NEWS MONITOR(April 8, 2002)
1. CHA-CHA
GMA awaiting 'consensus'on cha-cha
(Inquirer, Page 1 )
Tiglao: No groundswell for Cha cha
(Manila TImes, Page 1)
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo may withdraw her opposition to moves in Congress to amend the 1987 Constitution if there is a "real consensus" on Charter change, Press Secretary Rigoberto Tiglao said Sunday. "Right now she doesn't support it but she could, depending on the results of the consultations, on what will come out," Tiglao said in a teleconference call with Malacañang reporters. Tiglao was apparently referring to the plan by congressmen to hold consultations in their respective districts to gauge the people's pulse and determine what revisions to be made. He said any move to amend the Charter "requires a sense of national consensus, a consensus among all political leaders." "If there is a move, that's when she will decide whether to support it," the press secretary said. GMA to change stand on Cha-cha once support swells (Philippine Star, Page 5) President Arroyo may change her stand against Charter change (Cha-cha) once she sees that there is enough mass support for it. Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said that as of the moment, supporting moves to change the Constitution is still not in the President’s mind. He said the President would want to concentrate on programs that are vital to the country’s economic recovery. Tiglao was reacting to reports that some members of Congress who belong to the administration Lakas-NUCD party and other allied groups are now discussing possible amendments to the Constitution. "Right now, moves to amend the Charter haven’t snowballed and the President doesn’t want to interfere with them. If there’s a real groundswell of opinion, perhaps that would be the time when she would make clear her position and make a decision whether to ask the party to stop or not. But right now, she respects the moves of the Congress," Tiglao said.
2. POWER RATE/WATER/OIL PRICE HIKE
GMA orders interagency committee to speed up review of Napocor deals
(Philippine Star, Page 2 )
President Arroyo has ordered a committee headed by Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho to speed up the review of several controversial contracts between the National Power Corp. (Napocor) and independent power producers (IPP). However, Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao told reporters yesterday the committee has yet to submit a report to Mrs. Arroyo. "The President would want this committee to do its job quickly and wants this review finished as quickly as possible," he said. "That’s a standing order to review the contracts. I think the President would want the Napocor to finish the study as soon as it can so we can determine our options on how to reduce power rates." No truth to KMU brickbat — Palace (Tribune, Page 1) There is hardly any truth to the allegation hurled by the militant labor group that the country's business elite, led by utilities, energy and water sectors, are "holding President Arroyo by the neck.""The only truth is that Mrs. Arroyo is hostaged by the Filipino people," presidential spokesman and Press Secretary Rigoberto Tiglao yesterday said, junking claims of the leftist movement Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) that the Chief Executive is beholden to the big business groups.In a statement, the radical group last Saturday flailed Mrs. Arroyo, saying "the President appeared poised to approve all plans of private businesses to increase their prices."Giant firms like Meralco (electricity), the so-called "Big Three" Shell, Caltex and Petron (oil) and Manila Water and Maynilad (water) are holding the Chief Executive by the neck, the KMU statement charged. Arroyo can't please all: Tiglao (Malaya, Page 1) Damned if you do, damned if you don't.This was the message of Press Secretary Rigoberto Tiglao yesterday to sectors accusing the administration of inaction over rate increases sought by different utility companies. He said groups like the Kilusang Mayo Uno will criticize the President Arroyo whatever she does.He belied allegations Arroyo is still paying debts to sectors that helped her wrest the presidency from Joseph Estrada.The Kilusang Mayo Uno has said Arroyo is powerless against the utility firms and is "poised to approve all plans of private businesses to increase prices." "Other people would say that we are hostage to civil society. Some people would say that we are also hostage to the military but the the truth is the President only is hostaged by the Filipino people," said Tiglao. Palace hopes for lower oil price rise (Manila Times, Page 1) Malacañang said yesterday it hopes that when the country’s oil companies raise their prices, the increases would be moderate. Press Secretary and Presidential spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao made the statement as oil firms hiked their prices by 50 centavos over the weekend, citing high crude oil prices in the world market.
