NEWS MONITOR (April 10, 2002)
1. BALIKATAN EXERCISES/ABU SAYYAF/INSURGENCY,WAR ON TERROR
'Money changed hands'
(Inquirer,Banner)
TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – Money indeed changed hands for the release of Italian priest Giuseppe Pierantoni, military and police sources said, although Malacañang insisted that it did not allow ransom to be paid. Pierantoni himself confirmed the payment. "I felt sad to hear that you (negotiators) paid the gang of 'Faizal' (Marohombzar)," he said in a letter dated March 16. Marohombzar is the alleged leader of the Pentagon kidnap-for-ransom group based in Central Mindanao. The letter was first received by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and was forwarded to the Pagadian Diocese on April 6, three days before Pierantoni's release. Pierantoni said in the letter that his abductors were demanding one million dollars and 500,000 pesos in "board and lodging fee" in exchange for his freedom. Pagadian bishop:'No encounter, no gunfight' (Inquirer, Page 1) "THERE was no encounter, no gunfight. He was brought out. A van came and picked him up and he was brought to Dipolog," Pagadian City Bishop Zacarias Jimenez said in an interview Tuesday over Radio Mindanao Network. The bishop supported the statement of Italian priest Giuseppe "Beppe" Pierantoni after his recovery last Monday that he was freed by his abductors and not rescued by police. The conflicting statements of the people claiming credit for his release give me the feeling that we are not being told the real story," Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla said in a statement. The opposition congressman said the release of Pierantoni bolstered suspicions that the PNP colluded with the Pentagon gang. Remulla, a former broadcast journalist, said it appeared that even the President was given "inaccurate reports" about how Pierantoni gained his freedom. Remulla said the PNP leadership under Director General Leandro Mendoza tried to grab the credit by saying that the Pentagon gang abandoned Pierantoni at the boundary of Zamboanga del Sur and Sibugay province to elude pursuing PNP Special Action Forces. "I am more inclined to believe Father Pierantoni's story and this seems to provide a confirmation to previous reports that there is some kind of collaboration between some PNP officials and some members of the Pentagon gang," he said. ...Gen. Diomedio Villanueva, Armed Forces chief of staff, said the men responsible for the safe recovery of the Italian priest should be commended and not castigated. "All throughout (Pierantoni's captivity) the PNP and AFP personnel were on the back of the kidnappers," he said. "The fighting was not only in one place, like in the movies, because there was continuous pressure," Villanueva said in an interview at the Araw ng Kagitingan rites at Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan. PIERANTONI: RESCUED, RECOVERED, RANSOMED? (Malaya, Page 1) Rescued, recovered, or released after payment of ransom? Malacanang yesterday admitted Italian priest Fr. Giuseppe Pierantoni was not rescued by the police from his captors, but insisted no ransom was paid for the priest's freedom...At the House of Representatives, Rep. Gilbert Remulla said Pierantoni's mysterious" release further bolstered suspicion the Pentagon Gang was in cahoots with some elements of the PNP. And given the conflicting statements,there is reason to believe Pierantoni was released by paying ransom and not through the rescue efforts of the police, Remulla said.
Palace insists no ransom was paid for Italian priest
(Philippine Star, Page 2)
Pressure, not ransom, set priest free
(Tribune, Banner)
Malacañang maintained yesterday that no ransom was paid for Monday’s release of kidnapped Italian priest Fr. Giuseppe Pierantoni, but officials could not agree on whether the victim was rescued or voluntarily freed and recovered in a remote village in Zamboanga del Sur. Certain quarters including local government officials believed that money changed hands for the safe release of Pierantoni, who was held captive by the Pentagon gang for nearly six months in their jungle lair in Zamboanga del Sur. They cited the presence of Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns Norberto Gonzales and Philippine National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza in Upper Tungawan where the kidnappers freed Pierantoni. Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said Gonzales’ presence in Tungawan was cleared by President Arroyo to ensure the safe recovery of the kidnapped Italian priest.
GMA WRONG ON HOSTAGES, SAYS LACSON
(Malaya, Page 1)
Rescue the hostages. Never mind if their kidnappers escape. This was how Sen. Panfilo Lacson reacted to President Arroyo's statements that the priority of government forces is to "annihilate" kidnap gangs and not to rescue safely hostages.
