterday led a Southeast Asian market rally as investors banked on concerted government efforts worldwide to ease the fast-spreading financial crisis, but analysts warned the rebound could be a bear market bounce. http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101508/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror

SC rules MOA with MILF is unconstitutional

Written by Joel R. San Juan / Reporter

Tuesday, 14 October 2008 22:55

THE Supreme Court (SC), voting 8-7, on Tuesday declared as unconstitutional the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was supposed to sign on August 5 as part of the ongoing peace process to end the more-than-three-decade armed struggled in Mindanao.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=405:sc-rules-moa-with-milf-is-unconstitutional&catid=23:topnews

II. POLITICAL

MILF to take case to UN, Islamic states

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:23:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is preparing to take the scuttled memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) to the international arena.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166408/MILF-to-take-case-to-UN-Islamic-states

JDV urged to back son, ink impeach rap

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., TJ Burgonio

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 01:49:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Minority lawmakers in the House of Representatives are urging former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. to support the impeachment complaint filed by a group led by his son on Monday against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166410/JDV-urged-to-back-son-ink-impeach-rap

Human bone in Bataan camp

By Nikko Dizon

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:07:00 10/15/2008

LIMAY, BATAAN—Braving rains, a fact-finding team Tuesday dug up a yellow rubber slipper, a laced shirt and burned fragments of what they suspected was a human bone in an area where a former detainee said he saw people being tortured by soldiers.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166447/Human-bone-in-Bataan-camp

GRP-MILF deal: What went before

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:08:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—On July 16, representatives of the government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) announced that they had reached an agreement to expand a Bangsamoro homeland in Mindanao.

Under the proposed memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain, the planned homeland will include the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Sulu, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Marawi City); six municipalities in Lanao del Norte; hundreds of barangays (villages) in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato, which voted in 2001 to become part of the ARMM; and parts of Palawan.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166448/GRP-MILF-deal-What-went-before

Research chief: Give nuke a 2nd look

By Miko L. Morelos

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:09:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—If government officials only had the will, the Philippines could go nuclear and get closer to attaining its goal of energy independence, according to the head of the country’s nuclear research agency.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166449/Research-chief-Give-nuke-a-2nd-look

One-armed ‘MAC’ joins Makati police

By Marlon Ramos

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:09:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The bomb squad of the Makati City police on Tuesday welcomed its most fearless recruit—a one-armed, two-foot tall, chemical-sensitive, night-seeing robot named “MAC.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166450/One-armed-MAC-joins-Makati-police

RP gets P300M for disaster control

By Cynthia Balana

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:11:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Japan has extended a grant of P300 million to fund disaster mitigation and education projects in the Philippines.

Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura signed and exchanged notes on Monday on the two projects: the Improvement of Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems (FFWS) in the Pampanga and Agno river basins and the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166451/RP-gets-P300M-for-disaster-control

Former NHA exec found guilty of graft

By Margaux Ortiz

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 05:12:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—It took 21 years, but the Sandiganbayan has found a former executive of the National Housing Authority (NHA) guilty of graft for authorizing the payment of illegal commissions to a supposed broker.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166452/Former-NHA-exec-found-guilty-of-graft

LABOR CHIEF SAYS

‘No cutback in demand for RP workers’

By TJ Burgonio, Edson C. Tandoc Jr., Alcuin Papa

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 08:53:00 10/15/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Despite the gloomy forecasts, Filipinos should not fret about job losses or possible cutbacks in opportunities in the United States, the Middle East and elsewhere, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said Tuesday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081015-166461/No-cutback-in-demand-for-RP-workers

‘Amid crisis, RP an island of calm’

By Paolo Romero

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Philippines remains “an island of calm” amid the global financial storm because of its good macroeconomic fundamentals, an official of Standard & Poor’s said.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) deputy director general Rolando Tungpalan made public the statement of Agost Bernard, S&P’s associate director, during a news briefing in Malacañang yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014171

PCGG eyes auction of Imelda jewels

By Rainier Allan Ronda

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The move to strike a settlement with former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos for the sale of her confiscated jewelry worth as much as P15 billion has not been entirely abandoned by the Presidential Commission on Good Government, an official said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014175

Meet MAC, RP’s first anti-terror robot

By Michael Punongbayan

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

After months of fine-tuning, the country’s very first Filipino-made bomb disposal robot was presented to the public yesterday as the latest member of the Makati City police force.

Made of aluminum, fiberglass, and engineering plastic, the two feet tall machine was officially named MAC (Mechanical Anti-terrorist Concept) and conferred the rank of Police Inspector, equivalent to captain in the military.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014176

Sulpicio loses suit vs Pagasa

By Sandy Araneta

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A Manila judge dismissed yesterday a P4.45-million civil case against the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on grounds that the state cannot be sued without its consent.

Judge Silvino Pampilo Jr. of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 26 also ruled that Sulpicio Lines Inc. cannot sue Pagasa director Prisco Nilo and weather services chief Nathaniel Cruz because they were performing their official duties at the time the act that was the subject of complaint took place.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014178

SC declares ancestral domain deal ‘unconstitutional’

By Mike Frialde

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional yesterday the agreement on ancestral domain with a warning that “another state within the Philippines” would have been created if the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front had signed it.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014180

Palace unperturbed by move for TRO vs JPEPA

By Paolo Romero

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Malacañang officials showed no signs that they are disturbed by the move to seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court on the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said the JPEPA, which was ratified by the Senate earlier this month, was legal and constitutional.