Meralco 'hoodwinking' public-Bayan (Inquirer, Page 2) THE MANILA Electric Co. was "hoodwinking" the public when it offered to reduce the rate increase it was asking for at the Energy Regulatory Commission hearing on April 2, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Bayan Muna party said. Based on the "April 2 revised rates" proposal of Meralco, the average increase in the basic charge for residents consuming 1,000 kwh and below would actually be 133.6 percent, said Bayan spokesperson Renato Reyes Jr. "Simply put, the increases would still be exorbitant, with the middle class now shouldering part of the burden," Reyes said. Worse, the poorest consumers--those consuming 50 kwh and below--would be paying a basic rate hike higher than those consuming between 51 to 1,000 kwhs, he added. Noise barrage set today to protest oil price hikes (Inquirer, Page 4) MILITANT groups will stage a noise barrage Monday to kick off a series of protest actions against the latest round of oil price increases. The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the Kilusang Mayo Uno called on the public Sunday to join the noise barrage at the corner of Edsa and Aurora Boulevard in Cubao at 6 p.m. The increase in the prices of petroleum products was part of a "triple whammy of intolerable economic attacks" that also include the proposed increase in power and water rates, the groups said. "President Macapagal-Arroyo should be held accountable for acting more as counsel for the big capitalists rather than as a national leader with a commitment to protecting the people's welfare," Bayan spokesperson Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement.
ECOP wants gov’t to consider ‘burden-sharing’ to end PPA mess
(Manila Times, Page 2)
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) asked the government yesterday to consider “burden-sharing” as a way of resolving the controversy over hefty purchase power adjustment (PPA) charges. Ecop suggested that big business, the government, and ordinary household consumers share responsibility for the PPA, which today could make up more than 50 percent of a family’s energy bill.
3. BALIKATAN EXERCISES/ABU SAYYAF/INSURGENCY,WAR ON TERROR
Abu rebels slip away anew
(Philippine Star, Banner)
Abu Sayyaf bandits holding hostages an American couple and a Filipina nurse have again eluded a military dragnet on Basilan island despite satellite data and sophisticated equipment provided by United States forces. The slip doused cold water on government speculations that rescue of the three hostages was "inevitable." However, an Army field commander in Basilan gave assurances that their operations remained on track, adding that they are following vital clues that would ultimately lead them to the safe rescue of the hostages and annihilation of the Abu Sayyaf terror group.
‘Stronger immigration office needed’
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
Sen. Blas Ople batted yesterday for a stronger immigration office that’s in tune with the times to prevent undesirable aliens, especially terrorists, from entering the country. Saying the Bureau of Immigration has been operating under an "antiquated framework," Ople has filed a bill amending the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 and seeking the creation of a Commission on Immigration to replace the bureau. The proposed commission would be run by a board of commissioners consisting of one commissioner and three associate commissioners.
MILITARY_NPA CLASHES ESCALATE IN DAVAO
(Inquirer, Page 3)
DAVAO CITY--Clashes between government troops and New People's Army guerrillas erupted anew in Marilog District here Saturday. The firefight occurred as soldiers were still trying to figure out how to retrieve the bodies of their colleagues who were slain in a firefight with the rebels in Boston, Davao Oriental on Thursday evening. Brig. Gen. Felipe Beroya, commander of the Army's 701st Brigade based in Compostela Valley, told radio station dxRP Radyo ng Bayan here that soldiers belonging to the 73rd Infantry Battalion under Col. Eduardo del Rosario were conducting a patrol 8:30 a.m. Saturday in Sitio Pigalungan, Barangay Malamba, Marilog, when they met about 15 NPA rebels under Commander Igor of the Pulang Bagani Command. Beroya said during the firefight, one NPA rebel was killed and the military recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle.
Arlyn airs appeal to media colleagues
(Inquirer,Page 1)
JOURNALIST Arlyn de la Cruz, who has been held hostage by a group of armed men in Sulu for more than two months now, wrote late last month an "open letter" addressed to media colleagues. The letter was mailed to a university professor in Manila and was forwarded to the Inq7.net and the Inquirer...De la Cruz was "waylaid" by a group of military integrees who thought she was in Jolo to deliver the ransom for the Burnhams. The group killed a young Abu Sayyaf member who was her guide, the source said. The integrees are former members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who were commissioned as regular members of the Armed Forces under the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF. The integrees, according to the source, stripped and slapped De la Cruz when they found she had no money. After two weeks of being threatened with death, the integrees turned over De la Cruz to a "composite armed group" who is now demanding a ransom of 40 million pesos. De la Cruz, who produces the evening newscast of Net25, the television channel of the Iglesia ni Cristo, said she was in constant danger and that she had come to terms with her fate.
