• 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 P...
    14 years ago

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Philippine Navy to hold maritime exercises in La Union By Mario J. Mallari 05/08/2011

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Philippine Navy to hold maritime exercises in La Union

By Mario J. Mallari 05/08/2011
To enhance the interoperability of its active and reserve forces particularly on humanitarian operations like disaster response, the Navy will hold maritime exercises starting tomorrow in La Union province.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama cited the importance of Exercise “Pagsasama” 2011 in enhancing the interoperability of Navy forces, both active and reserve, various facets of maritime service.

“This exercise is of utmost importance to the Navy and maritime stakeholder interests as it reinforces the bond between the active and reservist Navy personnel, as well as other stakeholders toward a
stable and progressive maritime environment,” Pama said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110508nat5.html

Probe urged on 2 OFWs killed in Syria crossfire 05/08/2011

Probe urged on 2 OFWs killed in Syria crossfire

05/08/2011
A Filipino migrants’ rights group in the Middle East today urges the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and its Philippine post in Damascus, Syria to investigate the reports about the death of the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Syria.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said OFW Baynida Saylila, who works as a household service worker for a Syrian family in Damascus, during a phone conversation yesterday informed him of what she had seen involving two fellow OFWs who were caught in a firefight between Syrian military forces and anti-government protesters.

“My fellow OFWs were asked by their employer to buy something at a store located at the ground floor of the building where I am staying. At this juncture, they were hit by stray bullets,” Saylila said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110508nat3.html

Group urges Congress to pass law on outdoor media industry 05/08/2011

Group urges Congress to pass law on outdoor media industry

05/08/2011
An advocacy group composed of out-of-home (OOH) outdoor media industry operators, suppliers and allied service providers is urging Congress to pass a law that will guide its industry.

The Outdoor Media Advocacy Group (OMAG) particularly supports pending measures in the House of Representatives introduced by Reps. Leopoldo Bataoil (HB 3159) and Angelo Palmones (HB 3539), saying “they are comprehensive in scope and reasonable in character.”
.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110508met3.html

Customs loses P15-M case vs importer of lotto paper By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/08/2011

Customs loses P15-M case vs importer of lotto paper

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/08/2011
The Supreme Court’s Third Division has turned down a petition filed by lawyers of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) questioning the decision of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) to drop the criminal charges for violation of the Customs Code they filed against officials of a company which allegedly failed to pay the correct duties on more than a million dollars’ worth of thermal paper the firm imported for use by the government’s lottery operations.

In its decision, the high tribunal through Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales upheld the dismissal of the case filed by the BoC against officials of Mark Sensing Philippines Inc. (MSPI).

“In fine, petitioner’s (BoC’s) motion for reconsideration of the challenged CTA Resolution did not bear the imprimatur of the public prosecutor to which the control of the prosecution of the case belongs, the present petition fails,” the SC said as it noted that the BoC was likewise “not represented by the Office of the Solicitor General in instituting the present petition which contravenes established doctrine that the OSG shall represent the Government of the Philippines, its agencies and instrumentalities and its officials and agents in any litigation, proceeding, investigation or matter requiring the services of lawyers.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110508met1.html

Noy’s three tumors EDITORIAL 05/08/2011

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Noy’s three tumors

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/08/2011
The other side of the coin in the saying two or more heads are better than one, which Noynoy’s aides have bruited about in making a case for the many-headed communications office in Malacañang, is too many cooks spoil the broth.

Add to that a new saying, which is the chief cook spoils the broth some more.

Both the critics and allies of Noynoy trace his recent dipping survey ratings from the consistent ineffectiveness of the communications team, which has Sonny Coloma, Ricky Carandang and Edwin Lacierda holding Cabinet-rank positions for overlapping functions.

Three chefs and no sous-chefs ever goes well and worse, the master chef can’t even provide any direction for the entire cooking class..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110508com1.html

Not knowing when to shut up FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/08/2011

Not knowing when to shut up

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/08/2011
Palace spokesmen really don’t know when to shut up.

When a Muslim group demonstrated and protested the killing of Osama bin Laden by a select American Navy SEALs team, hailing him as a “martyr,” there went the Palace mouthpiece telling these Filipino Muslims demonstrating that they should not honor Bin Laden as he was no martyr and no hero.

Said Noynoy’s spokesman, “We call on our Muslim brothers and sisters to look clearly on what Bin Laden has done. This affects the Philippines and the entire globe as well. He sinned and he has to be responsible for what he did.”

The Muslim group marched from their Mosque in Quiapo intending to go to the US embassy and hold their rally there, but were stopped by the police..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110508com2.html

Obscene duopolies BLURBAL THRUSTS Louie Logarta 05/08/2011

Obscene duopolies

BLURBAL THRUSTS
Louie Logarta
05/08/2011
The only plausible reason behind President Aquino’s desire for the Philippines to adopt an open skies policy in regard to the aviation industry is to afford beleaguered passengers the best value they can get for their hard-earned money.

Contrary to the claims of the highly-paid spin doctors of local airlines led by the Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific which is said to be the nation’s biggest passenger carrier today with a volume of about 12 million paying customers in 2010, congressional economic planners tell us the open skies policy now being espoused by the Aquino will not necessarily lead to the ruination of said companies, that is if they are properly managed.

What the Department of Tourism simply wants to accomplish in pushing the implementation of the open skies policy is to safeguard the interests of some 45 million incoming and outgoing passengers (the estimated volume in all Philippine airports last year) against airline firms out to make a big, quick buck..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110508com4.html

Once more with feeling: No to RH Bill! VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 05/08/2011

Once more with feeling: No to RH Bill!

VIEWPOINTS
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz
05/08/2011
There was once this world famous character named “Henry K.” — an American professional politician and a perceived technocrat who said in many ways and provided different means in order to accomplish three very selfish and highly detestable societal realities: One, to assure that the number of population in Third World countries was well within tolerable count — according to him. Two, to guarantee that with the deflation of population growth in the said countries, the people therein would not consume practically their natural resources — according to him. Three, to ascertain wherefore that the people of First World countries, especially the Americans, could continue benefiting from the said foreign resources provided by nature — according to him. Crystal clear — according to him.

Thus were deliberately born, definitely promoted and accordingly funded the anti-baby realities of institutional “Birth Control,” open or public “Abortion,” “Population Control.” All these are the gross precursors of the now so fondly yet deceitfully called “Reproductive Health Bill.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110508com7.html

Birth control prescribed for Hong Kong monkeys FEATURE 05/08/2011

Birth control prescribed for Hong Kong monkeys

FEATURE

05/08/2011
HONG KONG — Wild monkeys don’t seem to care that Hong Kong is a concrete jungle — they thrive so well on its fringes that the government has introduced birth control to curb a population boom.

