NEWS MONITOR (April 16, 2002)
1. CHA-CHA
Employers group says no to Charter change
(Inquirer, Page 6 )
THE EMPLOYERS Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) on Monday registered objection to the proposed amendment of the 1987 Constitution, saying this should be done only after the economy had turned around. "This is not the time to initiate Charter change. We have to focus on the real problem, which is poverty alleviation and economics," Ecop president Donald Dee said in a statement as he echoed President Macapagal-Arroyo’s earlier comment that lawmakers should consider amending the Constitution only after they had approved her priority bills and after the problem of poverty had been licked, perhaps in 10 years.
Cha-cha ball starts rolling
(Philippine Star, Banner )
A neophyte senator joined yesterday the move for Charter change (Cha-cha) by filing a resolution calling for a constitutional convention (con-con) to amend the country’s fundamental law. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, said that amending the Constitution would make it more responsive to recent national developments. He proposed that the election of delegates to the con-con be held simultaneously with the national elections on the second Monday of May 2004. "Each legislative district should elect two delegates who shall take office beginning June 30, 2004 until they shall have finished amending the Constitution," Pangi-linan said.
Solons back,debate 'Cha-cha'
(Today, Page 1)
Senators are divided over the Charter-change issue, preferring different modes of and timetables for amending the Constitution. Almost all senators, except Sens. Joker Arroyo and Blas Ople, agreed that the 1987 Charter needs to be amended. While most of the senators want the Charter change to be done by a constitutional convention, they balked at the estimated P3-billion cost of electing delegate, maintaining their offices, and the referendum for the ratification of the amendments to be proposed. Senate President Franklin Drilon earlier proposed a modified constituent assembly of senators and congressmen to draft the amendments while Juan Flavier and Francis Pangilinan rejected this mode, insisting that a Con-Con has to do the job.
2. ERAP/PLUNDER CASE
Gov’t doc backs Erap stand
(Inquirer, Page 2 )
A GOVERNMENT doctor has ironically added weight to jailed ex-President Joseph Estrada’s petition to be allowed to leave for the United States to undergo knee surgery. "It’s the perfect right of a patient to look for a doctor who he thinks is best for him," Dr. Jose Pujalte Jr. of the state-run Philippine Orthopedic Center declared in court Monday. But Pujalte conceded that Estrada’s knee surgery can be performed in the country, which has a "90 percent success rate."
Estrada wins bid to delay trial
( Philippine Star, Page 1 )
Detained former President Joseph Estrada yesterday won his battle to slow down his corruption trial in the Sandiganbayan even as the anti-graft court disqualified two government prosecutors at his request. The three-member San-diganbayan special division ruled the trial would henceforth be held twice a week, instead of the current schedule of thrice a week, Presiding Justice Minita Nazario said. The court had formed a special division solely to handle the cases against Estrada and ensure his trial was not delayed. His lawyers argued they could not attend all three hearings every week as they had other cases to attend to. State prosecutors have charged Estrada with deliberately slowing the pace of the trial in hopes of winning an eventual reprieve.
Court disqualifies two prosecution lawyers
(Tribune, Page 1)
Sandigan bars 2 lead Estrada prosecutors ;Says designation of undersecretaries is unconstitutional
(Malaya, Banner)
The anti-graft court, Sandiganbayan, yesterday disqualified two prosecution lawyers in the plunder case against deposed President Joseph Estrada and his co-accused.The court pointed out that their appointments, which were issued by the Office of the Ombudsman, run counter to the constitutional provision that prohibits government officials from holding multiple positions.At the same time, the Special Division granted the request of the defense panel to reduce trial days from three to two days starting April 22 but denied the defense's motion to postpone the trial for another 30 days.Instead of conducting the trial every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the court ruled that trial days will be held only Mondays and Wednesdays but for a longer period, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3. PING LACSON
Ping could walk from Senate probe
(Manila Times, Page 2)
OPPOSITION Sen. Panfilo Lacson could be laughing all the way to the bank in a few weeks. Money-laundering charges against him could be dismissed due to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) failure to secure a certification that Lacson had stashing proceeds of drug operations in a US bank. Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs Chairman Robert Barbers said the panel would have no other recourse but to terminate its probe of the allegations for “lack of evidence.” But administration Sen. Juan Flavier urged Barbers to wait until the end of the year, to give the chamber the opportunity to reopen the probe should the US finally hand over evidence against Lacson. Barbers said the panel is giving the DOJ only until the next hearing to present US documents before issuing its decision.
