• 6 AUGUST - *1907 - Gen. Macario Sakay, one of the Filipino military leaders who had continued fighting the imperialist United States invaders eight years into the Ph...
    11 years ago

......................................................................................

The Daily Tribune

(Without Fear or Favor)

Specials:

Bulatlat.com

World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Philippines

The Philippines Matrix Project

Only one reason EDITORIAL 08/18/2011

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Only one reason

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
08/18/2011
There can only be one reason Noynoy and his boys don’t want a Freedom of Information (FoI) bill enacted into law: The fear of their anomalous and corrupt ways being found out by the public.

Naturally, this will be denied by Noynoy and his boys, with his mouthpieces even claiming that this presidency is very transparent, which is a lie, as Noynoy and his Malacañang have been noted to be pretty opaque in their ways.

The fact is that Noynoy, as a presidential candidate on the campaign trail and even as a member of Congress, strongly called for the passage of the FoI bill. The reason then was fairly clear: With an FoI law, he believed that such a law would work against then President Gloria Arroyo, and he could then use this FoI law to dig for dirt against her.

Being such a slow learner, Noynoy at that time, failed to realize that which would work against Gloria by way of digging up dirt, would also have to work against him and his administration, by way of the public digging up their dirt..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110818com1.html

From ‘persecuted’ to persecutor FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 08/18/2011

From ‘persecuted’ to persecutor

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
08/18/2011
Sen. Ping Lacson should really be more careful when he says that Mike Arroyo’s brother, Iggy, can be charged with falsification of public documents, by way of what Lacson said were false lease contracts entered into between the Arroyo family firm, LTA Inc. and Lion Air on the lease of the contoversial five helicopters, two of which have been sold to the Philippine National Police as brand new.

The reason Lacson has to be more careful is that he is in the same spot as Iggy, in that there have been categorical statements made by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Lacson’s travel document being bogus — and who else is the authority to state what is a bogus or genuine travel document if not the DFA itself since this agency is the very body that releases such travel documents?

Lacson of course claims that his travel document is genuine, in much the same way Iggy passes off the lease agreement as genuine, but in the case of Iggy’s documents, it is Lacson, a senator, along with some of the senator-allies of Noynoy, who say this agreement is a fake, and frankly, they are hardly the authority, nor are some of them even impartial, given the fact that while they point out the many “lapses” in the lease contract, few, if any, among the senators in the chopper hearing, pointed to the fact of their witness and “whistle-blower” Archibald Po of Lion Air being caught in a big lie.

Po claimed during one Senate hearing that Lion Air couldn’t provide Mike Arroyo five choppers to be leased at that time, since then opposition presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., had already leased all the choppers for his campaign, with Po giving a certain date Poe leased the choppers..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110818com2.html

‘Sugar Babies’: Internet ‘dating’ for money FEATURE 08/18/2011

‘Sugar Babies’: Internet ‘dating’ for money

FEATURE

08/18/2011
WASHINGTON — Pretty young women and older men of means — “sugar babies” and “sugar daddies” — are pairing up thanks to a US Web site that openly offers companionship for money, but balks at the word prostitution.

SeekingArrangement.com (SA) — which bills itself as the “premier Sugar Daddy dating site” — does not beat around the bush.

“We are a matchmaking Web site for wealthy benefactors, and attractive guys and gals,” its front page says.
It is one of dozens of Internet sites that centers around the age-old idea of a “Sugar Daddy” — an older man who pays to maintain the lifestyle for a younger, beautiful companion.

On SA, the idea is simple: a man who is “rich and successful... single or married” sets up an online profile that reveals the amount in his bank accounts and the monthly allowance he can provide to a willing woman..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110818com3.html

Between a ‘liar’ and an ex-fugitive INSIDE CONGRESS Charlie Manalo 08/18/2011

Between a ‘liar’ and an ex-fugitive

INSIDE CONGRESS
Charlie Manalo
08/18/2011
Funny thing Sen. Ping Lacson, along with colleague Sen. TG Guingona insist on having Big Mike’s brother, Rep. Iggy Arroyo testifying before the Senate to prove his claim the secondhand helicopters sold to the Philippine National Police as brand new were not owned by the former First Gentleman when Ping himself had already branded Iggy a liar.