Easy food handouts from some of the city’s seven million humans helped push macaque numbers to more than 2,000 in recent years — and a rise in nuisance complaints about monkeys that have lost a natural fear of people.

“I think we still have plenty of space for wildlife. But the countryside and the city are adjacent to each other and sometimes there is conflict,” said Chung-tong Shek of the government’s conservation department.

Reports of aggressive monkeys chasing hikers for food, grabbing bags and reaching for pockets surfaced in recent years as the macaque population grew..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110508com5.html

A little sense of religious history TABLETS OF STONE Larry Faraon, OP 05/08/2011

A little sense of religious history

TABLETS OF STONE
Larry Faraon, OP
05/08/2011
The beatification of Blessed John Paul II last Sunday was a great single event that should really touch the hearts of the Filipinos deeply. Unlike our first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, who lived around the 17th century, we have a contemporary, live, tete-a-tete experience with this holy man from Poland since he has stepped into our shores, kissed our land twice in 1982 and 1995 during the World Youth Day. Our bonding with the man extended beyond his being the universal leader of some 1.2 billion Catholics all over the world including the nearly 70 million local Roman Catholics toward a deeper level where encounters were personally empowering and inspiring.

In 1982, the first time he came, he really wanted to see and bless the lepers of the Tala Leprosarium in San Jose del Monte Bulacan. Unfortunately then President Ferdinand Marcos discouraged the papal entourage for doing so for security reasons. But the Pope insisted, since he really had an eye and a heart for such dejected people whenever he visits a country. In his 1980 visit to Brazil, his tears trickled down freely upon beholding over a thousand lepers at one of the Brazilian colonies. To solve the impasse, the late Cardinal Sin thought of a way out. He summoned for me with instructions that I invite some 50 lepers from Tala Leprosarium, then bring them to Radio Veritas conference room where the Pope could meet and bless them, since the Holy Father was awarding the winners of the Catholic Mass Media Awards at the Radio Veritas auditorium on the same day..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110508com6.html

Meralco earns P2.1 B in 1st quarter, up 6%

Meralco earns P2.1 B in 1st quarter, up 6%

May 7, 2011, 1:28am
MANILA, Philippines – The core income of power distribution giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) rose to P3.2 billion in the first quarter from last year’s P2.0 billion, while its resulting consolidated reported net income expanded 6.0-percent to P2.1 billion.

The company qualified that the increase in its consolidated net income has been generally propped by the implementation of the fourth regulatory year on its Second Regulatory Reset under performance-based regulation (PBR). This took effect in January this year.

It must be noted that the third and fourth regulatory years of its PBR-drawn tariffs have been voluntarily suspended in January last year; and the third regulatory year was only re-implemented in April billing of 2010.

Meralco emphasized that its “balance sheet remains strong and is in a favorable position to avail of opportunities to gear up.” In fact, it noted that when it tapped the financial markets for P2.5 billion worth of loan, it has been offered a very low interest rate..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/317130/meralco-earns-p21-b-1st-quarter-6

Five more [U.S.] states adapt anti-immigration laws

Five more [U.S.] states adapt anti-immigration laws


By Contessa Rita Bourbon

WASHINGTON—Filipino undocumented workers are getting more worried as anti-immigration measures similar to Arizona are proceeding through legislatures in other states including Alabama, Indiana, Oklahoma and South Carolina and Georgia.

The new bill in Georgia  is similar to one passed by Arizona last year that fueled  a national debate on state  measures to squeeze and discriminate immigrants.

Arizona's law criminalizes illegal immigration and  allows police authorities  to question anyone they suspect lacks legal immigration papers.

Asked about the Georgia bill, President Obama said: "It is a mistake for states to try to do this piecemeal. We can't have 50 different immigration laws around the country. Arizona tried this and a federal court already struck them down.".... MORE

SourceThe Filipino Express

URL: http://www.filipinoexpress.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30:five-more-states-adapt-anti-immigration-laws&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=2

Hotdog:The Reunion

Hotdog:The Reunion

By ELLEN TORDESILLAS

ON May 16, the grand ballroom of the Dusit Thani Manila hotel will be filled with the delightful hits of the Hotdog band when the trailblazing Pinoy pop- rock group in the 1970s stages a one- night reunion concert.

Dennis Garcia, one of the founders of the band and who plays bass, said the rare event will bring together other members of the group, namely, Rene Garcia (lead guitarist/vocals), Jess Garcia on drums, and Gina Montes, Maso Diez, Joy Reyes, and Rita Saguin Trinidad, all former lead vocalists of Hotdog at various times.

They will be backed up by guest performers Joey Abando from The Boyfriends, and session musicians Benjie Santos, Carlo Gaa, Roy Marinduque, and Roy Sadicon.

Hotdog revolutionized Philippine musical landscape with what was dubbed as the “Manila sound.” The songs were original Pilipino music distinguished for their catchy lyrics written by the Garcia brothers, Rene and Dennis, which mostly conveyed exuberance..... MORE

Source:  Vera Files

 URL: http://verafiles.org/features/9244/

JPII’s beatification beats the record

JPII’s beatification beats the record

 Rome, Italy---The crowds expected at Pope John Paul II’s beatification last Sunday were being pegged at first at no more than 300,000 for a number of reasons. The Royal Wedding in London the preceding Friday was said to have cut the Rome crowd in half; moreover, times were tough economically and the weather was not very good. Another big reason for the expected low turnout was that Rome hotels were said to have jacked up their prices way before the beatification, perhaps in anticipation of crowds similar to the mammoth throngs that flocked to the funeral of JPII in April 2005.

All these were said to have frightened his devotees that two days before his beatification we kept hearing of turnout of only around 300,000 people. I thought, kakalug-kalog ang St. Peter’s. Kawawa naman si JPII.

Poles flock to Rome for their compatriot

But the day before the event, people descended on Rome from everywhere in unbelievable numbers. The Poles, ever grateful to their compatriot JPII for supporting them all the way in their battle against Communist rule, arrived on trains and in over 200 big buses from all over Poland with their families, waving their red and white flags. Last Saturday they occupied the sidewalks around the Vatican with their sleeping bags and blankets, and the innumerable portalets assembled by the Rome Commune helped make their lives a bit bearable. ..... MORE

SourcePolitical Tidbits

URL: http://www.polbits.com/2011/05/jpiis-beatification-beats-record.html

Cordi elders sign pact vs mining, militarization

Cordi elders sign pact vs mining, militarization

Written By: editors on May 1, 2011 One Comment
By KIMBERLIE OLMAYA NGABIT-QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

LACUB, Abra — Elders from the Cordillera signed a unity pact (pagta) against large scale mining and militarization on April 27 during the Cordillera Day celebrations here in barangay Buneg.

According to Johnny Sawadan of the Cordillera Elders Alliance (CEA), the unity pact was a result of a workshop held here. He said through the sharing and discussions, the elders representing all six provinces of the region deemed wise to seal a pact to protect the Cordillera from destructive mining and rights violations brought about by militarization.