Sayyaf leader holding TV journalist tagged
(Inquirer, Page 5)
ALDABAR Parag, alias Nadzmi, a Jolo-based Abu Sayyaf commander allied with captured Commander Global, was identified by the government-owned Radyo ng Bayan as the leader of the group holding broadcast journalist Arlyn de la Cruz. Quoting sources, Radyo ng Bayan said in a broadcast from Jolo that Kumander Al Parag's group is keeping the 32-year-old broadcast journalist in Maimbung, a town outside Jolo. Sen. Noli de Castro, in a radio interview also Tuesday, said De la Cruz's captor, a certain "Lakandula," asked for a cellphone and pocket money in exchange for her freedom sometime in March. "It was just a cellphone, and Arlyn personally talked to me to give Lakandula a cellphone. I thought she may need it also for communications," De Castro said. He said he sent a cellphone through an emissary, but the reporter was not released.
Basilan mayor eyes charges vs military
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
ZAMBOANGA CITY — A Basilan town mayor whose house was raided on Monday by government troops searching for Abu Sayyaf terrorists said yesterday he would file criminal charges against the military. Tuburan Mayor Dorie Kalahal said he would file charges against members of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion for illegal entry, illegal search, attempted murder, frustrated murder and destruction of property. Kalahal also denied abetting Abu Sayyaf ringleader Aldam Tilao, alias Abu Sabaya, who the military said was hiding in Kalahal’s house and who was the subject of a warrant of arrest. "Wala akong kinalaman sa mga binibintang nila sa akin (I know nothing of their accusations against me)," Kalahal said. "I don’t know why they did that to me." Kalahal said he was emerging from his second-floor bedroom to speak with the government troopers when two soldiers posted at the foot of the stairs fired at him.
‘We’re now fighting common enemies’
(Philippine Star, Page 1)
Terrorism, poverty are new foes--Gloria
( Inquirer, Page 2)
President Arroyo lauded yesterday the unity of the Philippines, the United States and Japan in the struggle against the "common enemies" of poverty and international terrorism. "Once again, Filipino and American soldiers are working side by side to make the world a safer place for all of us. And in this fight, Japan is equally our partner," the President said during the Araw ng Kagitingan rites at the Mt. Samat Shrine in Bataan yesterday. The Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites were held at the Dambana ng Kagiti-ngan (Altar of Valor) dedicated to the memory of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who died in the Battle of Bataan in April 1942. The President was joined by dignitaries and local and foreign war veterans who witnessed the fall of Bataan 60 years ago yesterday. "The Fall of Bataan involved three nations that are today’s partners for peace, development and security. From mortal combat in these mountains and fields, we have now converged into an alliance against poverty and terrorism for progress and prosperity in this part of the world," Mrs. Arroyo said.
2. ERAP/PLUNDER CASE
Erap allies: Snap polls to solve RP instability
(Tribune, Page 1)
Supporters of deposed President Joseph Estrada yesterday sought the holding of snap presidential elections which they said would best address the economic and political problems gripping the country.Herman Tiu Laurel, convenor of the Edsa People Power III Commission, or E3C, said they will have to first campaign for the resignation of President Arroyo and her Vice President Teofisto Guingona to pave the way for the calling of the special polls."We cannot restore economic and political stability when the people who govern us do not have the mandate of the people, and this government does not have the mandate of the people," Laurel said during a news conference that launched E3C at the Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila.The commission is spearheading preparations for a series of activities to mark Edsa People Power III, an uprising led by Estrada's mostly poor supporters that culminated in a failed siege of Malacañang on May 1 last year."It would be better if Mrs. Arroyo and her Vice President resigned from their respective posts," Laurel said.The People's Consultative Assembly (PCA), a
HEARINGS CONTINUE ON ERAP'S KNEES
(Malaya, PAge 1)
Hearings on former President Joseph Estrada's petition for a knee operation in the US will resume this morning with the testimony of second defense witness Liberato Casison, Veterans Memorial Medical Center medical division chief.
