November 20-26, 2007

November 20, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
PNP: Blast planned in ex-solon’s store
By Leila Salaverria
Last updated 01:32am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Three detained suspects in last week’s Batasan bombing that killed Rep. Wahab Akbar were named Monday in a police complaint filed with the Department of Justice that gave details of how it was planned and carried out by assassins known to Akbar’s political rivals.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101962


2. The Philippine Star
WB shelves $232-M loan to RP over corruption
By Marvin Sy
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The World Bank has shelved a planned $232-million road-building loan to the Philippines while it looks into an internal report on bid-rigging by a Chinese company in collusion with local contractors during the first phase of the nationwide road-building project, officials said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071119183


3. Manila Times
Americans bullish on RP
US unfazed by bombing of House–envoy
By Francis Earl A. Cueto Reporter
THE United States is still bullish on doing business with the Philippines despite a recent rash of violence that included bomb attacks on a popular mall in Makati and the House of Representatives.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/20/yehey/top_stories/20071120top1.html
4. Malaya
WB freezes $232M
loan over corruption
Chinese contractor tagged in bid rigging
BY RUELLE ALBERT CASTRO
THE World Bank has suspended issuance of the second loan tranche that will finance government’s road improvements program because of issues of corruption on the implementation of the project’s first phase.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov20/index.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Foreign ministers OK ASEAN charter
Document seen as blueprint of region’s future
ASEAN heads of state expected to approve charter
By FIL C. SIONIL
SINGAPORE (via PLDT) — The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) favorably endorsed yesterday the ASEAN Charter to their respective heads of state without any changes.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071120109135.html


6. The Daily Tribune
WB stops P21.5B in RP road funding
11/20/2007
The World Bank (WB) postponed up to $500 million or P21.5 billion in potential financing for road projects, under the second and third phase of the National Roads Improvement and Management Program after discovering the first phase of the project was infested with anomalies, irregularities and corruption.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071120hed1.html

7. Abante
GMA ROAD PROJECTS KINURAKOT--WB
Nina ROSE MIRANDA, BOYET JADULCO, ERALYN PRADO at ng AFP
Dalawang road projects na nagkakahalaga ng US$33 milyon ang tinanggihan ng World Bank (WB) na pondohan sa anyo ng pautang dahil sa mga palatandaan ng kurakot at katiwalian.
Gayundin, nagpasya ang international lender na pansamantalang suspendehin ang kabuuang US$232 loan package ng Pilipinas para sa iba’t ibang infrastructure at road projects.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2007/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
KUH LEDESMA NASAMPOLAN SA SENADO
(Rey Marfil)
Kasabay ng ginawang paghihigpit sa seguridad ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso bilang aksyon sa nangyaring pagsabog sa Batasan Pambansa, unang nasampolan ang premyadong singer na si Kuh Ledesma at ang dalawang alalay nito dahil walang maipakitang identification card (ID) nang magtungo sa Senado.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2007/main.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon



10. Journal
BOMBERS' CHARGED
Batasan blast suspect names Hataman aide as accomplice
By: Alfred P. Dalizon
CHARGES of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder were filed yesterday with the Department of Justice against three suspects arrested in connection with the November 13 bombing at the Batasang Pambansa that killed Rep. Wahab Akbar.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-20&sec=1&aid=39575


11. Business World
World Bank blocks $232-M loan to RP
Corruption suspected in road project
SINGAPORE/MANILA — The World Bank’s reported rejection of $232 million in loans for road projects in the Philippines, involving a Chinese contractor, is threatening to overshadow President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s participation in the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit here.
The news came out of Washington, with The Wall Street Journal giving prominent treatment to a World Bank board decision to block the loan over corruption issues. It said the contractor, state-owned China State Construction Engineering Co., was involved in rigging bids with a cartel in other contracts.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112007/content.php?id=001




12. Business Mirror
$232-M WB road project halted
BIDDING FOR $33-M SEGMENT FOUND ANOMALOUS AFTER INVESTIGATION
By Jennifer A. Ng
THE World Bank (WB) has decided to defer the implementation of the second phase of the $232-million National Roads Improvement and Management Project (NRIMP) after the bank found signs of “procurement problems” in the first phase of the program.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11202007/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL
Malacañang denies talk of corruption
By Michael Lim Ubac
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Monday denied that concerns over corruption led the World Bank to reject two large road-building contracts, worth around $33 million, in the Philippines.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101988


Senate may probe Glorietta blast
Escudero urges action on Trillanes resolution
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Tina Santos
Inquirer
Last updated 03:47am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- In the wake of conflicting findings in the Glorietta mall explosion, Sen. Francis Escudero on Monday urged his colleagues to act on the resolution of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV for the Senate to conduct an independent probe of the blast.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101990


House plenary asked to vote on impeachment on conscience
‘Even at expense of political alliances’--solon
By Maila Ager
MANILA, Philippines -- Quezon City Representative Matias Defensor, chairman of the justice committee that dismissed the impeachment case against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has called on his colleagues in the House of Representatives to vote on the issue based on their conscience “even at the expense of political alliances.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101871
ICTC’s Razon not attending NBN hearing Tuesday
Senate to verify Mike Arroyo’s health certificate
By Veronica Uy
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) Businessman Enrique Razon will not attend Tuesday’s Senate hearing on the cancelled $329-million contract FOR the national broadband network (NBN) with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101835


Shameful admission about corruption by Ombudsman
Inquirer
Last updated 00:55am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
Transparency International came out with the 2007 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) that showed that the Philippines is deeper into the pit of corruption.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=101946


Palace ‘payola’ a bigger bomb
Inquirer
Last updated 00:55am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
What happened last Oct. 11 was a blast more disastrous and catastrophic than the Oct. 19 explosion in the Glorietta 2 mall that killed 11 persons. That disaster in Malacañang, where money changed hands among the elite, undoubtedly killed the faith and trust of millions of Filipinos in their leaders, and it could have certainly killed also the dreams of young Filipinos because money that should have gone to their education was diverted and given to those who already have.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=101950



Mariannet’s death is Arroyo’s fault
Inquirer
Last updated 00:55am (Mla time) 11/20/2007
This is in reaction to the news item “Girl, 12, loses hope, hangs herself.” (Inquirer, 11/8/ 07)
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s insensitive regime should be held responsible for indirectly causing Mariannet Amper’s suicide. Her death comes at a time when government spin doctors want us to believe that the Philippine economy is improving.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=101949


Corruption delays World Bank approval for RP road project
Agence France-Presse
Last updated 04:52pm (Mla time) 11/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Concerns over corruption has led to the World Bank withholding $33 million in loans to finance road-building projects in the Philippines, the multilateral lender said Monday.
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=101796


Get Palace execs to explain Northrail project – JdV
11/20/2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia yesterday said Malacañang officials should explain before the Senate hearing on the $420-million Northrail project, the terms of the concessional loan from China because it was Palace officials who had negotiated the loan and decided on the project even as he pledged “full cooperation” with the Senate on its inquiry.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071120hed4.html


New writ further
protecting rights readied
BY ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
CHIEF Justice Reynato Puno yesterday said the tribunal is preparing to introduce the writ of habeas data which he said will protect the constitutional rights especially of victims of human rights violations and of journalists.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov20/news6.htm

Comelec disqualifies Batas party-list
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified Monday the Bagong Alyansang Tagapagtaguyod ng Adhikaing Sambayanan (BATAS) party-list group after proving that the group is being used as a front by a religious organization.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-20&sec=4&aid=39503


GMA allies unfazed by boycott threat
By: Jester P. Manalastas
ADMINISTRATION allies in the House of Representatives yesterday slammed the opposition for their alleged plan to boycott the plenary deliberation on the impeachment complaint against President Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-20&sec=4&aid=39556


Palace probes bid rigging report
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Malacañang is now looking into reports of large-scale corruption in government road projects, which prompted the World Bank to hold off a $232-million loan to the country.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071119184

RP pinarurusahan sa katiwalian
(Rey Marfil/Bernard Taguinod)
Direktang isinisi ng dalawang mambabatas sa kaliwa’t kanang nakawan sa gobyerno ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang desisyon ng World Bank (WB) na tablahin ang $232 milyong inuutang ng Pilipinas.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2007/main.htm

Walang lulusot na impeachment
(Bernard Taguinod)
Hangga’t kontrolado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso, walang pag-asa ang mga susunod pang impeachment case laban sa kanya.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2007/main.htm


GMA at ang media
Jake Macasaet
Nanawagan si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo noong nakaraang linggo na maging tapat daw sa tungkulin ang media. Be responsible, sabi GMA.
Ibig sabihin nito hindi ginagawa ng media ng buong katapatan ang tungkulin. Kaya dapat magbago.
Hindi ko ipinagtatanggol ang media sa marami ring pagkakamali nito. Pero kung walang media, palagay, lalo lamang lalawak ang malawak ng kurakutan. Walang papansin sa pagsisinungaling at pandaraya.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2007/main.htm


Senators drag feet on resolution
to defer PNOC-EDC sale
By Butch Fernandez
SENATORS failed to pass Monday an urgent resolution asking Malacañang to defer Wednesday’s scheduled sale of prime shares in the Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) under a questioned scheme to raise revenues for the Arroyo administration.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11202007/headlines010.html


Palace OK with Jpepa side pact
By Mia M. Gonzalez
SINGAPORE (via PLDT)—Malacañang is amenable to the Senate-proposed side agreement to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) to pave the way for the ratification of the country’s first bilateral trade agreement.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11202007/headlines05.html


JDV gives Senate 13 names who can shed light on North Rail
By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Washing his hands of the $420-million NorthRail project, House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. reiterated yesterday his “aboveboard” participation in the Chinese-financed contract, but gave the Senate the names of 13 local officials who could shed light on the deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071119198



November 21, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
De Venecia facing probes in Senate, House
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Christian V. Esguerra
Last updated 02:30am (Mla time) 11/21/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate was asked Tuesday to reopen its investigation of the $503-million North Luzon Railways (NorthRail) project, allegedly brokered by Speaker Jose de Venecia, for being “financially onerous.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102206


2. The Philippine Star
Government blames WB, will proceed with projects
By Sandy Araneta And Paolo Romero
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The government tossed the blame to the World Bank yesterday on corruption-tainted road projects worth $265 million and said it would push through with the implementation of the projects even without the bank’s funding.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120116


3. Manila Times
Speaker faces ethics case
House committee gives de Venecia 10 days to reply
By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
So far, the ethics case against Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has made it farther than the impeachment case filed by the same person against the President.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/21/yehey/top_stories/20071121top1.html
4. Malaya
Officials blame WB set-up for corruption Say $232 loan freeze has no effect on overall lending
BY MAX ESTAYO
BUDGET Secretary Rolando Andaya yesterday said the World Bank’s procurement system was to blame for the alleged corruption in the bidding for WB-funded road projects in the Philippines.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov21/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin
10 ASEAN leaders sign Charter
Economic, environmental documents also OK’d
Charter approval most awaited in Singapore Summit
By FIL C. SIONIL
SINGAPORE (via PLDT) — President Arroyo joined her colleagues, the other nine heads of states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Myanmar, in signing the group’s charter, defying apprehensions that the prodigal member may opt to take the other course.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071121109222.html


6. The Daily Tribune
GMA, execs blame WB for RP corruption
By Ruben Hortelano
It’s never President Arroyo’s or her government’s fault, not even when there is proof of corruption.
A day after claiming that the World Bank’s stoppage of P21.5 billion due to many anomalies, collusion and excessive price paddings in Philippine road projects was a “wake-up call” for the Arroyo administration with a promise from Malacañang to set up measures to curb graft and ensure transparency, both Malacañang officials and Mrs. Arroyo’s economic officials laid the blame squarely on the WB for the corruption in the road projects overprice and other anomalies.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071121hed1.html


7. Abante
UMAALINGASAW NA BAHO N’YO!
ABANTE REPORTORIAL TEAM (Boyet Jadulco/Eralyn Prado/Rose Miranda/Irish Ann Cruz)
Matinding kantyaw ang tinanggap ng gobyernong Arroyo kay Senate minority leader Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr. nang sabihin nitong umaalingasaw na talaga sa baho ang pamahalaan dahil hanggang World Bank (WB) ay naaamoy ito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2107/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
ASG O MILITARY LANG SA BATASAN BOMBING -- SOLON
(Bernard Taguinod/Aries Cano)
Dahil hirap ang Philippine National Police (PNP) na mahuli ang utak ng Batasan bombing, lalong nagdududa ang ilang kongresista na posibleng militar kung hindi Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) ang nasa likod ng pag-atake na ikinamatay ni Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar at ng tatlo pang katao.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2107/main.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Ex-Mayor sabit sa Batasan blast
Ni Joy Cantos
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Isang dating mayor ng Basilan ang iniimbestigahan ngayon ng mga awtoridad dahil sa posibleng pagkakasangkot sa Batasan bombing.
Si dating Tuburan, Basilan Mayor Hajarun Usman Jamiri at security aide nitong si Halik Usman ay inaresto sa magkakahiwalay na operasyon sa San Andres, Malate, Maynila matapos ikanta ng tatlong na­arestong Abu Sayyaf ang isang bahay na umano’y tinutuluyan ng mga ito.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112082


10. Journal
DESPERATE Appeal to World Bank, inquiry to be pursued
By: Tess Bedico
MALACAÑANG will ask the World Bank to reconsider its decision to withhold the release of its loan for the country’s road-building projects.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol yesterday said an appeal of the WB decision would be pursued pending the result of an investigation into the multilateral lender’s claims of corruption.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-21&sec=1&aid=39690


11. Business World
ASEAN leaders endorse integration blueprint
SINGAPORE — A detailed timetable seeking to establish an ASEAN Economic Community in eight years has hit the ground running, with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian countries affixing their signatures yesterday to a declaration adopting a so-called blueprint for economic integration and an attached "strategic schedule."
But the approval of the heavily negotiated ASEAN document has also started a serious rethinking of the ambitious integration project, with individual members of the $1-trillion trading bloc continuing to seek bilateral free trade deals that could run counter to agreements that ASEAN has entered into as a group.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112107/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror
40 years later, Asean finally has a charter
By Mia M. Gonzalez
SINGAPORE (via PLDT)—Asean leaders on Tuesday signed the historic Asean Charter envisioned to ensure the relevance of the 40-year-old, 10-member grouping amid regional changes brought about by globalized trade.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11212007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
De Venecia facing probes in Senate, House
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Christian V. Esguerra
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate was asked Tuesday to reopen its investigation of the $503-million North Luzon Railways (NorthRail) project, allegedly brokered by Speaker Jose de Venecia, for being “financially onerous.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102206


Palace: World Bank loan freeze unfair
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
MANILA, Philippines -- The World Bank’s decision to freeze the country’s $232 million loan for a road project on allegations of corruption is “unfair” and could have been a result of the change in leadership in the agency, Malacañang officials said Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102114


Senate presses for probe on China-funded North Rail project
By Veronica Uy
MANILA, Philippines -- Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. on Tuesday formally asked for a Senate inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the alleged onerous terms and conditions imposed on the Philippine government in the contract to build the North Rail system with funding from the Chinese government.
http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=102110






Malacañang denies talk of corruption
By Michael Lim Ubac
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Monday denied that concerns over corruption led the World Bank to reject two large road-building contracts, worth around $33 million, in the Philippines.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101988