Papal nuncio escorts ambushed; one killed
(Malaya, Banner)
A military intelligence agent sent to escort Papal Nuncio Antonio Franco during a visit to Northern Luzon was killed in an ambush by an unidentified group in Tabuk town, Kalinga, on Saturday, officials said yesterday. The Army's 5th Infantry Division based in Camu town, Isabela, said troops captured Roberto Ngayab, one of three gunmen who staged the ambush, after a firefight. Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Alvarado, chief of the 5th ID, identified the fatality as T/Sgt. Victor Danga, an intelligence operative from the Army's 501st Brigade.He said Danga and other operatives from the Military Intelligence Group 2 led by M/Sgt. Mateo Tanuguran were on their way to provide undercover security to the papal puncio.
4. OTHER TOP STORIES
Despite escalating conflict, RP won’t ban travel to Israel
(Philippine Star, Page 2)
Despite the escalation of fighting between Israel and the Palestinians, the government is "not inclined" to ban Filipinos from traveling to Israel. However, Victorino Lecaros, spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said yesterday Filipinos in the West Bank have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel. In more than 18 months of violence, 1,368 people have been killed on the Palestinian side and 433 people on the Israeli side. A Filipino woman was killed and four other Filipinos wounded in two suicide bomb attacks in a crowded mall in downtown Jerusalem two months ago. But Lecaros said that according to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, most major cities in Israel are "relatively safe" as the Israeli army and the Palestinians are fighting in the West Bank.
5,700 companies face government sanction
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
Employers, beware. About 5,700 owners of commercial establishments nationwide face possible imprisonment and risk losing their properties if they fail to pay their employees’ salaries in seven days. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday warned the erring employers to make the necessary restitution or face sanctions. Emila Anaya, officer-in-charge of the DOLE’s Bureau of Working Condition (BWC), said employers who fail to pay their obligations within days after an inspection by the bureau can be charged criminally. If a complaint is found valid, Anaya explained, the DOLE will initially file charges before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) or with the Labor Secretary, before it is elevated to the regional trial court. If a violator is found guilty, the court will determine the penalty.
Solon urges DTI to field price monitoring teams
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
As fears of price increases continue to sweep the country, Sen. Teresa Aquino-Oreta urged the government yesterday to dispatch inspectors nationwide to prevent unscrupulous traders from taking advantage of the latest increases in petroleum prices. Oreta said teams from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should be fielded to monitor consumer prices. "The DTI should remain vigilant against these unscrupulous traders who might exploit false reports going around that prices of basic goods would spiral as a result of the soaring crude prices in the world market," Oreta said in a statement. "More field monitoring teams should be dispatched to retail stores and wet markets to keep a tight watch over these retailers." She proposed that the DTI regularly publish retail prices of basic commodities such as rice, sardines, milk, chicken and meat to guide the public.
ADB revamps policy body after Thai project controversy
(Philippine Star, Page 3)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is reviewing its policy watchdog mechanism after coming under fire for a controversial wastewater management project it financed in Thailand, officials say. The $750-million plant in Samut Prakarn province, southeast of Bangkok, is more than 80 percent completed but has been dogged by allegations of corruption and violation of environmental laws since its launching in 1995. Villagers in the most-heavily industrialized and polluted province in Thailand, backed by Greenpeace and other non-governmental groups, have charged that ADB violated its own policies on corruption, environmental assessment and good governance in financing the project.
American senator files bill on US-RP free trade agreement
(Philippine Star, Page 7)
An American senator has filed a bill seeking the forging of a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the United States. Sen. Richard Lugar (Republican, Indiana) expressed optimism that the measure would get popular support among his colleagues and speed up its approval. "Both nations would benefit greatly from the elimination of tariffs and increased economic transparency that would come with a free trade agreement," Lugar said. The bill was referred to the Senate finance committee. US exports to the Philippines hit the $22.7 billion mark in 2000, making the Philippines the 19th largest export market for American goods.
