NEWS MONITOR (May 1, 2002)
1. MAY 1
Lakas allies belittle GMA foes
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
Allies of President Arroyo in the House of Representatives belittled yesterday the decision of her enemies to merge their forces and form a united front against the administration. "I don’t think they will win popular support. The people won’t rally behind them," said Rep. Oscar Moreno (Lakas, Misamis Oriental), who was a member of the House panel that prosecuted ousted President Joseph Estrada in his Senate impeachment trial. Moreno said the goal of Mrs. Arroyo’s foes of taking over power "is a legitimate ambition, but we have constitutional processes to follow." He said instead of plotting to remove Mrs. Arroyo through some extra-legal means, her enemies "should begin to work on 2004." The President’s Lakas partymate conceded that the administration has its share of shortcomings, "but there were meaningful strides in many sectors, particularly the economy." ...Another Lakas ally, Rep. Prospero Nograles of Davao City, said the President should not be distracted by these "sporadic protests" in doing what is good for the greater number of Filipinos. "These are the handiwork of people who want to return to power and those who cannot wait for 2004 or 2010," he said. Palace: Unrest won't last (Inquirer, Banner) MALACAÑANG expects the calls for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to die down after Wednesday. Acting Press Secretary Silvestre Afable Jr. said such calls were part of the "political hype" made by anti-administration groups to drum up interest for their Labor Day rallies. At the House of Representatives, certain lawmakers rallied behind the President and dismissed the opposition forces as "strange bedfellows" with no popular support. The congressmen's advice to Ms Macapagal: Stay focused, keep cool, be true to yourself, and don't court your enemies. However, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Raul Gonzalez said the administration should also monitor opposition groups to preempt "overt acts"' against the government. ..Davao City Representative Prospero Nograles said the opposition forces did not have the numbers to upset or topple the administration..."The dogs of war can bark all they want, but they can't bite," he said. "They have no popular support. They had their chance and they really blew it. Now it is her game and she is doing well."
EDSA III organizers vow peaceful mass action today
(Philippine Star, Page2 )
The opposition Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) called yesterday on supporters of jailed ousted President Joseph Estrada to be vigilant against possible pro-government infiltrators out to disrupt their protest rallies and demonstrations near Malacañang. On the other hand, the police are poised to block pro-Estrada groups marching towards the Palace for alleged lack of permit to stage protest actions. In a statement, Herman Tiu Laurel, lead convenor of the EDSA committee composed of pro-Estrada and urban poor and cause-oriented organizations, gave assurance that their protest actions would be peaceful. "If there is any provocation or violence, that would be coming from the ranks of the police and the government who, we believe, are planning (to) break the peaceful marches," Laurel said. Mailed fist will backfire, GMA warned ;Erap appeals for calm on anniversary of Edsa 3 (Malaya, Banner) Former President Joseph Estrada yesterday appealed to his followers for calm and sobriety as they commemorate today the first anniversary of "Edsa 3." He also asked law enforcers to respect the people's right to assembly.The commemoration of Edsa 3 or the "poor people's revolt" coincides with Labor Day mass actions planned by various groups and former Arroyo allies in "civil society" that are calling for her ouster.Sen. Gregorio Honasan warned authorities against using an iron hand on anti-administration demonstrations, saying it could snowball into "something bigger" government may not be able to handle.He said violent dispersals would only bring about more protest actions. For added safety, PSG calls in forklifts, containers (Philippine Star, Page 1) It’s a war zone, is it? On the anniversary of the bloody Labor Day siege of Malacañang, the country’s seat of government has fortified itself with fire trucks, barbed wire, forklifts and container vans. And while nobody has pushed the panic button yet, police and additional troopers from the various services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been deployed to beef up the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in guarding Malacañang against a possible reprise of last year’s May 1 siege.