Senators warn of looming loan crisis
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
MANILA, Philippines -- A credit crisis is looming as a result of the deferment of a World Bank loan for road projects, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. warned Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102219


De Venecia reported slay plot to Arroyo, lawyer tells Senate
By Dona Pazzibugan, Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Jose de Venecia took the alleged assassination plot against him and his son by Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza so seriously that he informed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about it, De Venecia’s lawyer told a Senate hearing Tuesday.
Cayetano moved at the start of the hearing that Neri should be made to show cause for ignoring the Senate subpoena.
Cayetano said the committee was just giving Aboitiz and Razon the opportunity to refute De Venecia’s testimony, but they did not have to show up if they did not want to.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102218


Palace to probe WB road projects
By Angelo Samonte, Reporter
Malacañang will ask the World Bank to reconsider its decision to cancel some $265-million total funding for the road projects in the Philippines, officials said Tuesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/21/yehey/top_stories/20071121top6.html


INSIDE CONGRESS
JPEPA’s chances now brighter
By Efren L. Danao
The change in tune of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago on the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) indicates that it will have a better chance of being endorsed by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations which she leads.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/21/yehey/opinion/20071121opi5.html
Senate asked to probe
rail project terms
SENATE minority leader Aquilino Pimentel yesterday asked the Senate to investigate the alleged onerous terms and conditions imposed on government in the $500 million NorthRail project with China.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov21/news3.htm

World Bank slap on the face
The World Bank is not in the habit of embarrassing member countries. So when it suspended a $232 million road building loan to the country over reported corruption, what the officials should do is go to the bottom of the allegations and charge the crooks if the evidence warrants.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov21/edit.htm


Puno decries small budget for judiciary
By: Hector Lawas
CHIEF Justice Reynato Puno has bewailed the small budget allocated for the judiciary saying Congress wants the country to have a “first class judiciary on a third world budget.”
Puno the other day told delegates attending a forum on information access sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Pasig City that with the judiciary only receiving a 0.84 percent share of the national budget for 2008, it cannot even afford to construct a hall of justice in Manila.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-21&sec=4&aid=0


JDV tinuluyan na
(Eralyn Prado/Rose Miranda)
Binigyan ng ethics committee ng Kamara ng 10 araw si House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., para sagutin ang isinampang reklamo laban sa kanya ni Atty. Roel Pulido hinggil sa umano’y pag-abuso nito sa kapangyarihan matapos na aprubahan ang legislative franchise ng kumpanya ng kanyang anak na si Jose ‘Joey’ de Venecia III noong 1995.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2107/main.htm


Jobless Opposition
Sa isang demokratikong sistema, ang oposisyon ang mistulang ilaw na nagbibigay liwanag at sigla sa lipunan gayundin ay nagiging bantay sa kalabisan ng pamahalaan.
Kaya naman kapag biglang tumatahimik ang oposisyon, dalawang bagay ang pumapasok sa ating isipan -- baka nagdeklara na naman ng martial law o kaya naman ay super-galing ang pamamalakad ng administrasyon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2107/main.htm



Solon: Either ASG or AFP behind Batasan blast
11/21/2007
A lawmaker yesterday said the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) theory that the political rivals of Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar were behind the fatal bombing at the Batasan Complex is unlikely, as he called on the authorities to look at other angles while alleging that the attack could have only been carried out either by the local terror group Abu Sayyaf or the military.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071121hed3.html


JDV lawyer: GMA told about slay plot
By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.’s lawyer reiterated before the Senate yesterday the alleged plot of Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza to kill his client and De Venecia’s son and namesake, Jose III, and said the Speaker had informed President Arroyo about it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120132


Government blames WB, will proceed with projects
By Sandy Araneta And Paolo Romero
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The government tossed the blame to the World Bank yesterday on corruption-tainted road projects worth $265 million and said it would push through with the implementation of the projects even without the bank’s funding.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120116


Palace says Neri has nothing more to say in NBN probe
By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Malacañang justified yesterday the failure of former socio-economic planning secretary Romulo Neri to attend the Senate public hearing on the scrapped $329-million national broadband network deal, since the official has nothing more to say even as officials predicted the end to the probe due to the absence of key witnesses.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120131


JDV lawyer: GMA told about slay plot
By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.’s lawyer reiterated before the Senate yesterday the alleged plot of Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza to kill his client and De Venecia’s son and namesake, Jose III, and said the Speaker had informed President Arroyo about it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071120132


Senate set to reopen inquiry into Northrail issue
Formally asked the Senate to resume its inquiry – in aid of legislation – into the Northrail issue.
Pimentel urged the upper chamber to direct the appropriate Senate committee to undertake the probe and to recommend measures to ensure compliance with the government’s procurement process.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071121hed4.html



November 22, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Palace seeks resumption of WB road loans to RP
By Christine Avendaño
Inquirer
Last updated 02:09am (Mla time) 11/22/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang has been assured by the World Bank representative that she would push for the resumption of deliberations on the $232-million loan intended for Philippine road projects, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya said Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102410

2. The Philippine Star
WB to release $232-M loan after probe
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The World Bank has promised to release the $232-million road building loan after the completion of an internal inquiry into alleged bidding irregularities in the first phase of the project, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121128

3. Manila Times
Thursday, November 22, 2007
New names in bribe probe
By Efren L. Danao Senior Reporter
The Senate blue-ribbon panel will invite industrialist Reghis Romero 3rd and officials of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board to a hearing on the alleged Palace bribes, the committee chairman said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top1.html


4. Malaya
Palace ‘gifts’ traced to harbor operator
Ping: Part of P500M payment to Reghis Romero
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said a portion of the money distributed to governors and congressmen last month in Malacañang was taken from the funds released by the government as payment to businessman Reghis Romero II.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/

5. Manila Bulletin
GMA back from ASEAN summit
Cuts short her trip to look into storm preparations
President reports strong solidarity, regional growth
By GENALYN D. KABILING and FIL C. SIONIL
President Arroyo returned to the country last night, a day earlier than scheduled and cutting short her attendance at the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, to check on the government’s contingency efforts ahead of a powerful tropical storm approaching the country.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071122109352.html

6. The Daily Tribune
AMLC to probe source of Palace ‘cash gifts’
By Angie M. Rosales
11/22/2007
After admitting that it did not bother to investigate the bannered news reports of the “cash gifts” of P500,000 handed to each 190 congressmen and scores of local officials last Oct. 11 in Malacañang claiming that there was no offense committed under the law, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said it will trace the source of the cash distributed in the Palace premises.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071122hed1.html

7. Abante
'DI PA RIN KAYO MAKAKAUTANG!--WB
Nina ROSE MIRANDA, BOYET JADULCO, ERALYN PRADO, JULIET DE LOZA at IRISH ANN CRUZ
Wala pa ring maaasahang pautang ang Pilipinas sa World Bank para pondohan ang mga road projects nito hangga’t hindi nasusugpo ang matinding katiwalian sa naturang mga proyekto.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2207/main.htm





8. Abante-Tonite
SUHOL NATUNTON SA OFFICE NI NOLI
Ni Rey Marfil
Nakakuha ng impormasyon si Sen. Panfilo Lacson na diumano’y nagamit ang tanggapang pinangangasiwaan ni Vice President Noli de Castro para mailabas ang pondong ipinangsuhol sa hanay ng mga gobernador.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
‘Mina’ hahagupit sa Bicol Region
Nina Joy Cantos, Angie Dela Cruz at Rudy Andal
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Pinakilos na kahapon ng National Disaster Coordinating Center (NDCC) ang mga sangay nito sa mga probinsya at munisipalidad sa Bicol Region para simulan na ang paglilikas sa may 40,000 residente kaugnay ng nagbabadyang malakas na paghagupit ng bagyong “Mina” ngayong Biyernes.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112179

10. Journal
‘NO GRAFT’
By: Tess Bedico
Not true WB suspended loan due to corruption -- budget secretary
THE World Bank did not say it was suspending a $232 million loan for the Philippines’ road-building program because of graft in the bidding process and overpricing, according to Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39823


11. Business World
$232-M loan still suspended
World Bank awaits further info; Palace claims local office backs project
WORLD BANK (WB) OFFICIALS IN MANILA will ask the Washington-based multilateral lending agency’s board to resume a $232-million loan to the Philippines, Budget Secretary Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. yesterday claimed.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112207/content.php?id=001




12. Business Mirror
BOC chief starts revamp
TOUGH MISSION IS TO COVER FOR HUGE COLLECTION SHORTFALLS
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
APPARENTLY unhappy that he had to give up his original collection goal of P228 billion and work to generate only at least P223 billion, Customs chief Napoleon Morales started a nationwide revamp that takes effect in two weeks.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11222007/headlines01.html




II. POLITICAL
World crude oil prices hit record high $99 per barrel
Thursday, November 22, 2007
SINGAPORE – Crude oil prices rose to a new record above $99 a barrel in Asian trading yesterday, lifted by worries about inadequate supplies as the Northern Hemisphere enters winter and on news of refinery problems.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121133

LP to elect Roxas as head in caucus next week
By Christina Mendez
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Liberal Party is set to elect Sen. Manuel Roxas II as party president next week.
“All doors lead to the Liberal Party’s council meeting on Monday where we expect the unanimous passage of a resolution electing Senator Mar Roxas as the next president of the party and vesting him with full authority to appoint other party officials,” former Senate president Franklin Drilon, outgoing LP president, said in a statement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121137

Akbar got P25 M in pork barrel funds in just 6 months
By Jess Diaz
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The late Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar may have unloosened the purse strings for his war-torn province enough during his lifetime to make his surviving colleagues in Congress green with envy.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071121143

COMMENTARY
‘Dangal’
By Dr. Minguita Padilla
Inquirer
Last updated 00:04am (Mla time) 11/22/2007
Only the most callous person could not have felt some degree of outrage over successive cases of corruption in the last few months. The Senate investigation of the ZTE-NBN scandal, while far from being over, has already convinced even simple-minded individuals that the Filipino people would have been robbed of billions of pesos in kickbacks to shameless officials had the would-be-thieves not been stopped in their tracks.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=102375

DOF files charges vs 3 BOC officials
By Iris Gonzales
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Department of Finance (DOF) filed yesterday charges at the Office of the Ombudsman against three officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for allegedly allowing the smuggling of six motorcycles and car spare parts.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Metro&p=49&type=2&sec=26

Thursday, November 22, 2007
Liberal Party Names Sen. Roxas
As Its Bet For President In 2010
By James Konstantin Galvez Reporter
The Liberal Party announced that Sen. Mar Roxas will be its presidential candidate in the next elections in 2010.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top2.html

Thursday, November 22, 2007
WB penalty for delays costs $20M
By Darwin G. Amojelar Reporter
THE World Bank had penalized the Philippine government $19.55 million as of June this year for failing to use funding assistance for infrastructure projects because of delays in implementation, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top3.html

Thursday, November 22, 2007
Oil price tops $99 a barrel in Asia
SINGAPORE: Oil briefly rose above $99 a barrel for the first time Wednesday as the greenback’s fall drove demand for dollar-denominated crude, dealers said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/22/yehey/top_stories/20071122top7.html

Ebdane supports BOT scheme for government projects
By ANGIE CHUI
Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said yesterday he is pushing the use of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme in government infrastructure projects, instead of being dependent on foreign loans, to sustain the gains of the road development thrust of the department.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071122109358.html

WB official to recommend lifting of loan suspension
By GENALYN D. KABILING
Maryse Gautier, World Bank (WB) acting country director for the Philippines, will recommend the lifting of the suspension of the $ 232-million loan for a national road-building project in the country, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071122109359.html

Senate starts budget discussions on Monday
By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
The Senate starts on Monday the sponsorship speech of the proposed R1.237-trillion 2008 national budget to pave the way for its approval by the Senate and the House of Representatives before they go on a month-long Christmas recess starting Dec. 22.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071122109363.html

Review of Oil Deregulation Law sought
Senators led by Senate President Manuel "Manny" B. Villar Jr. sought yesterday a re-examination of the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law of 1998 or Republic Act (RA) 8479 as they expressed suspicion that "a cartel among the three big oil firms is operating."
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071122109365.html

WB rejects plea to lift suspension on RP loan
11/22/2007
The government got another stinging rebuke from the World Bank (WB) yesterday after the multilateral lender rejected appeals to lift the suspension it meted on a $500-million road project.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071122hed4.html

Palace: Senate, House probes good for JdV’s credibility
By Sherwin C. Olaes
11/22/2007
Malacañang believes that congressional probes are good and “constructive” for the accused or an official who is being questioned, as these investigations boost the credibility of the department the official heads.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071122hed5.html


Senate to probe oil price hikes
By Angie M. Rosales
11/22/2007
A full-blown Senate inquiry into the continuing rise in oil prices had been called by two majority members in the chamber, claiming alarm by the impact it has so far created to consumers and prices of prime commodities.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20071122nat1.html

Palace denies WB suspension of road loan
MALACAÑANG, quoting from a statement purportedly jointly issued by the World Bank, yesterday said the multilateral financing agency has not suspended a $232 million road-building loan over alleged corruption.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/news3.htm

Liberals lining up behind Mar candidacy

SEN. Mar Roxas is the hands-down choice of members of Liberal Party as their presidential candidate in 2010, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/news6.htm]

The WB problem
THE issue of the World Bank’s suspension of an on-going lending program to the country should not be regarded as a political issue. Certainly, it ought not to be the object of another investigation by the Senate. Such an investigation will only make matters worse. What can the Senate do about this, anyway? The WB will do as it pleases no matter what the Senate finds out in its investigation.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/edducky.htm

Reject the JPEPA
WHEN environmentalists read news reports about Philippine and Japanese officials holding "quiet talks" to save JPEPA and "spare" Gloria Arroyo from embarrassment, they were visibly agitated. They have long voiced their opposition to the controversial pact and lobbied for its rejection by the Philippine Senate.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov22/edmata.htm

Senate probe ikinasa sa utang ni Gloria
(Rey Marfil)
Mismong kaalyado ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang humingi ng imbestigasyon upang kalkalin ang road infrastructure program ng Malacañang matapos tablahin ng World Bank (WB) ang pamahalaang Pilipinas sa panibagong pangungutang.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

Oil deregulation, kakalkalin na!
(Rey Marfil)
Sa patuloy na paghagupit ng mataas na presyo ng gasolina, ikinasa ngayon ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang pagkalkal sa Oil Deregulation Law, kalakip ang hangaring masawata ang monopolyo at kartel sa industriya.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

Tablahin si Cyrill

Sa 3rd quarter ng Ulat ng Bayan Pulse Asia survey, umangat ang popularity rating ni Senador Francis "Chiz" Escudero III bilang isa sa presidential candidate kaya’t napapanahong mag-isip ng malalim ang kaibigang matalik ni Senador Edgardo "Edong" Angara -- si Senador Loren Legarda, baka maiba ang ihip ng hangin at mawala sa listahan ni boss Danding, as in ex-Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco lalo pa’t ‘transferee’ lamang ang "lolah" ni Willy Fernandez sa Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2207/main.htm

WB, RP patch up loan row
By: Efren Montano
THE World Bank and the Philippine government kissed and made up in connection with the $232 million road building loan which would be extended anyway.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39798

WB offers to finance LRT projects
By: Jester P. Manalastas
AN administration solon yesterday said the World Bank has offered to finance the country’s Light Rail Transit expansion projects, amid the suspension of its $232-million soft loan for Philippine road projects.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39854