“Let’s just wait for the outcome of the case,” Dureza told a news briefing at the Palace, adding government lawyers would be defending the government position on the trade agreement with Japan.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014182

Zamora: JDV’s refusal to endorse son’s impeach case might doom it

By Delon Porcalla And Jess Diaz

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The refusal of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. to endorse the impeachment complaint filed by his son and namesake Jose III would spell the end of the latest attempt to unseat President Arroyo, the head of the opposition bloc in the House of Representatives said yesterday.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014183

AFP ensures contingency measures in place in Mindanao

By James Mananghaya

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The military gave assurances yesterday that contingency measures are in place in case hostilities in Mindanao escalate following the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring the Bangsamoro homeland deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as unconstitutional.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014184

Even with oil price rollbacks, 3 major transport groups buck fare hike

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

At least three major transport organizations expressed yesterday their opposition to the fare reduction petition during a public hearing at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

LTFRB chairman Thompson Lantion said among those that opposed the fare hike petition filed by commuters groups were the Piston, Pasang Masda and the Metro Manila Jeep Operators and Drivers Association.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014187

Recruiters say no lack of jobs, no signs of mass layoff

By Mayen Jaymalin

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The local recruitment industry yesterday reported that there is no lack of jobs abroad for highly skilled Filipino workers and there are no signs of a mass layoff even with the global economic slump.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014188

House urged to pass law penalizing GSIS non-remittance

By Delon Porcalla

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A senior lawmaker said yesterday it’s high time that Congress crafts a law that would penalize government agencies or officials who refuse or fail to remit contributions of members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081014190

Erap against impeach case against President

President Gloria Arroyo, who is facing her fourth impeachment case, received a boost from an unlikely source—former President Joseph Estrada, who said Tuesday that addressing the economy should take precedence over politics.

Estrada is a staunch critic of the administration and for good reason. He was ousted from power and replaced by then Vice President Arroyo, whose government sued Estrada for plunder. He was jailed after a six-year trial, and, shortly after, was pardoned by President Arroyo, whose government made Estrada promise to stay out of politics.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/15/yehey/top_stories/20081015top5.html

Joey urged to convince JDV to sign impeach rap

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

SPEAKER Jose de Venecia will have to endorse the new impeachment complaint filed by his son Joey and civil society groups against President Arroyo if he is serious in convincing opposition congressmen to support it, House minority leader Ronaldo Zamora said yesterday.

"If the father can’t be convinced about the legitimacy of the complaint filed by his son, how can we in the minority go around and convince others to join us? Obviously, it’s a setback," he said.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/oct15/news2.htm

Promotor ng MOA-AD dapat panagutin!

Nina Rey Marfil, Eralyn Prado at Bernard Taguinod

Dapat lamang maparusahan ang mga tauhan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na sangkot sa pagtutulak ng Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) sa separatistang Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) matapos ideklara ng Supreme Court (SC) na ito’y lantarang paglabag sa Konstitusyon.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1508/news_story2.htm

Impeachment attempt won’t succeed, Caraga leaders say

Mike U. Crismundo

DAPA, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte — In one voice, leaders in the Caraga region (Northeastern Mindanao) said yesterday the new impeachment complaint filed by administration critics will not succeed, adding the filing of the new impeachment complaint is "ill-timed" while countries in the world are confronting economic difficulties and world leaders renew and step up their strategies to save their respective economies from the lurking threats of recession.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20081015138037.html

MOA-AD ng gobyerno-MILF ‘unconstitutional’

(Eralyn Prado/Rey Marfil/Boyet Jadulco/Bernard Taguinod/Rose Miranda)

Sa bilang na walo kontra pito, nanaig ang botong nagdedeklarang “unconstitutional” ang kontrobersiyal na Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1508/news03.htm

JDV hinamong iendorso ang impeachment 4

(Rey Marfil/Bernard/Taguinod/Rose Miranda/Nilo Marasigan)

Hinamon ng opposition bloc sa Kamara si Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr., na iendorso ang impeachment case na isinampa ng kanyang anak na si Jose “Joey” de Venecia III laban kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1508/news_story3.htm

Kongresista napalusutan sa right of way ng C-5 Road

(Nilo Marasigan)

Napapailing na lamang si Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza sa tuwing sasagi sa isipan nito ang hindi patas na bayaran sa right of way (ROW) sa mga lupang natamaan ng C-5 Road extension project sa may Sucat, Parañaque.

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct1508/news_story4.htm

YES SA IMPEACH 4, YES KAY NOLI!

(Boyet Jadulco/Rey Marfil)

Ibinunyag kahapon ng isang mambabatas na kaya matumal ang suporta sa inihaing impeachment complaint kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Kamara ay dahil sa ayaw nilang mapatalsik ito upang hindi siya mapalitan ni Vice-President Noli de Castro. http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/oct1508/news04.htm

Bishop backs impeach raps

By: Lee Ann L. Pattugalan

A Catholic bishop yesterday supported the new impeachment complaint filed against President Macapagal-Arroyo, saying she should take responsibility for her “offenses.”

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, viewed the filing of the complaint as a “positive move.”

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-15&sec=1&aid=75757

House to delay decision on impeachment case — Defensor

Timetable is at least six months to end-2009

DELIBERATIONS ON a new impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may take a while.

Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. said it might take at least six months for the House to decide on the issue.

"Assuming it passes through the proper procedures, I think the impeachment will drag through until the end of 2009. That’s just a few months away from the 2010 elections," he said in a telephone interview.

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW101508/content.php?id=072

Impeachment ni GMA nasa kamay ni JDV

By: Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

IMPOSIBLENG makakuha ng “supporters” ang impeachment complaint laban kay Pangulong Arroyo kung mabibigo ang principal complainant na si Joey de Venecia III na mapapirma ang amang si dating Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. bilang isa sa posibleng endorser.

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-10-15&sec=4&aid=75780