P1B non-wage package readied
(Malaya, Page 1)
President Arroyo will announce P1 billion worth of non-wage package for workers today, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said yesterday.Sto. Tomas said Arroyo will announce the package during her meetings with moderate labor unions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.She refused to divulge the contents of the package, except to say that it includes "an assistance for displaced workers and a host of other things."Asked whether it would make the labor sector happy, she said: "I hope so."Sto. Tomas urged workers to conduct their rallies peacefully, considering that May 1, 2002 is the 100th anniversary of the Filipino labor movement. Labor rejects GMA package for May 1 (Philippine Star, Page 1 ) Three big labor unions rejected yesterday President Arroyo’s Labor Day package of benefits to 33 million workers nationwide that includes a promise to reduce their monthly electric bills. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said Mrs. Arroyo’s "illusionary" offer is insufficient to improve the living conditions of Filipino workers. The other day, Mrs. Arroyo vowed to work for the reduction of power rates as part of the package of benefits for workers that she would announce today. Workers will assemble today at the Bonifacio Shrine near the Manila City Hall, at T. M. Kalaw street and Taft Avenue, and in front of the Central Post Office in Manila before marching to Chino Roces (formerly Mendiola) Bridge across Malacañang. Alex Aguilar, TUCP spokesman, said workers need more than a mere reduction in monthly electricity bills to recoup their lost purchasing power. Aguilar said they would ask Mrs. Arroyo to have workers receiving less than P15,000 monthly exempted from income and withholding taxes. Elmer Labog, KMU secretary general, said they strongly oppose Malacañang’s decision to exclude wage hike in the Labor Day package for workers.
workers march today;gov’t readies 'Global Pinoy'
(Inquirer, Page 1 )
ENCOURAGED by reports saying Filipinos are achievers, the Macapagal administration plans to embark on a major effort to increase productivity and enhance the global competitiveness of Filipino workers. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced ahead of Labor Day it would shortly launch "Pinoy: Pang-Global Ka!" an awareness-raising program that stresses Filipino workers' strengths and positive contributions to Philippine and global progress. The program is to be implemented from June 2002 to June 2004. It complements the DOLE's first extensive productivity pursuit, ISTIV, which stands for Industrious, Systematic, Time-conscious, Innovative and strong Value for work--the five ideal attributes of a productive worker. "Pinoy: Pang-Global Ka!" aims to direct Filipino workers' positive work values into more participative, quality- and productivity-oriented work attitude.
Gov't, opposition swap charges of provocation
(Inquirer, Page 1 )
THE FIRST pictures showing the ousted President, Joseph Estrada, detained in a stark jail cell fueled the anger that sparked the country's most bloody rioting in recent history. His supporters are staging commemorative rallies on May 1 to observe the first anniversary of what they call Edsa Tres. Its organizing committee has promised a peaceful and orderly assembly at Mendiola bridge where the pro-Estrada groups have been allowed to hold their program and the laying of a wreath in memory of those killed in the "People's March" to Malacañang. Despite avowals of peace and order, Opposition Sen. Edgardo J. Angara last night fired the opening salvo. He disclosed that he and Sen. Panfilo Lacson are being set up by Malacañang to take the fall for a fake intelligence report that shows them as plotters of a move to disrupt Wednesday's observance of Edsa III and Labor Day and create trouble. Denials from the PNP came swiftly. "We did not receive any report of that sort nor make any report of that sort. There is no such report," Senior Supt. Leonardo Espina, PNP spokesperson, said when informed of Angara's allegation. PNP hatches May Day violence plot, to frame opposition solons;ANGARA, LACSON TARGETED FOR ARREST
(Tribune, Banner) President Arroyo and her police forces are hell-bent in having a reenactment of the arrest of the country's top political opposition leaders, with the government forces initiating the violence in today's demonstrations, which the administration will lay the blame on the opposition lawmakers, thus creating for the Arroyo forces the opportunity to arrest her political foes in the Senate.This plan, reportedly hatched by the police loyal to Mrs. Arroyo, is alleged to be contained in a Philippine National Police intelligence report, which was bared yesterday by Sen. Edgardo Angara.The plan to "frame" the political opposition leaders, also identifies Sen. Panfilo Lacson as the brains, along with Angara. The intelligence report purportedly shows Angara and Lacson's alleged destabilization plot against the Arroyo administration.An unimpeachable source relayed to Angara last night the contents of this intelligence report which is said to be in the possession of PNP chief Director General Leandro Mendoza.Angara, in an interview, said the report alleged he and Lacson would mass up some of their supporters midnight yesterday, the eve of Labor Day celebration, and sow unrest during the day's protest rallies.