Oil cartel decried
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
SENATE President Manuel Villar Jr. yesterday said simultaneous adjustments of oil prices indicate the existence of a cartel which violates the oil deregulation law.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=1&aid=39856

Nene slams Napocor for continued purchase of coal
By: Paul M. Gutierrez
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. has expressed anger over the continued purchases of coal supplies by the National Power Corporation under questionable circumstances.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=4&aid=39836

Senate probes loan mess
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE Senate asked James Adams, World Bank representative of the East Asia and the Pacific Region, to clarify the bank’s decision to defer the $232-million loan intended for road construction projects due to alleged bidding irregularities and corruption.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=4&aid=39845



Roxas is LP presidential bet in 2010
By: Alvin Murcia
SEN. Mar Roxas was the unanimous choice of Liberal Party members to be their presidential bet in 2010.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-22&sec=4&aid=39848

WB: persona non grata!!!
Arnold Clavio
Mga ‘igan, sa isyu ng pagtigil ng may P21.5 bilyon na ‘pautang’ ng World Bank sa Pilipinas, dapat na magkaisa ang administrasyon at oposisyon sa pagkondena sa bastos na bangkong ito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2207/main.htm




November 23, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Lacson: Romero not suspect but victim
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 06:12am (Mla time) 11/23/2007MANILA, Philippines -- A day after claiming that businessman Reghis Romero II could have been used as a conduit for the cash gifts handed out to governors in Malacañang last month, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the housing and port magnate was a “victim” and not a “suspect” in the Senate probe.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102637

2. The Philippine Star
GMA pardons soldier in Aquino-Galman slay
By Rhodina Villanueva
Friday, November 23, 2007
Nearly two decades after being sentenced with finality to double life imprisonment for the 1983 assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a former aviation security officer walked out of maximum security prison yesterday after being pardoned by President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071122144

3. Manila Times
Friday, November 23, 2007
President pardons Ninoy killer
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter And Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
President Gloria Arroyo’s grant of conditional pardon to a convicted killer of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was met with stony silence by the widow of the slain politician who was assassinated 24 years ago.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/23/yehey/top_stories/20071123top1.html

4. Malaya
Ping: Romero likely an extortion victim
Says source of portion of‘cash gift’ not a suspect
BY DENNIS GADIL
SEN. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said businessman Reghis Romero II was likely a victim of extortion when he contributed to the "cash gift" distributed to congressmen and local government leaders after a Palace meeting last month.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov23/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Evacuation in Albay under way
236,000 residents to be moved out of storm path
9 towns, 2 cities in Albay are main evacuation areas
By FLORENCIO P. NARITO
LEGAZPI CITY — Some 5,450 families or at least 26,142 people from nine municipalities and two cities in Albay have been evacuated due to threat of lahar from Mayon Volcano, flashfloods, and landslides spawned by rains of tropical storm "Mina." A total of 236,000 people had been targeted for evacuation.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071123109459.html

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante
200,000-katao puwersahang binitbit; 'Super-typhoon' posible sa NL at CL
ALARMA KAY 'MINA'!
Nina Nilo Marasigan, Nonnie Ferriol, Rose Miranda at Juliet de Loza
Nakaalerto na ang pamunuan ng National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) at iba pang kinauukulang ahensiya kaugnay sa inaasahang pananalanta ng ‘super-typhoon na ‘Mina’ kasunod ng tuluyan na itong itinaas bilang ganap na bagyo habang patuloy na lumalakas na pinupuntirya ang Bicol region at inaasahang lilihis ito sa Northern at Central Luzon.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2307/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
BUDGET BOSS MADIDIIN SA SUHULAN
Ni Rey Marfil
Kasabay ang pagsisimula ng budget hearing sa Senado, inaasahang madidiin ang tanggapan ni Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando Andaya sa suhulan kapag tumanggi itong maglabas ng dokumentong magpapatunay sa disbursement ng cash gift na ipinamudmod ng Malacañang sa nagdaang ilang buwan.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2307/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Ninoy killer pinardon ni GMA: Laya na!
Ni Rudy Andal
Friday, November 23, 2007
Pinagkalooban ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ng conditional pardon ang isa sa mga convicted killers nina dating Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino at Rolando Galman noong 1983 matapos ang 24 taong pagkakakulong sa National Bilibid Prison (NBP).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112274

10. Journal
Ex-sarge in Ninoy slay freed
By: Tess Bedico with Efren Montano
Asks Cory’s forgiveness after Gloria’s pardon
ONE of the soldiers convicted of the assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. more than two decades ago yesterday walked out of the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa a free man after President Macapagal-Arroyo granted him conditional pardon.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=1&aid=39971

11. Business World
PNOC-EDC goes to First Gen
Gov’t keeping watch on firm’s purchases given ownership restrictions
THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY AWARDED its remaining 60% interest in Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corporation (PNOC-EDC) to a Lopez-led consortium for P58.5 billion, a sale that raised winning bidder First Gen Corp.’s total generating capacity to around 3,000 megawatts (MW).
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112307/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
PowerCom: Abort PNOC-EDC bid
By Butch Fernandez
Reporter
MEMBERS of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (PowerCom) are determined to take “coercive measures” to revoke what they insist to be an illegal sale of prime shares of Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) to Red Vulcan, a private consortium led by the Lopez family-controlled First Gen Corp., for P58.5 billion in an auction held on Wednesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines01.html






II. POLITICAL
Senators press anti-trust law vs oil cartel
By Christina Mendez
Friday, November 23, 2007
Senators Manuel Roxas and Juan Ponce Enrile pushed yesterday for the passage of an anti-trust law that could be used to discipline companies engaged in anti-competitive behavior such as collusion and other restrictions to free trade, particularly in the oil industry.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071122154

Angara seeks passage of pension bill for OFWs
By Aurea Calica
Friday, November 23, 2007
Sen. Edgardo Angara is pushing for the immediate passage of a bill that will ensure financial security of employees during retirement.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071122157

AS I SEE IT
Biofuel bill will free us from OPEC -- Zubiri
By Neal Cruz
Last updated 11:37pm (Mla time) 11/22/2007
It is not only the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) that should be amended but also the Oil Deregulation Law. Also, there should be similar antitrust legislation in the cement and pharmaceutical industries.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=102580

Friday, November 23, 2007
Manila can still get road loans
By James Konstantin Galvez, Reporter
World Bank representatives in the Philippines said on Thursday that they had not suspended any loan to Manila, adding that they would push the continuation of deliberations on the $232-million loan intended for National Road Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP).
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/23/yehey/top_stories/20071123top5.html

Senate junks sale of govt geothermal company
By Sammy Martin, Correspondent
THE Lopez Group of Companies, which won the recent bidding to buy the 60-percent stake of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC), might face a big problem because the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC) filed a resolution to stop the sale of the government company.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/23/yehey/metro/20071123met3.html

Gov’t ready to forego $232M WB road loan
BY MAX ESTAYO
THE Philippines is not likely to receive soon the $232 million World Bank loan for road improvement despite assurances from WB officials that discussions for the loan are still on.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov23/news6.htm

Escudero says JPEPA ratification hinges on government replies to 2 questions
OPPOSITION Sen. Francis Escudero yesterday said if government wants to see the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) ratified in the Senate, it is obliged to answer and explain in measurable terms two questions that government has failed to answer in the numerous Senate hearings.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov23/metro3.htm

World Bank ties loan OK to safeguards
THE WORLD BANK will not resume deliberations on a $232-million loan intended for the Philippines until its 24-man board is convinced that the proposed project would be shielded from corruption.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112307/content.php?id=004

PNOC moves to complete share sale to Red Vulcan
By Paul Anthony A. Isla
Reporter
THE Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) Thursday awarded its remaining shares in its geothermal arm to Red Vulcan Holdings Corp. after a bidding where Red Vulcan outbid all others.
The bid of Red Vulcan, the consortium led by First Gen Corp., Netherlands-based Spalmare Holdings B.V. and Prime Terracota Holdings Corp., was P58.5 billion.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines02.html

Senate okays Pera bill for retirees
By Butch Fernandez
Reporter
THE Senate on Wednesday night passed on second reading the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (Pera) Bill which seeks to “create a more dependable and stable pension that will ensure financial security during retirement.”
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/nation03.html

Pera ng WB winawaldas
Jake Macasaet
Matagal ng kinukurakot ng pamahalaan ang perang bigay o pautang ng World Bank (WB) para sa pangunahing proyekto o pangangailangan ng bayan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2307/main.htm
Oil price hikes lalong magpapabagsak kay Gloria
(Bernard Taguinod)
Lalong babagsak ang approval rating ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dahil sa lingguhang oil price hikes na ipinapatupad ng mga kumpanya ng langis sa bansa.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2307/main.htm

First Gen to buy PNOC-EDC for P58-B
A group led by Philippine power firm First Gen Corp. will buy the government’s PNOC Energy Development Corp., one of the world’s largest geothermal power producers, for P58.5 billion.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=1&aid=39987

Deliberasyon ng World Bank sa $232-M utang ng RP tuloy
TAHASANG itinanggi kahapon ng kinatawan ng World Bank ang ulat na sinuspinde nila ang pautang sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas at iginiit na itutuloy nila ang deliberasyon sa $232 milyong dolyar na utang na nakalaan sa Natio-nal Road Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP).
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=4&aid=39936

PERA will be pillar of pension reform -- Angara
SENATOR Edgardo J. Angara yesterday earnestly pushed for the immediate passage of the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) bill to create a more dependable and stable pension that will ensure financial security during retirement.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=4&aid=39945

PNOC-EDC sale faces roadblock
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
BOTH chambers of Congress will ask President Macapagal-Arroyo to withdraw the approval of the privatization of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corp. if it is shown that the sale of EDC -- considered as the crown jewel of the economy -- violates the law.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-23&sec=4&aid=39980



November 24, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
PREPARING FOR ‘MINA’
(UPDATE 4) ‘Good luck,’ Arroyo tells disaster execs
Close to 30,000 families evacuated
By Joel Guinto
Agence France-Presse, INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo checked on preparations by national and local government officials and wished them good luck as they braced for the landfall of typhoon "Mina" (international codename: Mitag) in the Bicol Region on Saturday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=102692

2. The Philippine Star
DOJ chief wants all 13 Ninoy killers freed
By Mike Frialde
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A day after former aviation security officer M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, convicted for the 1983 assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was released from prison, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said that the 13 other surviving soldiers jailed for the murder should also be released.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123139

3. Manila Times
RP braces for storm ‘Mina’
Zero casualty’unlikely target: Albay governor
The government on Friday raced to evacuate up to one million persons as tropical storm “Mina” bore down on eastern areas devastated by storms last year.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/24/yehey/top_stories/20071124top1.html

4. Malaya
‘Mina’ makes landfalltoday; 135T evacuated
Headed for Bicol, but course may change
BY VICTOR REYES
AT LEAST 29,000 families or about 135,000 persons in the Bicol region have been sent to evacuation centers as of yesterday with the expected landfall of typhoon "Mina" this morning.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov24/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin
Supertyphoon to hit Bicol
134,500 people evacuated to safer grounds
Signal No. 3 raised over most of Bicol region
By ED DE LEON
LEGAZPI CITY — Supertyphoon "Mina" is expected to directly hit the Bicol region early today with hundreds of thousands of people already evacuated to safer areas in the region’s five provinces as directed by President Arroyo to prevent the loss of lives.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071124109586.html


6. The Daily Tribune
RP in race to evacuate as ‘Mina’ nears
Government authorities raced to evacuate up to close to one million people yesterday as Typhoon “Mina” (international codename: “Mitag”) bore down on eastern areas devastated by storms last year.
Flatbed lorries, police-chartered vans and even rubbish trucks were pressed in to service as thousands of men, women and children were quickly moved from vulnerable areas.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071124hed1.html

7. Abante
3/4 NG PINAS SASAPULIN NI MINA
(Noel Abuel/Nilo Marasigan/Rose Miranda/JB Salarzon/Otto Osorio/AFP)
Kasabay ng babala ng weather bureau na maaaring maging isang ‘super typhoon’ ang bagyong ‘Mina’, sinabi kahapon ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) na napakalawak ng ‘rain path’ ng naturang bagyo kaya’t pinangangambahang ¾ o 75% ng buong bansa ang masasapul nito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2407/main.htm


8. Abante-Tonite
ALAS SA SUHULAN HAWAK NG OPOSISYON
Ni Rey Marfil
Pinaghahanda na ni opposition Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson ang palasyo ng Malacañang kung paano sisirain ang kanyang mga naunang expose sa pag-divert ng counter-insurgency fund at collectibles ng isang negosyante bilang pang-areglo sa mga gobernador at kongresistang naging bisita ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malacañang noong buwan ng Oktubre.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2407/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Albay, Catanduanes nasa state of calamity na
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Isinailalim na sa state of calamity ang Albay at Catanduanes bunsod ng nararanasang mga pag-ulan, landslide at malakas na hanging dala ng paparating na super bagyong “Mina.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112334


10. Journal
NOT AGAIN! Ravaged by 'Reming' last year,
Bicol cowers before another 'killer' typhoon
By: Joel de la Torre
BICOL folk who have yet to fully recover from the onslaught of typhoon Reming last year faced nature’s wrath anew as typhoon “Mina” bore down on southern Luzon and was expected to lash the region the whole day today.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-24&sec=1&aid=40059


11. Business World
Business outlook up on holiday spending
Expectations of higher consumer spending during the holiday season and continued surge in remittance flows have boosted businesses’ sentiment in the economy for the fourth quarter, according to a quarterly survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The quarterly survey, conducted from Oct. 8 to Nov. 9 and covered 1,048 firms nationwide, showed the business confidence index (CI) rising quarter-on-quarter by more than seven index points to 48%, the highest in four quarters.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112407/content.php?id=001





12. Business Mirror
PowerCom: Abort PNOC-EDC bid
By Butch FernandezReporter
MEMBERS of the Joint Congressional Power Commission (PowerCom) are determined to take “coercive measures” to revoke what they insist to be an illegal sale of prime shares of Philippine National Oil Co.-Energy Development Corp. (PNOC-EDC) to Red Vulcan, a private consortium led by the Lopez family-controlled First Gen Corp., for P58.5 billion in an auction held on Wednesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
JPEPA unlikely to be ratified this year, says Roxas
By Veronica Uy
Last updated 10:28pm (Mla time) 11/23/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement is unlikely to be ratified this year as the Senate has its hands full deliberating on the 2008 national budget, Senator Manuel Roxas II said Friday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102766


Senators question pardon for Aquino killer
Escudero wants victim’s kin notified first
By Veronica Uy
Last updated 04:38pm (Mla time) 11/23/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Manuel Roxas II, and Francis Escudero on Friday questioned the presidential pardon granted to Pablo Martinez, one of the soldiers convicted for the double murder of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and Rolando Galman.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102729


Arroyo to preside over NDCC meeting on ‘Mina’
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
Last updated 03:30pm (Mla time) 11/23/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will preside over a meeting of the National Disaster Coordination Council at 5 p.m. Friday to discuss preparations for the imminent onslaught of typhoon “Mina” (international codename: Mitag).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102718