If Ping had already prejudged Iggy to be a liar, then what would he expect from his testimonies? Nothing but lies of course! Why would he believe anything from someone whom he called a liar? That would be preposterous!

But at what point did Iggy prevaricate in his statement which prompted Ping to call him such?

For the record, Iggy said he was the president of the LTA Inc. during the time the five helicopters in question were leased from Lion Air which is owned by Ping’s star witness Archibald Po. And that is a fact. Records will show Big Mike divested his controlling shares in the LTA way back in March 15, 2001, around two months after his wife, Gloria Arroyo assumed the presidency in January that year. According to Iggy, Big Mike only reacquired his shares in LTA Inc., only toward the end of 2010 after GMA had stepped down in office June last year..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110818com5.html

‘Presumed guilty until...’ VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 08/18/2011

‘Presumed guilty until...’

VIEWPOINTS
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz
08/18/2011
This is not meant to censure or absolve anybody from any past and present wrongdoings — in line with the now much claimed and loudly proclaimed jingle of “Matuwid na Daan.”

This is neither the least intended to condemn or honor those families and individuals perceived as thieves and cheats on the occasion of the previously gloriously reigning government. This is merely aimed at calling attention to voices raised here and there, about the way the principles of justice are applied during this noisy opera of avowed expurgation of bad people under the baton of the present administration.

There is consecrated norm of justice that persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This rule is not only based on the fundamental rule of prudence and equity but also anchored on procedural pursuit of objective truth that precisely brings about genuine justice. Oh yes, criminals should go to jail once so proven by proper judicial inquiry. This is precisely the rationale of the nature and finality of the whole justice system. Without this, there would be but the rule of the jungle in a country.

If it were really true and actually meant; if it were a principle and not merely a convenient excuse; if it were upheld and applied to foes and friends alike, treading the straight path is but the plain dictate of ethics and elementary norm of morals. But the moment there are exceptions for whatever consideration — blood, gratitude, friendship — then the right road is in effect, neither here nor there..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110818com7.html

Syrian employers keen on holding Pinoy workers despite unrest By Michaela P. del Callar 08/18/2011

Syrian employers keen on holding Pinoy workers despite unrest

By Michaela P. del Callar 08/18/2011

Philippine officials may have a hard time convincing Syrian employers to let go of their Filipino domestic helpers in Syria despite a standing government policy to repatriate Filipinos in the troubled Middle East state, Manila’s top diplomat there conceded yesterday.

Ambassador Wilfredo Cuyugan said most employers treat the security situation in Syria as an “isolated case” and bemoan the fact that they paid a certain amount, called a deployment cost, when they hired the Filipino maids.

“That is the problem we are facing now and basically we have to pay for their deployment cost (if we are to repatriate them),”

Cuyugan told dzBB radio, adding 90 to 95 percent of Filipinos there work in the household service sector..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110818hed4.html

Renegade Umbra Kato complicating peace talks By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 08/18/2011

Renegade Umbra Kato complicating peace talks

By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan 08/18/2011

Malacañang is not satisfied with the declaration of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that the group of Commander Ameril Umbra Kato is now officially a renegade. Apart from just a public declaration that Kato is no longer associated with the MILF, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also wants the MILF leadership to ensure that his departure will not mean another Moro secessionist group.

At a press briefing, Lacierda said Malacañang remains very concerned over the implications and possible complications of Umbra Kato’s renegade status as, in effect, this could mean that the MILF headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad simply does not have anything to do with him.

There are also concerns that this could even be a ploy to allow the MILF to negotiate peace with the government without necessarily giving tactical options utilizing the Umbra Kato’s “renegade” group.

“We remain hopeful that the MILF will be able to resolve this internal situation. And we remain hopeful that by doing so, the peace process can move forward. Everything is within the realm of hopefulness owing to the fact that we had a good goodwill meeting between Chairman Murad and the President (Aquino),” Lacierda said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110818hed3.html

Snags seen in Senate’s summons for Iggy By Angie M. Rosales, Gerry Baldo and Charlie V. Manalo 08/18/2011

Snags seen in Senate’s summons for Iggy

By Angie M. Rosales, Gerry Baldo and Charlie V. Manalo 08/18/2011

Try as it might, the Senate can hardly compel Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, brother of former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, to attend the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing without breaching the traditional inter-parliamentary courtesy between the two houses of Congress.
Even an invitation for the congressman to attend the hearing can be snubbed.