Gloria has to go: PCA
(Malaya, Page 1 )
The People's Consultative Assembly yesterday pushed for a change to a parliamentary form of government which it said would hasten the improvement of the lives of the poor.President Arroyo should also be ousted because she is a product of the rotten presidential form of government and is apparently protecting vested interests, said Linda Montayre, secretary general of PCA, an Arroyo-ally-turned critic.Sen. Gregorio Honasan dared Arroyo to answer allegations of corruption hurled against her. Honasan issued the warning as he noted the participation of not only pro-Estrada forces but also some ranking military and police officials in street demonstrations today.
At 94, oldest labor leader is still at it
(Inquirer, Page )
EULOGIO Lerum was among the thousands of workers who pushed for a 2-peso increase in the 4-peso minimum wage during the time of former President Diosdado Macapagal. Today, at 94 and with another Macapagal in Malacañang, Lerum is the country's oldest living labor leader and is still at it, with as much fervor as he had back then. Of the 13 presidents that Lerum has lived through, he considers Ferdinand Marcos and Manuel Quezon as the most popular among the workers.
2. FREEDOM FORCE
Fearing Freedom Force wrath, NBI agents hide
(Tribune, Page 1)
Due to alleged threats to their lives, the eight National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents assigned to secure one of the leaders of the Freedom Force movement have gone into hiding.The agents, who are also being implicated in a botched attempt to form a military junta, skipped town upon learning they are now subject of intense surveillance by the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp), it was gathered yesterday.Efforts to locate them were fruitless as a clerk of the NBI's Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), where the NBI agents are said to be assigned, told reporters the agents were on a "mission."
3. ARLYN ABDUCTION
Legarda dares military to prove ransom payment
(Philippine Star, Page 6 )
Senate Majority Leader Loren Legarda dared yesterday the military to identify its source and prove charges that she and her husband Antonio Leviste paid P2 million for the release of broadcast journalist Arlyn de la Cruz. Legarda, in denying the allegations, also said the Armed Forces of the Philippines officially belied the existence of any report confirming that ransom amounting to P2 million or in any amount was facilitated by the group led by the senator. The military denied yesterday its own report, appearing in the military’s confidential operations journal, and obtained by the press on Monday, claiming that ransom was paid by Legarda and her group to the Muslim captors of the television journalist. "The AFP would like to categorically deny the existence of any report confirming that ransom was facilitated by the group led by Legarda," it said in a statement.