4 . BALIKATAN EXERCISES/ABU SAYYAF/INSURGENCY,WAR ON TERROR
Macapagal supports Balikatan extension
(Inquirer, Banner )
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Monday she favored extending the American military presence in the troubled southern island of Basilan under the Philippine-US "Balikatan" exercises – to finish civic-action projects. "The residents themselves asked if the Americans could help finally (accomplish) the projects they have been longing for," such as roads and water systems, she said. Admiral Dennis Blair, commander in chief of the US Pacific Command, arrived in nearby Zamboanga City on Monday.
'If US forces don't attack, we won't'
(Inquirer, Page 1)
THE COMMUNIST Party of the Philippines has not directed its military wing, the New People's Army, to attack American troops taking part in joint Balikatan war exercises with Filipino soldiers, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo said Monday. Ocampo, former spokesperson of the National Democratic Front, was clarifying an Inquirer report that CPP chair Armando Liwanag had directed the NPA to "inflict severe casualties on the invading US forces." The directive of Liwanag, widely believed to be the nom de guerre of exile CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison, was published in Ang Bayan, the official publication of the CPP Central Committee. Sison is currently based in The Netherlands. Ocampo said that from his understanding, Liwanag's directive was for NPA guerrillas to prepare in the event US troops attack them, purportedly as part of the US war against terrorism.
Lepeng Wee denies role in talks for Burnhams’ ransom
(Philippine Star, Page 4 )
Filipino-Chinese businessman Lepeng Wee took exceptions yesterday to reports linking to ongoing backdoor negotiations to secure the release of an American missionary couple and a Filipino nurse held hostage for nearly 11 months now by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan province. This developed as Malacañang asserted it has not sanctioned any backdoor negotiations by private individuals for the recovery of the hostages. National Security Adviser Roilo Golez said the government had been aware of efforts by the Zamboanga City-based Wee, a former adviser of ousted President Joseph Estrada, to intercede for the release ofMartin and Gracia Burnham of Wichita, Kansas and Deborah Yap of Lamitan town in Basilan. Wee, however, denied yesterday reports that he was spearheading informal discussions with certain influential Malaysians who exert influence over the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers.
ABU 'BROKERS'IN MANILA FOR P10-M RANSOM DEAL
(Tribune ,Page 1)
Members of at least four "respected families" from Southern Mindanao have flown to Manila with the objective of ironing out a possible ransom deal with the government for the freedom of two Americans and a Filipino being held hostage by the Moslem kidnap group Abu Sayyaf."They ('negotiators') are here in Manila. You can find them in the hotels, trying to connect to Malacañang. They are looking for connections," Norberto Gonzales, presidential adviser on special concerns, told reporters yesterday.The negotiators, all based in the Zamboanga provinces and believed to be related to the Abu Sayyaf leaders, are reportedly staying in hotels near the Palace and vigorously scouting for third parties who could help them establish contact with the Arroyo administration.Gonzales saw the negotiators' trooping to Manila as an act of desperation on the part of the Moslem kidnap gang.
'Abus want to cash in while they can'
(Malaya, Page 1)
Norberto Gonzales, presiden-tial adviser on special concerns, yesterday said Abu Sayyaf bandits are pressing ransom negotiations because they realize their days are numbered. Gonzales said members of three to four influential Muslim families brokering for the Abu Sayyaf have left Zamboanga City and are staying in Manila so they can get closer to Malacañang's negotiators. He said the bandit group has even reduced its ransom demand from P100 million to P10 million.Gonzales also said it is impossible to stop negotiations because "negotiations are part of the Muslim culture." Despite the "private initiatives," Gonzales said, the government is intent on pursuing rescue operations.