The Senate has tried another tack: It is now asking the congressman to submit in writing or the execution of an affidavit where Iggy will detail, under oath, his claims on his alleged involvement in the transactions of their family-owned company, LTA Inc., with businessman Archibald Po.

But even this can be ignored by the younger Arroyo.

As senators, as well as the congressmen, pressed to have the presence of Iggy, they are split on whether the Senate probers can compel Iggy to testify before the panel, should he refuse to bow to the Senate’s “jurisdiction.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110818hed1.html

DILG chief calls on local, health leaders to conduct clean-up drive 08/18/2011

DILG chief calls on local, health leaders to conduct clean-up drive

08/18/2011
In a bid to prevent the spread of dengue cases in the country, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo yesterday called on all governors, city and municipal mayors, barangay chairmen, including local health officers to conduct clean-up activities in their respective localities.

In a directive, Robredo enjoined local officials to conduct search and destroy operations of all potential breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in their areas of jurisdiction.

Local officials were also urged to enforce environmental sanitation such as dredging of clogged canals, esteros and other waterways; prune thick bushes or tree branches; remove or drain receptacles containing stagnant water; and conduct information drive on environmental control of breeding sites, especially in endemic areas.

Robredo issued the directive amid reports from the Department of Health (DoH) that dengue cases in the country, from January 1 to July 23 reached to 38,876 or 25.85% lower compared to 52,428 cases in 2010. Also, this year’s recorded number of deaths is at 226, wherein victims are mostly children..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110818nat3.html

Purchased warship from US to dock in Manila Bay on Aug. 21 By Mario J. Mallari 08/18/2011

Purchased warship from US to dock in Manila Bay on Aug. 21

By Mario J. Mallari 08/18/2011

The Philippine Navy’s first Hamilton cutter-class vessel has finally entered the country’s area of responsibility yesterday after a month-long voyage from the United States.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay said that the Hamilton, now named BRP Gregorio del Pilar, was located 273 nautical miles east of Samar province around 1 p.m. yesterday.

Tonsay said BRP Gregorio del Pilar is expected to be anchored at the Manila Bay on Aug. 21. The ship started its voyage last July 18 from San Francisco, USA.

“It is expected to pass San Bernardino Strait off Bicol region. The ship will anchor in Manila Bay on Aug. 21 for Customs, Immigration and quarantine inspections prior to arrival and welcome ceremonies at the Manila South Harbor,” Tonsay said.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110818nat2.html

MMDA to contest TRO issued against anti-smoking campaign By Pat C. Santos 08/18/2011

MMDA to contest TRO issued against anti-smoking campaign

By Pat C. Santos 08/18/2011
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino yesterday said they would file a motion for reconsideration before a Mandaluyong City court which earlier had issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the agency’s anti-smoking campaign.

“The TRO issued by the court is saddening because it says that we don’t have the authority (to enforce the campaign). That’s why we’ll file a motion for reconsideration,” Tolentino said.

The TRO stemmed from a complaint filed by two apprehended cigarette smokers before the sala of Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 213 Judge Carlos Valenzuela questioning the agency’s authority to enforce a smoking ban along streets and sidewalks.

The court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, resulting in the 20-day TRO.

Tolentino, who is a lawyer, rued the court for failing to consider their pieces of evidence on the case..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110818met3.html

Solons to DoJ, BI: Go get three foreigners who fleeced Pagcor casinos of P158 million

Solons to DoJ, BI: Go get three foreigners who fleeced Pagcor casinos of P158 million

By Charlie Manalo and Gerry Baldo 08/18/2011
Lawmakers yesterday demanded the recapture of three foreigners behind a P158-million casino scam even as they blamed the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the escape of a fourth suspect.

At a joint hearing conducted by the House committees on justice and on games and amusement, lawmakers also asked officials of the two agencies to verify reports that Ben Liu, the alleged mastermind of the so-called Card Cutter Gang, died in Guandong.

Wheelchair-bound Liu has been described as a casino VIP who was later discovered to have led the gang in cheating the government’s three Metro Manila casinos of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) of P158 million using some hi-tech gadgets like miniature cameras and transmitters.

He, however, was able to slip out of the country on May 5, 2011 a few hours after his three cohorts were arrested by Pagcor security personnel at the Paranaque casino..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110818met1.html

Blog Archive