Data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed that 1.2 million hectares of the 1.8 million hectare total land area of the Cordillera is covered with approved and ongoing large scale mining applications..... MORE

SourceNorthern Dispatch (nordis) Weekly

URL: http://www.nordis.net/?p=9517

May 1, a day of outrage

May 1, a day of outrage

Written By: editors on May 1, 2011 No Comment
By ALDWIN QUITASOL
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — Cordillera workers led by the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and other sectoral organizations and individuals join the rest of the Filipino people in marching the streets to condemn the administration of President Benigno Aquino III for refusing to heed the workers call for a substantial wage increase.

The central theme of this year’s commemoration of May 1 as the International Labor Day is “Sahod dagdagan, makabuluhan! Presyo, ibaba ngayon na! Patung-patong na pahirap ni Pnoy, Labanan!. KMU declared May 1 as Workers’ and Peoples’ Day of outrage against the policies of Aquino administration..... MORE

SourceNorthern Dispatch (nordis) Weekly

URL: http://www.nordis.net/?p=9514

Subpar anti-graft post EDITORIAL 05/06/2011

Friday, May 6, 2011

Subpar anti-graft post

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/06/2011
The Ombudsman for the past few years proved to be a critical and at the same time controversial post that has almost always been plagued by suspicions of political bias and for a reason, since the term of the top anti-graft executive of seven years as fixed by the Constitution is being exploited by administrations leaving a six-year term.

The intent of the guaranteed term of the Ombudsman was to free the post from political influence because of the longer tenure compared with the president.

The highly politicized nature of most administrations voted into power, however, sees the Ombudsman as a guarantee, particularly after the assumption of a rival political power..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110506com1.html

Noy allies worried FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/06/2011

Noy allies worried

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/06/2011
Malacañang tries to portray Noynoy as still popular; still enjoying popular support, despite his falling ratings. But his allies — especially those who have an eye on the presidency, as well as senatorial seats, both in elections of 2013 for senators, and 2016 for the presidency and the vice presidency, are clearly worried over the close to 20 point drop in Noynoy and his administration’s performance ratings.

Add to this the fact that international surveys, such as the 2010 Global Integrity Report, which showed that the Philippines, under the stewardship of Noynoy — and obviously, his Liberal Partymates and other allies — and obtained a “very weak” rating in terms of governance and corruption, have already been pointing out the weak leadership along with more corruption under the Aquino government.

These global surveys, showing that corruption under the Aquino government is worsening, along with very weak leadership, it should be stressed, can no longer be blamed on the previous administrations, as Noynoy has been in Malacañang for close to one year..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110506com2.html

Native Americans offended by code name ‘Geronimo’ focus 05/06/2011

Native Americans offended by code name ‘Geronimo’

focus

05/06/2011
WASHINGTON — Native American leaders in the United States expressed outrage Wednesday that the name of legendary Apache warrior Geronimo was used as a military code name during the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

“To associate a native warrior with Bin Laden is not an accurate reflection of history, and it undermines the military service of native people,” said a statement by Jefferson Keel, president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).

Geronimo, an Apache chief who lived from 1829 to 1909, was a famed warrior who fought in what is now the US state of New Mexico, battling US and Mexican authorities as the American West was being settled.

Keel said using the name of Geronimo during the US special forces operation against bin Laden in Pakistan was an affront to Native Americans because it linked them to one of the most reviled enemies of the United States..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110506com3.html

The Obama dividend C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 05/06/2011

The Obama dividend

C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S
Jonathan De la Cruz
05/06/2011
Talk is rife about a so-called Obama dividend just a day or two after the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. Variously defined as a slowing down of high profile terrorist attacks, a redirection of intelligence gathering and funding as well as a redefinition of the engagement between so-called target states such as the United States and sponsor states such as Iran and Libya or a combination thereof, the Obama dividend is supposed to usher in a more peaceful and stable world. The “dividend” buzz is especially high pitched in the US and other countries under constant terrorist threat such as the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Spain and even Indonesia, Russia and a number of Middle East states which were attacked or targeted by al-Qaeda operatives and affiliates since the 9/11 attack which triggered the US-led “war on terror.” With Bin Laden’s death, the observation goes, the inspiration not to mention funding for high profile attacks will now slow down if not altogether disappear as the Bin Laden Inspired groups including their sponsors will now have to reassess their position. In addition, American policy makers on both sides of the aisle were also talking about a more thorough review of US engagement in Pakistan and Afghanistan which are considered the main battle grounds on the war on terror with a view toward reducing the presence of US combat troops and, of course, the multi-billion funding for their cooperative endeavors. Whether these expected dividends, as it were, will come to fore remains to be seen. Suffice it say that for now this so-called Obama dividend has definitely re-energized the American people if we go by the euphoric reception of President Obama’s announcement of Bin Laden’s death and the zest infused into the US economy as evidenced by the surge in US stocks and the US dollar.
.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110506com4.html

Top lawyer boosts Singapore opposition FEATURE 05/06/2011

Top lawyer boosts Singapore opposition

FEATURE

05/06/2011
SINGAPORE — Supporters say he could have easily become a Cabinet minister, but Chen Shao Mao has caused a stir in Singapore by running against the government in Saturday’s general election.

In a political culture obsessed with academic credentials, the 50-year-old lawyer and economist with degrees from Harvard, Stanford and Oxford universities has boosted the profile of the tiny, fragmented opposition.

Chen advised the Agricultural Bank of China on its $22 billion initial public offering (IPO) last year — the world’s second biggest share launch — and counts the Chinese finance ministry and international firms as clients.

A partner with prominent US-based law firm Davis, Polk and Wardwell, Chen fits the profile of a top candidate running under the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which recruits high-flyers from the public and private sector..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110506com6.html

Kadaffi’s son and granchildren DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 05/06/2011

Kadaffi’s son and granchildren

DIE HARD III
Herman Tiu Laurel
05/06/2011
Barack Obama timed the Osama bin Laden action-drama, tagged by the Inquirer as an “Epic raid like spy thriller,” for several major dilemmas the US is facing today. First is the massive deleterious impact of the US-Nato bombing of a residential area that killed Moammar Kadaffi’s second youngest son Saif al-Arab and his three pre-teen grandsons.

Second is Obama’s dwindling poll numbers while entering an election year. Third is the Establishment’s worry that on the 10th year since 9/11 — after the destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) Twin Towers, including Building 7, with close to 3,000 victims — up to 84 percent of Americans, based on a 2006 New York Times/CBS News poll, reject the official US government story while over 80 percent support actor Charlie Sheen’s view that 9/11 was an “inside job” by high government officials.