Ransom 'price war' for hostages' release on
(Today, Page 1)
A Malacañang official virtually admitted yesterday that there is an ongoing ransom "bargaining" for the release of Abu Sayyaf hostages Martin and Gracia Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap. Norberto Gonzalez, presidential adviser for special concerns, said the presence of the American troops in Mindanao has forced the Abu Sayyaf to lower the ransom demand from P100 million to P10 million. Gonzalez said that "three to four" families were negotiating with the Abu Sayyaf. "The good thing is that because of the presence of the Americans here, the Abu Sayyaf bandits are forced to lower their ransom demand," Gonzalez said. He noted that the bandits are rushing to get rid of their hostages by settling for a bargain rather than let the Americans catch up with them. "That is the positive side," Gonzalez said.
Gloria: ‘Moral suasion’ on hostages’ kin
(Manila Times, Page 1)
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday said the government can only use “moral suasion” on Abu Sayyaf hostages’ kin who insist on ransom talks with the extremist group. National Security Adviser Roilo Golez has angrily denied reports of any ransom payment or ransom negotiations, insisting the Philippines sticks to a hard-line, no-ransom policy, even rejecting any third-party talks.
Nur’s trial reset to May 16
(Philippine Star, Page 1)
FORT STO. DOMINGO, Sta. Rosa, Laguna – Upon his motion, the arraignment on rebellion charges of former governor Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was reset yesterday to May 16. Judge Norberto Geraldez of the Calamba Regional Trial Court also granted the 60-year-old Misuari’s request for conjugal visits by his two wives anytime within the day in his detention bungalow inside the Special Action Force (SAF) training camp here. Geraldez allowed Misuari’s wives and other family members to visit him beyond 5 p.m. on certain conditions, the guidelines of which would be released soon, according to a prosecutor. Minutes before the proceedings started, Misuari, who looked haggard, told reporters he was leaving everything in the hands of God and to "people of goodwill" and their conscience.
5. OTHER TOP STORIES
POLICE BRUTALITY ESCALATES
(Tribune, Banner)
In quelling demonstrators, the police under the Arroyo administration appear to have adopted a "maximum intolerance policy," using brutal methods in dispersing demonstrators and in the absence of any provocation from the protesters.Video footage and still photographs show the brutality and sadism employed by today's anti-riot police on yet another set of demonstrators who had barely started staging their protest at the US Embassy against the American military exercises in the country.
Filipino is king of boiler rooms
(PCIJ Report, 2nd of a series)
Today, 30-year-old Amador Pastrana is said to own more than 100 boiler rooms and shell companies around the world. Some of them are incorporated in small tax-haven territories such as the Bahamas, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Mauritius, Cayman Islands, Western Samoa, Turks and Caicos, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Island of Nevis, and the republics of Liberia and Seychelles. Those in the United States were incorporated in Nevada, Florida, Delaware and South Carolina. James Martin, director of the Sydney-based Stock Investigation Research Society who says he was duped by Pastrana in an even more complicated way, has also received reports that Pastrana in the early 1990s had crossed paths with Sherman Mazur, a German national who was then running boiler rooms in the United States. In 1993, Mazur was sentenced to five years in prison in California for securities fraud. While he was serving time, Mazur reportedly passed on the management of his boiler rooms to Pastrana, "whom he trusted," says Martin. "But Amador not only took over these boiler rooms, (he) set up more." Records obtained on Pastrana’s US corporate empire as of June 2000, though, lists only seven OTCBB-listed companies created out of a series of reverse mergers and acquisition of dormant firms. The results are several holding companies operating only on paper, usually with the same corporate secretary, Roy Rayo, or Filipino lawyer Claudine Montenegro whom Martin also sued for practising in the US without a license.