LOREN blows top over ransom; militARy backs off
(Inquirer, Page )
SEN. LOREN Legarda couldn't take it anymore. On Tuesday, she blew her top and berated the chief of the Armed Forces' public information office over reports that the military had come out with a report saying that a 2-million-peso ransom was paid to the kidnappers of broadcast journalist Arlyn de la Cruz. The incident was aired over a radio station Tuesday morning. In the course of the program, Legarda challenged the AFP to be "man enough" and reveal who made the derogatory report that had said she and her husband, former Batangas Gov. Antonio Leviste, facilitated the payment of ransom for De la Cruz. According to the report on which some newspaper articles were based, the negotiation was reportedly finalized the night before between the group of Legarda, her husband and De la Cruz's godmother, Cherry Covarubbias, in the Legarda ancestral home in Malabon. In the afternoon, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Lt. Col. Jose Mabanta, issued a statement which he read in a press briefing saying it does not have any report confirming that ransom was paid. Military: Abus, not MNLF, behind Arlyn's kidnapping (Inquirer, Page 20 ) ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The military yesterday said broadcast journalist Arlyn de la Cruz was abducted by Abu Sayyaf bandits, and not former members of the Moro National Liberation Front who had been integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Lt. Col. Danilo Servando, spokesperson of the Southern Command, said that from the initial investigation of Col. Romeo Tolentino, chief of the 104th Brigade, all 2,000 MNLF integrees in Sulu were "in their respective posts (starting in) January until the day De la Cruz was reportedly released last April 27.'' "Dela Cruz's allegation is inaccurate,'' Servando told the Inquirer, referring to the journalist's statement in an earlier interview that some of her abductors were MNLF integrees. According to Servando, Tolentino's investigation showed that MNLF integrees who were discharged from the military service last year "because of their reported participation in the Sipadan hostage-taking'' were behind De la Cruz's abduction.
4. POWER RATE/WATER/OIL PRICE HIKE
Meralco blames law for 'excessive' rates
(Inquirer, Page 2 )
AFTER an energy department study labeled its proposed unbundled rates "excessive and unjustifiable," the Manila Electric Co. now seeks to blame the law. In a telephone interview, Meralco corporate communications manager Elpi Cuna said that the power utility only wanted the 30 centavos per kilowatt hour increase that it asked for last year but that the Electric Power Industry Reform Act required it to unbundle its rates. The upshot is that Meralco would be charging customers 1.12 pesos more per kWh with the unbundled rates. Cuna claimed that the computations were made according to the "parameters" given by the Energy Regulatory Commission based on 2000 costs. The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, which has been leading the public protests against Meralco's latest bid to increase electricity rates, accused Meralco of "pinning the blame on the law." GMA to certify revised power bill as urgent
(Philippine Star, Page 5 )President Arroyo will certify as urgent an administration bill seeking to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and reduce the controversial power purchase adjustment (PPA) charges by as much as 80 centavos per kilowatt hour. Energy Secretary Vicente Perez said this is one of the long-term solutions to relieve consumers of excessive electric bills but, as an immediate temporary relief, the President has also agreed to oppose the P1.12 hike rate proposed by the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). Perez said Mrs. Arroyo will endorse to the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC) a Department of Energy (DOE) study which described as "excessive and unjustifiable" the unbundled rate increase proposed by Meralco in addition to the PPA charges it imposes on household and industrial consumers. The DOE study reflected the view of congressional leaders that excessive PPA charges is one of the reasons why the country has very high power costs and would likely be detrimental to the economy.
5. BALIKATAN EXERCISES/ABU SAYYAF/INSURGENCY,WAR ON TERROR
GMA rejects Abu ‘last deal’
(Philippine Star, Banner )
No way. President Arroyo has rejected the Abu Sayyaf’s "last deal" offer for the release of the group’s three remaining hostages, insisting that the Islamist rebels free them unconditionally. Acting Press Secretary Silvestre Afable said yesterday the President was sticking to her no-ransom, no-negotiations policy, which she announced during the launching of an intensified crackdown against the Abu Sayyaf in July last year. Malacañang was reacting to the "last deal" offer made by Abu Sayyaf spokesman Aldam Tilao, alias Abu Sabaya, over Radio Mindanao Network’s dxRZ Radyo Agong in Zamboanga City last Sunday. The terrorist leader said his group was seeking negotiations with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Parouk Hussin, presidential adviser Nor-berto Gonzales and an unidentified Malaysian for the release of American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham and Filipino nurse Deborah Yap. Abu Sayyaf chief mere propagandist, says AFP (Inquirer, Page 7 ) THE ARMED Forces dismissed the taunts of Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya, calling him a mere propagandist. "Those are just propaganda lines and everyone is convinced how really bad, how dastardly the Abu Sayyaf is," said Lt. Col. Jose Mabanta who heads the AFP's public information office. Mabanta asked for more patience from the people while hoping for luck in the military campaign to rescue American hostages Martin and Gracia Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap. Abu Sabaya, a.k.a. Aldam Tilao, recently said the failure of the AFP and their US military allies to rescue the Burnhams and defeat the Abu Sayyaf after an 11-month operation was an embarrassment for the government.