This Obama stunt is the latest in a long history of hoaxes in aid of warmongering, going back to the fake Sinking of the Maine to the Gulf of Tonkin incident, to Bush’s 9/11 as well as Saddam’s WMD.

One of Kadaffi’s sons, Saif al-Arab, was wounded together with younger brother Khamis, back in the 1986 bombings (ordered by Ronald Reagan) that killed their 15-month-old adopted sister, but was not so fortunate this time in this second act of US barbarism against the Kadadfis.

I know the massive emotional impact these murders of innocents must have had on the entire Arab world since I, not even an Arab, felt the great injustice like a sword through my own heart. If I were in Libya, I would take up arms against the invaders too. I can see how the incident will fire up all Arab peoples, even in the puppet Arab countries, as well as other nations against this blatant Western aggression. Hence, Obama staged this “epic raid like spy thriller” to divert attention from the mourning for Kadaffi’s kin and their burial on land (which Muslim tradition requires, as against a burial-at-sea which the cowardly lying Americans did for the alleged Osama corpse).

I empathize with Kadaffi, as a father and grandfather, for the sacrifices made for his children (who represent the hope of the nation) and, more importantly, for his continued struggle against the real tyrants of this world.

As a Filipino, I am ashamed at the way local mainstream media have groveled at the feet of US and Nato propaganda, re-issuing Western media lies for domestic Filipino consumption.

All told, they are merely part of the global warmongering and oppression, of the campaign of dehumanization against emerging nations such as Libya, the Philippines, and the rest of the Third World. Either that or they are just stupid — stupid to believe that the 9/11 WTC atrocities could have been planned and executed by pre-modern mujaheddins hiding in the most backward areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and stupid for refusing to read the genuine American conscience, such as the 700 scientists, architects, and engineers for “9/11 Truth,” who say the entire WTC collapse was a “controlled demolition.”

Fortunately for us all, Obama’s “epic spy thriller” script didn’t stay intact long enough to convince many. As soon as the tale hit the media, it began to unravel. Initially, the US said bin Laden fought back and used his wife as a human shield. That story quickly changed when other officials denied it. Then, as Bin Laden’s face, battered and smashed by bullets, appeared on the Internet, this was later proven by skeptics as a manipulation of two of his old photos.

Chinese media, which had reporters on the ground but were kept a distance away, initially reported that it was Pakistani troops that raided the alleged Bin Laden “mansion” but later retracted this. The “mansion” being reported by Western media turns out to be an ordinary three-story building typical of the community of many retired Pakistani military and civil service residents there. But the real fly in the ointment was the “burial-at-sea” which puts the Bin Laden body beyond verification.

The evidence of the lie is there for all to see. We culled the following from the best compilation of materials on the subject, prisonplanet.com: (a) photographs acquired by Reuters and taken about an hour after the US assault on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan show three dead men lying in pools of blood, but no weapons; (b) “Not a single bullet was fired from the compound at the US forces and their choppers. Their chopper developed some technical fault and crashed and the wreckage was left on the spot,” according to a Pakistani official; (c) a reference to the “rescue” of famed dramatic Marine Jessica Lynch which turned out to be a PR stunt (“Was Bin Laden assault a Jessica Lynch-Style Fable?”); and (d) the cover-up of the death of American football star turned Special Forces in Afghanistan Pat Tillman who was killed by fellow US soldiers after he questioned the war.

Finally, on the matter of 9/11 and who really did it, prisonplanet.com reports, “Top US Government Insider: Bin Laden Died in 2001, 9/11 a False Flag,” referring to Dr. Steve R. Pieczenik, who worked at influential positions under three different presidents and still works with the Defense Department, going on Internet radio on The Alex Jones Show, stating that Osama bin Laden died in 2001 and that he would be ready anytime to testify to a grand jury how a top general told him directly that 9/11 was an inside job. That should uncover the whole truth. But surely, the US ruling class dreads the day when this shall come to pass.

(Tune in to 1098AM, Monday to Friday, 5 to 6 p.m., and Sulo ng Pilipino, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6 to 7 p.m.; TNT with HTL, Tuesday, 8 to 9 p.m., with replay at 11 p.m., on GNN, Destiny Cable Channel 8, with this week’s topic, “Ten Years of PNAC: Project for a New American Century;” visit http://newkatipunero.blogspot.com for our articles plus select radio and GNN shows)

(Reprinted with permission from Mr. Herman Tiu-Laurel)

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110506com5.html

Noynoy’s DoF, BoC chiefs face graft raps 05/06/2011

PURISIMA, PARAYNO, ALVAREZ CHARGED BEFORE OMBUDSMAN BY CUSTOMS STAFF

Noynoy’s DoF, BoC chiefs face graft raps

05/06/2011
Three Cabinet officials of President Aquino were charged with corruption on April 19, 2011 at the Office of the Ombudsman, documents obtained by the Tribune showed.

Facing criminal and administrative charges for violating anti-graft laws are Cesar Purisima, secretary, Department of Finance (DoF); Guillermo Parayno Jr., undersecretary, DoF, and Angelito Alvarez, commissioner, Bureau of Customs (BoC).

Purisima, Parayno and Alvarez are appointees of Aquino and considered the first three Cabinet officials of his administration to be charged with graft amid Aquino’s claimed crusade of his administration and government walking the straight path to eliminate corruption in the bureaucracy and weed out public officials embroiled in anomalies.

Another Aquino ally, losing senatorial bet Neric Acosta, who has announced to the media that he is going to take over the helm of the Department of Environment and National Resources, has been charged with graft over the misuse of his pork barrel, which the charges said he had funneled to non-governmental organiztions that are, however, alleged to be managed and controlled by his relatives..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110506hed1.html

Dacer-Corbito slay suspect’s extradition ‘in a few weeks’—DoJ By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/06/2011

Dacer-Corbito slay suspect’s extradition ‘in a few weeks’—DoJ

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/06/2011

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s close aide, Michael Ray Aquino, may be sent back to the country within a few weeks after the Department of Justice (DoJ) said it is now preparing for the extradition of the former police intelligence officer, a suspect in the murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in November 2000.

“The information given to us is that there are no more legal impediments for his extradition,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said, noting that Aquino had exhausted his appeals before the US courts.

“What we are awaiting from our US counterparts, the US-DoJ, is a formal written note informing us that the extradition process has been completed,” she said, adding the confirmation could happen “in a few weeks.”

“We’re just talking here about a few weeks’ confirmation,” De Lima said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110506hed4.html

IOM: 100 plus Pinoys stranded in Libya need urgent repatriation By Michaela P. del Callar 05/06/2011

IOM: 100 plus Pinoys stranded in Libya need urgent repatriation

By Michaela P. del Callar 05/06/2011

More than a hundred Filipinos currently stranded in Libya’s conflict-stricken city of Misrata need urgent repatriation, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said, adding that it has failed to establish contact with the group.