Shabu lack ups marijuana demand
(Philippine Star, Page 12)
Drug users are scaling down to marijuana following the scarcity of shabu in the country as a result of the operations of the Philippine National Police, the chief of the Narcotics Group said yesterday. Narcotics chief Director Efren Fernandez said his unit also intensified operations in Northern Luzon and Davao after it received reports that high-ranking members of the New People’s Army (NPA) are giving protection to big marijuana plantations in the two areas as part of their fundraising. Fernandez attributed the scarcity of shabu in the drug market to the relentless campaign and operations of the PNP.
Carmela sunk to hide evidence?
( Philippine Star, Page 1)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) debunked yesterday claims that MV Maria Carmela was deliberately sunk to mislead investigators and conceal evidence against the ship owners. Meanwhile, salvage divers found the remains of seven people in the wreckage of the vessel that caught fire on April 11 and sank at dusk on Sunday. It was the first excursion to the Maria Carmela, which was still smoldering three days after the fire, preventing salvage workers from doing their task. The PCG said search efforts were suspended due to darkness but would resume at dawn today. "The vessel has been subjected to intense heat for 77 hours, causing its steel structure to melt," PCG commandant Vice Adm. Reuben Lista said, explaining the sinking of the ferry.
Palace relents: No work on May 1
(Inquirer, Page 1 )
GMA blinks; Labor Day back to May 1
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
MALACAÑANG on Monday restored the Labor Day non-working holiday to May 1 after meeting with representatives of moderate labor unions. President Macapagal-Arroyo had earlier moved the Labor Day holiday to April 29, a Monday, in line with its "holiday economics" policy of giving workers three-day weekends whenever possible. It would have been the first time that Filipino workers would report for work on May 1, which is celebrated worldwide as Labor Day. Ms Macapagal's decision last week to move this year's Labor Day celebration earned widespread disapproval from various labor organizations and cause-oriented groups. The President's decision even became a butt of jokes among texters who exchanged messages that the President was also moving the celebration of Christmas from Dec. 25, a Wednesday, to Dec. 23, a Monday.
Palace decides not to shuffle workers’ special holiday
(Manila Times, Page 2 )
President Gloria Arroyo yesterday bowed to the clamor of militant and labor groups to spare May 1, celebrated as Labor Day worldwide, from her economic tourism thrust. After a dialogue between President Arroyo and moderate labor leaders, acting Press Secretary Sylvestre Afable said the Chief Executive had realized how “sacrosanct” May 1 is for workers, and so have in to labor’s “appeal.”
Gloria says she's unfazed by falling rating
(Inquirer, Page 2)
WITH her approval ratings down in the latest survey, President Macapagal-Arroyo Monday assured the public that she continues to work hard. She said she keeps long work hours and goes out of Malacañang as much as possible. "I really didn't have time to smell the flowers," she said, contradicting her own assessment at the start of the year. At the time she said she wanted to make sure that the poor feel the effects of her work to improve the economy at the macro-level. But the latest Social Weather Stations poll saw her net satisfaction rating go down by 11 points, from 27 to 16 points. The Pulse Asia survey, however, showed that her net approval rating went up by three points, from 23 to 26 points. "Whatever the survey results may be, I will continue to serve the people," she said in her weekly radio program Monday.
No Cabinet shuffle just because of polls – GMA
(Manila Times, Banner )
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday said she would not make changes in her Cabinet just because her ratings in poll surveys had slipped. The President was reacting to speculations that a revamp in the Cabinet was in the offing after a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey noted an 11-percent drop in the performance rating of her administration.
GMA private publicist out in the open
(Inquirer, Page 1 )
GMA names publicist as senior consultant
(Philippine Star, Page 5)
ON THE DAY Press Secretary and presidential spokesperson Rigoberto Tiglao went on a six-month leave starting Monday, President Macapagal-Arroyo announced the appointment of Dante Ang as senior consultant for public relations. What appeared to be Tiglao's sudden decision to pursue a fellowship at the Kyoto University in Japan, which was announced only last Thursday, was widely interpreted as the result of the turf war among the President's media and public relations people, particularly Tiglao and Ang. The President's private publicist since 1993, Ang walked tall in the corridors of power and allegedly meddled in Tiglao's job. Ms Macapagal denied any conflict between Tiglao and Ang during her weekly radio interview Monday. She said that the two men always consulted with each other and had differed in only one instance: the airing of Ms Macapagal's "Ina ng Bayan" television address. The Ina ng Bayan spiel was Ang's brainchild.