Palace: Arroyo didn’t know Aquino killer among the pardoned
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
Last updated 01:18pm (Mla time) 11/23/20
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was not aware that Pablo Martinez was one of the convicted killers of the late senator and freedom fighter Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. when she signed the order for his pardon after 24 years in prison, a Palace official said Friday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=102705


BIR recalls order for 10% tax on block sales
By Elizabeth Sanchez-Lacson, Michelle Remo
MANILA, Philippines -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recalled “for further study” a circular imposing a 10-percent tax on net capital gains from block sales of stocks after receiving complaints from market players, BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe said.
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=102851


Senate on track to pass 12 bills before Christmas recess
By Aurea Calica
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Senate is on schedule for the passage of 12 more bills, including the proposed P1.27-trillion budget for 2008, before going into recess in December.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123142]

JDV seeks dismissal of ethics complaint
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will seek an immediate dismissal of the complaints filed against him at the House ethics committee for lack of jurisdiction and course of action, but welcomed yesterday its decision to dig deeper into the charges of lawyer Roel Pulido, his lawyer said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123143


No power rate hike during holidays
By Perseus Echeminada
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said yesterday there would be no increase in electricity rates at least until the end of the year, since there is no pending petition for rate increase from power utilities.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123145



2 senators question pardon of Ninoy killer
By Aurea Calica
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Two more senators questioned yesterday the pardon granted by President Arroyo to M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, convicted in the assassination of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. 24 years ago.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071123154


EDITORYAL — Pinatataba lamang ang mga buwaya!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
LOAN dito, loan doon. Utang dito, utang doon. Ganyan ang Pilipinas sa kasalukuyan. Sala-salabat ang utang. May utang sa Word Bank, IMF, at kung kani-kanino pa. Umuutang para ipagpagawa ng mga kalsada, tulay, eskuwelahan, MRT, LRT, communication projects at marami pang iba. Lahat ng mga iyan ay gagastusan ng milyong dolyar at siyempre pa, dollar din ang pambayad.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinyon&p=50&type=2&sec=56


JdV instructs lawyer to refute charges on merits
By BEN R. ROSARIO
A legal technicality could be a strong reason for the dismissal of an administrative complaint against Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., but the House leader has no plans of resorting to this technicality to clear himself.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071124109588.html


Palace: No politics in
Ninoy convict pardon
BY REGINA BENGCO
CHIEF presidential legal counsel Sergio Apostol yesterday said there was nothing personal about President Arroyo’s decision to grant conditional pardon to former M/Sgt. Pablo Martinez, one of the 15 convicted killers of former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino and Rolando Galman.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov24/news2.htm

RP hit for inaction on visit of UN rights probers
BY ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
THE government continues to ignore a request of the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (UN-WGEID) to visit the country to investigate cases of abductions, according to Filipino activists who visited the Geneva headquarters of the global watchdog on abductions on Wednesday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov24/news4.htm\


ALAS SA SUHULAN HAWAK NG OPOSISYON
Ni Rey Marfil
Pinaghahanda na ni opposition Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson ang palasyo ng Malacañang kung paano sisirain ang kanyang mga naunang expose sa pag-divert ng counter-insurgency fund at collectibles ng isang negosyante bilang pang-areglo sa mga gobernador at kongresistang naging bisita ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malacañang noong buwan ng Oktubre.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2407/main.htm


Budget at imbestigasyon
Tiwala si Senate Pres. Manny Villar na makalipas ang ilang taon na laging naatraso at madalas ay hindi naipapasa sa oras, ang panukalang budget ng gobyerno para sa 2008 ay maipapasa ng Senado bago sila mag-recess para sa Kapaskuhan. Paniniyak ito ni Senate Pres. Manny Villar du’n sa Kapihan sa Senado. Sa wakas, naisumite ng House sa Senado ang budget sa takdang panahon...bago mag-Disyembre.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2407/main.htm


JdV in fighting mood
By: Jester P. Manalastas
THE camp of Speaker Jose de Venecia is already preparing an “exhaustive answer,” to be filed early next week, to the ethics complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido in the House Ethics Committee in connection with the controversial national broadband network deal.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-24&sec=1&aid=40061


Teves: RP has other financing
options if WB cancels project
By Cai Ordinario
FINANCE Secretary Margarito Teves disclosed Thursday that the Philippine government may borrow money from multilateral agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) should the World Bank (WB) decide to cancel the second phase of the controversial National Roads Improvement and Management Project (NRIMP) suspected by the WB officials of being “overpriced.”
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1123&242007/headlines06.html



November 26, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
(UPDATE 3) ‘Lando’ to reenter RP as ‘Mina’ exits
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 10:39am (Mla time) 11/26/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Typhoon "Mina" (international codename: Mitag) swept through extreme northern Luzon on Monday, displacing thousands due to floods and landslides and triggering power outages, as Southern Luzon braced for the return of tropical storm "Lando," the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=103053


2. The Philippine Star
7 dead as merged storms threaten RP
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
Monday, November 26, 2007
Seven people have died and tens of thousands evacuated from their homes as typhoon “Mina” (international name Mitag) approaches the northern Philippines, the National Disaster Coordinating Council reported yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125119

3. Manila Times
Case vs. high electricity loses
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
A campaign that was aimed at lowering people’s electric bills has lost its case before the Court of Appeals.
The court has junked the petition of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Bishop Teodoro Bacani and 39 other petitioners questioning the constitutionality of the collection of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) and of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) of the controversial power purchase adjustment (PPA) and power purchase cost adjustment (PPCA).
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/26/yehey/top_stories/20071126top1.html
4. Malaya
6 dead in Camarines;
‘Mina’ to hit N. Luzon
‘Lando’ returns, threatens Palawan
BY VICTOR REYES
SIX people have died in Camarines Sur from rains brought by typhoon "Mina (international name Mitag)."
Mina, which changed course Saturday, will make landfall this morning in Isabela and Cagayan instead of the Bicol region even as typhoon "Lando," which left 14 people dead last week, is re-entering the Philippines.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov26/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin
At least 7 dead in typhoon
‘Mina’ prompts massive evacuations in Bicol, S. Tagalog, C. Luzon; Six of 7 dead typhoon victims drown in floods
Aris R. Ilagan
At least seven persons were killed as typhoon "Mina" made landfall yesterday, prompting massive evacuations in Bicol, Southern Tagalog, and Central Luzon by government agencies, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071126109819.html


6. The Daily Tribune
Senate to grill R-II magnate on payola
By Angie M. Rosales
Even as the Senate prioritizes deliberations on the P1.23-trillion national budget, Senate budget hearings are not expected to slow down the inquiries slated by several joint panels hearing the case of the Malacañang distributed cash gifts of P500,000 each encased in a gift paper bag given to some 190 congressmen and scores of local officials led by governors last Oct. 11 in the Palace premises.
Cayetano, however, emphasized that it will be on a voluntary basis on the part of Romero in appearing before his committee to help shed light on the revelations made by opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson that some P500 million was supposedly released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the businessman and purportedly ended up as cash gifts to congressmen, governors and mayors after they attended a dialog at the Palace last Oct. 11.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071126hed1.html






7. Abante
JDV GIPIT NA!
Ni ERALYN PRADO
Maituturing na ipit na si House Speaker Jose de Venecia sa kanyang isinusulong na moral revolution, kung kaya’t wala itong magagawa kundi panindigan ang isinusulong nitong hakbangin sa pamamagitan na rin ng kusa nitong pagdalo sa isasagawang imbestigasyon ng Senado kaugnay sa umano’y maanomalyang North Rail Project (NRP), kung saan sinasabing naging padrino ang House leader.
Binigyang-diin ito ni Citizen Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva bilang pagsang-ayon na rin sa pahayag ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano na may moral pressure si De Venecia para dumalo sa North Rail Project (NRP) probe bilang pangunahing nagsusulong ng moral revolution at upang patotohanan ito.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov2607/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
LABANAN SA 2010 PINOPORMA NA
Ni Rey Marfil
Sa taong 2010 pa ang susunod na presidential election subalit ngayon pa lamang naghahanda na ang dalawa sa pinakamatandang partido pulitikal sa kasaysayan ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas sa kanilang mga hanay para iporma ang ikakasang kampanya ng patatakbuhing kandidato.
Ayon kay Cayetano, bagama’t marami ang miyembro ng Lakas at KAMPI, wala naman umanong nakikita ang mga ito na magiging pambato sa 2010 election.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov2607/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
3 bagyo magsasabay
Nina Danilo Garcia at Rudy Andal
Monday, November 26, 2007
Hindi lang isa kundi tatlong bagyo ang inaasahang mananalasa sa Pilipinas dahil sa pagba-lik ng bagyong Lando at pagpasok naman ng panibagong bagyong Nonoy.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112556


10. Journal
TRIPLE WHAMMY RP faces wrath of Mina plus 2: Lando and Nonoy
By: Efren Montano
AS if one typhoon were not enough, two other storms besides Mina are inching close to the Philippines prompting President Macapagal-Arroyo to order intensified weather monitoring and disaster preparations.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-26&sec=1&aid=40270


11. Business World
Promised legislation missing
Businessmen cite Congress inaction on six commitments
CONGRESS HAS SO FAR FAILED TO ACT on measures promised to businessmen, who are now holding out little hope that these priority bills will be acted upon by yearend.
John D. Forbes, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ legislative committee, said six priority measures deemed critical to improving the country’s competitiveness were unlikely to be passed this month or the next.
http://www.bworldonline.com/BW112607/content.php?id=001cv

12. Business Mirror
Peso, oil force government to change goals
By Jun Vallecera
IT was bound to happen: the government has finally announced plans to recalibrate its macroeconomic goals for 2008, the original numbers having been rendered obsolete by the strong peso, weak exports and the rising price of world oil.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11262007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
COA uncovers another project bleeding RP dry
By Jocelyn Uy
MANILA, Philippines -- The P1.37-billion Emergency Network Philippines (ENP) project funded by the Austrian government four years ago is bleeding the national coffers dry, although it has yet to be fully implemented.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=103115


Arroyo ally bidding for Transco scored
2 senators cite conflict of interest in auction
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
MANILA, Philippines -- Opposition senators Sunday slammed the Arroyo administration’s plan to give up government ownership of its power transmission assets, saying the official in charge of privatization is a boardroom ally of one of the bidders, businessman Enrique Razon Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=103080




SC failed to remit P24.3-M judiciary funds – COA
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Supreme Court has been accused of violating the law for failing to remit P24.3 million in judiciary funds to the national treasury.
In their annual report, state auditors said the SC has earned P21.4 million from the interest of fiduciary funds and another P2.9 million from confiscated bonds.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125121

Government wages tougher anti-kotong, colorum campaign
Monday, November 26, 2007
The government will wage a tough war against out-of-line public utility buses and jeepneys as well as corrupt traffic enforcers and policemen to reduce difficulties being faced by jeepney drivers and operators who are reeling from the rising price of fuel.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125125

Palace accepts ATO chief’s resignation
Monday, November 26, 2007
Malacañang has accepted the resignation of Assistant Secretary Nilo Jatico as Air Transportation Office chief last Nov. 12, leaving the ATO in the hands of executive director Daniel Dimagiba.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125124

Senate investigations impeding CA work – Albano
By Jess Diaz
Monday, November 26, 2007
Frequent Senate investigations are impeding the work of the Commission on Appointments (CA), the constitutional body tasked to pass judgment on the qualifications of Cabinet members, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III lamented yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125126

Liberal Party elects new president today
By Christina Mendez
Monday, November 26, 2007

The Liberal Party will elect a new president today to replace outgoing party head, former Senate president Franklin Drilon, during the National Executive Council (NECO) meeting at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071125134




Villar at Roxas sa 2010
Monday, November 26, 2007
Inaasahan na ang pagsasagupa nina Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. ng Nacionalista Party at Sen. Mar Roxas ng Liberal Party sa 2010 presidential elections matapos na parehong pinag-hahandaan na ng mga ito ang grassroot level ng kani-kanilang partido.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007112558

EDITORYAL — Tulong sa nagugutom ay halos hindi madama
Monday, November 26, 2007
ISANG porsiyento lamang pala ng mga nagugutom na pamilyang Pinoy ang nakakakuha ng tulong mula sa gobyerno, ito ang kinalabasan ng survey na ginawa ng Social Weather Stations (SWS). At ayon pa sa survey, umaasa na lamang ang mga nagugutom sa tulong kamag-anak at kaibigan. Binibigyan sila ng pera at iba pa.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinyon&p=50&type=2&sec=56

Senate to hold marathon sessions for 2008 budget
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Senate President Manuel Villar said Sunday that the Senate would hold marathon sessions on the proposed P1.227-trillion national budget to pass it within two weeks.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/26/yehey/metro/20071126met2.html

Contractors lined up for WB road deal rig probe
By Angie M. Rosales
11/26/2007
The Senate will start today with contractors of multimillion-peso deals for the National Road Improvement and Management Program (NRIMP) that the World Bank (WB) had earlier suspended over allegations of corruption in its investigations into circumstances that led to the decision of the multilateral funding agency that was described as a national humiliation.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071126hed2.html

Chinese contractors called on graft-tainted WB road project
BY JP LOPEZ
THE Senate committee on economic affairs starts today an investigation on the deferment by the World Bank of a $232-million loan to the Philippines because of alleged irregularities in the bidding and implementation of the road projects to be funded by the loan.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov26/news2.htm

November 12-19, 2007

November 12, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Comelec security beefed up
Cops seek videotape for clues to killing
By Nikko Dizon, Leila Salaverria, Allison Lopez
Inquirer
Last updated 00:58am (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The government Sunday pledged to bolster security for officials of the Commission on Elections under death threats, even as police expressed hope video footage would yield clues to the identity of the assassin who gunned down the Comelec’s legal chief on a busy Ermita street.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100313

2. The Philippine Star
Cops can’t find witnesses
By Edu Punay
Monday, November 12, 2007
Hampered by the lack of witnesses in the murder of Commission on Elections (Comelec) legal department chief Alioden Dalaig, police investigators are now digging up the cases handled by the slain poll official to determine the motive for the killing and find the perpetrator.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2007111197

3. Manila Times
Erap’s joint assets included
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
THE antigraft court may go after the assets of Joseph Estrada’s mistresses and children if they are under the former President’s name, an official said Sunday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/12/yehey/top_stories/20071112top1.html

4. Malaya
Danding lays down terms for JDV ouster
Tells GMA he wants Fuentebella as Speaker
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
NATIONALIST People’s Coalition founder Eduardo Cojuangco will support moves to oust House Speaker Jose de Venecia but only if Camarines Sur Rep. Arnulfo Fuentebella will replace him.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov12/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

6. The Daily Tribune
Defensor vows to kill stronger impeach bid
By Gerry Baldo
11/12/2007
The House committee on justice closed the door on a comprehensive impeachment complaint that a broad coalition of critics of President Arroyo will file today after committee chairman Matias Defensor said he will reject it.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071112hed1.html

7. Abante
P9 SA JEEP NAKAUMANG!
(Rose Miranda/Jethro Sinocruz/JB Salarzon/Irish Ann Cruz)
Pilit na pinakakalma ng Malacañang ang publiko sa panibagong taas-pasahe na isinusulong ng mga transport groups kapalit ng pag-abandona sa kanilang bantang malawakan at sabayang tigil-pasada.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1207/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
COMELEC OFFICIALS PINAG-IINGAT NA
Nina Irish Ann Cruz at Aries Cano
Matapos ang magkasunod at magkahiwalay na pamamaslang sa dalawang opisyal ng Commission on Elections (Comelec), mahigpit na pinag-iingat naman ngayon ng isang high ranking election official ang iba pang kasamahan at tauhan ng naturang komisyon.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1207/main.htm