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario met last week with Libyan officials to ask protection for Filipinos living there.

During his meeting with Libyan Foreign Minister Adelati Obeidi, Del Rosario sought Libya’s assistance in reaching the Filipinos and bring out those who wish to leave.

Obeidi promised to enlist the help of personnel from the United Nations to get the Filipinos out of Misurata where fighting for control continues between government and opposition forces..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110506hed6.html

SC orders hard-sell firm to refund duped customers By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/06/2011

SC orders hard-sell firm to refund duped customers

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/06/2011

A ruling by the Supreme Court (SC) has ordered a local electronics firm to refund consumers whom it duped in fake promotional sales.

In a decision penned by Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura, the SC also affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) and the ruling of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that imposed on Aowa Electronic a fine of P300,000 for violations of the Consumer Act of the Philippines under Republic Act 7394.

The firm was also ordered to refund 273 consumers, mostly in Metro Manila. The cancellation of its business permits and the withholding of its applications for permits were also affirmed by the SC.

Complainants said they were approached by Aowa representatives in malls to inform them that they had won a “gift.” When they expressed interest in the “gift,” Aowa representatives would inform them that they could get the “gift” only if they would purchase an additional product which was substantially priced..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110506nat2.html

China’s proposal on Spratlys not feasible — Miriam By Angie M. Rosales 05/06/2011

China’s proposal on Spratlys not feasible — Miriam

By Angie M. Rosales 05/06/2011

China’s proposal for a joint development of the disputed oil-rich Spratly’s island is not feasible, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said yesterday.

“That’s a hoary proposal. China has been making that proposal for over a decade. Basically, China is saying let us not quarrel over these maritime areas because each one can have a slice of the pie. We can just do it amicably among ourselves. The problem is that the actuations of China do not match its words. That is very easy to say but very difficult to do. You know, you’ll have to work out the mechanics and the devil is in the details,” she said.

The former chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee noted the move of the Chinese government which came after the lodged a complaint before the United Nations (UN) over recent incidents in the Philippine claimed territory off Palawan involving China..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110506nat3.html

QC gov’t orders families living along West Valley Fault Line to evacuate By Arlie O. Calalo 05/06/2011

QC gov’t orders families living along West Valley Fault Line to evacuate

By Arlie O. Calalo 05/06/2011

Anticipating real danger in case of an earthquake, the Quezon City government has ordered the immediate relocation of at least 42 families whose houses were built in an area transecting the West Valley Fault Line.

Interviewed by Tribune, Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista said he already directed the city’s disaster risk management council to start sending notices to the affected families, specifically those living on Gen. Del Pilar Street, Barangay Bagong Silangan.

He added the concerned families were immediately advised to voluntarily vacate the area which is more vulnerable to ground rupture and potential landslides during an earthquake generated by the fault system.
Aside from the notice, the city government will also prepare waivers for homeowners resisting the order..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110506met2.html

BoC files P5-billion suit vs Phoenix Petroleum By Danessa O. Rivera 05/06/2011

BoC files P5-billion suit vs Phoenix Petroleum

By Danessa O. Rivera 05/06/2011

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) yesterday filed a P5-billion smuggling case against Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., one of the leading independent oil industry players in the country which in 2009 was ranked 211th among the country’s top 10,000 corporations, for violations of the Tariff and Customs Code.

Among the violations cited were non-payment of excise and value-added taxes, non-submission of import documents such as invoices and bills of lading by Phoenix president and CEO Dennis Ang Uy.

Based on the company’s own press releases, Phoenix is perhaps the country’s fastest growing oil company considering that its first quarter revenue of P6.1 billion this year was 122 percent higher than the P2.75 billion it made during the same period last year. The company also reported a 97 percent increase in volume year-on-year.

Also included in the charge sheet were Jorlan Capin Cabanes, a Davao-based Customs broker, and several John Doe/s and Jane Doe/s, among them Customs employees who conspired or colluded with other parties to defraud the government of much-needed revenues..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110506met1.html

Big dip EDITORIAL 05/05/2011

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Big dip

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/05/2011
It’s getting worse for Noynoy Aquino, by way of public dissatisfaction rating over his administration’s performance.

The latest survey — actually two months old, as the survey was conducted between March 4 and 7 — showed that the Aquino administration’s net satisfaction rating suffered another dramatic fall, dropping by 18 points from last November’s survey, now getting a net rating of +46, so said Social Weather Stations (SWS) that still rated this, according to its terminology, as “good.”

Reacting to the survey dip, his mouthpieces did a Gloria mouthpiece, dismissing the falling numbers, saying that they are not alarmed at all, stressing that the numbers remain relatively high compared to Noynoy’s predecessors during similar periods of their respective administrations..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110505com1.html

A thoroughly opaque FoI FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/05/2011

A thoroughly opaque FoI

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/05/2011
So who says Noynoy Aquino and his administration are into transparency?

Well, he and his Palace boys, for one. But that’s just for show, because they certainly are making sure that the Freedom of Information (FoI) bill, which is supposedly being discussed at the Palace with its ally-sponsor, Rep. Erin Tañada, will give Malacañang and its toadies “absolute” exemptions, whihc means barring the public — obviously through the media — from getting hold of documents that would not protect them from public scrutiny.

Among these exemptions that will be deemed “absolute” (which means no appeal to any other government body for the release of such documents) are those pertaining to “communications,” documents or other materials that reflect presidential decision-making and deliberations, as well as documents reflecting the decision-making of the President..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110505com2.html

Conspiracy theories on bin Laden take root in Pakistan focus 05/05/2011

Conspiracy theories on bin Laden take root in Pakistan

focus

05/05/2011
ABBOTTABAD — Revelations that Osama bin Laden was killed on the doorstep seemed so outlandish that conspiracy theories of nefarious US activities raced like wildfire through the quiet Pakistani town.

Nestled in pine-dotted hills, the Bilal suburb of the relatively well-off garrison town of Abbottabad was the last place in Pakistan where people would ever imagine that the world’s “most wanted” man was lying low.

Unlike other parts of the northwest, many people wear Western dress. Unlike in bin Laden’s native Saudi Arabia, women are seen driving cars and no one who spoke to AFP said they had ever seen an Arab.

The first time they realized anything was wrong, the neighbors say, was when helicopters suddenly roared overhead in the dead of night, before loud explosions and then gunfire deafened the area. Frightened, they woke up..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110505com3.html

Japan mulls new robot help with nuclear disaster focus 05/05/2011

Japan mulls new robot help with nuclear disaster

focus

05/05/2011
TOKYO — Japan may be at the forefront of robotics and its children raised on cartoons of robot heroes and villains, but the country has so far had to rely on US-made machines for help tackling its nuclear crisis.

The massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out reactor cooling systems at the Fukushima nuclear power plant northeast of Tokyo, where workers are battling to prevent radiation leaks and a total meltdown.