President names TIMES owner senior consultant
(Manila Times, Page 1)
Saying she wanted to make their working relationship official, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday announced appointment of personal publicist Dante Ang as senior presidential consultant for public relations. Acting Press Secretary and Palace spokesman Sylvestre Afable, meanwhile, announced two new assistant secretaries — Claro Fernandez, in charge of the Office of the Press Secretary’s broadcast activities, and lawyer Ricardo Alfonso, who will handle the OPS’ legislative affairs.
'Agimat' still works for Revilla
(Inquirer, Page 3)
Revilla’s ‘agimat’ works again, says son Bong
(Philippine Star, Page 6 )
SEN. Ramon Revilla's amulets proved strong again. The former movie action star known for the amulets that supposedly protected him both onscreen and off, Revilla has just faced delicate spinal surgery and emerged unscathed. Now a seating senator and the second oldest one at that at 75, Revilla underwent the operation in the neck region at the Stanford University Medical Center in California last Thursday and is reportedly recuperating well. "Mukhang mabisa pa rin ang agimat ni Daddy (It looks like Daddy's amulets are still powerful)," said Revilla's son, former Cavite governor Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. in a statement.
AFP generals cool on Cimatu
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
Several ranking military officers are reportedly set to warn President Arroyo of widespread unrest in the Armed Forces of the Philippines if Southern Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu is named AFP chief. The STAR received yesterday an unsigned manifesto, which a source said had been drafted by several senior officers and generals, opposing Cimatu’s appointment as AFP chief. The manifesto also scored Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and outgoing AFP chief Gen. Diomedio Villanueva for brushing aside concerns of military officers over the race for the top AFP post.
RP fruits vs Aussie milk: Trade war looms
(Inquirer,Page 4)
THE PHILIPPINES is poised to pull the trigger in a trade war with Australia after Filipino businessmen pledged to support a ban on Australian dairy products if that country continues to disallow the importation of Philippine bananas, pineapples and mangoes. Presidential adviser on jobs generation Luis "Cito" Lorenzo Jr. said Filipino milk importers have agreed to tap suppliers in New Zealand and Europe for their milk solids and powder. "Most milk importers, including Nestlé and Alaska, have agreed to come together at the proper time should Australia continue to block our fruit exports," said Lorenzo. He admitted, though, that Nestlé and Alaska have supply contracts with Australia up to the end of the year. "Both Nestlé and Alaska are sympathetic to the plight of the local tropical fruit industry in its bid to gain market access and fair trade in Australia," Lorenzo said. Agriculture Undersecretary Ernesto Ordoñez said the government has no plans to initiate a ban on Australian dairy products, to avoid sanctions from the World Trade Organization.
Crime of passion at BF-Las Piñas
(Philippine Star,Page 3)
Las Piñas police delved deeper yesterday in what is turning out to be a storied case involving affluent families, palatial homes, luxury cars and a tragic crime of passion. Las Piñas police chief investigator Superintendent Efren Sindico said yesterday murder charges would likely be filed against Mary Beth Lopez, 57, wife of a scion of the wealthy Madrigal family, for the killing of their family nurse Belma Abello, 43, over the weekend. Police said Abello was "accidentally" shot on Friday morning as she was being "interrogated" by Lopez on the whereabouts of the supposed mistress of Lopez’s husband Jose Vicente de Leon y Madrigal. Lopez, who lives with De Leon in what police described as a "palatial" home at posh Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa City. Police investigator Senior Police Officer 4 Ben Javier, however, countered that neither Lopez nor her relatives have even called the police and only security guards at their home spoke with them.