4 Sayyaf suspects killed in encounter
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Members of "Task Force GenSan" killed four suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists in a gunfight on the shore of a coastal village here before dawn yesterday, the police and military reported. Central Mindanao regional police chief Senior Superintendent Bartolome Baluyot said the four still-unidentified men were among 11 Abu Sayyaf members who tried to land from a large motorized banca, or kumpit, at Santos Prawn Farm, Purok Royeca in Barangay Bula at around 3:45 a.m.
Gov’t telecom office in GenSan bombed
(Inquirer, Page 1 )
COTABATO CITY -- A powerful homemade bomb triggered by a timing device exploded inside a government telecommunication office here at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, police said. No one was hurt in the bomb blast -- the 12th in the city since Jan. 1 -- but the supply room and administration building of the Telecommunication Office (Telof-12) on Datu Liwa Candao Street were destroyed. Elsewhere in Mindanao, a total of seven suspected bombers were killed in separate clashes Tuesday with the police and military.
No R&R for GIs in Ceboom
(Inquirer, Page 1 )
MACTAN ISLAND, Cebu -- While their comrades assigned in Central Luzon have been enjoying the sights and sounds of Angeles City, Pampanga, the 250 American soldiers at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base have not even seen the lights of Cebu City. The US servicemen here, who serve as logistics and maintenance personnel to the Balikatan exercise in Zamboanga and Basilan, are not allowed to go out of the air base or the hotels where they are billeted. When off-duty, some soldiers exercise in the gym or swim in the pool, both of which are in their hotels. Others play golf inside the base. And there are those who just sleep in their rooms. In the absence of an official ban by the Philippine government, the more than 1,500 American troops participating in the Balikatan 02-2 in Luzon are not prevented from going to the red light districts outside Clark Field.
Govt assures : No 'Balikatan' extension
(Today, Page 1)
There are no plans to extend the RP-US Exercise Balikatan 02-2 in Mindanao beyond July 31, officials of the defense and foreign affairs departments told a Senate oversight committee Tuesday. The officials informed the oversight committee chaired by Sen. Blas Ople that the six-month joint military training of Filipino and American troops against Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan shall have been concluded by then. Representatives of Vice President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teofisto Guingona Jr. and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes also told the oversight panel that the executive department has received no request for an extension of the Balikatan exercises.
6. ERAP/PLUNDER CASE
Equitable’s aid only for ‘food, shelter’ of Ocampo, Curato
(Tribune, Page 1 )
Justice officials yesterday said bankers Manuel Curato and Clarissa Ocampo's testimony against deposed President Joseph Estrada in the latter's plunder case is still valid despite alleged compensation given the two by their employer, Equitable PCI Bank, in exchange for their cooperation."The assistance is only given to help them maintain their living, to have food and shelter during the period that they are so preoccupied (with) being (witnesses)," Department of Justice (DoJ) spokesman and Undersecretary Manuel Teehankee told reporters."So the real question that the court will face is, 'Is this witness lying or twisting the story a little in gratitude to the source of the compensation?'" Teehankee said."In the final analysis, the real issue is: Are they telling the truth or not?" he added.During a hearing before the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court the other day, the defense panel presented copies of the Equitable PCI Bank directors' board meetings which showed that on Dec. 19, 2000, the board authorized "management to provide legal, financial, logistical and other support to any and all bank officials who may give their testimony or represent the bank in connection with the same impeachment proceedings and other proceedings related thereto."