9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Tigil-pasada lalarga na
Nina Rose Tamayo-Tesoro at Danilo Garcia
Monday, November 12, 2007
Anumang araw sa mga susunod na linggo ay sisimulan na ng mga militanteng grupo ng transportasyon ang isang nationwide “transport holiday” bunsod ng walang humpay na pagtaas sa presyo ng langis at sa kawalan umano ng aksiyon ng gobyerno ukol dito.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007111175

10. Journal
BREAKUP
By: Raul S. Beltran
LEADERS of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino fear their shaky alliance with the ruling Lakas-CMD could eventually lead to a breakup.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-12&sec=1&aid=38561

11. Business World
Net effect of peso rise negative
Majority say well-being unchanged, but more report being ’better off before’
MAJORITY OF FILIPINO FAMILIES say their well-being has not changed much in terms of a stronger peso but the net effect of the currency’s gains is negative in all areas and classes, a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.
http://bworld.com.ph/BW111207/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
Jittery steel groups red-flag FTA
By Max de Leon
Reporter
LOCAL steel manufacturers fear that they are in danger of being wiped out by an expected import surge from China once steel is given preferential access to the country under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-China free-trade agreement (FTA).
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11122007/headlines01.html








II. POLITICAL
New impeach complaint to be filed today
By Katherine Adraneda
Monday, November 12, 2007
Former vice president Teofisto Guingona, along with militant groups will file another impeachment complaint against President Arroyo before the House
of Representatives today.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071111100

Public participation sought in search for next Comelec chief
By Mayen Jaymalin
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has sought “public” participation in the selection of the next chairman of the poll body to ensure that the next poll chief would be competent and impartial.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071111103

MMDA eyes reviving use of cameras vs traffic violators
By Michael Punongbayan
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has proposed the revival of the controversial plan to take photographs of traffic violators in the metropolis and use them as evidence to collect fines.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071111108

ANALYSIS
Resign-snap poll bid has no critical mass
By Amando Doronila
Inquirer
Last updated 03:02am (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- No one was surprised when civil society launched last week a multisectoral campaign calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro to pave the way for snap election in 60 days. It was predictable, including the composition of the groups and individuals driving the movement.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100322




EDITORIAL
Replacing Abalos
Inquirer
Last updated 01:07am (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines - The idea seemed good on paper. Creat an independent search committee to propose the most qualified candidates for chairman of the Commission on Elections. Theory, however, is no match (as we like to say in the Philippines) for practice—because politics as it is practiced in the Philippines in the post-Estrada impeachment era is motivated not by theory but by self-interest alone. We are afraid that the screening committee may be compromised by the very politics of survival it is supposed to counter.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view_article.php?article_id=100304

SOUNDING BOARD
Jpepa reservations
By Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
Inquirer
Last updated 01:08am (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines - In an increasingly globalized world, nation enter into economic partnership with other nations. We did it through our participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and once again it is being proposed that we enter into partnership with Japan through a Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=100303

Gobyerno kikita ng P1.4B sa imported cars - PASG
Monday, November 12, 2007
Iginiit kahapon ni Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) chief Antonio Villar Jr. na kikita ang gob­yerno ng P1.4 bilyon sa pamamagitan ng Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) sa sandaling magparehistro ang may 3,000 may-ari ng imported cars.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007111179

Masarap ang buhay ng kongresista
SAPOL Ni Jarius Bondoc
Monday, November 12, 2007
BAGO magbukas ang 14th Congress, nag-briefing si Budget Sec. Rolando Andaya Jr. sa halos 100 bagitong kongresista ukol sa mga pribilehiyo nila. Kabisado niya ito dahil tatlong termino siya naupo sa Kamara at chairman ng committee on appropriations. Masarap mag-kongresista, umano’y ani Andaya, “puwede pumasok sa trabaho, puwedeng hindi, pero tuloy-tuloy ang suweldo.” Inabisuhan pa niyang huwag na huwag magkakamaling magbayad ng inoorder sa Batasan South Lounge, dahil libre sa kanila ang pagkai’t inumin doon.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinyon&p=50&type=2&sec=56&aid=2007111183




House to hear impeachment case
By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
Members of the leftist party-list bloc in the House of Representatives are expected to file another impeachment complaint against President Gloria Arroyo today.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/12/yehey/top_stories/20071112top5.html

SPECIAL REPORT: Global competitiveness
Villar cites conquerors of red tape
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Senate President Manuel Villar cited Sunday government agencies that have been adopting “out-of-the-box” thinking to reduce red tape, which is choking the country’s business competitiveness.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/12/yehey/top_stories/20071112top6.html

Govt to earn P1.4B from imported vehicles
By William B. Depasupil, Reporter
THE governmeant could earn up to P1.4 billion in additional revenues if the owners of over 3,000 imported vehicles will avail of the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP), which requires them to voluntarily pay the right duties and taxes on their vehicles.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/12/yehey/metro/20071112met7.html

Dalaig kin tags Bedol in poll official’s slay
11/12/2007
The family of slain Com-mission on Elections (Comelec) official Alioden Dalaig has tagged former Maguindanao poll supervisor Lintang Bedol in the poll official’s killing in Malate, Manila on Saturday night.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071112hed2.html

Get act together on Jpepa, state told
11/12/2007
Malacañang has been called on to get its act together in providing the Senate with sufficient information on the clear benefits and potential drawbacks that the country would face in relation to the controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa).
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20071112nat5.html

Gov’t losing P1.4B due to unpaid duties, taxes on imported vehicles
By Sherwin C. Olaes
11/12/2007
The government is losing an estimated P1.4 billion in additional revenues due to the failure of some 3,000 imported vehicles to avail themselves of the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) after they were discovered to have questionable documents despite being registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) this year.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20071112met1.html

Panel chief says impeach rap junked within month
THE "sham" impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido last Oct. 5 against President Arroyo will be dismissed before December, the chairman of the House committee on justice said Saturday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov12/news3.htm

JPEPA: What now?
Former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr: "The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is one-sided and unfairly favoring Japanese interests.
"The unfair and one-sided provisions of the JPEPA encroach on the rights of the Filipinos to chart their own destiny."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov12/eddahli.htm

Gov’t to earn P1.4B from VDP -- PASG
THE government could earn up to P1.4 billion in additional revenues once the owners of over 3,000 imported cars that were able to register their vehicles with the Land Transportation Office this year, despite having questionable documents, will avail of the Voluntary Disclosure Program.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-12&sec=1&aid=38510

Dalaig big loss to Comelec -- Abalos
By: Alex Silva
FORMER Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said that the killings of Comelec law department chief Alioden Dalaig has something to do with his job.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-12&sec=1&aid=38547

Comelec mourns Dalaig
By: Lee Ann P. Ducusin with AFP
THE Commission on Elections is in mourning following the killing Saturday night of its law department chief in Manila .
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-12&sec=1&aid=38562

Gov’t safety nets vs JPEPA urged
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE government must provide safety nets to those sectors that may be adversely affected should the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is ratified by the Senate.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-12&sec=4&aid=38505

Get act together on JPEPA -- Roxas
SENATOR Mar Roxas has called on the executive branch to get its act together in providing the Senate with sufficient information on the clear benefits and potential drawbacks that the country would face in relation to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-12&sec=4&aid=38512

DTI clarifies requirements for nurses underJPEPA
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has clarified that academic degree and work experience required of Filipino nurses and caregivers under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement are not peculiar to Japan-based professionals.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-12&sec=4&aid=38559


November 13, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
House OKs impeach case–but only in form
By Norman Bordadora
Inquirer
Last updated 01:03am (Mla time) 11/13/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The House committee on justice, moving swiftly after the minority walked out and called the proceedings a “sham,” Monday declared an impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to be sufficient in form.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100540

2. The Philippine Star
House junks Tamano impeach complaint
By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The House committee on justice upheld yesterday its rejection of the “addendum and supplemental” impeachment complaint of opposition spokesman Adel Tamano and declared the original case filed by lawyer Roel Pulido “sufficient in form.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071112176

3. Manila Times
Impeachment case a ‘sham’
Golez leads walkout but hearing goes on
By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
Members of the opposition in the House of Representatives walked out of Monday’s hearing on an impeachment complaint against President Gloria Arroyo that was filed by a lawyer in October.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/13/yehey/top_stories/20071113top1.html

4. Malaya
Minority slams impeach ‘moro moro’, walks out
GMA allies nix inhibition of ‘cash gift’ recipients
THE initial hearing on the impeachment complaint against President Arroyo yesterday by the House committee on justice turned rowdy as opposition lawmakers walked out after her allies dismissed their plea to reconsider the "legitimate" complaints.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov13/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
House OKs P1.227-trillion budget
Panel finds Pulido impeach suit sufficient in form
Lower House sends 2008 budget bill to Senate
By BEN R. ROSARIO
The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading last night the proposed P1.227 trillion General Appropriations Act for 2008 even as congressional leaders aired hopes that the early approval would avert another reenactment of the budget measure.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071113108463.html

6. The Daily Tribune
‘Cash gifts’ from Palace via PNP intel funds
By Angie M. Rosales
11/13/2007
The P500,000-cash bribes stashed in brown gift bags handed to congressmen and local executives didn’t come from the governors’ league, nor from President Arroyo’s political party Kampi (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino) but from the intelligence and counterinsurgency funds of the Philippine National Police (PNP) — at least P160 million worth in cash — further bolstering charges that the cash bribes were handed out with the knowledge and consent of Mrs. Arroyo, having allegedly taken this from the police intelligence budget, over which she exercises control.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071113hed1.html

7. Abante
'SUHOL' KINUPIT SA PNP -- PING
Nina BOYET JADULCO, NILO MARASIGAN at ROSE MIRANDA
Ibinunyag kahapon ni Sen. Panfilo Lacson na galing sa pondo ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang P500,000 na ipinamudmod sa mga kongresista at gobernador sa Malacañang noong Oktubre 11.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1307/main.htm




8. Abante-Tonite
‘BAG LADY’ NI GLORIA HIHILAHIN SA SENADO
Ni Rey Marfil
Kung nagawang iwasan ang Hello Garci probe ng Senado, hindi malulusutan ng mga alipores ng Malacañang, partikular ng babaeng itinuturing na "bag lady" ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang kaliwa’t kanang suhulan matapos ilutang ang pagpapaaresto kapag tinanggihan ang subpoena.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1307/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
GMA pumalag!
Ni Rudy Andal
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Muling nanawagan si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa mga mambabatas na itigil na muna ang sobrang pamumulitika bagkus ay bigyang prayoridad ang paglikha ng batas na lalong kinakailangan ng taumbayan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=200711126

10. Journal
WALKOUT
By: Jester P. Manalastas
Opposition boycotts impeach hearing after House rejects supplemental complaint
THE House of Representatives yesterday declared the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido against President Macapagal-Arroyo sufficient in form but the first hearing was marred by a walkout staged by opposition congressmen.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-13&sec=1&aid=38653

11. Business World
First Pacific-owned firm dunned P8.5B
THE GOVERNMENT IS RUNNING AFTER some P8.52 billion in dividends due from an indirect stake in telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) that it had sold earlier this year.
http://bworld.com.ph/BW111307/content.php?id=001







12. Business Mirror
House okays ’08 budget of P1.2T
RESTRICTIONS ON DUBIOUS DEBT PAYMENTS, ACTIVE WORK OF WATCHDOGS MAKE BILL UNIQUE
By Fernan Marasigan
Reporter
THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the P1.227-trillion national government budget for 2008, with the education sector getting a hefty augmentation of P6.436 billion in the general appropriations bill.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11132007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
Strong peso hurts 30%, helps 13%; no effect on 57%
By Helen Flores
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
About five million Filipino families said they were adversely affected by the strengthening of the peso against the US dollar, saying their well-being has not changed much, a recent survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071112180

House OKs Palace-approved P1.227-trillion budget for 2008
By Jess Diaz
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The House of Representatives, voting 174-8, approved President Arroyo’s proposed P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008 on third and final reading yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071112181

GMA security advisers rushing draft amendments to HSA
By Paolo Romero
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Security officials disclosed that a draft is being prepared to propose amendments to the anti-terrorism law or the Human Security Act (HSA), which includes reducing penalties for policemen and other law enforcement agents who commit wrongful arrests or human rights violations while conducting counter-terror operations.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071112186






GMA releases P200 million for cheap rice, mobile clinics
By Marvin Sy
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
President Arroyo has ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to release a total of P200 million for the purpose of keeping the price of low-cost rice stable and for the establishment of new mobile clinics across the country.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071112192

Congress urged to pass bill creating ICT dep’t
By Paolo Romero
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) is asking Congress to immediately pass into law a measure seeking the creation of a Department of ICT along with the Philippine Anti-Cybercrime bill to ensure the continuous growth and global competitiveness of the country’s ICT industry.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071112195

Too much politics
FIRST PERSON By Alex Magno
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
For the third straight year, an impeachment complaint has been filed against the President of the Republic. The initial complaint has been amended and supplemented, a case has been filed with the Supreme Court seeking a ruling on the supplements, and so much television talk time has been expended allowing the usual complainants to talk about their complaints.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=20071112112

House OKs P1.2-Tr budget for 2008 on third reading
By Maila Ager
Last updated 05:44pm (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Voting 174-8, with no abstentions, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the proposed P1.227 trillion national budget for 2008.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100452

PNP denies funds used for Palace cash gift
By Thea Alberto
Last updated 05:27pm (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Saying it only had meager funds, the Philippine National Police (PNP) denied Monday that its money was being diverted for other purposes as claimed by its former chief and now Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100448



Senators want possible link to poll execs’ slays probed
Gordon suspects Comelec ‘mafia’
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 05:15pm (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA , Philippines -- Two senators on Monday urged authorities to establish if there is any link between the murders of two Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials over the weekend -- Comelec legal department head Alioden Dalabia Dalaig and Bacoor poll officer Joseph del Rosario.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100446

Santiago seeks supplemental agreement to JPEPA

By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 04:13pm (Mla time) 11/12/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement should be accompanied by a supplemental agreement because the treaty in its current form “fails to make a reservation for future preferential, protective, or development measures over Japanese investments,” Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said Monday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100432

POLITICAL TIDBITS
Economic cluster should explain NorthRail project
By Belinda Olivares-Cunanan
Inquirer
Last updated 00:51am (Mla time) 11/13/2007
WE FLEW to Honolulu via PAL for a few days to attend the wedding of a Cunanan niece. Catching up on back issues, I realized I missed a lot of developments. I feel sorry that controversy seems to have surfaced anew with regard to the NorthRail project. I have supported this project since it was being negotiated, for I have always believed that no country can industrialize and develop without an efficient railway system. In our case, this project complements the development of our agri-business mega-region in the north. Having traveled around the world, including in Third World countries, often by rail, I always feel ashamed every time my vehicle is stopped at the Buendia Avenue crossing in Makati to allow those decrepit trains to pass (even Cambodia has better trains). I also felt happy about the prospect of decongesting Metro Manila by having modern trains bring people to work in the metropolis and transport them back to the suburbs.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=100524