Huks: Victims of injustice, history
(Inquirer Special Report, Page 1)
"BAWAL ang mamatay (Nobody is allowed to die)." This is Luis M. Taruc's punch line every time he speaks before gatherings of surviving members of the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap), now called the Hukbalahap Veterans Association Inc. or Hukvets. The former Huk supremo, described by Encyclopedia Britannica as "hero of the Philippine anti-Japanese resistance" during World War II, said it was his "way of squeezing chuckles, if not laughs, from fellow Huks, men and women, who like me are in the twilight years." On March 23, the Hukvets' chair emeritus recited his favorite line again before hundreds of World War II "heroes" who gave the old man a thunderous applause during the 60th anniversary rites of the guerrilla organization at the National Food Authority complex in Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija. But Taruc, who will turn 89 next June, said the plight of the veterans was no joking matter. "Their case is one of plain and simple injustice. Actually, I'm trying to tell them that in their quest for belated justice, which by the way, continues to draw us together, they should never give up. They should never lose hope even if they're already in the autumn of their d
Stratfor snitch a ‘speculation’
(Tribune, Banner)
Malacañang was not putting its money where its mouth was last Saturday when it indicated that a retired general has been supplying a conservative think-tank in the United States with negative information on the tenuous ties between the military and President Arroyo. Worse, the Palace apparently was tolerating the practice of Cabinet members to pass off personal statements unsupported by unassailable documents as official ones. Presidential spokesman and Press Secretary Rigoberto Tiglao yesterday sought refuge in the gray area separating fact from fiction when he said he was just speculating that indeed it has been the retired general from whom the Texas-based, right-wing group Strategic Forecasting (Stratfor) is getting the unflattering picture of the fragile relations between Mrs. Arroyo and the Armed Forces. AFP men: Consider combat experience of next leader (Tribune,Page 1) Should combat experience be the primary criterion for the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, it would be a close fight between Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Camiling and Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu, head of the Southern Command (Southcom)."If we talk of combat experience, it would be either Cimatu or Camiling who is going to be the next chief of staff," a military official having a vast experience in the field said yesterday.The official, who requested anonymity, noted both Cimatu and Camiling played a major role in now deposed President Joseph Estrada's all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2000 which resulted in the capture of some 50 major and satellite rebel camps. Consolidation main factor in senior military promotions (Inquirer Analysis, Page 1) THE RETIREMENT of Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos as Army commander on April 2 and the impending retirement of Gen. Diomedio Villanueva as Armed Forces chief of staff on May 20 have fueled rumors of military unrest over succession to the top military command. The speculation stems from the perception that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is considering the appointment of Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu, current head of the strategic Southern Command, as the next chief of staff. If Cimatu (Philippine Military Academy Class 1970), who is due to retire on July 4, will be chosen, this will require an extension of his tour of duty for three more years, going beyond the end of Ms Macapagal's transitional presidency in 2004. This perception of Cimatu's extension is the basis of a warning by General De los Santos upon his retirement that "it will not be a popular decision."
Kin of 16 dead OFWs to get at least P1M each
(Inquirer, Page 3)
THE FAMILIES of the 16 overseas Filipino workers who were killed in an accident in Dubai two weeks ago will get at least 20,000 dollars, or around one million pesos each, as part of the compensation package being prepared by the management of the Dubai dry docks. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Wilhelm Soriano said the United Arab Emirates government has told the Philippine labor office in Dubai that it would indemnify the victims with an amount equivalent to two years' salary, separation pay, unfinished contract and accident insurance. The one million pesos coming to the victims' families does not include of the 10,000 pesos in assistance given by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to each family and the scholarship and insurance benefits to come from the Owwa.
Old-boy network not workingfor Alvarez in House
(Inquirer,Page 5)
IT seems the reliable congressional "old-boy network" is not working for Environment Secretary Heherson Alvarez, a former senator and congressman. Two blocs in the House have called on the bicameral Commission on Appointments to reject the confirmation of Alvarez who used to represent Isabela province in the chamber. The Southern Tagalog Alliance and the Mindanao Legislators Association issued separate resolutions opposing Alvarez's appointment and urging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to designate a new nominee for the cabinet portfolio.
No txt 4 a coz
(Inquirer,Page 1)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Starting next school year, two poor pupils -- Abigail Dychitan and Alice Dimabuyu -- will be assured of their daily school baon (allowance). And they will also have a better chance of finishing school. Making that possible are at least 40 employees of the National Economic and Development Authority in Central Luzon. To pool the P400 monthly allowance for each girl, each Neda worker started giving up one text message daily to contribute P20 or more every month. Teng Mendoza, a Neda researcher, said he and his colleagues are able to accumulate savings by skipping the hobby of sending jokes through text messaging.He said sending fewer text messages enables them to pay less on bills or
postpone the buying of call and text cards. Mendoza said he had saved at least one call and text card worth P300 or equivalent to 15 months of donations to the poor but intelligent pupils of the San Antonio Elementary School in Bulaon resettlement site here.
Girl killed, ex-cop wounded in Sunday Mass violence
(Tribune, Page 1)
A gunman killed an 11-year-old girl and wounded a retired policeman yesterday when he opened fire inside a church during Sunday Mass in Oriental Mindoro. Police investigators said the assailant was trying to kill the retired cop due to a personal dispute. After passing through part of the policeman's face, the bullet struck the head of the girl, who later died in a hospital.