‘Loi’ scores Sandiganbayan for infringing on immunity
(Tribune, Page 1 )
Sen. Ejercito immune from contempt: Saguisag
(Inquirer, Page 5)
Former First Lady Luisa "Loi" Ejercito Estrada has scored the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan for infringing upon her immunity as a senator by "entertaining" the contempt charges filed by members of the PlunderWatch, an independent watchdog monitoring the prosecution of deposed President Joseph Estrada and his cohorts for plunder and other crimes. According to Sen. Estrada's lawyer, Rene Saguisag, the Sandiganbayan should not even ask her to comment on her privilege speech.Saguisag yesterday said the senator is cloaked with "parliamentary immunity" and that the contempt case filed by Plunderwatch should have been outrightly dismissed.
US: Show proof of Atong’s crime
(Tribune, Page 1 )
A United States federal court will base its decision on whether to extradite former presidential friend Charlie "Atong" Ang to the Philippines on the merit of the evidence submitted by the Philippine government.The US court in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a request to the Philippine government that was coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) two weeks ago, asked Manila to furnish them a copy of documents showing proof that the crime committed by Ang is extraditable."In a letter that we received, the federal court is asking the Philippine government to provide them with evidence or proof why his case is an extraditable offense," DFA spokesman Victoriano Lecaros said.
Explain Chavit's immunity -- SC
(Today, Page 10)
The Supreme Court ordered the Ombudsman Tuesday to justify the grant of immunity to former governor Luis "Chavit" Singson of Ilocos Sur following the petition of deposed President Joseph Estrada seeking to include his former drinking and gambling friend in his plunder case at the Sandiganbayan. In a resolution, the Court in banc required the Ombudsman, the Sandiganbayan Special Division and Singson to comment on Estrada's petition within 10 days. The Special Division affirmed the grant of immunity to Singson when it denied for lack of merit Estrada's motion to charge him as accused on September 28 and affirmed its ruling on March 4. The ruling meant that the justices decided to take up the case despite a defect in the petition. The flaw in the petition was cured after Estrada counsel Raymond Fortun complied with a Court in banc resolution requiring him to explain why his petition should not be dismissed for lack of verification of his client. In an April 23 resolution, the justices said Fortun should confirm whether Estrada authorized the petition since it appeared that the petition does not have his client's signature made under oath. Besides, Estrada had earlier announced the dismissal of "the services of all lawyers representing him in cases pending in various courts," the resolution said.
7. OTHER TOP STORIES
Filipino war vets appeal to US gov’t
(Philippine Star, Page1 )
WASHINGTON — A group of Filipino-American activists is stepping up efforts to pressure the Bush administration to help an estimated 60,000 aging Filipino soldiers who fought under the US flag in World War II before they all die. Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV) — a 4,000-member organization spearheading the fight to extend GI benefits to Filipinos — said time was of the essence because "our veterans are fading away fast." He said Filipino veterans, most of them in their 70s, were dying at a 57 per cent higher rate than their American comrades, and they needed their pensions now when it mattered most, not in the afterlife.
Press Freedom awardee named
(Philippine Star, Page 1 )
For his staunch defense of press freedom despite serious attempts on his life, the editor-in-chief of Zimbabwe’s only independent daily newspaper will receive the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for 2002. Geoffrey Nyarota, editor-in-chief of The Daily News in Zimbabwe, will receive the award on May 3, World Press Freedom Day, in ceremonies at Malacañang to be attended by President Arroyo, UNESCO Director General Kaichiro Matsuura, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) Secretary General Preciosa Soliven and leading journalists from around the world. Nyarota will receive $25,000 for the award, whose recipient is recommended by an independent jury of journalists from all over the world. This year’s jury was chaired by Oliver Clarke, chairman of Gleaner Company Limited in Jamaica.