Minority Solons nag-walkout
Ni Butch Quejada
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Nag-walk out kahapon ang minority solons sa isinagawang pagdinig ng Committe on Justice tungkol sa Pulido impeachment complaint laban kay Pangulo Arroyo.
Nanggagalaiti sa galit si Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto Guingona III dahil lokohan umano ang ginagawang pro­seso sa Kongreso at hindi makikisali ang minorya kaya nilayasan nila ang pagdinig ng komite.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=200711127

House passes ’08 proposed budget
Voting 174-8, the House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the Malacañang-proposed P1.227-trillion national budget for 2008.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/13/yehey/top_stories/20071113top4.html

EDITORIAL
Questionable aid
OFFICIAL development assistance (ODA) is not truly the great investment many donor countries portray it to be, or the indispensable lifeline that governments wish the people to believe.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/13/yehey/opinion/20071113opi1.html

Cheap rice, mobile clinics to be made available
By GENALYN D. KABILING
In another early Christmas gift to the masses, President Arroyo ordered the release yesterday of R200 million for the availability of cheap rice in local markets as well as the establishment of mobile clinics in the countryside.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071113108467.html

House panel finds Pulido impeach suit sufficient in form
The Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives, whose members are mostly administration allies, yesterday found the impeachment complaint against President Arroyo sufficient in form even as seven opposition congressmen staged a walkout.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071113108468.html

JPEPA needs a supplemental agreement – Miriam
Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) needs to be accompanied by a Supplemental Agreement because the treaty in its present form fails to make a reservation for future preferential, protective, or development measures over Japanese investments.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071113108470.html

There are no safe firecrackers, says DoH
By JENNY F. MANONGDO
The Department of Health (DoH) will propose a legislation that will ban all kinds of fireworks and firecrackers by 2010.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071113108476.html

House junks supplemental bid, minority walks out and Charlie V. Manalo
11/13/2007
By Gerry Baldo
Walkouts appear to be in political vogue these days, with the members of the opposition in the House of Representatives being the latest group to walk out of the impeachment proceedings against President Arroyo.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071113hed2.html

Santiago worried Jpepa defeat at SC to shame GMA
By Angie M. Rosales
11/13/2007
Administration Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago yesterday expressed concern of President Arroyo being embarrassed when the oppositors to the trade agreement she had forged with the Japanese government bring the constitutionality issue of the pact before the Supreme Court (SC) and the high tribunal rules in favor of voiding the accord.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20071113nat1.html

Senate asks COA for papers on $113M NorthRail releases
THE Senate yesterday asked the Commission on Audit (COA) to submit documents on the disbursement of the $113 million mobilization fund for the $500 million NorthRail project.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov13/news5.htm

GMA taps Pagcor for P200M for mobile clinics, cheap rice
PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to release P100 million for mobile clinics and another P100 million to ensure that affordable rice is available to the poor during the holidays.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov13/news8.htm

JPEPA supplemental pact needed: Miriam
SEN. Miriam Defensor-Santiago yesterday said Malacañang needs to submit a supplemental agreement to increase the chances of a Senate approval of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov13/metro1.htm



Oposisyon hands off na sa impeachment
(Bernard Taguinod/Eralyn Prado)
Tuluyan nang sumuko ang oposisyon sa kanilang pakikipaglaban para sa tunay na impeachment complaint laban kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo matapos ibasura ng mga alipores ng administrasyon ang mga mas matitibay na reklamo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1307/main.htm

GMA releases P200-M to buy rice
By: Efren Montano
PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday released P200 million for the government to buy rice as the Christmas season draws near, even as she belittled the latest moves of her political rivals to impeach her.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-13&sec=4&aid=38649

Nene rebuffs import of used cars
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. is against the importation of second-hand cars from Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-13&sec=4&aid=38669

House okays P1.2T 2008 budget
By: Jester P. Manalastas
THE House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the P1.227 trillion proposed 2008 national budget.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-13&sec=4&aid=38693



November 14, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Bomb rocks Congress; solon among 3 killed
By Maila Ager, Thea Alberto, Nonoy Espina, Joel Guinto, Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 03:58am (Mla time) 11/14/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE 19) A bomb exploded at the House of Representatives in Quezon City Tuesday evening killing Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar, the driver of another lawmaker and a member of the staff of yet another solon.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/topstories/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=100700

2. The Philippine Star
2 dead in Batasan blast
By Delon Porcalla
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A suspected car bomb exploded outside the entrance lobby of the Batasan complex in Quezon City last night, killing Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and a driver and wounding at least 12 others.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071113187

3. Manila Times
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Explosion rocks Congress
A powerful blast rocked the south wing of the House of Representatives in Quezon City just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, killing two and injuring at least 12 others, authorities said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/14/yehey/top_stories/20071114top1.html


4. Malaya
1 dead, 3 solons hurt in Batasan explosion
Bomb planted inside Basilan lawmaker’s vehicle
ONE person died and at least three congressmen and seven staff members were hurt when a suspected bomb exploded at the Batasang Pambansa last night.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov14/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
Papal Nuncio welcomed with mass
Adams called worthy envoy of Pope Benedict XVI
Filipino cardinals, bishops, & officials greet new nuncio in rites held at Manila Cathedral
By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO
Feel at home with us.
This was the message of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo to Papal Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, who was formally welcomed to the country yesterday at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071114108535.html

6. The Daily Tribune
Batasan blast kills 1, hurts 20
By Gerry Baldo and Charlie Manalo
11/14/2007
An explosion tore through the south wing lobby of the legislative Batasan Pambansa building in Quezon City, killing one person and hurting at least two congressmen and six others, witnesses told reporters at press time.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071114hed1.html

7. Abante
ERAP LALABAN NANG PATAYAN!
Nina JB SALARZON, NOEL ABUEL at ROSE MIRANDA
"Kung determinado sila na kumpiskahin ang aking mga ari-arian, determinado rin akong lumaban. I’m ready to die para sa aking pinaghirapan ng pawis at dugo."
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1407/main.htm




8. Abante-Tonite
KAMARA BINOMBA!
Kongresista patay
Tonite Reportorial Team
sang matinding pagsabog ang yumanig sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso kagabi kung saan dalawa katao ang namatay kabilang ang isang kongresista habang lima pa ang sugatan na kinabibilangan ng dalawa pang mambabatas.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1407/main.htm

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Nakalilitong probe sa Glorietta binira
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Nawawalan umano ng kredibilidad ang imbestigasyon ng pamahalaan sa Glorietta 2 explosion sa Makati dahil sa doble-dobleng imbestigasyon na “nakalilito”.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007111351

10. Journal
BLAST!
Solon dies in Batasan bomb attack
By Alfred Dalizon, Ryan Pacpaco,
Jester Manalastas, Efren Montano, Jess Antiporda
BASILAN Rep. Wahab Akbar and a driver of a lady solon died while at least nine people were injured, including Reps. Henry Teves and Luzviminda Ilagan, following a powerful explosion that ripped through the south wing of the Batasang Pambansa complex past 8 o’clock last night.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-14&sec=1&aid=38837

11. Business World
BY BERNARDETTE S. STO. DOMINGO, Reporter
Exporters giving up on growth
‘No point in aiming for a higher target’ — Philexport
LOCAL EXPORTERS ARE LOOKING to further slash this year’s growth targets given the continued weakening of the dollar against the peso, the country’s leading export group yesterday said.
http://bworld.com.ph/BW111407/content.php?id=001




12. Business Mirror
Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, 2 others killed as bomb explodes in Batasan
REPS. TEVES AND ILAGAN, AT LEAST SEVEN OTHERS WOUNDED
A BOMB tore through the South Wing of the House of Representatives at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City just minutes after congressmen adjourned past 8 p.m. Tuesday night, killing
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11142007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
Erap pardon may be revoked
By Marvin Sy And Jose Rodel Clapano
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The government may revoke its grant of pardon to former President Joseph Estrada if he makes good on his threat to resist “till death” the forfeiture of his assets, worth P545 million, by the Sandiganbayan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071113134

Anti-GMA forces seek SC help on impeachment complaint
By Delon Porcalla
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Critics turned to the Supreme Court yesterday to clarify its ruling on the one-year prohibition in filing a second impeachment complaint.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071113135

JDV rejects Enrile’s debate dare
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. refused yesterday to take up the challenge of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile to engage in a public debate.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071113141

House passes P1-trillion 2008 budget
By Christian V. Esguerra
Inquirer
Last updated 05:22am (Mla time) 11/13/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The House of Representatives on Monday passed on third and final reading the country’s first trillion-peso budget.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100571


CA gives way to impeach hearing
By Christina Mendez
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Commission on Appointments has postponed today’s scheduled hearing on the appointment of Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral at the request of the CA panel from the House, which is busy hearing impeachment raps filed against President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071113145

EDITORIAL
Stuck in a trap
Inquirer
Last updated 11:40pm (Mla time) 11/13/2007
MANILA, Philippines--THE VERY FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES to face an impeachment complaint was Elpidio Quirino. Anyone interested in the origins of a now all-too-familiar process in our political life should refer to Quirino’s memoirs, published by the National Historical Institute. Simply put, the House of Representatives in 1949 handled things much better than the Houses of 2000, or 2005 to the present.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view_article.php?article_id=100708

ANALYSIS
Political scandals undermining the economy
By Amando Doronila
Inquirer
Last updated 11:57pm (Mla time) 11/13/2007
MANILA, Philippines--ONLY A FORTNIGHT AGO, A REGIONAL economist of the British banking giant, Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corp., warned that the political scandals rocking the government could halt the momentum of economic growth that has seen the Gross Domestic Product grow to a record 7.5 percent in the second quarter of 2007 in a period of uninterrupted growth over 27 quarters.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view_article.php?article_id=100713

Opinion
Pulido, San Luis earn their place in history
GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
If what people suspect about them is true, Atty. Roel Pulido and Rep. Edgar San Luis must be very happy now. Their alleged sinister designs are coming true. As predicted Congress upheld as sufficient in form the sham impeachment case they had filed and endorsed respectively against Gloria Arroyo. It was all part of their ploy in rustling up an empty rap against the President before the opposition could draft a real one. When oppositionist Adel Tamano tried to save the day by fortifying the three-page Pulido-San Luis scrap with 38 pages of evidence, Congress, again expectedly, rejected him. Tomorrow the last act of the charade will unfold for sure. Congress will declare the work of Pulido and San Luis as what it really is: insufficient in substance. And so Arroyo will be spared 12 months of indictment, under the constitutional rule of one impeachment complaint per year per official. Just like what happened same time 2005 and 2006.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=2007111397


House panel tackles cigarette excise tax issue
By BEN R. ROSARIO
A British investor engaged in cigarette manufacturing yesterday assailed local competitors for allegedly misleading the public on the controversy surrounding the excise tax classification of his firm’s Pall Mall brand.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071114108543.html

House panel to 'bury' GMA impeach case today
By BEN R. ROSARIO
Dominated by allies of President Arroyo, the Committee on Justice in the House of Representatives is expected to bury the impeachment case against her when the panel resumes deliberation on the issue today.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071114108544.html

Senate to study anti-poverty programs in 2008 nat’l budget
By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA
Despite being preoccupied with several controversial investigations and pertinent bills, the Senate will work hard in scrutinizing all anti-poverty programs in the proposed R1.227-trillion national budget for 2008 approved by the House of Representatives last Monday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071114108545.html

‘Friendly’ budget & impeachment
By Fred M. Lobo
THE House of Representatives approves the P1.2- trillion national budget and likewise accepts the allegedly "sham" impeachment complaint against President GMA.
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20071114108555.html

GMA allies set to tras himpeach charge today
THE impeachment complaint against President Arroyo filed by lawyer Roel Pulido last Oct. 5 is expected to be junked today by the House committee on justice for insufficiency of substance.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov14/news2.htm

SC rejects ‘no harm no foul’ claim on ZTE deal
THE Supreme Court yesterday rejected the government’s "no harm no foul" argument on the cancelled $329 million national broadband network contract as it gave petitioners seeking to probe the contract 10 days to comment on the solicitor general’s motion seeking the dismissal of all suits pertaining to the project on the ground that it has been cancelled.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov14/news4.htm





P56M loss seen yearly from tax break for Pall Mall
LAWMAKERS yesterday warned that the government would lose P56 million in taxes yearly if the Department of Finance allows the downward re-classification of Pall Mall cigarettes, a locally-manufactured foreign brand.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov14/news6.htm

Lacson raps on PNP funds diversion foul, baseless — Puno
By Angie M. Rosales and Sherwin C. Olaes
11/14/2007
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno yesterday cried foul over the “baseless” and “unsubstantiated” charges aired by Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson who disclosed Monday that the funds used for the “cash gifts” to congressmen and local executives distributed in Malacañang last Oct. 11 were sourced from from the Philip-pine National Police’s (PNP) P1-billion counter-insurgency funds.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071114hed2.html

House kills Pulido ‘token’ impeachment case today
11/14/2007
As what some sectors have been expecting, the House committee on justice is being seen to dismiss the impeachment complaint filed by former Magdalo lawyer Ruel Pulido against President Arroyo — which has been deemed a mere ploy by Malacañang intended to preempt a more substantial impeachment case to be lodged by the opposition against her — for insufficiency in substance during the panel’s resumption of its hearing on the case today.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071114hed3.html

SC puts on hold Solgen’s ZTE-NBN deal dismissal plea
11/14/2007
Win some, lose some, or at least a part of it initially.
Government lawyers’ plea for the dismissal of the suits questioning the $329-million ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) deal has not prompted an immediate nod from the Supreme Court (SC).
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071114hed6.html

Puno, Razon blast Lacson over cash gifts
By: Alfred P. Dalizon With a report from Fernando M. Cariaso
DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno and Philippine National Police chief, Director General Avelino I. Razon Jr. yesterday strongly denied Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson’s claim that the P500,000 “cash gifts” distributed to congressmen and governors in Malacañang last month were misrouted from the police’s counter-insurgency budget.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-14&sec=4&aid=0



JPEPA needs supplemental agreement - Miriam
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
THE controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreements needs to be accompanied by a “supplemental agreement” because the treaty in its present form fails to make a reservation for future preferential, protective, or development measures over Japanese investments, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-14&sec=4&aid=38783

P83-M cigarette tax loss decried
By: Jester P. Manalastas
THE government has been losing at least P83 million from unpaid excise tax on cigarettes in the last 18 months.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-14&sec=4&aid=38796

Villar: Early budget passage to lift economy
By: Paul M. Gutierrez
SENATE President Manuel Villar yesterday assured that the Upper Chamber would pass the 2008 budget as scheduled, adding its speedy passage would help boost the economy.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-14&sec=4&aid=38807

Strict rules for foreign aid programs to prevent corruption -- Loren
SENATOR Loren Legarda, chairman of the Senate committee on economic affairs, yesterday said she would ask the Senate to pass remedial legislation providing for safeguards in the disbursement of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) funds to prevent corruption and ensure accountability.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-14&sec=4&aid=38817

SOLONS TINATAKOT NA SA IMPEACHMENT
Hindi man direkta, mistulang tinatakot umano ng Malacañang ang mga kongresista, oposisyon man at kasapi ng majority bloc sa Kamara, sa impeachment case na kinakaharap ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1407/main.htm