ERAP ALLIES TO MARK MAY 1 SIEGE OF PALACE
Forces loyal to deposed President Joseph Estrada plan to mark the first anniversary of People's Power 3, their infamous siege of Malacanang, on May 1.But they said they will not attempt to seize power.
3. CHA-CHA
Solon favors Cha-cha through con-con
(Philippine Star, Page 5)
A Bulacan congressman said yesterday he favors Cha-cha (Charter change) through an elected constitutional convention. Rep. Willie Buyson Villarama said members of Congress should not do the rewriting of the Charter because people will see the job "as a victory of personal and partisan interests over the national good." He said a Constitution revised by incumbent lawmakers risks rejection by the electorate. "The responsible and honest way to rewrite the basic law is through a constitutional convention whose members are freely elected by the people," he said.
Solon wants 'protector of the people' provision for military out from Charter
(Inquirer, Page 1)
IF and when the proposed Charter change gets underway, Deputy Speaker for the Visayas Raul Gonzalez will work for the removal of Article II and put the military back in the barracks. The provision, which defines the military as the "protector of the people," is behind military adventurism and politicking, and coup and destabilization threats will constantly arise because of this thinking in the Armed Forces, said Gonzalez, one of the proponents of Charter change in the House of Representatives. "We'll never stabilize our country unless we amend the Constitution and remove that provision," the representative of Iloilo City told the Inquirer Tuesday. "For as long as that provision is there, we will always have (politically) ambitious generals. Gonzalez said he would sponsor the removal of this provision so the government would become the rightful protector of the people.
4. POWER RATE/WATER/OIL PRICE HIKE
Palace rejects buyback of Petron
(Philippine Star, Page 4)
Malacañang rejected yesterday a proposal to regain state control of oil refiner Petron Corp. through a government buyback of shares sold to Saudi Arabian-American Oil Co. (Aramco) eight years ago. Following the Cabinet’s first regional Cabinet meeting held at the Petron Refinery auditorium in Limay Bataan, Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said the Arroyo administration will not support the proposal being revived by militant groups. "The administration cannot reverse a major privatization program of the national government," Tiglao said. He said re-acquisition of shares to gain back state control of the oil firm would only send wrong signals and scare away foreign investors. Militant and left-leaning groups have been calling on the government to buy back shares in Petron in light of the recent adjustments in pump prices.
ERC SUSPENDS HEARINGS ON POWER RATE HIKE
(Inquirer, Page 1)
LATER, rather than sooner. The fate of the Manila Electric Co.'s controversial petition to increase power rates will not be decided any time soon, after the Energy Regulatory Commission suspended Tuesday's hearing, and oppositors to the proposed increase said the ERC was likely to call several more sessions. The hearing, supposedly the second to the last, was suspended after about three hours. The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, a leading oppositor, said this was because it had questioned Meralco's revised figures -- first presented during the April 2 hearing, which company officials defended Tuesday. "We just want to know how Meralco was able to come up with the revised rates. They made changes that eased the burden on the low-income consumers, but what happened was the burden was passed on to the middle class. We wanted them to present to us the basis on how they computed the rates," Bayan spokesperson Renato Reyes said.
PETITION NO TO SEEK FARE HIKE ONLY FOR GMA'S DAY-- PISTON
(Tribune, Page 1)
One of the biggest transport organizations, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (PISTON), yesterday admitted rge signing of a waiver not to seek fare increase was all for show. In an interview with the Tribune, Piston President Medardo Roda said Piston only signed the waiver with the LTFRB bacause it was the President's birthday the next day.
5. MARCOS WEALTH
PCGG: We need only 1 case to jail Imelda Marcos
(Inquirer, Page 4)
THE PRESIDENTIAL Commission on Good Government said Tuesday that it needed only one criminal case to put former first lady Imelda Marcos in jail. PCGG commissioner Ruben Carranza said this in reaction to the increasing number of dismissed criminal cases against the Marcoses. "It takes only one (case)," Carranza said Tuesday, when asked about Mrs. Marcos' statement on television that seven out of 417 cases filed against her have been dismissed. The PCGG will be meeting with Ombudsman Aniano Desierto this week to explore ways where they could help each other in prosecuting the criminal cases against the Marcoses. PCGG commissioner Victoria Avena said that it would not be proper for the PCGG to take Mrs. Marcos' word on the number of dismissed cases against her. "What is important is that there are still pending criminal and civil cases against her," she said. There are several civil and criminal cases against Mrs. Marcos pending at the Sandiganbayan, according to the PCGG. It did not give a specific number.