Although Japan is reliant on atomic power and leads the world in developing humanoid machines and industrial robots it has not developed any robots to tackle nuclear accidents.

Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. (Tepco) has sent in a pair of US-made crawler PackBot robots to examine areas where radiation from the rubble left by explosions is too high for humans to enter..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110505com6.html

Onanism VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 05/05/2011

Onanism

VIEWPOINTS
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz
05/05/2011
There was once a man named “Onan.” His older brother died. And in accord with the custom of that age, Onan married the woman widowed by his brother precisely in order to have children by her in memory of his deceased brother.

However, whenever Onan engaged in marital sex with his wife, he repeatedly “spilled his seed (semen) on the ground.” Onan was accordingly sentenced to death by God for his “wickedness” (Genesis 38: 3-10). This is certainly not a fairy tale — but a historico-biblical phenomenon.

In these times, the errant deed is called “Onanism.” In these days, the obscene act is known as “Withdrawal.” In the text and context of the foul and shameful “Reproductive Health bill,” the same detestable conduct is propagated as “Contraception.” Who then dare say with due knowledge and right conscience that the bill is good and proper, right and just?.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110505com5.html

Joy and pain as transgender Indians ‘wed’ Hindu god FEATURE 05/05/2011

Joy and pain as transgender Indians ‘wed’ Hindu god

FEATURE

05/05/2011
KOOVAGAM — Jyoti, a 62-year-old transgender Indian who was born a man, saves up money every year to buy a beautiful new wedding dress for a festival at which she gets married to a Hindu god.

This year, she played her role as a “bride” wearing a blue silk brocade sari that cost 15,000 rupees ($338) — nearly two months’ earnings.

The “groom” at the annual festival in Koovagam, Tamil Nadu, was Aravan, a Hindu god celebrated as a young warrior who was killed in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata.

Heavily made-up and dripping with gold jewellery, hundreds of transgender brides excitedly discussed their wedding plans as they queued to marry Aravan in his temple..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110505com8.html

Loyola Grand Villas subdivision sits atop ‘Marikina fault’ BLURBAL THRUSTS Louie Logarta 05/05/2011

Loyola Grand Villas subdivision sits atop ‘Marikina fault’

BLURBAL THRUSTS
Louie Logarta
05/05/2011
The Quezon City government is said to be having an extremely difficult time in implementing disaster-preparedness procedures in certain areas straddling the West Valley fault line (known formerly as the “Marikina fault”) allegedly due to the uncooperativeness shown by the owners of affected properties.

Earlier, Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government had strongly advised Metro Manila mayors, during a recent inter-agency conference on earthquake aftermath which was hastily conducted in the wake of the Sendai tragedy last March 11, to make public those areas sitting on the identified fault line passing through their respective jurisdictions and to warn residents of the dangers they face in the event of a strong earthquake, instead of treating this as if it were as matter of national security and keeping the location of the properties a secret so as not to offend anger respective owners.

According to the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study undertaken by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), a 7.2-magnitude temblor would destroy some 16,000 buildings and kill or injure about 150,000 people, mostly along the so-called West Valley fault that is located along the eastern fringes of Metro Manila and stretches from Montalban, Quezon City, Marikina, Makati, Pasig and Taguig..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110505com4.html

Palace factions in power struggle for ‘control’ of Ombudsman post By Angie M. Rosales 05/05/2011

PRESIDENTIAL, SENATORIAL POSTS EYED BY NOY ALLIES

Palace factions in power struggle for ‘control’ of Ombudsman post

By Angie M. Rosales 05/05/2011

There President Aquino’s factions go again, warring, but this time to wield control over the next Ombudsman.

It may not be obvious to some but to the Palace’s keen observers, another power struggle appears to be taking place between the warring factions in the Aquino administration in taking “control” of the position vacated by resigned Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago took note of this yesterday, saying the apparent tug-of-war on this issue can only be related to the preparations of some concerned individuals in the next round of presidential elections.

“I perceive that there is an ongoing power struggle among the various squabbling groups within the Aquino administration. Some of these political groupings think that if they control the Ombudsman, they will control the presidential elections in 2016,” she said in a phone-patched interview with reporters..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110505hed1.html

Palace crossed line in issuing EO 2, says QC prosecutor By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/05/2011

Palace crossed line in issuing EO 2, says QC prosecutor

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/05/2011

A former chief of the Quezon City Prosecutors Office yesterday said Malacañang crossed the line in expanding the definition of “midnight appointments” which ousted officials during the last days of the Arroyo administration under Executive Order (EO) 2.

In a reply filed before the Supreme Court, Dindo Venturanza, through his counsel, said “expanding the definition of midnight appointment is in effect an act of construing the Constitution which power lies not on the President, but vested only on the Court.”

“EO 2, insofar as it redefines the definition of midnight appointment is an invalid act of the President for it encroaches on the fundamental powers of the judiciary precisely defined in the Constitution,” he added.

Venturanza has joined other officials in seeking the high court’s help in their bid to get reinstated after being removed through EO 2..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune


URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110505hed3.html

Abducted co-eds’ mothers charge Palparan, et al. By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/05/2011

Abducted co-eds’ mothers charge Palparan, et al.

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/05/2011

Retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan, along with several other military officers were named in criminal charges filed yesterday against them before the Department of Justice (DoJ) in connection with the disappearance of two students of the University of the Philippines (UP) five years ago in Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Aside from Palparan, named in the complaint were Lt. Col. Rogelio Boac, Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado, 2nd Lt. Francis Mirabelle Samson, Arnel Enriquez, M/Sgt. Donald Caigas, M/Sgt. Rizal Hilario, and several other unidentified persons.

Complainants in the case were Erlinda Cadapan and Concepcion Empeño, and said the general and his men were the ones responsible for the abduction and disappearance of their daughters, Sherlyn and Karen.

The charges were filed based on the affidavits of eight witnesses, including Raymong Manalo, whose testimonies prompted the Court of Appeals (CA) to reverse its ruling denying the habeas corpus and writ of amparo petitions filed by the victims’ families..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110505nat1.html

Eastmincom declares red alert in Abu areas 05/05/2011

Eastmincom declares red alert in Abu areas

05/05/2011
The military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), which has jurisdiction over known operational areas of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), has declared red alert status as part of the proactive measures to thwart possible sympathy attacks following the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, Eastmincom chief, said red alert status was declared Tuesday, as part of the military’s “anticipatory move” apparently to prevent any possible retaliatory attacks from sympathizers of the slain leader of the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

“We cannot discount the fact that there might be possible retaliatory moves from bin Laden’s fanatics. That is why all military forces under Eastmincom are on alert to preempt such evil moves,” Tabaquero said.