November 15, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
PNP: Akbar was target
Basilan politics eyed in bombing
By Alcuin Papa, Arlyn dela Cruz
Mindanao Bureau
Last updated 01:55am (Mla time) 11/15/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- By virtue of his “color,” Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar was the likely target of the bomb that exploded on Tuesday night, the Philippine National Police said Wednesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100986

2. The Philippine Star
‘Target was Akbar’
By Cecille Suerte Felipe and Paolo Romero
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Police said yesterday controversial Muslim rebel-turned-politician Rep. Wahab Akbar was the target of a deadly bomb explosion outside the Batasang Pambansa Tuesday night, which killed him and three others.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071114129

3. Manila Times
Bomb meant for Rep. Akbar
Death toll creeps up to 4, with 10 injured in attack
A controversial Muslim congressman was the target of a powerful bomb outside the House of Representatives that killed him and three others, police said Wednesday.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/15/yehey/top_stories/20071115top1.html

4. Malaya
‘Slain Basilan solon was target’
Bomb on motorcycle triggered by cell phone
BY RAYMOND AFRICA
BASILAN Rep. Wahab Akbar was most likely the target of the bomb attack at the House of Representatives Tuesday night, PNP chief Avelino Razon said yesterday.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov15/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin

6. The Daily Tribune
Death toll rises to 4 in House bomb blast
11/15/2007
The death toll from a powerful bomb blast in the south lobby of the sprawling complex of the House of Representatives has risen to four at press time after an injured aide of Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar, who was first to be killed by the bomb blast, died due to the wounds he suffered from the bomb blast, officials said Wednesday.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071115hed1.html

7. Abante
SI AKBAR ANG TARGET!
Nina Nilo Marasigan, Al Jacinto, Rose Miranda, Eralyn Prado, Boyet Jadulco, Tina Mendoza at Armida Rico
Si Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar ang umano’y talagang target ng pagbomba kamakalawa ng gabi sa Batasan Complex, ayon kay Philippine National Police Chief General Avelino Razon Jr., kaugnay ng patuloy na pagsisiyasat sa insidente na kumitil ng buhay ng tatlo pang katao at ikinasugat ng may 13 iba pa.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1507/main.htm

8. Abante-Tonite
KAMARA AMINADONG PUMALPAK SA SEGURIDAD
Ni Bernard Taguinod
Inamin kahapon ng liderato ng Kamara na nagkaroon ng security lapses kaya nakapasok ang bomber na pumatay sa apat na katao kabilang na si Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar at nakasugat ng labing-isa pa.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1507/main.htm




9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Impeach vs GMA ibinasura
Nina Butch Quejada at Rudy Andal
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Ibinasura ng House Committee on Justice ang inihaing impeachment complaint ni Atty. Ruel Pulido laban kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dahil sa kakulangan umano ng sustansiya.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007111461

10. Journal
P5-M FOR BOMBERS
By: Tess Bedico
PRESIDENT Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday put up a P5 million reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the bombing.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-15&sec=1&aid=38931

11. Business World
ASEAN to approve economic blueprint
SOUTHEAST ASIAN LEADERS ARE SCHEDULED TO APPROVE next week a document aimed at integrating their economies into a single market and production base by 2015 through the removal of barriers to trade as well as the opening up of service industries.
http://bworld.com.ph/BW111507/content.php?id=001

12. Business Mirror
P1.9-B BIR shortfall puzzles DOF
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
THE percentage tax collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) failed to measure up in the first nine months and forced the Department of Finance (DOF) to question whether leaks in the system or inefficiency on the part of collectors brought the actual tax take to only P32.4 billion.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11152007/headlines01.html

II. POLITICAL
Impeachment complaint lies in state in House
By Norman Bordadora, Christian V. Esguerra
Inquirer
Last updated 06:55am (Mla time) 11/14/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- On Monday, the House committee on justice moved to kill the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by declaring it sufficient in form. The committee deliberations were to resume Wednesday and a declaration that it lacked substance was expected.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=100765

Impeach rap vs GMA junked
By Delon Porcalla
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A committee of the House of Representatives yesterday threw out the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido against President Arroyo in a ruling snubbed by opposition lawmakers.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071114133

Poll: Amid ZTE scandal, public distrust of GMA up
By Helen Flores
Thursday, November 15, 2007

Amid the ZTE bribery and cash handout scandals, public trust in President Arroyo took a beating last month while her disapproval rating ranked highest among the country’s top five national officials, a recent survey shows.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071114134

Food supply stable for the holidays – Palace
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Malacañang gave assurance yesterday of ample supply of rice, chicken and other agricultural produce in the coming holiday season even as officials said the government is exerting efforts to maintain stable consumer prices.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071114138

Government to seize P215.8 M of Erap Muslim Youth Foundation
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The bank holding more than P215.8 million in the name of the Erap Muslim Youth Foundation has been ordered to transfer the seized amount to the Sandiganbayan.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071114139

Senate probes to derail passage of budget – Andaya
By Paolo Romero
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. yesterday expressed fear the numerous investigations in the Senate might derail the timely passage of the P1.227-trillion national budget for next year.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071114141

Erap urges government to prioritize livelihood programs for poor
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada asked the Arroyo administration to prioritize the livelihood program for the poor in the countryside to avoid another suicide case similar to Marianeth Amper’s, the girl who took her life in Davao City because of poverty.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071114142

P5-M reward alok ni GMA
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Naglaan ng P5 milyong reward si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa sinumang makakapagbigay ng impormasyon para agad na matukoy at maaresto ang nasa likod ng pambobomba sa Batasan kamakalawa ng gabi na ikinasawi ng 3 katao kabilang si Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007111465

Modern-day slave trade
Inquirer
Last updated 11:27pm (Mla time) 11/14/2007
WHAT IS shocking in the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is not the trade in toxic wastes (of which the Philippines is the primary garbage dump), but the trade in persons, specifically nurses, with the Philippine government as the chief slave trader.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=100948

Senators question sale of PNOC-EDC
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Senators Joker Arroyo, Edgardo Angara and Mar Roxas said Wednesday that the government should stop selling its strategic assets to offset low tax collections and to meet the targeted budget deficit.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/15/yehey/metro/20071115met2.html

JPEPA ratification easier with supplemental accord
By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter
Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago said Wednesday that the Senate ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) would no longer be difficult if it is accompanied by a supplemental agreement
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/15/yehey/metro/20071115met6.html





Gloria’s distrust rating rises to 46%
11/15/2007
Filipinos distrust President Arroyo a lot more than they did three months ago, a Pulse Asia October survey showed, with nationwide distrust for her increasing to 46 percent, from 37 percent in July 2007.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071115hed2.html

GMA offers P5-M bounty for Tuesday bombers
11/15/2007

President Arroyo yester-day put up a P5-million reward fund for information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the bombing in the south lobby of the House of Repre-sentatives Tuesday night which led to the death of Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three more.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071115hed4.html

House panel junks fresh impeach bid vs Arroyo
11/15/2007
The House committee on justice yesterday dismissed the latest attempt to impeach beleaguered President Arroyo, effectively ending any threat to unseat her for another year.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071115hed6.html

Senate open to amendments to HSA
11/15/2007
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday said he has an open mind about a move by Malacañang to amend the Human Security Act (HSA) (Republic Act 9287) even if the law is only eight months old.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20071115nat3.html

To no one’s surprise,impeach rap junked
SO what else is new?
The House committee of justice, to no one’s surprise, yesterday junked the three-page impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido against President Arroyo for being insufficient in substance.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov15/news4.htm

Gloria ratings still searching for the bottom
BY REGINA BENGCO
AMID calls for her resignation due to the broadband controversy and the alleged bribery of congressmen and governors, President Arroyo’s already negative net approval and trust ratings have continued to drop, an October 20-31 Pulse Asia survey showed.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov15/news6.htm

SC orders MRT to pay contractor $2.8M bonus
THE Supreme Court has ordered the Metro Rail Transit Development Corp. (MRTDC) to pay an early completion bonus amounting to some $2.8 million to local contractor Filipinas Systems Inc. (Filsystems) for the construction of a podium structure which will serve as depot and maintenance area for its train coaches. At an exchange rate of $1:P43, the amount would total P120.4 million.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov15/metro2.htm

SC orders MRT to pay construction firm $2.8 million
11/15/2007
The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld an arbitration award of $2.82 million to a local construction firm tapped by the MRT Development Corp. (MRTDC) for its North Triangle project.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20071115met3.html

Senate leaders eyeing P122-B cuts in 2008 budget bill
By Butch Fernandez
Reporter
THE Senate is looking at sizeable cuts in the Palace-proposed P1.227-trillion budget bill for 2008 that the House passed on third reading early this week, Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. disclosed on Wednesday.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11152007/headlines05.html

Marumi rin pala

Amado Macasaet
Akalain mo ba naman na ganu’n nga pala talaga ang pulitika. Noong nakaraang buwan, nagpadala si Speaker Jose V. de Venecia ng 8 pahinang sulat kay Pangulong Gloria Arroyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1507/main.htm

Impeachment pinatay sa gitna ng pagluluksa
(BTaguinod)
Kinastigo ng mga militanteng kongresista ang mga alipores ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa pagpatay sa impeachment case sa gitna ng pagdadalamhati ng Kongreso sa pagkamatay ng isang kasamahan dahil sa bombang pinasabog sa Batasan Complex kamakalawa ng gabi.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1507/main.htm

Terrorists won’t intimidate Senate -- Villar
SENATE President Manny Villar yesterday expressed the assurance that the bombing at the House of Representatives will not prevent the Senate from doing its job and multitask on legislation and the conduct of investigations.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-15&sec=1&aid=38945



November 16, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Government, MILF break stalemate on scope of Muslim homeland
Agence France-Presse
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- (UPDATE 2) The Philippine government reached an agreement Thursday with the country's main Islamic separatist group on carving out boundaries for a Muslim homeland in the conflict-ridden south, which they expect will lead to a peace accord in August.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101118


2. The Philippine Star
3 Abu suspects killed in QC
By James Mananghaya and Cecille Suerte Felipe
Friday, November 16, 2007
Three suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits believed involved in the bombing at the House of Representatives last Tuesday night were killed yesterday during an alleged shootout with government troops in Quezon City.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071115138


3. Manila Times
‘Abu Sayyaf’ killed in Payatas
Police establishing link with Batasan bombing
Three suspects were killed and three more were arrested Thursday, as police raided an Islamic militant hideout near the House of Representatives, where a congressman was killed in a blast Tuesday, officials said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/16/yehey/top_stories/20071116top1.html


4. Malaya
3 Abus killed; Batasan
blast links eyed Raid on Quezon City house yields solon-issued ID, No. 8 car plate
BY RAYMOND AFRICA
THREE suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed yesterday in a shootout with police and Army operatives who raided their lair in Payatas, Quezon City.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov16/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin
GMA appeals to media
‘Practice responsible reporting, avoid sensationalism’
GMA appeals to media at KBP meet
By GENALYN D. KABILING
President Arroyo has appealed to media companies to practice responsible and balanced reporting and stay away from news sensationalism, saying the truth is more important than ratings.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071116108758.html


6. The Daily Tribune
Cops link ASG to bombing, kill 3 ‘Abus’
PNP pushes Akbar slay slant, junks terrorist angle
11/16/2007
President Arroyo and her Philippine National Police (PNP) are bent on passing off the Batasan bombing, which claimed the lives of Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three others while injuring some 13 persons, as an assassination plot against the congressman, with the bomb blast not having anything to do with terrorism.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071116hed1.html







7. Abante
MALALIMANG KILL PLOT
(Boyet Jadulco/Nilo Marasigan/Eralyn Prado/Rose Miranda/Al Jacinto/Juliet De Loza)
NADALE NA NAMAN!
Itinuturing na malalimang pagpaplano ang ginawang pagpatay kay Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar sa loob mismo ng compound ng Mababang Kapulungan, kung saan nananaig ang malawakang sabwatan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1607/main.htm


8. Abante-Tonite
EBIDENSYA SA BATASAN NAKUHA SA SAYYAF
Ni Bernard Taguinod
Igigisa sa gagawing imbestigasyon ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang House Sgt-at-Arms at ang Police Security and Protection Office (PSPO) ng Philippine National Police (PNP) sa naganap na pagsabog sa Batasan Pambansa na ikinamatay ng apat na katao kabilang na ang isang kongresista.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1607/main.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
3 Sayyaf todas sa Payatas!
Ni Joy Cantos
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tatlong hinihinalang miyembro ng mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf na sangkot umano sa pambobomba sa Batasan Pambansa ang napatay sa isang raid ng pulisya sa safehouse ng grupo sa Payatas, Quezon City kahapon.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=20071115114







10. Journal
3 BLAST SUSPECTS NABBED 3 others killed in firefight near Batasan
By: Alfred P. Dalizon and Joel dela Torre
SECURITY forces late afternoon yesterday fought a gunbattle with suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Payatas, Quezon City and shot dead three suspects, one of them a woman.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-16&sec=1&aid=39098



11. Business World
Transport tax hike shelved
BIR says move to help cope with fuel costs; industry presses fare increase
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SHELVED A PLAN to implement controversial transport tax hike, citing the need to help jeepney, bus and taxi operators cope with ever-increasing fuel prices.
Nelson M. Aspe, deputy commissioner for operations of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), said the plan was "on hold" until such time that the transport sector "recovers" from losses due to high pump prices.
http://bworld.com.ph/BW111607/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror
New rate cuts seen to boost growth
By Jun Vallecera
THE monetary authorities decided to cut policy rates by 25 basis points effective Friday, setting interest rates at a 15-year low and putting the entire economy on a potentially higher growth plane than originally forecast.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/1116&172007/headlines01.html







II. POLITICAL

Senator seeks law to protect kids from online porn
By Dona Pazzibugan
Inquirer
Last updated 11:40pm (Mla time) 11/15/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Describing the Internet as the new “nanny,” Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. said the Philippines badly needed a law against pornographic web sites since children left alone who surf the net usually had easy access to such sites.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view_article.php?article_id=101185


Arroyo lauds Payatas raid
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commended the police and the military who raided Thursday a suspected Islamic extremist hideout near the Batasang Pambansa complex, where a lawmaker was killed in a blast, her spokesman said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view_article.php?article_id=101180


Batasan blast did not affect tourism, says DOT exec
By Margaux Ortiz
MANILA, Philippines -- The blast at the Batasang Pambansa that killed Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar and three others has not affected the country's tourism industry -- so far.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101161


Second impeach rap vs Arroyo returned to complainants
By Maila Ager
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Citing the one-year prohibition of impeachment, the House of Representatives has sent back the second impeachment case filed by leftist groups against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a House official told INQUIRER.net Thursday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101112


Arroyo hopes to name ex-SC justice as Comelec chief
By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
MANILA, Philippines -- A day after Malacañang announced that it was opening to the public the application and nomination process for the chairmanship of the Commission on Election (Comelec), President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she had someone in mind for the post.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101117


Solon becomes more ‘security conscious’ after blast
By Maila Ager
MANILA, Philippines -- Tuesday’s bombing at the House of Representatives has made one lawmaker more “security conscious” than he already was.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101121


LP set to declare Roxas as 2010 presidential bet on Nov 26
By Joey A. Gabieta
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines -- With less than three years away from the next presidential elections, the Liberal Party has identified their candidate for President -- Senator Mar Roxas.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101116