Angara backs DOTC chief in terminal deal
(Philippine Star, Page 6 )
Sen. Edgardo Angara said yesterday that Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez should not be held accountable for the so-called "11 onerous provisions" in the government contract with the Philippine International Aviation Transport Corp. (PIATCO) for the construction of Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. At the resumption of the confirmation hearing on Alvarez’s appointment by the CA committee on transportation and communications, Angara said critics of Alvarez could be barking up the wrong tree. He asked them to go instead to President Arroyo who might refuse to implement the PIATCO contract, just like she did to the garbage disposal contract with Jancom. Rosemarie Herrera said that her group from Pampanga and Central Luzon are against Alvarez’s confirmation because the PIATCO contract would prevent the development of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
Solon tells CA: Reject Comelec chief or impeach his opponents
(Philippine Star, Page 3)
Majority Leader Gerry Espina of the Commission on Appointments asked the CA yesterday to either reject the appointment of Commission on Elections Chairman Alfredo Benipayo and Commissioners Florentino Tuason and Resurreccion Borra, or impeach the four Comelec officials who are opposing the confirmation of the three. Espina made the drastic proposal after Sen. Edgardo Angara expressed exasperation over the continuing in-fighting among Comelec officials that has paralyzed operations of the poll body. Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, pointed out that the three appointees and the opposing group of Comelec Commissioners Luzviminda Tancangco, Rufino Javier, Ralph Lantion and Mehol Sadain all agreed last March to submit their position papers on what could be decided en banc and what could be acted upon by the chairman administratively. "They agreed to submit their papers to us after three weeks. Those three weeks passed weeks ago and we are still waiting for their respective positions," Angara said.
Roco still top Cabinet performer
(Philippine Star, Page 6 )
Education Secretary Raul Roco remains to be the top performer among members of President Arroyo’s Cabinet based on the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia. Roco registered the highest awareness and approval rating of 97 percent and 69 percent, respectively...Among congressmen, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. has the highest awareness rating of 97 percent. He is followed by Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, 81 percent; Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri (Lakas, Bukidnon), 70 percent; Minority Leader Carlos Padilla (LDP, Nueva Vizcaya), 61 percent; Rep. Oscar Moreno (Lakas, Misamis Oriental), 51 percent; and Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. (Lakas, Surigao del Sur), 42 percent. However, in terms of approval, Gonzales received the highest mark of 33, followed by De Venecia and Zubiri, who both had 28; Padilla, 20; Moreno, 15; and Pichay, 6 percent. Except for De Venecia, the five congressmen are said to be eyeing Senate seats. As for the Speaker, he has said he was no longer interested in any higher post.
Most of GLORIA’s MEN expected to run in 2004
(Inquirer, Page 3 )
MOST members of President Macapagal-Arroyo's official family are casting a moist eye on the 2004 national elections, a ranking Palace official has said. "Our problem is that by next year most of the Cabinet (members) will resign because they'll be running. We'll be decimated," said the official who asked not to be named. Only a handful of the Cabinet members, the so-called "technocrats," are expected to stay. Education Secretary Raul Roco will again run for president, the Palace official said. Roco placed third in the 1998 presidential election which jailed ex-President Joseph Estrada won by a landslide. According to the same official, Vice President and Foreign Secretary Teofisto Guingona Jr. would run for vice president. "He's too old to run for president," the official said. Trade Secretary Mar Roxas is reportedly still vacillating between running for vice president or for senator. Roxas is reportedly being urged by his party mates in the Liberal Party to go for the higher post. But the source said Roxas was weighing his chances carefully. "He's a segurista (he plays to win)," the official said. Those who are expected to run for the Senate are Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes; Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo; Justice Secretary Hernando Perez, Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon; Interior Secretary Joey Lina; Public Works Secretary Simeon Datumanong; Agrarian Secretary Hernani Braganza; Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit; National Security Adviser Roilo Golez; and HUDCC chief Mike Defensor. The official said Environment Secretary Heherson Alvarez and Transportation Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez would run for House seats.