Tabaquero said the Eastmincom is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), especially in urban areas..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110505nat6.html

AFP team reconstructing debris of widowmaker S-211 trainer jet By Mario J. Mallari 05/05/2011

AFP team reconstructing debris of widowmaker S-211 trainer jet

By Mario J. Mallari 05/05/2011

The Air Force investigating team is continuously trying to reconstruct the debris of the ill-fated S-211 trainer jet which crashed off the waters of Bagac town in Bataan to establish what caused the incident that killed two pilots.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said that members of the Air Accident Investigating Board (AAIB) are thoroughly conducting their probe of the background of the crashed S-211 and its pilots.

“The AAIB at this point is painstakingly reconstructing the remains and debris of the aircraft. A group is looking into the service records of the aircraft as well as the flight brief and last flight of the pilots,” Okol said.

“After which data collected will be analyzed and if need be sent for material analysis outside as well as interview the manufacturer. Owing to the tedious process being undertaken it will take a considerable period before the board comes up with something substantial,” Okol added..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110505nat2.html

‘jv’ to Dato: Prosecution of Arroyos long overdue By Gerry Baldo 05/05/2011

‘jv’ to Dato: Prosecution of Arroyos long overdue

By Gerry Baldo 05/05/2011

A lawmaker from San Juan City yesterday underscored public relations spin of the Arroyos that they are being singled out by the Aquino administration.

According to Rep. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, the prosecution of the Arroyos has long been overdue and that the current moves should even be expedited.

“The probe and prosecution of the Arroyos have long been overdue. This is not selective prosecution,” Ejercito said, adding Camarines Sur Rep. Dato Arroyo’s statement that the Aquino administration is out to hunt their family and close allies is simply not true.

“One of the known campaign promises of Noy is to bring the culpable officials to justice. Since the President won with an overwhelming vote, it is safe to assume that his votes equate to the number of Filipinos who long for the cleaning of the government of corruption, along with the prosecution of the Arroyos who have blatantly plundered the nation for nine years,” he explained..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110505met1.html

Make or break EDITORIAL 05/04/2011

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Make or break

EDITORIAL
Click to enlarge
05/04/2011
Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile is right in his analysis that the next Ombudsman can make or break Noynoy Aquino’s government. He must perforce make the right choice in appointing the next Ombudsman, who will have to be measured by higher standards, given the many charges leveled against resigned Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez on the turtle-slow pace she had in resolving cases, along with the charge that she was so incompetent that she had a very low rate of conviction.
Noynoy and his allies demonized Merci too much that Filipinos will now expect the new Ombudsman not only to resolve complaints and their investigation and resolution with speed but also measure the new Ombudsman’s “competence” through a high conviction rate.

In other words, by wrecking the reputation of Merci as an Ombudsman, Noynoy gave himself a bigger problem with a new Ombudsman who may not fit the public’s expectation.

There is very little question that whoever becomes the next Ombudsman will be going after the previous Malacañang occupant and her officials. This is expected, and it is just as certain that whoever Noynoy appoints to that top position will also share his bias against Noynoy’s political foes. Naturally, since the focus will be on the previous administration officials, Noynoy’s allies and cronies will be spared of any and all charges and prosecution..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110504com1.html

Double standard FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 05/04/2011

Double standard

FRONTLINE
Ninez Cacho-Olivares
05/04/2011
The world rejoices at the death of the face of terror, Osama bin Laden, although it is evident that even if he was killed, along with his son and three others, terrorism has not been killed along with him.

But while it is a relief to know that Bin Laden is finally gone, it is disturbing to realize that the United States and its “special forces” which is in reality a group of assassins, are into highly-covert operations to kill whoever they have targeted to be assassinated.

Reports have filtered in that Bin Laden was shot in the head, which can only mean that he was killed in cold blood, and by a sharp shooter, maybe a sniper even, instead of the special forces capturing him and the rest and bringing him to court to face justice.

It is a disturbing thought because anytime America or the Western powers want to eliminate a foe, all it does is to send their assassins to do away with that foe, or, as it is in the case of Libyan strongman Moamar Khadaffi, they go to the extent of bombing, not military installations, but a residence of the son of Kadhaffi, the daughter in law and even grandchildren of Khadaffi — and all contrary to the UN resolution that does not allow the assassination of the Libyan strongman..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110504com2.html

Left-leaning party rises as Canada vote redraws map FEATURE 05/04/2011

Left-leaning party rises as Canada vote redraws map

FEATURE

05/04/2011
MONTREAL — Voters have redrawn Canada’s political map, electing as the official opposition a social democratic party that engaged the middle class and made deep gains in Quebec.

“It’s dramatically revolutionary,” Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, told AFP.

Projections showed the New Democratic Party, led by former municipal politician Jack Layton, capturing 43 percent of the vote in Quebec and more than 30 percent across the country in Monday’s poll.

It humbled its three rivals in all-important Quebec, which holds a quarter of seats in parliament, destroying the Bloc Quebecois’ separatist hegemony and routing the Liberal Party, historically Canada’s strongest political group..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110504com3.html

On subsidies and other matters C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S Jonathan De la Cruz 05/04/2011

On subsidies and other matters

C.R.O.S.S.R.O.A.D.S
Jonathan De la Cruz
05/04/2011
Now that the administration has embarked on a subsidy spree, targeted or otherwise, as some labor groups noted, it will do well for the implementors to come out with precise and, yes, simple guidelines to ensure that everybody, including the proposed beneficiaries understand how the schemes work. Otherwise, things will be lost in the translation, so to speak. We have been witness to many well-intentioned projects, especially those involving the provision of benefits for certain sectors getting muddled up or turn into lemons all because the parties failed to fully understand what the project package was all about.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and his colleague, DILG boss Jesse Robredo, have come out with one in the case of the fuel subsidy (Pantawid Pasada) plan for jeepneys and tricycle drivers. We will soon see how this scheme works and how effective it really is given the brickbats  it has gotten from some transport groups which have taken issue not only with the scheme itself (“band aid” and tokenism were the critics’ buzzwords) but with the cost of administering the same. Among others, the critics have asked how the beneficiaries were selected, how much did the subsidy cards cost and whether its manufacture was bid out and other related issues accompanying this foray. Maybe Almendras and Robredo should mount a simple question and answer (Q & A) campaign focused on these issues to avoid getting sucked into a quagmire which can turn this initiative into an embarrassment before it even gets off the ground or, gets expanded to include other transport groups such as truck and taxi drivers..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110504com4.html

Where to? What now? HE SAYS Aldrin Cardon 05/04/2011

Where to? What now?

HE SAYS
Aldrin Cardon
05/04/2011
Not a few, perhaps, have noticed the quickening hoofbeats of CIA operations in Pakistan when one of its operators named Raymond Davis was charged with killing two locals whom he accused of allegedly trying to rob him early this year.

The Davis case somehow soured US-Pakistan relations as American interest was on the line when Pakistani authorities insisted in putting Davis to trial, to which the US objected.