Travel ban sought against ailing Tacloban mayor
(Inquirer, Page 4)
THE PRESIDENTIAL Commission on Good Government asked Tuesday that a hold-departure order be issued against ailing Tacloban City Mayor Alfredo "Bejo" Romualdez, whose arrest was recently ordered by the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court. This developed after Romualdez, a week after the warrant was issued, had disclosed plans to undergo heart surgery either here or in the United States. In a motion before the Sandiganbayan, the PCGG said the hold order would preempt any attempt by Romualdez "to further avoid arraignment" and to "prevent (the) probability of flight as he has previously done."The younger brother of Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, asked the court Tuesday to recall the warrant issued against him on April 2.Romualdez was supposed to have been arraigned on March 25 for his alleged illegal takeover in 1975 of the Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Co. (Baseco).
6. CORONA
After uncle, cousin blocks Corona’s SC nomination
(Tribune, Page 1)
Another stumbling block was thrown in the path of Supreme Court (SC) hopeful Renato Corona yesterday, this time by his cousin-in-law.In an apparent effort to prove the nominee's lack of fitness for the position of associate justice of the high tribunal, Ana Basa, in a letter to the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), said: "I am in the process of initiating criminal cases of estafa and graft and corrupt practices against Corona and his wife Cristina." The JBC had unanimously voted to short-list Corona, President Arroyo's chief of staff, for the plum post.Basa's opposition came amid rumors that a key Malacañang official had summoned the other nominees early this month to smoothen out ruffled feathers in connection with Corona's possible appointment to the high court.Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. headed the proceedings that resulted in a recommendation to nominate Corona.
Tread lightly on Corona, Nene urges
(Malaya, Page 1)
Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. yesterday cautioned President Arroyo against appointing her chief of staff, Renato Corona, to one of the two vacant Supreme Court posts."President Arroyo should be careful. She should not appoint another political protégé to the 15-man Supreme Court. Otherwise, she will be accused for politicizing the tribunal," Pimentel said.Pimentel said it would be a mistake if the President will choose a Malacañang man over career jurists and qualified academicians and law practitioners, considering her first appointee to the High Court, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, was one of her legal advisers.The opposition Partido ng Masang issued a similar warning, saying the appointment of another "Malacañang lackey" to the Supreme Court would further erode public trust in the Supreme Court.
7. OTHER TOP STORIES
Pope: Holy Land violence 'intolerable'
(Inquirer, Page 1)
Pope condemns terror attack on Bethlehem
(Philippine Star, Page 6 )
VIOLENCE in the Holy Land has reached "intolerable" levels, Pope John Paul II told visitors to the Vatican Tuesday. The Vatican Embassy in Manila followed up the Pope's dramatic remarks by releasing a papal statement condemning terrorism - "whatever side it may come." "The spiral of violence and armed hostility in the Holy Land - the land of our Lord's birth, death and resurrection, a land held sacred by the three great monotheistic religions - has increased to unimaginable and intolerable levels," the Pope told members of an American foundation visiting the Vatican.
‘Absentee bill enacted in 2 months’
(Philippine Star,PAge 5)
Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. assured millions of overseas Filipino workers yesterday that the bill that would give them voting rights in national elections would be enacted in two months. "We have already reached a multi-partisan consensus in the House and the Senate, and Congress would be ready to approve it when it returns to work (on April 15)," he told a group of Filipinos in Athens. De Venecia is in Greece to hold dialogues with OFWs and meet with Greek leaders. He has met with his counterpart, Speaker Apostolus Kaklamanis, who praised Filipinos for being "hardworking and law-abiding workers" in his country.