Not yet El Niño, but…
(Inquirer,Page 5 )
THE WEATHER bureau has noted a significant rise in Pacific Ocean surface temperatures, but climatologists said it was too early to tell if the El Niño phenomenon had set in. "It is likely the condition represents the early stages of El Niño, but this will be confirmed in the coming months," said Anthony Lucero, a weather specialist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Lucero said a persistent rise in temperatures over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, the so-called "El Niño belt," indicates the arrival of the warm weather pattern. Experts had predicted a mild El Niño would set in the third quarter of the year. "It is too early to tell if the condition represents El Niño in its early stages. It is possible that temperatures will still drop," Lucero said.
US clarifies new visa regulations
( Philippine Star, Page 3)
The US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) clarified yesterday that new visa regulations issued last week would not automatically limit business (B-1) and tourist (B-2) visas to an admission of six months. In an embassy statement, "the INS said the proposed rule to eliminate the ‘minimum admission period’ will not automatically limit B-2 visitors for pleasure to a 30-day stay in the US. "Rather, the rule will require the visitor to explain to an INS immigration inspector the nature and purpose of the visit so that the inspector may determine ‘a period of time that is fair and reasonable for the completion of the purpose of the visit,’" the embassy said. Moreover, the embassy said the proposed rules are subject to a "public comment period" before it becomes executory.
Boys of summer grit, bear it
(Inquirer, Page 1)
A traditional summer rite for Filipino boys who are at least 10 years old also tests their capacity for courage and their readiness for manhood. Circumcision is extremely painful, especially if anesthesia is not used like in the rural areas where the procedure is usually done by the riverbank. The male organ is sensitive and has many nerve endings. It often takes one week before the wound of circumcision heals. Yet, rare is the boy who rejects this tradition. The exceptions would have to face the insults of those who went through the test. Circumcision is done to better maintain the cleanliness of the male organ.
Oreta asks Comelec to focus on SK polls
(Philippine Star, Page 6)
Opposition Sen. Tessie Aquino Oreta called yesterday on members of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to set their differences aside so the proposed special registration of Sangguniang Kabataan members would proceed next week as scheduled, to ensure that three million young voters participate in the July 15 SK elections. "We urge the Comelec to buckle down to work to make sure that the special registration pushes through on April 22 to 27," Oreta said. "It should act fast to ensure that three million new voters do not get disenfranchised come July 15." Only three of seven Comelec commissioners have signed the resolution setting aside April 22-27 as the special registration period for new voters. The four remaining commissioners, who are at odds with the three, have so far refused to handle the resolution signed by Chairman Alfredo Benipayo and Commissioners Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason Jr.
Oil majors OK tollway gas stations
(Manila Times, Page 2)
THE country’s three giant oil companies finally agreed yesterday to allow new oil players to open service stations along the Luzon expressways. The move followed President Gloria Arroyo’s directive to the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), to fast track the entry of new players along the tollways.
Catholic Church peddles ‘sacred space’ to youth
( Manila Times, Page 2)
Talk about religious shortcuts. The Archdiocese of Manila has linked up with Smart Communications, Inc. to peddle the Gospel and prayers via “Catextism.”
GMA’s dream: A woman at PNP’s top post
(Manila Times, Page 2 )
Please at the sight of an almost 50-50 gender division among the new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy, President Gloria Arroyo yesterday shared a dream: Seeing a woman at the helm of the PNP. The feisty Chief Executive twitted the country’s top cop during her keynote speech of the academy’s graduation exercises. Women, she noted, should not be limited to clerical or traffic duties. They should be exposed to combat and intelligence assignments, President Arroyo added.
Shadowy PNP group threatens to withdraw loyalty from Gloria
(Philippine Star, Page )
Policemen who have labeled themselves the "Aggrieved Policemen who always Defend the Constitution" yesterday questioned the promotion granted to senior and junior aides and security escorts of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Leandro Mendoza.At the same time, Malacañang announced that National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Director Edgardo Aglipay will be rewarded with a plum position with the upcoming change in the PNP leadership.President Arroyo gave this statement amid speculation within the police organization as to the composition of the new PNP leadership five months from now.Mrs. Arroyo last year named Police Deputy Director Hermogenes Ebdane as Mendoza's successor.Ebdane's assumption, however, was delayed by the Chief Executive herself as she decided to extend Mendoza's term for at least another five months.