Aftershock
Inquirer
Last updated 11:44pm (Mla time)
The bombing of the Batasan, the building of the House of Representatives, last Tuesday was both brutal and unprecedented. Nails were used as shrapnel in the improvised explosive for the first attack on Congress, on record. And yet we can characterize much of the initial public reaction as indifferent at best, blasé at worst. Been there, suffered that.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view_article.php?article_id=101186





House conducts own blast probe
By Jess Diaz
Friday, November 16, 2007
Like the Ayalas who own the Glorietta mall in Makati, the House of Representatives is conducting a parallel inquiry into the powerful explosion that rocked its south wing entrance and killed Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three others.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071115139


Marianeth was raped – NBI
By Edith Regalado
Friday, November 16, 2007
DAVAO CITY — Results of the autopsy conducted yesterday on the exhumed remains of 12-year-old Marianeth Amper, who was earlier reported to have committed suicide allegedly because of extreme poverty, showed she was raped.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071115142


GMA to push RP interests on environment in Asean summit
By Pia Lee-Brago
Friday, November 16, 2007
President Arroyo will put forward Philippine interests on various environmental issues, including the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, when she attends the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Singapore next week.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071115153



Arroyo orders DBM to boost anti-terror funding
By Paolo Romero
Friday, November 16, 2007
President Arroyo has ordered the release of more funds for intelligence gathering and law enforcement in the wake of high-profile killings including Tuesday’s bomb blast at the Batasan that killed Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three others as well as the gunslaying of elections legal officer Alioden Dalaig.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071115146



EDITORIAL – Again, a campaign vs kotong
Friday, November 16, 2007
Back when he was the Philippine National Police chief, Panfilo Lacson had launched a high-profile campaign to stop cops from extorting from motorists. The campaign against so-called “kotong” cops was widely applauded by the public, but was interrupted by EDSA II and the ouster of Lacson from the PNP.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25


Return the P500,000 if it can’t be justified
GOTCHA By Jarius Bondoc
Friday, November 16, 2007
Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio has admitted under oath having received P500,000 cash from Malacañang. But he said it was not a bribe because there were no strings attached.
Panlilio, a Catholic priest, is so candid, which is why his parishioners love him. He is also so naive, which is why the provincial board led by the vice governor and most of the town mayors run circles around him.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=20071115160


Sham impeachment
A LAW EACH DAY (keeps trouble away) By Jose C. Sison
Friday, November 16, 2007
An overwhelming majority of Filipinos, rich or poor, are certainly fed up with the ongoing, seemingly endless “political noises” polluting the air and distracting them in their daily grind to eke out a living. To be sure they are fed up with the antics of our politicians who just created another noise and treated them to another display of partisan politics by the predictable and precipitate junking of the sham Pulido-San Luis Impeachment complaint as “scripted”. Between Pulido and San Luis, Pulido seems to be the better actor as he appeared to be really dejected and indignant when his complaint was thrown out while San Luis betrayed his true color and real purpose by his elation over the outcome despite voting against its junking.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28



Ex-justices resign from bribe probe
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
TWO of the three retired justices investigating an alleged bribery attempt on Supreme Court Justice Consuelo Ynares Santiago opted out of the probe, apparently for personal reasons.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/16/yehey/top_stories/20071116top3.html


President increases intelligence fund Other lawmakers could be in the firing line of assassins.
By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
This was hinted on by President Gloria Arroyo on Thursday when she ordered the budget department to increase the intelligence fund of the military and the police. She said the additional money will help secure congressional buildings and lawmakers more.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/16/yehey/top_stories/20071116top7.html


GMA appeals to media
‘Practice responsible reporting, avoid sensationalism’
GMA appeals to media at KBP meet
By GENALYN D. KABILING
President Arroyo has appealed to media companies to practice responsible and balanced reporting and stay away from news sensationalism, saying the truth is more important than ratings.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071116108758.html


GMA graces tripartite peace forum in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN de Oro City, Nov. 15 (PNA)—President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo graces today’s scheduled tripartite peace forum of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)at a local hotel here.
Hosted by the AFP, this year’s theme is "Building Bridges of Peace with our Peace Officers."
http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20071116108754.html

Gov’t must explain JPEPA — Loren
By DEXTER A. SEE
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The Senate will ratify the controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) being pushed by Malacañang if executive officials will do their homework by establishing that the country would realistically benefit from the agreement in the future, Sen. Loren M. Legarda said here yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071116108738.html





Senate: Speed up probe into bomb blast
By Angie M. Rosales
Senate leaders yesterday called on authorities to speed up the investigation into the Batasan bomb blast and bring this case to an end amid speculations that the blast is a prelude to a looming declaration of a state of emergency.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071116hed2.html


Palace says distrust rating won’t affect GMA
By Sherwin C. Olaes
11/16/2007
A Palace official yesterday said President Arroyo is not affected by the latest Pulse Asia survey which showed a rise in her distrust rating, claiming the Chief Executive’s ultimate concern is governance, not popularity.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071116hed3.html


Arroyo allies to opposition: Let GMA finish term
By Gerry Baldo
The reason the Palace allies in Congress continuously kill any and all impeachment complaints lodged against President Arroyo, even when the complaints are valid and substantial, has finally surfaced: they want her to finish her term and protect her from making herself accountable to the public.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071116hed5.html


Palace brushes off
drop in Gloria ratings
MALACAÑANG yesterday brushed aside the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey which showed President Arroyo’s ratings dropping further because of the broadband and bribery controversies.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov16/news8.htm


Patuloy sa pagbulusok ang popularidad
Panibagong kahihiyan na naman kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang huling labas na survey ng Pulse Asia.
Lumutang kasing tumaas sa 39 percent ang disapproval ng ating Presidente habang 46 percent naman ang distrust rating nito mula sa 37 porsyento nitong Hulyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1607/main.htm

Di tinutulugan ang kaso
Tatlong hinihinalang galamay umano ng bandidong Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) na sinasabing may kaugnayan sa paghahasik ng lagim sa Batasan Complex na nagresulta ng kamatayan ng apat katao kabilang ang isang mambabatas ang napatay kahapon matapos manlaban nang salakayin sa kanilang kuta sa Quezon City.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1607/main.htm


GMA hints Melo likely new Comelec chief
RETIRED Supreme Court Justice Jose Melo will likely be the new chairman of the Commission on Elections.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hinted this in her speech read for her by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza at the opening of the Bishops Ulama Conference of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police forum for peace held at the Pryce Plaza Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-16&sec=1&aid=39066



November 19, 2007 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
Palace official clears Akbar’s political foe
Cops to file murder raps vs 3 suspects
By Nikko Dizon, Jeannette Andrade, Christine Avendaño
Inquirer
Last updated 01:22am (Mla time) 11/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Three alleged Abu Sayyaf members face murder charges Monday in connection with the bombing at the Batasang Pambansa complex that killed Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three others, but a top Malacañang official all but cleared Akbar’s political rival, Gerry Salapuddin, in the attack.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101730

2. The Philippine Star
Independent probe on blasts sought
By Perseus Echeminada
Monday, November 19, 2007
A former commissioner of the country’s human rights body called yesterday for an independent body to dig deeper into the explosions that rocked the House of Representatives and the Glorietta 2 shopping mall to erase any perception of a cover-up.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2007111887

3. Manila Times
Battle looms over control of Justice
By Jomar Canlas, Reporter
His body may look frail, but his spirit is in a fighting mood to regain control of the Department of Justice.
A bristling Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez, who had been away on medical leave for a kidney operation, may be headed for a confrontation with Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera, the acting secretary.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/19/yehey/top_stories/20071119top1.html

4. Malaya
Opposition to boycott
vote on impeachment
‘We’ll not take part in a zarzuela’
BY WENDELL VIGILIA
THE House minority bloc will not participate in plenary debates on the dismissal of the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Roel Pulido against President Arroyo.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov19/news1.htm

5. Manila Bulletin
GMA off to ASEAN Summit
Charter approval expected at Singapore meet; De Venecia leads officials seeing her off
By FIL C. SIONIL, RONNIEL C. DE GUZMAN, and GENALYN KABILING
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and a small party of government officials left at 3 p.m. yesterday for Singapore to attend the 13th Asian Nations
(ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20071119109088.html

6. The Daily Tribune
Swift end to Batasan attack probe raises frame-up posit
11/18/2007
The unusually swift resolution of investigations into the bombing at the Batasan Complex, which was uncharacteristic of previous police investigations, had fed doubts that the capture of supposed Abu Sayyaf members was made up by the police to bolster the angle of a kill plot on Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071118hed1.html

7. Abante
NERI LAGOT NA!
Ni ERALYN PRADO
Mistulang nalagot na ang pisi ng pasensya ng Senado kay dating socio-economic planning secretary at ngayo’y acting Higher Education Commissioner Romulo Neri dahil sa patuloy nitong pang-iisnab sa imbitasyong dumalo sa pagpapatuloy ng pagdinig sa kontrobersyal na national broadband network (NBN) deal ng pamahalaan sa Chinese firm na ZTE Corp.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/nov1907/main.htm



8. Abante-Tonite
KONGRESO WALANG TIWALA SA PNP
Ni Bernard Taguinod
Nawala na nang tuluyan ang tiwala ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso sa Philippine National Police (PNP) kasunod ng malagim na pambobomba sa Batasan Pambansa noong Nobyembre 13 na ikinamatay ng apat na katao kabilang na si Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1907/main.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon
Kaso vs House bomber isasampa
Ni Danilo Garcia
Monday, November 19, 2007
Takdang kasuhan ngayong Lunes ng Philippine National Police ang tatlong suspek sa pambobomba sa Batasan Complex na ikinasawi ni Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar at iba pa nitong Nobyembre 13.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2007111851


10. Journal
Solon's aide detonated bomb
By: Alfred P. Dalizon
INVESTIGATORS are looking into reports that an aide of a congressman detonated the bomb that ripped through the South Wing of the House of Representatives that killed Rep. Wahab Akbar and three others.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-19&sec=1&aid=39424


11. Business World
ASEAN goal questioned
Integration by 2015 not easy
SINGAPORE — A gathering of the region’s business leaders ended yesterday with some skepticism on whether the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would be able to meet its goal of becoming an "economic community" by 2015.
They, however, remained convinced that a transformation into a single market was in the 10-member bloc’s best interests given the realities of globalization.
http://bworld.com.ph/BW111907/content.php?id=001



12. Business Mirror
Base pay drives war for workers
By Dennis D. Estopace
NUMBERS don’t lie. Despite Watson Wyatt executives’ assertions that base pay is no longer an absolute criterion, their own survey of 400 companies worldwide shows many employers can’t afford to keep talents and often just watch their best and brightest walk off to greener pastures.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/11192007/headlines01.html


II. POLITICAL
Palace assures Moros on pacts
By Christine Avendaño
Last updated 05:52am (Mla time) 11/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang on Sunday assured the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that the government would not violate the peace pact it had signed with the group in its ongoing discussions with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on a new Muslim homeland.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=101749

EDITORIAL
Gaseous statements
Last updated 00:45am (Mla time) 11/19/2007
MANILA, Philippines - Surely the Arroyo administration can do better than this. Responding to the possibility of government subsidies for certain oil products, Secretary Cerge Remonde of the Presidential Management Staff opined, “I’m sure the government is open to all constructive proposals, to mitigate the effects of oil price hikes, especially to the poor, and we are ready to discuss this with the proponents.”
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view_article.php?article_id=101719


Impeach voting to be boycotted
By Jess Diaz
Monday, November 19, 2007
Opposition congressmen will boycott this week’s House plenary vote on the three-page impeachment complaint lawyer Roel Pulido filed against President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2007111889




Independent probe on blasts sought
By Perseus Echeminada
Monday, November 19, 2007
A former commissioner of the country’s human rights body called yesterday for an independent body to dig deeper into the explosions that rocked the House of Representatives and the Glorietta 2 shopping mall to erase any perception of a cover-up.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=2007111887


EDITORYAL – Karahasan sa courtroom ay nakapangangamba na
Monday, November 19, 2007
SAAN pa nga bang lugar ligtas ngayon? Mapalabas o mapaloob ng tahanan ay mayroong napapahamak. At kahit sa loob ng courtroom ay hindi na rin ligtas sapagkat ang dugo ay dumadanak.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Opinyon&p=50&type=2&sec=56


Kaso vs House bomber isasampa
Ni Danilo Garcia
Monday, November 19, 2007
Takdang kasuhan ngayong Lunes ng Philippine National Police ang tatlong suspek sa pambobomba sa Batasan Complex na ikinasawi ni Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar at iba pa nitong Nobyembre 13.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54

Enrile to bare more ‘ammo’ vs JDV
By: Paul M. Gutierrez
SENATOR Juan Ponce Enrile assailed House Speaker Jose de Venecia for insinuating he is “fronting” for Malacañang and warned he has more up his sleeve against the House Speaker over the controversial Northrail project.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-19&sec=4&aid=39394


Loren to conduct hearing on rising value of peso
By: Bernadette E. Tamayo
SENATOR Loren Legarda is set to conduct public hearings on the rising value of the peso and its impact on the life of the Filipino people and the national economy.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-19&sec=4&aid=39398


Pimentel: JDV should explain North Rail deal
HOUSE Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. should cooperate with the Senate inquiry into the $603-million North Rail Project and to stop being evasive about the anomalies that attended the deal of which he was supposedly the “godfather” or principal broker.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-11-19&sec=4&aid=39446

JDV pinsasagot sa Northrail deal
(Bernard Taguinod)
Pagkatapos ng Batasan bombing, balik imbestigasyon ang Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso sa mga anomalya kung saan pinasasagot ng mga senador ng "million dollar" question si House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., hinggil sa Northrail project.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/nov1907/main.htm

Miriam says quiet talks on to save JPEPA
SEN. Miriam Defensor-Santiago yesterday said Malacañang and Japan are quietly revisiting the negotiating table to save the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) from being rejected by the Senate and spare the President from further embarrassment.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov19/news7.htm


Solon’s staffer triggered bomb?
BY RAYMOND AFRICA
A STAFF member of a party list congressman allegedly detonated the bomb planted on a motorcycle which exploded at the Batasan Pambansa complex in Quezon City Tuesday last week.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov19/news3.htm


Gloria off to Singapore
for 13th Asean summit
BY REGINA BENGCO
PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday left for Singapore for the 13th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, where she said she will advance the country’s interests on human rights, environmental protection and economic development.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov19/news5.htm

GMA aide says Palace won’t meddle in forfeiture feud
11/18/2007
Malacañang yesterday distanced itself on pardoned former President Joseph Estrada’s challenge to government to revoke the pardon and send him back to jail after the Sandiganbayan insisted on forfeiting his assets.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071118hed5.html

House set to kill impeachment rap today
By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter
The majority bloc is poised to kill on the floor the “weak” impeachment complaint filed against President Gloria Arroyo by lawyer Roel Pulido in October.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/nov/19/yehey/metro/20071119met1.html


Swift end to Batasan attack probe raises frame-up posit
11/18/200
The unusually swift resolution of investigations into the bombing at the Batasan Complex, which was uncharacteristic of previous police investigations, had fed doubts that the capture of supposed Abu Sayyaf members was made up by the police to bolster the angle of a kill plot on Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20071118hed1.html
JPEPA implementation seen to benefit electronics sector
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the local electronics sector will greatly benefit if the bilateral agreement between the Philippines and Japan is implemented.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2007111816