Police recover Ninoy’s wedding ring in Tarlac pawnshop
(Philippine Star, Page 6)
The gold wedding band of the late Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., stolen from the Aquino Center in Tarlac over the Holy Week, has been recovered by police in a pawnshop in Tarlac City, a spokesman for former President Corazon Aquino said yesterday. The ring was pawned for P1,800. "I am very happy that the ring, which carries great sentimental value to me, has been recovered," former Press Undersecretary Deedee Siytangco quoted Mrs. Aquino as saying. "I laud the Central Luzon police and the National Bureau of Investigation for its recovery." But the former president also expressed sadness that the theft was carried out by a trusted security guard of the Aquino Center, located inside the Hacienda Luisita in San Miguel, Tarlac.
Another long weekend coming
(Philippine Star,Page 1 )
Get ready for another long weekend. Malacañang decided yesterday to move the observance of Labor Day, a non-working holiday that will fall on a Wednesday, to April 29, a Monday. Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said the administration has made it a policy to move all official non-working holidays that fall during mid-week to Mondays. While the break from work will always be on a Monday, the celebrations marking the event will still be held on the actual date of the holiday, Tiglao explained. President Arroyo will deliver her Labor Day message at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park. Tiglao dismissed speculations that the Labor Day holiday move is meant to foil a repeat of last year’s Labor Day siege on Malacañang by thousands of supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada.
Claudine back, shuns interview with media
(Philippine Star, Page 3)
Bereaved actress Claudine Barretto appeared to have lost weight when she arrived home yesterday from a five-day vacation in Hong Kong. Wearing denims, a white T-shirt and dark glasses, the television and movie actress was tight-lipped after disembarking from a Cathay Pacific flight at 4:15 p.m. until she boarded a Ford Expedition parked outside Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.
Gloria orders land sale to raise P20B for war vets
(Inquirer, Page 2)
GMA moves to raise P20B owed to war vets
(Malaya, Page 1)
MT. SAMAT, Pilar, Bataan -- To raise 20 billion pesos to pay for arrears to Filipino World War II veterans, President Macapagal-Arroyo ordered Tuesday the sale of prime government properties in Japan and the lease of portions of two military properties in Metro Manila. The President announced the plans during the commemorative ceremonies to mark the 60th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan. Raising money for the veterans was a "major challenge," she told a crowd of some 3,000 veterans, including some 200 American veterans who joined their Filipino counterparts. Ms Macapagal instructed Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho to "take care of the sale of our properties in Japan," an idea which she said had been suggested by some congressmen.
More showbiz figures volunteer services to GMA
(Philippine Star, Page 1)
First were superstars Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. Now popular teenage star Jolina Magdangal, actresses Assunta de Rossi, Rufa Mae Quinto and Angelu de Leon, singers Jaya and Mitch Valdez, actor Joel Torre and comedian Leo Martinez (who is also known as Congressman Manhik Manaog) are among the latest converts of President Arroyo. Local entertainment celebrities continue to troop to Malacañang to express their full support and even volunteer their services to help Mrs. Arroyo bring her message to the masses.
Military brass: Morale up overfirm GMA resolve to extend term
(Tribune, Page 1)
President Arroyo's military officers came to the defense of their Commander-in-Chief a day after she snapped at retired Army chief Lt. Gen. Jaime delos Santos for criticizing her prerogative to appoint a chief of staff whose term she can extend, citing the case of Southern Command (Southcom) chief Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu.Senior military officers yesterday quickly echoed the Chief Executive's line and defended her authority to extend the term of service of a military officer nearing retirement age.They also claimed no demoralization exists in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Diomedio Villanueva, during a brief interview, took the position that the President, being the Commander-in-Chief, is vested with the authority to decide whether or not there is need for an extension of the term of service of a military officer.
SK POLLS HANGING DUE TO SQUABBLE IN COMELEC
(Tribune, Page 2)
SK LISTUP: TIME RUNNING OUT ON COMELEC
(Manila Standard, Page 3)
Due to the continued squabble among the commissioners of the Commission on Elections, the privilege of over three million voters for the Sangguniang Kabataan to exercise their right to suffrage still hangs as the Comelec can't come up with the procedures for the enlistment of SK voters.