The Davis case was somehow parallel to that of another CIA operator who lost a limb when the bomb he was assembling in a hotel room in Davao accidentally set off. Nothing was heard of since from that CIA man soon after his presence was detected at the height of local political uncertainties brought about by the combined problems of poor national leadership, upheavals in the military and the threat from internationally-affiliated terrorist groups based in Mindanao.

Barely four months after the Davis caper, no less than US President Obama announced a “successful raid” in what was otherwise deemed an improbable Bin Laden hideout in Pakistan, coming May Day that is believed to have broken the al-Qaeda’s back..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110504com6.html

Wild, wild world SHE SAYS Dinah S. Ventura 05/04/2011

Wild, wild world

SHE SAYS
Dinah S. Ventura
05/04/2011
Almost 10 years after the the World Trade Center in New York City fell under terrorist hands, the leader of that deadly movement to wound the Western world is dead. Osama bin Laden died in a raid by US forces on his hideout in Pakistan.

The jubilant reaction among Americans, who lost so much and have continued to grieve since that fateful Sept.11 day, is perfectly understandable. But so are, of course, worries of a possible retaliation by his followers with the death of the al-Qaeda movement leader. The world may have condemned what was deemed as a senseless, criminal act, but the jihadi movement nevertheless grew by leaps and bounds after the tragic terror attack in 2001.

911 spawned a dangerous war, one that caused the US to take its forces to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as modify its foreign policy. The world was never the same again, and even our country became party to the global “fight against terror.”

With Bin Laden’s death, US President Barack Obama has declared: “Justice has been done.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110504com7.html

Palace wants ‘absolute’ exemptions for Aquino on FoI bill By Aytch S. de la Cruz 05/04/2011

Palace wants ‘absolute’ exemptions for Aquino on FoI bill

By Aytch S. de la Cruz 05/04/2011

The draft legislation seeking the enactment of President Aquino’s preferred version of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act is expected to start rolling today with a discussion between members of the Presi-dential Communications Group (ComsGroup) and administration ally, Quezon Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada, author of House Bill (HB) 53, Malacañang said yesterday.

According to presiden-tial spokesman Edwin Lacierda, the Aquino administration remains committed to implement an FoI Bill that would cater to both the public’s right to know and right to privacy by certain government institutions.

“We’re discussing it with Congressman Tañada but we hope that we can move the FoI Bill. We just want to make sure that the rights of the individuals concerned in the government are also protected,” Lacierda said in a chance interview with reporters following a mass oath-taking cere-mony presided by Aquino inside Malacañang..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110504hed3.html

Solon scores Noy for absolving Purisima on tax issues, zeroing in on Arroyos By Charlie V. Manalo 05/04/2011

Solon scores Noy for absolving Purisima on tax issues, zeroing in on Arroyos

By Charlie V. Manalo 05/04/2011

Zambales Rep. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay yesterday scored the Aquino administration for its double standard approach in the imple-mentation of the law, absolving its allies while convicting without trial its perceived enemies.

Magsaysay issued the statement after reports came out that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is all set to investigate the youngest son of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo, over the possibility the younger Arroyo might have cheated on his tax payment.

“Finance Secretary (Cesar) Purisima has also problems reconciling his Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth (SALn) and income tax returns from 2007 to 2009. Apparently, his SALn won’t jibe with his declared income and the taxes he paid. So why is the BIR not lifting a finger on this matter of Purisima’s evasion of taxes and unpaid taxes (based on his assets and and his ITR?),” Magsaysay said..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20110504hed4.html

SC wants Comelec, Congress explanation on ARMM poll hitch By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/04/2011

SC wants Comelec, Congress explanation on ARMM poll hitch

By Benjamin B. Pulta 05/04/2011

Officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Senate and the House of Representatives have been ordered by the Supreme Court (SC) to explain their positions on whether the Aug. 8, 2011 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections should push through.

The ruling was made in two cases filed by Datu Michael Abad Kida, of the Maguindanao Federation of Autonomous Irrigators Association Inc., Hadji Muhmina Usman of Tawi-Tawi; lawyer John Anthony Lim from Sulu and other barangay officials and residents in Basilan and Lanao del Sur.

They said lawmakers are playing “moro-moro” with the dates of the ARMM election citing several laws passed setting the elections.

But they pointed out that the ARMM Organic Act or Republic Act 9504 fixes the date of election to second Monday of September which should have been followed..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110504nat1.html

AFP sends battle-tested battalion members to Golan Heights 05/04/2011

AFP sends battle-tested battalion members to Golan Heights

05/04/2011
Members of an Army battalion, credited for the successful counter-insurgency operations in Quezon province, will mainly comprise the 327-man Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) peacekeeping missionin the war-torn Golan Heights region.

Of the 327-man 4th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights, 169 officers and enlisted personnel came from the Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion (IB), led by Col. Cornelio Valencia.

“This is the first time in AFP’s history that a core battalion from a major service is sent to the United Nations for peace keeping operations. This idea is to send a core group to emphasize unit integrity and enhance competitiveness with foreign contingents,” Valencia said.

The AFP usually creates peacekeeping contingent by pulling out personnel from various units of the three major service commands, namely, the Army, Navy and the Air Force..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110504nat5.html

MTRCB bans for one month showing of Willing Willie for running counter to Pinoy values 05/04/2011

MTRCB bans for one month showing of Willing Willie for running counter to Pinoy values

05/04/2011
Philippine censors yesterday slapped a month-long ban on a wildly popular television show amid public uproar over a program in which a six-year-old was cajoled into simulating a striptease.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) concluded the March 12 episode of Willing Willie violated a law against immoral and indecent broadcasts that run counter to Filipino values.

“Celebrities and TV personalities should exercise the highest degree of care and diligence as they are the most (frequently) seen and their reach and influence is far greater than any other individual,” the ruling read.

“It is the responsibility of the network and their talents to educate themselves regarding gender sensitivity, children and women’s rights issues... and (how to treat) other marginalized sectors of society.”.... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110504met2.html

De Lima, two other gov’t officials charged over deportation of Taiwanese By Arlie O. Calalo 05/04/2011

De Lima, two other gov’t officials charged over deportation of Taiwanese

By Arlie O. Calalo 05/04/2011

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gatdula were slapped yesterday with a criminal complaint by a lawyer before the Office of the Ombudsman over the controversial deportation of 14 Taiwanese last February.

In a four-page urgent motion for investigation, lawyer Reynaldo Bagatsing named De Lima, Gatdula and then immigration bureau officer-in-charge Ronaldo Ledesma in his complaint for possible violation of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act” and Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

In filing the complaint, Bagatsing said there was no basis for the concerned government officials to order the summary deportation last Feb. 2 of the 14 Taiwanese because they showed documents they were legally admitted to the country..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110504met1.html

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